The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald

Texas-25 Candidate William Marks on Book Bans, Voter Suppression, and Congress Ethics   Host Amy McDonald interviews William Marks, a 22-year-old Navy combat veteran and Democrat running for Texas’s 25th Congressional District against incumbent Roger Williams. Marks discusses Texas gerrymandering and voter suppression, says recent redistricting made the race more competitive, and argues the district needs higher turnout. He lays out a platform focused on affordability, expanding healthcare, breaking up monopolies, and ethics reforms such as banning congressional stock trading, ending the lobbying revolving door, overturning Citizens United, and pursuing term limits. Marks also recounts organizing a coalition that helped ove...

Advocating for Change in West Virginia: A Conversation with Kat Weiland   Follow Along with Kat's Campaign at Kat.Weiland.For.WV.House   Download the Civic App in the App Store or Google Play Store for all of your needs.   Host Amy McDonald welcomes Kat Weiland, a candidate running for the West Virginia House of Delegates, District 17, on The Foolish Optimist Podcast. Weiland, a teacher, mother, and native Appalachian, discusses her political stances, including being pro-union, pro-public education, and anti-school voucher programs. The conversation touches on a variety of issues including public education, state insurance, and the struggles of rural infrastructure in...

The Road to Indiana's Secretary of State: A Discussion with Blythe Potter   Follow along with Blythe's campaign https://www.blythepotter.com/   Download the Civic App in the google play store or Apple App Store   Host Amy McDonald welcomes Blythe Potter to The Foolish Optimist podcast to discuss her candidacy for Indiana Secretary of State in 2026. Blythe is an Army Military Corps veteran, a small business owner, and a community organizer. The conversation covers the importance of civic engagement, voter turnout issues in Indiana, and the need for transparent and accessible election information. Blythe shares her vision for making the Secretary of...

Finding New Leaders and Standing Your Ground: A Conversation with Ashley Bell

Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast sits down with Ashley Bell, a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina's 10th Congressional District. The discussion covers Bell's background as a public school teacher, physician's associate, and educator, as well as her commitment to expanding healthcare access, strengthening public education, and protecting reproductive freedom. Bell shares her views on uncompromising stances in politics, especially regarding healthcare, and the political shift she experienced alongside her career in healthcare. They also d...

Grassroots Politics and Anti-War Advocacy with Dr. Bryan Maxwell   Follow Dr Maxwell's campaign at Maxwell4Senate.com   Host Amy McDonald welcomes Dr. Bryan Maxwell, an anti-war candidate running for the US Senate in Illinois, on The Foolish Optimist podcast. Bryan shares his views on the intersection of climate change and foreign policy, highlighting the need to reduce global militarism for meaningful environmental action. They discuss Bryan's background as an environmental engineer and community organizer, touching on his strong stance on Medicare for all and taxing the rich. The pair also engage in a heartfelt conversation about Bryan's dedication to his do...

Dr. Candice Duvieihl and Her Campaign for Alabama's 5th Congressional District

Follow along with Candice's campaign at https://www.candiceduvieilhforcongress.com/

Get the Civic app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for your reps needs.

Host Amy McDonald welcomes Dr. Candice Duvieihl to the Foolish Optimist Podcast to discuss her campaign for the US House of Representatives Democratic Primary in Alabama's 5th Congressional District. Dr. Duvieihl shares her motivations rooted in her working-class background and highlights her qualifications as a government accounting expert and policy analyst. The conversation c...

Reviving the American Dream: A Conversation with Senate Candidate Hallie Shoffner   Follow along with Hallie's campaign at her website or on her socials:   https://www.hallieshoffner.com/ HallieShoffner across socials   Host Amy McDonald welcomes Hallie Shoffner, a sixth-generation Arkansan farmer running for the US Senate in Arkansas, to the Foolish Optimist podcast. Hallie Shoffner discusses her background, from growing up on her family's farm to pursuing higher education and eventually returning home to manage the farm. She shares her frustrations with the current political and economic systems that led her to run for office. Hallie Shoffner and Amy McDonald discuss a v...

The Foolish Optimist Podcast: Transforming Alabama's 28th District with Robert Hunter   Follow Robert's Campaign at Vote4RobertHunter.com    Download the Civic App in the Google Play Store or Apple Store to have your representatives information in the palm of your hand.   Host Amy McDonald introduces Robert Louis Hunter, a community organizer running for the Alabama State House District 28. Hunter discusses his vision for addressing economic and social issues in his community, emphasizing the need for better representation and policies that support working-class individuals. He highlights his community involvement, including his role in running the Gadsden free store and organizing Gadsden Prid...

The Voice of Youth: Leila Staton on Running for Office in Iowa

Follow along with Leila's campaign at LeilaForIowa on all socials. And download the Civic Politics in the Apple Store or Google Play Store to have your representatives in your hand.

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, the host welcomes Leila Staton, a 22-year-old progressive Democrat running for Iowa House District 54. Leila discusses her motivations for running, driven by anger at the current political system and the unmet needs in her community. She highlights key issues such as women's health, c...

The Foolish Optimist Podcast: Kyah Creekmore on Universal Healthcare and Policy Reform   Follow Kyah's Campaign at KyahCreekmore.com    In this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, hosted by Amy McDonald, guest Kyah Creekmore discusses his campaign for North Carolina's 5th Congressional District in the 2026 election. At just 24 years old, Kyah is a Generation Z organizer and policy advocate. He shares his personal story of growing up in a challenging environment and his vision for a future that includes universal healthcare, fully funded schools with six-figure teacher salaries, and the elimination of corruption in Washington, D.C. Amy and Kyah delve int...

Taking Back Power: Meet Alex Hawkins, Candidate for Michigan House District 55

Follow along with Alex's Campaign at AlexHawkins.org or on socials AlexHawkinsMI

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald talks to Alex Hawkins, a candidate running for state representative in Michigan's House District 55. Alex shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to a life dedicated to service as a US Army veteran, bomb tech, reserve sheriff's deputy, and EOD officer in the Michigan National Guard. The discussion dives into his reasons for running, focusing on affordability issues, h...

Valentina Mendoza: Breaking Barriers in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District   Follow along with her campaign at VoteVale.com or VoteVale on socials.   Join Amy McDonald on The Foolish Optimist Podcast as she engages in a deep and impactful conversation with Valentina Mendoza, a trans Chicana neurodivergent attorney running for Congress in New Jersey's 7th District. Valentina opens up about her life story, the struggles she has faced, and her vision for transformative, progressive leadership. The discussion covers diverse topics including the importance of lived experience in politics, economic justice, healthcare reform, and the pressing need for fearless, genuine representation. This ep...

The Foolish Optimist Podcast: Esther Kim Varet on Running for Congress in California's 40th District   Follow along at EstherKimVaret.com    In this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy interviews Esther Kim Varet, a congressional candidate running in California's 40th district. Esther shares her journey from Googling how to run for Congress to raising significant campaign funds and challenging the status quo. They discuss the importance of practical experience, bipartisan efforts, and the necessity for visionary leaders in today's political landscape. Esther also speaks on her personal motivations, balancing family life, and her unique perspective on why Congress needs mor...

Finding Common Ground: Lexy Doherty's Congressional Campaign   Follow along at https://www.lexydoherty.com/.    Host Amy McDonald talks with Lexy Doherty, a geologist, educator, and public servant running for Congress in Georgia's 10th district. They discuss the importance of people organizing for better conditions, the significance of unions and raising the minimum wage, and the challenges facing today's political landscape. Doherty shares her passion for addressing affordability issues, the cost of living, and advocating for rural communities often neglected by the political establishment. The conversation also touches on her campaign strategies, the power of grassroots mobilization, and the need for eff...

Revitalizing Rural Democracy: An Inside Look with Dana Owens Host Amy McDonald welcomes Dana Owens, President of the Jackson County Democratic Club in Alabama, to the Foolish Optimist Podcast. Owens goes in-depth about his unexpected rise in local politics, the revitalization of the democratic club in his county, and the importance of local and state elections in driving national change. They discuss the challenges of mobilizing voters in a historically red state, the impact of federal policies on local communities, and the importance of electing progressive candidates. The conversation also touches on the broader issues of corruption in politics, the...

Exploring Grassroots Leadership with Baltimore Delegate Candidate Matthew Menter | Foolish Optimist Podcast   Follow along with Matt's campaign at MattForMaryland.com   Welcome back to the Foolish Optimist Podcast, hosted by Amy McDonald, where we search for the next generation of leaders. In this episode, Amy interviews Matthew Menter, a candidate running for delegate of District 41 in Baltimore for the 2026 election. Matthew discusses his motivations for running, his love for Baltimore, and the various challenges facing the city, including disinvestment, racism, and economic disparities. He sheds light on his unique outsider perspective, focusing on his community engagement efforts and commitment to listening to...

Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from Itay Balely on Political Candidates and Training

Get involved at https://victoryinstitute.org/.

Host Amy McDonald welcomes Itay Balely, Director of Training at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, to The Foolish Optimist Podcast. They discuss the importance of political training programs that equip LGBTQ+ candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary for running for public office. Balely shares his experience working with the Human Rights Campaign and his current role at the Victory Institute, where he focuses on candidate training and motivation. The conversation explores the unique challenges LGBTQ+ candidates...

  The Rise of Progressive Voices: A Conversation with Emily Morgul   Amy McDonald, host of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, interviews Emily Morgul, a second-generation Turkish American running for the U.S. Senate from Texas. In the discussion, Emily explains how Roe v. Wade's overturn spurred her decision to run for office, highlighting her aim to represent marginalized communities. The conversation touches upon challenges related to healthcare, cost of living, and political corruption in Texas. Emily shares insights on the necessity of involving younger generations in politics and supporting skilled trades as viable career paths. The podcast concludes with light-hearted, random questions an...

The Role of Community in Supporting Veterans: A Conversation with FAFO Leaders   Get involved with FAFO at the https://www.fightagainstfascism.org/   This episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast features an engaging conversation with Jasmine Johnson and Amanda Reed from the Fight Against Fascism organization (FAFO). Host Amy discusses the importance of civic engagement, community involvement, and the unique roles individuals can play to support veterans and uphold social justice. Jasmine and Amanda share the origins and growth of FAFO, detailing how they connect with and support various communities, particularly focusing on veteran-led initiatives. They also discuss the complexities of ac...

Joey Marshall's 2026 Congressional Run: Community, Healthcare, and Rural Revitalization

You can donate to Joey Marschall - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joey-marschall-1

or follow his campaign on Facebook.

Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist Podcast interviews Joey Marshall, a Democratic candidate running for the sixth Congressional District in Wisconsin in 2026. Marshall discusses his motivations for running, highlighting the lack of Democratic candidates in past elections and his commitment to stepping up to make a change. He shares insights about his district, which is predominantly rural with significant farming and manufacturing industries. Key...

The People Behind the Candidates: A Conversation with Dee Elder   Host Amy McDonald engages in an insightful discussion with Dee Elder, a former candidate and current political consultant at New Way Forward Strategies. They delve into Dee's personal journey in politics, starting as a transgender woman in South Carolina, and her eventual candidacy against a state senator. The conversation also covers the challenges of campaigning, the importance of a volunteer coordinator, and the evolving media landscape. Additionally, they touch on broader topics such as anti-trans legislation, the impact of propaganda, and the necessity of hope in today's political climate.   00:00 Introduction and...

Hunter Garcia Miranda: Grassroots Change and Policy Priorities   Follow his campaign at HunterMiranda2026.com   Host Amy McDonald engages in a conversation with California attorney Hunter Garcia Miranda on 'The Foolish Optimist Podcast.' Miranda discusses his background in law and politics, focusing on his shift towards challenging the Democratic Party establishment.   He emphasizes the need for bold policy changes, particularly in immigration and reducing corporate influence in politics. The conversation covers voter misinformation, the economic burden on middle and lower-class Americans, and a detailed look at local and international issues, such as the situation in Gaza. Miranda also outlines plans to...

Conversations on Comedy, Law, and Modern Political Realities   In this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy sits down with Ish, a former lawyer turned comedian and TikTok creator known for her series 'Revenge Ideas from a Lawyer That Won't Get You Arrested'.   They dive into Ish's unorthodox career journey, mental health struggles during law school, and transition into stand-up comedy. They discuss the absurdities of legal work, the impact of economic and social issues on everyday lives, and the critical need for systemic change. The conversation wraps up with reflections on societal values, the potential for a feminist-led revolution, an...

The Power of Grassroots: Daniel Byron's Campaign for Pennsylvania's Ninth District   Follow Daniel Byron and his campaign at ByronForCongress.com   Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist Podcast converses with Daniel Byron, a single father, full-time student, and retail manager running for Pennsylvania's Ninth District US Congress seat in 2026. Byron, disillusioned by the Democratic Party's lack of strong candidates and inspired to take action following Trump's second-term win, aspires to represent ordinary people. He highlights his efforts to connect with voters on key issues like affordability, healthcare, and digital reform. Byron shares his views on impactful grassroots campaigning, the importance of...

Anthony DeRibas: Advocating for Real Change in Florida's 16th District   Follow along with the campaign at DeRibasForCongress.org or AnthonyDeRibasforFL16 on socials   Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast engages with Anthony DeRibas, an independent candidate running for Florida's 16th Congressional District. DeRibas shares his journey from his first political run in 1998 to his current campaign, emphasizing the need for debt reform, civil liberties, and true working-class representation in Congress. He discusses the barriers faced by independent candidates, such as closed primaries and steep ballot fees, and outlines his platform focusing on housing, healthcare, and immigration. DeRibas also critiques th...

Building People-Powered Leadership: A Conversation with Andres Castro

You can follow his campaign at CastroForGeorgia.com 

Host Amy McDonald engages in a discussion with Andres Castro, a software engineer and working-class advocate running for Georgia's fifth congressional district. Castro, who is committed to universal healthcare, strong labor protections, and affordable housing, shares his vision for a fairer economy and society. He discusses his initial motivation to enter politics following a personal crisis, his strategy for his campaign likened to a tech startup, and the importance of workers' rights and fair wages. The co...

Navigating Political Campaigns: A Deep Dive with Delaware County Dem Chair Kathleen Hayek   Host Amy McDonald sits down with Kathleen Hayek, the chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee, on the Optimist Podcast. Kathleen shares her journey from being an artist to a pivotal political figure, explaining her early influences and passion-driven political work. The discussion covers the roles and responsibilities of county chairs, the intricacies of campaign management, and the importance of grassroots engagement. They also touch upon the significance of supporting candidates, the impact of campaign finance reforms, and the necessity of blending passion with practical strategy in r...

Empowering Communities: J'Kwan Fulmore's Mission for Fayetteville City Council -

Donate to the campaign http://secure.actblue.com/donate/jkwan-fulmore?refcode=directory

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, hosted by Amy McDonald, we meet J'Kwan Fulmore, a progressive candidate running for City Council in Fayetteville, North Carolina. J'Kwan, a traveling chef, educator, and founder of the nonprofit 'Everybody Eats,' shares his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to creating solutions for food insecurity and advocating for equitable resource allocation in the city. He discusses the systemic gaps that pe...

Empowering Local Communities: A Conversation with Matthew Glover - Follow his campaign on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MatthewGloverForHouseDistrict12/

Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast interviews Matthew Glover, who is running for the Alabama State House District 12 in a special election. They discuss Glover's background, his previous tenure on the Good Hope City Council, and his commitment to returning power to local government from the state. Glover shares his views on pressing issues such as state control over local municipalities, the impact of state laws on rural and urban communities, Medicaid expansion, the...

Follow along with Drew's campaign at WilliamsForKY.com

Host Amy McDonald sits down with Drew Williams, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district, to discuss his campaign and vision for the district. Drew, a lifelong Marshall, Kentucky native, emphasizes the importance of improving rural infrastructure, promoting small-town business, and enhancing congressional ethics. During the episode, Drew talks about the need for grassroots initiatives, small business incentives, and community upliftment. He also shares his insights on healthcare accessibility in rural areas and systemic corruption in politics, advocating for greater transparency and reform in...

Folllow Robert on tiktok, instagram, substack or youtube at Defiance13    Host Amy McDonald engages in a conversation with Robert Arnold, a writer, poet, and activist from Helena, Arkansas. Arnold discusses his blend of Southern storytelling with political activism and touches on his current work with political candidates, including writing for Halle Schaffner who is running against Tom Cotton. They delve into topics such as climate and heat waves, the frustrations with political misinformation, the importance of social services, and the shortcomings of the American political system. Arnold also shares his insights on the broader landscape of partisan politics, the challenges fa...

Follow Jordan's campaign at electjordan.com 

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Jordan Wood, a US Senate candidate from Maine. Jordan discusses his background in combating corruption through his work with Democracy First and End Citizens United. He outlines his 2026 campaign priorities, focusing on fighting political corruption, democracy reform, and addressing key affordability issues such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. Jordan shares his experiences living in Maine and Washington, DC, his stance on bipartisan cooperation, and the impact of big money in politics. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust with v...

You can follow Josh's campaign at JoshTaveras.com   Empowering Change with Josh Taveras   In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy McDonald interviews Josh Taveras, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from New York's Second Congressional District. Josh, a proud gay Dominican American and first-generation college graduate, discusses his motivation to run for office and his commitment to implementing bold, people-first policies. They delve into Josh's background in community organizing, his focus on issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights, and his grassroots campaign efforts. Josh also shares his personal experiences and how they dr...

Deep Dive: The Importance of Down Ballot Races with Kyle PhD (follow him on TikTok and Bluesky at KyleIPHD)

In this special episode of The Foolish Optimist, host Amy McDonald interviews Kyle PhD, a neuroscientist who turned to TikTok during the 2024 election cycle. They discuss Kyle's journey from earning his PhD in neuroscience to becoming a viral voice on TikTok, highlighting down ballot races across the U.S. They explore the significance of local elections, the impact of grassroots activism, and the importance of addressing propaganda in today's political landscape. Tune in to hear about Kyle's inspiring...

Follow Jasmine's Campaign for US Senate out of Oklahoma at NkiylaforOK on all socials

Campaigning for Change: N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas on Equity, Representation, and Tribal Sovereignty

In this episode of The Foolish Optimist podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a senatorial candidate for Oklahoma. Jasmine shares her background as a proud nurse, military spouse, and Chickasaw woman, and discusses her historic run for the U.S. Senate. She emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families, equitable healthcare, and real support for military and special needs families. Jasmine also speaks about her...

Follow Loren's campaign at LorenColinForCongress.com.   On this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald welcomes Loren Colin, an independent candidate running for the US House District 34 in California. Colin, a Southern California native with a background in marketing and technology, discusses his journey, motivations for running, and his vision for progressive policies to break the current two-party system. The conversation covers a range of topics, including healthcare, housing, homelessness, economic disparity, and the importance of empathy and anti-racism. Tune in to hear Collin's thoughts on the need for governmental change and how his unique perspective aims to a...

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Steve Schwab, who is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 44. Follow his journey on socials or at his website at SchwabforTexas.com   Schwab shares his fascinating life story from growing up in Boston, dealing with family challenges, serving in the Army, to his transition into academia. He discusses his motivation for running for office, focusing on removing MAGA Republicans and the importance of winning local elections to impact national outcomes. Schwab emphasizes on working with people across political divides, the importance of rural voices, and h...

In this episode of the Foolish Optimist podcast, Amy McDonald engages in a deep conversation with Joyce Takako, a TikTok influencer known for organizing lists of Democratic candidates. You can follow her work @joycetakakoedgington 

They discuss Joyce's journey from LGBTQ activism to political involvement, the importance of healthcare reform, and the urgent need for better veteran care. Joyce, a cancer survivor and single mom, shares her current focus on supporting progressive candidates and empowering voters through social media. The episode highlights the significance of community activism, the impact of grassroots efforts, and the necessity of electing empathetic a...

Follow Elijah on TikTok at ElijahKingNC, Insta at ElijahKingforDurham, or on his website https://www.elijahkingfordurham.com/   In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Elijah King, candidate for Durham City Council Ward One in the 2025 election. A lifelong Durham resident and community organizer, King discusses his motivations for running, including addressing the needs of diverse communities such as Black and brown residents, workers, and small business owners. He highlights key issues like transportation, small business support, and youth opportunities. King shares his personal stories of overcoming challenges and emphasizes his grassroots approach to campaigning. The d...

In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Dani Sterbinsky, a Navy veteran and HR professional running for the US House of Representatives seat in Arizona's Ninth District. Dani discusses her background, motivation for running, and the key issues facing her district, including education funding and economic inequality. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots campaigning and building community networks to reach voters. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, her stance on various policies, and the challenges of modern political campaigning.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:58 Dani's Background and Motivation 02:14 Life in the Navy 05:02 Post-Navy Career and Socia...