Beyond Resistance Pod

Beyond Resistance: Building Blue Power & Bold FuturesWelcome to Beyond Resistance, the unapologetically real podcast where grassroots grit meets big-picture vision. Hosted by Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin, we’re here to flip the script on what it means to organize, lead, and thrive in communities that feel left behind.In this episode, we go deep with Rachel Howard—combat medic turned healthcare leader, mom of four, and now a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat. Rachel brings the receipts: 14 years of military service, a Purple Heart, and a career dedicated to veterans’ health. She’s not running to “be” something—she’s running to DO something. From navigating childcare chaos during the pandemic to calling out political stagnation, Rachel shares why integrity and lived experience matter more than polished talking points.But that’s not all. Sarah and Jennifer kick things off with a fiery convo on collective community vs. toxic individualism, why mutual aid is more than a buzzword, and how we dismantle the “comply or die” mindset that’s poisoning our culture. Expect raw honesty, a little righteous rage, and a whole lot of hope.If you’re tired of echo chambers and ready for conversations that challenge, connect, and inspire action—this is your space. Grab your coffee, your curiosity, and maybe a notebook. Because building blue power in red communities? It’s not just possible—it’s happening.🎧 Listen now and join the movement beyond resistance.Find this and all episodes on our website: beyondresistancepod.comDownload the Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power, a free PDF to help YOU get started building blue power in your own community!#USSenate #Michigan #Veteran

Beyond Resistance: Special Pod – The Minneapolis ICE ShootingA U.S. citizen was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis and the shockwaves hit hard. In this urgent episode, hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin sit down with fellow organizers Kelly Taylor and Laura Bell Phillips to unpack what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.This isn’t just about one tragic moment—it’s about unchecked power, systemic failures, and the communities fighting back. From the raw details of the incident to the national implications, we dive deep into the reality of paramilitary-style policing and the erosion of civil rights.If you care about justice, accountability, and building resilient communities in the face of authoritarian overreach, this conversation is for you. Tune in, get informed, and join the movement—because silence is not an option.

Welcome back, Resistance Crew! We're transforming grit into power, big feelings into bold action, and blue energy into real life momentum for local organizing right here in our red-tinted communities. Today we’re diving into a story that is equal parts heart, hustle, holy crap that’s relatable, and “wait, she did WHAT?!”Today's guest didn’t just decide to run for office — she practically got launched into it by faith, fear, floodwaters, and a whole lot of fire. Meet Serenity Hope Salak: lifelong Michigander, mom, substitute teacher, former caseworker, professional helper of humans, and, yes, brand new Democratic candidate for Michigan Senate District 35. Serenity went from growing up in a trailer park, navigating food stamps and Medicaid, to earning degrees, surviving red tape, and doing the quiet, unglamorous work of lifting others up — one kid, one family, one hard day at a time.And then?Life said: “Hey, Serenity — time to level up.”Serenity found political inspiration in community challenges like the 2020 Midland floods, the January 6th insurrection shaking foundations, a Michigan church shooting disrupting Sunday school, and a persistent inner voice that refused to be ignored saying: Good people should run for office . . . and you're a good person!Next thing she knows, she’s filing campaign paperwork at the literal last minute, building a platform, and inspiring her daughter so much that the kid said her campaign theme song should basically be “Burn the House Down.”Serenity isn’t here to play it safe — she’s here for democracy reform with kindness, courage, accountability, and a whole lot of “let’s freaking go.”So buckle up, friends.This isn’t just an interview.It’s a spark.

Welcome back to the Beyond Resistance Pod, where your hosts Sarah and Jennifer help turn red district BLUES into red district WINS — armed with caffeine, community power, and the occasional existential scream. Today’s episode? Oh, buckle up. Because we are joined by none other than Dr. Pamela Pugh — scientist, public health expert, longtime public servant, environmental justice warrior . . . basically the Beyoncé of community problem solving (minus the singing, plus more spreadsheets).Pam Pugh has done things most of us only Google when the group chat gets political: chemical engineering at DuPont and Dow, 14 years in environmental health, helping fix children’s living conditions, leading coalitions across business and faith communities, and yes — working at ground zero during the Flint Water Crisis. She’s seen stuff. She’s fixed stuff. She’s probably held a meeting during a crisis inside another crisis — and still managed to remain extremely polite about it.She’s also spent a decade on the Michigan State Board of Education, which means she’s survived: curriculum debates, pandemic-schooling chaos, budget battles, and at least three thousand people shouting “I read a thing on Facebook!” in public comment. If endurance were an Olympic sport, Pam would be on that podium!In this conversation, Pam brings the receipts on people-centered leadership, crisis decision making, and coalition building — all while staying grounded, hopeful, and laser focused on families and kids. You’ll hear stories about science, service, her parents’ fish fry traditions, and the kind of community organizing that makes you say, “Dang . . . I need to step up my life.”Grab your headphones, your beverage of choice, and a notebook labeled “How to Be a Better Human.”This episode? It’s that good.@DrPamelaLPugh #Michigan #SpecialElection #ElectionsMatter

On this episode, Sarah and Jennifer interview Chedrick (Yes it’s pronounced like Cheryl) Greene, who’s running for Michigan’s 35th Senate District — covering Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City, aka the land of hardworking folks and very opinionated snow.Who’s Chedrick?He’s basically the Avengers if the Avengers were just one guy:• 30 year Marine veteran who made Sergeant Major (peak of the enlisted world).• Fire captain, meaning he saves people, teaches rookies to wipe their feet, and supervises emergencies with a calm--but firm--dad energy.• Serial community volunteer who is everywhere — food drives, literacy programs, veteran groups, mentoring teens, you name it.Why he's running: While working as district assistant to Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet, Chedrick met everyone — farmers, school leaders, county officials — and noticed something big: people across the district have different lives but the same concerns . . . and he basically held the Senate office together like duct tape until someone could be elected.So he looked in the mirror and said, “If I were voting . . . I’d vote for me.”And thus, a campaign was born.What he stands for: Community, service, showing up, and doing the work without needing a camera pointed at him. He believes small things add up — like snowflakes eventually covering a whole yard. (He’s clearly done real time in Michigan winters.)Fire captain life? He sees people on their worst days and treats them with care, respect, and boot wiping etiquette. He wants firefighters to be at community events before emergencies — especially because it helps recruit future firefighters (and gives kids a chance to honk the horn).Hype songs?• Before debates: “I Ain’t No Joke.”• After rough days: “Off the Wall.”This man is service, sincerity, and swagger wrapped in firefighter gear.

Strap in, folks, because this week’s episode of Beyond Resistance is a whole vibe: part political strategy, part existential dread, part cough drop powered survival. Jennifer kicks things off sounding like a chipmunk who swallowed a bag of Ricola, and honestly? It only adds to the ambiance.The duo dives head first into Leftist-on-Leftist crime on Threads, where Jennifer encounters the classic hot take: “Democrats need to get out of the way for the real leftists.” Cue the alarms, caveats, disclaimers, and Jennifer gently reminding the internet she is a leftist—just one who believes winning makes more progress than acing the purity test. Extra credit gets you nowhere in this Midterm!From there, Sarah and Jennifer drag the “entitlement to the party infrastructure” mindset straight to the curb, lighting it on fire with the truth bomb of the day: nobody gets automatic control of a political party. Want power? Earn it. Door by door, vote by vote, yard sign by absurdly-sized order of yard signs.Then the mood takes a turn as they process a cascade of heavy national and international tragedies—Bondi Beach shootings, Brown University, and a truly awful celebrity-family news story—paired with the depressing cherry on top: a political figure responding with all the grace of a malfunctioning Roomba. Sarah coins the mood of the week: disquieted. Same, girl.But hope returns in Step Five of building blue power: movement mindsets. The big ones?✨ Go big or go home (looking at you, 4,000 purple yard signs)🌱 Live in abundance (there’s always more pie. Don’t be stingy!)🔮 Be authentic (no schmooze-robot energy)The episode wraps with favorite quotes—from the Serenity Prayer to Rumi to Lord of the Rings—because if you’re going to fight for democracy, you may as well take wisdom from wizards.All in all? A raw, real, funny, heartfelt episode proving that even on heavy days, movements move.#mindset #2026election #organize #GetStarted #BuildBluePower

Ever wonder what it takes to build blue power in a sea of red? Spoiler: It’s not magic—it’s people, passion, and a dash of tech savvy. In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin share how everyday conversations are fueling a grassroots glow-up.The Spark:Jennifer’s fired up because people—especially young folks—are eager to get involved. From swim meets to rainbow-filled birthday parties, she’s meeting future activists everywhere. The message? People want in. They just need a path.Community = PowerSarah reminds us that connection is key. Their recent holiday party wasn’t just festive—it was proof that blue dots exist even in red spaces. Bonus: new volunteers stayed late to stack chairs. That’s commitment.The Nuts and Bolts:Step 4 of their Blueprint: Tech and Data. Tools like Michigan’s VAN (voter database) and your own social media strategies amplify impact. Sarah nails it: Decide with data, lead with heart. Data helps campaigns target efforts and tailor messages without losing authenticity.Social Media & Strategy:Jennifer shares tips like avoiding links in posts (thanks, Facebook algorithm) and using Canva for graphics. Social media isn’t one-and-done—it’s a conversation. Mistakes happen, but progress beats perfection.Holiday Joy:Activism doesn’t take a holiday, but traditions keep things fun. Jennifer hauls home a massive Christmas tree (think 16 feet of festive glory), while Sarah skips cozy mornings for Christmas adventures. Both agree: joy matters.Bottom line? Organizing is equal parts heart and hustle. Start small—create a Facebook event, write a letter, join a local party. The movement needs your magic!For more ways to listen and to find our Blueprint go to beyondresistancepod.comSubscribe, like, share to help us spread our message.Patreon and Venmo available through our website if you want to support our efforts to build blue power in red communities!#volunteer #bluepower #organize

Sarah and Jennifer talk about resisting the urge to respond to rage-bait trolls, navigating healthcare absurdities, and the discipline of channeling that fire into action. They then break down what it really means to show up--intentionally, consistently, and authentically--in red-leaning communities. From PTA meetings to swim meets to musicals: there is always a chance to make an impression and build blue power!Find the Blueprint and the pod at beyondresistancepod.com#bluepower #showup #politics #standup

What if changing the world doesn’t start with debate . . . but with thread, zines, and a room full of strangers? Sarah and Jennifer talk with Shannon Downey--craftavist, activist, and author--about building community through creativity, slow relationship-building, and neighborhood connections. They unpack why power grows one person at a time, why activism isn’t instant gratification, and how a crafternoon and curiosity can open doors that judgment slams shut. De-radicalize conversations, soften conflict, and keep communities connected—even across political divides. From “I notice, I wonder” to talking with non-Democrats (but maybe not your dad . . . yet), they explore curiosity as a radical activist tool and the antidote to influencer-era certainty.For more on Shannon, check out badasscrossstitch.com and seriouslybadasswomen.comFor the pod, Blueprint, and more go to beyondresistancepod.comPurchase Shannon’s book Let’s Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers at all major retailers, but please check out your locally owned and small shops first! (Especially during the corporation Economic Blackout this week!)#ShannonDowney #Craftavism #Activism #curiosity

Sarah and Jennifer welcome Virginia organizer and campaign worker Jiamie Pyles who is fresh from a cycle of big Democratic wins to talk about how the real magic happens on porches, not pundit panels. They unpack why community-rooted campaigning is the secret sauce behind Virginia’s momentum and reveal which emoji represents the state of politics today. Hint: it's not a smiley face . . . Find all episodes, Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps to Building Blue Power, and more at www.beyondresistancepod.com. Subscribe to our Patreon or donate via Venmo to support our work! Subscribe, like, comment, share!#organize #virginia #2025Election #2026Election #BlueWave