Citizen Rebel

One year later... Alaina and Chris kick off Season 2 with Trevor Silva of My Cluck Hut to find out how he's been doing since Season 1. How is My Cluck Hut's business since taking a stand against fascism? Have they lost business or grown? And how does Co-Founder and Content Creator Trevor Silva feel about it all? They discuss lessons learned, how Trevor is doubling down on even more values-driven content, and how My Cluck Hut has grown since November of 2024 when he posted his first "controversial" post. Plus, Trevor clues Alaina & Chris into an unbelievable scoop - they're the first to hear about Trevor's newest product with a jaw dropping angle and a celebrity partnership that will have you laughing, cheering him on and hopefully, very inspired to find the symmetry between your branding and your values. Follow Trevor on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/mycluckhutTo find out more about Good Now, Alaina & Chris' brand strategy agency visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

In this episode Alaina & Chris unpack how Citizen Rebel came to be, how the show and their partnership has evolved over the past year, and they review consumer protest against brands in 2025 and highlight celebrities who are speaking out. Find Alaina & Chris at their branding and marketing agency, Good Now, for purpose-driven brands at http://www.goodisnow.com Season 2 is coming in January 2026! 

Alaina & Chris talk to Kenda Kistenmacher, founder or Kinda Kist Jewelry. Her political statement pieces: an IUD necklace, uterus necklace and safety pin necklace, have attract influencers to her brand while also raising money for their causes. She walks us through how she made the pivot into the political, and why. The episode also dives into marketing strategies to bring the political to life, while balancing the non-political messaging from your brand. Shop Kenda's Jewelry: http://www.kendakist.com Follow Kenda Kist Jewelry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendakistjewelry/To connect with Alaina & Chris about their branding and marketing agency, or to see our brand archetype decks and Find Your Voice Cohorts visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

What if brands like McDonald's or Disney actually stood up for their values? Alaina and Chris go down a rabbit hole of imagining a world in which values trumped profits. And, Alaina updates Chris on the Portland Frog and new symbols for the movement that have emerged since their popular flag episode. Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.comTo join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classesConnect with Alaina on LinkedIn Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

This episode unpacks Chris' very first viral post and the trolls that followed. Alaina has trolls of her own, and one actually got to her this time. Listen if you'd like to learn how to manage viral posts and handle trolls with grace. Follow Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Learn more about Alaina & Chris' agency - Good Now - at http://www.goodisnow.com 

Every one of us has a role to play in the movement against fascism and hatred. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Beth Mathews, a graphic designer and activist who has been taking a stand for years.  Beth shares her experiences working with refugees, her passion for vintage design, and her impactful projects like the Mom Bag initiative. We also explore how designers can use their skills for activism and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Join us for a conversation filled with creativity, courage, and community engagement.Visit Beth at her website: http://www.bethmathews.com Subscribe to Beth's Substack: https://bethmathews.substack.com/To find Alaina & Chris visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

Only 33% of Americans actually voted for Trump, an even smaller number are die hard MAGA supporters. So, how do you find customers who are staunchly anti-fascist and then attract them to your business? Turns out it's incredibly easy to do so with SparkToro.  Join us for an insightful conversation with Rand Fishkin, the visionary behind SparkToro, a ground breaking audience research tool. During this episode we'll also explore the challenges and benefits of businesses taking a public stand. Drawing from his own experiences, Rand shares how authenticity and transparency can transform brand perception and foster deeper connections with audiences. Discover the delicate balance between risk and reward, and learn how Rand's approach to public discourse has shaped his journey in the business world. Connect with Rand Fishkin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/SparkToro: https://www.sparktoro.comConnect with Alaina & Chris: Alaina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Good Now, Branding & Marketing Agency: http://www.goodisnow.comFind Your Voice Cohorts: http://www.goodisnow.com/cohorts

What to do if you detest the idea of promoting yourself? Let alone taking a stand? In this episode of Citizen Rebel, Alaina and Chris tackle Chris' absolute fear of publishing content and self-promotion. Alaina loves creating content and finds it a must to grow her business, Chris finds it utterly terrifying. Through her advice to Chris, Alaina offers surprisingly simple strategies to help you grow your brand and fall in love with your content. Discover how to embrace your unique voice, overcome perfectionism, create content that resonates, and build a brand that reflects your true identity. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will inspire you to take action and confidently share your story with the world.Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.comTo join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classesConnect with Alaina on LinkedIn  Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Key Takeaways: Embrace Your Unique Voice: Alaina and Chris emphasize the importance of finding and using your unique voice to create content that truly represents you and your brand.Overcome Fear and Perfectionism: They discuss strategies to combat the fear of self-promotion and the pressure to be perfect, encouraging listeners to publish content even if it feels imperfect.Content as a Growth Tool: The hosts highlight how authentic content can be a powerful tool for brand growth, helping to attract the right audience and opportunities.Practical Strategies: The episode offers practical advice on how to start creating and sharing content, including tips on managing overwhelm and finding inspiration.Empowerment Through Action: By taking action and sharing your story, you can overcome publishing paralysis and build a brand that you love and that resonates with others.

How can we survive MAGA without completely disengaging? In this episode, Alaina and Chris meet with Psychotherapist Jay Karr to unpack our individual choices to either speak out against MAGA or stay silent. The three also discuss how to navigate individual responsibility vs. corporate responsibility. The conversation also touches on the challenges of discussing politics in personal and professional settings, the impact of fear on self-expression, and the necessity of creative outlets. If you're feeling conflicted about your role (professionally and personally) within the current political climate – this episode is for you.Find Jay at his therapy practice based in Columbus, Ohio. Reclaim Your Path - https://reclaimyourpath.com/ Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.comTo join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classesKey TakeawaysFinding your voice is crucial in today's political climate.Jay Karr transitioned from marketing to psychotherapy to help others.Political trauma affects individuals across the spectrum.Engaging with the MAGA movement requires psychological resilience.Balance in media consumption is essential for mental health.Conversations with family about politics can be challenging but necessary.Community support is vital for healing and growth.Workplace discussions about politics are becoming more relevant.Individualism can hinder collective healing and connection.Creative expression is a powerful tool for processing emotions.

In this episode, Michael Slaby discusses his journey from the 2008 and 2012 Obama campaigns to his current role at Murmuration, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and the role of technology in building community. He also answers the biggest question on all of our minds: what can we all do today? What does America, and the world, need right now? The answer is easier to accomplish than you might think. Listen to this episode if you've always marveled at the Obama campaign's digital presence and wonder how they pulled it off. And keep listening if you'd like to learn what we can all do today to capture and create that same momentum, collectively and on an individual level. Follow Michael on Substack: https://7bridges.substack.com/On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjslaby/Visit Michael's website: https://www.michaelslaby.com/Learn more about Murmuration: http://murmuration.org/Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.comTo join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classesTakeaways- Michael Slaby's work has reshaped how movements build power in the digital age.- The Obama campaign utilized innovative digital strategies to engage voters.- Civic engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy and community.- Social media has transformed the way people connect and organize.- Current challenges in civic life require new approaches to engagement.- Technology can be a powerful tool for community building.- Murmuration aims to provide infrastructure for civic life and organizing.- Building relationships over time is essential for effective organizing.- Civic life should not be defined solely by elections.- A majority of Americans desire a more inclusive and caring civic culture.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Michael Slaby04:25 The 2008 Obama Campaign: A Digital Revolution14:38 Reflections on Civic Engagement and Political Culture17:41 The Future of Civic Life and Technology26:32 The Power of Community Connection27:39 Rituals and Civic Life29:35 AI's Role in Society31:07 Awakening Civic Engagement32:20 The Nature of Change38:30 Building a Stronger Civic Culture43:24 Empowering Community Organizations

From Fired to Fired Up: Meet Influencer Nikki Sapiro-VinckierAlaina and Chris meet Nikki Sapiro-Vinckier, an Instagram and TikTok influencer who shares her journey from being fired after standing up for her values, to becoming a full time content creator, influencer, movement-maker and soon to be, published author.   Her story will inspire you while also give you a behind the scenes, realistic view of what it’s like to take a bold stand. Nikki emphasizes the importance of combining activism with personal life and offers advice for those looking to take a stand for their beliefs. Connect with Nikki Sapiro-VinckierFollow Nikki on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikkivinck/?hl=enFollow Nikki on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/nikki-sapiro-vinckier Follow Nikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nsvinckier/Nikki’s Website: https://www.nikkivinck.com/Connect with Alaina & Chris:   Follow Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/ Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/ Hire Alaina & Chris for branding or marketing: http://www.goodisnow.com Join one of Alaina’s Find Your Voice Cohort: https://www.goodisnow.com/classesTakeawaysNikki found her voice through her experiences in reproductive healthcare.The Roe v. Wade decision had a profound impact on Nikki's advocacy work.Grassroots activism can start from personal experiences and community engagement.Nikki's journey illustrates the challenges of speaking out in a professional setting.Being fired led Nikki to pivot into full-time activism and content creation.Combining family life with activism can create a more fulfilling experience.Nikki emphasizes the importance of accurate information in reproductive health.Activism can be a way to empower others and create community.Nikki's story shows that personal growth often comes from adversity.The need for rebels in the fight for reproductive rights is crucial.Chapters00:00Introduction to Nikki Sapiro-Vink01:21Nikki's Journey in Reproductive Healthcare03:06Activism Sparks: Roe v. Wade and Personal Experience04:37Grassroots Campaigning: The Kamala Harris Lawn Sign Initiative08:55Facing Professional Backlash: The Consequences of Advocacy14:15The Aftermath of Being Fired: Reflections and New Beginnings16:59Building a Platform: Transitioning to Content Creation21:17Navigating Uncertainty: Campaigning and Activism in a Swing State23:33Navigating Professional Disappointment27:40The Birth of Take Back Trust29:47Building a Community and Revenue Stream32:43The Journey of a Reproductive Rights Advocate35:43Balancing Activism and Personal Life39:33Finding Strength in Solidarity

In this episode of Citizen Rebel, hosts Chris Vogel and Good Now explore the evolving symbolism of the American flag, discussing its historical significance, cultural perceptions, and the impact of political movements like MAGA on its identity. They delve into personal experiences and societal changes that have led to an identity crisis surrounding the flag, and brainstorm ideas for reclaiming its meaning in a more inclusive way.Connect with Alaina and Chris at http://www.goodisnow.com00:00Introduction to the American Flag's Symbolism02:29Cultural Perceptions of the American Flag05:23The American Flag in Pop Culture08:24Historical Context and Education on the Flag11:29The Flag's Role Post-9/1114:28The Flag's Identity Crisis in Modern Politics17:29Branding and the American Flag in Political Campaigns19:02The American Flag: A Symbol of Identity23:17Cultural Reflections on Patriotism27:57Reclaiming the Flag: A Call for Unity34:09Designing a New Symbol of Inclusivity

Veteran trial lawyer Mitch Jackson joins Citizen Rebel to share how he's using Substack and AI to amplify truth and inspire action. In a time he calls a pivotal inflection point in history, Mitch unpacks the role of citizen journalism, the power of personal storytelling, and why now—more than ever—is the moment to speak up. From courtrooms to content creation, Mitch’s journey is driven by a deep desire to right wrongs and leave a legacy of courage for future generations.Follow Mitch on Substack https://substack.com/@mitchthelawyerFollow Mitch on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchjackson/

In 2020, Alaina ran for Congress. This episode unpacks all of the torrid and surprising details on what it's like to run for public office when you're a leader in the private sector. In this episode of Citizen Rebel, hosts Alaina Shearer and Chris Vogel discuss Alaina's journey running for U.S. Congress in 2020, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community engagement in politics. She holds nothing back and hopes this episode gives others an insider perspective on what it's really like to run for office. They explore the dynamics of fundraising, campaign strategies, and the need for more individuals from the private sector to enter public service. The conversation emphasizes the significance of grassroots movements and the necessity for change in the political system.

“The most pleasant thing that has happened since I started talking out about this administration on LinkedIn is that I can live with myself.”In this episode, we talk with Parry Headrick, founder of Crackle PR, about what it means to speak truth to power on LinkedIn. We’ll also dig into his advice for Comms teams within Corporate America. Parry shares how he went from keeping politics off his profile to becoming one of LinkedIn’s boldest voices against MAGA. He opens up about navigating backlash, finding his moral compass, and how speaking out hasn’t hurt his business.  He also offers candid advice for business leaders on the fence about joining the conversation: why policy is a safe entry point, and how authenticity builds more than just brand loyalty—it builds a loyal following. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:04) Facing the MAGA trolls(02:54) Turning negativity into positivity(05:55) Parry’s political awakening(07:56) The Associated Press and press freedom(09:10) Viral post comparing Trump to a hire(10:38) When business values meet political stance(12:18) The impact of political content on business(13:41) Balancing authenticity with client risk(15:48) Advice for corporate PR teams(18:00) Why more leaders should speak out(21:14) The most unexpected pleasant outcome(22:37) The daily toll of online trolls(24:28) Why his voice hits a nerveConnect with our guest:Parry Headrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parryheadrick/Learn more about Crackle PR: https://cracklepr.com/Connect with us:Take a Find Your Voice Cohort Class: https://www.goodisnow.com/classesVisit Good Now for Marketing and Branding: http://www.goodisnow.comAlaina Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris Vogel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Follow Citizen Rebel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenrebelpodcast/#Learn more about Good Now: https://www.goodisnow.com/

In this episode, Alaina Shearer and Chris Vogel, the team behind the purpose-driven agency Good Now, unpack how brand archetypes shape messaging, identity, and the way brands take a stand.Together, they break down what archetypes are, why they matter, and how to use them to create values-aligned content that resonates - without losing your voice. From McDonald’s as the Innocent to Greenpeace as the Hero, this conversation is full of examples and insights for marketers and founders navigating how to speak out, stay consistent, and connect with their audience.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:01) Brand archetypes explained(02:31) Finding your voice and overcoming challenges(12:23) Examples of archetypes in branding(19:00) Rebel vs. Hero: Key differences(21:09) Exploring Hero brands(23:31) The Innocent archetype in branding(29:29) LinkedIn marketing strategiesConnect with us:Alaina Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris Vogel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Follow Citizen Rebel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenrebelpodcast/#Learn more about Good Now: https://www.goodisnow.com/

“If love hasn’t won—it’s not the end.”In this episode, we talk with Trevor Silva, co-founder of My Cluck Hut, a Nashville-based eco-friendly bath and body brand. By taking a stand against MAGA, Trevor’s sales are skyrocketing. Trevor shares how a deeply personal breaking point turned into a business mission, why he and his wife decided to speak out against MAGA, and how a viral reel led to a $43,000 in sales in one day. He also talks about why creating safe spaces is more than just good business—it’s a revolution.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:59) The viral post that changed everything(07:58) Facing backlash and going viral again(15:17) Creating a safe space(19:59) The ramifications of speaking up(25:27) Laughing in the face of adversity(33:27) Standing up for your valuesConnect with our guest:Trevor Silva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-silva-7405b6278/Follow My Cluck Hut on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycluckhut/Learn more about My Cluck Hut: https://mycluckhut.com/Connect with us:Alaina Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris Vogel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Follow Citizen Rebel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenrebelpodcast/#Learn more about Good Now: https://www.goodisnow.com/

Citizen Rebel is a podcast dedicated to featuring brands who are taking a stand against MAGA.In this kickoff episode, hosts Alaina Shearer and Chris Vogel share the impetus behind this show, discuss the dangers of brands staying silent, and how small businesses might hold the key to fighting rising authoritarianism.Alaina and Chris open up about their personal ties to this fight, from family history to political activism, and lay the groundwork for what Citizen Rebel will stand for in a divided America.Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Alaina and Chris(00:49) The purpose of Citizen Rebel(04:02) The role of media and brands(07:33) Consumer activism and brand decisions(14:15) The tipping point where brands will have to speak upConnect with us:Alaina Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris Vogel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Follow Citizen Rebel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenrebelpodcast/#Learn more about Good Now: https://www.goodisnow.com/

This is the podcast for founders, small business owners, and bold influencers who refuse to stay silent. In a world where democracy, equality, and the planet itself are under threat, CitizenRebel shares the stories of those who use their brands—and their voices—to push back.Co-Hosts & Brand Strategists Chris Vogel and Alaina Shearer of Good Now go behind the scenes with entrepreneurs and content creators who are risking it all to take a stand, challenge extremism, and build something better. Because in times like these, staying neutral isn’t an option—and the bravest brands know it.Listen to learn how you, too, can take a stand.Connect with us:Alaina Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/Chris Vogel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/Follow Citizen Rebel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citizenrebelpodcast/#Learn more about Good Now: https://www.goodisnow.com/