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. MAR 27

    Ep. 63: The No Kings Debate: Why Everyone Needs to Chill (and Organize)

    In this fiery episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer dive headfirst into the great progressive debate of 2026: Do protests actually matter, or are we all just getting our steps in? Spoiler: they matter — a lot. Fresh off a wave of online hot‑takes claiming protest is pointless, your favorite co-hosts break down why collective action still moves hearts, shifts culture, and builds the kind of courage that flips very red communities blue. From No Kings rallies to mutual aid to the magic that happens when isolated Democrats in rural towns realize they aren’t alone, this conversation is part political therapy session, part organizing playbook. But that’s not all — we also go full tilt into the messy, nuanced stuff: data centers in Michigan (yes, AI needs water), the joy of not arguing with your relatives about revolutions at Easter dinner, and why black‑and‑white thinking is wrecking the progressive movement. Plus, Sarah and Jennifer share a behind‑the‑scenes look at taking Beyond Resistance on the road to Democratic conventions — and why they need your help to do it. If you love grassroots organizing, progressive politics, democracy‑saving strategies, or just want to hear two women lovingly drag both the far-left and the far-right with equal enthusiasm, this episode is for you. 💸 Want to help us spread the word IRL? Support us on Venmo: @BeyondResistancePod. Take a listen, share with a friend, and remember — winning is a team sport.

    28 min

  2. MAR 25

    Ep. 62: Joyful Domination & Other Casual Acts of Democracy: No Kings Edition

    In this week’s episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer come in fired up and ready to unpack the political circus we’re all trying to survive. From TSA chaos and ICE lurking in airports like the world’s least helpful mall cops, to the nonstop stress being cooked up in D.C., this episode is basically a masterclass in modern activism, community organizing, and staying sane in an authoritarian‑ish era. But that’s just the warm‑up. We’re also joined by community powerhouses Lara Bell Phillips and Allison Wilcox, two of the brilliant minds behind local Midland, MI organizing efforts and the upcoming No Kings 3 rally. They share the real behind‑the‑scenes: the spreadsheets, the press releases, the group chats, the protest T‑shirts (important), and the “find your people” magic that transforms isolated blue dots into vibrant, connected communities. If you’ve ever wondered how to energize a red‑leaning area, build a grassroots movement, or host your own rally without spontaneously combusting, this episode breaks it all down with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of righteous rage. We talk strategy. We talk safety. We talk joyful domination (yes, really). And we talk about why showing up — even if it’s 50 people getting flipped off by pickup trucks — actually shifts democracy. Whether you're a seasoned organizer or a “politics podcast listener who swears they’re not getting involved” (yet), this episode gives you actionable steps, community inspiration, and all the vibes of a group chat you absolutely want to be part of. Listen in. Get inspired. Then go make some good trouble. For more on Beyond Resistance and the Blueprint for Building Blue Power, visit beyondresistancepod.com. To find a No Kings Rally in your area: indivisible.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/

    1h 9m

  3. MAR 19

    Ep. 61: Year-Round Organizing: Not Election Season Thirst Trap - with Justin Onwenu

    This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer are fired up (yes, again) and diving into what it really takes to build Democratic power, increase voter turnout, and move beyond the “blue wave will save us” magical thinking. Spoiler: it won’t. (Sorry, internet commenters.) We’re joined by Justin Onwenu, Detroit-born organizer, environmental justice advocate, law professor, economic opportunity champion — and now candidate for Michigan State Senate District 1. Justin’s resume is so packed we had to fact-check whether he sleeps. (Unclear.) In this energizing conversation, we get real about: * Why communities like Detroit and Downriver have some of the lowest turnout in the state — and how year-round organizing (not election-season drive-bys) can fix it * How environmental justice, workers’ rights, and neighborhood investment are inseparable from winning sustainable political power * What it means to build transformational relationships instead of transactional campaigns — the kind that actually move voters, organizers, and future leaders * Why everyday people (yes, including you) are smarter than political consultants give them credit for * How state governments can “Trump-proof” their communities through bold policy on voting rights, immigration, affordability, and more Also: co-pay trauma stories, the best places to eat in Detroit, friendship rants, and a little shade at people who think centrism means “never talk about social issues again.” If you’re into progressive politics, grassroots organizing, community power, or just love hearing leaders talk like actual humans, this is your episode. Tune in, get inspired, and let’s build something real — beyond resistance. To learn more about Justin's campaign: justinformi.com To learn more about Beyond Resistance: beyondresistancepod.com @justinonwenu5298

    51 min

  4. MAR 17

    Ep. 60: Karen McDonald Gets Real About Courage, Community & the Chaos of Modern Politics

    In this fiery and fun episode of Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer come in hot, kicking things off with what might be the most passionate political rant you’ll hear all week (Jim Clyburn, we’re looking at you). From aging incumbents to billionaire adjacent self funders, this one dives deep into the realities of modern campaigns, grassroots organizing, and why everyday people deserve leaders who actually get what everyday life feels like. Then they sit down with Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor and Democratic candidate for Michigan Attorney General—and honestly? She delivers. Big time. Karen opens up about growing up working class, raising five kids, surviving the Trump era, and becoming nationally known for holding the Oxford school shooter’s parents accountable. She also gets wonderfully candid about burnout, sewing as self care, and what it’s like running for office while refusing to compromise your core values. Expect sharp insights, relatable laughs, and real talk about courage, community, and the stakes of 2026. If you care about political organizing, grassroots power, Michigan politics, elections, or how local leaders can fight national extremism, this episode is your jam. Plus, you’ll learn which items hold sentimental value for our hosts and guest (spoiler: Christmas ornaments and a grandpa’s diploma make the cut). 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to build blue power in red communities—because resistance was just the beginning. @karenmcdonaldformi

    1h 2m

  5. MAR 12

    Ep. 59: From Cancer Survivor to Candidate: Why Rhonda Yates Isn’t Backing Down

    This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer come in hot — like “are-you-really-going-to-fund-Trump’s-random-war?” hot. We kick things off with a fiery breakdown of Democratic wobbliness in Congress, political “poison pill” bills, and why doing your own Googling might just save democracy (or at least your group chat). It’s the kind of cathartic political‑podcast energy that pairs perfectly with rage‑cleaning or panic‑scrolling. Then we dive into an inspiring, deeply human conversation with Rhonda Yates, a Democrat running for Michigan’s 55th State House District. Rhonda’s story hits all the notes: rural Mississippi roots, linguistics professor, oncology nurse, cancer survivor twice over, union member, and somehow still a person who volunteers at the library. Basically the political‑organizing superhero the MCU should call. Rhonda talks about what pushed her to run — including witnessing ICE detain a naturalized U.S. veteran — and why state-level politics matter more than ever. We dig into health care nightmares, safe staffing for nurses, skyrocketing medical costs, mental health access, and why real democracy requires leaving our curated bubbles and actually listening to voters (even the ones who send you nasty emails). If you’re into progressive politics, grassroots organizing, election strategy, or just want a political podcast that doesn’t make you want to crawl into a culvert and live among raccoons, this episode is for you. Bonus: You’ll also hear how thrifting, cross-stitch, and union power somehow end up in the same conversation — which honestly feels like peak Midwest political‑pod energy. To learn more about Rhonda Yates and her campaign visit: rhondayates.com To check out Beyond Resistance and their Blueprint for Building Blue Power visit: beyondresistancepod.com @RhondaYatesMI55

    1h 1m

  6. MAR 10

    Ep. 58: Vote for Ethan! He’s . . . Normal? A Wildly Refreshing Political Conversation

    This week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer are fired up (shocking, we know) — and they’re taking you from “kitchen table issues” to the wild world of real-life political chaos, media buzz, and the everyday struggles Americans are carrying everywhere except an actual kitchen table. They dive deep with Ethan Wechtaluk, a smart, grounded, actually normal human running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District. Ethan’s a dad, a long-time public servant, a first-generation activist-at-heart, and—oh yeah—a Virginia Tech shooting survivor with powerful insight into what political courage really means. He talks candidly about what pushed him from political burnout into political action (spoiler: Congress voting like it’s still 1994 didn’t help). From gun safety reform to immigration, affordability, veteran care, and accountability within the Democratic Party itself, Ethan’s got the receipts, the rage, and the resolve, and he knows what it means to run in a “swingy” district during a high stakes 2026 election. Ethan may call himself “normal,” but his perspective on democracy, community power, and what Congress should be doing hits anything but ordinary. Stick around for the lighter side too: backyard BBQ debates, legendary deviled eggs, and Jennifer’s ongoing war against eating corn like a raccoon. If you care about saving democracy, electing real people, or just love a political podcast that sounds like two friends ranting in the car after a school board meeting, this one’s for you. Learn more about Ethan at EthanforMD.com — and let’s get to work building blue power in red communities. 💙🔥

    1h 22m

  7. MAR 5

    Ep. 57: From Wu Tang to One Team: Curtis Hertel’s Guide to Fixing the Party

    Strap in, organizers and blue state dreamers — this week on Beyond Resistance, Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel Jr. for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk, strategy session, and “wait… did he really just say Wu Tang Clan?” vibes. Curtis brings the heat on what went wrong in 2024, what gives him hope heading into 2026, and why listening — like actual listening — might be the secret sauce to rebuilding Democratic power across Michigan (and every other red leaning corner of the country). From grassroots organizing to dignity for working class voters to why community members—not consultants from Delaware—should be calling the shots, Curtis lays out a blueprint that’s both refreshingly honest and totally actionable. You’ll hear stories about Midland’s slow but mighty march left, the pitfalls of transactional politics, the struggle to rebuild trust in communities that felt abandoned, and the surprising amount of wisdom gained from knock down losses. Plus, Curtis shares his “comeback playlist,” his multigenerational family story of public service, and a childhood memory involving a red wagon that will melt even the most hardened organizer’s heart. If you’re fired up about building blue power in red places, this episode is basically your new caffeine source. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your organizing game — because the 2026 Blue Wave isn’t going to build itself! Speaking of building a Blue Wave, download our free Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com @MIDemocraticParty

    1h 6m

  8. MAR 3

    Ep. 56: From Pasties to Power: How Callie Barr Plans to Flip the North

    Strap in, snowflakes (the avalanche kind, not the internet kind) — this week’s episode brings the heat and the heart. Sarah and Jennifer sit down with Callie Barr, Michigan’s 1st District congressional candidate, community powerhouse, veteran advocate, mom, attorney, mediocre violinist, and elite-level cookie distributor. Callie breaks down what it means to fight for an Affordable LIFE — literally. Local housing, Income, Food, Essential care. It’s not just a slogan; it’s a blueprint for dignity in rural America. From disappearing labor & delivery units to burnout in the healthcare workforce to the rising cost of just . . . existing, Callie gets real about what’s keeping Northern Michigan families up at night — and what she plans to do about it. We cover it all: • Why rural hospitals are hanging by a thread • How veterans get trapped in red tape instead of supported • What building a blue wave (or avalanche) looks like in a district roughly the size of a small nation • The power of tiny protests in tiny towns • Why yard signs actually do matter Plus, in true Beyond Resistance fashion, we wrap things up with the most contentious political question of our time: How do you eat a pasty? (Callie’s answer may shock you. Or unite you. TBD.) If you’ve ever wondered what real, boots-on-the-ground democracy-building sounds like — or if you just want to feel a little less alone in your own red pocket of the world — this episode is your new therapy session. Plug in. Get inspired. And maybe grab a pasty. To download the FREE Beyond Resistance Blueprint: 5 Steps for Building Blue Power visit: beyondresistancepod.com To learn more about Callie Barr and her campaign visit: callieforcongress.com @Callie4Congress

    1 hr
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4.5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beyond Resistance Pod

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