Beyond Resistance Pod

beyondresistancepod
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  • Politics

Beyond Resistance: Local politics and how to build Blue Power in a Red Community and Start Winning! With Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 94: Building Blue Power One Weird Volunteer Skill at a Time

    Election Day is coming fast, and if you're a local organizer, candidate, volunteer, or party leader, it's officially go-time. In this episode, Jennifer and Sarah are back together in their brand-new podcast studio (finally!) and diving into what grassroots organizers should be focused on with just weeks left before the election. From volunteer recruitment and leadership transitions to slate cards, campaign strategy, and avoiding organizer burnout, they break down the practical lessons they've learned from flipping Midland from red to blue. You'll hear why finding a volunteer's "best magic" matters, how one home-cooked meal can be as valuable as knocking doors, and why campaigns need to stop treating every community the same. Also: house parties, handwritten postcards, organizational growing pains, and a reminder that candidate time is the most precious resource in politics. Plus, Jennifer and Sarah give listeners a tour of their shiny new studio and debate the true political significance of coffee mugs that say "Boss Lady" and "Mich-A-Gangster." Important democracy stuff. ☕😂 If you're wondering what you should be doing right now to help Democrats win locally, this episode is your election-season playbook. Because building blue power isn't magic. It's planning, people, and a whole lot of organizing. 💙🚪📋 #BeyondResistance #BuildBluePower #GrassrootsOrganizing #ElectionSeason #Democrats #VolunteerPower #PoliticalPodcast

  2. Sep 1

    Ep. 93: From Seattle to Swing States: Building People Power

    What happens when hope meets hustle? This week on Beyond Resistance, Jennifer sits down with Charles Douglas, Executive Director of Common Power, for a conversation about building real people power, one door knock at a time. From training first-time volunteers to sending teams into battleground states, Charles explains why elections are won by relationships, not just ads and algorithms. The conversation dives into the power of cross-generational organizing, lessons from the Civil Rights Movement, why young leaders are essential to the future of democracy, and how a single conversation at the door can change more than a vote. Jennifer and Charles also get real about voter frustration, the people politics leaves behind, and why many communities are still waiting for leaders to deliver meaningful change. Despite the challenges, this episode is packed with optimism, practical advice, and a reminder that democracy isn't a spectator sport. And yes, they even debate their walk-up songs. Because if you're going to save democracy, you might as well have a playlist. Walk-Up Songs: 🎶 Jennifer Austin: Esme Rose's Fk Being a Princess 🎶 Charles Douglas: Kendrick Lamar's Allright If you've ever said, "I want to help, but I don't know where to start," this episode is for you. Learn more about Common Power: 🌐 https://www.commonpower.org 📱 Download the Common Power Action app to find volunteer opportunities and training programs. Beyond Resistance shares hard-won insights to build blue power in red communities and start winning. Let's get to work. 💙

  3. Aug 27

    Ep.92: Rural Strong, Not Rural Forgotten with Teresa Purcell

    What if the problem isn't that rural America left Democrats... but that Democrats left rural America? 🔥 This week Jennifer sits down with Teresa Purcell, founder of the Rural Strong Network, to talk about why rural communities feel ignored, misunderstood, and way too often taken for granted. Teresa has spent decades organizing, campaigning, and building power in communities that political consultants usually fly over. They dive into: Why "rural voters" are actually people with hopes, dreams, and lives beyond election dayThe biggest mistakes Democrats make when talking to rural communitiesWhy local candidates can create "reverse coattails" and boost turnout up and down the ballotHow to stop treating politics like a transaction and start building real relationshipsWhy uncontested races are breaking our democracyThe surprising power of showing up, listening, and asking better questions Plus, Teresa shares why she thinks we've been fighting the wrong battles, why we need more candidates from all backgrounds, and what it takes to build durable majorities that actually improve people's lives. And because this is Beyond Resistance, the episode wraps up with a campfire dream team featuring Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and the new Pope. No big deal. 🔥 Want to get involved? Learn more about the Rural Strong Network, sign up for trainings, connect with other community leaders, or host a Rural Strong gathering at: 👉 https://ruralstrong.us If you care about rural communities, stronger local leadership, and building power where others aren't looking, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎙️🌾💙

  4. Aug 21

    Ep. 91: Don't Stop Believin': Vote Your Heart, Then Go Win

    The primaries are (mostly) in the rearview mirror, and Jennifer and Sarah are back from vacation, camping, and political doom-scrolling to unpack what it all means. This episode starts with a love letter to Michigan's unofficial anthem, Don't Stop Believin', and why Abdul El-Sayed's post-primary victory ad hit every emotional button available. Hope? Check. Michigan pride? Check. Jennifer and Sarah accidentally appearing in the ad? Also check. The conversation dives into what primary results in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond tell us about the Democratic Party. Is the party moving progressive? Moderate? Somewhere in between? The answer might be: yes. The hosts make the case for a true "big tent" party where bold ideas, practical governance, urban voices, and rural perspectives all have a seat at the table. They also tackle a favorite post-primary pastime: Democrats arguing about the primary after it's already over. Jennifer and Sarah explain why healthy debate matters before the vote, but unity matters after it. Translation: do you want to be right, or do you want to win? Plus: Abdul El-Sayed's path to the general electionWhy "electability" is everyone's least favorite buzzwordWhat Wisconsin's razor-thin primary tells usAmy Klobuchar, Peggy Flanagan, and the future of Democratic leadershipVIP election night adventures featuring standing-room-only C-SPAN and questionable hummus logisticsJennifer's latest self-care strategy: aggressively sorting things in mobile games The primaries may be ending, but the real work is just beginning. Take a deep breath, hold on, and let's get to work. #Podcast #Michigan #Primaries #Unity #Democrat

  5. Aug 4

    Ep. 90: Optimistically Nervous: Michigan’s Progressive Primary Gamble

    The Beyond Resistance crew is taking a quick summer breather, but not before squeezing in a conversation about two things Midwesterners apparently love: politics and camping. Jennifer and Sarah kick things off with excitement about their brand-new podcast studio (yes, it's in a basement, no, you won't be able to tell) and debate whether camping is a relaxing getaway or just remote work with mosquitoes. Then they dive into a timely conversation about primary elections: when they're healthy, when they're messy, and why they can shape the future of a political party. The discussion explores the balance between competition and unity, the difference between ideological debates and ego-driven campaigns, and why some primaries become much bigger than the candidates themselves. Along the way, they talk about the energy behind progressive candidates, what it takes to expand the Democratic tent, and why young and independent voters may be looking for something different than conventional political wisdom suggests. Think of it as a masterclass in party-building with a side of optimistic nervousness, which Jennifer has officially accepted as a lifelong personality trait. And because this is Beyond Resistance, the episode wraps up with the truly important issues: foil packet dinners, tiny hippie campers, cherry hobo pies, and whether sausage should have that weird skin snap. (Jennifer has thoughts.) Links & Resources: 📰 Medium Article: https://tinyurl.com/dase85v3 🧵 Threads Thread: https://tinyurl.com/54xyacbj 🎙️ Follow Beyond Resistance for more hard-won insights on building blue power in red communities, one election, organizing conversation, and camping recipe at a time.

  6. Jul 31

    Ep. 89: Democracy, But Make It User-Friendly with JP Kloberdanz of BallotReady

    Before we get started, a quick heads-up: our internet connections chose chaos for this recording. If JP sounds like he's broadcasting from a spacecraft every now and then, that's just the technology gods keeping us humble. Also, Sarah's lighting was doing something truly unhinged and made her look like she was participating in a witness protection documentary. We powered through. Democracy demanded it. This week, Jennifer and Sarah sit down with JP Kloberdanz, Vice President of Sales at BallotReady, to talk about one of the biggest challenges in democracy: helping voters figure out who and what is actually on their ballot. From school board races to ballot initiatives that seem intentionally written by a committee of riddles enthusiasts, BallotReady is working to make civic engagement easier and less overwhelming. JP shares how BallotReady helps voters find personalized ballot information, research candidates from top to bottom of the ticket, understand complicated ballot measures, locate polling places, and create a voting plan. He also tells some absolutely wild stories from the world of election data, including floppy disks, confusing local government structures, and a candidate who literally changed his name to match a popular incumbent. Yes, really. The conversation dives into voter education, local elections, reducing barriers to participation, and why informed voters are powerful voters. Plus, we wrap up with our signature lightning-round question on what every voter should do before casting a ballot. Learn more about Ballot Ready: https://www.ballotready.org Want to connect with JP? Reach out directly at jp@ballotready.org

  7. Jul 28

    Ep. 88: Gerrymanders, Election Chaos, and the Louisiana Plot Twist with Matt Gromlich

    Everything you didn't know you NEEDED to know about Louisiana's absolutely bonkers election chaos. This week on Beyond Resistance, we sit down with Matt Gromlich, educator, congressional candidate, and all-around democracy defender, for a conversation that will leave you equal parts informed, horrified, and wondering how any of this is legal. Matt walks us through Louisiana's redistricting roller coaster, where elections get canceled midstream, districts get redrawn on the fly, and voters are left trying to figure out what the heck is even happening. It's the kind of political drama that makes reality TV look organized. We dig into gerrymandering, voter confusion, campaigning in deep-red territory, and why showing up for your community still matters even when the system feels stacked against you. Matt also shares his concept of being"like-hearted" instead of like-minded, and honestly, we may be obsessed with it. We also discuss the growing effort to recall Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, why supporters say Louisiana deserves better, and how everyday people are organizing to push back. Learn more and get involved: • Matt Gromlich for Congress: mattgromlich.com • Louisiana recall effort: louisianadeservesbetter.com • Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com If you enjoy smart conversations, grassroots organizing, democracy nerdery, and the occasional bout of existential screaming into the political void, this episode is for you. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the resistance. 💙 @MattGromlichForCongress @LAHouseDemCaucus @YoungDemocratsofLouisiana

  8. Jul 24

    Ep. 87: We’ve Heard the Anti-Abdul Arguments. Next?

    Grab your favorite beverage and settle in because this episode is equal parts political road trip, rally recap, and spirited reality check. Jennifer and Sarah unpack their two-hour trek across Michigan to attend an Abdul El-Sayed rally featuring Bernie Sanders and AOC, and spoiler alert: it delivered big main-character energy. The conversation dives into the electric atmosphere of the event, why excitement matters in politics, and how hope can be a powerful organizing tool. Along the way, they swap war stories from political rallies past, including freezing factories, sweltering hangars, and the universal lesson that a guaranteed seat is truly the VIP experience. The hosts also explore bigger questions shaping Michigan's Senate primary: grassroots vs. establishment politics, corporate money vs. small-dollar donors, and why so many voters are ready to shake up the status quo. They discuss electability, generational change, political enthusiasm, and the challenge of bringing new voices into the democratic process. And because it wouldn't be politics in 2026 without some wildly questionable campaign ads, Jennifer and Sarah break down the latest attack ads, media messaging, and why they think voters should always look beyond the headline before making up their minds. In this episode: • Rally vibes, road trip stories, and political fandom • Why enthusiasm might be politics' secret sauce • Grassroots organizing vs. big-money influence • Getting younger voters engaged • Campaign ads that made the hosts want to throw a remote • A reminder to think critically, ask questions, and make a plan to vote Politics can be messy, but this conversation is proof that hope, humor, and a little healthy skepticism are still in the fight. 🎙️🔥 For more on Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com To check out Abdul El-Sayed (Politically. Those biceps are married.): abdulforsenate.com @abdulelsayed #Michigan #AbdulForSenate #USSenate #Grassroots

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About

Beyond Resistance: Local politics and how to build Blue Power in a Red Community and Start Winning! With Jennifer Austin and Sarah Schulz

Information

  • Creator
    beyondresistancepod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 beyondresistancepod
  • Show Website
    Beyond Resistance Pod

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