Can Technology Save Democracy? | Ramon Perez on Mobile Voting, AI & Government Accountability

Mark Legvold on Farming, Service, Leadership & Running for Minnesota Senate District 58

🌟 Welcome to Episode #29 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 Today we’re joined by Mark Legvold, Democratic candidate for Minnesota Senate District 58. A lifelong farmer, military veteran, educator, firefighter, law enforcement officer, and community leader, Mark has spent decades serving others both in and out of uniform. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss Minnesota agriculture, public education, military service, leadership, rural communities, economic challenges facing working families, and why treating people with dignity and respect remains at the center of his campaign. If you’re interested in Minnesota politics, rural issues, public service, or the future of state government, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 🎙️ Before politics, Mark was learning lessons on a family farm in southern Minnesota—lessons about hard work, sacrifice, cooperation, and community. Those experiences shaped a lifetime of service that eventually led him to the military, public education, emergency response, law enforcement, and now a campaign for the Minnesota Senate. 🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: 🌽 Growing Up on a Minnesota Farm Mark shares stories from his childhood on a family farm, where summers were spent baling hay, caring for cattle, and learning the value of hard work. He explains how farming taught him responsibility, resilience, cooperation, and the importance of helping neighbors when times get tough. 🚜 Farming, Tariffs, and the Challenges Facing Rural Minnesota We discuss the economic realities facing farmers today, including rising fuel and fertilizer costs, shrinking commodity prices, and the impact international trade policies have had on Minnesota agriculture. Mark explains why rebuilding agricultural markets is critical for rural communities. 🤝 What Rural Communities Can Teach America Mark talks about growing up in a community where neighbors shared equipment, labor, and responsibility regardless of political differences. He shares why he believes America needs to rediscover the value of cooperation and community. 🎖️ Thirty Years of Military Service Mark reflects on his three decades of military service, the mentors who shaped him, and the leadership lessons he learned serving alongside people whose lives depended on one another. He also discusses the importance of service, accountability, and building strong teams. 🔥 Firefighting, Law Enforcement, and Public Safety After serving as a firefighter for much of his military career, Mark transitioned into military law enforcement. We discuss what he learned about leadership, responsibility, and the importance of training, accountability, and thoughtful decision-making when people are entrusted with the use of force. 🏫 Public Education and Supporting Students As a former teacher and school administrator, Mark shares stories from his years working in public schools. We discuss student hunger, poverty, educational opportunity, and why he strongly supports ensuring every child has access to meals at school. ⚖️ The Five Core Values Driving His Campaign Mark outlines the five values at the center of his campaign: • Work Hard  • Act with Integrity  • Serve Others  • Value Learning  • Treat Everyone with Care and Respect We discuss why these principles have guided his life and why he believes they should guide public service as well. 🏛️ Why He’s Running for the Minnesota Senate After retiring from military service, Mark felt called to continue serving his community. He explains why he entered politics and why he believes now is the time for experienced, community-focused leaders to step forward. 🌾 Understanding Senate District 58 Mark discusses the unique needs of a district that includes farms, small towns, rural communities, and growing suburban areas. He explains why listening to constituents and building relationships remains one of his highest priorities. 👩 Respecting Women Who Serve One of the most powerful moments of the conversation centers on Mark’s reaction to the cancellation of an event honoring women who died while serving their country. We discuss military service, respect, honoring sacrifice, and why decency should never be partisan. 💙 Finding Hope in Difficult Times Despite political division and uncertainty, Mark shares why conversations with everyday Minnesotans continue to give him hope for the future and why he believes most people still want kindness, competence, and government that works. 📍 Learn More About Mark Legvold 🌐 Campaign Website:  https://www.legvold4mnsenate58.com 💙 Support the Campaign:  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mark-legvold-for-senate-1 🎧 ABOUT THE POLITICS CHICKS The Politics Chicks Podcast is hosted by Christy Branham and Monica Healy—two Midwestern moms who refused to stand back and watch democracy die. Each week we sit down with candidates, advocates, organizers, experts, journalists, and everyday people working to strengthen their communities and protect democratic institutions. We believe politics is personal because policy impacts real people. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. It helps us continue bringing important voices and stories to a wider audience. 📱 Follow The Politics Chicks  @thepoliticschicks Substack • Threads • Instagram • Facebook • BlueSky • TikTok #MarkLegvold #MinnesotaPolitics #MinnesotaSenate #MNPolitics #PoliticsChicks #MinnesotaDFL #RuralMinnesota #MinnesotaFarmers #PublicEducation #VeteransInPolitics

Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera on Taking on Randy Fine and Fighting for Florida’s Future

🌟 Welcome to Episode #27 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 Today we’re joined by Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera, Democratic candidate for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, who is challenging Randy Fine for a seat in Congress. With a background spanning EMS, law enforcement, education, and community leadership, Ronnie has spent his career serving others. Now he’s taking that commitment to public service into the political arena, campaigning on affordability, accountability, and the belief that government should work for ordinary people. 🎙️ One of our favorite things to do on The Politics Chicks is introduce candidates to our audience and give them a platform to share who they are, why they’re running, and what they hope to accomplish. This conversation is about service, leadership, and what it means to step forward when you believe your community deserves better. 🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: 📍 From Public Service to Public Office Ronnie shares his personal journey, from growing up in New York City to building a life in Florida and ultimately deciding to run for Congress. 🚑 Lessons From EMS, Law Enforcement, and Education We discuss how years spent serving people in crisis shaped Ronnie’s understanding of leadership, government, and the challenges facing working families. 🏛️ Why Challenge Randy Fine? Ronnie explains why he entered the race, what he sees as the biggest differences between himself and Congressman Randy Fine, and why he believes voters are looking for a new direction. 💵 Affordability and Everyday Life From rising housing costs and healthcare expenses to insurance premiums and grocery bills, we discuss the economic pressures families are facing and what can be done to help. 🇺🇸 Rebuilding Trust in Politics How do we bridge political divides? Ronnie shares his thoughts on restoring faith in government, engaging voters who have become discouraged, and finding common ground in a polarized era. ✨ Hope for the Future Despite the challenges facing our country, Ronnie talks about what gives him hope and why he remains optimistic about the future of Florida and America. 🛑 Final Word Public service begins with showing up. Ronnie’s campaign is rooted in the belief that leadership should be about helping people, solving problems, and making government work for the communities it serves. 💌 Learn more about Ronnie’s campaign:  www.ron4congress.com FOLLOW/SUPPORT: Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook @ThePoliticsChicks 🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera, Randy Fine, Florida 6th Congressional District, Florida politics, Congressional election 2026, Florida Democrats, Congressional candidate, Political podcast, Politics Chicks Podcast, Affordability, Cost of living, Healthcare costs, Government accountability, Grassroots campaign, Voter education.

Can Technology Save Democracy? | Ramon Perez on Mobile Voting, AI & Government Accountability

🌟 Welcome to Episode #26 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 🎙️ Can Technology Save Democracy? | Ramon Perez on Mobile Voting, AI & Government Accountability Today we’re joined by Ramon Perez, founder of the Digital Democracy Project, a nonpartisan effort using mobile voting, AI-powered bill summaries, legislative transparency, and real-time accountability to help reconnect citizens with government. Democracy was never meant to be something we participate in once every few years. It was meant to be a living conversation between the people and those elected to represent them. In this episode, we explore whether technology can help save democracy by giving voters greater access to the legislative process, more transparency into how elected officials vote, and new tools for civic engagement. 🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: 📍 The Story Behind the Mission Ramon shares the powerful experiences that inspired his work—from the sacrifice of Lieutenant Tyler Brown, a fellow veteran who gave his life leading his troops in Iraq, to an Iraqi grandmother who risked her life simply to cast a ballot. These stories shaped his belief that democracy is an idea worth fighting for. 🗳️ Beyond Election Day What if voting didn’t happen only every two or four years? Ramon explains how the Digital Democracy Project allows citizens to weigh in on legislation while it is actually being debated, creating a direct connection between voters and lawmakers. 📱 Democracy in Your Pocket We discuss mobile voting technology, how the platform works, and why Ramon believes increasing access and participation could fundamentally change the relationship between citizens and government. 🔍 Making Legislation Understandable Most legislation is written by lawyers for lawyers. Ramon explains how his team uses AI to summarize bills into plain language so voters can make informed decisions without needing a law degree. 📊 The Accountability Scorecard One of the most innovative parts of the project compares what voters wanted with how elected officials actually voted. We discuss transparency, legislative scorecards, real-time district maps, and whether elected leaders truly represent the will of their constituents. 🔒 Can Mobile Voting Be Secure? Security is the question everyone asks. Ramon walks us through the safeguards, technology, and lessons learned from systems already being used by military voters overseas. 🤖 AI, Civic Engagement & The Future of Democracy From AI-powered voter education tools to real-time legislative tracking, we explore what democracy could look like in the digital age and how technology may help rebuild trust in government. ✨ Final Word Millions of Americans feel disconnected from government and frustrated by a political system dominated by money, parties, and special interests. Whether you agree with every aspect of the Digital Democracy Project or not, this conversation asks an important question: What if voters had a greater voice in shaping the laws that govern their lives? 💌 Learn More: Digital Democracy Project: www.digitaldemocracyproject.org TED Talk:  Can Technology Save Democracy? — Ramon Perez www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QcWBH1Zx9g FOLLOW/SUPPORT: Substack | Threads | BlueSky | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook @ThePoliticsChicks 🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica

Christian Nationalism vs. Christianity: A Pastor Explains the Difference

🌟 Welcome to Episode #25 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 🎙️ The Politics Chicks began as a Substack created by two Midwestern moms trying to make sense of politics, democracy, culture, and the increasingly chaotic world around us. Now we’re bringing those conversations to the podcast. This week, we sat down with Pastor Steve Young of GracePoint Church in Minnesota for a thoughtful, honest conversation about evangelical Christianity, Christian nationalism, MAGA politics, faith, power, immigration, and what happens when religion becomes intertwined with political identity. 🔥 This is one of those episodes that reminds us that disagreement doesn’t have to mean dehumanization—and that curiosity may be one of the most powerful tools we have for bridging divides. 🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: 📍 What evangelical Christianity actually is—and how it became so misunderstood 📍 The historical roots of the evangelical movement 📍 The difference between Christianity and Christian nationalism 📍 Why so many evangelicals became associated with MAGA politics 📍 How fear, tribalism, and political identity have shaped modern faith communities 📍 Immigration, faith, and what scripture says about loving your neighbor 📍 Why many Christians are uncomfortable with the current direction of evangelical politics 📍 Trump, morality, power, and the challenges of political tribalism 📍 The role media plays in shaping both religious and political identity 📍 Why curiosity, humility, and neighboring matter more than ever 📍 What gives Steve hope for the future of Christianity in America ✨ ABOUT STEVE YOUNG: Steve Young serves as Associate Pastor at GracePoint Church in New Brighton, Minnesota, where he focuses on leadership development, mentoring, Christian education, and helping people navigate questions of faith, community, and culture. During this conversation, Steve offers a thoughtful perspective on how faith communities can engage the world with compassion, curiosity, and humility rather than fear and division. 🧭 This conversation touches on: Evangelical Christianity • Christian nationalism • MAGA • faith and politics • immigration • religion in America • polarization • tribalism • neighboring • media influence • compassion • civic engagement • democracy • spirituality • community • public discourse 💌 We would love your input! Do you think Christianity and Christian nationalism have become too intertwined in America? What role should faith play in politics—and where should the line be drawn? 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments. 🔔 RESOURCES: ➡️ GracePoint Church 2351 Rice Creek Road New Brighton, MN 55112 📞 (651) 633-7515 🌐 https://www.exploregracepoint.com 📧 office@exploregracepoint.com ➡️ Contact Steve Young: 📧 stevenyoung@comcast.net ❤️ FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE POLITICS CHICKS: Substack: https://thepoliticschicks.substack.com Threads: https://threads.net/@thepoliticschicks BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepoliticschicks Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoliticschicks TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thepoliticschicks 🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica evangelical Christianity, Christian nationalism, MAGA, Steve Young, GracePoint Church, James Talarico, faith and politics, religion in America, evangelical movement, Trump and evangelicals, Christianity, immigration and faith, loving your neighbor, neighboring, political polarization, culture wars, democracy, civic engagement, spirituality, public discourse, Minnesota podcast, The Politics Chicks, religion and politics, political identity

Why Republicans Blocked Gun Safety Legislation After a School Shooting with MN State Rep. Kaela Berg

🌟 Welcome to Episode #24 of The Politics Chicks Podcast! 🌟 🎙️ Before this podcast, we honestly didn’t realize just how intense things had become inside the Minnesota Capitol over gun safety legislation. This week, we sat down with Minnesota State Representative Kaela Berg for a raw, urgent conversation about the Capitol sit-in over the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, labor rights, mental health in schools, ICE raids in Minneapolis, and why working-class voices matter now more than ever. 🔥 This is one of those episodes that reminds us politics isn’t abstract—it’s deeply personal. 🐓 IN THIS EPISODE: 📍 What REALLY happened during the Minnesota Capitol gun safety sit-in 📍 Why Republican leadership refused to hold a vote after the Annunciation school shooting 📍 Assault weapons bans, ghost guns, binary triggers & school safety legislation 📍 The emotional testimony from Annunciation families 📍 Why “guns don’t kill people” ignores America’s unique gun culture 📍 ICE raids, fear in Minneapolis communities & Operation Metro Surge 📍 Mental health resources in schools & why Kaela authored legislation for counselors 📍 Labor unions, captive audience meetings & protecting workers’ rights 📍 Why Kaela Berg is running for Congress in Minnesota’s 2nd District 📍 How ordinary people can still make a difference in dark political moments ✨ ABOUT KAELA BERG: Kaela Berg is a Minnesota State Representative, union leader, flight attendant, and congressional candidate in Minnesota’s 2nd District. She has authored legislation focused on gun violence prevention, workers’ rights, and mental health resources for students across Minnesota public schools. 🧭 This conversation touches on: Gun violence prevention • Minnesota politics • school shootings • labor unions • ICE raids • authoritarianism • mental health • workers’ rights • women in politics • grassroots organizing • democracy • education • public safety 💌 We would love your input! What gives YOU hope right now? What issues do you want us covering next on the podcast? 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments. 🔔 RESOURCES: ➡️ Kaela Berg for Congress: https://kaelaforcongress.com ❤️ FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE POLITICS CHICKS: Substack: https://thepoliticschicks.substack.com Threads: https://threads.net/@thepoliticschicks BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thepoliticschicks Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoliticschicks TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thepoliticschicks 🧡 xoxo — Christy & Monica Minnesota politics, Kaela Berg, gun safety, gun violence prevention, Minnesota Capitol protest, Annunciation school shooting, assault weapons ban, ICE raids Minneapolis, labor unions, workers rights, Minnesota Democrats, Moms Demand Action, school mental health, gun reform debate, working class politics, The Politics Chicks, democracy, grassroots movement, Minnesota news, political podcast, ghost guns, NRA, Everytown for Gun Safety, Lisa Demuth, public safety