The Politics Chicks Podcast

🌟 Welcome to Episode #37 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we're joined by Trina Swanson, the DFL-endorsed candidate for Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, who is running to unseat Congressman Pete Stauber in one of the most closely watched congressional races in Minnesota.🎙️ Trina returns to discuss Minnesota's August 11 DFL primary, what she learned after spending nine months campaigning across northeastern Minnesota, the future of the Boundary Waters, infrastructure, rural healthcare, Tribal Nations, economic development, and why she believes she's the strongest candidate to represent Minnesota's 8th District in Congress. We also discuss the importance of organizing, listening to voters, and building a coalition capable of defeating Pete Stauber in November.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE🗳️ The August 11 DFL PrimaryWhy Trina sought and earned the DFL endorsement, what she's learned on the campaign trail, and why she believes she's the strongest candidate to carry the Democratic banner in November.🚗 Nine Months Across Minnesota's 8th DistrictWhat Trina heard from voters in Duluth, the Iron Range, Tribal Nations, farming communities, manufacturing towns, and rural northeastern Minnesota—and how those conversations shaped her campaign.🌲 The Boundary Waters & Minnesota's Outdoor EconomyWildfires, tourism, mining, conservation, Twin Metals, and how Trina believes Minnesota can protect both its economy and one of America's most treasured wilderness areas.🏗️ Infrastructure, Rural Healthcare & Economic OpportunityThe Blatnik Bridge, broadband, housing, healthcare access, and why investing in rural communities is essential to Minnesota's future.💙 Defeating Pete StauberWhy Trina believes experience, organization, and showing up for communities across the district make her the strongest Democrat to flip Minnesota's 8th District.👇 Learn More:🌐 Trina Swanson Campaign: https://trinaforcongress.com/💙 Volunteer & Donate: https://trinaswanson.com/get-involved/https://secure.actblue.com/donate/trina-swanson-1?refcode=directoryFOLLOW/SUPPORTSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaTrina Swanson, Minnesota 8th District, MN-08, DFL, DFL endorsement, Pete Stauber, Luke Gulbranson, August 11 primary, Minnesota politics, Boundary Waters, Twin Metals, Iron Range, Duluth, rural healthcare, infrastructure, Blatnik Bridge, rural economy, Tribal Nations, Congress, Democratic primary, campaign interview, political podcast, The Politics Chicks, women in politics, progressive politics, Minnesota elections, northeastern Minnesota, congressional race, public policy

🌟 Welcome to Episode #36 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by writer, editor, communications strategist, and one of Threads’ most beloved political voices, Ami Berger.🎙️ Ami joins us for one of our most personal conversations yet as we discuss Threads, political humor, online community, writing, Minnesota’s culture of neighboring, Jewish identity, the lasting impact of COVID, and why protecting your joy may be one of the most important acts of resistance during difficult times. From hilarious one-liners to thoughtful reflections on community and democracy, this episode feels less like an interview and more like catching up with an old friend.  🐓 IN THIS EPISODE😂 Humor as Resistance How comedy, storytelling, and perfectly timed one-liners help people survive political chaos while building genuine community. 📱 Threads & Building Authentic Community Why Ami unexpectedly became one of Threads’ favorite follows, how social media has evolved since Twitter, and the real friendships that have grown from online connections.❤️ Finding Joy During Difficult Times Why authoritarian movements thrive on despair—and why protecting your happiness, your creativity, and your sense of humor is one of the most important acts of resistance.🏡 Minnesota’s Culture of Neighboring A conversation about Metro Surge, community organizing, civic engagement, and why Minnesota’s deep-rooted culture of neighboring became a model for showing up when people needed each other most.📚 Writing, Memory & Personal Essays Ami shares the inspiration behind her personal writing, her reflections on childhood, and why storytelling helps us understand who we are.✡️ Jewish Identity & Repairing the World Growing up Jewish, raising children with strong values, the meaning of tikkun olam (“repairing the world”), and how community shapes our lives.🐈 Cats, Dogs & Midwestern Life From Alfredo’s surprise appearance to patios, neighborhoods, food, friendships, and plenty of laughter, this conversation reminds us that joy and connection still exist—even in difficult times.👇 Learn More:🌐 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@amib✍️ Fragments by Ami Berger: https://fragments.ghost.io/FOLLOW/SUPPORTSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaAmi Berger, Threads, Threads creator, political humor, humor, online community, social media, Minnesota, neighboring, community organizing, civic engagement, democracy, political podcast, The Politics Chicks, storytelling, writing, Ghost, personal essays, creative nonfiction, Jewish identity, tikkun olam, COVID, Metro Surge, resilience, hope, women in media, progressive politics, Minnesota politics, finding joy, podcast interview

🌟 Welcome to Episode #35 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is running to succeed Senator Tina Smith in the United States Senate.🎙️ Peggy joins us to discuss her personal journey from growing up on Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8 housing, and childcare assistance to serving as Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor. We talk about Medicare for All, affordability, campaign finance reform, universal school meals, Native American representation, and why she believes working families deserve a stronger voice in Washington.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE🏥 Medicare for All Why Peggy supports universal healthcare, how she believes it would work, and what it could mean for Minnesota families struggling with rising healthcare costs.💵 Affordability & Growing Up on Public Assistance Peggy shares how Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8 housing, and childcare assistance helped shape her life—and why those experiences continue to influence her public service.🍎 Universal School Meals How Minnesota’s free breakfast and lunch program is helping students succeed while saving families money.💰 Campaign Finance Reform Why Peggy refuses corporate PAC money, supports ending Citizens United, and believes elected officials should answer to voters—not special interests.🪶 Native Representation What it would mean to become the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate and why authentic representation matters.🎡 The Minnesota State Fair, Family & Leadership A fun conversation about Minnesota traditions, supporting Native artists through her signature earrings, balancing public service with motherhood, and staying grounded during a statewide campaign.👇 Learn More:🌐 WEBSITE: https://www.peggyflanagan.com/💙 ACTBLUE: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/peggy-flanagan-for-senateFOLLOW/SUPPORTSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaPeggy Flanagan, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Senate, Minnesota Senate race, Tina Smith, Medicare for All, Universal Healthcare, Healthcare, Affordability, Campaign Finance Reform, Citizens United, Native American Representation, Indigenous Leadership, Universal School Meals, Public Education, Working Families, Minnesota Politics, Democratic Party, Election 2026, Political Podcast, The Politics Chicks, Women in Politics, Progressive Politics

🌟 Welcome to Episode #34 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re honored to welcome Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Save the Boundary Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting one of America’s most treasured wilderness areas through education, advocacy, and conservation.🎙️ Ingrid joins us for an in-depth conversation about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the proposed Twin Metals copper mining project, sulfide-ore mining, clean water, public lands, outdoor recreation, and why the future of this extraordinary wilderness has become one of the nation’s most important environmental and public policy debates.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE🛶 The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness What makes the Boundary Waters one of the world’s most unique freshwater ecosystems—and why millions of Americans consider it a national treasure worth protecting.⛏️ The Twin Metals Mining Proposal The history behind the proposed copper-nickel mine, where the project stands today, and why it has sparked decades of political and environmental debate.💧 Clean Water & Sulfide-Ore Mining Why scientists and conservationists believe this type of mining presents unique risks to an interconnected watershed unlike anywhere else in the country.🌲 Conservation & Economic Development Can protecting wilderness and supporting local economies coexist? Ingrid discusses tourism, recreation, mining, and the difficult balance policymakers face.🏛️ Public Lands & America’s Wilderness Legacy How the Wilderness Act helped preserve the Boundary Waters and why federal land protections continue to shape the future of northern Minnesota.🚣 Outdoor Recreation & Minnesota’s Economy Why paddling, camping, fishing, and outdoor recreation contribute billions to local economies while preserving one of America’s last great wilderness areas.🌎 Why This Matters Beyond Minnesota Why the fight over the Boundary Waters isn’t just a regional issue—it’s a national conversation about clean water, conservation, public lands, and the legacy we leave future generations.👇 Learn MoreSave the Boundary Waters (501(c)(3)) https://www.savetheboundarywaters.orgBoundary Waters Action Fund (501(c)(4)) https://www.boundarywatersaction.orgBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (U.S. Forest Service) https://www.fs.usda.gov/bwcaThe Wilderness Act (National Park Service) https://www.nps.gov/subjects/wilderness/wilderness-act.htmFOLLOW THE POLITICS CHICKSSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | [email protected]🧡 xoxo, Christy & MonicaThe Politics Chicks Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.Politics Podcast, Progressive Politics Podcast, Politics Podcast Host, Politics Podcast Analysis, Politics News Show, Political Interviews, US Political Podcasts, Current Events, Ingrid Lyons, Save the Boundary Waters, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Boundary Waters Action Fund, Twin Metals, Copper Mining, Sulfide-Ore Mining, Clean Water, Conservation, Environmental Policy, Public Lands, Wilderness Act, Outdoor Recreation, Minnesota Politics, Ely Minnesota, Canoeing, Freshwater Protection, Natural Resources, The Politics Chicks

The Politics Chicks Podcast is a progressive politics podcast and politics news show hosted by Christy Branham and Monica Healy. Every week we sit down with elected officials, candidates, physicians, journalists, policy experts, and changemakers to discuss the issues shaping America. In Episode #33, primary care physician Dr. Patrick Hadorn joins us to discuss healthcare, artificial intelligence in medicine, physician burnout, vaccine misinformation, chronic illness, patient advocacy, and the future of evidence-based medicine. 🌟 Welcome to Episode #33 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re honored to welcome Dr. Patrick Hadorn, a primary care physician, Medical Director at Park Nicollet Maple Grove, and one of Minnesota’s leading advocates for compassionate, evidence-based patient care.🎙️ In one of our most personal episodes yet, Dr. Hadorn joins us to discuss physician burnout, artificial intelligence in healthcare, vaccine misinformation, chronic illness, patient trust, healthcare policy, and why strong relationships between doctors and patients remain the foundation of good medicine.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE🩺 Primary Care & Patient TrustWhy long-term relationships between physicians and patients lead to better health outcomes—and why trust is the most important tool in medicine.🤖 Artificial Intelligence in HealthcareHow AI is transforming medicine, reducing physician workload, improving patient care, and creating new ethical challenges.💉 Vaccines & Medical MisinformationHow physicians navigate vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and public health in today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape.🏥 The Healthcare Workforce CrisisWhy physician burnout, insurance bureaucracy, and provider shortages threaten the future of primary care.❤️ Living With Chronic IllnessChristy shares her own healthcare journey and why compassionate, patient-centered medicine has changed her life.📚 Evidence-Based MedicineHow patients can identify trustworthy medical information and avoid misinformation online.👇 Learn MoreMayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.orgCleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.orgOpen Evidence https://www.openevidence.comFOLLOW THE POLITICS CHICKSSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook @ThePoliticsChicks    www.thepoliticschicks.com🧡 xoxo, Christy & MonicaIf you enjoy thoughtful political interviews, conversations about healthcare, public policy, current events, artificial intelligence, medical misinformation, and the future of American democracy, subscribe to The Politics Chicks Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack.Politics Podcast, Progressive Politics Podcast, Politics Podcast Host, Politics Podcast Analysis, Politics News Show, Political Interviews, US Political Podcasts, Current Events, Democracy, Public Policy, Healthcare, Primary Care, Physician Burnout, Artificial Intelligence, AI in Healthcare, Vaccine Misinformation, Evidence-Based Medicine, Chronic Illness, Public Health, Healthcare Workforce, Patient Advocacy, Medical Ethics, Dr. Patrick Hadorn, The Politics Chicks 

🌟 Welcome to Episode #32 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Matt Gromlich, educator, community advocate, and Democratic candidate for Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, where he’s challenging House Speaker Mike Johnson.🎙️ Matt returns to discuss how his campaign has evolved after Louisiana’s unprecedented election controversy, why he believes education and healthcare should be national priorities, and what voters across northwest Louisiana are telling him.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 Challenging Mike Johnson Why Matt decided to take on one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington.📚 Education First From universal pre-K to free school meals, Matt explains why investing in children strengthens entire communities.🏥 Healthcare & Affordability Why he believes healthcare should be accessible regardless of employment.💰 The Economy Beyond Wall Street Why economic success should be measured by working families—not stock market numbers🗳️ Voting Rights & Representation The impact of Louisiana’s redistricting battles and why showing up for constituents matters.❤️ Leading With Hope Matt shares why listening, empathy, and practical solutions remain at the center of his campaign.👇 Learn more:WEBSITE: https://www.mattgromlichforcongress.com/ACTBLUE: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/matt-gromlich-1PODCAST: https://www.youtube.com/@MattGromlichForCongressFOLLOW/SUPPORTSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaPolitics, Louisiana, Mike Johnson, Matt Gromlich, Congress, Louisiana 4th District, Democratic Party, House of Representatives, Elections, Campaign 2026, Democracy, Voting Rights, Public Education, Education, Public Schools, Healthcare, Economy, Infrastructure, Redistricting, Public Policy, Campaign Interview, The Politics Chicks, Political Podcast, Women’s Political Podcast, Women in Politics

🌟 Welcome to Episode #31 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Lisa Erbes and Rebecca Larson, co-leaders of Indivisible Twin Cities, to talk about grassroots organizing, defending democracy, election engagement, and how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.🎙️ From the Minnesota 15 arrests and Operation Metro Surge to election organizing, civic action, and overcoming political anxiety, this conversation is about finding purpose—and taking action when democracy needs you most.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 The Minnesota 15 What happened during last week’s federal arrests and why organizers say “the process is the punishment.”🗳️ How Indivisible Works How one of America’s largest grassroots movements helps everyday people become effective advocates.🚨 Operation Metro Surge Civil liberties, protest response, and why organizers believe community action matters.💪 Action Beats Anxiety Why taking even one small step can combat overwhelm and restore hope.🏛️ Election Like No Other How volunteers are preparing for voter outreach, election protection, and the 2026 midterms.✨ Finding Hope Why community, organizing, and showing up together remain the strongest antidotes to authoritarianism.Learn more:Indivisible National: https://indivisible.orgIndivisible Twin Cities: https://indivisibletwincities.orgFOLLOW/SUPPORTSubstack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica#ThePoliticsChicks #Indivisible #MinnesotaPolitics #Grassroots #DemocracyIndivisible, Indivisible Twin Cities, Lisa Erbes, Rebecca Larson, Grassroots Organizing, Democracy, Civic Engagement, Minnesota Politics, Operation Metro Surge, Political Activism, Election Protection, Voting Rights, Progressive Politics, Community Organizing, The Politics Chicks

🌟 Welcome to Episode #30 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re honored to welcome Senator Tina Smith, who has represented Minnesota in the United States Senate since 2018 after previously serving as Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor.🎙️ Senator Smith joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about her final year in the Senate, protecting the Boundary Waters, voting rights, mental health advocacy, Operation Metro Surge, civic engagement, and the future of Minnesota.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 Protecting the Boundary Waters Why one of America’s most treasured wilderness areas remains at risk and what’s really behind efforts to expand mining near the watershed.🏠 The Bi-Partisan Housing BillSenator Smith explains why she considers affordable housing one of the most urgent issues facing Minnesota and discusses the recently passed housing package she helped negotiate—and why its future is suddenly uncertain despite broad bipartisan support.🗳️ Voting Rights & The SAVE Act How proposed voting restrictions could impact millions of Americans, including married women whose names have changed.🏛️ Operation Metro Surge The lasting impact on Minnesota communities, accountability, civil liberties, and rebuilding public trust.🧠 Mental Health Matters Senator Smith reflects on her advocacy for mental health care, reducing stigma, and helping young people access support.🌎 Public Service & Legacy Looking back on more than 70 bills and provisions signed into law, including Juneteenth, climate legislation, and affordable housing initiatives.✨ What Gives Her Hope Why organizing, civic engagement, and emerging leaders continue to inspire optimism for the future.Follow Sen. Smith on her social media and at:https://www.smith.senate.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com______________________________________________________________________________________FOLLOW/SUPPORT :Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica#ThePoliticsChicks #TinaSmith #MinnesotaPolitics #BoundaryWaters #MentalHealth #VotingRightsTina Smith, Minnesota Politics, United States Senate, Boundary Waters, Voting Rights, SAVE Act, Operation Metro Surge, Mental Health, Public Service, Democracy, Civic Engagement, Environmental Protection, Copper Mining, Affordable Housing, Climate Legislation, Juneteenth, Minnesota Democrats, Political Podcast, Progressive Politics, The Politics Chicks

🌟 Welcome to Episode #29 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Kristy Janigo, Maple Grove City Council Member, Army National Guard veteran, veterans advocate, and candidate for the Minnesota Senate. From serving during the post-9/11 era to helping veterans access housing, benefits, and critical support services, Kristy has dedicated her career to public service. In this episode, she shares how her experiences in the military, local government, higher education, and veterans advocacy shaped her approach to leadership and why she believes now is the right time to serve Minnesota in the State Senate.🎙️ We discuss military service, veteran advocacy, housing affordability, local government, economic challenges facing Minnesota families, bipartisan problem-solving, and what it takes to build stronger communities.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 Growing up in rural North Dakota and the value of community🎖️ Joining the Army National Guard at 17 and serving during the post-9/11 era🏠 Helping veterans access housing, disability benefits, and critical services⚖️ Receiving the Stephen A. Pallagia Justice Partners Award for her work with Veterans Treatment Court participants🌳 The role local government plays in shaping everyday life🏙️ Maple Grove’s growth, parks, trails, economic development, and community planning💰 Housing affordability and the challenges facing Minnesota families🤝 Building bipartisan coalitions and finding common ground🗳️ Why Kristy decided to run for the Minnesota Senate🎧 Listen now and learn why Kristy Janigo believes public service is about listening first, solving problems, and putting people before politics.🌐 Learn more about Kristy’s campaign: https://kristyjanigoformn.com💙 Support Kristy’s campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/twg-kristy📲 Follow Kristy: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | BlueSky | LinkedIn🐥 Follow The Politics Chicks: @thepoliticschicks📲 Find us on Substack, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, BlueSky, and YouTube.#MinnesotaPolitics #KristyJanigo #MinnesotaSenate #VeteransAdvocacy #MapleGrove #PoliticsChicks #MinnesotaElections #VeteranLeadership #HousingAffordability #PublicService

🌟 Welcome to Episode #29 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Mark Legvold, Democratic candidate for Minnesota Senate District 58. A lifelong farmer, military veteran, educator, firefighter, law enforcement officer, and community leader, Mark has spent decades serving others both in and out of uniform. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Minnesota agriculture, public education, military service, leadership, rural communities, economic challenges facing working families, and why treating people with dignity and respect remains at the center of his campaign. If you’re interested in Minnesota politics, rural issues, public service, or the future of state government, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.🎙️ Before politics, Mark was learning lessons on a family farm in southern Minnesota—lessons about hard work, sacrifice, cooperation, and community. Those experiences shaped a lifetime of service that eventually led him to the military, public education, emergency response, law enforcement, and now a campaign for the Minnesota Senate.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:🌽 Growing Up on a Minnesota FarmMark shares stories from his childhood on a family farm, where summers were spent baling hay, caring for cattle, and learning the value of hard work. He explains how farming taught him responsibility, resilience, cooperation, and the importance of helping neighbors when times get tough.🚜 Farming, Tariffs, and the Challenges Facing Rural MinnesotaWe discuss the economic realities facing farmers today, including rising fuel and fertilizer costs, shrinking commodity prices, and the impact international trade policies have had on Minnesota agriculture. Mark explains why rebuilding agricultural markets is critical for rural communities.🤝 What Rural Communities Can Teach AmericaMark talks about growing up in a community where neighbors shared equipment, labor, and responsibility regardless of political differences. He shares why he believes America needs to rediscover the value of cooperation and community.🎖️ Thirty Years of Military ServiceMark reflects on his three decades of military service, the mentors who shaped him, and the leadership lessons he learned serving alongside people whose lives depended on one another. He also discusses the importance of service, accountability, and building strong teams.🔥 Firefighting, Law Enforcement, and Public SafetyAfter serving as a firefighter for much of his military career, Mark transitioned into military law enforcement. We discuss what he learned about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of training, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making when people are entrusted with the use of force.🏫 Public Education and Supporting StudentsAs a former teacher and school administrator, Mark shares stories from his years working in public schools. We discuss student hunger, poverty, educational opportunity, and why he strongly supports ensuring every child has access to meals at school.⚖️ The Five Core Values Driving His CampaignMark outlines the five values at the center of his campaign:• Work Hard • Act with Integrity • Serve Others • Value Learning • Treat Everyone with Care and RespectWe discuss why these principles have guided his life and why he believes they should guide public service as well.🏛️ Why He’s Running for the Minnesota SenateAfter retiring from military service, Mark felt called to continue serving his community. He explains why he entered politics and why he believes now is the time for experienced, community-focused leaders to step forward.🌾 Understanding Senate District 58Mark discusses the unique needs of a district that includes farms, small towns, rural communities, and growing suburban areas. He explains why listening to constituents and building relationships remains one of his highest priorities.👩 Respecting Women Who ServeOne of the most powerful moments of the conversation centers on Mark’s reaction to the cancellation of an event honoring women who died while serving their country. We discuss military service, respect, honoring sacrifice, and why decency should never be partisan.💙 Finding Hope in Difficult TimesDespite political division and uncertainty, Mark shares why conversations with everyday Minnesotans continue to give him hope for the future and why he believes most people still want kindness, competence, and government that works.📍 Learn More About Mark Legvold🌐 Campaign Website: https://www.legvold4mnsenate58.com💙 Support the Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mark-legvold-for-senate-1🎧 ABOUT THE POLITICS CHICKSThe Politics Chicks Podcast is hosted by Christy Branham and Monica Healy—two Midwestern moms who refused to stand back and watch democracy die.Each week we sit down with candidates, advocates, organizers, experts, journalists, and everyday people working to strengthen their communities and protect democratic institutions. We believe politics is personal because policy impacts real people.If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. It helps us continue bringing important voices and stories to a wider audience.📱 Follow The Politics Chicks @thepoliticschicksSubstack • Threads • Instagram • Facebook • BlueSky • TikTok#MarkLegvold #MinnesotaPolitics #MinnesotaSenate #MNPolitics #PoliticsChicks #MinnesotaDFL #RuralMinnesota #MinnesotaFarmers #PublicEducation #VeteransInPolitics

🌟 Welcome to Episode #27 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟Today we’re joined by Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, who is challenging Randy Fine for a seat in Congress.With a background spanning EMS, law enforcement, education, and community leadership, Ronnie has spent his career serving others. Now he’s taking that commitment to public service into the political arena, campaigning on affordability, accountability, and the belief that government should work for ordinary people.🎙️ One of our favorite things to do on The Politics Chicks is introduce candidates to our audience and give them a platform to share who they are, why they’re running, and what they hope to accomplish. This conversation is about service, leadership, and what it means to step forward when you believe your community deserves better.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 From Public Service to Public OfficeRonnie shares his personal journey, from growing up in New York City to building a life in Florida and ultimately deciding to run for Congress.🚑 Lessons From EMS, Law Enforcement, and EducationWe discuss how years spent serving people in crisis shaped Ronnie’s understanding of leadership, government, and the challenges facing working families.🏛️ Why Challenge Randy Fine?Ronnie explains why he entered the race, what he sees as the biggest differences between himself and Congressman Randy Fine, and why he believes voters are looking for a new direction.💵 Affordability and Everyday LifeFrom rising housing costs and healthcare expenses to insurance premiums and grocery bills, we discuss the economic pressures families are facing and what can be done to help.🇺🇸 Rebuilding Trust in PoliticsHow do we bridge political divides? Ronnie shares his thoughts on restoring faith in government, engaging voters who have become discouraged, and finding common ground in a polarized era.✨ Hope for the FutureDespite the challenges facing our country, Ronnie talks about what gives him hope and why he remains optimistic about the future of Florida and America.🛑 Final WordPublic service begins with showing up. Ronnie’s campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership should be about helping people, solving problems, and making government work for the communities it serves.💌 Learn more about Ronnie’s campaign: www.ron4congress.comFOLLOW/SUPPORT:Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaRonnie Murchinson-Rivera, Randy Fine, Florida 6th Congressional District, Florida politics, Congressional election 2026, Florida Democrats, Congressional candidate, Political podcast, Politics Chicks Podcast, Affordability, Cost of living, Healthcare costs, Government accountability, Grassroots campaign, Voter education.

🌟 Welcome to Episode #26 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Can Technology Save Democracy? | Ramon Perez on Mobile Voting, AI & Government AccountabilityToday we’re joined by Ramon Perez, founder of the Digital Democracy Project, a nonpartisan effort using mobile voting, AI-powered bill summaries, legislative transparency, and real-time accountability to help reconnect citizens with government.Democracy was never meant to be something we participate in once every few years. It was meant to be a living conversation between the people and those elected to represent them. In this episode, we explore whether technology can help save democracy by giving voters greater access to the legislative process, more transparency into how elected officials vote, and new tools for civic engagement.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 The Story Behind the MissionRamon shares the powerful experiences that inspired his work—from the sacrifice of Lieutenant Tyler Brown, a fellow veteran who gave his life leading his troops in Iraq, to an Iraqi grandmother who risked her life simply to cast a ballot. These stories shaped his belief that democracy is an idea worth fighting for.🗳️ Beyond Election DayWhat if voting didn’t happen only every two or four years? Ramon explains how the Digital Democracy Project allows citizens to weigh in on legislation while it is actually being debated, creating a direct connection between voters and lawmakers.📱 Democracy in Your PocketWe discuss mobile voting technology, how the platform works, and why Ramon believes increasing access and participation could fundamentally change the relationship between citizens and government.🔍 Making Legislation UnderstandableMost legislation is written by lawyers for lawyers. Ramon explains how his team uses AI to summarize bills into plain language so voters can make informed decisions without needing a law degree.📊 The Accountability ScorecardOne of the most innovative parts of the project compares what voters wanted with how elected officials actually voted. We discuss transparency, legislative scorecards, real-time district maps, and whether elected leaders truly represent the will of their constituents.🔒 Can Mobile Voting Be Secure?Security is the question everyone asks. Ramon walks us through the safeguards, technology, and lessons learned from systems already being used by military voters overseas.🤖 AI, Civic Engagement & The Future of DemocracyFrom AI-powered voter education tools to real-time legislative tracking, we explore what democracy could look like in the digital age and how technology may help rebuild trust in government.✨ Final WordMillions of Americans feel disconnected from government and frustrated by a political system dominated by money, parties, and special interests. Whether you agree with every aspect of the Digital Democracy Project or not, this conversation asks an important question:What if voters had a greater voice in shaping the laws that govern their lives?💌 Learn More:Digital Democracy Project:www.digitaldemocracyproject.orgTED Talk: Can Technology Save Democracy? — Ramon Perezwww.youtube.com/watch?v=-QcWBH1Zx9gFOLLOW/SUPPORT:Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook@ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #25 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ The Politics Chicks began as a Substack created by two Midwestern moms trying to make sense of politics, democracy, culture, and the increasingly chaotic world around us. Now we’re bringing those conversations to the podcast.This week, we sat down with Pastor Steve Young of GracePoint Church in Minnesota for a thoughtful, honest conversation about evangelical Christianity, Christian nationalism, MAGA politics, faith, power, immigration, and what happens when religion becomes intertwined with political identity.🔥 This is one of those episodes that reminds us that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization—and that curiosity may be one of the most powerful tools we have for bridging divides.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 What evangelical Christianity actually is—and how it became so misunderstood📍 The historical roots of the evangelical movement📍 The difference between Christianity and Christian nationalism📍 Why so many evangelicals became associated with MAGA politics📍 How fear, tribalism, and political identity have shaped modern faith communities📍 Immigration, faith, and what scripture says about loving your neighbor📍 Why many Christians are uncomfortable with the current direction of evangelical politics📍 Trump, morality, power, and the challenges of political tribalism📍 The role media plays in shaping both religious and political identity📍 Why curiosity, humility, and neighboring matter more than ever📍 What gives Steve hope for the future of Christianity in America✨ ABOUT STEVE YOUNG:Steve Young serves as Associate Pastor at GracePoint Church in New Brighton, Minnesota, where he focuses on leadership development, mentoring, Christian education, and helping people navigate questions of faith, community, and culture. During this conversation, Steve offers a thoughtful perspective on how faith communities can engage the world with compassion, curiosity, and humility rather than fear and division.🧭 This conversation touches on:Evangelical Christianity • Christian nationalism • MAGA • faith and politics • immigration • religion in America • polarization • tribalism • neighboring • media influence • compassion • civic engagement • democracy • spirituality • community • public discourse💌 We would love your input!Do you think Christianity and Christian nationalism have become too intertwined in America?What role should faith play in politics—and where should the line be drawn?👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments.🔔 RESOURCES:➡️ GracePoint Church2351 Rice Creek RoadNew Brighton, MN 55112📞 (651) 633-7515🌐 https://www.exploregracepoint.com📧 [email protected]➡️ Contact Steve Young:📧 [email protected]❤️ FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE POLITICS CHICKS:Substack: https://thepoliticschicks.substack.comThreads: https://threads.net/@thepoliticschicksBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepoliticschicksInstagram: https://instagram.com/thepoliticschicksTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thepoliticschicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monicaevangelical Christianity, Christian nationalism, MAGA, Steve Young, GracePoint Church, James Talarico, faith and politics, religion in America, evangelical movement, Trump and evangelicals, Christianity, immigration and faith, loving your neighbor, neighboring, political polarization, culture wars, democracy, civic engagement, spirituality, public discourse, Minnesota podcast, The Politics Chicks, religion and politics, political identity

🌟 Welcome to Episode #24 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we honestly didn’t realize just how intense things had become inside the Minnesota Capitol over gun safety legislation. This week, we sat down with Minnesota State Representative Kaela Berg for a raw, urgent conversation about the Capitol sit-in over the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, labor rights, mental health in schools, ICE raids in Minneapolis, and why working-class voices matter now more than ever.🔥 This is one of those episodes that reminds us politics isn’t abstract—it’s deeply personal.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 What REALLY happened during the Minnesota Capitol gun safety sit-in📍 Why Republican leadership refused to hold a vote after the Annunciation school shooting📍 Assault weapons bans, ghost guns, binary triggers & school safety legislation📍 The emotional testimony from Annunciation families📍 Why “guns don’t kill people” ignores America’s unique gun culture📍 ICE raids, fear in Minneapolis communities & Operation Metro Surge📍 Mental health resources in schools & why Kaela authored legislation for counselors📍 Labor unions, captive audience meetings & protecting workers’ rights📍 Why Kaela Berg is running for Congress in Minnesota’s 2nd District📍 How ordinary people can still make a difference in dark political moments✨ ABOUT KAELA BERG:Kaela Berg is a Minnesota State Representative, union leader, flight attendant, and congressional candidate in Minnesota’s 2nd District. She has authored legislation focused on gun violence prevention, workers’ rights, and mental health resources for students across Minnesota public schools.🧭 This conversation touches on:Gun violence prevention • Minnesota politics • school shootings • labor unions • ICE raids • authoritarianism • mental health • workers’ rights • women in politics • grassroots organizing • democracy • education • public safety💌 We would love your input!What gives YOU hope right now? What issues do you want us covering next on the podcast?👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments.🔔 RESOURCES:➡️ Kaela Berg for Congress: https://kaelaforcongress.com❤️ FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE POLITICS CHICKS:Substack: https://thepoliticschicks.substack.comThreads: https://threads.net/@thepoliticschicksBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepoliticschicksInstagram: https://instagram.com/thepoliticschicksTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thepoliticschicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & MonicaMinnesota politics, Kaela Berg, gun safety, gun violence prevention, Minnesota Capitol protest, Annunciation school shooting, assault weapons ban, ICE raids Minneapolis, labor unions, workers rights, Minnesota Democrats, Moms Demand Action, school mental health, gun reform debate, working class politics, The Politics Chicks, democracy, grassroots movement, Minnesota news, political podcast, ghost guns, NRA, Everytown for Gun Safety, Lisa Demuth, public safety

🌟 Welcome to Episode #23 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, The Politics Chicks began as two women trying to make sense of politics, power, and the human cost of cruelty. This conversation is about what happens when ordinary people decide they are done looking away.Today we’re joined by Teri Leigh, creator of Fierce Love MN, whose writing documents grief, resistance, mutual aid, women, community, and the quiet courage of people showing up for each other in impossible moments.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:📍 What “Fierce Love” Really Means Teri explains how fierce love became her way of understanding the helpers, organizers, mothers, neighbors, and women refusing to abandon each other.💔 Grief, Hope, and the Both/And We talk about how grief is rooted in love — and why hope is not denial, but survival.🧡 Minnesota Women in Resistance Teri shares powerful stories of women stepping into mutual aid, legal observing, community protection, and care work during ICE enforcement actions in Minnesota.🦉 The Rise of the OWLs Older White Ladies with no more fucks to give are showing up, standing in their privilege, protecting families, and reminding the world that women have always led in moments of crisis.🚨 ICE Is Still Here We discuss what is still happening in Minnesota, why these stories matter, and how cruelty thrives when people stop paying attention.✨ Turning Up the Volume on Love Teri reminds us that even in the flood of awful, people are still choosing each other — and that may be exactly how culture changes.🛑 Final Word Fierce love is not soft. It is not passive. It is not naïve. It is the choice to stay human when the world gives you every reason not to.💌 Find Teri’s work at: fiercelovemn.comFOLLOW/SUPPORT: Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook @ThePoliticsChicks🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode 21 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 🎙️ We started on Substack building a community around truth, accountability, and real conversations—and now we’re bringing those conversations here.🔥 YOU CAN’T LEAD IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE YOU BELONGWhy the confidence gap starts long before women ever run for officeWhat if the leadership gap doesn’t start in adulthood—but in high school?Today we’re joined by Sarah Jakle, founder of Democrashe, an organization helping girls build confidence, resilience, and the skills to step into leadership before the world teaches them not to.Women with the same qualifications are far less likely to run—and when they do, they face significantly more pushback and harassment.  This isn’t a pipeline problem. It’s conditioning.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE• Why high school is the last point girls and boys see leadership equally • How neuroplasticity shapes confidence early • The role of the amygdala in fear and hesitation • Why “just be confident” doesn’t work • Inner critic → inner best friend • Trauma, burnout, and the 24/7 news cycle • Why Democrashe pays girls to participate • The stat that says it all: → 76% of high-performing women get negative feedback vs. 2% of men  🧠 THE BIG IDEAConfidence isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill.If we don’t teach it early, the world teaches girls the opposite.🛑 FINAL WORDLeadership doesn’t start when you run for office. It starts when you believe your voice matters.🔗 RESOURCES🌐 Democrashe — https://democrashe.org 💼 Sarah Jakle on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jakle-535617240/

🌟 Welcome to Episode #20 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: Today we’re joined by Chad Maschke—creator of MN06 Watch, a rapidly growing Substack dedicated to tracking what’s actually happening in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District using real data and primary sources.  This isn’t spin. This isn’t partisan noise. This is receipts.📍 FROM FRUSTRATION TO ACTION One dad. No platform. No media background. Just a growing frustration with not being able to verify what was true—and the decision to do something about it.  🏪 BUILDING ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SCRATCH Using data, transcripts, and public records, Chad built a system to track votes, rhetoric, and contradictions—proving you don’t need a title to make an impact.  🤝 RECEIPTS OVER RHETORIC “Receipts, not rage” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a methodology. No spin. No fluff. Just primary sources that let people draw their own conclusions.  🧭 BREAKING DOWN THE SAVE ACT What people think it does vs. what it actually does—and how misinformation spreads when no one reads beyond the headline.  🚨 RHETORIC VS. REALITY From contradictions in messaging to discrepancies between votes and public statements, we dig into how narratives are shaped—and challenged.  ✨ SCALING TRUTH What happens when this model expands beyond one district? The potential to track accountability across Congress—and give power back to voters.  🛑 FINAL WORD This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need credentials, connections, or a platform to make a difference—you need curiosity, consistency, and the willingness to ask better questions. Because when everyday people start paying attention and demanding clarity, the entire system shifts. And that’s where real change begins.📄 Chad’s Substack: www.mn06watch.substack.com🌐 Chad’s Website: www.mn06watch.com💌 We would love your input! If you have topics you want us to cover, news to share, or a shout-out to give—please let us know. We’re building this together.💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you something, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know and puts our work in front of more eyes.📱 Find and follow us @thepoliticschicks on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark. We are always stronger together. — Christy & Monica 🧡

🌟 Welcome to Episode #18 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform.Building Joy Where It Was Missing: How One Woman Turned Frustration Into a Movement for Women’s Sports and Community🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:Today we’re joined by Jillian Hiscock—owner of A Bar of Their Own, the Midwest’s first sports bar dedicated entirely to women’s sports. 📍 FROM FRUSTRATION TO ACTIONA missed softball game. A dismissive bar.And a moment that turned into a mission.Jillian didn’t just notice the inequity in women’s sports—she built something to change it.🏪 BUILDING SOMETHING FROM NOTHINGNo restaurant experience.No formal business training.Just passion, community, and the willingness to ask for help—and figure it out anyway.🤝 COMMUNITY IS A VERBThis isn’t just a bar—it’s a hub.From inclusive design to staff culture to giveback nights, everything is intentional.Because belonging doesn’t happen by accident.🧭 INCLUSION BY DESIGNAccessibility. Representation. Language.From large print menus to “period products” instead of “feminine products,”this space was built by listening—not assuming.🚨 MORE THAN SPORTSWomen’s sports aren’t just games—they’re political, cultural, and deeply human.From pay gaps to visibility to trans athlete debates,we unpack what progress looks like—and how far we still have to go.✨ JOY AS RESISTANCEIn a world that feels heavy, this is a reminder:Joy matters.Community matters.And sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is build something better.🛑 Final WordWhat Jillian built isn’t just a bar—it’s a blueprint. A reminder that when systems fail, people step in. That community isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create. In a moment where so much feels fractured, spaces like this prove something simple but powerful: people are still showing up for each other. And that might just be how we get through this—together.💌 We would love your input! If you have topics you want us to cover, news to share, or a shout-out to give—please let us know. We’re building this together.💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you something, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know and puts our work in front of more eyes.📱 Find and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok@thepoliticschickswww.thepoliticschicks.substack.comthepoliticschicks@gmail.com🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark and we are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica 🧡

🌟 Welcome to Episode #18 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ We started on Substack—bringing sharp takes, real talk, and grounded analysis. Now we’re bringing that same energy straight to your ears.A New Generation of LeadershipUrgency. Accountability. And Showing Up🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:We sit down with Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed—one of the most dynamic rising voices in politics.Elected at just 24, she made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Minnesota Senate, the first Somali woman, and one of the first three Black women to serve in the chamber.  This conversation isn’t theoretical.It’s real.It’s happening right now.📍 A New Generation is Done WaitingWhat Gen Z leadership actually looks like:Living the crises—not just studying themDemanding action, not empty promisesHolding elected officials accountable in real timeOrganizing constantly—online and in real life🚨 Gun Violence Is a Lived RealityThis isn’t abstract policy—it’s personal:School shootings and community violence shaping a generationFirsthand stories from families and survivorsLegislative efforts to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazinesA push to move from headlines → action⚖️ The Truth About “Fraud” in MinnesotaCutting through the political noise:Fraud has existed for decades—not tied to one administrationSystem failures come from outsourcing + lack of oversightSolutions focus on prevention—not punishment of vulnerable communitiesBipartisan efforts are actually happening despite the rhetoric🧱 How Division Is ManufacturedWho benefits when communities are turned against each other:Scapegoating immigrant communitiesWeaponizing misinformationCreating fear to suppress participationWhy staying engaged is the antidote🤝 What “Showing Up” Really MeansThis is where Minnesota stands apart:Community-led food drives and mutual aid networksNeighbors organizing rent support, safety, and resourcesThousands stepping in where systems fall shortProof that people—not systems—hold communities together✨ Hope in the HenhouseEven in crisis:People are choosing each otherConnection is stronger than fearAction replaces helplessnessCommunity becomes the safety net🛑 Final WordThis isn’t about left vs right.It’s about whether we show up—for each other.Minnesota did.The question is: will everyone else?💌 We want to hear from you! Topics, questions, shout-outs—send them our way.💌 If this episode moved you, please like, comment, and share—it helps more than you know.📱 Follow us everywhere:Substack • Bluesky • Threads • Instagram • Facebook • TikTok@thepoliticschicks🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica 🧡

🌟 Welcome to Episode #17 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform.The SAVE Act, Election Fear, and the Truth About Your VoteWhat’s Real, What’s Not, and What You Need to Do Now🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:Today we’re joined by returning guest Doug Chapin—election law expert, congressional candidate, and self-proclaimed “election law geek”—to break down the growing anxiety around the SAVE Act, election integrity, and what the 2026 midterms could actually look like.If you’ve been scrolling and wondering how much of this is real, this episode is for you.Because right now, fear is spreading faster than facts.And that’s exactly the point.🗳️ What’s Actually Happening with ElectionsDoug walks us through the big picture:Elections in the U.S. are run at the state and local level—not by the federal governmentExecutive orders do not override constitutional authorityDespite the noise, the system itself is still structurally soundThe real threat right now isn’t collapse—it’s confusion and fear⚖️ The SAVE Act—What It Really DoesThis is where things get serious:The SAVE Act would require documentary proof of citizenship to register or update voter registrationEven small changes (like moving apartments) could trigger new documentation requirementsIt creates massive logistical strain on already limited local election officesIt introduces subjective decision-making at the point of registrationTranslation:This isn’t about showing ID at the polls.It’s about who gets approved before they ever get there.🚨 Voter Suppression vs “Election Integrity”We break down the rhetoric vs reality:Voting is a constitutional right—not comparable to buying alcohol or boarding a planeAny cost (time, money, access) tied to ID requirements can function as a modern poll taxThe biggest risk isn’t just policy—it’s who controls access at the ground levelFear and intimidation are being used as tools to discourage participation🧠 The Psychology of FearThis might be the most important part of the conversation:The administration’s strategy isn’t just legal—it’s psychologicalCreating doubt makes people question whether voting is even worth itSmart, informed people are still being pulled into worst-case thinkingThe goal isn’t always to stop the system—it’s to stop you from using it🧭 What You Should Do Right NowDoug gives a clear, actionable plan:✔️ Check your voter registration at vote.gov✔️ Check it again as elections get closer✔️ Know your polling place before Election Day✔️ Have a plan for how and when you’ll voteBecause the only person who can ultimately take away your vote…is you.✨ Hope in the HenhouseHere’s the part we don’t want you to miss:The system is under pressure—but it’s not brokenStates are pushing backCourts still matterAnd voters still have powerIf turnout is strong enough,fear doesn’t win.🛑 Final WordThis isn’t about panic.And it’s not about pretending everything is fine.It’s about being clear-eyed, informed, and ready.Because the question isn’t whether there will be noise, chaos, or attempts to intimidate.The question is:Will you show up anyway?🔗 RESOURCESCheck your voter registration: https://www.vote.govLearn more about Doug Chapin: https://chapinforcongress.com📣 FOLLOW + SUPPORTIf this conversation moved you, taught you something, or helped cut through the noise—please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know and puts our work in front of more eyes.📱 Follow us everywhere:Substack | Threads | Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok@thepoliticschicks🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica 🧡

What’s really happening during ICE activity in Minnesota—and why families are afraid to leave their homes.Organizer Kelly Wilson explains how communities are stepping up through mutual aid, why hyperlocal planning must start now, and how ICE is taking this show on the road—to a city near you.🌟 Welcome to Episode #16 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:Today we’re joined by Kelly Wilson—a community organizer working on the front lines of immigrant support and rapid-response coordination. Kelly gives a clear-eyed, on-the-ground look at what’s happening as ICE activity expands—and how communities are responding in real time.This isn’t abstract. This isn’t hypothetical.This is happening right now.📍 What’s Happening on the GroundKelly walks us through what ICE presence actually looks like in communities: • Increased visibility and enforcement activity • Families afraid to leave their homes • Disruptions to schools, workplaces, and daily routines • A growing sense of instability impacting entire neighborhoods🏪 The Ripple Effect on Local EconomiesThis isn’t just about individuals—it’s about entire systems: • Workers missing shifts or unable to show up • Small businesses losing staff and customers • Supply chains and local services feeling the strain • Communities absorbing the economic shock in real time🤝 Mutual Aid in ActionWhen systems fail, communities step in: • Neighbors are organizing food, transportation, and resources. • Rapid-response networks are sharing real-time information. • Volunteers are stepping up to support families in crisis. • Local efforts are becoming lifelines, not just support systems.🧭 Hyperlocal Organizing: Start Now • Kelly emphasizes the importance of preparation. • Communities need localized, ready-to-move networks. • Planning must occur before enforcement reaches an area. • Waiting until it’s “your problem” is too late. • The situation in Minnesota is a preview of what’s to come, not an exception.🚨 This Is ExpandingICE isn’t staying in one place: • Operations are growing. • Enforcement is spreading. • The events happening in this location are likely to occur in other cities as well.✨ Hope in the Henhouse • Even in the fear, there is something powerful happening: • People showing up for each other • Communities choosing connection over isolation • Action replacing helplessness • Proof that collective care still exists—and works🛑 Final Word • The issue at hand is not someone else’s problem. • It is already present and spreading. • The question is not whether your community will be affected, but rather if you will be prepared when it is.💌 We would love your input! If you have topics you want us to cover, news to share, or a shout-out to give—please let us know. We’re building this together.💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you something, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know and puts our work in front of more eyes.📱 Find and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and [email protected]🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica 🧡

🌟 Welcome to Episode #15 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before launching this podcast, we built our audience on Substack, where we share sharp commentary on politics, culture, and the forces shaping modern life. Now we’re bringing those conversations directly to you — with the same honesty, curiosity, and refusal to accept easy answers.What happens when food insecurity, immigration enforcement, and local economies collide?In this episode, we’re joined by Bob Branham, a longtime leader in environmental sustainability, food waste mitigation, and hunger relief. Bob spent decades helping build systems that moved surplus food to families in need while reducing waste across the supply chain.We discuss: • The U.S. produces enough food, yet millions still go hungry. • Food waste and hunger are connected. • Food shelves are serving more families long-term. • ICE enforcement impacts small businesses and local economies. • Supporting immigrant-owned businesses matters right now.From 2013 to 2020, Bob served as Director of Produce Strategy at Second Harvest Heartland, where produce distribution grew from 23 million pounds to 50 million pounds annually. He also founded the Midwest Region Produce Cooperative, helping food banks across eight states expand access to healthy food.Now retired, Bob volunteers at his local food shelf and has been raising awareness about the ripple effects ICE enforcement has had on immigrant-owned businesses across the Twin Cities.This conversation is a reminder that food systems, labor, small businesses, and public policy are deeply connected — and that sometimes supporting your community starts with something as simple as where you choose to eat, shop, and show up.Follow Bob on his social media:FACEBOOK: @bob.branham.77INSTAGRAM: @living_the_dream_bobTHREADS: @living_the_dream_bobRESOURCESSecond Harvest Heartland:https://www.2harvest.org/The Food Group:https://thefoodgroupmn.org/📌 FOLLOW / SUPPORTIf this episode made you think:✅ Like✅ Comment✅ Share✅ Subscribe📱 Find us everywhere: @thepoliticschicksSubstack • Threads • Bluesky • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook🕯️ Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.💪🤲 We are stronger together.🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #14 of The Politics Chicks Podcast!🌟🎙️ Before launching this podcast, we built our audience on Substack, where we share sharp commentary on politics, culture, and the forces shaping modern life. Now we’re bringing those conversations directly to you — with the same honesty, curiosity, and refusal to accept easy answers.Is AI already influencing your kids without you realizing it?In this episode, we talk with Naomi Richman, founder of Moms for Ethical AI, about the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence into children’s lives — and the serious questions parents should be asking.Naomi is part of a growing movement encouraging parents and consumers to rethink how AI tools like ChatGPT are entering everyday life. Her argument is simple but controversial: surveillance capitalism isn’t a side effect of AI companies — it’s the business model.We discuss:The risks of AI chatbots interacting with young peopleKids turning to AI for emotional support and mental health conversationsHow AI companies collect and use user dataWhy some critics are urging people to reconsider their relationship with AI toolsNaomi’s advocacy was galvanized by the tragic death of teenager Adam Raine, whose suicide was linked to interactions with an AI chatbot — raising urgent questions about how these systems affect vulnerable users.Her perspective is also shaped by her father, David Gelperin, a pioneer in software testing who believed technology should be proven safe before reaching the public — a philosophy that contrasts sharply with Silicon Valley’s “deploy first, fix later” approach.This conversation asks a critical question:Who decides how powerful technologies enter society?Because if we’ve learned anything from social media, it’s this:By the time we understand the consequences, the technology is already everywhere.RESOURCESMoms for Ethical AI:https://m4eai.com/Guide for parents talking to kids about AI:https://www.commonsense.org/system/files/pdf/2025-05/activity-guide-for-parents-talking-to-your-kids-about-ai-5.pdfSeven tips for talking to kids about generative AI:https://theconversation.com/seven-tips-for-talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-generative-ai-275718📌 FOLLOW / SUPPORTIf this episode made you think:✅ Like✅ Comment✅ Share✅ Subscribe📱 Find us everywhere: @thepoliticschicksSubstack • Threads • Bluesky • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook🕯️ Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.💪🤲 We are stronger together.🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to The Politics Chicks Podcast🌟🎙️ Before launching this podcast, we built our audience on Substack, where we share sharp commentary on politics, culture, and the forces shaping modern life. Now we’re bringing those conversations directly to you—with the same honesty, curiosity, and refusal to accept easy answers.Here on the podcast, we take those conversations further by sitting down with the people shaping our communities, our politics, and our future.In this episode, we talk with Trina Swanson, candidate for Congress in Minnesota’s 8th District, who is challenging incumbent Pete Stauber. Trina brings something Washington desperately needs right now: experience in public service, a working-class perspective, and a commitment to integrity over political theater.Her campaign focuses on affordability, accessible healthcare, strong unions, education, protecting Minnesota’s natural resources, and restoring serious leadership in government.But this conversation goes beyond campaign talking points. We discuss the deeper issues facing the country right now—the cost of healthcare, the erosion of unions, environmental protection, foreign policy, money in politics, and what real representation should look like in a democracy.🧑‍💼 Meet Our Guest: Trina SwansonTrina Swanson grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota, in a working-class family that shaped her commitment to public service.Her mother worked as a nurse for 42 years, and her father worked as a carpenter and later at a paper mill. Watching her parents work hard while still struggling to keep up with rising costs gave her a firsthand understanding of the economic pressures many families face today.After attending college and law school in St. Paul, Trina dedicated her adult life to public service.She spent 25 years working for the U.S. government, including 20 years as a senior official with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Her career included international assignments in Frankfurt, Germany, and Nairobi, Kenya, where she worked on immigration policy, national security, and international cooperation.Her work required balancing two responsibilities that sit at the heart of immigration policy: upholding American values while protecting national security.Trina ultimately left government when political interference and ethical concerns made it impossible to continue serving in the way she believed the public deserved. She then launched an immigration law firm with former USCIS colleagues, continuing to advocate for fairness and due process.Now she’s stepping into a new arena: running for Congress to represent Minnesota’s 8th District.🎙️ In This EpisodeWhy Trina Decided to Run for CongressAfter 25 years in public service, Trina found herself in a position no public servant wants to face—being pressured toward actions she believed were unethical or unconstitutional.Rather than compromise her integrity, she chose to leave government.Watching her district’s current representative consistently fall in line with national political leadership instead of advocating for Minnesotans convinced her that it was time to step forward and run.Healthcare and the Reality Facing Working FamiliesHealthcare reform is one of the central pillars of Trina’s campaign.She shares a deeply personal story about her mother suffering a stroke and losing employer-based health insurance after her FMLA protections expired—forcing her parents to rely on COBRA coverage costing nearly $1,800 per month.Stories like that are not unusual in America, and Trina believes they highlight a fundamental problem with the system.Her goals include:Fighting for Medicare for All or a single-payer systemLowering prescription drug costsBreaking up healthcare monopolies through antitrust enforcementEnding the dependence on employer-based healthcareAs she puts it, no American should be one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.The Affordability CrisisFrom groceries to housing to education, Trina argues that working families are increasingly being squeezed.Many Americans now find themselves deciding which bills to pay each month while corporate profits and executive compensation continue to rise.Her campaign focuses on restoring balance by:Strengthening the middle classSupporting good-paying jobsEnsuring corporations pay their fair shareEnding tax policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthiest AmericansWhy Unions MatterUnions played a major role in shaping Trina’s understanding of economic fairness.Her parents relied on union protections in their careers, and she saw firsthand what happened when those protections disappeared.Later in her own career at USCIS, she worked closely with unions while managing government offices and saw the role they play in ensuring fair treatment, transparent workplace policies, and stronger wages.Trina argues that strong unions built the American middle class—and they remain essential to preserving it.Education as OpportunityEducation is another key focus of her platform.Whether students pursue four-year degrees, trade schools, or apprenticeship programs, Trina believes post-secondary education should be affordable and accessible.She sees education as one of the most powerful tools for lifting people out of poverty and creating long-term economic stability.Protecting the Boundary WatersOne of the most pressing environmental issues in Minnesota’s 8th District is the future of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.The region is not only an ecological treasure—it also supports a major tourism economy and countless local small businesses.Trina strongly opposes efforts to open the area to mining by foreign corporations that would extract minerals, ship them overseas for processing, and potentially leave environmental damage behind.She argues that Minnesota can support responsible mining while still protecting one of its most treasured landscapes.A Different Approach to PoliticsThroughout the conversation, Trina makes clear that her campaign is not focused on personal attacks.Instead, she wants to bring politics back to a place where leaders:Work with their neighborsListen to opposing viewpointsFocus on solutions rather than divisionAs...

🌟 Welcome to Episode #12 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform.In this episode, we’re joined by Erik Espeland—the photographer behind one of the most iconic images to come out of Minnesota’s Operation Metro Surge protests, in the tense days following the murder of Renee Good. If you’ve seen the photo (you’ve probably seen it), you already know why we needed him on the show.This conversation is about art as witness, Minnesota as a character, and why being decent is both revolutionary and contagious.🧑‍🎨 Meet Our Guest: Erik EspelandErik is a professional photographer (and longtime creative) who came to photography through a very Minnesota story: family, work, nervous energy, and the need to make meaning out of what’s happening right in front of you. • Artist and graphic designer • Former Target corporate photo studio experience • Shoots thousands of images a year, primarily youth sports • A proud “modest Minnesotan” • Still surprised by the photo📸 The Photo That Stopped People ColdErik walks us through how the iconic image came to be—how it wasn’t staged, how it was instinct and timing and composition and wind.The subject’s whole presence—pure Minnesota symbolism, including those legendary bootsErik says when he saw it on his computer, he “kind of stopped breathing.”Same, buddy. Same.👤 Who Is “Dan”?Erik didn’t even meet the man in the photo—Dan—until about two weeks later.When he finally did:Dan hadn’t fully realized he’d become that guy on the internetErik thanked him for being “the face of Minnesota” in that momentThe image had already gone global—Erik estimates close to 10 million views across countries and continentAnd Dan’s response?Classic Minnesota: “Let’s ride this wave.”🌲 “Minnesota Nice” Isn’t a Meme—It’s a ForceWe talk a lot about how Minnesota has shown up through all of this—how people here don’t just post, they do things.🎶 Art as Resistance: Signs, Songs, and the “Singing Resistance”Monica shares a powerful piece of what protest has looked like here:Minnesota’s choral community and the Singing Resistance—marching, stopping at hotels known to house ICE, and using music as moral confrontation.Erik reflects on the question we all ask:Do the people carrying out cruelty feel anything when confronted with beauty?Or does the job require them to turn the human part off completely?🧠 Creativity, Guilt, and Trying to Breathe in the Middle of CrisisChristy talks about the weird guilt creatives feel right now—like making art is somehow indulgent when everything is on fire.📈 Going Viral Overnight: “What the Hell Do You Do With That?”Erik posted the photo on Threads the same night.🏞️ National Parks, Perspective, and What Travel Teaches KidsErik’s also a huge National Parks geek (same, honestly), and we talk about why nature and travel matter—especially now.Favorites include Olympic, Yellowstone, Bryce (snow on hoodoos = unreal)Their family uses the National Parks passport to plan tripsFood, culture, conversations—it expands the soul.Which is exactly why authoritarianism hates it.🧡 Final Words That Wrecked Us (In the Best Way)Erik closes with a simple message that is somehow the most radical thing you can say right now:Hug someoneSmile at strangersLet people tell their storyDon’t hold grudgesIt’s not hard to be nice—and it’s contagious as hellMonica cried.Christy got misty.We all needed it.📌 FOLLOW / SUPPORTIf this episode moved you, taught you something, or made you see what’s happening here through a new lens:✅ Like✅ Comment✅ Share✅ Subscribe  It helps more than you know—and it tells the algorithm we’re not doing “both sides” bedtime stories over here.📱 Find us everywhere: @thepoliticschicksSubstack • YouTube • Threads • Bluesky • Instagram • TikTok • Facebook🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #11 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ In this episode, Christy & Monica sit down with Minnesota CD6 Congressional candidate Doug Chapin — self-described “election geek,” nationally recognized elections expert, and the guy who can explain the machinery of democracy without making your eyes glaze over. Joining him is his partner, Stephanie Tomlinson, a healthcare policy strategist (and Maple Grove Planning Commission member) who brings equal parts heart, grit, and “here’s why local government actually matters.”This conversation is part civics crash course, part campaign story, and part Minnesota love letter — with a very clear message: democracy doesn’t defend itself.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:👋 Show SummaryDoug Chapin breaks down how elections actually work in the United States (hint: there is no such thing as a “federal election official”), why Republicans’ “election fear” bills are often smoke-and-mirrors, and what policies like the SAVE Act would do to voter access. Stephanie digs into the local pipeline of power — school boards, planning commissions, city councils — and why those elections aren’t “small,” they’re foundational.They also share what pushed Doug to run for Congress (spoiler: it wasn’t on his bingo card), what “neighborism” looks like during crisis, and how Minnesotans are showing up for one another through the occupation — with courage, joy, and stubborn hope.👤 Meet Our GuestsDoug Chapin — CD6 Congressional candidate, elections expert, educator, and lifelong democracy nerd (in the best way). Doug has spent nearly 40 years working in elections, democracy, public policy, and law — including work on Capitol Hill, in advocacy, and teaching election administration.Stephanie Tomlinson — healthcare policy strategist, legislative/regulatory advocacy expert, Maple Grove Planning Commission member, and Doug’s partner in both life and this campaign. Stephanie brings deep knowledge of how systems work — and why local governance is the beating heart of everything.🗺️ Show Highlights• Doug’s origin story: decades in elections work…until the moment he realized he needed to defend democracy from the front, not the inside• Stephanie’s “oh my God, we’re doing this” moment (including the email barrage that gave it away)• The power of a naturalization ceremony — and the emotional whiplash of watching democracy fray in real time afterward• What “neighborism” looks like in practice: community protection, volunteer door guards, and restaurants rallying back after ICE raids• Why elections in the U.S. are a “crazy quilt” — state by state, county by county, sometimes community by community• The truth about the federal government’s role in elections (and why Trump can’t just “take over”)• HAVA (Help America Vote Act): what it is, how the funds work, and why Minnesota Republicans’ bill threatening to withhold funds is basically “taking away the presents you already opened”• The SAVE Act: what “documentary proof of citizenship” would mean in real life for voters and election officials (and why it’s designed to create barriers)• Why local elections matter more than people realize: school boards, planning commissions, zoning, city councils — and how culture shifts from the ground up• The detention center issue: why local governments can block them through zoning, permits, and environmental reviews• Data centers and AI server farms: massive energy, heat, water demands — and why communities like Monticello and Becker are paying attention• Doug’s closing message: your vote is the most powerful thing you have — protect it, but more importantly, use it• Stephanie’s closing message: don’t be shy — ask questions, get involved, and show up even when you’re scared🔗 LINKS + RESOURCES🌐 Doug Chapin for Congress: chapinforcongress.comFollow on THREADS: @chapinforcongress               INSTAGRAM: @chapinforcongress               FACKEBOOK: @dougchapinforcongress                     BLUESKY: @chapinforcongress.bky.social                       TIK TOK: @chapinforcongress2026📌 ACTION ITEMS✅ If you live in Minnesota CD6: get involved, volunteer, and share Doug’s campaign with friends and neighbors✅ Pay attention to local elections (school board candidates matter more than you think)✅ Show up at city council meetings when zoning decisions impact detention centers, data centers, environmental impact, and community safety✅ Vote. In every election. Not just presidential years.🐥 FINAL WORD:This isn’t politics as sport.This is democracy as infrastructure.It’s zoning boards and voter registration databases. It’s school boards and city councils. It’s neighbors protecting neighbors because the federal government won’t.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reminder: the most powerful thing in our system is still your vote — and the most powerful thing in your community is still your voice. Use both.💌 We’d love to hear from youIf you have resources to share, stories from your community, or topics you want us to cover — reach out. This podcast exists because of you.💌 If this episode moved you, challenged you, or helped you understand what’s happening here — please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know. It gets these stories in front of more eyes, and it grows this community of people who refuse to look away.📱 Find and follow us on:Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook👉 @thepoliticschicks🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.     We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #10 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:We sit down with Jackie Mosqueda-Jones — longtime educator, former Osseo School Board chair, and current pre-K teacher in Columbia Heights — for a deeply human conversation about what families, educators, and neighbors are facing as ICE activity intensifies across the district.👩‍🏫 Meet JackieFormer Osseo School Board member (6 years; board chair), current pre-K teacher, and a frontline witness to what she describes as “a whole other level” beyond the crises schools carried through COVID and George Floyd.🏫 Columbia Heights Right NowA richly diverse district — roughly 40% Latina (many Ecuadorian refugee families) and about 25% Black/African American, including African immigrants — with a majority of students identifying as children of color.🧸 The Liam Ramos StoryWe discuss the incident that shook the community: families afraid to send children to school, a parent followed from school, a child used to draw a mother outside, and the impossible choices no parent should ever face.📄 DOPA Forms & Emergency PlanningSchools are helping families prepare Delegation of Parental Authority forms in case parents are detained, assisting with notarization, and ensuring emergency guardianship plans are in place.🧑‍⚕️ Teachers as the Last Line of CareEducators and community members are delivering food and supplies, purchasing medicine for families afraid to leave home, transporting students, and stepping in as trusted guardians when needed.📱 Pre-K Online — Built From ScratchJackie created a remote learning option so children can stay safe without losing access to education — designing phone-accessible lessons and supporting families nights and weekends.🧑‍🏫 Leadership That Shows UpPrincipal Jeff Sosick is recognized for leading with compassion — turning meetings into supply drives, preparing food packages for families, and consistently prioritizing care over optics.🚨 How ICE Targets the CommunityReports of activity during school arrival and dismissal, targeting workers at closing time, door-to-door presence near apartment buildings, and a level of surveillance that has reshaped daily life.🧠 The Trauma on KidsChildren struggling to concentrate, fear becoming normalized in playground conversations, and educators carrying the weight of collective trauma alongside their students.💔 The Emotional Toll“We’re not doing well.”Instead of asking “How are you?”, staff now greet each other with:👉 “I’m glad you’re here.”🗳️ Local Elections MatterA reminder that school boards shape communities — research candidates, stay engaged locally, and remember that major political movements often begin at the local level.✨ Hope in the HenhouseMutual aid networks rising, retired educators stepping in, neighbors using their skills to help, and a guiding truth from Paul Wellstone:👉 “We all do better when we all do better.”🛑 Final WordThis is a marathon — not a sprint.Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Take care of yourself. Love will win.❤️ Support Families Impacted in the Columbia Heights School DistrictThese fundraisers directly benefit families across the district:Columbia Heights High Schoolhttps://gofund.me/1b26e2c3cColumbia Academyhttps://gofund.me/b9b785a26Highland Elementaryhttps://gofund.me/271c89166North Park School for Innovationhttps://gofund.me/b9406a952Valley View Elementaryhttps://give.mn/g1iz7gFamily Centerhttps://gofund.me/e090e916a👉 You can also find these links on the Columbia Heights Public Schools website.📚 Jackie’s Donors Choose Project — Tools for Little Mathematicianshttps://www.donorschoose.org/project/tools-for-little-mathematicians/9919647/💌 If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or made you see the world differently — please like, comment, and share. It helps more than you know and expands this growing community.📱 Follow us everywhere: @thepoliticschicks on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #9 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ After a pause from podcasting, we’re back — not because it’s convenient, but because it’s necessary. Minnesota is at ground zero, and what’s happening here demands to be witnessed, documented, and shared.This episode is not analysis from afar. It’s lived experience.🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:👋 We return to the micChristy and Monica explain why now is the moment to bring the podcast back — as Minnesota faces what many residents are describing as life under occupation.👤 Meet our guest: Anton FriantA lifelong Minnesotan, parent, designer, former MCAD instructor, and community organizer. Anton joins us after writing a powerful Facebook post that captured what it feels like to live inside this moment — a post that resonated far beyond state lines  .🗺️ What it’s really like in Minnesota right nowThis is not “just Minneapolis.”ICE activity has spread across suburbs and greater Minnesota — St. Cloud, Rochester, St. Louis Park, and beyond. The Twin Cities are not insular. We are deeply interconnected, and what happens in one neighborhood ripples everywhere  .👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parenting young kids in unprecedented timesAnton shares heartbreaking, honest conversations with his 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter:Children who already know the names, faces, and detailsKids asking if this is normalMiddle schoolers grieving strangers as peopleElementary school kids crying at the sound of whistles, afraid they’ll come home to empty apartmentsThis is collective trauma — and our children are carrying it  .🚨 When ICE shows up near a schoolAnton recounts witnessing ICE raids across the street from his daughter’s elementary school — patrols forming human chains, whistles blowing, rapid response networks activating — while children inside panic, believing their parents may be taken  .🤝 Community response: the quiet miracleOut of fear has come extraordinary coordination:Parents on patrol at school drop-off, recess, and dismissalNeighborhood rapid-response teamsFood, supplies, and mutual aid networksPeople skipping appointments, enduring subzero cold, and showing up day after day — simply because their neighbors need themThis isn’t centralized.It isn’t funded.It’s organic, hyperlocal, and deeply Minnesotan  .🕯️ Honoring Alex Pretti and Renée GoodWe reflect on loss, on helping professions, and on what it means that Alex’s final words — spoken while protecting someone else — were “Are you okay?”Their names will live on. So will what they represent  .🌍 The ripple effectAnton shares a moment that stopped us cold: his words reached the UK, where a Member of Parliament is organizing a solidarity rally in Nottingham — reading his letter aloud for Minneapolis.The world is watching. And responding  .🧠 How people are copingThis is a marathon, not a sprint. We talk about sustaining ourselves, taking breaks, and protecting one another so the work — and the people — endure.🐥 FINAL WORD:This isn’t about politics as sport.This is about human beings, children, neighborhoods, and the refusal to normalize cruelty.Resistance doesn’t only look like marches.It looks like whistles, human chains, shared food, missed appointments, extra hugs at bedtime — and neighbors who refuse to leave each other behind🧭 HOW YOU CAN HELP:We’ll include links in the show notes to:Link to Anton’s Article on our Substack https://substack.com/@thepoliticschicks/p-184814003Stand With Minnesota  https://www.standwithminnesota.com/Community support and eviction-prevention efforts https://www.givemn.org/story/arpbcg Calling Governor Walz to support an eviction moratorium is one concrete way to act right now.💌 We’d love to hear from youIf you have resources to share, stories from your community, or topics you want us to cover — reach out. This podcast exists because of you.💌 If this episode moved you, challenged you, or helped you understand what’s happening here — please like, comment, and share.It helps more than you know. It puts these stories in front of more eyes and helps grow this community of people who refuse to look away.📱 Find and follow us on:Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook👉 @thepoliticschicks🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.We are always stronger together.— Christy & Monica

🌟 Welcome to Episode #8 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!🐓 IN THIS EPISODE:This week’s conversation covers the “podcast that wasn’t” (thanks, copyright police), a stormy in-person lunch in Minnesota, the chaos and charm of banana ball, a protest in Dana Point, and a sweet surprise—custom Politics Chicks cookies from one of our listeners. We also share an update on Finley’s diagnosis and how you can support his family, break down a few What the Cluck?! political moments, and wrap with the everyday joys that give us hope.💬 We cover:🍪 Monica’s trip to Minnesota, a stormy lunch with Christy, and a sweet gift from listener Kelly of Cute and Delish—custom Politics Chicks cookies that were as delicious as they were adorable. (Contact Kelly at cuteanddelishbykel.com or [email protected])🍌 Christy introduces Monica to Banana Ball—a Harlem Globetrotters-style twist on baseball with trick plays, dancing umpires, and nonstop fan interaction.✊ Monica’s protest in Dana Point along the Pacific Coast Highway—and why showing up still matters.🎉 An update on the Dahlson Twins and Finley’s diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy—plus how you can help the Dahlsons via their GoFundMe: http://bit.ly/45tSDZu💣 What the Cluck?!🚨 We unpack a week’s worth of political absurdity, including:🗣️ Trump on the White House roof pitching a $200M ballroom and joking about nuclear missiles—while actually stationing nuclear subs near Russia.🌙 A reality-TV-star-turned-NASA-head pitching a nuclear reactor on the moon—because apparently there’s no problem here on Earth more urgent.📉 Trump blaming the Bureau of Labor and Statistics for unfavorable jobs numbers and accusing them of election manipulation—despite bipartisan confirmation of its leadership and decades of routine data revisions.🐥 Peep Cheeps:This week we share three personal joys that have nothing to do with politics:🎹 Christy learning piano at 55 as a form of mental escape.🎶 Monica auditioning for the Orange County Women’s Chorus and looking forward to singing with others again.🌳 Being outside, making art, playing games, and spending time with loved ones—because self-care is political, too.💡 Hope in the Henhouse:💙Our big hope this week? Texas Democrats walking out to block an extreme new gerrymandering push ordered up by Trump himself. They’re making it clear this fight is bigger than Texas—it’s about protecting democracy nationwide. 🥊And for once, Democrats in other states are signaling they’re willing to respond in kind, even if it means gerrymandering in blue states to level the playing field.🙌 Final word?Laughter, joy, and connection aren’t luxuries—they’re tools for resilience. Whether it’s calling out political absurdity, standing up for democracy, or savoring a moment of everyday joy, the way we spend our energy matters.💌 We would love your input! If you have topics you’d like us to cover, news to share, or a shout-out to give—let us know. We’d love to hear from you.💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps us get these stories in front of more eyes and keeps growing this incredible community of listeners who care deeply.📱 Find and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok@thepoliticschicks🧡 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark. We are always stronger together.

🌟 Welcome to Episode #6 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!🌈 This week, we’re honored to welcome Cody and Adam Dahlson to the podcast—a married couple who, less than a year ago, became the proud parents of twins. But their path into parenthood has been anything but easy. From a premature birth and days spent in the NICU to the devastating discovery that both Finnley and Hadley have a rare neurological disorder, their story is one of courage, grit, and the kind of love that shows up, even when the future is uncertain.👶🏼 In this moving conversation, we talk about:How they met and built a life together 💕The decision to grow their family and the logistics of parenthood as a same-sex couple 🏳️‍🌈What it was like finding out they were having twins 👶🏻👶🏻The early arrival and what life in the NICU taught them about fear, strength, and hope 🏥Noticing something different with Finnley and the long road to answers 🧠Getting a life-changing diagnosis—for both twins—and what that means going forward 💔How they’re turning pain into purpose through advocacy and community 🫂The upcoming KAND conference and what they hope to gain and share there 🎤💡 Learn more about KIF1A-Associated Neurological Disorder (KAND):🔗 https://www.kif1a.org/〽️ To support Ronald McDonald House:🔗http://bit.ly/4lcBJnb💚 Want to support Cody, Adam, and their twins directly? Donate to their GoFundMe:🔗 http://bit.ly/4m8TYKL🕯️ This episode is a reminder of what love looks like when it’s tested. When it digs in. When it refuses to give up. Cody and Adam’s story will move you, challenge you, and stay with you.💬 If this conversation touched you, please like, comment, and share. It helps us bring these powerful stories to more people—and helps build the kind of compassionate community we all need right now.📲 Follow us @thepoliticschicks on Substack, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, and Bluesky.🌟 Thanks for being here. Thanks for caring.And remember:💙 Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark 🔦, and we’re stronger together 🤲.

🌟Welcome to Episode #5 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!🐓This week, we’re bringing you our take on some of the craziness in the world, but also some “Hope in the Henhouse:” reasons to keep hope alive.🎢 In this episode, we talk about:🐊 Trump teaching ICE detainees how to Run from Alligators 🙄😬 Lisa Murkowski's (well deserved) awkward moment after being told she was called a sell-out by Sen. Rand Paul.🧊 Continued ICE raids around the country and what that looks like: Masked agents with no identification or warrants, including the detainment of a father of 3 US Marines in California🎤 The Chicks sharing their top three independent journalists🌞 Some much-needed Hope in the Henhouse, including finding the beauty in everyday life 🖼️🎶🌹, realizing self-fulfillment by serving others 🎁 , and  Monica's 30th wedding anniversary 💕.💌We would love your input! If you have topics you’d like to hear about, news to share, a shout-out to give - please let us know. We’d love to hear from you.💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps us get these stories in front of more eyes and helps us keep growing this incredible community of listeners who care deeply.📱 Find and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 

How One School is Rewriting the Story for Kids Like Dempsey🌟 Welcome to Episode #4 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!This week, we’re honored to bring you one of the most powerful and heartfelt conversations we’ve had so far. ❤️‍🔥👩‍🏫 Meet Sher U-F, a trailblazing educator who leads the Compass Classroom at Glen Lake Elementary—a space designed for students with the most significant disabilities.👩‍👦 And meet Kelly Becker, mother to Dempsey, a child with complex disabilities whose presence in the world is quietly revolutionary.🎢 In this episode, we talk about:What true inclusion looks like—and how it transforms everyone involved❤️ How Dempsey, though nonverbal, is teaching his classmates kindness, empathy, and strength🧑🏻‍🦼‍➡️Why accessible playgrounds and classrooms are just the beginning💔 The pain of public misconceptions and the beauty of breaking them👀 Why being seen matters just as much as being accommodated🎥  Special thanks to Hopkins School District and videographer Thomas Riley for allowing us to share their moving video about the incredible work being done at Glen Lake Elementary. What they’ve built there isn’t just a program—it’s a model for how schools everywhere could and should show up for kids of all abilities. You can find the video here: https://vimeo.com/1031702405?&login=true#_=_📚  We also spotlight a beautiful children’s book A Swing for Samara by Minnesota author and illustrator Nancy Carlson, inspired by Glen Lake’s accessible playground. It’s a joyful reminder that all children deserve to swing, climb, laugh, and play—together. You can find more about Nancy here: https://nancycarlson.com/♿ Build accessible playgrounds! What started as The Glen Lake Accessible Playground Project blossomed into a non-profit. Students at West Middle School in the Hopkins District continue to raise money to build accessible playgrounds across Minnesota. https://www.mnplayforall.org/✨ Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, policymaker, or just someone who believes in a more compassionate world, this episode is for you. Here are some useful links for inclusive education information:The Pacer Center https://www.pacer.org/The Inclusion Project https://www.inclusionproject.org/The Nora Project https://thenoraproject.ngo/💌 If this conversation moved you, taught you, or made you think—please like, comment, and share. It helps us get these stories in front of more eyes and helps us keep growing this incredible community of listeners who care deeply.📱 Find and follow us on Substack, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 🕯️ Keep shining your light so we can find each other in the dark.💪 And remember: we are stronger together.#ThePoliticsChicks #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #AccessiblePlay #RepresentationMatters #DempseyStrong #KindnessIsPower #GlenLakeElementary

🌟 Welcome to Episode #3 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ After launching our journey on Substack and hitting our stride with two powerhouse episodes, we’re back—and bringing that same fearless energy to the mic! This week, we’re diving into a topic close to our hearts: the power of the arts in education.🎭 Our guest this episode is the phenomenal Jennifer Farrell—a high school English teacher, veteran theater director, and all-around arts advocate. Jen just wrapped up her 20th year in public education and shares her insight on everything from teen empathy to theater budgets to deodorant-resistant students. (Yes, really.)👯 Christy and Monica talk with Jen about how theater provides a safe haven for LGBTQ+ kids, helps students develop emotional intelligence, and gives all children—regardless of background—a chance to be seen, heard, and celebrated.🌈 We also talk about: • The importance of funding the arts in public schools 🎨 • How theater builds empathy, confidence, and community 💬 • The magic of crying in the dark with strangers during Dear Evan Hansen or Big Fish 😭 • Why kids need more than just core subjects—they need spaces to belong 🌱💌 Got a question, comment, or photo to share? Email us at [email protected]. We might feature it in our weekly Peep Cheeps segment, where we highlight your voices and stories.👉 Thanks so much for joining us on this journey. Keep showing up. Keep speaking up. And remember: Be kind. Be loud. Be a good little human. 💖💥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode! 💥⸻Let’s Stay Connected! • Substack | @thepoliticschicks • Facebook | @thepoliticschicks • Instagram | @thepoliticschicks • Bluesky | @thepoliticschicks • TikTok | @the.politic.chic⸻Keywords:Substack • public education • theater education • LGBTQ+ youth • empathy • teacher life • arts funding • social emotional learning • good humans • safe spaces • political podcast • sassy commentary • hopeful dialogue

🌟 Welcome to Episode #2 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟🎙️ Before this podcast, we launched our journey on Substack—where we shared sharp takes on current events, deep dives into policy, and personal reflections on the state of politics. Now, we’re bringing that same energy—and our signature voice—straight to your favorite podcast platform!✈️ Monica’s back after two weeks in Europe, and she and Christy do a roundup of the past week’s highlights—including the protests shaking up Monica’s adopted home state of California. The Chicks also talk about this weekend's upcoming No KIngs Protests.🚀 The duo also share their top five regime officials they’d send to Mars (if only!)—and explain exactly why each one made the list.🌱 We’re also sprinkling in a dose of hope—because even in tough times, we believe change starts with a conversation, and that conversation can lead to real impact.💌 Got a question, comment, or photo to share? Email us at [email protected]. We might feature it in our weekly Peep Cheeps segment, where we highlight your voices and stories.👉 Thanks so much for joining us on this journey. Keep shining your light—so we know where to find you—and remember: We are stronger together!💥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode! 💥Let's Stay Connected!  Substack | @thepoliticschicks Facebook | @thepoliticschicksInstagram | @thepoliticschicks    Bluesky |  @thepoliticschicks      TikTok |  @the.politic.chic

🎙️ Episode 1: Welcome to The Politics Chicks Podcast!In our inaugural episode, Christy and Monica—the duo behind The Politics Chicks—share the story of how their Substack journey evolved into this podcast. From marathon training to tech hurdles, they discuss the challenges of launching the show and dive into Trump’s recent West Point and Arlington Cemetery remarks. Expect a bit of irreverence, a dose of hope, and a commitment to building community. Email your questions, comments, and photos to [email protected], and join us in this shared journey of laughter, learning, and making a difference.