Research Note #1

Austin Ahlman, Independent for NE-1

For this week, our guest is Austin Ahlman, an independent running for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. In this conversation, we discuss a bit about Austin's background, why he's running as an independent, anti-monoply being part of his platform, why monopolies are a problem and what he proposes America do about them, rural attitudes towards Big Tech and datacenters, having policy positions that may surprise people, campaigning as an independent, news media, book recommendations, and more!

Ann Marie Danimus, Independent WA-5

In this episode, we talk with Ann Marie Danimus, an independent running for Washington’s 5th congressional district. We discuss her background, why she’s running as an independent, policy priorities, issues specific to the WA-5, running against 11 opponents in Washington’s top 2 primary system, life outside of politics, and, of course, book recommendations.

Brian Bengs, South Dakota Independent

For this episode, we head to South Dakota to speak with independent senate candidate Brian Bengs. We talk Brian's background, how he's returning to his independent roots after a detour as a Democrat, "The Code of the West", why anti-corruption and anti-big money are major themes of his campaign, what issue Brian has shifted on over time, the biggest issue facing South Dakota that gets overlooked nationnally, Brian's experience gathering voter signatures in sub-zero tempratures, what he learned from voters while on his signature drive, political leaders he looks up to, and, of course, book recommendations!

Ken Estes Jr., Farmer and Independent Congressional Candidate

This week, we’re joined by farmer and independent candidate for New York’s 24th Congressional District Ken Estes Jr. We talk farming, what Washington DC can learn from farm life, what’s one thing DC could do to help rural America, Ken’s “four pillars”, what a World Cafe is and why his campaign holds them, learning from voters, book recommendations, and more!

Brian Reisinger, The Impact of the Iran Conflict on American Farmers

In the Season 5 premiere of our special "Hidden in Plain Sight" episodes, AJ sits down with farmer, author, and rural policy expert Brian Reisinger to unpack how the conflict with Iran is quietly reshaping American agriculture. They dig into the ripple effects most people never see: rising diesel and fertilizer costs, the squeeze on crop yields, and why higher grocery prices don’t necessarily mean higher income for farmers. The conversation also explores what government programs can and can’t do, how farmers are adjusting their plans in real time, what everyday consumers can do to support farms while keeping their own costs down, and more!