Extracurricular with Stephanie Vanos and Eddie Geller

After a two-week hiatus, Steph and Eddie return with Florida Representative from District 44, Rita Harris. We start by going into a bit of Rep. Harris’s background, how she made the decision to go from activism to electoral politics, and how reality differed from expectations of what it would be like to be a member of the Florida House of Representatives (14:20). We then talked over two of the bills that Harris sponsored that made it into law from the most recent session, but also some of the most distressing pieces of legislation that passed (24:40). Then, of course, we dug into the recent redistricting/Gerrymandering that’s taken place in Florida but also how we keep fighting when times are tough (38:20). Finally, we engaged in a little bit of hope for the 2026 midterms, dug into the story of how Rep. Harris started out as a Theater Kid, and shouted out her own podcast: In Session with Rep. Rita (54:56). In Session with Rep Rita Podcast Rep. Rita Harris Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Steph and Eddie begin this week’s episode with a recap of some OCPS business: Denim Day, a debate about the dress code, and SAFE coordinator cuts. Then they welcome Lee Perry to the podcast (14:20). Lee is a climate activist, campaigner, and podcast host here in Orange County. Lee begins by discussing her background in climate activism and how she works to bring together folks with differing views. Next, the crew discusses institutional barriers to making change in local government and what we can do to change that. They also talk about how we’re failing students and young people when it comes to education around climate change (45:46), and how important it is to be an involved and accessible elected official. Lastly, we dig into Lee’s podcast, Organizing to Victory, and how Lee recharges. Lee Perry Organizing to Victory podcast Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Florida House Representative and U.S. Senate Candidate Angie Nixon is on the pod! But first, Eddie and Steph discuss Attorney General Uthmeier’s recent statement indicating that he will not enforce the Constitution or Florida’s laws and that he will permit public funds to be used for religious charter schools (5:42). They then welcome Rep. Nixon (14:07) who talks about her background and how that led to her advocacy for public education and her concern about the school to prison pipeline (17:54). She talked about her early introduction to public service (21:52), bills she has fought for during her six years in the Florida House (24:36), and the relationship between low lawmaker salaries and out-of-touch lawmakers (28:48). Then, they dig into her campaign to replace Sen. Ashley Moody in the Senate (31:42) and where we go as a nation in a post-Trump world (41:47).    Angie Nixon for Senate Website AngieforFL (Instagram) Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Steph and Eddie are back from Los Angeles and are at least 10% cooler. After catching up on their trip, their time at No Kings, a discussion on the salaries of legislators, they unpack the ins and outs of making a policy at OCPS. Steph starts by walking through what a policy is (22:49). Then, after a quick diversion into the intricacies of public comment at OCPS (27:15), Steph explains how citizens can have an impact on policy (33:50). And lastly, Steph explains how she prepares going into the policymaking process (36:55).  Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Eddie and Steph welcome Dr. Mara Schiff to the podcast. Dr. Schiff is an Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University and a former member of the School Board of the School District of Indian River County. She has many qualifications! But we brought on Dr. Schiff to discuss restorative justice and how it applies to our schools. We begin with Dr. Schiff’s background and talk through her time on the school board during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (7:43). Then we get to the heart of the matter by defining restorative justice, how it can be used in our schools, why it can be a more effective alternative to traditional punishment, and how it can tackle racial and socioeconomic disparities (24:45). After covering the substance of RJ, we address the elephant in the room (or at least, Eddie’s room)—”This sounds woke!” (50:59). Lastly, we discuss whether restorative justice can help us find justice in a post-Trump world for our most elite lawbreakers and what is the future of restorative justice (53:51). Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Happy (belated) International Women’s Day! Steph and Eddie celebrate by welcoming a dear friend, and absolute mensch, Susan Windmiller. As the title suggests, Susan makes s**t happen here in the Orange County Democratic Party. We started by getting Susan’s background in government work, how she got started organizing and raising money, and whether we’re too quick to dismiss folks in our party who have more wisdom and experience (10:08). Susan then talked about translating her government experience into the work she does now in fundraising and connecting to donors (25:30). Eddie then requests a point of privilege to ask Susan to gush about Steph as a school board member (37:31). Finally, Susan lays out what your local party actually spends its money on and what she thinks the electoral prospects are for Florida Democrats in 2026 (51:52). Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

This week, Eddie and Steph welcome Parker Molloy, a writer covering media, politics, and the world around us on her Substack, The Present Age (10:20). Parker begins by explaining her journey to becoming an independent journalist and how watching hours upon hours of Fox News helped shape her thinking.  Next, she explains why it feels like there’s too much news, the tactic of “Flooding the Zone,” and how the hollowing out of the Washington Post, CBS, and other institutions are making it worse (25:55). Parker then makes the direct connection between media narratives on the trans community, and the ability of activist legislators to enact real harms against the trans community (40:44). Then we delve into Trans Athletes In Sports and how nearly everything about that conversation has been misguided (50:40). Parker Molloy (Bluesky) The Present Age (Parker’s substack) Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Steph and Eddie are back after a week off feeling refreshed and ready to go (eventually). They start off the show with a bit of table setting for our interview—including a definition of EdTech (it’s a portmanteau!). They then dip into Steph’s latest trip to Tallahassee with some legislative updates, a short recap of the latest State Board of Education meeting, and Eddie rants about the importance of Student protests.   Then, Eddie and Steph bring on author and former educator, Anne Lutz Fernandez. In addition to co-authoring a book about education, Anne created the resisting Resisting School AI Mania Help Sheet which has a great list of resources and research about the issues with AI integration into our schools (14:08). After walking through an intro into Anne’s own experiences with EdTech, the conversation moves into a few of the specific issues regarding AI in education (29:39). Anne addresses whether we’re seeing a “vibe-shift” on AI (46:25), and finally, what a vision for a robust public education system looks like (58:55).   Follow us: Anne (Bluesky) Nobody Wants This (Anne’s newsletter) Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

After spending an unusual amount of time discussing sports, Eddie and Steph welcome Louell to the pod to share her perspective as a young person navigating the world and actively trying to make it a better place for everyone (10:46). A junior in high school, Louell walks us through her early influences (shout out to her incredible mom!) and her work as a community organizer. Her values are deeply rooted in believing in the humanity of all people which led her to organize an Inclusivity Walkout at her school (28:57). The group shared their perspectives on the proposed ICE detention facility in Orlando (37:30) as well as the Florida Board of Education letter that was sent to all schools and parents in response to recent student walkouts and protests around the state (41:55). Lou ends the episode talking about what she would like to see from elected officials (49:41). Mentioned on the Pod: The Story Of The Mayor of Ohrdruf  Follow us: Louell Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Steph and Eddie kick off the show discussing a local ICE protest, a special election victory in Texas, news that Ron DeSantis is now going to take federal money for taxpayer-funded vouchers, and watching her daughter give public comment. We then move on to the heart of the show: Steph’s takeaways on a recent advocacy trip to our state’s capital, Tallahassee. We start with the fallout from the state’s taxpayer-funded voucher program (20:48), what it’s like in the room in her meetings with lawmakers (27:00), and the state’s response to Schools of Hope (33:25). Finally, Eddie lets out a little steam from his beer league hockey trials and tribulations—plus Eddie and Steph give a couple movie recommendations (46:16). Follow us: Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller  

After an emotional weekend, Eddie and Steph begin by addressing the murder of Alex Pretti and the ongoing occupation of ICE in Minneapolis. None of us know what comes next, but we hope for accountability of this lawless, reckless administration.  Then we get to our big interview: Aaron Parnas (10:45). We start by digging into how Aaron built such a large platform and what it says about the media, writ large. We asked Aaron how his perspective has changed since blowing up and what media consolidation is going to mean for him and the rest of the country (19:47). Lastly, Aaron gives us an update on what’s happening with the Epstein files—a story Aaron has been vigorously tracking—what elected officials are saying behind the scenes in Washington, DC, and what he thinks of the 2028 Democratic hopefuls (30:05). Take Action: Indivisible ICE Out For Good: https://indivisible.org/campaigns/how-rein-ice-now/ Follow us: Aaron Parnas Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

To start off the show Steph and Eddie touched on the ICE kidnappings in Minneapolis, the potential impact of ICE in Orlando, an (attempted) banned book that came in front of OCPS, and a quick recap of Eddie’s improv show.   Then, we invited activist and all-around powerhouse Linda Coffin to join the podcast (14:47). Linda has spent years advocating for children and specifically to end the scourge of gun violence. We begin by running through some bills being reintroduced by Congressman (and former Extracurricular guest!) Maxwell Frost (17:25). Next, the crew delved into the impact of active shooter drills on students and teachers (32:14). Finally, Linda laid out the importance of being active and involved (40:40).   Follow us:   Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Welcome to a new year with Extracurricular! Eddie and Steph welcome 2026 and catch up on current events in public education and in Orange County. They then welcome Venezuelan American Jose Gamboa to the show (15:00). Jose recounts his childhood in La Guaira and how former President Nicolas Maduro rose to power following the death of Hugo Chavez (21:00). Jose shares some of his experiences as part of the student protest movement and then his journey to America (32:30). After living in America for almost ten years, Jose describes his reaction to learning about the United States’ capture of Maduro last Saturday morning and how he has been processing the news (37:42). Jose shares his concerns about the political power transition and the group discusses what Venezuela’s political future might look like (49:45). They end the show with Jose’s message to Americans amidst the current international political climate and his call for more conversations, empathy and immigration reform (1:05:45).   Follow us: Jose Gamboa Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

It’s the end of the year! Steph and Eddie review 2025 by awarding some Roses, Buds, and Thorns—plus a few confessions! But before that, Steph touches recent school closures and a letter from the State Board of Education. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!  Follow us: Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

It’s time for some REAL journalism on the podcast. This week, Steph and Eddie welcome veteran independent journalist, Jason Garcia. We invited Jason to give us an overview of some of the most enraging scandals to come out of the DeSantis administration starting with Hope Florida (12:45). But things get more juicy—just a few days before recording the podcast, another shoe dropped with an incredible investigative piece from the Tampa Bay Times, which we spent some time digging through (25:13). Afterwards, we explore its impacts, why DeSantis was so desperate to beat Amendments 3 & 4, and then we touch on the $84 million dollar land purchase blessed by the Florida legislature (47:10). Finally, we asked Jason about what’s coming ahead in the 2026 legislation session, and listener, we were not happy about what we heard (58:10)!   Tampa Bay Times: DeSantis admin diverted child welfare and medical funds for consultants, ads   Follow us: Seeking Rents Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

This week, our duo starts off by discussing Steph’s exploits at the FSBA (Florida School Board Association) Conference and who got booed during their speech. Eddie and Steph also share their (wildly differing) athletic exploits. Then, we get to Steph’s first solo interview (!) with Hillsborough County School Board member, Jessica Vaughn. Jessica and Steph follow up on a thread from a previous episode: Does Florida want public education to fail (20:09)? Then, on an incredibly related topic, they discuss the disaster that is Schools of Hope, and importantly, what it means when schools are under-enrolled (30:26). Jessica then addresses her latest thinking on running for Governor of Florida, along with a discussion of the top two candidates in the race (43:47). Finally, Jessica lays out the one thing she would do to improve public schools in Florida if she had the chance (55:33). Follow us: Jessica Vaughn Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

We’re back after digesting our Thanksgiving dinner and ready to pod! Before getting into the interview, Steph and Eddie discuss the latest with school start times and where we think the community stands (8:40)—and then also a discussion on whether Trump is cooked (15:07).    After the initial chatter, we bring on Eddie’s favorite guest ever to join the pod—Eddie’s dad, Richard Geller (21:22). Born in the Silent Generation, Richard has seen a lot both in America and in Florida. We delved into his time as a history teacher, and then what he sees as the similarities and differences between what’s come before, and where we’re at now (37:06). And finally Richard explains why the Trump administration is indeed the most frightening administration he’s ever lived through (45:48).  Follow us: Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Before getting to today's interview, our tenacious podcasters answer the burning question on everyone's mind: What is the Phoenix Declaration? Steph and Eddie share some thoughts about the Florida Board of Education’s recent adoption of this Declaration (5:40), followed by a warm welcome to Rebecca Thompson, a School Board Member in Broward County, Florida. Rebecca fills us in on the current state of affairs in Broward and the (12!) town halls she has recently hosted (12:55). She talks about what it means to live in a state that consistently handicaps public education and the efforts districts and boards are taking to ensure our students continue to thrive in this climate (27:25). The group discusses how to be an advocate in your community (41:11) and Rebecca shares her vision for what our public schools could look like outside of survival mode (48:00).    Follow us: Rebecca Thompson Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Steph and Eddie open the pod talking about a wide range of issues, from pumpkin dates, to whether yoga causes flat tires, to a brief explanation of Florida’s Sunshine Laws (7:55). They then welcome Chris Mitchell of Statecraft Media to the pod again to discuss his thoughts on the recent election (13:41). He noted that this was the first election in several years where candidates did not overly focus on President Trump’s actions and rhetoric and instead put forth solutions and a resonant vision for the future (25:43). They talked about what this may mean for Florida in 2026 (34:09) and the entry of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings into the Governor’s race (45:46). They concluded the conversation by highlighting the importance of elected officials standing strong against the attempts by the federal and state governments to usurp power and trample laws and rights (54:20). A special guest discusses a few missing items and brings the episode to a close (1:06:13). Follow us: Chris Mitchell Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

The government may be shut down but Steph and Eddie are still podding. This week, Steph and Eddie bring Stephana Ferrell to the pod (12:25). Stephana is the Director of Research & Insight at Florida Freedom to Read Project and a tireless public school advocate. Stephana was one of the first to flag the new Florida standards for teaching the evils of communism coming to public schools across Florida (18:01). The new standards have been called "propaganda" and a “rewriting” of history. After going through an overview of the new proposed standards and how they came into being, Steph outlines what can be done on a local level to fight back against this indoctrination (32:07). Finally, Stephana gives us the most recent update regarding book bans in Florida (44:31).   Head here to leave a comment about the communism standards: https://flrules.org/gateway/View_Notice.asp?id=30130642   Follow us: Florida Freedom To Read Project Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Eddie and Steph welcome Daryl Perritt to the pod this week to discuss Florida's "Free Kill" law. This carve out in Florida's Wrongful Death Act limits the ability of family members to file lawsuits for medical negligence, or malpractice, for adults who are 25 years or older and do not have a spouse of children. Daryl begins by sharing a bit about himself and the business he and his son, Cameron, have run for over a decade (6:07). He then talks about Cameron's medical history and the events surrounding his last visit to the hospital (10:43). They discuss the history and broader ramifications of the Free Kill law (18:38) and round out the episode by talking about Daryl's goals in educating people about the law, and his advocacy efforts to repeal it during this legislative session.  Support Daryl: https://www.floridafreekill.org/ Orlando Sentinel: Grieving father erects billboard welcoming motorists to ‘free kill’ Florida Follow Us: Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Eddie and Steph welcome Liz Barker, School Board Member for Sarasota County Public Schools, to the pod. The topic of conversation is the sneakily named Schools of Hope: the latest rendition of privately owned and operated schools funded by our public tax dollars. Liz begins by defining Schools of Hope (20:17) and shares more information from her recent Opinion Piece in the Herald Tribune titled, Sarasota schools could become rent-free spaces for others. We must act now. (30:07) They discuss the ramifications of Schools of Hope being allowed to co-locate in any of our traditional schools, not just the schools that have been labeled as “persistently low performing,”  and the Hope operators’ stated intention to ultimately take over the entire school. Liz inspires us all to take action and to fight back against these Schools of Hope (50:43). We bring the episode to a close by discussing Liz’s newest neighbor on the dais - the School Board Member she defeated in 2024 (55:10) - and how Liz maintains her mantra of community over chaos even in the most challenging times.    2026 Sarasota Legislative Agenda    Liz’s Op-Ed: “Sarasota schools could become rent-free spaces for others. We must act now.”   Follow us: Liz Barker Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

It’s our post-Yom Kippur edition of Extracurricular and Steph and Eddie are ready to atone (but mostly Eddie).  Steph and Eddie welcome an activist, OCPS parent, and dear friend: Elly Kennedy (14:30). Elly has been supporting students in and out of the classroom since her now-high school daughter was in kindergarten. We begin by explaining the work Elly did to get her a Volunteer of the Year award and why it matters to find the students that the system is missing. Then, we dive into how a parent sees what OCPS is (and isn’t) doing for our students, and how much pressure kids and parents are feeling (35:35). Towards the end, we do a rapid fire round on a range of topics (1:00:43), before having a substantive discussion on the punk and hardcore scene, and how to know when it’s the right time to buy a house (1:21:42). Follow us: Elly Kennedy Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

It's Stephanie's birthday! We celebrate by complaining about food and a certain car manufacturer that shall not be named.  And if that wasn't enough to be excited for, we interview two folks from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Briana Rebello and Erika Spence to talk about food insecurity and the work Second Harvest does (11:11). We dig into why the work of feeding our neighbors is more important than ever (17:04), some not-so-obvious effects from the Big, Ugly Bill (23:15), and the work Second Harvest does in schools and why preventing stigma is such a key part of their job (31:17).  Support or get involved with Second Harvest Central FL: https://feedhopenow.org/ Follow us: Second Harvest Central Florida Extracurricular Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

What a week! Eddie and Steph recap their time in Washington, D.C., this week including Steph’s testimony at the Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee where she urged the members to invest in public schools, and Eddie’s unexpected sighting at Compass Coffee (3:40). They then discuss the controversy surrounding the discontinuation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and implications to the First Amendment (18:30). Our resident comedian (Eddie) shares his take on the historical role of comedians in authoritarian regimes, and Steph and Eddie talk about the culture of fear takeover that is being felt from boardrooms to nonprofit spaces to elected officials (25:40). They end with some encouragement and ways to fight back (40:00).   Watch: Opening Doors to Opportunity: The Promise of Expanded School Choice & Alternatives to 4-Year Degrees (Steph @ 46:30) Follow Us: Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

This week, Steph and Eddie begin with some unusually substantive banter. Steph starts off by addressing a recent letter from the State Board of Education threatening teachers and calling into question their First Amendment rights in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination (4:15). Afterwards, Eddie rants about OCPS’s decision to join in the appeal with the Florida State of Board of Education.  But then they get to the heart of the podcast: Making Florida Actually Healthy with Dr. Jaime Candelori. We start by getting Dr. Candelori’s take on Florida’s intention to repeal vaccine mandates, what actually happens when someone gets the measles, and how it all connects to the dangers of MAHA (19:35). They then move on to a discussion of two enormous scourges of the 21st century: social media and gun violence (44:55). Finally, Dr. Candelori makes the affirmative, data-backed case for later school start times (1:08:17).   Follow us: Dr. Jaime Candelori Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller  

In his solo podcast debut, Eddie asks Judi Hayes why she is suing Steph (13:02)! Judi Hayes, a public education advocate and mom of two OCPS students, is the Plaintiff in a lawsuit that sues the State Board of Education and the Orange County and Volusia County School Boards, which includes Steph in her official role (not in her unofficial role as a co-host of this podcast). Judi provides some answers, discusses the importance of having a broad array of books that serve all students on school library shelves, and describes how the State is trying to redefine well established First Amendment law (20:47). Eddie and Judi then discuss the broader implications of banning books and quashing free expression (26:21). Judi relates the State's argument that school library books are "government speech" and therefore not subject to the First Amendment, and how Judge Mendoza thoroughly crushed that argument in his Order. (36:19). Judi and Eddie discuss their thoughts on how OCPS should respond and its options as it relates to this Order (41:03). They end the episode sharing the potential outcomes of this lawsuit (48:20).    Follow us: Judi Hayes Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller Lucero Music

This week, Steph and Eddie bring on Orlando City Commissioner, Shan Rose. Shan was just elected in 2024 but has been working on making Orlando better for many years prior. As we like to do, we began by giving Commissioner Rose an opportunity to explain what she does for the city (13:20). Shan explained why safety is her number one priority but how that doesn't always look the same for every constituent (16:20). We then dove into the ongoing Pulse crosswalk controversy, and how an under discussed aspect is the loss of home rule (25:53). That brought us into how federal directives attacking DEI are hurting communities and businesses (37:07). We end on a discussion of Shan's favorite book, The Color of Law, and all the ways racism is still shaping policies and behaviors (45:10). The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America   Follow us on Instagram:  • Commissioner Shan Rose  • Extracurricular Podcast  • Stephanie Vanos  • Eddie Geller

This week, Steph and Eddie had the pleasure of welcoming a dear friend: Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost. If you haven't heard of Rep. Frost, he's one of the most exciting up-and-coming Democrats in the entire nation, and he just so happens to be the Representative for District 10 where Eddie an Steph reside. We start by asking the big question: Are Democrats meeting the moment (16:28)? Rep. Frost then gives us an insight into what Republicans are saying behind close doors and why they're not speaking out (32:14). Finally, after discussing the GOP plan for a national taxpayer funded voucher program (45:32), we ask Frost where he thinks Democrats need to go when they regain power and what's giving him hope for the future (50:29).   Follow us on Instagram:  • Rep. Maxwell Frost  • Extracurricular Podcast  • Stephanie Vanos  • Eddie Geller

We did something wild this week—we took our podcast in front of a live audience at the Monday Scaries show at City Arts in Downtown Orlando. What it lacks in audio quality, it makes up for in charm! That said, if you want to skip the less-than-crisp audio, you can jump to 9:16. This week, we sat down with Orange County Commissioner, Kelly Semrad. Kelly recently stood up to the DeSantis administration by voting AGAINST a transportation agreement between Orange County and ICE (14:24). Kelly explains what went into that decision and how it distracts from the actual work her voters elected her to do (25:50). Next, Kelly explains what voters can do to retake power in future elections (39:55). Then, we touch on Orlando’s Vision 2050 (RIP) and why it was so important (47:28). Finally, Kelly has a call to action for residents of Orange County on August 25 (58:30).   FOLLOW US: Extracurricular Podcast Kelly Semrad Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Extracurricular welcomes a dear friend—and Steph’s former campaign manager—Scott Hottenstein. Scott is a former teacher, former candidate, public education advocate and now campaign manager & consultant. With all those hats, we let Scott walk us through why public education matters (9:44). That leads into a deep discussion on public education funding, why it’s so paltry here in Florida, and why it matters so much (16:50). We then bring some threads together to reemphasize the power of public education in our politics and how candidates should be fighting for schools on the campaign trail (38:07). Finally, Eddie gets the goods and asks Scott about Stephanie Vanos the candidate versus Board Member Vanos (42:37). Follow us on Instagram:  • Scott Hottenstein  • Extracurricular Podcast  • Stephanie Vanos  • Eddie Geller

Eddie and Steph open the episode chatting about the entry into their video era. They then welcome local senior policy advisor, Rachael Kobb from Central Florida Public Affairs, to the pod. Rachael works with some of Orlando's great leaders, and she shares how she worked her way up from a secretary at Orlando Health to representing many clients in Orange County in a wide variety of ways (13:55). She talks about a lobbyist's relationship with elected officials and the implications of term limits (20:15), and shares what a day in her life looks like (23:10). We discuss the power dynamics in Tallahassee as well as implications to local communities when federal funding and programs retract (28:00). We round out the episode with Rachael sharing what she wants you to know, meaningful advice we've received, and her fire take (36:48).   Follow us: Pod: @extracurricular_podcast Steph: @votevanos Eddie: @gellered

In front of the camera lens for the first time during this show, Eddie and Steph open the pod talking about their week including their takes on the Netflix show, Adolescence (spoiler alert at 15:30-22:00). They get into the podcast and Steph shares her mid-season/mid-year progress report as a new School Board Member (22:00). They discuss highlights from the first few months (25:07) and Steph shares her perspectives on what she has learned (30:50). They then discuss her areas of focus in the upcoming school year and her hope for parents (34:28). Finally, Eddie admits he’s been influenced and shares his newfound perspective on public education (42:50).   Follow us on Instagram:  • Extracurricular Podcast  • Stephanie Vanos  • Eddie Geller

This week’s conversation brings aboard the founder of Statecraft Media, Chris Mitchell. Chris is a consultant and insider—words we successfully put in his mouth—who begins by telling what, exactly, a political consultant really does (10:55). But beyond that, Chris lays out how to be a successful candidate and why authenticity is such a huge part of that. Afterward, Chris gave us some unfiltered takes on the early front runner for the Democratic nominee for Florida’s governor, David Jolly, and why it’s emblematic of a state party in disarray (32:25). Then, Steph and Chris then find their own groove making the case that education is a winning issue in Democratic campaigns (50:26). Finally, Chris lays out what the Mamdani win in NYC means for the Democratic Party going forward (1:00:09). Statecraft Media: https://www.statecraftdigital.com/  Follow us on Instagram: Chris Mitchell Extracurricular Podcast Stephanie Vanos Eddie Geller

Eddie and Steph welcome FL Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith mere days after making national headlines when he and a handful of other Democratic lawmakers were denied entry to Florida's immigrant detention camp, "Alligator Alcatraz." Sen. Smith walks us through the myriad ways that this camp is a dangerous grift and what happened when he showed up at the camp (8:55). Afterwards, we take a brighter turn as Sen. Smith explains how he—a lawmaker in the minority—got his anaphylaxis bill passed and turned into law (33:50). Finally, what is the TDT and why is Orange County uniquely hamstrung when it comes to spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year (50:32)?   Follow us: Pod: @extracurricular_podcast Sen. Smith: @carlosgsmith Steph: @votevanos Eddie: @gellered

Hope Adelson and Brady Warren Graham are two bright, young OCPS high schoolers who joined Steph and Eddie to discuss a wide rage of topics. They shared their excitement over Zohan Mamdani’s win in NYC and what Democrats need to replicate (15:45). We then delved into education issues, including what it’s like to lose a teacher, censorship, and the impact of taxpayer-funded vouchers (26:24). Hope and Brady also shared their divergent takes on AI in schools (50:51) and whether or not we should be eliminating class rank (1:08:37). Oh, and Eddie drops an F-bomb if you want to cover your ears (50:15)!   Email the pod: [email protected]   Follow Hope: @hopeadelson   Follow Brady: @the_brady08   Follow the High School FL Dems: @flhsdems   Follow Steph: @votevanos   Follow Eddie: @gellered List for books pulled mentioned in the episode: https://www.fftrp.org/addressing_state_actions_in_hillsborough_schools

The podcast welcomes an old friend but new podcast guest: Rep. Dr. Anna V. Eskamani (8:35). Anna gives us a debrief on this most recent legislative session--with an additional focus on education and a massive expansion of charter schools (27:07). Then, Anna talks about using her platform to do the most good (34:52). Finally, we round out by digging into what keeps Anna going during her downtime (41:35) and how she’s thinking about her run for mayor in 2027(54:14). Anna Eskamani on Instagram: @annaforflorida Stephanie on Instagram: @votevanos Eddie on Instagram: @gellered Shoot us an email: [email protected]

Steph and Eddie start off by talking about their experience at the No Kings Protest—plus Steph has some notes on video formatting. After, Steph explains exactly what happened at the Florida State Board of Education and what it means for Florida (10:15). Finally, Steph walks through the disappointment and fear that overtook the latest OCPS board meeting and how it led to books being pulled off library shelves (26:45).

Steph and Eddie begin by discussing two equally dramatic events: obtaining a Switch 2 this week and the recent Florida Board of Education meeting. They then welcome former member of the FL House of Representatives, Sean Shaw, and talk about David Jolly's entry into the race for Governor (7:25), the controversy at the DNC involving David Hogg (35:20), and how Sean predicted Trump's win based on barbershop banter (43:35).  

Congrats OCPS grads! Steph gushes about the graduations she's had the privilege to attend, then we investigate whether Eddie is getting enough protein and the latest on the FL budget process. Next, we get a 101 on charter schools from Steph and why not is all as rosy as it appears (12:22). Then, Texas is on the march to bring the Christian Nationalism into the classroom (27:05), and finally, we delve into the age-old question: Abundance or Anti-Corruption? (34:50)

We have a new name: Extracurricular! After doing a bit of a debrief on their week, Steph and Eddie dive back into Trump's B*g B**utiful B*ll and go over some of the truly wretched details (9:05). Then they talk a bit about the frustrations of communicating as a Democrat (21:35) before leaving to go see the new Mission: Impossible movie.

Our first guest! Steph and Eddie sit down with the Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, Samuel Vilchez Santiago, to discuss the secret sauce of Orange County (7:45). Samuel also goes into detail about how the Democratic Party needs to embrace immigrants in the age of Trump if they want to win elections (38:03). Sam's Instagram: @samuelvilchezsantiago Steph's Instagram: @VoteVanos Eddie's Instagram: @gellered Sam in Teen Vogue: "Democrats Have Lost Ground With Immigrants. Under Trump, They Need to Fight for Them"

Steph and Eddie recount a busy weekend and explain what a “Vibes Pocket” is. But much more importantly, they explain the plan to gut Medicaid, how it impacts our schools, and what we can do to stop it (13:38). Then they dig into a provocative article from the New York Times entitled, “Has America Given Up on Children’s Learning?"(22:57) Lastly, they dig into Dr. Oz and the MAHA movement (32:32).   Take action on Medicaid: ocasiocortez.com/savemedicaid   Follow Steph on Instagram: @VoteVanos Follow Eddie on Instagram: @gellered

Stephanie digs into some recent news about teacher layoffs (3:13) and then gives a quick update on the funding fight for AP, IB, CTE, AICE, and Dual Enrollment classes (6:37). Afterwards, Eddie and Steph count down their top (or bottom?) three bills from this most recent Florida legislative session (9:54). Lastly, Eddie and Steph debate the merits of political ambition and whether that’s a good thing, a bad thing, or just a thing (28:28).

On our inaugural episode, Steph walks through the first time a book challenge made it to the Orange County School Board (7:23), then we discuss the funding challenges facing Florida schools coming down from the Florida legislature (21:17) and finally how we should interpret Trump's sinking poll numbers (26:28).