Beyond Resistance Pod

beyondresistancepod
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  • Politics

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

  1. 12h ago

    Ep. 104: Michigan Plot Twist, Election Day Anxiety, and a Little Bit of Hopium

    It’s Election Day, friends. Take a deep breath... and maybe another one. In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz dive headfirst into the last-minute chaos, drama, and anxiety that always seem to find a way into election season. From the political shockwaves surrounding Michigan's U.S. Senate race to the emotional rollercoaster of watching polls, they unpack what's actually happening, what's probably just noise, and why organizers should never let a good political shenanigan go to waste. But this conversation isn't just about election gossip. It's about the bigger picture: how movements grow, how communities stay engaged after votes are cast, and why building blue power in red communities is a long game, not a single Election Day event. Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz share practical ideas for staying involved, preparing for whatever comes next, and finding ways to celebrate, process, organize, or protest together when the dust settles. You'll also get a healthy dose of election anxiety management, poll-watcher nerdiness, and an unexpectedly important discussion about what name you call yourself when you do something ridiculous. Because apparently that's a thing. Whether you're glued to election returns, avoiding the news entirely, or running on equal parts coffee and hope, this episode is your reminder that democracy is a team sport and community matters long after the ballots are counted. Listen in, take a breath, and remember: we're all just trying to make it through Election Day together. 🎙️💙

  2. 5d ago

    Ep. 103: Saving Social Security Offices and Other Things Congress Doesn't Post on TikTok

    What happens when you put a Mid-Michigan congresswoman, a microphone, and a conversation about corruption, healthcare, data centers, Social Security, gerrymandering, and why democracy is basically a team sport all in one episode? You get this week's Beyond Resistance. 🎙️ Jennifer sits down with Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet for a candid conversation about her first term in Congress, the realities of governing, and why some of the most important work in Washington never makes it to your social media feed. From fighting to keep the Saginaw Social Security office open to taking on corporate tax breaks, protecting healthcare access, and pushing anti-corruption reforms, Kristen shares what she's working on and why it matters to everyday families. They also dive into voter frustration, the importance of lived experience in public office, bipartisan problem-solving, and why giving up on democracy only makes it easier for the wrong people to make the decisions. Plus, a quick lightning round covering hope, Congress, farming, and the future we're leaving for the next generation. Whether you're a political junkie or just someone trying to figure out why everything feels so complicated lately, this episode is packed with real talk, practical insights, and a reminder that politics is ultimately about people. Learn more about Kristen McDonald Rivet, get involved, volunteer, or support her work at: https://kristenmcdonaldrivet.com Beyond Resistance is where hard-won insights meet community-powered action, helping build blue power in red communities and turn frustration into progress.

  3. Oct 22

    Ep. 102: Real Life, Real Struggles, and a Real Campaign: AnnMarie Horseman Runs for State House

    What happens when a teacher, single mom, grandmother, and all-around survivor decides she’s had enough of politics that forgets what real life looks like? You get AnnMarie Horseman. In this episode of Beyond Resistance, Jennifer and Sarah sit down with AnnMarie Horseman, candidate for Michigan’s 95th House District, for a conversation about affordability, healthcare, education, and why lived experience matters in government. From working her first job at 14, to navigating divorce, bankruptcy, Medicaid, childcare costs, and raising a family, AnnMarie shares how those experiences shaped her decision to run for office. The conversation digs into the realities facing Michigan families today: skyrocketing grocery bills, rising housing costs, healthcare expenses, and the challenge young adults face trying to build a life when even full-time jobs don’t always stretch far enough. AnnMarie also talks about public education, protecting democracy, and why she believes Lansing needs more representatives who actually understand what it’s like to budget for groceries, gas, and monthly bills. It’s honest, relatable, occasionally frustrating, and yes, a little funny. Because sometimes the best way to talk about serious issues is with a little humor and a lot of truth. Want to learn more about AnnMarie Horseman? Visit www.annmariehorseman.com or follow AnnMarie Horseman for State Rep 95th on social media, including Instagram at @HorsemanForRep. 🎙️ Tune in and hear why AnnMarie believes representation should come from people who have actually lived the challenges they're trying to solve.

  4. Oct 19 ·  Bonus

    Special Pod: Abdul El Sayed Townhall in Midland, MI

    Democracy got on a bus, and we were there for it. In this special episode of Beyond Resistance, we're sharing a recording from a town hall with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed during his It Shouldn't Be This Hard bus tour across Michigan. Introduced by Sarah and attended by community members from across the region, the event focused on the everyday challenges facing Michiganders and what it will take to make life a little less... well, hard. From healthcare and education to affordability, public service, and civic engagement, Dr. El-Sayed takes questions from the audience and lays out his vision for the future. It's part campaign stop, part community conversation, and a reminder that people are still willing to show up, ask tough questions, and demand better answers. No hot takes. No cable news shouting matches. Just real people, real concerns, and a conversation about where Michigan goes from here. Learn more about Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, get involved, or donate at: https://www.abdulisforus.com

  5. Oct 15

    Ep. 101: When the Overton Window Won't Stop Moving

    🎉 Somehow, someway, we made it to Episode 101 of Beyond Resistance. We accidentally skipped celebrating Episode 100, which honestly feels very on-brand for two people juggling politics, community building, perimenopause, podcasts, and occasionally remembering what day it is. This week, Jennifer and Sarah dive into a question a lot of organizers, activists, and frankly, humans are asking right now: Are we running out of outrage? From the concept of outrage fatigue to the shifting Overton Window, they explore what happens when every headline demands your attention, your anger, and your emotional energy. After years of political chaos, protests, organizing, and constant crisis mode, what keeps people engaged when being outraged 24/7 simply isn't sustainable anymore? Along the way, they discuss: Why outrage can be both a motivator and a manipulation tacticHow communities help us carry the emotional weight of this workThe difference between showing up fueled by anger versus showing up fueled by purposeWhy building relationships matters more than everThe surprising power of gathering around a campfire when the world feels like it's on fireThere are also important updates about the future of the podcast, reflections on reaching 100+ episodes, and an unexpectedly passionate rant involving a CPAP machine, braces, menopause, and the absolute limits of human patience. The big takeaway? You don't have to be enraged every minute of every day to make a difference. Sustainable change happens when people stay connected, support one another, and keep showing up, even when they're tired. Because sometimes resistance looks less like a protest sign and more like a campfire, a conversation, and a community that refuses to quit. 🔥🎙️💙

  6. Oct 13

    Ep. 100: Persuade, Pivot, or Walk Away: When is a convo changing minds or just eating your time?

    🎉 Episode 100 is here! And what better way to celebrate than with a conversation that includes authoritarian tantrums, campaign strategy, family political debates, volunteer wisdom, and an unexpectedly heated argument about whether a hot dog is a sandwich. Jennifer and Sarah kick things off by sharing what's got them fired up this week, from concerns about attacks on press freedom to a deeper conversation about what it really means to be part of a "big tent" political movement. Can people passionately disagree on a few issues while still working together toward common goals? Turns out, that's kind of the whole point. Then they tackle a question every organizer eventually faces: When do you stop trying to persuade someone? Whether it's a voter, a volunteer, a family member, or that guy who keeps arguing just to argue, they share real-world stories from the front lines of organizing in red communities. You'll hear lessons about reading the room, protecting your energy, planting seeds instead of forcing change, and knowing when your time is better spent elsewhere. Along the way, expect stories about door knocking adventures, conversations with stubborn relatives, volunteer boundaries, and why time and energy are often more valuable than money in politics. And because this is Beyond Resistance, things wrap up with a completely serious and highly consequential debate: Is a hot dog actually a sandwich? The answer may determine the future of democracy. (Okay, maybe not. But it gets surprisingly passionate.) If you've ever wondered how to build community, change minds, and stay sane while doing it, this one's for you. 💙🌭🎙️

  7. Oct 6

    Ep. 99: Zombie Runs to State Runs: Chris Girard on Community, Connection, and Michigan's Future

    This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Chris Girard, Mayor of Bay City and candidate for Michigan State House District 96, for a conversation that covers everything from infrastructure and economic growth to foster parenting, Pokémon cards, and yes... zombie runs. Chris shares the story behind his decision to run for state office, rooted in a deep love for his community, his family, and a desire to create opportunities that keep young people in Michigan instead of watching them pack up and leave. With five adopted daughters, 13 grandchildren, and decades of community service, he brings a perspective focused on solutions rather than political point-scoring. The conversation dives into some of Bay County's biggest challenges, including infrastructure, job creation, population decline, and the growing need for leaders who can listen across political divides. Chris talks about why effective leadership starts with hearing people out, finding common ground, and focusing on what actually improves lives instead of winning the latest social media argument. Along the way, you'll hear about pickle festivals, line dancing in the street, supporting local communities, and how handing out Pokémon cards became part of the mayoral toolkit. Because apparently civic engagement works even better with collectibles. And of course, we wrap up with the Beyond Resistance tradition of talking about fall favorites, from apple picking and Halloween decorations to giant pumpkin farms and football season. Learn more about Chris: girardformichigan.com

  8. Oct 1

    Ep. 98: Candidate Time Is Precious. Stop Wasting It.

    What’s the most valuable resource in a political campaign? Hint: It’s not money. It’s candidate time. This week on Beyond Resistance, Jennifer and Sarah dive into one of the biggest mistakes campaigns make: spending precious hours on activities that feel productive but don't actually move votes, build relationships, or raise meaningful amounts of money. From the infamous ritual of fundraising "call time" to the power of community-based organizing, they break down why authentic relationships consistently outperform cold calls and cookie-cutter campaign tactics. If you've ever wondered why some candidates seem to be everywhere at once while others disappear into spreadsheets and Zoom meetings, this episode is for you. Along the way, they talk about Michigan's high-profile U.S. Senate race, laugh about a debate that featured one candidate and one very empty podium, take a trip down organizing memory lane, and share lessons learned from years of grassroots campaigning in deep-red territory. You'll hear practical ideas for: Building relationships instead of transaction listsRaising money without living on the phoneCreating meaningful voter conversationsMaking the most of limited campaign timeThinking long-term about building blue powerPlus, Sarah shares a little campaign secret: despite raising hundreds of thousands of dollars during her campaigns, she never bought into the traditional call-time playbook. The results might surprise you. If you're organizing, running for office, volunteering, or just trying to turn your corner of the map a little bluer, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons and a few laughs along the way. 📘 Grab our Blueprint for Building Blue Power: https://beyondresistancepod.com/the-blueprint-1 ⭐ If you enjoy the show, subscribe, follow, and leave a 5-star review. It helps more people discover the podcast and helps us continue building blue power in red communities.

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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    beyondresistancepod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 beyondresistancepod
  • Show Website
    Beyond Resistance Pod

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