Listen up Loudoun

with Co-Hosts Dr. Betsy Scotto-Lavino and Michael Zuckerman

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Your county. Your community. Your podcast. Listen Up Loudoun pulls back the curtain on local government by getting up close and personal with the leaders shaping life in Loudoun County. We keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it moving. Because civic engagement shouldn't feel like homework. Logo designed by Izabelle Fleeman

6d ago

Serious Times with Congressman Subramanyam

In this episode, Betsy and Michael sit down with Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. The congressman is in the final stretch of his campaign for a second term in the House where he sits on several committees that give him an insider view on all things data centers. We suspect you will find what he has to say unsettling. With tremendous candor, Suhas explains why being the data center capital of the world also makes Loudoun County a potential strategic military target, and asks for the public's help to raise the alarm. We invite you to take action by joining others who are demanding that data centers take responsibility for the challenges they have created, and vote for Suhas on November 3rd. He's been resisting these things since the beginning!
Aug 26

Back to School! with Dr. Sumera Rashid and Mr. Jon Pepper

Today's episode features Dr. Sumera Rashid, school board representative for the Little River District, and Jon Pepper, school board representative for the Dulles District. They join Dr. Betsy and Michael for a conversation about their work on the Loudoun County School Board. We get into the pain of rezoning, handling parent feedback, the limits of a board member's power, and dealing with bullying from the feds. So, you know, light stuff. Have a listen — public education matters, and these are the people actually in the room trying to make it work.
Jun 8

Episode 6: Senator Srinivasan and Delegate Singh

In this episode, we sit down with Senator Srinivasan (SD-32) and Delegate Singh (HD-26) to talk about issues that are unique and common to Loudoun and to residents in their districts. Power usage, road safety, and red flag laws are a few of the topics covered. They also discuss some of the legislation they passed during our recent legislative session to address local challenges, and they are our first guests to take on the Lightning Round.
May 31

Episode 5: Who are Dr. Betsy Scotto-Lavino and Michael Zuckerman anyway?

In this episode of Listen Up Loudoun, we flip the mic. Betsy and Michael (your two favorite neighbors-you've-never-met) sit down and put each other in the hot seat. We're talking about how we came to Loudoun, moments that shaped our perspective, and we wrap it all up with a lightning round, which is going to become an episode staple. Future guests- prepare! Pull up a chair. We saved you a seat
Apr 9

Episode 4: Legislative Session 2026 is a WRAP! - sorta

This episode, we're sitting down with Senator Russet Perry (Senate District 31) and Delegate John McAuliff (House District 30) for a real conversation about how they got into public service, what they fought for in this year's General Assembly session, and why voting YES on April 21st might be one of the most important things you do this year. They're also spilling secrets of Richmond insider life — the unwritten rules of the House and Senate that nobody puts inthe orientation packet. Plus: find out how you can make your voice heard. Because that's what Listen Up Loudoun is all about. 🗓️ April21st — Vote Yes. Virginia's congressional fairness is on the ballot. Don't sit this one out. 📋 Sign the Oak Hill petition 📞 Contact your legislators — share your ideas! SenatorPerry@senate.virginia.gov DelJMcAuliff@house.virginia.gov.
Mar 23

Episode 3: Drawing the Line: Redistricting Hosted by Michael Zuckerman, Little River District Co-Chair, with guest Michael Evanko, LCDC Voter Protection Chair

As Donald Trump and Republican allies redraw district maps across the country to lock in political power, Loudoun County Democrats are making sure Virginia voters know what's at stake and how to fight back. Michael Zuckerman, Little River District Co-Chair, sits down with LCDC Voter Protection Chair Michael Evanko to explain what redistricting is, why it matters, and what Loudoun County voters can do about it. FAQs Virginia’s Democratic state legislators have approved an amendment to the state constitution allowing the Virginia General Assembly to redraw congressional districts outside the normal 10-year redistricting process. That proposed amendment, having undergone the necessary legislative action, faces a special election on April 21. Here are Frequently Asked Questions: How did we get here? With his lagging poll numbers (currently less than 40% favorability), President Trump sought to retain his GOP majority in the House (currently 218-214) in this November’s mid-term elections by having several Republican-majority states draw new maps favoring GOP candidates and eliminating districts held by Democrats. In response, Democratic states (notably California and Virginia) have drawn new maps favoring their candidates. Is this normal? No. Typically, state laws permit them to redraw Congressional district maps only after the constitutionally mandated federal census, which occurs every 10 years. The next federal census isn’t until April 2030. How are Virginia’s districts normally drawn? A bi-partisan, 16-member commission was created in 2020 to draw non-partisan congressional and state legislative districts. Are the proposed districts permanent? No. The amendment specifies that these maps are only temporary. Virginia returns to the non-partisan mapping process in 2030. What if Texas and other GOP states rescind their partisan maps? In that case, the Amendment dictates, the new partisan maps would be abandoned in favor of existing non-partisan map. Where do I vote in person? In-person voting on April 16, will be at your usual polling place. To find your polling location click HERE. What about mail-in voting? Yes. You must request your ballot no later than April 10. Details can be found HERE. How about early voting? Early voting is scheduled to start in Leesburg (750 Miller Drive, Suite 150) on March 6, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. However, a GOP challenge to early voting is still making its way through the courts. Are there other early voting locations? Yes. For details, please see the office of Elections webpage on Early Voting HERE. Have there been other lawsuits threatening the special election? Yes. But, thus far, none have been successful. Currently, there are no lawsuits threatening the in-person, April 16 special election. For any questions not addressed here, please visit the Office of Elections and Voter Registration HERE
Mar 2

Episode 2: "Understanding Redistricting" with our guest, Loudoun County Democratic Committee Chair, Andrew Coolen

This week, we sit down with the Loudoun County Democratic Committee’s District Chair, Andrew Coolen for a dive into Virginia’s 2026 redistricting effort and the election on April 21st that will decide it all. (Were you unaware there is an election on April 21st? THERE IS AN ELECTION ON APRIL 21ST). It’s the political equivalent of rearranging the living room furniture — except the furniture is congressional districts, everyone has strong opinions, and the stakes are a little higher than throw pillows. Join us as we unpack how Virginia is gearing up for the next round of line‑drawing, why it matters, and what happens next.
Feb 12

Episode 1: Listen Up Loudoun with Supervisor Laura Tekrony

Local government, a surprise announcement, and one very good dog. We sat down with the Supervisor of the Little River District and came away with a whole new appreciation for Western Loudoun — its beauty, its challenges, and the woman fighting to protect it. She also dropped some exciting news we are absolutely not spoiling here. Queue this one up for your commute, your chores, your evening walk, or honestly, just staring out the window while winter overstays its welcome.

8 Episodes

Your county. Your community. Your podcast. Listen Up Loudoun pulls back the curtain on local government by getting up close and personal with the leaders shaping life in Loudoun County. We keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it moving. Because civic engagement shouldn't feel like homework. Logo designed by Izabelle Fleeman

Creator

with Co-Hosts Dr. Betsy Scotto-Lavino and Michael Zuckerman
Years Active

2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© with Co-Hosts Dr. Betsy Scotto-Lavino and Michael Zuckerman
Show Website

Listen up Loudoun