Tips From The Trail

Women's Public Leadership Network
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Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to launch our 2025 podcast featuring Founder & President Larissa Martinez. This program will walk you through how to get started in public leadership, break down the components of a campaign, and inspire you on your leadership journey. As Founder & President at WPLN, Larissa uses her two decades of experience as a political strategist to help women across the country get involved in politics and be effective leaders. Larissa has worked on campaigns at every level and is the co-author of the children's book, "My Mommy Is a Candidate."

Episodes

  1. How to Navigate Campaign Loss and Run for Re-election: Lessons from Georgia Rep. Soo Hong

    12/08/2025

    How to Navigate Campaign Loss and Run for Re-election: Lessons from Georgia Rep. Soo Hong

    What do you do after losing an election? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Georgia State Representative Soo Hong about how she turned loss into victory. Soo shares her experience losing her first race, the lessons she learned from disappointment, and the strategies that helped her bounce back and win her seat in 2022. Learn about the importance of year-round constituent engagement, building trust across party lines, and how representation can mobilize first-time voters. Whether you're considering your first run or planning a comeback, this episode offers practical advice for women candidates. Learn more about WPLN at womenspublicleadership.net

    34 min
  2. Getting to Election Day: Insider Insights From Betsy Ankney on Campaign Management

    11/03/2025

    Getting to Election Day: Insider Insights From Betsy Ankney on Campaign Management

    What does it take to manage campaigns in the final stretch to Election Day and how can women candidates navigate the unique challenges they face on the trail? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Betsy Ankney, a seasoned campaign strategist who has worked at one of the highest levels of American politics: a presidential campaign. Betsy shares advice for women leaders on what it really takes to run a campaign and how to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This episode is essential for women who are considering running for office, working on a campaign, or starting a career in politics. Learn more about WPLN at womenspublicleadership.net

    46 min
  3. Protect Your Campaign: Michael Kaiser on Digital Security for Women Running for Office

    10/06/2025

    Protect Your Campaign: Michael Kaiser on Digital Security for Women Running for Office

    What cyber threats will you actually face as a candidate, and how can you protect your campaign without breaking the bank? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Michael Kaiser, President & CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, to break down practical cybersecurity strategies for women running for office. Learn why passkeys are the #1 security step you must take, how to create a culture of cybersecurity in your campaign, and what mistakes to avoid in high-risk environments. This episode is essential for candidates who want to understand risk management, protect campaign data, and secure their digital presence without overwhelming their budget or team. Visit defendcampaigns.org to view their free resources and take the first step to protect yourself and your campaign. ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Kaiser is an internationally known cybersecurity and privacy expert. In the decade prior to becoming the President and CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns (DDC), Mr. Kaiser was the Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). He led and grew NCSA's efforts promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted Internet, including signature programs such as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. NCSA's work earned several awards including in 2017 winning the SC Magazine Editor's Choice Award, and two Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Kaiser held executive management positions at the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, DC and Safe Horizon in New York City. He led the development and implementation of programs for victims of domestic violence, stalking, teen victims, and others whose lives had been impacted by crime.  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

    39 min
  4. Building the Dream Team: Sandra Benitez on Campaign Leadership

    09/15/2025

    Building the Dream Team: Sandra Benitez on Campaign Leadership

    How do you build a winning team as a woman running for office? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez talks with Sandra Benitez from the LIBRE Initiative about what it takes to assemble a strong campaign team. Sandra shares insights on including diverse voices, leading with authenticity, and creating supportive environments that set your campaign up for success. Whether you're a first-time female candidate or a current leader looking to empower your staff, this episode offers practical advice on team building and leadership strategies.  Sandra Benitez is the Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, sponsor of WPLN's 2025 National Summit. With over a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and political campaign roles, Sandra specializes in targeting the rapidly growing US Hispanic electorate.

    37 min
  5. Fundraising for Campaigns: Danielle Bradley on Building a Winning Strategy

    08/18/2025

    Fundraising for Campaigns: Danielle Bradley on Building a Winning Strategy

    How do you raise the money you need to win your first campaign—without burning out or burning bridges? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez sits down with political strategist Danielle Bradley to break down the fundamentals of campaign fundraising. With experience managing field operations, coalitions, and communications at every level—including serving as Executive Director of the Montana Republican Party—Danielle shares practical, battle-tested strategies for building a fundraising plan that works. Whether you're a first-time candidate or just refining your fundraising approach, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you hit your campaign finance goals. Learn more about WPLN's resources at womenspublicleadership.net

    39 min
  6. How to Build Your Brand: June Cutter on Visibility, Messaging, and Fundraising

    07/21/2025

    How to Build Your Brand: June Cutter on Visibility, Messaging, and Fundraising

    Hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, Tips From The Trail explores the path to political office, from the decision to run, to election day. This program features women leaders who are working in or around politics or have run for office, revealing their best tips and tricks for success. Our next episode will feature June Cutter, who, after a nearly 20-year career as a civil litigator and a notable 2020 State Assembly campaign that launched her as a Republican rising star, now spearheads Highland-Illuminate, a top fundraising firm, and specializes in individual branding. Connect with June: https://www.junecutter.com

    47 min
  7. Building a Support System for Women in Leadership: Advice for Families and Partners from WPLN Board Chair, Joel Noyes

    06/16/2025

    Building a Support System for Women in Leadership: Advice for Families and Partners from WPLN Board Chair, Joel Noyes

    This month, Larissa is joined by Joel Noyes, Chair of WPLN's Board of Directors. In this latest installment, Joel and Larissa share practical advice for preparing support systems for public leadership challenges and shed light on how families, partners, and friends can better understand and provide support for women leaders. Discover how WPLN builds robust networks and get actionable advice for both women seeking support and for partners aiming to be a strong source of encouragement.

    33 min
  8. Balancing Motherhood and Public Office: Jennifer Nassour on Running for City Council

    05/29/2025

    Balancing Motherhood and Public Office: Jennifer Nassour on Running for City Council

    Join us for a special "Mother's Day" episode with Jennifer Nassour on running for City Council and motherhood. We delve into her experiences both on the campaign trail and off, the role of her support system during the journey, and her advice for other women considering taking that next step.

    32 min
  9. Finding Your Why: Maralyn Beck on Purpose-Driven Leadership

    04/10/2025

    Finding Your Why: Maralyn Beck on Purpose-Driven Leadership

    What drives you to lead? Larissa Martinez sits down with Maralyn Beck, founder of the New Mexico Child First Network, to explore how a strong sense of purpose is the foundation for effective leadership. Maralyn shares her personal journey and insights on overcoming hesitation, translating passion into action, and building a supportive network to lead with conviction.

    30 min
  10. Bridging the Confidence Gap: Valerie Dowling on Owning Expertise and Leading with Purpose

    03/07/2025

    Bridging the Confidence Gap: Valerie Dowling on Owning Expertise and Leading with Purpose

    What is the Confidence Gap, and how does it affect women in leadership? Larissa Martinez (WPLN Founder & President) and Valerie Dowling (Vice Chair, WPLN Board of Directors) dive into why it's not only important to lead with competence, but also with confidence.

    29 min
  11. Why Women Lead: Mimi Walters on Overcoming Fear and Running for Office

    02/03/2025

    Why Women Lead: Mimi Walters on Overcoming Fear and Running for Office

    Ever wonder what it takes to run for office? In WPLN's debut podcast episode, Former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters shares her journey and path to political office, how she conquered her fears and and strategies for building consensus in elected office. Plus, get 10% off tickets to our 2025 National Summit in Orlando for a limited time with code PODCAST. Valid through 11:59 p.m. ET on February 9, 2025, for General Admission tickets only.

    21 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

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About

Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to launch our 2025 podcast featuring Founder & President Larissa Martinez. This program will walk you through how to get started in public leadership, break down the components of a campaign, and inspire you on your leadership journey. As Founder & President at WPLN, Larissa uses her two decades of experience as a political strategist to help women across the country get involved in politics and be effective leaders. Larissa has worked on campaigns at every level and is the co-author of the children's book, "My Mommy Is a Candidate."

Information

  • Creator
    Women's Public Leadership Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Tips From The Trail