Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize

New Fundamentals

Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize is the podcast where Survivor's David vs Goliath season meets real-world campaign strategy. Hosts Claire Douglass, a badass campaign strategist who has never lost a campaign, and Tykee James, an organizer and birder, break down how power really works—who’s the Goliath, what’s the sling, and how to build a team that lasts. Each episode blends reality TV, movement history, and campaign lessons, plus a Power Move challenge you can use right away. newfundamentals.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 3h ago ·  Bonus

    Is This a Campaign or a Compelling Issue?

    Not every important issue is a campaign. In this special bonus episode, Claire and Tykee step off the Survivor beach and into the world of birding to workshop a real movement in real time. Using the documentary Bird Names and the Bird Names for Birds initiative as a live case study, they ask one deceptively simple question: Is this a campaign… or just a really compelling issue? Together, they unpack the difference between values, storytelling, and strategy. Through a live coaching session, Claire helps Tykee transform a compelling issue into a campaign by identifying decision-makers, mapping power, and building a strategy that can actually move them. Along the way, they explore why moral clarity alone rarely changes institutions. The core lesson: a campaign isn't measured by how many people agree with you, but by your ability to get a specific decision-maker to act. Whether you're working to change policy, transform an institution, or wondering why your advocacy feels stuck, this episode offers a practical framework for turning issues into campaigns—and attention into power. Watch the documentary here: https://youtu.be/OL4lCBPWUbs?si=tU2LorSs2Rj39oI_ Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    33 min
  2. The Swing Vote Economy

    Apr 30

    The Swing Vote Economy

    When no one has the votes, everything changes. In this episode, hosts Claire Douglass and Tykee James break down one of the most volatile phases in Survivor: David vs. Goliath: the moment after a dominant coalition collapses—and power shifts to the players in the middle. With no clear majority, the game becomes a scramble for one thing: the swing vote. In the aftermath of a shocking blindside, the hosts unpack the rise of the pivot player—the person who doesn’t lead the coalition, but decides which coalition wins. In unstable systems, power doesn’t come from numbers. It comes from information, timing, and relationships. Using Survivor dynamics, pop culture, bird behavior, and real-world coalition examples, Claire and Tykee show why pivot players are both the most powerful and the most vulnerable people in the game. You’ll learn why leaders get targeted, why ambiguity can be a strategy, and how moving too early can turn leverage into liability. – Use this week’s Power Move to build a Pivot Map—so you can identify who actually controls your decision, who influences them, and what it takes to move them. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    17 min

  3. Apr 16

    When The Merge Breaks

    Winning power is one thing. Governing it is another. In this episode of Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize, Claire Douglass and Tykee James break down what happens after the Davids take control in Survivor: David vs. Goliath — and why their coalition starts unraveling almost immediately. Because the moment you become the majority, everything changes: incentives shift, leadership gets tested, and the story that held you together starts to disappear. Using the Davids’ unraveling as a case study, Claire and Tykee unpack the real mechanics of coalition durability — from “coalition physics” to the hidden dangers of credit politics, information leaks, and ego-driven leadership. You’ll hear why: * Insurgent campaigns often fail once they win power * Transactional leadership turns allies into competitors * Timing, not loyalty, decides who survives * And why coalitions don’t collapse from apathy — but from scorekeeping If you’re building, leading, or holding together a coalition, this episode is your playbook for what comes after the win. Use this week’s Power Move to stress test your coalition by identifying its story, incentives, leadership dynamics, and cohesion — so you can reinforce durability before cracks turn into fractures. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    17 min

  4. Mar 24

    Blindsides & Contingency Math

    A blindside doesn’t end the game—it exposes who actually had a strategy. In this episode, Claire and Tykee break down what happens after everything goes sideways—when a vote flips, a partner wobbles, or your plan collapses at the worst possible moment. Through analyzing one of the most complex Tribal Councils in Survivor David vs. Goliath, they show why the Goliaths lost control — even with the numbers — and how the Davids didn’t win more votes, they just controlled which votes mattered. Using Survivor, campaigns, bird behavior, and current events, they explain that majorities collapse when they rely on outdated assumptions, but by shifting from chaos to coordination, coalitions can stabilize. The real lesson: campaigns don’t fail because Plan A breaks. They fail because no one planned for what happens next. – Use this week’s Power Move to run a Post-Blindside Reset — a rapid strategy update that helps your team name what changed, what didn’t, and choose your next path with clarity. Because after a shock, the goal isn’t more activity — it’s better decisions. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    19 min

  5. Feb 19

    The Heist (Why Your “Lanes” Are Your Slingshot)

    In this episode, Claire and Tykee unpack one of the cleanest blindsides in Survivor: David vs. Goliath: the takedown of the “Mayor of Slamtown.” A masterclass in execution, the Davids didn’t win by being scrappy or heroic. They won by running a heist: choosing the right target, sequencing their moves, and—most importantly—staying in their lanes. Through the now-iconic Tribal Council, the hosts show how a minority can control the outcome without controlling the room. Translating the move into campaign terms, Claire and Tykee break down the difference between goal, strategy, and tactics—and why coalitions often fail when everyone tries to do everything. When lanes are unclear, execution gets fuzzy, pressure rises, and trust fractures. But when roles are named and owned, coordination becomes power. From bird ecology to real-world legislative wins, the episode argues that success isn’t about versatility—it’s about ecological discipline. Campaigns don’t need more talent; they need clearer roles. Use this week’s free Power Move worksheet to map where power actually operates so you can assign lanes, pick the right arena, and execute without freelancing. Available on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    15 min

  6. Feb 5

    The Merge (Coalition Strategy)

    After the merge, Survivor stops being about teams—and starts being about coalitions. In this episode, Claire and Tykee break down what Survivor: David vs. Goliath teaches us about building alliances that actually hold once everyone is on the same beach. The merge isn’t unity—it’s exposure: hidden incentives surface, freelancing begins, and visible power quickly loses its edge if you don’t have the count. Using post-merge Survivor dynamics, bird behavior, and real-world campaign examples, the hosts show why coalitions fail when they rely on vibes instead of structure. They walk through the three opening moves every coalition needs: a clear strategy statement, a values map to surface non-negotiables before conflict erupts, and a concrete structure with named roles, backups, and decision-makers. You’ll also learn why coalitions need both “logic people” and “belonging people,” how to manage information flow after the merge, and why majorities are always temporary. The core lesson: after the merge, you don’t win by feeling unified—you win by recombining on purpose. Use this week’s free Power Move worksheet to quickly align your coalition on a clear strategy, roles, targets, and timelines — so they’re prepared to act decisively when the decision moment hits. Available on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    21 min
  7. Who’s The Real Threat?

    Jan 7

    Who’s The Real Threat?

    The tribe fixates on the loudest conflict—Natalie versus Jeremy—while the real decision turns on a quiet pivot. The vote doesn’t follow the drama; it follows the math. On Survivor, as in campaigns, the real threat is the person who can decide who goes home tonight, not the one causing the most drama around the fire. In this episode, Claire and Tykee use Survivor: David vs. Goliath to unpack one of the most common strategic mistakes in organizing and campaigns: confusing noise for power. They show you how to tell ego threats from strategic targets, why influence is not the same as power, and how timing beats persuasion when decisions lock. You’ll learn how to identify the person who actually controls your next binding step, map leverage points like hearings and deadlines, and plan backward so that pressure lands when it counts. They also introduce information discipline: how to share principles widely and timing narrowly, so your move doesn’t leak before it works. Translation for organizers: stop chasing noise, stop arguing vibes, and stop burning energy on decoys. Name the decider. Aim at the calendar. Use leverage, not volume, to win the decision. Use this week’s free Power Move worksheet to identify the real decision-makers, plan leverage around deadlines, and coordinate information and action to win a specific outcome on time. Available on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    22 min
  8. You Don’t See the Real Advantage

    11/12/2025

    You Don’t See the Real Advantage

    The tribe thinks muscle wins—then Christian strolls up to a slide puzzle and flips the script. Pat needs to be med-evaced after a freak boat accident. Lyrsa and Elizabeth build trust fast. Translation for organizers: visible power (money, titles, brawn) isn’t the advantage that decides the game—what you organize is. In this episode, Claire and Tykee turn Survivor: David vs. Goliath into a practical blueprint you can use this week. We break down “structure tests” and how to spot reliable partners; show you how to build an alliance architecture and contrast it with the top-down chaos that burns people out. You’ll learn the Reliability Math, the Shock Doctrine play for when a leader goes down, and how to run an audit on your own team to surface hidden assets: narrative power, puzzle-solvers, and under-the-radar relationships. Use this week’s free Power Move worksheet to build your campaign engine, giving your campaign clarity, speed, and resilience so a surprise doesn’t stall the work. Available on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. Send your stories and questions to hello@newfundamentals.com! We love a good blindside. If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    24 min

  9. 10/29/2025

    The Tribe Has Spoken (About Themselves)

    When Jeff Probst divides the cast of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, the tribes don’t just get new buffs — they inherit a mindset. In this episode, Claire and Tykee unpack how identity, language, and invisible power shape both island alliances and real-world campaigns. From Christian, the “robot scientist,” solving the season’s first puzzle to the Washington State clean energy win born from an early loss, they show how reframing your story can redefine your power. Plus, a field-ready breakdown of coalition alignment across 501(c)(3)s, (c)(4)s, unions, and community groups — so your “tribe” stays functional when the heat hits. Get the free worksheet to map out your campaign’s power on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    18 min
  10. Why Survivor, Why Now? (David vs. Goliath)

    10/14/2025

    Why Survivor, Why Now? (David vs. Goliath)

    Today marks the launch of the new podcast from New Fundamentals! The real difference between a strategy and a tactic is the secret to winning every campaign. Join strategist Claire & advocate Tykee as they break down power using reality TV and world events! Welcome to Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize! This podcast is for campaigners, citizen organizers, policy wonks, and anyone who wants to stop screaming at the news and start building real power. Hosts Claire Douglass (Strategist/Campaigner) and Tykee James (Organizer/Policy Advocate) are sick of seeing the words “strategy” and “tactic” used wrong. So, they’re using the ultimate social experiment—Survivor—to fix it. In our first episode, we dive into the core campaign metaphor: David vs. Goliath. Most people get this story wrong—it wasn’t luck, it was brilliant strategy. We break down the historical fight and map the lessons onto real-life campaigns and global conflicts. In this Episode, Learn the New Fundamentals of Power: * Why Survivor uniquely combines a social experiment and a master class on strategy and power. * The actual weapons used in the Biblical “David vs. Goliath” fight, and why David was an elite tactical unit who changed the terms of the fight. * How real campaigns win by changing the terms of the fight instead of playing by the opposition’s rules. * The lessons from the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain and how “local trust” can shift the war, even if you lose the battle. * How Ukraine resisted the Russian invasion by fighting propaganda with narrative and using compassion as a weapon. * Your Power Move: Do a “Goliath Audit” to identify your opposition’s weakness and define your own asymmetrical “sling”. Get the free worksheet to map out your campaign’s power on our Substack: newfundamentals.substack.com. If you loved this episode, please hit follow or subscribe wherever you listen, and leave us a review to help other organizers and curious folks find us. Outwit. Outplay. Outorganize. See you next time! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    15 min

  11. 09/30/2025

    Official Trailer: Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize

    The real difference between a strategy and a tactic is the secret to winning every campaign. Join Claire & Tykee as they break down power using reality TV and real-world campaigns and movements! Welcome to Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize! This podcast is for campaigners, organizers, and anyone who wants to stop yelling at the news and start building real power. Hosts Claire Douglass (Strategist/Campaigner) and Tykee James (Organizer/Policy Advocate) are sick of seeing the words “strategy” and “tactic” used wrong, so they’re using the ultimate social experiment—Survivor—to fix it. The podcast is available on Substack and will be available wherever you get your podcasts soon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newfundamentals.substack.com

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Outwit, Outplay, Outorganize is the podcast where Survivor's David vs Goliath season meets real-world campaign strategy. Hosts Claire Douglass, a badass campaign strategist who has never lost a campaign, and Tykee James, an organizer and birder, break down how power really works—who’s the Goliath, what’s the sling, and how to build a team that lasts. Each episode blends reality TV, movement history, and campaign lessons, plus a Power Move challenge you can use right away. newfundamentals.substack.com

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