American Motherhood

Bethany Kungle
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Government

American Motherhood is a civic platform grounded in motherhood making politics accessible, relevant, and human. We believe that respectful curiosity is powerful and informed participation matters - especially at the local level.

  1. 15h ago

    Meet Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Ohio State Representative District 4

    In this final episode of our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series, we sit down with Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, State Representative for Ohio House District 4 and Ohio House Minority Whip. Since she’s running unopposed this year, we take advantage of her expertise to pull back the curtain on how a political party actually works, from the Democratic National Committee to our county parties. We talk about what the caucus is, who really influences legislators, how much independence they also have, and how we can have a voice in the party to make sure our district’s needs are addressed.  Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Thank you for following along with us this season! Listen to the full conversation and catch up on every episode of our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com. Connect with Beryl Brown Piccolantonio: Berylforohio.comInstagramFacebookX Resources for this conversation: We’ve included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Ohio Revised Code 3517.03: The state law that structures both major parties in Ohio, including state and county central committees, whose members are elected in the primaries.Democratic National Committee: The national party, which sets the platform, runs the presidential nominating process, and supports state parties.Ohio Democratic Party: The state party, with information on leadership, county parties, and ways to get involved.Franklin County Democratic Party: The county party for District 4, with local endorsements, events, and volunteer opportunities.Ohio Republican Party: For comparison. State law gives both major parties the same committee structure.United She Stands: Unpacking the “Establishment Democrat”: Rep. Brown Piccolantonio joins Ashley and Sara to break down what the term really means.American Motherhood: Rep. Beryl x Private School Vouchers: Our earlier conversation with Rep. Brown Piccolantonio on EdChoice vouchers.American Motherhood: Can Republicans and Democrats Still Find Common Ground?: Our interview with Senator Blessing, referenced in this episode.

    Meet Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, Ohio State Representative District 4

  2. Oct 13

    Meet Shelby Kimball, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Shelby Kimball, a mom of four, Marine Corps and Army National Guard veteran, and the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 60 in Delaware County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. We dig into her priorities for the state, including strong public schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, and support for veterans and military families. Shelby also shares how years of navigating the same systems so many Ohio families rely on, from classrooms to doctor’s offices, shaped her decision to run. Our goal isn’t to tell you who to vote for. It’s to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com. Connect with Shelby Kimball: Kimballforohio.comInstagramFacebook Resources for this conversation: We’ve included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Ohio Education Association: Ohio’s largest teachers union, representing teachers and education support professionals across the state. It bargains contracts, advocates on school funding and education policy at the Statehouse, and offers professional development for educators.Teachers Unions Lift Salaries and School Spending, But Evidence on Student Achievement Is Mixed (The 74): A balanced look at the research. Studies generally agree that collective bargaining raises school spending, while findings on student outcomes are mixed.National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias: A nonprofit supporting individuals and families affected by ectodermal dysplasias, a group of rare genetic conditions that can affect the hair, teeth, nails, and sweat glands. It offers family resources, connects people with specialized care, and advocates for better access to treatment.

    Meet Shelby Kimball, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60

  3. Oct 8

    Meet Jerrad Christian, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 12

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Jerrad Christian, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio's 12th Congressional District, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. With rural, suburban, and urban communities side by side, District 12 represents so much of Ohio's diversity all in one place, and serving it means balancing very different needs. We dig into how Jerrad's priorities, from public school funding to AI to agriculture, would reach every corner of the district, including his case for single-payer health care. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. GI Bill Benefits (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs): An overview of the education and training benefits available to veterans, service members, and their families.AcreTrader: An online platform that lets investors buy shares of U.S. farmland, part of a growing trend of investor ownership in agriculture.Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Congress.gov) and House Vote Record: The $1.2 trillion 2021 law funding roads, bridges, broadband, and water systems. Thirteen House Republicans voted for it, and the vote record shows how each Ohio member voted.Court Rules No Constitutional Right to Clean Water (AllSides): Coverage from across the spectrum of a September 2026 ruling. In a 10 to 5 vote, the full 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found no clearly established constitutional right to clean drinking water, and no constitutional duty for officials to share accurate water quality information. Residents can still pursue claims under state law or federal statutes like the Safe Drinking Water Act.Surveillance Pricing Update (Federal Trade Commission): The FTC's look at "surveillance pricing," where companies use personal data to set individualized prices. Unlike dynamic pricing, which responds to supply and demand, this can mean different customers pay different prices for the same purchase at the same time.Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNow.org v. FEC (Federal Election Commission): The two 2010 court decisions that allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions and paved the way for super PACs. Connect with Jerrad Christian: Christianforohio.comInstagramFacebookTikTok

    Meet Jerrad Christian, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Congressional District 12

  4. Oct 6

    Meet Daquan Neal, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 39

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Daquan Neal, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 39 in Montgomery County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. We dig into his priorities for the state, including a livable wage, universal free school lunch, and how tax policy affects working families. Daquan brings high energy to every part of this conversation, and he makes a different kind of ask: he's asking you to share his platform more than your wallet.  Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Connect with Daquan: Daquanforstaterep.orgInstagramFacebookTikTok Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Ohio Income Tax Rates (Ohio Department of Taxation): Ohio's official tax rate tables. Under the state budget signed in June 2025, Ohio moved to a flat income tax in 2026: no state income tax on the first $26,050, and a single 2.75% rate on income above that.Analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Policy Center): A nonpartisan breakdown of the 2017 federal tax law. It found the law cut taxes on average for all income groups, with the largest cuts as a share of income going to higher-income households.Head Start Center Locator (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services): Find Head Start and Early Head Start programs near you. These federally funded programs offer free early learning, health, and family support services for eligible children from birth to age 5.Living Wage Calculator: Ohio (MIT): Estimates what it actually costs to support a household in Ohio, by county and family size, compared to minimum wage. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com.

    Meet Daquan Neal, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 39

  5. Oct 1

    Meet Noah Spinner, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 31

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Noah Spinner, the Democratic candidate running to represent Ohio House District 31 in Summit County, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. We dig into his priorities for the state, including healthcare, public schools, and bringing affordability back to working families. Noah also shares how his own personal journey has shaped his perspective, leadership, and his decision to once again pursue elected office.  Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com. Connect with Noah Spinner: Spinnerforohio.comInstagramFacebook Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.

    Meet Noah Spinner, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 31

  6. Sep 29

    Meet Don Kissick, Libertarian Candidate for Ohio Governor

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Don Kissick, the Libertarian candidate for Ohio governor, for a thoughtful and respectful discussion of his vision for the state. We dig into what limited government would really look like for families, including his belief that a robust economy would allow communities to rely on private charity rather than government programs. We also talk about where he stands on immigration and why the Fourth Amendment's protections for our homes and personal property matter more than ever. It's a candid look at personal liberty and the role of government in our everyday lives. Whether you're familiar with Libertarian ideas or hearing them for the first time, there's plenty here to think about. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead, regardless of how you vote. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. The Fourth Amendment, which guarantees people the right to be secure in their homes and their effects. Learn more about the Libertarian Party: Welcome to the Libertarian Party Connect with Don Kissick: Instagram: @donkissickTikTok: @don.kissickX: @DonCKissickFacebook: @DonKissickLiberty

    Meet Don Kissick, Libertarian Candidate for Ohio Governor

  7. Sep 25

    Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas, Candidate for Ohio Supreme Court

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Judge Marilyn Zayas, who's running for one of two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court. We cover how the Ohio Supreme Court touches everyday family life, where the line falls between interpreting the law and making policy, setting aside personal opinion to follow the law, party labels on judicial ballots, and what the court can do when the legislature doesn't comply with its rulings. Above all, this is a conversation about making the court and judicial races more accessible and transparent for all Ohioans. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give Ohio voters a chance to hear directly from candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they will lead. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at americanmotherhood.com. Resources for this conversation: We've included resources below to help you explore the issues discussed in this interview. They may provide additional context, support what was said, or offer information that adds nuance or a different perspective. Want to learn more about the judicial candidates on your ballot? VOTE411: The League of Women Voters' nonpartisan voter guide. Enter your address to see every race on your ballot, including judges, with candidates' answers in their own words.Judicial Votes Count: Ohio's nonpartisan, statewide resource on judicial elections. It has candidate profiles with qualifications, endorsements, and reasons for running, plus explainers on how Ohio's courts work.Judge4Yourself: Nonpartisan ratings of Ohio Supreme Court and Cuyahoga County judicial candidates from a coalition of bar associations. Candidates are rated from "Excellent" to "Not Recommended" based on integrity, knowledge, experience, diligence, and impartiality. Want to understand the court's role in school funding and redistricting? DeRolph v. State: School Funding Case (Ohio Legislative Service Commission): A nonpartisan legislative summary of Ohio's landmark school funding case. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled 4 to 3 that the state's funding system was unconstitutional. The court revisited the case several times over the following years before ending its involvement, but the underlying funding problems were never fully resolved.Ohio Legislative District Maps Ruled Unconstitutional (Court News Ohio): The Ohio Supreme Court's own summary of its first 2022 redistricting ruling, including both the majority and dissenting views. From 2021 to 2022, the court struck down Ohio's state legislative maps five times and the congressional maps twice.Ohio's EdChoice Voucher Case (Statehouse News Bureau): Coverage of the appeal of a 2025 lower court ruling that found Ohio's EdChoice private school voucher program unconstitutional. The case may reach the Ohio Supreme Court. The state argues vouchers are scholarships that give families more educational options, not state funding for private schools.

    Meet Judge Marilyn Zayas, Candidate for Ohio Supreme Court

  8. Sep 22

    Meet Rose Lounsbury, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 36

    In this episode of American Motherhood, we sit down with Rose Lounsbury, who's running to represent Ohio House District 36, to talk about the issues that matter to Ohio families. We dig into her priorities for the state, including how she'd approach education funding, how to balance gun rights with public safety, and how to protect women's rights and everyone's access to affordable healthcare. We also get a sense of what kind of leader she'd be. Gun safety remains a deeply personal issue for many Ohio families, especially in the wake of the August 4, 2019 mass shooting in Dayton. You can read the FBI's investigative report on the attack here for more context on what happened that day. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for, regardless of how you vote, we want you to hear directly from the candidates, understand their values, and get a better sense of how they'd lead. Listen to the full conversation and follow our Ohio 2026 candidate interview series at AmericanMotherhood.com.

    Meet Rose Lounsbury, Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 36
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About

American Motherhood is a civic platform grounded in motherhood making politics accessible, relevant, and human. We believe that respectful curiosity is powerful and informed participation matters - especially at the local level.

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Kungle
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    American Motherhood

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