United SHE Stands
Education to empower. Action to drive change. Hosted by Ohioans, Ashley & Sara, United SHE Stands is an independent podcast helping everyday Americans get involved in politics. New episodes every Tuesday. www.unitedshestands.com
Your Guide to the Ohio Primary Election on May 5th
In episode 175, we break down the Ohio Primary on May 5th, walking you through statewide races, the Senate special election, Ohio Supreme Court races, congressional districts across the state, and more.
Resources:
* Our Ohio Primary Voter Guide (via Sway)
* Ohio - Find out what’s on your ballot!
* Find Your District
* Columbus Safety Collective - Issue 5 (VOTE YES)
* Voting in Primaries: What Are They?
* 2026 Midterm Election FAQ (League of Women Voters of Ohio)
* Democratic Party primaries in Ohio, 2026
* Ohio state executive of...
Young, Fired Up, and Done Waiting: Tom Herner for Ohio House District 37
In episode 174, we sit down with Tom Herner, Democratic candidate for Ohio House District 37, to talk about what it takes to flip a seat, fight public corruption, and actually represent the people who sent you to Columbus.
Tom Herner is a lifelong Ohioan, Centerville High School graduate, and Wright State University alumnus running for State Representative in District 37. Raised by union parents and conceived through IVF, Tom is a direct product of the public schools and reproductive healthcare he now fights to protect.
With over a decade of experience in banking, internal auditing, and entrepreneurship...
Run for Something, Fight for Everything, Change America with Amanda Litman
In episode 173, we talk with Amanda Litman, the cofounder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse leaders running for local office. We talk about what it really takes to rebuild Democratic power from the ground up and why the path forward might look different than you’d expect.
Since 2017, Run for Something has launched the careers of thousands of millennials and Gen Z candidates and in the process, changed what leadership looks like in America. Amanda is also the author of two books: When We’re In Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide...
We Have a Primary Challenger: Carl Setzer Wants to Represent Ohio's 14th Congressional District
In episode 172, congressional candidate Carl Setzer tells us how he went from insider to outsider. He was raised inside the ultra-conservative movement and is now running as a Democrat in Ohio’s 14th District with a very different vision for what public service should look like.
Carl Setzer, born in Ohio, experienced firsthand the consequences when powerful individuals in Ohio politics face no accountability. He has navigated through broken systems—government, corporations, and movements that demand loyalty yet deliver nothing in return. From factory floors to foreign capitals, Carl Setzer has witnessed who gets crushed and who rece...
Dad, Doctor, Democrat: Zach Rossfeld is Running for Ohio House District 7
In episode 171, we sit down with Zach Rossfeld, candidate for Ohio House District 7. As a practicing physician and former Ohio Medicaid official, Zach has seen firsthand what broken policy costs real people and he's done waiting for someone else to fix it. We talk healthcare, public schools, reproductive rights, and what gives him hope.
Zach is a dad and a doctor who’s running for quality, funded schools and for healthcare that puts people first. A lifelong Ohioan, he and his wife Kara are raising their two children (and puppy) in Clintonville. Dr. Rossfeld sees patients as an...
Influencer Expectations, Avoiding Accountability, and the Male Gaze: A Conversation with Haley Pepper
In episode 170, we’re joined by our new friend Haley Pepper! We dig into the nuance of whether influencers have a responsibility to speak up, how beauty culture and the male gaze are being reexamined, and what it really means to ‘protect your peace’ when the world is on fire.
Haley is a women’s health activist, birth and postpartum doula, NFL wife, and mom of two. She hosts Detoxed, which is an evidence-based wellness podcast dedicated to redefining and reclaiming women's health beyond trends and consumerism. She’s loud on social media about politics and we LOVE her f...
Ohio This Month: We’re Building Something New & BS at the Statehouse
In episode 169, we announce the launch of Ohio Creators for Progress, a digital organizing network bringing together creators from across the state to win elections online. We also break down some of the worst bills moving through the Ohio Statehouse right now and share how you can take action.
Resources:
* OhioBills.WTF
* TAKE ACTION: Ohio Statehouse 2025-2026
* Ohio House Bill 1
* Ohio Senate Bill 88
* Ohio Senate Bill 156
* Ohio House Bill 269
* Bill would require schools to teach Ohio students ‘success sequence’ as life path
...
People First Always: Jerrad Christian is for Ohioans
In episode 168, we chat with Jerrad Christian, Democrat running for Ohio's 12th Congressional District on a no-corporate-money, people-first platform. We get into healthcare, foreign policy, the economy, and what hope looks like when the stakes feel impossibly high.
Jerrad Christian grew up in rural Ohio in a working-poor family where government programs and community weren’t abstract policy debates; they were the difference between eating and not. He couch-surfed as a kid, watched his mom fight cancer with Medicare keeping her alive, and saw Social Security barely stretch far enough for the people in his life.
...
From Tattoo Shop to Capitol Hill: Sean Connolly Runs for Ohio’s 6th Congressional District
In episode 167, we sit down with Sean Connolly to talk about what it looks like to run for Congress as a labor Democrat in a true primary. We dig into his bold vision for investing in eastern Ohio, from high-speed rail to strengthening unions, lowering costs, and rebuilding the middle class, and what sets him apart from the rest of the field.
Sean Connolly was born and raised in Ohio and built his life around hard work, personal responsibility, and creating opportunity. As a small business owner for nearly a decade, he runs his tattoo shop on...
These Patriotic Millionaires Want to Tax the Rich and Pay the People
In episode 166, we sit down with Ashley Craig of Patriotic Millionaires to unpack how extreme wealth inequality took hold in the United States and what it will actually take to fix it. Ashley breaks down why “tax the rich, pay the people, and spread the power” isn’t just a slogan - it’s a roadmap.
Ashley Craig is a former finance and audit professional who has spent her career working primarily for large corporations like The Walt Disney Company, Interpublicgroup, and Morgan Stanley. Craig is a life-long environmentalist, advocate for fair taxation, and corporate social responsibility. She reti...
Still in the Fight: Rose Lounsbury Runs Again for Ohio House
In episode 165, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury to talk about why she’s running again for the Ohio House and what’s at stake for public schools, voting rights, and working families. We dig into vouchers, gerrymandering, healthcare costs, and what it will take to build an Ohio that truly works for everyday families.
Rose Lounsbury is running for State Representative in Ohio’s House District 36, which includes Kettering, Oakwood, Riverside, East Dayton, and downtown Dayton. A former public school teacher, the daughter of two retired teachers, and the mother of teenage triplets in public school, Rose i...
*BONUS* Inside Operation Metro Surge: Living Through This Moment in Minneapolis
In this month’s bonus episode, we talk with Minneapolis resident Emma about what it’s been like to live in the city during Operation Metro Surge, where two community members were murdered in the streets by federal agents. She shares what she’s seeing on the ground and how neighbors are showing up for one another in powerful, hopeful ways during an incredibly frightening time.
DISCLAIMER: This was recorded on Tuesday, February 10th. On Thursday, February 12th, Tom Homan, the Trump Administration’s “boarder czar”, said Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis was ending. We’ll believe it when we see...
Ohio’s GOP ICE Cooperation Package
In episode 163, we break down the Ohio GOP’s newly introduced “Cooperation Package,” a set of four bills designed to expand cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (ICE) across the state. We walk through what each bill would do, why they matter, and the real impacts they could have on Ohio communities. Plus, we share specific, immediate action steps listeners can take to make their voices heard.
Resources:
* OhioBills.wtf
* Ohio Republicans introduce multi-bill package to mandate cooperation with ICE
* House Bill 26 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature
* House Bill 200 | 136th Genera...
Amanda’s Mild Takes in a Brutal Political Era
In episode 162, we’re joined by Amanda Nelson of Amanda’s Mild Takes to talk about how power actually operates in the United States. We dig into the fears around the 2026 elections, the history behind modern immigration enforcement, and what real pro-democracy change could look like if Democrats retake Congress.
Amanda Nelson is an amateur historian and political content creator behind Amanda’s Mild Takes, a media brand that uses history, political science, and civics to explain how power actually operates in the United States. She publishes daily political analysis and action ideas for an engaged audience of ove...
A Do-Something Democrat for Ohio’s 15th District: Meet Don Leonard
In episode 161, we talk with congressional candidate Don Leonard about what it really means to be a “Do-Something Democrat” in this political moment. Our conversation spans the issues hitting working families hardest - from healthcare, childcare, and housing to economic insecurity, immigration, and accountability for ICE - and what practical action in Congress could look like.
Don spent the last decade as a City and Regional Planning professor at The Ohio State University and recently stepped away from teaching to run for Congress as a Do-Something Democrat in Ohio’s 15th District. A Medicaid kid turned educator and ne...
We Can Shape What Ohio Votes On in 2026: What You Need to Know About Ohio’s Potential Ballot Initiatives
In episode 160, we bring you our monthly Ohio-politics focus discussion and, yes, we’re already talking about what could be on your November ballot. We break down the four citizen-led ballot initiatives currently gathering signatures - from marriage equality and broad nondiscrimination protections to a proposal to abolish property taxes and an effort to end qualified immunity - so you know what they are and whether you should sign a petition to support them. We also flag urgent Statehouse bills on immigration and minors’ access to mental health care and share exactly how you can take action right now.
*BONUS* What Freedom Really Means: Debriefing The Nordic Theory of Everything
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.unitedshestands.com
In January’s ✨bonus✨ episode, we debrief The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen. We unpack how Nordic countries define freedom, independence, and care. We also explore how universal systems like healthcare, childcare, and worker protections can actually increase individual freedom. This conversation challenges what A…
Putting Voters First: Allison Russo on Her Run for Ohio Secretary of State
In episode 158, we sit down with Democratic candidate Allison Russo to discuss her run for Ohio Secretary of State, her record defending free and fair elections, and her vision for strengthening democracy for all Ohioans.
Resources:
* Campaign Website
* Donate to Allison’s Campaign
* TikTok
* X/Twitter
* Threads
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about hi...
From Combat to Congress: Hell Cat Cait Conley Is Ready to Get Sh*t Done
In episode 157, we’re joined by Hell Cat Cait Conley - a decorated combat veteran and national security expert running for Congress in New York’s 17th District. From protecting our democracy to fixing what’s broken in Washington, Cait shares why it’s time for leaders who know how to get sh*t done.
Resources:
* Cait Conley for Congress Website
* Hell Cats Website
* Donate to Cait’s Campaign:
* ActBlue
* Numero
* Cait’s Social Media:
* X/Twitter
* Blues...
Why Aren’t More People Disturbed? Political Apathy and Our 2026 Goals
In episode 156, we set our 2026 intentions and ask the uncomfortable question - why don’t more people care about politics? We dig into where apathy comes from, why it matters, and how we move from disengagement to action.
Resources
* Political Apathy | EBSCO Research Starters
* 10 Causes of Voter Apathy in the United States | GoodParty.org
* How Does U.S. Voter Turnout Compare to the Rest of the World’s? | Council on Foreign Relations
* The-100-Million-Project_KF_Report_2020.pdf
* Voter turnout in United States elections - Ballotpedia
* Dive...
From the Vault! Why You Should Care Way More About State and Local Politics: A Conversation with David DeWitt
Week Two of our holiday break AKA we’re re-releasing another goodie from 2025! Be sure to listen to this episode (or listen again) with David DeWitt to hear him talk about the importance of state and local news.
Original Air Date: August 12th, 2025
David is the Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief and a Opinion Columnist. He has been covering government, politics, and policy in Ohio since 2007, including education, health care, crime and the courts, poverty, state and local government, business, labor, energy, the environment, and social issues. He has worked for the National Journal, The New Yo...
From the Vault! It’s Not Just Your Budget—It’s the System: Katie Gatti Tassin on the Intersection of Finance and Politics
We’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from this year for our holiday break! Enjoy this conversation with Katie Gatti Tassin, where she talks about the intersection of money and politics. Already listened? Do it again - it’s been a while! 🤪
Original Air Date: June 3rd, 2025
Katie Gatti Tassin is the host of the Money with Katie podcast and author of the newsletter of the same name, both acquired by Morning Brew in 2022. Providing fresh personal finance advice that tackles the subject at hand with a unique outlook, her casual approach—coupled with deep, sel...
Inside the Ohio Statehouse: What You Need to Know & What Needs Your Voice
In episode 153, we kick off the start of our monthly series dropping Ohio-focused episodes, catching you up on the key legislation, power moves, and policy battles shaping Ohio politics. Don’t worry - we include any bright spots we can find plus action items every Ohioan should know.
Resources:
* Bill regulating drugs (including medication abortion pills) passes Ohio House committee
* Both parties get heat for Ohio’s new congressional district map as citizens look to future fights
* Child-sex abuse prevention advocates worried about proposed Ohio parental notification bill
...
Bridging the Disconnect: Adrianne Marsh on Reaching Today’s Voters
In episode 152, we sit down with Adrianne Marsh, longtime strategist, campaign leader, to dig into the evolution of voter behavior and the future of Democratic strategy. From digital ethnography to narrative research, she explains what campaigns keep getting wrong and how Democrats can more effectively connect, communicate, and win.
Adrianne Marsh is a veteran Democratic operative and CEO of Altum Insight. She has led and advised winning campaigns at every level, including managing Senator Claire McCaskill’s successful 2012 re-election, helping Democrats win back the U.S. Senate majority in 2006, playing a key role in Senator Michael Bennet’s 20...
The Blueprint for Building Blue Power in Red America with the Beyond Resistance Podcast
In episode 150, we dig into the blueprint for turning red turf blue with movement-builders Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz. The duo from the Beyond Resistance Podcast explains the steps, strategies, and first actions that help local organizers build lasting power.
Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz are the not-yet-famous-but-fiercely-effective duo behind the Beyond Resistance Podcast, where they dish hard-won lessons on flipping red turf blue. Jennifer—a strategic powerhouse who turned the Midland County Dems into a fundraising, vote-winning machine—has the numbers and receipts to prove that organizing can reshape a Republican stronghold. Sarah—an unflinching activist, former...
The Algorithm’s Trap: Unpacking the Alt-Right Pipeline with Jess Britvich
In episode 149, we are joined by our friend Jess Britvich, who helps us unpack how beauty, wellness, and “trad” content can become gateways to extremist ideologies. Jess breaks down how internet culture and algorithms subtly draw women into the alt-right pipeline and how we can pull each other back out.
Jessica Britvich is a former social worker turned content creator whose content addresses the intersection of internet culture, trends and politics through a progressive, feminist lens.
Resources:
* TikTok
* Substack
Connect with USS:
* Substack
...
Fixing Ohio's Broken Statehouse: Cara Jacob on Fighting for Working Families and a Fairer Ohio
In episode 148, we talk with our friend Dr. Cara Jacob about why she’s stepping up to run for the Ohio State Senate. From property taxes to public schools and healthcare, she shares what’s driving her campaign and how she hopes to create a fairer future for all Ohio families.
Cara was raised in a small town with a close-knit family who taught her the values of hard work, integrity, and caring for others. Her passion for helping people led her to pursue medicine and ultimately become a neurologist. In that role, she’s had the privil...
If She Can't Farm, She'll Fight: Hallie Shoffner’s Run for the U.S. Senate
In episode 147, we sit down with sixth-generation farmer and U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, who’s stepping out of the fields and into the fight for Arkansas. Hallie shares why she’s taking on Tom Cotton and how she plans to stand up for the farmers, families, and working people who’ve been pushed to the back of the line.
Hallie knows what it means to have to fight like hell for everything you have, and still get hammered by an economy that’s rigged against you--she’ll fight that rigged system every day, Tom Cotton’s the guy do...
On the Front Lines of Ukraine: Benjamin Goldhagen on Fighting Disinformation and Defending Humanity
In episode 145, we sit down with human rights advocate Benjamin Goldhagen, who has spent the last two years documenting the war in Ukraine and confronting Russian disinformation. His work offers a rare, unfiltered look at what’s really happening on the ground and why the world must not look away.
Benjamin Goldhagen is a committed human rights advocate and expert on Ukraine, deeply immersed in the region’s geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian challenges. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Benjamin’s personal history fuels his unwavering dedication to preventing atrocities and promoting human dignity.
When R...
The Fight for Fair Maps: A Panel Discussion on Ohio’s Redistricting Showdown with the Equal Districts Coalition
Ohio is in the middle of a high-stakes redistricting battle that will shape political power through 2032 and gerrymandering is once again threatening fair representation. In episode 144, we’re joined by members of the Equal Districts Coalition to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how Ohioans can demand fair maps.
Meet the Panelists:
Grace Metz is a second-year Computer and Information Science student at Ohio State University. She’s a recipient of the Morrill Scholarship and is deeply involved in her campus community. She currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for Ohio State’s chapte...
Trump’s Takeover and D.C.’s Fight for Power: A Conversation with ACLU-DC's Monica Hopkins
In episode 143, we sit down with Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, to unpack what happened when Donald Trump deployed the National Guard into D.C. and what that moment revealed about the city’s lack of power. Monica explains how D.C.’s unique status without statehood leaves its residents without full representation, vulnerable to federal overreach, and stripped of protections every other state enjoys. We also explore the broader fight for democracy, autonomy, and accountability in the nation’s capital - and why achieving statehood is about more than politics; it’s about...
Sam Grube Wants to Bring Gen Z Progressive Energy to the Ohio Statehouse
In episode 142, we are joined by Sam Grube, who is running for the Ohio Statehouse in District 18. Sam Grube grew up in Shaker Heights and has deep roots in the neighborhoods that make up Ohio House District 18, from Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights to East Cleveland, Orange and Warrensville Heights.
As a product of public schools and a lifelong Northeast Ohioan, Sam knows firsthand what our families, workers, and students face — because he’s lived it too. He cares deeply about affordable housing, and healthcare, and about making education better and more accessible.
Resources:
...
From Inside Turning Point USA to Progressive Activist: Caroline Stout on Deconstructing Conservatism
In episode 141, Caroline Stout shares her journey from growing up in a conservative household and working at Turning Point USA to breaking away from right-wing ideology. She opens up about the challenges of deconstructing her beliefs and embracing a progressive worldview.
Caroline is a lawyer, progressive political activist, and former conservative who has seen the inside of the movement and chosen a different path. She spent years in right-wing spaces before realizing how deeply misinformation, exclusion, and fear were shaping the narrative. Today, she uses her legal training and personal experience to unpack propaganda and help others...
Embedding the Next Generation’s Voice in Democracy with Aliza Lifshitz
In episode 140, Aliza Lifshitz, founder of the Youth Advisory Project, a nonpartisan initiative embedding youth voice into government institutions, joins us to talk about creating lasting pathways for young leaders in government.
Aliza is a national leader in youth civic engagement. With a background in public policy and youth organizing, she has led advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, co-authored nationally published op-eds, and advised offices across the country on launching Youth Advisory Councils (YACs).
She previously served as a coalition builder and strategic advisor at Giffords, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, YouthinGov...
Melanie Falls on Advancing & Protecting LGBTQ+ Equality with the Human Rights Campaign
In episode 139, we chat with Melanie Falls, a member of the National Board of Directors for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), about the amazing work the organization has done and continues to do.
Melanie has been involved in advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community for over thirty-five years. She has worked on the lecture circuit throughout NE Ohio educating about the LGBTQ+ community. She has presented at NEOUCOM, University Hospital’s Medical School, Social Work and Counseling Conferences to name a few.
She is a founding member of Equality Ohio and served as Board Chair in 2007-2...
Summoned: Ashley's Jury Duty Experience
Ashley had jury duty, and she’s taking you behind the scenes — from being summoned and selected to reaching a guilty verdict — she shares it all!
Previous USS episode we mentioned: From Summons to Verdict: The Jury Duty Experience
Connect with USS:
* Substack
* TikTok
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...
Fighting for Free and Fair Elections: Bryan Hambley on His Run for Ohio Secretary of State
In episode 137, we are joined by Bryan Hambley, who is running for Ohio Secretary of State. Tune in to learn more about him and what he would do if elected to help Ohio have free and fair elections!
Bryan grew up on a small family farm in a tight-knit community where he saw the impact of people coming together. When he was a child, the state tried to shut down his town’s small public school. The town of 800 people got into their trucks, drove to the state capitol, and made their voices heard to save the sc...
Mobilizing Gen Z: Sophie Christianson on Democrats Securing the Youth Vote
In episode 136, we chat with Sophie Christianson, an undergraduate student at the University of Richmond where she is the President of College Democrats. We talk about how democrats can win back Gen Z and how we lost them in the first place.
Sophie is majoring in Business with a strong interest in public policy. She has experience working on political campaigns and in nonprofit spaces, where she has contributed to voter outreach, community organizing, and policy research.
Most recently, Sophie just finished working as the finance intern for Lisa Vedernikova Khanna, a candidate running to...
Why You Should Care Way More About State and Local Politics: A Conversation with David DeWitt
In episode 135, we are joined by the face behind our favorite daily newsletter - David DeWitt! We start everyday by reading his newsletter, The Eye-Opener from Ohio Capital Journal, and we are thrilled he took some time to talk to us about the importance of state and local news.
David is the Ohio Capital Journal Editor-in-Chief and a Opinion Columnist. He has been covering government, politics, and policy in Ohio since 2007, including education, health care, crime and the courts, poverty, state and local government, business, labor, energy, the environment, and social issues. He has worked for the...
Health, Rights, and Resistance: Nan Whaley on Continuing the Fight for Reproductive Care, our Rights, and our Communities
In episode 134, we chat with our new friend, Nan Whaley! She talks to us about the current state of reproductive rights in Ohio and beyond. This conversation gave us just the boost we needed to keep fighting this fight!
Nan is a seasoned public servant with more than two decades of experience in local government. Since 2024, Ms. Whaley has served as the President and C.E.O. of Planned Parenthood Southwestern Ohio. She leads a team of 130 professionals in reproductive healthcare serving 23 counties. She is tenacious in the mission of expanding abortion access in a safe haven...
