Under The Desk News with V Spehar

DemocraShe with Sarah Jakle

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle sits down with Sarah Jakle, founder and executive director of DemocraShe, a national nonpartisan organization dedicated to developing the next generation of civic leaders. Sarah shares how DemocraShe empowers historically underserved girls through leadership training, civic education, and political engagement opportunities. Michelle and Sarah explore why increasing women's representation in politics matters, the systemic barriers women continue to face when running for office and serving in leadership roles, and the importance of creating pathways for young women to pursue careers in public service. They also discuss practical ways communities, educators, and mentors can support girls with political ambitions and help build a more inclusive and representative democracy. This conversation offers valuable insights into women's leadership, civic engagement, political representation, youth empowerment, and the future of women in public office. What We're Talking About... * DemocraShe's mission to empower the next generation of women leaders * Why women's representation in politics matters en face when running for political office * How to support young women with political ambitions * The importance of mentorship for young women leaders * Strategies for increasing civic engagement among girls and young women * Creating a more inclusive political landscape * Building leadership skills early Chapters 00:00-00:30 Introduction to Democracy and Civic Engagement 00:31-02:11 The Importance of Civic Education for Young Girls 02:12-0:3:32 Sarah Jakle's Journey and Motivation 03:33-07:51 Understanding the Brain's Role in Civic Participation 07:52-10:56 Teaching Skills for Overcoming Self-Doubt 10:57-14:26 Success Stories and Impact of the Program 14:27-32:32 Mentorship and Future Goals Links Mentioned DemocraShe's website: https://www.democrashe.org [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.democrashe.org%2F&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=5ec7db56578eb1fc4721dd9b3ed893d450d7a85acc87a7922322bd5478fd7b1d]

Unpacking Section 224: What It Means for US and Israeli Relations with Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)

Congressman Ro Khanna joins Michelle Glogovac on Beyond the Campaign to sound the alarm on Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act — a provision buried in the must-pass defense bill that would permanently merge U.S. and Israeli military infrastructure, weapons development, and defense technology, shielding it from future congressional oversight. What does that mean for American sovereignty? For human rights accountability? And who actually wrote this provision? Khanna also weighs in on the Epstein files and the rare bipartisan push to force transparency on what our government has been hiding. This is the conversation Washington doesn't want you having. Listen, share, and make some noise. What We're Talking About... * Section 224 of the NDAA and its implications * US-Israel military partnership and sovereignty * The Epstein files and political transparency Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Section 224 07:13 The Disconnect Between Congress and the American People Links Ro Khanna's Official Website - https://khanna.house.gov/ National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 224 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4350/text

From The Judicial Bench to The Senate with Scott Colom (MS)

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, Mississippi District Attorney Scott Colom shares his remarkable journey from his childhood in Mississippi to launching his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Scott discusses his experiences in public service, his approach to criminal justice reform, and the values that have shaped his leadership style. He also offers insight into the challenges of running for office, the importance of community engagement, and why authentic, people-centered leadership matters in today's political landscape. This conversation provides a compelling look at Mississippi politics, public service, and the future of leadership in America. What We're Talking About... * Scott Colom's personal background, leadership journey, and motivation for running for U.S. Senate * The economic impact of tariffs on Mississippi businesses, workers, and local communities * Insights from Scott Colom's experience in the judicial system and his approach to criminal justice reform * Why community engagement and grassroots organizing are essential to effective political leadership * The influence of family, personal values, and public service on Scott Colom's campaign * Challenges facing Mississippi voters and opportunities for economic growth and development * Building trust, accountability, and authentic leadership in modern politics * The intersection of public service, policy, and community advocacy * Key issues shaping Mississippi's political landscape and future elections * Lessons on leadership, civic engagement, and serving diverse communities through public office Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mississippi's Rich Culture 04:02 Scott Colom's Political Journey and Senate Run 06:58 The Impact of Tariffs on Mississippi's Economy 12:59 Personal Background and Family Influence 19:05 The Role of a District Attorney and Criminal Justice Reform 25:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations Links Mentioned Scott Colom's campaign website: https://scottcolom.com

California Primary Election with CA Democratic Chair Rusty Hicks

In this bonus episode of Beyond The Campaign, Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party, discusses the current political landscape in California as election day unfolds. He emphasizes the importance of voter engagement and the strategies the party is employing to ensure a Democratic candidate advances in the gubernatorial race. The conversation also touches on the challenges ahead for the Democratic Party as they prepare for the midterms, highlighting the need for continued effort and focus on key issues. What We're Talking About... * Rusty Hicks is the chair of the California Democratic Party. * Election day is crucial for voter engagement. * The California Democratic Party aims to send a strong Democrat to the general election. * Concerns about low early ballot counts exist, but primary voters will make their voices heard. * The party is focused on winning additional congressional seats in the midterms. * Proposition 50 provides an opportunity to gain more seats, but action is needed to secure them. * The work of political engagement is ongoing and requires lifelong commitment. * Voter turnout models differ between primaries and general elections. * The next election cycle begins immediately after the previous one ends. * Good trouble is necessary for progress in politics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Election Day Overview 03:12 California Democratic Party's Strategy and Voter Engagement 05:55 Looking Ahead: Midterms and Future Challenges Links California Democratic Party [https://cadem.org/]

Entrepreneur To Activism with Sara Wiles

In this episode of Beyond the Campaign, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with political content creator and small business owner Sara Wiles to discuss activism, political engagement, and the realities of speaking out in today’s political climate. Sara shares her journey into political advocacy, the risks and challenges of using social media for activism, and how community support fuels meaningful change. Michelle and Sara dive into important conversations about democracy, political burnout, grassroots organizing, the influence of money in politics, and the future of civic engagement. This thought-provoking episode explores the intersection of entrepreneurship, advocacy, and digital activism while highlighting the importance of staying informed, involved, and hopeful during uncertain times. What We're Talking About... * Sara Wiles’s journey from small business owner to political activist and content creator * The risks and rewards of speaking out about politics on social media * How activism, advocacy, and civic engagement impact modern democracy * Strategies for avoiding burnout and maintaining hope in political movements * The influence of money in politics, campaign funding, and Citizens United * The role of community support in grassroots organizing and resistance movements * Navigating political conversations as an entrepreneur and public voice * The future of democracy and the importance of everyday activism * Building online communities focused on political education and change * Staying motivated during challenging political and social climates Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sara Wiles 00:53 Sara Wiles’s Background and Motivation 01:59 Balancing Business and Political Activism 04:53 The Importance of Using Your Voice 08:16 Managing Personal Well-Being and Burnout 18:50 Why We Are the Right People for Change 33:35 Changing Perspectives on Money and Politics 37:13 Handling Criticism and Online Negativity 38:30 The Power of Kindness and Community Support 40:52 Where to Find and Support Sara Wiles Links Mentioned Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_wiles/ [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fsara_wiles%2F&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=3c87de4f6fa555c360d4cc8a6382155fac615434ffaf7511030677afc49768eb] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sararebeccawiles [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsararebeccawiles&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=183cc0fc66c2d521e9e316b61fe32ec9dd40c2c788b0b7d0dd4d1ee1584fb5cb] Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sara_wiles [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.threads.com%2F%40sara_wiles&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=f4747a9bd3631898d60332d3b07f9cef2af4b3aae265b36a1e14ada2e74473d1] Substack: https://substack.com/@sarawiles [https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40sarawiles&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=c1f0f2e5eaf7d2d165bb979e5d4bd73a9bee6ac6318f95267c6011ef83804519]