Beyond Resistance Pod

Beyond Resistance: Local politics and how to build Blue Power in a Red Community and Start Winning! With Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz

Episodes

Feb 24, 2026

49 min

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

Feb 24, 2026

49 min

Feb 19, 2026

1 hr 14 min

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

Feb 19, 2026

1 hr 14 min

Feb 17, 2026

55 min

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

Feb 17, 2026

55 min

Feb 12, 2026

1 hr 4 sec

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

Feb 12, 2026

1 hr 4 sec

Feb 10, 2026

1 hr 45 sec

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

Feb 10, 2026

1 hr 45 sec

Feb 5, 2026

45 min

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

Feb 5, 2026

45 min

Feb 3, 2026

47 min

🚨 New Episode: Beyond Resistance Podcast 🚨
What actually turns awareness into action? And why is “performative” activism not the insult people think it is?
In this episode, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin dig into how movements really grow—starting with the small, imperfect first steps people take when they’re waking up politically. From pink hats to protest signs, they break down why gateway actions matter and how calling people in (not out) is how you build real power.
Then they’re joined by Barb Byrum, Ingham County Clerk, former Michigan state representative, longtime election administrator, and current Democratic candidate for MI Secretary of State for a wide ranging, refreshingly real conversation. Barb pulls back the curtain on how elections actually work, why local clerks are the unsung heroes of democracy, and how misinformation spreads—and gets stopped. She also talks about using social media to educate (with facts and humor), standing up to election denialism, and what it means to “cause good trouble” without losing your humanity.
You’ll hear stories from the front lines of election administration, sharp takes on activism culture, and plenty of laughs along the way—including a lightning round chat about first jobs that somehow makes everything feel very on brand.
Smart, honest, and zero fluff—this episode is for anyone who wants to understand how change actually happens and why every step forward counts.
🎧 Listen, learn, and level up.
Find more episodes on your favorite podcast platform, or at beyondresistancepod.com.
To learn more about Barb Byrum and her campaign for MI Secretary of State visit barbbyrum.com.
#LocalElections #Michigan #ElectionIntegrity

Feb 3, 2026

47 min

Jan 29, 2026

53 min

🔥 Soccer Moms, Mutual Aid, and Building Power Without Permission 🔥
This episode of Beyond Resistance is fueled by rage, laughter, and some seriously effective organizing.
Sarah Schultz and Jennifer Austin kick things off fired up about women—especially the so‑called “soccer moms” who keep getting underestimated while quietly running protests, food trains, mutual aid networks, and entire communities. Spoiler alert: no one’s getting paid, no shadowy cabals required—just deeply competent people pivoting existing networks and getting stuff done.
From pandemic-era mutual aid to today’s grassroots resistance, this convo pulls back the curtain on how “overnight movements” are actually built: relationships, group chats, Facebook pages, and people who refuse to sit still when their neighbors need help. It’s organizing without permission, and it works.
Then, the pod welcomes Nikki Porcher, a powerhouse out of Georgia who somehow manages to be all of the following: Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, nonprofit founder, podcaster, single mom, and Democratic candidate for Georgia Labor Commissioner. Nikki breaks down what a Labor Commissioner actually does (hint: it matters a LOT), why Georgia is more politically flippable than you think, and how community—not consultants—is the real engine of change.
If you’ve ever felt like the only blue dot in a red place, this episode is for you. It’s funny, honest, occasionally unhinged (in the best way), and packed with real-world lessons on how people—especially women—are building power, together.
🎧 Hit play. Get fired up. Then go do something.
Find this episode and more on our website and wherever you get your podcasts: beyondresistancepod.com
To learn more about Nikki Porcher visit: voteporcher4ga.com

Jan 29, 2026

53 min

Jan 27, 2026

37 min

What happens when you refuse to give up on democracy—and decide to be a good neighbor instead?In this episode of Beyond Resistance, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with Congresswoman Sarah McBride for a wide ranging, soul stirring conversation about hope, coalition building, and what it actually takes to win in this moment. Fresh off a powerful exchange, Sarah McBride drops wisdom after wisdom on why outrage can’t be the end of the conversation—and why curiosity, grace, and bold policy can coexist.From breaking down “dunk culture” and algorithm fueled anger to making the case for paid family leave, higher wages, and universal healthcare, this episode is a masterclass in meeting people where they are without shrinking your values. McBride makes a compelling case that democracy only works when we believe people can change—and when we prove that government can deliver.You’ll hear:• Why democracy is rooted in faith in one another• How to build winning coalitions in red (and very online) places• What “being a good neighbor” really looks like in polarized times• Why hope isn’t naive—it’s necessary• Plus: cozy winter vibes, soup season, and a little reality TV 🧣🍲📺If you’re exhausted, discouraged, or wondering how we move forward from here—this conversation will leave you fired up, grounded, and ready to build that blue power.🎧 Press play. Hope required.Find this episode and more on our website or wherever you get your podcasts!@CongresswomanSarahMcBride

Jan 27, 2026

37 min

Jan 21, 2026

1 hr 13 min

Beyond Resistance Pod drops you straight into the living room energy chaos of two politically savvy women—Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin—who show up every week with receipts, rants, heart, humor, and a rotating cast of badass guests.In these episodes, you’ll hear Sarah and Jennifer kick things off with their signature Fired Up segment, swapping what’s keeping them up at night—from community trauma to viral videos to the nonstop stress of living in a country that feels like it’s permanently in crisis mode. Then Jennifer flips the script with the things that spark hope: new candidates stepping up, crowded primaries where there used to be none, and the thrill of watching “regular” people transform into real contenders.The Kali Scales interview is classic Beyond Resistance energy: candid, funny, emotional, and deeply human. Kali—writer, performer, storyteller, former Esports radio host, and State House candidate—opens up about her transition, growing up blue collar, reclaiming patriotism, fighting “for all,” and why storytelling might be the most underrated political skill of our time. The trio dives into cognitive dissonance, tribalism, inequity, extinction bursts, and the chaos of modern America—all while laughing, roasting, and keeping it real.They nerd out about Dungeons & Dragons. They talk unions, autonomy, inclusivity, and chili recipes. They unpack burnout, build community, and remind listeners that resistance looks like activism and living your life.It’s smart. It’s messy. It’s real. It’s the pod you turn to when everything feels like too much—and you need people who get it.Find this episode and more right here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts! You can also visit our website for episodes, the Blueprint for Building Blue Power and more!#GrassrootsOrganizing #LocalElections #Detroit

Jan 21, 2026

1 hr 13 min

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