Generation Reset with Kerry Rodríguez

Kerry
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Generation Reset explores political activation: the forces and impulses that push people into or out of US politics. As your host, I meet with and interview guests to explore civic engagement in all its forms—not just running for office or working inside a campaign, but building the technology, companies, and infrastructure that shape how people engage government and vice versa. Past guests include: A mother whose experience lobbying local transit authorities to address an unfair bus policy led her down a path to joining city politicsA 15-year veteran of the federal government who spoke about why she believes AI and automation will force a reimagining of federal government from the ground upA chief procurement officer at a county school system who talks about how to make government systems work better for the people they're meant to serveA former social impact consultant who traces her path into politics through co-founding a PAC focused on making New York easier, faster, and cheaper to build Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

Episodes

  1. Sep 24

    Aubteen Pour-Biazar on How EffiGov Is Using AI Phone Agents to Change How Residents and Local Governments Connect

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with Aubteen Pour-Biazar, co-founder and CEO of EffiGov, a Y Combinator-backed startup installing AI phone agents at the front desks of local governments, to discuss how his team is rethinking how local government agencies and residents interact. Aubteen traces his path from a public school kid in a mid-sized Alabama town with no coding background, through stints at a local chamber of commerce, a political campaign, and a White House internship, to building EffiGov after two years of talking directly with civil servants about what they actually needed. What started as a "Nextdoor for politics" concept pivoted, once they listened to city and county staff, into an AI system that answers, routes, and resolves resident phone calls — now handling more than 20,000 calls a month across four states. The conversation explores: why EffiGov scrapped its original civic engagement app idea after talking to actual government staffwhy framing AI as a "utility" rather than a "technology" changes how officials respond to ithow interconnected department-specific agents eliminate the experience of being bounced between officesthe built-in feedback loop that flags outdated information and helps staff keep answers accuratedata privacy safeguards, zero data retention agreements, and the risks of "shadow AI" use by government staffand the real-world savings — in staff time and taxpayer dollars — governments are already seeingThroughout the discussion, Aubteen argues that most of the nearly 20,000 cities and counties in the U.S. operate with far less infrastructure than big cities like New York or San Francisco, and that AI can close much of that gap without requiring large budgets or technical staff. This episode is ultimately about political activation, government innovation, AI in the public sector, and what it takes to modernize how residents and their governments talk to each other. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  2. Aug 21

    The Bus Rule That Pulled One Mom into NYC Politics | Danielle Avissar

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with Danielle Avissar, a New York City community board member and brand marketing professional, to discuss how one unfair bus policy led her down a path to joining city politics. Danielle traces her path from a frustrating run-in with MTA bus drivers over a stroller policy during COVID, to organizing mothers around a dog waste campaign on the Upper East Side, to being accepted onto Manhattan's Community Board 8 after a first rejection. Along the way, she built a hands-on understanding of how local advocacy actually moves — from media pressure and grassroots organizing to the more deliberative, consensus-driven work of serving on a city board. The conversation explores: how a personal frustration with MTA stroller policy became a citywide media campaignwhy hitting local news outlets while "the iron is hot" can prove very effectivewhat it's like sitting on a board with 50 ideologically diverse members and reaching majority consensuswhy community boards often serve as a launching pad into deeper political involvementhow to prioritize which asks are realistic when pitching proposals to elected officialsand why so few young people show up to serve on boards that shape their own neighborhoodsThroughout the discussion, Danielle argues that real, lasting change usually starts small — a clear ask, a coalition of people who back it, and a direct conversation with whoever actually has the power to act. She's candid about the limits of a community board's power, the generational gap among its members, and the outsized role local government plays in the day-to-day texture of city life, from stroller space on buses to sidewalks free of dog waste. This episode is ultimately about political activation, local government, grassroots organizing, and how everyday frustrations can turn into civic power. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  3. Jul 26

    A New Vision for Federal Government After 15 Years in Civil Service | Dr. Angela Meyers

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Angela Myers, a 15-year veteran of the federal government and founder of Polymaths Place, to discuss what it's really like inside the machinery of the executive branch, and why she believes AI and automation will force a reimagining of federal government from the ground up. Angela traces her path from a civically minded childhood — shaped by her family's history fleeing the Spanish Civil War and later Castro's Cuba — through internships in Governor Gray Davis's office and the White House, to nearly six years at the Executive Office of the President spanning the transition from the Bush to the Obama administration. Along the way, she built a rare inside view of how the 99.8% of government — the non-elected civil service — actually operates beneath the 0.2% of political appointees who come and go every four to eight years. The conversation explores: what a presidential transition actually looks like from inside the Executive Office of the Presidentwhy political appointees rarely succeed at changing the bureaucratic "machine" beneath themhow AI and automation are already being embedded into federal operations, and what that means for jobs, costs, and taxpayersthe case for looking abroad for best-in-class government models (like Norway's criminal justice system) and adapting themwhy "polymathic," versatile thinkers may matter more than narrow specialists in an AI-driven futureand what young people considering a career in government or politics should actually weigh before choosing a pathThroughout the discussion, Angela argues that government at every level — federal, state, and local — should exist for one simple mission: reducing suffering and enhancing human thriving. She's candid about the scale of federal spending on war and incarceration relative to public health, housing, and education, and pushes back on the idea that loyalty to political parties serves citizens well. She closes with a call for leaders — and voters — who are willing to learn across ideological lines rather than treat politics like a team sport. This episode is ultimately about political activation, federal bureaucracy, AI and the future of government, and what it takes to reimagine public service for a rapidly changing world. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  4. Jul 22

    A Procurement Officer's Calling to Serve, from the Pentagon to K-12 | Joel Klemmer

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with Joel Klemmer, Chief Procurement Officer at Gallup McKinley County Schools, to discuss how a career in business led him into federal procurement, and what it actually takes to make government systems work better for the people they're meant to serve. Joel traces his path from entrepreneurial ventures and corporate leadership to a challenge from a retired Air Force colonel that pulled him into government — starting as a GS-4 federal employee, then through the U.S. Army Reserves, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, before landing at a K-12 school district in New Mexico. The conversation explores: why he traded a senior leadership role in the private sector for a low-level government positionhow procurement, integration, and outdated technology quietly shape whether government actually deliversthe difference between chasing federal contracts through SAM.gov versus local government co-opswhy AI is "just a tool" and the real bottleneck is how agencies choose to use itthe ethical lines around procurement integrity and why elected officials shouldn't be picking vendorshow public servants build (or lose) public trust in government efficiencyand what it takes to stay bipartisan while working across red and blue institutionsThroughout the discussion, Joel argues that cybersecurity, technology integration, and procurement aren't back-office details — they're the infrastructure that determines whether government can actually function for the people who depend on it, from veterans waiting on benefits to schoolchildren without reliable systems. He also reflects on the personal cost of holding a nonpartisan, results-first approach in an environment that often rewards loyalty over competence. This episode is ultimately about political activation, government efficiency, public procurement, and what it takes to build trust in institutions from the inside out. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  5. Jun 17

    From Social Impact to Political Power: Catherine Vaughan on Abundance NY

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with Catherine Vaughan, co-founder of Abundance New York, to discuss how a former social impact consultant moved into electoral politics and began building a political ecosystem focused on making New York easier, faster, and cheaper to build. Catherine traces her path from global health and agriculture work in Rwanda and Ethiopia to Stanford, McKinsey, the Hillary Clinton campaign, Flippable, Swing Left, and eventually Abundance New York. After entering politics in 2016, she became focused on the leverage of electoral work — especially state legislative races, donor strategy, and the political infrastructure needed to support candidates who want government to deliver more effectively. The conversation explores: why nonprofit and social impact work can have limits compared to policy and electoral politicshow the 2016 election pushed Catherine deeper into the political arenathe “moneyball” approach to political giving and down-ballot raceswhy state legislative campaigns can offer outsized political impacthow Catherine and Ryder Kessler launched Abundance New Yorkwhat it means to build a political home for pro-abundance candidates and votersand how listeners can begin building their own political power locallyThroughout the discussion, Catherine argues that housing, transit, clean energy, public space, and government delivery are not separate issues — they are connected by the question of whether government can actually meet people’s needs. She also explains why political power is built not only through campaigns, but through media, advocacy organizations, donors, voters, community boards, and local institutions. This episode is ultimately about political activation, local government, housing, civic infrastructure, and what it takes to turn frustration with broken systems into organized political power. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  6. Jun 10

    Voter #1 from New Jersey | How Charlottesville Changed Their Vision of American Politics

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with the podcast’s first featured voter — a 23-year-old Democratic Socialist from New Jersey whose political journey reflects both the frustrations and motivations of a generation coming of age during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American politics.  As a child, voter #1 once dreamed of running for office, inspired by the election of Barack Obama and the belief that public service could be a force for positive change. But events such as Charlottesville, the rise of Donald Trump, and growing disillusionment with both major political parties ultimately pushed voter#1 away from pursuing elected office. Despite that, voter#1 remains politically active through organizing, voting, and advocacy for progressive candidates.  The conversation explores: why some young Americans have become disenchanted with electoral politicsthe impact of Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and recent political events on a generation of voterswhether Democrats have failed to use political power aggressively enoughthe growing divide between establishment and progressive wings of the Democratic Partyhow ideology shapes voting decisions more than personal background or professional experienceNew Jersey politics, political machines, and local frustrations with state leadershipThroughout the discussion, the guest offers an unapologetically progressive perspective on government, executive power, economic policy, immigration, foreign affairs, and the future of the Democratic Party. While deeply skeptical of many political institutions, voter#1 explains why they still believe participation matters — and why disengagement only guarantees that change never happens.  Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

  7. May 31

    How Rhonda Shader Helped Save a City with Just $49 in the Bank

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with former Placentia Mayor and California State Senate candidate Rhonda Shader to discuss how an entrepreneur with no plans to run for office ended up helping lead a city on the verge of financial collapse. Rhonda shares the story of being recruited into local government after community leaders encouraged her to help tackle her city's growing fiscal challenges. When she took office, Placentia's reserves had dwindled to just $49. Over the next eight years, she and her colleagues worked to restore the city's finances, grow reserves to more than $15 million, launch a new fire department, improve infrastructure, and attract new economic development. The conversation explores: how entrepreneurs approach government differentlywhat it takes to turn around a financially distressed citythe challenges of economic development at the local levelwhy business owners are increasingly frustrated with state regulationsthe relationship between local governments and Sacramentothe future of California's water infrastructurehow campaigns are adapting to AI and changing voter engagementand why more citizens should pay attention to local governmentRhonda also reflects on her transition from business owner to mayor, the lessons she learned governing through financial uncertainty, and what motivated her to launch a campaign for the California State Senate. This episode is ultimately about political activation, public service, fiscal responsibility, and the role ordinary citizens can play in shaping the future of their communities. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast exploring political activation, civic engagement, and the forces that push people into — or away from — public life. Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc..

  8. May 26

    Tech Week, Emerging Startups Trends in the Public Sector, and Our Pitch to Join ContraSearch in Boston and New York

    In this episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez breaks down why ContraSearch Network is hosting inaugural Tech Week events in both Boston and New York — and why founders, creators, investors, candidates, and operators should be paying close attention to the growing opportunities emerging at the intersection of government, AI, and civic infrastructure. Kerry previews conversations with Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén and New York City Council Member Julie Won, exploring how founders can build alongside government, where innovation is accelerating in the public sector, and why civic entrepreneurship may become one of the most important startup opportunities of the next decade. The episode also explores: why AI startups focused on government workflows are rapidly growingthe rise of civic data infrastructure and real-time sentiment analysis toolsopportunities in public-sector innovation that founders are still overlookingwhy climate and public infrastructure startups face unique regulatory barriersthe growing role of AI-generated civic engagement tools and AI “twins”how partnerships between government and innovators historically shaped technologies like the internet and GPSand why the relationship between founders and public institutions may become increasingly important in the AI eraKerry also shares insights from the attendee ecosystem forming around ContraSearch’s Tech Week events — including founders, investors, students, operators, and creators building at the edge of civic technology and institutional change. This episode is ultimately about more than startups. It’s about political activation, civic infrastructure, public trust, and the future relationship between technology and government. Generation Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast from the ContraSearch Network, produced by ContraSearch, Inc..

  9. May 16

    An Independent Candidate Takes on California | Reza Safarnejad

    For the first episode of Generation Reset, Kerry Rodriguez sits down with independent California gubernatorial candidate Reza Safarnejad to discuss political disillusionment, outsider campaigns, immigration, institutional trust, and what it means to challenge the modern party system. Born in Iran and shaped by revolution, war, and immigration to the United States, Reza brings a perspective on governance that is deeply personal — and increasingly relevant in a political climate where many voters feel politically homeless. The conversation explores: why independent candidates struggle to break throughhow party systems shape public discoursesteps future candidates can take to increase their odds of winning office as an independentmarket needs that entrepreneurs can address to help all candidates compete more effectivelyGeneration Reset with Kerry Rodriguez is a podcast from the ContraSearch Network, produced by ContraSearch, Inc..

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Trailer

    I’m your host, Kerry Rodriguez. This is a show about political activation: what pulls people into American politics, what pushes them away, and what happens when staying disengaged is no longer an option. In an era where states may have more room to redraw voting maps and reshape political power, the stakes are changing for voters, campaigns, founders, and communities across the country. Whether you are tuned into politics or running from it, the reality is simple: at some point, the rules of government may reach your life — and you may need to engage to protect your lifestyle. Join us every week on Generation Reset, where we explore the people, power shifts, and political forces shaping what comes next.

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    9 Episodes

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About

Generation Reset explores political activation: the forces and impulses that push people into or out of US politics. As your host, I meet with and interview guests to explore civic engagement in all its forms—not just running for office or working inside a campaign, but building the technology, companies, and infrastructure that shape how people engage government and vice versa. Past guests include: A mother whose experience lobbying local transit authorities to address an unfair bus policy led her down a path to joining city politicsA 15-year veteran of the federal government who spoke about why she believes AI and automation will force a reimagining of federal government from the ground upA chief procurement officer at a county school system who talks about how to make government systems work better for the people they're meant to serveA former social impact consultant who traces her path into politics through co-founding a PAC focused on making New York easier, faster, and cheaper to build Produced by the ContraSearch Network, a division of ContraSearch, Inc.

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