Unorthodoxing

Mike Vick
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics

Are you tired of political talk shows that stoke hatred, fear and division? Do you want to see something new in a political talk show, not just the same old Democrats and Republicans yelling past each other? Unorthodoxing is the talk show where uncommon politics finds common ground! You'll get weekly news analysis from a unique perspective, and interviews with outside-the-mainstream guests you won’t see on the nightly news. Hosted by Mike Vick, producer of the Nuclear Option podcast, and executive advisor to Pastor Chris Butler of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Mike is a member of the American Solidarity Party’s national and Illinois state leadership teams, and co-founder of ASP’s Liberation Caucus.

Episodes

  1. Sep 24

    Nobody Has a Consistent Death Ethic | Lauren Pope - Rehumanize International

    🔥 REHUMANIZE CONFERENCE — OCTOBER 16–18, CHICAGO Check out the 2026 Rehumanize Conference, October 16–18 in Chicago and online. It brings together activists and people with experience of dehumanization and violence around a consistent life ethic. Our campaign is a Platinum Sponsor, and I’ll be participating, so come meet me in person. Conference & tickets: https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/conference Rehumanize International: https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/ In this episode of Unorthodoxing, I sit down with Lauren Pope, executive director of Rehumanize International, to talk about political transformation, the Consistent Life Ethic and a movement that refuses to divide human dignity along partisan lines. Lauren traces her journey from anti-war Democrat to Republican to politically homeless after 2016. A life-changing pregnancy reshaped her thinking about abortion, while her search for a politics opposing abortion, war, the death penalty and other violence led her to Rehumanize. Lauren explains Rehumanize’s secular, nonpartisan Consistent Life Ethic: recognizing every person’s humanity and opposing aggressive violence, including abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, torture, unjust war and police brutality. We also discuss common ground across political divides; Rehumanize’s chapters, student affiliates, Life Matters Journal, Create | Encounter, advocacy and membership; and building an inclusive movement where people of different faiths and backgrounds can work together without theological or partisan uniformity. FOLLOW REHUMANIZE INTERNATIONAL Website: https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/ Conference: https://www.rehumanizeintl.org/conference X/Twitter: https://x.com/RehumanizeIntl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehumanizeintl YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLwEOT_fZznDi402wdzpH7w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehumanizeintl/ FOLLOW LAUREN POPE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-pope-062889163/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cle_lauren/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@cle_lauren FOLLOW MARIA OSWALT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehumanizemaria/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/RehumanizeMaria LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaoswalt/

  2. Sep 22

    Escaping the Alt-Right Pipeline Without Leaving Pro-Life Politics - Connie Becker's Journey

    What happens when your politics change dramatically—but one of your deepest convictions doesn’t? In this episode of Unorthodoxing, I sit down with activist, artist, doula, student and mother Connie Becker for a conversation about political transformation, human dignity, race, faith, Indigenous sovereignty and motherhood. Connie’s political journey began in middle school, when she became an enthusiastic Trump supporter and was drawn into the online alt-right pipeline. She explains what changed her mind: not ridicule or political shaming, but relationships with people on the left who took her seriously, defended their beliefs and engaged her in real conversation. As Connie moved away from conservative politics, became anti-capitalist and reconsidered her understanding of race and American history, one conviction remained: her opposition to abortion. We discuss why she remained pro-life, her family’s experience with abortion and the controversy over graphic imagery in pro-life activism. Connie also explains her anti-capitalism, confronting internalized racism, and her involvement with Black Lives Matter, Indigenous sovereignty and Puerto Rican advocacy. She discusses Land Back as a broader conversation about sovereignty, stewardship, resources, representation and reconciliation. The conversation then turns to Connie’s identity as a “decolonized Christian.” Drawing on her upbringing in the Black church, she reflects on how Black Christian institutions emerged in response to segregation, arguing that Christianity need not be filtered through white American cultural assumptions. Connie reflects on motherhood, raising a multiracial son in an individualistic society and her desire to teach him human dignity, community, empathy and respect rather than defining worth through wealth, dominance or conventional gender expectations. 00:00 — Introduction02:36 — From teenage Trump supporter to leftist activist08:34 — What pulled Connie out of the alt-right pipeline?10:15 — Why Connie remained pro-life13:10 — Should pro-life activists use graphic abortion imagery?15:04 — Why Connie became anti-capitalist18:46 — Race, internalized racism and changing political perspectives22:42 — Black Lives Matter, Indigenous sovereignty and Puerto Rico24:17 — Colonialism, Puerto Rico and Indigenous identity26:58 — What does “Land Back” actually mean?31:05 — Becoming a “decolonized Christian”38:07 — Motherhood in a hyper-individualistic culture40:07 — Raising a boy beyond machismo and the manosphere42:32 — Where to follow ConnieFollow Connie BeckerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connietalkspolitics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connietalkspolitics/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@connietalkspolitics About UnorthodoxingUnorthodoxing explores the people, ideas and movements that don't fit comfortably inside America's conventional political boxes. Through political autobiography and long-form conversation, the show asks not simply what people believe, but how they got there—and what their experiences can teach us about politics, faith, culture and one another.

  3. Sep 21

    What Happens When Independents Work Together?

    What happens when people from different third-party and independent political traditions decide to work together instead of competing for the same small piece of political territory? In this solo episode of Unorthodoxing, I look ahead to the 2026 Independent National Convention, taking place September 23–25 in Washington, D.C. I’ll be there as the American Solidarity Party’s candidate for Governor of Illinois, meeting independent candidates, organizers, reformers and political leaders from around the country. I talk about what I hope to accomplish at the convention: building relationships, learning from other campaigns, introducing more people to our Vick-Pierce write-in campaign, and exploring what real cooperation outside the two-party system can look like. A major part of that story is the growing relationship between the Illinois Solidarity Party and the Independence Party. My running mate, Gary Pierce, had previously been running for governor on the Independence Party ticket before joining me as our candidate for lieutenant governor. Today, Gary and I are both involved with both political communities in different ways, giving us a firsthand opportunity to test what cross-party collaboration can actually look like. I also discuss the Independence Party’s recent vote to endorse our write-in campaign, and how helpful its members have been in helping us gain attention and opportunities surrounding the Independent National Convention. I also talk about why independent politics needs more than individual candidates. It needs relationships, institutions, organizers, media, donors and volunteers that can last beyond a single election. The timing matters for our campaign. We’ve recently produced our first campaign ads, and now we need to get them in front of voters. Producing the message is one challenge; distribution is another. If you want to learn more about our campaign, volunteer, or contribute, visit: Campaign: https://www.votevickusa.com/ Contribute: https://secure.anedot.com/friends-of-mike-vick/votevickusa Independent National Convention: https://independentnationalconvention.com/ American Solidarity Party: https://www.solidarity-party.org/ Illinois Solidarity Party: https://www.ilsolidarity.com/ Independence Party: https://www.indyvoters.org/ Unorthodoxing: https://www.unorthodoxing.com/ In This Episode00:00 — Why I’m Heading to the Independent National Convention 02:28 — Politics Beyond the Two-Party Boxes 04:30 — Why Independent Parties Need to Collaborate 06:54 — The Independence Party Endorses Our Campaign 09:19 — What Healthy Multiparty Politics Could Look Like 11:38 — Our First Campaign Ads & Getting the Message Out 13:52 — Can Independent Politics Build Something That Lasts? 14:50 — Following Along From Washington 15:16 — Campaign, Party & Convention Links

  4. Aug 13

    Gary Pierce on political roots, ballot access, and building the Illinois Solidarity Party

    This week, I speak with Gary Pierce, our newly-announced lieutenant governor candidate on the campaign, about his long path through politics, ministry, and party work. Gary traces how history, faith, and a call to serve led him from early Democratic activism to the Republican Party, then into independent and third-party organizing. We also unpack Illinois ballot access hurdles, the realities of write-in campaigns, and why grassroots organizing matters so much in a state where getting on the ballot is often the first battle. Key Topics In this episode: Gary Pierce shares how politics first grabbed his attention in college, where studying history and following Jesse Jackson Sr.’s 1984 presidential campaign pushed him into active organizing.Gary recounts his move from early Democratic involvement to the Republican Party, saying his shift was driven by faith, values, and a growing sense that politics should reflect his religious convictions.The conversation digs into Illinois ballot access, especially the higher signature burden for independents and third parties and the way petition objections can knock candidates off the ballot.Gary describes his later Republican run, the committee politics around replacing a dropped-out candidate, and why he felt the party leadership blocked him.He talks about helping build the Independence Party from the ground up, serving as vice chair and candidate search committee chair, and trying to put a gubernatorial candidate on the ballot.The episode closes with Gary reflecting on the American Solidarity Party, his role as lieutenant governor candidate, and the broader goal of building a durable third party in Illinois. Timestamps (00:00) Gary Pierce is introduced as the campaign’s lieutenant governor candidate (02:12) Early political interest, history, and the Jesse Jackson Sr. campaign (04:09) Louisiana politics, moving back to Illinois, and staying engaged (06:06) Why Gary drifted from Democrats toward Republicans (08:02) Creating the Jobs Party and first attempts to run for office (11:05) Petition work, signature gathering, and getting challenged off the ballot (13:01) Close race in central Illinois and learning how local party power works (16:03) How Illinois ballot access works for independents and third parties (21:39) What drew Gary to the Republican Party and what faith had to do with it (27:04) Why Gary left the GOP after the replacement candidate fight (30:05) Gun rights, FOID cards, and a values-based interview (33:24) The decision not to replace the dropped candidate (36:22) Resigning from the Republican Party (39:39) Moving into write-in politics and the limits of doing it alone (40:51) The failed Independence Party ballot drive and the 25,000-signature hurdle (42:19) Using a billboard as a write-in strategy (44:50) Why grassroots campaigns need smart, low-cost organizing tools (48:52) How prayer, ministry, and an RFK Jr. petition email led to the Independence Party (52:25) Running for chair, becoming vice chair, and building the party infrastructure (54:11) Why the gubernatorial ballot drive fell short (57:28) Looking back at third-party politics and the path to the American Solidarity Party Links VoteVickUSA - https://www.votevickusa.com/ Illinois Solidarity Party - https://www.ilsolidarity.com/ Independence Party - https://www.indyvoters.org/

  5. Aug 7

    Twitter Handle Chaos

    I've been hacked! Tune in for my experience with Twitter, my account history, and the challenges I've faced in the past and just this week with account security and access. It's critical for independent political campaigns to maintain an online presence. Keeping up with content can be hard enough without dealing with hackers and unsupportive "support" teams. Takeaways Twitter/X has played a significant role in my professional and political journey.Account security and access issues on Twitter/X can have a significant impact on an individual's online presence and engagement. Chapters 00:00 The Role of Twitter in My Journey03:16 Account History and Political Campaigns10:00 Challenges with Account Security and Access17:13 Rebuilding Online Presence and Engagement

  6. Jul 8

    Why I'm Running for Governor of Illinois

    In this episode, your host Mike Vick shares his transformative decision to run as an independent candidate for governor of Illinois under the Illinois Solidarity Party, emphasizing a politics rooted in human dignity, community engagement, and breaking from traditional party cycles. This episode explores his motivations, campaign vision, and ways supporters can get involved in creating meaningful change. Key Takeaways Mike Vick's decision to focus on Illinois politics after stepping down from the Solidarity Party's national leadership.The core reasons for running: fighting for a system that prioritizes people over party interests.The campaign's four key priorities: support for working families, a consistent ethic of life, community revitalization, and government integrity.Practical ways to support the campaign: volunteering, contributing, and running local meetups.The importance of independent politics and how votes for write-in candidates can still send a powerful message.The vision for a broader media operation to promote principled, alternative voices in politics.How to stay connected and involved through website updates, social media, and upcoming interviews. Chapters 00:00 Announcing the Run for Governor of Illinois 05:17 Vision for Illinois Politics 12:05 Building a Broader Movement Links Campaign Site - https://www.votevickusa.com/ Unorthodoxing - https://www.unorthodoxing.com/ Social Media - https://linktr.ee/votevickusa

  7. Jul 1

    Stepping Back to Step Up

    Your host Michael Vick discusses his decision to step down from the National Committee of the Solidarity Party and his plans to focus on building a powerful state party and a media operation. He highlights the challenges and struggles of the Solidarity Party, particularly regarding litmus tests on LGBTQ issues and the way these culture war battles illuminate a glaring problem in the party: political ineptitude. Vick emphasizes the need for diversity of views and perspectives within the party and the importance of community engagement and support. Takeaways Challenges and struggles of the Solidarity PartyImportance of diversity of views and perspectives within the partyThe urgent need for professionalismThe positive effects of working on media outreach, grassroots activism and non-electoral politics Chapters 00:00 Relaunching the Podcast06:25 Liberation Caucus and LGBTQ Issues15:01 Building a Powerful State Party20:25 Community Engagement and Support Links The Federal Fairness for All Act - The AND Campaign - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW0rPHHoZLM "Member Perspectives: Is the ASP Anti LGBTQ+?" - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/member-perspectives-asp-anti-lgbtq-matthew-bartko/ VoteVickUSA Website - https://www.votevickusa.com/ LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/votevickusa Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/votevickusa Substack - https://www.unorthodoxing.com/ Email - mike@votevickusa.com

  8. Jan 9

    Witness to Horror in a Memphis Jail

    In this episode of the Unorthodoxing podcast, host Mike Vick interviews Elise Ketch, a pro-life activist with a unique perspective. Elise shares her journey from a Republican upbringing to her present pro-life leftist activism, informed by her experiences and her commitment to nonviolence. Elise recounts her experiences with protests, including her arrests and the harsh realities of being in jail, where she witnessed significant human rights violations. The conversation delves into her reflections on activism, the challenges she faces, and her future goals in the pro-life movement. In the news segment, Mike shares his thoughts on the dubiously constitutional ouster of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, and what can and should be done about the Trump administration's actions in the region. He also touches on the tragic and avoidable shooting death of a Minnesota woman, killed by ICE during the Trump administration's draconian crackdown on migrants in Minneapolis. Links Elise Ketch: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/antipersonhood/ Tumblr - https://www.tumblr.com/secularprolifeconspectus Portfolio - https://eliseketch.myportfolio.com/ "Rebuilding Pro-Life Non-Violence" - https://www.amazon.com/Rebuilding-Pro-Life-Nonviolence-John-Cavanaugh-OKeefe/dp/B0DGXDJ123 Mike Vick and Unorthodoxing: Website - https://www.votevickusa.com/ LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/votevickusa Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Upcoming Interviews 02:02 Venezuela and a Constitutional Crisis 06:44 ICE Kills Woman Amid Immigration Crackdown 09:43 Elise Ketch's Journey to Pro-Life Advocacy 16:39 Radicalization and Activism 21:49 Experiences of Arrest and Incarceration 30:35 Reflections on Prison Reform and Activism 31:12 Experiencing Arrest and Protest Tactics 33:50 Artistic Journey and Activism 34:41 Show Updates Keywords Venezuela, Maduro, Trump, ICE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, pro-life, activism, abortion, Elise Ketch, protests, jail, human rights, politics, nonviolence

  9. 12/17/2025

    Pro-life Arrests, Rumors of Wars, and a Vice Presidential Hopeful Does the Math

    In this episode of Unorthodoxing, host Mike Vick delves into the recent arrest of pro-life activists in Memphis, and the Trump administration's controversial actions in Venezuela. Mike also speaks with Amar Patel, former vice presidential nominee of the American Solidarity Party, discussing his political journey and the challenges of third-party politics. Be sure to check out Patreon and Substack for bonus episodes and more members-only perks. This week, look for Amar's take on where ASP stands now and his hopes for the future of the party. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/votevickusa Substack: https://votevickusa.substack.com/ Follow Mike on social media: https://linktr.ee/votevickusa Links Rescue Resurrection - https://rescueresurrection.com/ Elise Ketch - https://www.instagram.com/antipersonhood "Rebuilding Pro-Life Nonviolence" - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219062235-rebuilding-pro-life-nonviolence Illinois Solidarity Party - https://www.solidarity-party.org/chapters/illinois Lessons from the 2020 Campaign, Brian Carroll and Amar Patel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f6XcwCkfPI&t=12s Ask Me Anything with Brian Carroll, hosted by Amar Patel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeVoJN2W080 Amar Patel : "Family, Friends, And Faith" And The Crisis Of Moral Capital - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOt-yUA9oWM The Hard Road Is Less Traveled, with Amar Patel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1KP1CD0wBk "Memphis PD arrest, carry away anti-abortion activists blockading Planned Parenthood" - https://news2share.com/memphis-pd-arrest-anti-abortion-activists/ Ford Fischer (Twitter) - https://x.com/FordFischer Contact Ford Fischer - fordfischer@news2share.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unorthodoxing 00:31 Rescue Resurrection Recap 02:53 Venezuela Controversy 07:19 Amar Patel's Political Journey 16:53 Joining the American Solidarity Party 26:04 Becoming a vice presidential candidate 36:07 Outro and Acknowledgements Keywords Unorthodoxing, Mike Vick, Terrisa Bukovinac, Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, FACE Act, Trump, Venezuela, Amar Patel, American Solidarity Party, third-party politics

  10. 12/03/2025

    Terrisa Bukovinac: Leftists Have a Blindspot

    In the inaugural episode of Unorthodoxing, host Mike Vick discusses controversial military actions in the Caribbean and the implications of a Supreme Court case regarding abortion and free speech. He also interviews Terrisa Bukovinac, founder of Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. Links World Beyond War: https://worldbeyondwar.org/ Terrisa Bukovinac - Campaign Page: https://terrisa2024.com/ Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising: https://paaunow.org/ Justice for the Five: https://paaunow.org/justiceforthefive Secular Pro-Life: https://secularprolife.org/ Rescue Resurrection: https://rescueresurrection.com/ Option Line - Pregnancy Resources and Help: https://optionline.org/ Follow Unorthodoxing and Mike Vick Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/votevickusa VoteVickUSA: https://www.votevickusa.com/ Substack: https://votevickusa.substack.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/votevickusa Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unorthodoxing 01:24 Controversial Potential War Crime in the Caribbean 06:47 Supreme Court Case on Abortion and Free Speech 09:16 Interview with Terrisa Bukovinac 29:03 Follow Unorthodoxing on social media and become a member for exclusive clips and videos Keywords politics, progressive, leftist, pro-life, military strikes, Venezuela, Supreme Court, abortion, activism, pregnancy resource center, interviews, news analysis, Michael Vick, Mike Vick, Unorthodoxing

  11. Season 1 Trailer

    Unorthodoxing: Where Uncommon Politics Finds Common Ground

    Are you tired of political talk shows that stoke hatred, fear and division? Do you want to see something new in a political talk show, not just the same old Democrats and Republicans yelling past each other? You've come to the right place! Unorthodoxing is the podcast where you'll meet people just like you with political views you won't usually find on the nightly news or at your ballot box. Meet us on common ground with commonsense solutions for the common good. Subscribe today! Find Unorthodoxing on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Check out host Mike Vick's website and follow him on social media! To support the show and get exclusive, members-only content, visit Patreon.

  • 1 Trailer
    10 Episodes

Trailer

About

Are you tired of political talk shows that stoke hatred, fear and division? Do you want to see something new in a political talk show, not just the same old Democrats and Republicans yelling past each other? Unorthodoxing is the talk show where uncommon politics finds common ground! You'll get weekly news analysis from a unique perspective, and interviews with outside-the-mainstream guests you won’t see on the nightly news. Hosted by Mike Vick, producer of the Nuclear Option podcast, and executive advisor to Pastor Chris Butler of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Mike is a member of the American Solidarity Party’s national and Illinois state leadership teams, and co-founder of ASP’s Liberation Caucus.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Vick
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mike Vick
  • Show Website
    Unorthodoxing

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