Beyond The Campaign

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Nathan Sage, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, to discuss his journey from growing up in poverty to serving in the military and entering national politics. Nathan shares how his working-class background and military experience shape his commitment to authentic representation for everyday Americans.

The conversation explores the challenges facing veterans, the importance of family and personal values in political leadership, and why working-class voices are often excluded from political spaces. Nathan emphasizes the need for real, honest conversations across...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with civil rights lawyer and California Lieutenant Governor candidate Oliver Ma for an in-depth conversation about immigration, social justice, and grassroots political leadership. Oliver shares his personal journey as an immigrant and how it shaped his commitment to civil rights, equity, and community-driven change across California.

The discussion explores urgent issues facing the state, including the housing crisis, immigrant rights, and the role of the Lieutenant Governor in advancing progressive policy. Oliver offers powerful personal stories that reveal the real-world impact of immigration laws and...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Mac Deford, a veteran, attorney, and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in South Carolina, to discuss his path from service to public leadership. Deford shares how his military background and legal career shaped his commitment to public service and informed his decision to run for office.

The conversation explores key issues impacting South Carolinians, including affordable housing, the rising cost of living, and the challenges facing working families. Deford outlines his vision for responsible, community-focused leadership and explains why engaging voters and investing...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Michigan Sheriff Chris Swanson about his transition from law enforcement to running for governor of Michigan. Sheriff Swanson reflects on his nationally recognized leadership during the George Floyd protests, sharing how empathy, unity, and optimism shaped his response and continue to influence his approach to public service. He discusses his personal background, the pivotal moments that brought him into the political arena, and his vision for building a safer, more connected Michigan. This episode explores the power of compassionate leadership, bridging political divides, and inspiring meaningful change at...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with returning guest and congressional candidate Kate Barr to discuss her bold decision to switch her voter registration from Democrat to Republican in order to run for Congress in North Carolina. Kate breaks down the strategic reasoning behind this move, offering insight into the realities of voter engagement, party dynamics, and navigating a deeply gerrymandered district.

Michelle and Kate explore how authenticity, transparency, and creative campaign strategies can cut through political noise and connect with voters who feel overlooked. They also dive into the growing...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Rebecca Bennett — Navy veteran, working mom, and congressional candidate from New Jersey — for a powerful conversation about service, leadership, and the future of American families. Rebecca shares how her military experience shapes her approach to public office and why she’s committed to addressing the childcare crisis, strengthening support for veterans, and championing policies that uplift working families.

Michelle and Rebecca also explore the importance of increasing women’s representation in politics, especially mothers, and what it means to reclaim patriotism in a divided politica...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark, a Georgia state legislator and scientist running for Congress. Dr. Clark shares her inspiring journey from the world of science to public service, highlighting what motivated her to enter politics and how her background shapes her approach to leadership.

They discuss the importance of representation in government, the realities of balancing motherhood and a political career, and why listening to constituents is key to effective policymaking. Dr. Clark also opens up about her priorities for affordable healthcare, community engagement, and...

This special crossover episode of Beyond the Campaign and Read the Damn Book brings together host Michelle Glogovac and guest Dakarai Larriett for a powerful conversation about advocacy, leadership, and storytelling. Larriett shares his journey from being a lifelong advocate for community issues to running for the United States Senate, drawing from the experiences detailed in his memoir, Don’t Flush. He discusses confronting police misconduct, the importance of education, and his vision for Alabama’s future. Throughout the conversation, Larriett highlights how education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform are deeply interconnected—and why true change begins with community engage...

In this episode of Beyond The Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Colonel Dr. Darren McCauley to explore his transition from a distinguished military career to running for Congress. Dr. McCauley shares the personal and professional motivations behind his political journey, emphasizing the need for respectful political discourse and the challenges facing the federal government today.

He dives into his dedication to veterans' affairs, healthcare, and public health, highlighting the role of leadership and integrity in shaping policy. Dr. McCauley also opens up about the impact of political life on his family and the strategies he...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Congressman Jimmy Panetta to unpack the realities of the ongoing government shutdown and what it means for everyday Americans. They discuss the far-reaching impact on healthcare access, SNAP benefits, and public services, while exploring the critical role of bipartisan negotiation in resolving funding challenges. Congressman Panetta also reflects on the history of American governance, the importance of civic engagement and voter participation, and why accountability and community-driven leadership are essential to restoring trust in democracy.

What We're Talking About...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Ariella Elm, a political influencer and journalist known for bringing optimism and integrity to political storytelling. Ariella shares her journey from lifestyle content creator to trusted political voice, discussing how research, authenticity, and empathy shape her work.

Together, they explore why it’s essential to lead with hope—not fear—in today’s political climate, how to understand representation and the nuances of online political spaces, and the power of celebrating small wins in activism. Ariella also offers insight into the challenges of funding independ...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with North Carolina Representative Jordan Lopez for a candid conversation about the high-stakes battle over gerrymandering and redistricting in the state. They unpack the impact of the proposed congressional maps, the partisan maneuvering behind them, and what’s at risk for voters heading into the next election. Representative Lopez opens up about his path into politics, the challenges of leading through division, and why protecting fair representation is essential to safeguarding democracy itself.

What We're Talking About...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Ricky Longoria — political organizer turned content creator known as @thegayliberal — opens up about his journey using digital platforms to inspire civic engagement and amplify diverse voices in politics. Ricky discusses how his work evolved from grassroots organizing to creating impactful online content that challenges misinformation and encourages youth participation in the political process.

He also shares his insights on navigating cancel culture, building authentic communities, and maintaining mental balance in the fast-paced world of social media activism. This episode is a powerful reminder that every voice matters — and that real change...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Danyelle Christmas, candidate for New Orleans City Council, to talk about her inspiring journey into politics. Danyelle shares how her father’s wrongful conviction shaped her path toward public service and ignited her passion for justice. She opens up about the challenges working mothers face in political life, the role of education in breaking generational cycles, and why community engagement is essential for lasting change. From advocating for systemic reform to empowering the next generation of leaders, Danyelle’s vision offers a powerful blueprint for building a st...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Nichelle Henderson, candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. They dive into the pressing issues shaping California’s education system, including school funding, teacher shortages, and the impact of standardized testing. Nichelle outlines her vision for reimagining public education, with a focus on supporting teachers, empowering students, and building stronger community involvement. She also shares insights on grassroots campaigning and what it takes to run for statewide office in today’s political climate.

What We're Talking About...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Saikat Chakrabarti, congressional candidate for California’s 11th district. Their conversation explores the widening inequality gap in America, Saikat’s journey from Silicon Valley tech to progressive politics, and why bold new leadership is essential in this moment. Saikat reflects on his work with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the hard choices and sacrifices that come with running for office, and his vision for tackling San Francisco’s biggest challenges. Together, they dig into urgent issues like climate change, healthcare, and the power of community engagement to dri...

In this bonus episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with independent journalist Aaron Parnas to examine the growing crisis around freedom of speech in America. Using recent events involving media figures like Jimmy Kimmel as a backdrop, they explore how political pressures and corporate influence are threatening the First Amendment. Aaron shares his journey from law to journalism, the personal risks he faces reporting the truth, and why media literacy and civic education are essential to preserving democracy. Together, they make a compelling case for why supporting independent journalism is critical to protecting free speech and ensuring an informed public.<...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Esther Kim Varet, candidate for California’s 40th congressional district. Esther shares her path from businesswoman and mother to first-time candidate, underscoring why community engagement and authentic representation matter now more than ever. Their conversation explores the impact of redistricting, the vital role women play in political activism, and how grassroots movements can mobilize change. Through her personal story and vision, Esther highlights both the urgency of protecting democracy and the power of bringing diverse voices to Congress.

What We're Talking About...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Tim Myers, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California. A founding member of the Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic, Tim shares his journey from working-class roots to the music industry and now into politics. He explains how his diverse experiences fuel his belief that more everyday people should hold office to bring about real change. The conversation explores urgent issues including economic inequality, homelessness, healthcare, and the importance of community engagement. Tim also reflects on the role of family in his political path and lays out his vision for...

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill reflects on her path from Navy helicopter pilot to candidate for governor of New Jersey. She shares how her love of aviation, the influence of her family, and a deep sense of duty have shaped her commitment to public service. Mikie underscores the urgency of protecting democracy and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, while also candidly addressing the personal risks her family faces because of her political career. The discussion closes with a call for grassroots support, as she urges listeners to join her fight for...

In this interview, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Stockton, California to becoming the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city — and now, a candidate for California Lieutenant Governor. Tubbs opens up about the powerful influence of his family, his deep commitment to public service, and his notable achievements as mayor, including reducing crime rates and launching innovative programs that gained national attention. He discusses California’s most pressing issues — poverty, affordable housing, and education — and explains how strong, solutions-driven leadership can move the state forward. As he campaigns for Lieutena...

From civil rights attorney to Senior Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Justice Anita Earls has spent her career fighting for fairness, equality, and democracy. In this episode of Beyond The Campaign, we talk about her journey to the bench, the critical role state courts play in protecting our rights, and why community engagement and judicial integrity are more important than ever as she seeks re-election.

Justice Earls opens up about landmark cases she’s worked on, the impact of gerrymandering on fair representation, and the challenges of balancing a demanding judicial role with family li...

In this bonus episode of Beyond The Campaign, Representative Vince Perez pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes battle over redistricting in Texas. He breaks down the discriminatory impact of proposed maps, the political and legal consequences of breaking quorum, and the personal sacrifices elected officials make to defend democracy. Perez explains why redistricting matters far beyond Texas, how it threatens voting rights for marginalized communities, and why states like California must also take action to protect fair representation.

What We're Talking About...

Dr. Annie Andrews—a pediatrician, mother, and U.S. Senate candidate—joins Beyond the Campaign to share why she stepped out of the ER and into the political arena. She opens up about balancing motherhood with the demands of campaigning, her fight to improve children’s healthcare, and why women’s leadership is essential to shaping policy. Dr. Andrews also pulls back the curtain on handling online criticism, mobilizing grassroots support, and the critical role of authentic communication in reaching and inspiring voters—especially the next generation.

What We're Talking About...

Politics isn’t just policy—it’s people.

I’m Michelle Glogovac, podcast publicist, author, activist, and host of Beyond The Campaign and Read The Damn Book.

This isn’t another talking-points show. Here, we go past the soundbites and press releases to really get to know the people asking for our votes. Who they are. What they believe. The moments that shaped them long before they ever thought about running for office.

Because if we want politicians to invest in us, we need to invest time in truly understanding them.

Join me as...