Why Not Me? 2028

Shana Bynon
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Government

What if a regular person ran for President? Why Not Me? is a smart, thoughtful, sometimes funny podcast about one woman’s journey to ask that question — out loud. Shana is not a celebrity, not a billionaire, and not backed by a political machine. She’s a former nonprofit worker and PTA fundraiser, and current higher ed employee who’s spent her life working, parenting, and trying to make things better from the ground up. In each episode, she explores what it would actually take for someone like her to run for the highest office in the land — from policy ideas to campaign hurdles, from civic curiosity to systemic barriers. Along the way, she asks bigger questions about leadership, representation, and what democracy really means in 21st-century America. This isn’t a show about bashing politicians or pushing an agenda. It’s about making space for new voices, honest conversations, and people who’ve never seen themselves in power. If you've ever looked at a ballot and thought, “Seriously? These are my choices?” — this podcast is for you.

  1. Sep 22

    Why Not Change Your Mind?

    Summary Changing your mind shouldn't be a radical act. You believe something; you learn something new. You think about it, and sometimes you realize that what you believed before was wrong, or at least incomplete. In this episode, I talk about something I've changed my own mind about, why politicians get accused of “flip-flopping,” and what Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and an 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin can teach us about being willing to reconsider what we think we know. Because maybe the goal isn't to have a President who never changes their mind OR one who changes it easily. Maybe it's to have a President who can change it. Sources and Further Reading Benjamin Franklin’s Closing Speech at the Constitutional ConventionGeorge H. W. Bush: Domestic AffairsHarry S. Truman and Civil Rights - BackgroundHarry S. Truman and Civil Rights - National Park ServiceJudge Gergel: Unexampled CourageLBJ: Still Casting a Long ShadowGeorge Ball's “A Compromise Solution for South Viet-Nam”Naomi Klein, Doppelganger Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  2. Sep 1

    Why Not Me? Okay…But Why Me?

    Summary “Why do you want to be President?” It sounds like a question anyone running for President should be able to answer. But when Ted Kennedy was asked in 1979, his famously rambling response helped derail his campaign. And when The West Wing borrowed the moment decades later, even President Bartlet discovered the question wasn't quite as easy as it sounded. So what is a good answer? In this episode, I look at how presidential candidates from George Washington to Ronald Reagan have explained why they wanted the job.  Along the way, I try to figure out what we should actually want to hear when someone asks us to give them that much power. And since I've spent all this time asking “Why Not Me?” there's another question I probably can't avoid forever. Links The interview that blindsided the Ted Kennedy Presidential campaign - The Boston GlobeGeorge Washington, letters to Henry Knox and others, 1789 — Founders Online, National ArchivesWhen Duty Calls, the Good Soldier Answers, Townsend Hoopes, The Washington Post, May 17, 1981Adlai Stevenson, 1952 Democratic presidential nomination acceptance speechElizabeth Drew, “1980: Bush,” The New Yorker, 1980Abraham Lincoln, letter to Lyman Trumbull, April 29, 1860 Richard Nixon, “The Nature of the Presidency,” September 19, 1968John F. Kennedy, remarks at the New York Coliseum, November 5, 1960Jimmy Carter, presidential candidacy announcement, December 12, 1974Ronald Reagan 1976 Campaign AdUse this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  3. Aug 11

    Anthony Lyon Literally Asks “Why Not Me?”

    Summary What makes someone decide to stop working behind the scenes and put their own name on the ballot? In this episode of Why Not Me?, I talk with Anthony Lyon, a 28-year-old candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in Harford County. Anthony shares why he decided this was the right moment to run, what it's like being a young candidate, and how his experiences growing up in Ohio and making Maryland his home shaped the way he sees politics. We also talk about the role of a state delegate, the issues he's hearing about from voters in his district, and what he's learned from knocking on doors and listening to people's stories. Anthony also talks candidly about how his own political views have changed over time—and why he believes getting outside our own communities and experiences can change the way we understand one another. And, fittingly, we talk about the moment Anthony found himself asking the same question at the heart of this podcast: Why not me? It's a conversation about politics, participation, and why making a difference doesn't necessarily mean running for office. Sometimes it just means deciding to get involved. Links Lyon for Delegate Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  4. Jul 14

    Why Am I Celebrating?

    Summary This week is a little different—no policy talk, no interviews, just . . . some reflection. Links National Park ServiceThe Wild Animal SanctuaryEd SheeranSubscribe & Connect If you’re enjoying Why Not Me?, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast with a friend, or leaving a review. Questions, thoughts, or interested in being a guest? shana@whynotme2028.com Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  5. Jun 30

    Housing: Why Can't We Afford to Live Anywhere?

    Summary In this episode of Why Not Me?, we take a look at one of the biggest challenges facing communities across America: affordable housing. We explore the many factors that have driven housing costs higher, including supply and demand, zoning restrictions, construction costs, investors, short-term rentals, and decades of policy decisions that have made it harder to build new housing where people want to live. We'll look at some of the solutions being proposed—from building more housing and reforming zoning laws to workforce housing programs, tax incentives, and first-time homebuyer assistance—and I'll share what I would prioritize if I were President. Resources Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, 2025Congress Nears Final Vote On 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act The shares of young adults living with parents vary widely across the U.S. The Average Age of First-time U.S. Homebuyers Is 38, an All-time High –CNBC One City Might Have Just Cracked the Housing CrisisEnterprise Community PartnersLow-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program OverviewSubscribe & Connect If you’re enjoying Why Not Me?, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast with a friend, or leaving a review. Questions, thoughts, or interested in being a guest? shana@whynotme2028.com Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  6. Jun 16

    What Does a Central Committee do Anyway? An interview with Linda Lamppert

    SummaryIn this episode of Why Not Me?, I sit down with Linda Lamppert, candidate for the Howard County Democratic Central Committee, to talk about local politics, community involvement, and why ordinary people should pay attention to what happens close to home. Linda shares how her experiences as a parent in Howard County schools led her to become more involved in politics and advocacy. We discuss what a local Democratic Central Committee actually does, why local elections matter, and how decisions made at the county level can have a direct impact on issues like education, housing, and quality of life. Resources MentionedHoward County Democratic Central Committee Howard County Board of Education League of Women Voters PATH (People Acting Together in Howard)Connect with Why Not Me?If you've ever thought, "Someone should do something about that," maybe the question is: Why not you? Follow Why Not Me? as we explore politics, public service, and whether ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  7. Jun 2

    Why Not Congress? A Conversation with Dan Schwartz

    In this episode of Why Not Me?, Shana talks with Dan Schwartz, a first-time candidate running for Congress in Maryland’s 1st District against longtime incumbent Andy Harris. Dan shares what motivated him to jump into the race, why he believes “regular people with regular people problems” need to be represented in government, and what he’s hearing from voters across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The conversation touches on affordability, healthcare, farming, campaign fundraising, bipartisan cooperation, and the realities of running for office as a husband, father, and political newcomer. They also discuss why local engagement matters, how ordinary people can step into public service, and what it takes to build a campaign rooted in grassroots support rather than corporate donations. If you’ve ever wondered what pushes someone from frustration with politics into actually running for office, this episode is for you. Links Learn more about Dan Schwartz’s campaign: Dan Schwartz for Congress Subscribe & Connect If you’re enjoying Why Not Me?, please consider subscribing, sharing the podcast with a friend, or leaving a review. Questions, thoughts, or interested in being a guest? shana@whynotme2028.com Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

  8. May 20

    The First Amendment: What It Says… and What It Means Right Now

    In the Season 2 premiere of Why Not Me? we take a closer look at one of the most well-known — and often misunderstood — parts of the U.S. Constitution: the First Amendment. From freedom of religion to speech, press, and the right to assemble, this episode explores what these protections actually mean — and why they matter more than ever. We unpack common misconceptions, reflect on how these rights show up in everyday life, and ask a bigger question: Are we applying these freedoms consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable? Because the true test of a free society isn’t how we protect the speech and beliefs we agree with — it’s how we handle the ones we don’t. References & Resources The U.S. Constitution – First Amendment https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcriptWhy Press Freedom Matters: A roundtable featuring AP Executive Editor Julie Pace, Los Angeles Times Executive Editor Terry Tang, and Committee to Protect Journalists CEO Jodie Ginsberg, held Monday, April 27, 2026Email: shana@whynotme2028.com Send a voice memo — you might be featured in a future episode! Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

What if a regular person ran for President? Why Not Me? is a smart, thoughtful, sometimes funny podcast about one woman’s journey to ask that question — out loud. Shana is not a celebrity, not a billionaire, and not backed by a political machine. She’s a former nonprofit worker and PTA fundraiser, and current higher ed employee who’s spent her life working, parenting, and trying to make things better from the ground up. In each episode, she explores what it would actually take for someone like her to run for the highest office in the land — from policy ideas to campaign hurdles, from civic curiosity to systemic barriers. Along the way, she asks bigger questions about leadership, representation, and what democracy really means in 21st-century America. This isn’t a show about bashing politicians or pushing an agenda. It’s about making space for new voices, honest conversations, and people who’ve never seen themselves in power. If you've ever looked at a ballot and thought, “Seriously? These are my choices?” — this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Shana Bynon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Why Not Me? 2028
  • Show Website
    Why Not Me? 2028

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