Spill the Goods

Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin
  • 4.8 (4)
  • News Commentary

Spill the Goods focuses on how policy affects you, not the politics behind it. Curious what City Hall decisions mean for your family? Unsure what the Board of School Committee is talking about? Spill the Goods focuses on local issues in Manchester, NH, and translates policy into personal impacts, highlighting areas where you can take action. Cristina and Jess are here to translate all the agenda items from the Board of Mayor and Alderman and School Committee meetings into what that means for YOU. We can't promise we won't get political, but we will get personal.

  1. Aug 9

    Dissecting a Porcupine: The Free State Project Part I

    Join Spill the Goods' Cristina Goodwin and Jess Spillers as they dissect the porcupine that is the Free State Project with Amanda Bouldin-one of its (many) former members. The conversation delves into the history and impact of the Free State Party, its alignment with libertarianism, and the experiences of former members. It also explores the challenges and contradictions within libertarian philosophy, as well as the political dynamics and strategies of Free Staters within the Democratic and Republican parties. Takeaways Free State Party's history and alignment with libertarianismChallenges and contradictions within libertarian philosophyPolitical dynamics and strategies of Free Staters within the Democratic and Republican parties Chapters 00:00 The Birth of the Free State Party01:29 The Free State Project and Its Goals03:27 The Influence of Free Staters in New Hampshire05:50 Personal Experiences and Defection07:16 The Impact of Libertarian Philosophy17:40 Political Strategies and Dynamics30:11 The Role of Free Staters in Political Parties37:04 The Influence of the Free State Project on New Hampshire Politics46:30 The Impact of Sociopathic Behavior within the Free State Project01:06:29 Humanizing Individuals Associated with the Free State Project Why I Left The Free State Cult by Amanda Bouldin The Success-and Failures-of The Free State Project by Winter Trabex FBI Raids Radio Talk Show Host's Home In Keene Sunday Morning: Residents Say Agents Conducting Child Porn Investigation by Mike Cronin, WMUR

  2. Aug 9 ·  Bonus

    Local Candidate Series: Chrissy Simonds for State Rep.

    In this special series, Jess and Cristina interview local Manchester residents running for State office. These are the folks you'll see on your ballot in November! Take a listen and decide for yourself! Chrissy Simonds is running as a Democrat for NH State Representative in District 19/Ward 10. Chrissy has overcome domestic violence and homelessness to get her GED, raise two children as a single parent, and become a fierce advocate for herself and those she cares about. Chrissy successfully pushed for bussing for Kindergarten students. She brought voter education to a local transitional housing facility. Her lived experience is what sets her apart. The programs she will be voting on (Medicaid, housing, adult education), she has used and benefitted from herself. Takeaways Overcoming adversityAdvocacy for education and healthcare Chapters 00:00 Personal Journey and Motivation01:29 Challenges and Triumphs04:26 Advocacy for Education17:17 Healthcare and Advocacy20:07 Running for Office and Advocacy Website: www.chrissysimonds.org

  3. Jul 31

    Is It Communism? (No!) The DSA In The USA

    Who are all these people? What is the DSA? Are they communists? Short answer-No! Democratic socialism is a distinct ideology separate from classic socialism and communism. Join Jess and Cristina as they explore the core principles and values of democratic socialism vs. socialism, communism, and democracy. The conversation contrasts the difference between a DSA candidate and a traditional democrat, what their priorities are and how they view the role of government. This episode also touches on the success of social democracy in other countries and the impact of meeting basic needs on social well-being. The episode ends on a hopeful note as they discuss the potential future of the Democratic Party, which feels bright due to the rise of the DSA. Takeaways Democratic socialism is distinct from classic socialism and communism.Democratic socialism seeks economic equality within a democratic system.Democratic socialism emphasizes the welfare of citizens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Democratic Socialism01:17 Understanding Democratic Socialism02:44 Comparison with Classic Socialism04:38 Communism vs. Democratic Socialism12:38 Democratic Socialism vs. Democracy17:14 Nordic Countries and Social Democracy18:13 Basic Needs and Social Well-being19:12 Stress, Health, and Wellness20:12 Political Parties and Third-Party Candidates27:04 Money in Politics and Campaign Funding32:30 The Future of the Democratic Party References The Democratic Socialists of America The Differences Between Socialism and Communism by Robert Longley Pennsylvania Railroad Company by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Andrew Carnegie by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica J. P. Morgan by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Elon Musk's US Department of Defense Contracts by Reuters (02/11/25) Amazon to Invest Up to Another $25 Billion In Anthropic as Part of AI Infrastructure Deal by Ashley Capoot, CNBC (04/20/26) The World Happiness Report by Gallup Analytics List of Third-Party and Independent Performances in United States Presidential Elections by Wikipedia Shaheen Announces Support for Medicare for All Act, Press Release Sen. Shaheen's Office, 09/13/17

  4. Jul 21

    The Importance of Election Workers with Ward Three Moderator, Avery Cyr

    What's a Moderator do, anyways? Join Jess and Cristina as they interview Ward Three Moderator, Avery Cyr, and discuss the importance of election workers. The conversation covers the various roles and their differences (i.e., an observer vs. a moderator vs. a selectman), the duties and responsibilities of a moderator, changes in voter registration requirements, the nonpartisan role of a moderator, and the recruitment process for poll workers and ballot inspectors. Additionally, this episode discusses polling hours, voter resources, and the requirements for voter registration. Takeaways Election Moderator RoleTraining and ResponsibilitiesRecruitment of Poll Workers Role of the moderator in electionsImportance of voter registration Chapters 00:00 Becoming an Election Moderator01:20 Observer vs. Moderator02:25 Campaigning and Permission03:22 Duties of a Moderator04:34 Voter Registration and Training05:42 Changes in Voter Registration06:05 Handling Voter Issues07:12 Support Organizations for Voters08:12 Nonpartisan Role of Moderator09:15 Training and Compensation10:00 Recruitment of Poll Workers11:28 Role of Ballot Inspectors12:33 Recruitment Process23:14 Proof of Residency and Identity Links/References How to Register to Vote in Manchester Where do I Vote? Voter Registration and Elections in Manchester (including Absentee)

  5. Jul 18

    07/07/26 BoMA Mtg.-Bridging the Gap

    This episode covers various topics discussed at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting 07/07/26. Join us as we dissect the discussion! Public comment included topics like city officials' terms, the tax cap override, housing affordability, and transparency in contract negotiations. 'Infrastructure' was the word of the night as the BoMA heard from both the State and local agencies about roadway adjustments. The conversation delves into the impact of infrastructure projects on traffic volume and safety concerns, the challenges of funding and project modifications, and the importance of community engagement and advocacy in shaping the future of the city's transportation infrastructure. Takeaways City officials' terms: Lengthening from two to four yearsTax cap override and bond ratingHousing affordability and rent concernsTransparency in contract negotiationsFour-way stop at South Willow and Sheffield Infrastructure projects impact traffic and safetyFunding challenges and modificationsCommunity engagement and advocacy Chapters 00:00 City Officials' Terms01:09 Tax Cap Override and Bond Rating03:10 Housing Affordability and Rent Concerns06:04 Transparency in Contract Negotiations14:16 Four-Way Stop at South Willow and Sheffield18:04 Traffic Volume and Safety Concerns19:30 The Raise Project and Infrastructure Changes22:23 Funding Challenges and Modifications Links/References: The Raise Project 07/07/26 Board of Mayor and Alderman Agenda 07/07/26 Board of Mayor and Alderman Mtg. Video (MPTV)

  6. Jun 30

    NH: Tax Free or Tax Haven?

    The conversation delves into the complexities of tax structures, focusing on property taxes, income tax absence, tax exemptions, business taxes, and real estate taxes. It highlights the personal impact of policy decisions and the need for revenue generation alternatives. Takeaways Property taxes disproportionately burden property ownersThe absence of income tax leads to a reliance on property taxes for revenueBusiness taxes and incentives should be used carefully so that NH doesn't lose out, while corporations build wealth Chapters 00:00 The Burden of Property Taxes11:53 Business Taxes and Incentives22:42 Real Estate Taxes and Their Impact29:26 Policy, Personal Impact, and Revenue Generation

  7. Jun 21

    Apples to Apples: The Final 2026/2027 City Budget

    The episode discusses the recent budget meeting and the drama surrounding the passing of the budget. It covers the different budgets presented, the alderman's questions, and the community's involvement in the budget process. Takeaways Budget meetings can be dramatic and contentiousCommunity involvement is crucial in the budget process Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mood Setting05:13 Reviewing Budgets and Alderman Questions11:27 Republican Presented Budget and Expert Consultation17:37 Third and Final Budget Review23:27 Surplus Allocation and Tax Rate Offset

  8. Jun 11

    That's My Mayor: If Mamdani Came to Manchester

    The conversation delves into the impact of Zohran Mamdani's historic mayoral race in New York City, focusing on his initiatives related to affordable housing, budget balancing, and taxation. It also explores the potential translation of Mamdani's policies to New Hampshire, particularly in the context of affordable housing, childcare, and early education programs. Takeaways Progressive policies can workA balanced budget is possible with progressive policiesTaxation policies in NH need updatingAffordable housing encompasses not just building more but maintaining them and strengthening tenant's rightsChild care availability affects home and the workplaceUniversal pre-K and Kindergarten positively impact education later Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zohran Mamdani12:23 Affordable Housing Initiatives21:46 Childcare and Early Education Programs https://www.spillthegoods603.com/

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Spill the Goods focuses on how policy affects you, not the politics behind it. Curious what City Hall decisions mean for your family? Unsure what the Board of School Committee is talking about? Spill the Goods focuses on local issues in Manchester, NH, and translates policy into personal impacts, highlighting areas where you can take action. Cristina and Jess are here to translate all the agenda items from the Board of Mayor and Alderman and School Committee meetings into what that means for YOU. We can't promise we won't get political, but we will get personal.

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jess Spillers and Cristina Goodwin

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