Town Talks Live!

Town Talks Live!
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Joan VonDras is a retired educator with 30 years of experience in public education and a former Democratic candidate for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. In the 2026 Democratic primary, she received nearly 37,000 votes and finished just 1,211 votes short of the nomination. Throughout her career in education, Joan secured and implemented more than $250,000 in grants, led professional development in two local school districts, and taught at the university level, including courses in children’s literature, language arts curriculum, and qualitative and quantitative research. Her professional work has long centered on how people learn, communicate, and participate in their communities. She has led workshops on democracy in education, democratic classrooms, student-led discussion, philosophy, and literature-based curriculum. Her experience in the classroom, higher education, and on the campaign trail now comes together in Town Talks Live. With a particular interest in the founding of the United States, the Constitution, and American democracy, Joan brings together people and ideas for thoughtful conversations about the issues shaping our communities and our country. Through conversations about people, policy, and publications, Town Talks Live creates a place to listen, learn, ask questions, and engage with the ideas shaping the conversation. RSSVERIFY

  1. 2h ago

    Politics, Family & the Holidays: Navigating Difficult Conversations

    The holidays are supposed to bring families together, but what happens when political differences threaten to pull them apart? In the latest episode of Town Talks Live, Joan VonDras sits down with Dr. Nancy Friesen, Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, to discuss the challenges of navigating family relationships during the holiday season, particularly in the aftermath of the contentious 2026 midterm elections. With political polarization, strong emotions, and differing viewpoints often finding their way to the holiday dinner table, how can families maintain meaningful connections without compromising their values? Joan and Dr. Friesen explore the psychology behind political disagreements, the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, and practical approaches to managing difficult conversations with relatives and loved ones. Whether you're anticipating a spirited Thanksgiving debate or simply hoping for a peaceful holiday gathering, this conversation offers valuable insights into navigating family dynamics in today's politically divided environment. Town Talks Live – The Podcast People • Policy • Publications Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

    Politics, Family & the Holidays: Navigating Difficult Conversations

  2. Oct 30

    Meet Susan Finn: From the Campaign Trail to Behind the Scenes at Town Talks Live

    In this episode of Town Talks Live – The Podcast, host Joan VonDras sits down with Susan Finn, a familiar face from Joan's recent campaign for Congress and an important member of the team that helped bring the campaign to life. Susan played a key role in Joan's congressional campaign, bringing her dedication, research skills, and passion for making a difference to the effort. Now, she's continuing that commitment as part of the Town Talks Live team! As a researcher and guest recruiter for the podcast, Susan helps identify interesting people, explore important issues, and bring fresh perspectives to the conversations that matter. Joan and Susan discuss their experiences working together, the importance of staying engaged beyond election season, and their shared enthusiasm for building Town Talks Live into a platform for thoughtful discussions about people, policy, and the issues shaping our communities. Campaigns may end, but the relationships, ideas, and commitment to making a difference continue. Town Talks Live – People • Policy • Publications Subscribe and join us as we continue bringing meaningful conversations to your screen and speakers!

    Meet Susan Finn: From the Campaign Trail to Behind the Scenes at Town Talks Live

  3. Oct 23

    Missouri's November Ballot Explained | Joan VonDras & Elizabeth Sparks-Holmes

    Early voting is underway in Missouri, and the November 3 election is about more than the candidates on the ballot. In this episode of Town Talks LIVE, Joan VonDras sits down with Elizabeth Sparks-Holmes, former Republican congressional candidate in Missouri's 2nd District, for a conversation about the ballot measures facing Missouri voters and why understanding these issues matters. From reproductive rights and citizen-led ballot initiatives to congressional redistricting and state government, Missouri voters will be making decisions that could shape the state's future for years to come. Joan and Elizabeth bring different political backgrounds to the conversation, but share a commitment to informed voters, thoughtful discussion, and civic engagement. Early voting has started. Before you cast your ballot, take time to understand the issues and what your vote means. Visit Town Talks LIVE: https://towntalks.live People, Policy & Publications Shaping the Conversation.

    Missouri's November Ballot Explained | Joan VonDras & Elizabeth Sparks-Holmes

  4. Oct 15

    Cathy “Cat” Summers on Resilience, Survival & Running for Missouri House | Town Talks Live

    In this episode of Town Talks Live, Joan sits down with Cathy "Cat" Summers, a candidate for Missouri House District 94, to discuss her remarkable personal journey, the challenges facing Missouri families, and what inspired her to seek public office. Drawing on her own experiences with vulnerability and hardship, Cat discusses why she believes government has a responsibility to protect people, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. Joan and Cat explore resilience, public service, community safety, and the importance of listening to those whose voices often go unheard.

    Cathy “Cat” Summers on Resilience, Survival & Running for Missouri House | Town Talks Live

  5. Oct 8 ·  Bonus

    Democracy in Action: Joan Talks with Laura Gordon of IndivisibleSTL

    In this episode of Town Talks Live, Joan sits down with Laura Gordon of IndivisibleSTL for a conversation about democracy, grassroots activism, and the importance of civic engagement. Laura shares her experiences as an activist, discusses the role IndivisibleSTL plays in organizing and engaging communities, and offers a look at what the organization has planned in the coming weeks and months. Together, Joan and Laura explore what motivates people to get involved, the challenges facing grassroots organizations, and how everyday citizens can make their voices heard. Whether you're a longtime activist or simply interested in becoming more involved in your community, this conversation offers insight into the people and organizations working to shape the future of our democracy. Learn more about Town Talks Live at TownTalks.Live.

    Democracy in Action: Joan Talks with Laura Gordon of IndivisibleSTL

  6. Oct 7

    Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know with Dr. Ed Weisbart

    With Medicare open enrollment getting underway, millions of Americans are once again making important decisions about their health coverage. Joan is joined by Dr. Ed Weisbart, a nationally recognized expert on Medicare and health care policy, for a timely conversation about what seniors and their families should understand about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and the growing role of private insurers in America’s health care system. Dr. Weisbart has spent decades working at the intersection of medicine, health policy, and the insurance industry. He coauthored two Physicians for a National Health Program reports examining Medicare Advantage, Our Payments, Their Profits: Quantifying Overpayments in the Medicare Advantage Program and Taking Advantage: How Corporate Health Insurers Harm America’s Seniors. He was also the lead author of No Real Choices: How Medicare Advantage Fails Seniors of Color and Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid: A Blueprint for Better Care and Lower Costs. Before becoming a leading advocate on Medicare policy, Dr. Weisbart practiced family medicine for 20 years at Rush Medical Center in Chicago. He moved to St. Louis in 2003 to serve as chief medical officer of Express Scripts, a position he held until retiring in 2010. He also served as a volunteer assistant professor of clinical medicine at Washington University in St. Louis until his clinical retirement in 2021. As Medicare beneficiaries consider their options during open enrollment, Joan and Dr. Weisbart explore how Medicare works, how Medicare Advantage differs from traditional Medicare, where taxpayer dollars are going, and what the increasing involvement of private insurance companies means for patients, physicians, and the future of American health care. It’s an especially important conversation at a time when seniors are being asked to make choices that can have significant consequences for their health care and their finances. This episode looks beyond the advertising and marketing to examine how the system actually works, who makes decisions about our health care, who pays for it, who profits from it, and what patients should know before making their choices.

  7. Oct 1

    John Kiehne: Community, Compassion & the Power of Showing Up

    In this episode of Town Talks Live, Joan sits down with John Kiehne for a conversation about community, public service, and the importance of showing up for others. Joan first met John when she began running for office and he was serving on the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee. What stood out wasn’t simply his involvement in politics. It was his humanity. John was someone who consistently reached out, checked in, and genuinely wanted to know how she was doing. That same compassion and commitment to community have shaped John’s approach to public service and his work throughout the St. Louis region. Joan and John talk about what it means to be engaged in your community, why personal connections still matter in politics and public life, and the values that motivate people to step forward and serve. It’s a conversation about politics, but even more, it’s about people. Town Talks Live: People, Policy & Publications Shaping the Conversation.

  8. Sep 30

    Joan VonDras & JB Anderson: Missouri Politics, Policy and the November Ballot

    Joan VonDras sits down with JB Anderson, St. Louis podcaster and host of Tell Me You’re Joking, for a candid conversation about Missouri politics and the issues voters will face on the November ballot. Tell Me You’re Joking leans into the political, cultural, and sometimes taboo subjects people are often told not to discuss. Based in St. Louis, JB brings together guests who have something to say, give a damn, and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. In this episode, Joan and JB turn their attention to Missouri. They discuss the political environment in the state, the amendments on the November ballot, what those proposals could mean for Missourians, and why voters should understand what they’re being asked to decide before heading to the polls. It’s a lively conversation about politics, policy, and the decisions facing Missouri voters this November. Town Talks Live — People, Policy & Publications Shaping the Conversation

    Joan VonDras & JB Anderson: Missouri Politics, Policy and the November Ballot
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About

Joan VonDras is a retired educator with 30 years of experience in public education and a former Democratic candidate for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. In the 2026 Democratic primary, she received nearly 37,000 votes and finished just 1,211 votes short of the nomination. Throughout her career in education, Joan secured and implemented more than $250,000 in grants, led professional development in two local school districts, and taught at the university level, including courses in children’s literature, language arts curriculum, and qualitative and quantitative research. Her professional work has long centered on how people learn, communicate, and participate in their communities. She has led workshops on democracy in education, democratic classrooms, student-led discussion, philosophy, and literature-based curriculum. Her experience in the classroom, higher education, and on the campaign trail now comes together in Town Talks Live. With a particular interest in the founding of the United States, the Constitution, and American democracy, Joan brings together people and ideas for thoughtful conversations about the issues shaping our communities and our country. Through conversations about people, policy, and publications, Town Talks Live creates a place to listen, learn, ask questions, and engage with the ideas shaping the conversation. RSSVERIFY

Information

  • Creator
    Town Talks Live!
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Town Talks Live!
  • Show Website
    Town Talks Live!