Beyond Resistance Pod

Ep. 58: Vote for Ethan! He’s . . . Normal? A Wildly Refreshing Political Conversation

This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer are fired up (shocking, we know) — and they’re taking you from “kitchen table issues” to the wild world of real-life political chaos, media buzz, and the everyday struggles Americans are carrying everywhere except an actual kitchen table.They dive deep with Ethan Wechtaluk, a smart, grounded, actually normal human running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District. Ethan’s a dad, a long-time public servant, a first-generation activist-at-heart, and—oh yeah—a Virginia Tech shooting survivor with powerful insight into what political courage really means.He talks candidly about what pushed him from political burnout into political action (spoiler: Congress voting like it’s still 1994 didn’t help). From gun safety reform to immigration, affordability, veteran care, and accountability within the Democratic Party itself, Ethan’s got the receipts, the rage, and the resolve, and he knows what it means to run in a “swingy” district during a high stakes 2026 election. Ethan may call himself “normal,” but his perspective on democracy, community power, and what Congress should be doing hits anything but ordinary.Stick around for the lighter side too: backyard BBQ debates, legendary deviled eggs, and Jennifer’s ongoing war against eating corn like a raccoon.If you care about saving democracy, electing real people, or just love a political podcast that sounds like two friends ranting in the car after a school board meeting, this one’s for you.Learn more about Ethan at EthanforMD.com — and let’s get to work building blue power in red communities. 💙🔥

Ep. 57: From Wu Tang to One Team: Curtis Hertel’s Guide to Fixing the Party

Strap in, organizers and blue state dreamers — this week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk, strategy session, and “wait… did he really just say Wu Tang Clan?” vibes.Curtis brings the heat on what went wrong in 2024, what gives him hope heading into 2026, and why listening — like actual listening — might be the secret sauce to rebuilding Democratic power across Michigan (and every other red leaning corner of the country). From grassroots organizing to dignity for working class voters to why community members—not consultants from Delaware—should be calling the shots, Curtis lays out a blueprint that’s both refreshingly honest and totally actionable.You’ll hear stories about Midland’s slow but mighty march left, the pitfalls of transactional politics, the struggle to rebuild trust in communities that felt abandoned, and the surprising amount of wisdom gained from knock down losses. Plus, Curtis shares his “comeback playlist,” his multigenerational family story of public service, and a childhood memory involving a red wagon that will melt even the most hardened organizer’s heart.If you’re fired up about building blue power in red places, this episode is basically your new caffeine source. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your organizing game — because the 2026 Blue Wave isn’t going to build itself!Speaking of building a Blue Wave, download our free Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com@MIDemocraticParty

Ep. 56: From Pasties to Power: How Callie Barr Plans to Flip the North

Strap in, snowflakes (the avalanche kind, not the internet kind) — this week’s episode brings the heat and the heart. Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Callie Barr, Michigan’s 1st District congressional candidate, community powerhouse, veteran advocate, mom, attorney, mediocre violinist, and elite-level cookie distributor.Callie breaks down what it means to fight for an Affordable LIFE — literally. Local housing, Income, Food, Essential care. It’s not just a slogan; it’s a blueprint for dignity in rural America. From disappearing labor & delivery units to burnout in the healthcare workforce to the rising cost of just . . . existing, Callie gets real about what’s keeping Northern Michigan families up at night — and what she plans to do about it.We cover it all:• Why rural hospitals are hanging by a thread• How veterans get trapped in red tape instead of supported• What building a blue wave (or avalanche) looks like in a district roughly the size of a small nation• The power of tiny protests in tiny towns• Why yard signs actually do matterPlus, in true Beyond Resistance fashion, we wrap things up with the most contentious political question of our time: How do you eat a pasty? (Callie’s answer may shock you. Or unite you. TBD.)If you’ve ever wondered what real, boots-on-the-ground democracy-building sounds like — or if you just want to feel a little less alone in your own red pocket of the world — this episode is your new therapy session.Plug in. Get inspired. And maybe grab a pasty.To download the FREE Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power visit: beyondresistancepod.comTo learn more about Callie Barr and her campaign visit: callieforcongress.com@Callie4Congress

Ep. 55: How to Flip a District and Stir an Old-Fashioned: Erin Petrey Edition

In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with the unstoppable Erin Petrey — Kentucky native, bourbon expert, international policy nerd, former diplomat, job‑creator, Kentucky Colonel (yes, really), and now candidate for Congress in Kentucky’s trending‑blue 6th District. Basically: if LinkedIn were a person, it would be Erin — but way more fun.We dig into what it means to run a bold, progressive, populist campaign in a red‑leaning district, and Erin brings the fire on everything from affordability, living wages, healthcare reform, Citizens United, renewable energy, and how Democrats need a serious “hard reset.” She explains why running for something, not just against Trumpism, is the key to flipping red districts and rebuilding trust with working‑class voters everywhere.Erin also shares:🔥 How she went from farm kid → Republican → Obama voter → progressive candidate🔥 What voters in rural counties actually care about (spoiler: the same things urban voters do)🔥 Why Democrats must stop talking down to rural communities🔥 What it means to stand up to corporate PACs and build a true grassroots movement🔥 How an old‑fashioned cocktail became the metaphor for her entire campaign (it actually works so check out her campaign video)If you’re working to build blue power in red communities, sharpen your grassroots organizing skills, or just want to hear a candidate with actual vision, this episode is your new favorite.Tune in, grab an old‑fashioned, and get inspired. 🥃💙To learn more about Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.comTo Learn more about Erin Petrey and her campaign: erinpetrey.com

Ep. 54: The Most Watched Special Election in America: No Pressure Chedrick!

In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer dive into the political whirlwind shaking Michigan’s 35th Senate District — and yes, it’s officially the most-watched special election in the country. No pressure, right?Fresh off a jaw dropping primary win where he snagged 60% of the vote in a six way race, Democratic nominee Chedrick Greene returns to the pod to break it all down. We talk big turnout energy, what’s firing up voters across Michigan, and why this purple district just turned a very bright shade of blue on primary night.Chedrick dishes on:🔥 What it’s like going from Marine → Fire Captain → Most Relatable Candidate in America™🔥 Why working class leadership is exactly what Michigan needs🔥 How to stay calm when the entire country is watching (and apparently refreshing Michigan Advance on the daily)🔥 The stark contrast between a candidate who shows up for the people vs. a multimillionaire heir who… does notOf course, we also unpack the wild politics brewing in Ohio, ICE related community concerns, democracy vibes, and why so many everyday people are stepping up to protect their freedoms (spoiler: because they have to).And don’t miss our signature “fun question” that reveals surprising stories about heroes, humanity, and color coded Marine Corps life.SEO goodies: Michigan politics, 2026 midterms, special election, Chedrick Greene, State Senate District 35, grassroots organizing, working class leadership, progressive podcast, democratic strategy, political analysis, voting rights, community activism.Tune in, laugh a little, rage a little, and get fired up — because building blue power in red communities isn’t for the faint of heart, but we make it fun. 💙🔥You can watch this episode and more right here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power on their website: beyondresistancepod.comTo learn more about Chedrick Greene and the most watched special election in America (for real!) go to chedrickgreene.com

Ep. 53: Eli Savit’s Mission to Protect Democracy and the Deep-Fried Pickle Side Quest

In this jam-packed episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Ace Deuce’s own Eli Savit — environmental lawyer, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, and candidate for Michigan Attorney General. Get ready, because this conversation goes everywhere: protecting democracy, taking on corporate bad actors, surviving feedback as community leaders, and why the SAVE Act is . . . let’s just say, not super democratic.Eli breaks down what’s at stake in Michigan (spoiler: a whole lot), why Attorneys General are democracy’s last line of defense, and how planning ahead for 2026 and 2028 elections isn’t optional — it’s urgent. From fighting PFAS contamination and wage theft to keeping AI from price-gouging us all during emotional airline bookings, Eli brings the receipts and the passion.Of course, this episode wouldn’t be complete without classic Beyond Resistance energy:🔥 Jennifer and Sarah unpack what real leadership looks like in red communities.🔥 A deep dive into voting rights, the SAVE Act, and why accessible elections matter.🔥 Eli’s completely serious quest to find Michigan’s BEST fried pickles (this becomes important, trust us).Whether you're organizing in a red county, fired up about building blue power, or just here for fried-pickle discourse, this episode delivers clarity, humor, and a whole lot of hope.Tune in, get inspired, and remember: the antidote to despair is ACTION. 💙Find more episodes right here on YouTube, on our website and on your favorite podcasting platforms.To learn more about Eli Savit visit his website: eliformichigan.com

Ep. 52: Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Pod with Michelle Glogovac

If you’ve ever wondered how podcasting, activism, and a dash of Real Housewives chaos could combine to fuel a political glow up, this episode is your new obsession. 🎙️🔥This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Michelle Glogovac — author, activist, founder of The MLG Collective, and the internet famous Podcast Matchmaker™ — to dig into how storytelling can literally build power in red communities.Michelle went from selling jet fuel (yes, actual jet fuel) to igniting conversations that spark empathy, community building, and political courage nationwide. She breaks down why podcasts are empathy machines, how to use your personal story as an organizing tool, and why authentic conversations matter more than ever in this era of misinformation and polarization.We talk:💙 Building blue power through storytelling🎙️ How to craft a message that connects with real humans🔥 What political candidates get wrong about messaging😂 Why podcasting sometimes feels like eavesdropping (with permission)🤝 How community organizing starts with one honest conversation✊ And yes . . . we discuss confronting MAGA energy at a Super Bowl partyThis episode is funny, fiery, deeply human, and packed with insights for activists, organizers, candidates, and anyone trying to make change from the ground up.If you’re working in community organizing, political communication, grassroots activism, or simply trying to figure out how to show up in your own town, Michelle’s wisdom is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed.Hit play, get inspired, and let’s build the world we actually want — one story (and one podcast) at a time. (And yes, Jennifer realizes she pronounced Michell's last name wrong. Michell was just too nice to correct her! At this point, she has to pronounce at least one thing wrong an episode or it would be weird!)Find more episodes here on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Subscribe to never miss an episode! You can learn more about Beyond Resistance at beyondresistancepod.comYou can find Michelle Glogovac at michelleglogovac.com and at themlgcollective.com@thepodcastmatchmaker

Ep 51: From Hockey Nights to Election Fights: Shkreli Shoots, Democracy Scores!

Get ready to lace up your skates and dive deep into Michigan politics, grassroots power, and the future of democracy in this electric episode of Beyond Resistance. Jennifer and Sarah sit down with Suzanna Shkreli — former prosecutor, lifelong public servant, first‑generation American, and Democratic candidate for Michigan Secretary of State — for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, fiery, and downright fun.Suzanna breaks down her journey from helping run her family’s restaurant to prosecuting tough cases, navigating crisis after crisis in the Whitmer administration, and now stepping onto the statewide stage to defend voting rights, protect democracy, and modernize the SOS office with bold ideas like digital driver’s licenses and expanded walk‑in access. She shares powerful insights on election security, fighting misinformation, serving rural communities, and building real blue power in red areas.You’ll also hear stories about competitive ice hockey, immigrant grit, young people finding representation, and what it really takes to prepare Michigan for 2026 and beyond. And because this is Beyond Resistance, of course Jennifer and Sarah bring the laughs, the vibes, and the real talk about community, courage, and the people who keep us going.If you’re passionate about Michigan politics, voting rights, grassroots organizing, Secretary of State elections, or just love a damn good conversation with smart women getting stuff done, this episode is your new obsession.To learn more about Beyond Resistance, visit our website: beyondresistancepod.comTo check out more about Suzanna Shkreli and her bid for MI Secretary of State, here's her website: suzannashkreli.com@SuzannaShkreliforMichigan #ElectionsMatter #ElectionIntegrity #ProtectTheVote

Ep. 50: Democracy Is Not on Autopilot (And Garlin Gilchrist Is Not Playing!)

What does it take to protect democracy, modernize government, and stand tall when voting rights are under attack?
Sarah and Jennifer welcome Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for a conversation that jumps from election security to tech nerd truth, with plenty of laughs and real talk along the way.
Garlin breaks down why the Michigan Secretary of State office is suddenly the main character in the fight for voting rights, election security, and data privacy—and why having an actual software engineer in the role matters when everyone (looking at you, Big Tech) wants their hands on our personal information.
You’ll hear why democracy doesn’t survive on autopilot, how local election officials are the real MVPs, and what it means to “stand tall” when intimidation, misinformation, and power grabs come knocking.
But don’t worry—this isn’t all doom and gloom. We also get:
• Twin parent solidarity moments 🍼🍼
• Why showing up in every Michigan county matters
• Favorite Michigan getaways (ice that chirps?! sunsets that stop time? yes please)
• A little Marvel energy and a lot of heart
This episode is equal parts serious stakes and joyful humanity—because building power, protecting democracy, and fixing broken systems doesn’t mean we can’t laugh while doing it.
🎧 Tune in and get inspired to move beyond resistance—toward action, connection, and a future that includes everyone.
For more about Beyond Resistance and to download our Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power, visit our website: beyondresistancepod.com
To learn more about Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and his campaign for MI Secretary of State, visit: garlingilchrist.com
#podcast #Michigan #ElectionsMatter

Ep. 49: Service Over Status: Running for More Than a Seat

What does it take to actually change the status quo—and not just talk about it?
In this episode of Beyond Resistance, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with Michael White, U.S. Army veteran, longtime union member, educator, and candidate for Michigan State Senate (District 15). From Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor and beyond, Michael breaks down why this moment demands new leadership—and backs it up with data. We dig into the hard truths facing Washtenaw County, including jaw dropping stats on income inequality and economic segregation, and why “business as usual” simply isn’t working. Michael shares what motivated him to run for office (again), why primaries should be about choice, not chaos, and how service—not ego—should be the foundation of public office.
You’ll hear:
🔥 Why Washtenaw County ranks last in Michigan for income inequality
🔥 What real “change the guard” leadership looks like
🔥 How unions, military service, and community work shape policy priorities
🔥 A refreshing take on respectful primaries and coalition building
🔥 A fun, human moment about childhood dreams (yes, really)
This conversation is grounded, insightful, and unapologetically focused on people—not politics as usual. Whether you’re a data nerd, a grassroots organizer, or just someone tired of the same old playbook, this episode is for you.
👉 Listen. Learn. Get fired up.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations building blue power in red communities.
You can find this episode and more on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!
#CommunityConversation #LocalPolitics #IncomeInequality