For St. Pete's Sake

Join us as we interview Courtney Bermudez, a candidate for St. Pete City Council District 2, discussing local issues, environmental initiatives, and community engagement strategies. Learn about her plans to continue positive change and her commitment to responsible growth and environmental preservation.bermudez4district2.com

In this episode, Christian and Laura interview Daniel Johnson, president of Pride of Tampa, about the challenges and efforts to organize Tampa Pride amidst political opposition and community support. They discuss the origins of Pride of Tampa, the importance of inclusive celebrations, and plans for future events and community initiatives.Visit prideoftampa.com to learn more and volunteer!

Dr. Lindsey Grove is a candidate for St. Pete City Council District 6, bringing years of experience in public health and community service. As a public health practitioner she is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of her district, which spans from downtown St. Pete to Coquina Key. Her work emphasizes the importance of having scientifically informed voices in local government, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us as we explore grassroots political engagement, the importance of community organizing, and the fight against political corruption with candidate for Congressional District 13, Earle Ford III. Discover how new generations are reshaping politics from the bottom up and the critical issues facing our democracy.

In this episode, Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee interview Luis Salazar, a dedicated community advocate and candidate for Florida State House in District 64. They discuss local politics, community engagement, key issues like housing, healthcare, and immigration, and the importance of authentic representation and collaboration in politics.https://voteluis.com/

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee discuss the current political climate, focusing on the chaos and instability stemming from the Trump administration. They delve into issues surrounding immigration, particularly ICE raids, and the implications of foreign policy decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of resistance and activism in the face of corruption and cronyism within the government. The hosts emphasize the need for a strong Democratic strategy that resonates with the public and encourages community engagement and participation in the political process.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Representative Lindsay Cross, who discusses her background as an environmental scientist and her advocacy for LGBTQ rights. The conversation covers pressing political issues, including the current federal administration's actions, state-level accountability, and the upcoming legislative session. Representative Cross shares insights on key bills she is sponsoring, focusing on environmental protection, housing, and transportation initiatives. The episode concludes with a shout-out to community engagement and activism.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Nikki Fried, the Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. They discuss the current political landscape in Florida, recent election results, and the importance of grassroots organizing. Fried emphasizes the need for authenticity in candidates and the challenges of running for office, particularly in a state with a part-time legislature. The conversation also touches on the dynamics within Congress, the impact of political violence, and the necessity of engaging with constituents in meaningful ways. The episode concludes with a shout-out to those stepping up to run for office and a call to action for listeners to get involved in their communities.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, a candidate for the State House in Florida. Felipe shares his inspiring journey from Brazil to the United States, his experiences as an undocumented immigrant, and his advocacy work in the immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ communities. The conversation delves into the challenges facing Florida, including affordable housing, education, and the insurance crisis, as well as the importance of local governance and community engagement. Felipe emphasizes the need for action and participation in the political process, encouraging listeners to support candidates who represent their values and fight for their rights.FelipeForFlorida.com

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Carla Bristol, a passionate community advocate and leader in South St. Petersburg. Carla shares her journey from corporate America to community organizing, emphasizing the importance of access to nutritious food, mental health initiatives, and empowering youth voices. The conversation explores systemic issues in St. Pete, including housing stability and the need for community resilience. Carla highlights the significance of building organic relationships within the community and the impact of local events in fostering connection and support. The episode concludes with shout-outs to community organizations making a difference.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken engage in a deep conversation with former Congressman David Jolly about his political transformation from a Republican to a Democrat. They discuss the importance of accountability in politics, the values that guide Jolly's policies, and the pressing issues of reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights. Jolly shares his insights on the current authoritarian leadership in Florida and the need for electoral reforms to ensure fair representation. The conversation culminates in a segment where they address the importance of free speech and the need to combat hate while protecting individual rights.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee welcome Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones, the first openly LGBTQ black member of the Florida Senate. They discuss his journey in politics, advocacy for education and mental health, the challenges of navigating LGBTQ rights in a Republican-dominated legislature, and the importance of empowering young voices in shaping state policy. The conversation also touches on recent public policy changes in Florida and concludes with a shout-out to community activists and a critique of performative politics.

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake,' hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee engage with Vance Ahrens, a former candidate for state Senate in Florida. The conversation covers Vance's political journey, motivations for running, and the importance of community engagement. They discuss pressing issues such as anti-trans legislation, environmental concerns, gun violence, and the ongoing attacks on the LGBTQ community. Vance emphasizes the need for responsible gun ownership and common-sense reforms, while also highlighting the significance of visibility and representation for marginalized groups. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in their communities and advocate for change.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss various pressing political issues affecting Pinellas County and beyond. They delve into the recent removal of street art in Florida, which they view as a government overreach and an attack on free speech, particularly against the LGBTQ community. The conversation shifts to the broader implications of authoritarianism in politics, the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, and the importance of public health measures, especially regarding vaccine mandates. They also address the troubling activation of the National Guard in response to protests and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for awareness and action.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee welcome U.S. Representative Kathy Castor to discuss pressing political issues in Pinellas County and beyond. The conversation covers a range of topics, including hurricane preparedness, the role of FEMA, housing affordability, public transportation, redistricting concerns, voter rights, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Castor emphasizes the importance of community engagement and resilience in the face of challenges, while also sharing personal insights and rapid-fire responses to lighter questions.

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake', host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken engage with Pete Gerken, a seasoned County Commissioner from Lucas County, Ohio. The conversation explores Gerken's extensive background in public service, labor leadership, and advocacy for LGBTQIA rights. They discuss the challenges of navigating a predominantly red political landscape, the importance of community support for marginalized groups, and the need for active youth engagement in politics. Gerken emphasizes the significance of being vocal and present in political discourse, urging listeners to take action and support diverse voices within the Democratic Party.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and vice president Laura Gerken welcome Caprice Edmond, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss Caprice's background, her journey into politics, and the challenges faced by the school board in balancing academic needs with political pressures. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health support in schools, innovative educational programs, and the impact of standardized testing. They also address community issues such as homelessness and the need for inclusivity in education, emphasizing the role of advocacy in creating positive change.

In this episode, Christian and Laura sit down with bold and witty candidate Josh Weil for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and hard-hitting. From the disgusting “Alligator Alcatraz” to the real work of finding bipartisan common ground, Josh brings fresh perspective, fierce honesty, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning in Florida, the issues that actually unite us, and why Josh believes showing up matters most.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie. They discuss her journey into politics, the impact of personal experiences on her activism, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, particularly regarding reproductive rights and LGBTQ legislation. Proudie emphasizes the importance of local politics and youth engagement in driving change, while also reflecting on the historical context of movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation highlights the need for coalition-building and the significance of budgetary decisions in legislative processes, concluding with a message of hope and encouragement for future generations of activists.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken welcome Ana Eskamani, a prominent political figure in Florida. They discuss her journey into politics, the importance of community activism, and the challenges faced in a conservative political landscape. Ana shares her insights on immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements and civic engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating wins while acknowledging ongoing struggles and encourages listeners to get involved in their communities.

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee engage with Commissioner Renee Flowers of Pinellas County. They discuss her journey in public service, the challenges of affordable housing and gentrification, the impact of property tax and homeowners insurance, and the political climate in Florida. Flowers emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of Pinellas County in upcoming elections, while also addressing the need for compassion and humanity in policy-making.

This week, Christian and Laura discuss a few national headlines before bringing it back home to Florida and closing it out with the weekly Shout Out or Shut Down.If you want to join Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas at St. Pete Pride this weekend (6/28 and 6/29) sign up here:Parade - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772487/Street Fair - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772505/

We sit down with Kyandra Darling, candidate for Florida House District 62, to talk about her grassroots campaign, bold vision for equity, and what it means to lead with community at the center.darlingforflorida.com

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss the kickoff of Pride Month, highlighting their participation in local events and the importance of community engagement. They reflect on the powerful speeches delivered at the Pride and Progress Dinner Fundraiser, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation shifts to the concerning militarization of protests and the importance of free speech, culminating in a call to action for the upcoming No Kings Day protest. The hosts stress the importance of safety and community support during activism.

This week on the podcast Christian and Laura from Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County interview Marialana Kinter, who is running for Congress in Florida's 7th Congressional District.

This week, Christian and Laura are joined by Luis Salazar, a fellow LGBTQ Caucus member and Hillsborough County LGBTQ Caucus president! They try to figure out what is going on with the Democratic party statewide and nationally, and the best way to fix it.

This week on the pod, Christian and Laura talk to Katie from 5050-1 Veterans. As a medically retired Army veteran and activist, Katie gives an in-depth interview on issues for veterans that range from applying for benefits to fighting for sexual trauma survivors. We end with the Shout Out / Shut Down segment as usual!Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Christian and Laura have a varied discussion with St. Pete City Councilmember Richie Floyd. Richie represents District 8 in central St. Pete. They talked about democratic party politics, climate change and the impacts on St. Pete, and of course, the Historic Gas Plant deal.Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Natan Bruemmer joins Christian and Laura to give an update on recent changes to LGBTQ healthcare access.Stonewall Democrats' Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogressPetition to save 988 funding: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtq-youth/

Christian and Laura are joined this week by Eileen Long, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss proposed changes to education standards in Florida and the politicaztion of education.Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

We're back after an audio break last week. No interview guest this week, so Christian and Laura discuss recent news events.Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Sabrina Bousbar is the interview guest this week, and she talks with Laura and Christian about the costs of campaigns and the impacts of the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United on the political discourse.Don't forget to get your tickets to Stonewall Dems Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025!https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

This week Christian and Laura talk to Kristen Browde, the president of the democratic LGBTQ+ Causcus in Florida! Check out the caucus at lgbtqdems.org!Also annouced Stonewall Dems of Pinellas are holding their first Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025! Get early bird ticket prices at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Christian and Laura (@gerkie313) jump right in with our new opening segment, Politically Speaking. This week we're talking to Lilith Black (@thelilithblack) and Ericka PC (@queenerickapc) about Drag2Talle, what it is, how they got started, and what specific legislation they oppose. We finish with our new segment, Shout-Out/Shut-Down!

Hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken (@gerkie313) from the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (@stonewallpinellas) begin their weekly podcast adventure!