Technically Speaking

DSA SEIU

Technically Speaking is a podcast made especially for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) staff at locals and the IU who are interested in learning more about how data and technology is being used to win worker power and impact the communities we live in.  Every quarter SEIU's DSA department will air a new episode featuring a dynamic guest who shares our values, is an ally in our mission, and who can impart tools, resources, and wisdom that we can leverage in our fight for Unions for All.

Episodes

  1. Sep 17

    Ryan O'Donnell - Data for Progress

    The conversation covers Ryan's journey from the punk scene to progressive politics, his transition from teaching to political activism, and the work of Data for Progress in shaping public opinion on progressive policies. It also explores the malleability of public opinion, the importance of authenticity in messaging, and the broad support for labor reform and raising the federal minimum wage. The conversation covers the importance of polling in political campaigns, the role of public opinion in shaping policy, and the relationship between research and advocacy. It also emphasizes the need for authenticity and conviction in political messaging and the impact of media consumption on political choices. Takeaways Punk activism and family influence shaped Ryan's commitment to progressive politics.Data for Progress focuses on shaping public opinion and emphasizes the malleability of public sentiment.Broad support exists for labor reform and raising the federal minimum wage, challenging the narrative that these policies are toxic.Authenticity in messaging is crucial, and public opinion is influenced by how policies are framed and presented. Labor movement enjoys broad supportPolling should inform, not dictate, policyAuthenticity and conviction are key in political messagingMedia consumption influences political choices Chapters 00:00 From Punk Activism to Progressive Politics02:01 Transition from Teaching to Political Activism09:00 Data for Progress: Shaping Public Opinion15:14 Malleability of Public Opinion31:30 Broad Support for Labor Reform and Minimum Wage34:57 The Role of Polling in Political Campaigns36:17 The Influence of Public Opinion on Policy38:07 Authenticity and Conviction in Political Messaging41:22 Impact of Media Consumption on Political Choices47:05 The Relationship Between Research and Advocacy56:31 The Importance of Clean Data and Database Management59:36 The Need for Authenticity and Conviction in Political Campaigns01:02:16 The Role of Polling in Shaping Policy

  2. Jun 22

    2026 Technologist Conference - *Special Episode

    In this special episode of Technically Speaking, listen in as our host, Keyon Smith, talks to the 2026 Technologists Conference design Team about the vide you can expect and how you can be part of making our conference the best!

  3. Apr 22

    Ayaire Cantil-Voorhees (Ace)

    In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of digital strategy and community organizing. Our guest Ace Cantil-Voorhees shares their journey from a local volunteer to Data Director, detailing how they leveraged tools to build secure, impactful connections.

  4. Apr 22

    Maddie Love

    This episode features guest Maddie Love, founder of Blackthorn strategies, helping organizations leverage data effectively. In this conversation, Maddie shares her journey from grassroots activism to becoming a data-driven organizer and consultant. They emphasize the importance of building relationships in activism and the need for a people-focused approach in data and technology within the labor movement.

  5. Apr 22

    Deepak Puri

    In this episode, Deepak Puri (Founder of Democracy Labs), discusses the intersection of technology and activism, emphasizing the importance of making innovative tools accessible to activists and organizers. Puri highlights the significance of using technology to empower individuals and communities, and the need for effective communication strategies to mobilize support for social justice causes.

  • 5 Episodes

About

Technically Speaking is a podcast made especially for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) staff at locals and the IU who are interested in learning more about how data and technology is being used to win worker power and impact the communities we live in.  Every quarter SEIU's DSA department will air a new episode featuring a dynamic guest who shares our values, is an ally in our mission, and who can impart tools, resources, and wisdom that we can leverage in our fight for Unions for All.

Information

  • Creator
    DSA SEIU
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 DSA SEIU
  • Show Website
    Technically Speaking