Raised Red, Living Blue

Raised Red, Living Blue

A podcast about life as progressives in a deeply conservative state. Hosted by Jason Will and Sloane Rhoden.

  1. Meet Dr. Candice Duvieilh: What Competent Leadership Looks Like in Alabama

    1D AGO

    Meet Dr. Candice Duvieilh: What Competent Leadership Looks Like in Alabama

    Meet Dr. Candice Duvieilh: What Competent Leadership Looks Like in Alabama In this new episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Dr. Candice Duvieilh, Democratic candidate for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, for a conversation centered on preparation, policy, and what competent leadership actually looks like. A former public school teacher, government accounting expert, toddler mom, and wife of a disabled veteran, Candice brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her campaign. With degrees in public policy, public administration, and education, she makes the case that effective representation starts with understanding how government works — and how to make it work better. 📌 This episode focuses on:— Why qualifications and subject-matter expertise matter in Congress— Using data and fiscal discipline to strengthen public programs— Improving education through real policy, not slogans— Infrastructure, resource management, and accountability— Representing North Alabama with preparation and purpose— What it means to be ready to govern on day one Candice’s approach is grounded, practical, and solutions-oriented — emphasizing results, transparency, and stewardship of public resources. If you’re looking for a conversation about governing, not grandstanding, this episode offers a clear look at a candidate running on competence and commitment to North Alabama. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.comWanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 2m
  2. Building an Alabama That Works for Everyone | Taylor Cook

    5D AGO

    Building an Alabama That Works for Everyone | Taylor Cook

    Building an Alabama That Works for Everyone | Taylor Cook In the new episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Taylor Cook, Democratic candidate for Alabama House District 43, for a grounded conversation about stepping into public service in one of the toughest political environments in the country. Taylor talks about what led him to run — from personal experiences in his community to frustration with a state government that feels disconnected from everyday people. We dig into the realities of organizing in District 43, building local Democratic infrastructure from the ground up, and why showing up consistently matters more than party labels. 📌 This episode focuses on:— What it actually takes to run a grassroots campaign in Alabama— The challenges Democrats face in deep-red districts— Why local relationships and trust are the foundation of political change— How state policy decisions affect real people at the community level— The importance of long-term party building, not just election cycles This is a conversation about strategy, persistence, and the belief that representation starts with people willing to step forward — even when the odds aren’t in their favor. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to run for office as a Democrat in Alabama, or how change happens at the local level, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.comWanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    51 min
  3. More Than A Campaign: Mandie Ledkins on Representing Everyday Alabamians

    FEB 16

    More Than A Campaign: Mandie Ledkins on Representing Everyday Alabamians

    More Than A Campaign: Mandie Ledkins on Representing Everyday Alabamians In Part 2 of our conversation with Mandie Ledkins, candidate for Alabama State Senate, District 14, we go deeper into her vision for grassroots leadership, accessible policy, and why amplifying the voices of everyday Alabamians is at the center of her campaign. Mandie is a lifelong Alabamian, raised in Fort Payne, an Auburn University graduate, the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, a mother of four, and a longtime community advocate who believes political leadership should be rooted in lived experience—not party talking points. In this episode, Mandie expands on: — What “accessible policy” really means for families and communities — Why listening is the foundation of effective leadership — How grassroots campaigns differ from politics as usual — The role of volunteers, neighbors, and local voices in democracy — What motivates her to keep showing up—even when it’s hard This episode is about trust, accountability, and building a campaign that reflects the people it seeks to serve. Whether you’re politically engaged or just starting to pay attention, Mandie’s perspective offers a grounded look at what people-powered politics can be. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason Will Alabama Native Progressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co. Licensed Since 2004 ☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728 🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback? 👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 2m
  4. Mandie Ledkins on Grassroots Politics and Running for Alabama State Senate

    FEB 9

    Mandie Ledkins on Grassroots Politics and Running for Alabama State Senate

    Mandie Ledkins on Grassroots Politics and Running for Alabama State Senate In this episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we’re joined by Mandie Ledkins, an Alabaster resident and lifelong Alabamian who has announced her candidacy for Alabama State Senate, District 14. Mandie grew up in Fort Payne, is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in anthropology, and is the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran. She has lived in Alabaster for more than a decade, is a mother of four, and describes herself as an activist and longtime community advocate—not a career politician. Throughout the conversation, Mandie shares why she decided to run, what she’s hearing from people across the district, and why she believes Alabama politics needs leaders who are accessible, grounded, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. In this episode, we talk about:— Why grassroots engagement is central to her campaign— Amplifying the voices of everyday Alabamians— Balancing family, advocacy, and public service— What accessible, people-first policy looks like in practice— How volunteers and community involvement shape real change This episode highlights the growing movement of citizen candidates who believe democracy works best when leadership reflects lived experience—not political ambition. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 2m
  5. Breaking the POLITICAL MOLD in Alabama with Chad "Chig" Martin

    FEB 2

    Breaking the POLITICAL MOLD in Alabama with Chad "Chig" Martin

    Breaking the POLITICAL MOLD in Alabama with Chad "Chig" Martin In this episode of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Chad “Chig” Martin, entrepreneur and candidate for Governor of Alabama, to talk about why he’s jumping into one of the state’s toughest political races and what he believes Alabama needs to move forward. Chig Martin brings a diverse business background, having founded and managed multiple companies, including Honeysuckle Hemp in Dothan. Rather than coming from a traditional political career, Martin says his experience creating jobs, managing risk, and building sustainable businesses gives him a different perspective on leadership—and one Alabama desperately needs. Throughout the conversation, we discuss:— Why Martin believes Alabama needs a new kind of governor— How his business experience shapes his policy priorities— Job creation, economic growth, and improving quality of life statewide— The challenges facing entrepreneurs and workers in Alabama— What “moving Alabama in a new direction” actually looks like This episode explores the growing appeal of outsider candidates, the frustration many voters feel with career politicians, and whether a business-first approach could help elevate Alabama’s economy and opportunities for all Alabamians. Whether you agree with him or not, Chad Martin lays out a vision rooted in experience, accountability, and change—and makes the case for why voters should take his campaign seriously. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason Will Alabama Native Progressive Podcaster  Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker  BluePrint Realty Co. Licensed Since 2004 ☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728 🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com 💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 13m
  6. Why Women Defend the Systems That HARM Them

    JAN 26

    Why Women Defend the Systems That HARM Them

    Why Women Defend the Systems That HARM Them This conversation doesn’t get easier — it gets more honest. In Season 2, Episode 2 of Raised Red, Living Blue, we continue our conversation with Leisha Sayers — known online as @alabama.disgrace — diving deeper into the uncomfortable truths about patriarchy, religion, accountability, and why so many women continue to protect systems that harm them. This episode moves beyond why the conditioning exists and into who benefits from it — and who pays the price. 🚨 Leisha speaks candidly about:— Why patriarchy cannot survive without women enforcing it— How religion conditions obedience, silence, and submission— Why fear is the most effective political weapon— The difference between victimhood and responsibility— Why “I was raised this way” stops being an excuse— How accountability feels like an attack to people invested in comfort— What it’s like being politically awake in deep-red Alabama— Why neutrality and silence always side with power This episode challenges the idea that oppression only comes from “bad men” and asks a harder question: What happens when women help uphold the system? 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 2m
  7. Why So Many Women Vote AGAINST Their Own Rights | Raised Red, Living Blue

    JAN 19

    Why So Many Women Vote AGAINST Their Own Rights | Raised Red, Living Blue

    Why So Many Women Vote AGAINST Their Own Rights | Raised Red, Living Blue In Season 2, Episode 1 of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Leisha Sayers, known on TikTok as @alabama.disgrace — a bold, unapologetic Southern woman challenging patriarchy, MAGA politics, and religious control from deep inside Alabama. Leisha shares her deeply personal journey — from growing up apolitical, to a brief period of Christian conservatism, to becoming a fierce advocate for reproductive freedom, social justice, and women’s autonomy. After the devastating loss of her daughter, higher education, lived experience, and psychological insight reshaped how she sees power, control, and manipulation in American politics. ✨ Together, we unpack: — Why women vote Republican — even when it harms them — How religion is used as a tool of political control — Why reproductive freedom is about power, not morality — The role white women play in upholding patriarchy — Why MAGA politics rely on fear, enemies, and submission — Why women’s rights are always “on the chopping block” This conversation is raw, emotional, honest — and necessary. You are not alone. And we are not going back. 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    56 min
  8. America Is Being Groomed — And Too Few Are Paying Attention

    JAN 12

    America Is Being Groomed — And Too Few Are Paying Attention

    America Is Being Groomed — And Too Few Are Paying Attention In Episode 54 of Raised Red, Living Blue, host Jason Will delivers his third solo episode — a raw, unfiltered deep dive into the politics of fear, media misinformation, and the accelerating erosion of democratic norms in America. This episode confronts how bad-faith actors in media and politics weaponize tragedy, distort facts, and dehumanize entire groups of Americans to consolidate power. Jason methodically breaks down viral talking points, conservative media narratives, and commentary surrounding ICE operations, political violence, Venezuela, and the dangerous normalization of authoritarian behavior. At the center of this episode is a critical question:What happens when fear replaces facts — and nobody in power is held accountable? ✨ Topics covered include: — The deliberate spread of misinformation by political commentators — Why outrage and fear are profitable and dangerous — The misuse of “patriotism” to silence dissent — ICE use-of-force narratives and the killing of Renee Good — The illegal and unethical implications of U.S. actions in Venezuela — The collapse of journalistic standards in political commentary — How America is being slowly conditioned to accept the unacceptable This is not a “both sides” episode. It’s a call for critical thinking, moral clarity, and adult leadership in a moment when too many are choosing comfort, clicks, and compliance over truth. If you’re tired of being told what to think — and ready to examine what’s actually happening — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/ Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6

    1h 13m

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast about life as progressives in a deeply conservative state. Hosted by Jason Will and Sloane Rhoden.