Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts

Tony Taylor
  • 4.8 (41)
  • Personal Journals
  • Semiweekly

Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts is a show about the real moments that shape us. Every week Tony Taylor sits with people who have lived through something hard and came out changed. Caregivers, creators, entrepreneurs, survivors. People in the messy middle who kept going even when it hurt. These conversations are raw, honest, and unscripted. We talk about the moments that broke you open, the choices that changed everything, and the strength you didn’t know you had. If you’re carrying a lot and trying to stay true to yourself while you build

  1. 1d ago

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland : Her Journey to Congress & Voter Questions | On The Record

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland | WA-10 | Her Journey, AIPAC, Israel & Healthcare | On The Record I had the opportunity to sit down with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for a long-form On The Record™ conversation about her journey to Congress and some of the questions I’ve been hearing from voters about her positions, record, and campaign support. We started with who Marilyn Strickland is beyond the title. She talked about being born in Seoul, growing up in a military family, her parents’ experiences with discrimination, and the conversation with her mother that helped shape her decision to enter public service. From there, we got into some of the questions people specifically asked me to bring to her. We talked about: • Medicare for All and universal healthcare• Healthcare and insurance industry campaign contributions• Whether political donations influence votes• AIPAC and campaign support• Israel and Gaza• Benjamin Netanyahu and her visits to Israel• Criticism surrounding her support for Israel• Project 2025• DEI and federal policy• Misinformation and social media• The ICE detention center in Tacoma• Why she is running for reelection Some of these are difficult and controversial topics, and I wanted to give her the opportunity to answer them directly and in her own words. That is what On The Record™ is about. I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. I’m here to have meaningful conversations, ask the questions people are asking, and give candidates and elected officials enough time to explain where they stand. You may agree with some of her answers. You may strongly disagree with others. Either way, I want you to hear the conversation for yourself and make your own decision. Watch the full interview and let me know what stood out to you. And if you value long-form conversations like this, subscribe to the Leaders Lead Network for more episodes of On The Record. #MarilynStrickland #WA10 #OnTheRecord #WashingtonPolitics #Congress #AIPAC #Israel #Healthcare

  2. 1d ago

    Candidate for Washington State Representative, LD35 | Maria Littlesun | On The Record

    Maria Littlesun is running for Washington State Representative in Washington's 35th Legislative District, Position 2, challenging incumbent Travis Couture. In this episode of On The Record, host Tony Taylor sits down with Maria for a conversation about healthcare, education, caregiving, affordability, and what leadership means to her. Maria shares her experiences as a social worker, mother, and caregiver, including her work supporting tribal elders and vulnerable adults. We discuss the challenges facing rural Washington communities, access to medical and behavioral healthcare, education funding, and the responsibilities that come with representing a community. We also explore her personal journey, the experiences that shaped her decision to run for office, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected. Topics discussed: Rural healthcare and access to medical services Supporting caregivers, families, and older adults Education funding and public schools Housing affordability and behavioral healthcare Tribal communities and intergenerational leadership Political division and working across differences Maria's priorities for the 35th Legislative District About On The Record On The Record™ is part of the Leaders Lead Network, hosted by Tony Taylor. Our mission is to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates through meaningful, long-form conversations. We do not endorse candidates. Our job is to ask questions, listen, and let voters decide for themselves. Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews, conversations, and stories that matter to our communities. Visit: https://leadersleadthepodcast.com #MariaLittlesun #WashingtonState #LD35 #WashingtonElections #OnTheRecord

  3. 2d ago

    Candidate for Washington State Senate, District 35 | Carolina Mejia | On The Record

    Carolina Mejia, candidate for Washington State Senate in the 35th Legislative District, joins Tony Taylor for a conversation on On The Record™. Currently serving as a Thurston County Commissioner, Carolina Mejia is seeking to represent Washington's 35th Legislative District in the State Senate. In this interview, we get an opportunity to hear directly from Carolina about her background in public service, her campaign, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected. With Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, it's important that voters have an opportunity to get to know the people asking for their votes. That's why we created On The Record™. We've spent this election season sitting down with candidates from races across Thurston County, providing a platform for meaningful conversations that go beyond political advertisements, campaign mailers, and sound bites. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give you the opportunity to listen, learn, and make your own informed decisions. SUBSCRIBE TO LEADERS LEAD If you appreciate these conversations, please subscribe to our podcast. We've interviewed candidates from many of the races on this year's ballot, and those conversations are available for you to watch or listen to. And if you know someone who is still deciding how to vote, consider sharing this interview with them. ABOUT ON THE RECORD™ On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced as part of the Leaders Lead Network. We believe voters deserve an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, in their own words. Hosted by Tony TaylorOn The Record | Leaders Lead Network #CarolinaMejia #WashingtonStateSenate #District35 #ThurstonCounty #WashingtonElections #OnTheRecord #TonyTaylor

  4. 2d ago

    Candidate for Washington State Supreme Court, Position 4 | Judge Sean O’Donnell | On The Record™

    King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell, a candidate for Washington State Supreme Court, Position 4, joins me for an in-depth conversation on On The Record. This was my first time interviewing a judge, and I learned quite a bit about how judicial elections work, the ethical rules judges must follow, and why the Washington Supreme Court has such an important role in our everyday lives. We also had a pretty eye-opening conversation about the outside money being spent in his race. In this episode, we discuss: Money in judicial elections: O'Donnell discusses the outside spending, political advertisements, and attack mailers targeting his campaign. The Public Disclosure Commission: We discuss the PDC's recent decision to suspend enforcement of certain campaign contribution limits while voting was already underway. Judicial independence: What it means for a judge to remain fair and impartial, regardless of political affiliation. Republican and Democratic support: O'Donnell explains why he's received support from across the political spectrum and addresses the controversy surrounding an unsolicited Republican Party recommendation. The MAGA accusations: I ask O'Donnell directly about the political labels being used against him, and he responds. Judicial ethics: Why candidates for judge cannot simply tell voters how they would rule on issues such as reproductive rights or taxation. Artificial intelligence in the courtroom: His concerns about AI-generated legal arguments and the possibility of judges relying on AI to make decisions affecting people's lives. Access to justice: Why legal representation is becoming unaffordable for many Washington families. Public safety: His experience as a prosecutor, including his involvement in the Green River Killer case. His personal story: The role his family played in encouraging him to run for the Washington Supreme Court. We also get a straightforward explanation of how Washington's court system works, what the Supreme Court actually does, and why voters should pay attention to these races. Throughout the interview, O'Donnell offers his perspective on campaign spending, his opponent, and the challenges facing Washington's courts. Those statements represent his views and should not be taken as independent findings by On The Record™. ABOUT ON THE RECORD™ On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced through the Leaders Lead Network. Our goal is simple: Give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, ask meaningful questions, and allow people to make their own decisions. These interviews are not political endorsements. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL We're interviewing candidates across Washington to help voters better understand the people asking for their votes. If you find these conversations valuable, please subscribe, share the episode, and help us get these interviews in front of more voters. Have a question or something you'd like to add to the discussion? Leave a comment below. Election Day: November 3, 2026 #SeanODonnell #WashingtonSupremeCourt #JudicialElections #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord

  5. 2d ago

    State Rep. Travis Couture on Medicaid, MAGA & Working With Democrats | On The Record

    Washington State Representative Travis Couture (R) joins Tony Taylor on On The Record for a candid conversation about Washington politics, Medicaid, special education, bipartisan leadership, and the controversies surrounding his campaign. Couture represents Washington's 35th Legislative District and is running for reelection in 2026. A U.S. Navy veteran, small business owner, and the lead Republican on the House operating budget, he discusses what happens behind the scenes in Olympia and the challenges facing Washington families. In this episode, we discuss: • Medicaid and health care: Why Couture says he opposed state Medicaid cuts and what he believes needs to change. • PANS/PANDAS legislation: His collaboration with Democratic Rep. Tarra Simmons on legislation addressing access to treatment, including IVIG. • Special education: His work on changes to Washington's special education funding system. • Washington's budget and taxes: His concerns about state spending, affordability, and government accountability. • Working across party lines: Why a conservative Republican works with Democrats on issues such as health care, child welfare, and education. • MAGA and campaign attacks: Couture responds to political labels, negative campaign advertising, and criticism from opponents. • Allegations of racist remarks: Tony asks Couture directly about a rumor involving remarks allegedly made on the House floor. Couture denies the allegation and shares his account of what happened. • The 2026 election: What Couture hopes to accomplish if voters return him to Olympia. We also discuss his military service, his journey into politics, and what he's learned about leadership and representing people who don't always agree with him. ABOUT ON THE RECORD On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced by the Leaders Lead Network. We're having conversations with candidates and elected officials across Washington, asking meaningful questions and giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people seeking to represent them. These interviews are not endorsements. Our goal is to provide information, encourage thoughtful conversations, and let voters decide for themselves. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL We've interviewed candidates across Washington, and there are more conversations to come. Subscribe to On The Record™ so you don't miss an episode. Have thoughts about this conversation? Leave a comment below. We want to hear from you. #TravisCouture #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord #WashingtonStateLegislature #Election2026

  6. 3d ago

    Candidate for Thurston County Assessor, Lynda Nashed Zeman | On The Record™

    What does the Thurston County Assessor actually do, and how much control does that office have over your property taxes? In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with Lynda Nashed Zeman, candidate for Thurston County Assessor, for a conversation about property taxes, government accountability, leadership, and the issues affecting Thurston County residents. Lynda shares her background, her experience working inside the assessor's office, and why she believes she's qualified to lead it. We also get into some of the tougher questions, including disagreements with the current assessor, the property assessment appeals process, and concerns she's raised about her opponent. In this conversation, we discuss: What the Thurston County Assessor actually does Why rising property values don't always mean an equal increase in property taxes How homeowners can challenge their property assessments Lynda's concerns about reported delays in property tax appeals Property tax relief for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities Her experience and qualifications Her disagreements with the current assessor Her concerns about her opponent's campaign endorsements and contributions Her plans to make county services more accessible With Election Day on November 3, 2026, I encourage Thurston County voters to take the time to hear directly from the people asking for their vote. ABOUT ON THE RECORD On The Record is hosted by Tony Taylor and powered by the Leaders Lead Network. Our goal is simple: Give voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates, beyond campaign ads, mailers, and sound bites. We ask meaningful questions, have real conversations, and let voters make up their own minds. On The Record does not endorse political candidates. Subscribe for more candidate interviews, local election coverage, and conversations that matter. https://leadersleadthepodcast.com #OnTheRecord #LyndaNashedZeman #ThurstonCounty #ThurstonCountyAssessor #WashingtonElections #Election2026

    Candidate for Thurston County Assessor, Lynda Nashed Zeman | On The Record™

  7. 3d ago

    Candidate for Washington State Representative, Danica Noble | LD32 | On The Record

    Danica Noble is running for Washington State Representative in the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1, against fellow Democrat Keith Scully. In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with Danica Noble to discuss her nearly 20 years at the Federal Trade Commission, her work involving Facebook and Meta, and why she left federal service to run for public office. Danica shares her experiences working on the federal antitrust case against Facebook, including her role developing evidence related to online harms affecting children. We also discuss: • Why Danica Noble is running for Washington State Representative • Her work investigating Facebook, Meta, and powerful corporations • Artificial intelligence, AI chatbots, and the potential risks to children • Social media algorithms, online safety, and corporate accountability • Cell phones in Washington schools and proposed restrictions • Medical exceptions for students who need access to their phones • Public education funding and the challenges facing Washington families • Her experience working in Ukraine shortly before Russia's invasion • Healthcare costs and her proposal to address private equity involvement in healthcare • Her opponent, Keith Scully, and what she believes he gets right We also have a personal conversation about parenting, protecting our children, and finding the right balance between technological innovation and public safety. About On The Record I'm Tony Taylor, and I created On The Record to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for their votes. Our mission isn't to tell you who to vote for. Our mission is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Every candidate running for this office has been offered the same opportunity to participate. Whether you're voting in Washington's 32nd Legislative District or simply interested in the future of artificial intelligence, education, and consumer protection, I hope this conversation gives you something to think about. Subscribe to On The Record for more conversations with candidates and community leaders. Join the conversation: What issue matters most to you in this election? #DanicaNoble #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord

  8. 3d ago

    Candidate for Washington State Representative, William Dehnel | LD2 Position 1 | On The Record

    William Dehnel is challenging Washington State Representative Andrew Barkis for Legislative District 2, Position 1. But who is William Dehnel, and what would he do differently if elected? In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with William for an honest conversation about the issues facing Washington voters, his experience working at Pierce Transit, and why he decided to run for office. We discuss: • Why he's challenging incumbent Andrew Barkis and what he believes Barkis gets right • Workers' rights, labor unions, and the future of Washington's working class • Washington's tax system, corporate taxes, and the cost of living • Affordable housing, homelessness, and access to rural healthcare • Mental health services and his family's personal experiences • LGBTQ+ rights, supporting his transgender daughter, and how his beliefs have changed • Why he believes voters should look beyond political party labels William also shares what growing up in poverty taught him, why he believes working families are being left behind, and what he wants voters to know before casting their ballots. On The Record™ is about informing voters, not telling them who to vote for. Candidates are offered the same opportunity to participate, and our goal is to give you a chance to hear directly from the people seeking public office. Watch the full conversation, hear his positions in his own words, and make your own decision. Subscribe to On The Record™ for more conversations with candidates, elected officials, and community leaders. Join the conversation: What issue matters most to you in Washington's 2nd Legislative District? #WilliamDehnel #AndrewBarkis #WashingtonPolitics

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4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts is a show about the real moments that shape us. Every week Tony Taylor sits with people who have lived through something hard and came out changed. Caregivers, creators, entrepreneurs, survivors. People in the messy middle who kept going even when it hurt. These conversations are raw, honest, and unscripted. We talk about the moments that broke you open, the choices that changed everything, and the strength you didn’t know you had. If you’re carrying a lot and trying to stay true to yourself while you build

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