Politics Not Included

Transparent Campaign Initiative
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Government
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by the Transparent Campaign Initiative, Politics Not Included brings you candid conversations with elected officials and election candidates. We go beyond politics to focus on the person and the stories that shaped them. When we see each other as people first, we build stronger communities and a more engaged democracy. We’re here to make engaging with your elected leaders easier, more personal, and a little less intimidating.

  1. May 5

    Ethan Corson, Democratic Kansas Gubernatorial candidate

    In this episode, Kansas Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Ethan Corson shares some of the pivotal experiences in his life that shaped the person he is today. From growing up playing baseball to being a college athlete, earning a law degree, working in Washington D.C., and then making the move back to Kansas. He discusses why he took the leap into public service and what drives him to continue this work running for Governor.    We discuss: His background and early life in Kansas The impact of baseball had on his leadership style Balancing family life with a political career His approach to relationship-building in the legislature The potential for fresh perspectives in governance   Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:30 Ethan Corson's Journey to Politics 04:35 The Challenges of Running During a Pandemic 07:30 Impact of Team Sports on Personal Development 13:12 Family Life and Balancing Politics 17:25 The Value of Younger Representatives in Office 19:42 Ethan Corson's Leadership Style 24:21 Engaging with the Community through Town Halls 26:25 Building Relationships in Governance 30:12 The Importance of a Supportive Team 34:17 What it’s Like Being a Politician 36:30 The Personal Side of Public Service 39:29 The Importance of Voting 41:49 Engaging Younger Voters   Donate to the Transparent Campaign Initiative: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 TCI Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Politics Not Included Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/politicsnotincluded/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org   Follow Ethan Corson: Website- https://ethanforkansas.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ethanforkansas/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ethanforkansas/

    44 min

  2. Apr 24

    Marty Tuley, Democratic Kansas Gubernatorial candidate

    In this episode, Kansas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Marty Tuley shares his journey from rural Kansas to running for governor, emphasizing the importance of grassroots campaigning, leadership, and the power of persistence. Discover how his outsider perspective and commitment to the middle ground aim to reshape Kansas politics.   We discuss: His rural Kansas roots and decision to run for Governor Challenges of running as the “third-wheel” candidate His leadership style and vision for Kansas Family support and balancing personal life with campaign   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Meet Marty Tuley 06:16 The Right Time for Change in Kansas 09:44 Balancing Business and Politics 12:18 Challenging Political Norms 15:11 The Third Wheel: Overcoming Skepticism 19:20 Approach to Bridge Divides in the Legislature 25:15 Leadership Style and Vision for Kansas 27:23 Balancing Family and Political Ambitions 29:15 Passion Projects and Political Commitment 30:26 Mental Resilience in Politics 32:12 Persistence in the Face of Challenges 33:17 Navigating Public Recognitions 34:50 The Role of Social Media in Campaigning 38:06 Engaging the Average Voter 39:30 Finding the Right Lieutenant Governor 42:43 Public Perception of Politicians 51:23 The Importance of Voting and Civic Engagement   Donate to the Transparent Campaign Initiative: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 TCI Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Politics Not Included Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/politicsnotincluded/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org   Follow Marty Tuley: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/martytuley Website - https://www.tuley4gov2026.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuley_for_gov

    56 min

  3. Apr 4

    Cindy Holscher, Democratic Kansas Gubernatorial candidate

    In this episode, Kansas State Senator Cindy Holscher and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate shares her journey from her early career to running a campaign for Governor. She discusses her legislative experiences, motivations for running, and her vision for Kansas, emphasizing community engagement, public education, and the importance of voting. She discusses her motivations, approach to campaigning, and the role of family support in her political career.   We discuss: Her early career and legislative experience Motivations for running for Governor and navigating the Kansas Legislature The importance of community and voter engagement Family support and balancing personal life with political ambitions   Chapters 00:00 Introduction  01:19 Journey into Politics 03:27 Legislative Experience and Motivation to Run 05:05 Campaigning: Challenges and Growth 10:22 Mental Resilience in Politics 12:55 The Importance of Legislative Experience 15:20 Community Engagement and Substitute Teaching 18:00 Balancing Campaigning and Legislative Duties 19:10 Leadership Style and Governance Vision 21:10 Family Support of Political Ambitions 25:04 Balancing Commitments and Responsibilities 26:30 Understanding Legislative Sessions 29:07 Committee Assignments and Bill Processes 31:03 How to Engage with Legislators 32:05 Navigating Social Media as an Elected Official 35:28 Choosing a Lieutenant Governor 36:44 Misconceptions About Running for Office 41:17 Empowering Voter Engagement 43:27 The Importance of Voting in Primaries   Donate to the Transparent Campaign Initiative: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org   Follow Cindy Holscher – Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cindyforkansas Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cindyforkansas/ Website - https://cindyforkansas.com

    46 min

  4. Mar 30

    Charlotte O'Hara, Republican Kansas Gubernatorial candidate

    Kansas Republican Gubernatorial candidate Charlotte O'Hara shares her previous political experience and vision for a transparent, accountable leadership rooted in conservative principles. She discusses her personal journey, how her personal experiences shaped her political viewpoints, and the importance of integrity in politics. We also discuss her reputation for speaking directly about her political beliefs and how that honesty has helped her Gubernatorial campaign.    We discussed: Her personal journey from farm life to politics Campaign principles and political integrity Her personal experience with tax incentives in Kansas Why she chose to homeschool her children How she stays true to her core beliefs despite outside pressures   Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:16 Charlotte's Political Background and Rural Roots 04:05 Personal Experiences with Property Taxes and Business 08:20 Why Run for Governor: Addressing Statewide Issues 09:45 Family Business in Manufacturing 11:35 Impact of Property Taxes on Small Businesses 13:02 Motivation and Career Shift to Run for Office 14:21 Federalization of Education and Local Control 15:49 Family Life and Personal Values 18:42 Standing by Core Principles 20:33 Legislative Experience and Policy Stances 22:40 Transparency, Accountability, and Political Integrity 25:44 Campaign Strategy: Clear Values and Direct Communication 28:50 Vision for Leadership and Community Engagement 32:25 Supporting the Party Platform or You’re Personal Stances 35:23 Closing Remarks and Why it’s Important to Vote   Follow Charlotte O’Hara: Website: https://oharaforkansas.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oharaforjoco Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oharaforkansas/   Donate to the Transparent Campaign Initiative: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org

    51 min

  5. Mar 20

    Dr. Sharilyn Ray, Independent Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate

    In this episode, Dr. Sharilyn Ray shares how her experiences with abuse, homelessness, and foster care shaped her career in social work and her passion for helping others. She discusses her inspiring journey from overcoming personal adversity to running as an independent candidate for Governor of Kansas. She discusses her platform focused on community and transparency, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse voices to the table to solve problems. Balancing family life, running a nonprofit, and a statewide campaign, Dr. Ray emphasizes resilience, faith, and the importance of civic engagement.    Key Topics Dr. Sharilyn Ray's personal journey and background in social work Her platform focused on community, transparency, and solutions The challenges and opportunities of running as an independent candidate Fostering and family life balancing with political ambitions   Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:45 Dr. Ray's Journey: From Personal Struggles to Advocacy 10:59 Family Life and Fostering 19:10 Motivations and Challenges of Running for Governor 22:16 The Independent Path: Building a Platform from Scratch 27:42 Overcoming Misconceptions of an Independent Candidate 33:30 Personal Growth and Community Engagement 39:23 Logistics of Running for Governor 43:35 The Importance of Voting and Representation   Follow Dr. Sharilyn Ray: Website - http://www.rayforkansas.com/ TikTok - @rayforkansas Instagram - @rayforkansas Email - fyi@rayforkansas.com Facebook - Dr. Sharilyn Ray for Kansas   Donate to the Transparent Campaign Initiative: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org

    47 min

  6. Mar 10

    Stacy Rogers, Republican Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate

    Kansas gubernatorial candidate Stacey Rogers shares her journey from entrepreneur to political candidate, discussing her campaign strategies, views on political experience, social media engagement, and the importance of grassroots support. Discover how her unique perspective is reshaping political campaigns and inspiring change in Kansas.   We discuss: Grassroots campaigning and community engagement The role of social media in political campaigns The importance of authentic leadership over legislative experience   00:00 Meet Stacey Rogers: Kansas Republican Gubernatorial Candidate 02:05 Traveling Kansas: Building a Campaign One Town at a Time 03:51 From City Council to Gubernatorial Race 04:20 Why Stacey Decided to Run for Governor 06:39 Balancing Business and Politics 10:34 Personal Life and Sacrifices in Campaigning 14:28 Myths About Political Experience 16:24 Campaign Finance and Grassroots Support 21:04 Deciding Not to Participate in the GOP Debate 28:51 Social Media as a Campaign Tool 33:06 Engaging with Supporters and Critics 38:40 What Should the Public Know About Campaigning 43:31 The Humanity of Candidates and Voters 48:30 Handling Uncertainty and Enjoying the Journey  51:50 Choosing a Lieutenant Governor 55:42 Legacy and Future Impact 56:13 The Importance of Voting 57:15 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks   Follow Stacy: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StacyRogersforKansas Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stacyforkansasgovernor?igsh=aWxqdjQ0NmVtOXRu Website - https://stacyrogersforks.com   Donate: https://donorbox.org/transparent-campaign-initiative-donation   Follow the Transparent Campaign Initiative - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562761207682 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/transparentcampaigns/ Website - https://transparentcampaigns.org

    1h 1m

  7. 10/10/2025

    Margaret Shabazz, Wichita City Council District 6 Candidate

    Margaret Shabazz, Wichita City Council District 6 candidate discusses her career path, the importance of community advocacy, and the influence of her family legacy on her commitment to social change. Margaret emphasizes the significance of voting and community engagement, reflecting on her personal experiences that shaped her leadership style and her decision to run for office. Sign up for our newsletter: transparentcampaigns.kit.com/newsletter Follow us on social media: Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded Facebook: Transparent Campaign Initiative

    49 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    LaWanda DeShazer, Wichita City Council District 1 Candidate

    LaWanda DeShazer, candidate for the Wichita City Council District 1, shares her background from her extensive community involvement to some ins and outs of her current campaign. LaWanda discusses her educational background, her passion for helping others, and her experience as a first time candidate. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and voter trust in local government.   Sign up for our newsletter: transparentcampaigns.kit.com/newsletter Follow us on social media: Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded Facebook: Transparent Campaign Initiative

    41 min
See All (18)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by the Transparent Campaign Initiative, Politics Not Included brings you candid conversations with elected officials and election candidates. We go beyond politics to focus on the person and the stories that shaped them. When we see each other as people first, we build stronger communities and a more engaged democracy. We’re here to make engaging with your elected leaders easier, more personal, and a little less intimidating.

Information

  • Creator
    Transparent Campaign Initiative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Politics Not Included