Why Not Me? 2028

Shana Bynon

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. 14h ago

    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 and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    24 min

  2. 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 and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    33 min

  3. 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 and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    20 min

  4. 10/14/2025

    Season 1 Finale

    Episode Summary We made it! In this season finale, I take a step back to reflect on everything we’ve explored together.  In this mini episode, I talk about the biggest lessons from Season 1 and what’s coming in Season 2. Spoiler: more interviews, deeper dives into the issues that shape our lives, and more conversations about how everyday people — not just career politicians — can step into leadership. So let’s wrap up this season the way we started it: with the question, Why not me? And even more importantly… Why not you? Resources & References Brookings Institution – resources on what presidents can and can’t do, and the role of parties. OpenSecrets.org – data on campaign spending and finance.FairVote.org – resources on ranked choice voting and alternatives to the two-party system.Call to Action: Thank you for joining me on this journey through Season 1 of Why Not Me? — your time, your curiosity, and your willingness to think differently about politics mean so much. If this season made you think, laugh, or wonder, share it with a friend who’s said, “I wish someone like me could run,” because maybe they can. If you have something you want to hear about in a future episode, or even want to be interviewed, send me an email or voice memo at shana@whynotme2028.com. And stay tuned for Season 2, where we’ll dive deeper into issues that affect all of us — wages, healthcare, housing — and keep asking the big question: What would our democracy look like if we believed ordinary people could lead it? Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    11 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    Two Parties? Why Not More? Why Not None?

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we ask a question that might sound radical… until you sit with it for a minute: Do we actually need political parties? Along the way, we talk about how those party dynamics impact our elections, our discourse, and the people who feel left behind by a system that only offers two choices. So: What would politics look like if we stripped away the party labels and focused on what we actually believe? And is it possible to reclaim the idea of representation — not for a team, but for a country? References & Resources: Federalist Paper No. 10 – James Madison on factionsBrookings Institution – What Political Parties Do Pew Research Center – The shifting coalitions within each party Ballot Access News – Ongoing coverage of third-party and independent ballot access strugglesOpenSecrets – Data on campaign finance and party fundraisingFairVote – Resources on Ranked Choice Voting and alternatives to two-party dominance Ezra Klein, Why We’re Polarized – Insight into how our modern party system feeds divisionCall to Action: Think about the last time you voted. Did you vote for someone because you believed in them — or because they were “your party’s” candidate? What if more of us stopped voting like team captains and started voting like citizens? And if you’ve ever thought, “I could never run for office — I’m not a Democrat or a Republican…’ What if that wasn’t a disqualifier — but a superpower? Contact: Do you have a story to tell, or a comment to make? Email me at shana@whynontme2028.com Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    19 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    Why Not a Teacher? A Conversation with Amy Brooks

    Summary Running for office isn’t just something for career politicians or wealthy insiders. Sometimes it’s your neighbor, your kids’ teacher, or the mom you see at the grocery store. In this episode, Shana sits down with Amy Brooks, a high school English teacher, mom, and candidate for State Delegate in Maryland. This is her second run, and she shares what pushed her to run again, what she’s learned along the way, and how everyday life shapes her campaign. From balancing family and teaching with politics, to fundraising, door-knocking, and staying motivated — this conversation takes you inside what it’s like for a “regular person” to step into public service. Resources & References Maryland State Board of Elections – Candidate filing and election info National Conference of State Legislatures – Resources on state legislatures and representation Campaign site for Amy Brooks  Call to Action Would you ever consider running for local office — or do you know someone in your community who should? I’d love to hear your stories. Send me your thoughts at shana@whynotme2028.com. If you’re enjoying the podcast, share this episode with a friend — maybe one who’s been saying, “Why not me?” Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    48 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Who Do You Believe Anymore?

    Summary Trust is the glue that holds democracy together. But today, Americans distrust almost everything — political parties, Congress, government agencies, even each other. In this episode, I look at where trust has frayed, where it still exists, and why it matters. From The West Wing’s fictional handover of power to neighbors helping each other with packages, we explore how trust once worked — and how we might rebuild it. Resources & References In 2023, Congress passed just 27 laws — the lowest number since the Great Depression (PolitiFact).Michael Lewis, Who Is Government? (2025) — collection of essays on public servants’ contributions.Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (2000) — landmark work on declining civic engagement and trust.Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government: 1958–2023.Historical context of unequal justice for minorities in U.S. courts (Jim Crow, sentencing disparities).Call to Action Do you still see trust working — in your neighborhood, your community, or an institution you believe in? Send me your stories at shana@whynotme2028.com. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend. Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    18 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    The News Is Broken — Can We Fix It?

    Episode Summary In this episode of Why Not Me?, we dive into the messy world of American media — from the early days of openly partisan newspapers, to the era of the Fairness Doctrine, to today’s fractured, 24-hour, hyper-partisan news environment. We explore how corporate consolidation, the loss of shared facts, and the return to openly partisan outlets shape not only what we see and hear, but also who gets heard. Along the way, we revisit The West Wing’s sharp observations about media  ownership, and ask whether a better-informed democracy is still possible in the age of endless headlines and social media feeds. Topics Covered The historical shift from partisan press to “objective” news — and back againThe Fairness Doctrine — what it was, why it mattered, and what happened when it was repealedHow corporate ownership affects what makes the newsThe power and pitfalls of the 24-hour news cyclePractical steps listeners can take to support a healthier news ecosystemNotable References & Resources Ezra Klein, Why We’re Polarized (2020) – discussion of partisan press historyFederal Communications Commission – “The Fairness Doctrine” historical overviewPew Research Center – “Americans’ Trust in Media” survey dataColumbia Journalism Review – articles on corporate media consolidation Call to Action Do you think the media has gotten too partisan — or is it just reflecting us? What would you change about how news is produced and consumed? Share your thoughts and let’s start the conversation. And if you enjoy Why Not Me?, share it with a friend who loves a good debate about politics, policy, and pop culture. Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes. Email shana@whynotme2028.com Credits Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson Music by Universfield from Pixabay

    21 min
See All (15)

5
out of 5
12 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
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Why Not Me? 2028
  • Show Website
    Why Not Me? 2028

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