This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 12 with Mandie Ledkins

This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 12 with Mandie Ledkins

What happens when a working-class mom and corporate veteran decides she’s had enough of "politics as usual"? In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with Mandie Ledkins, candidate for the Alabama State Senate, for a conversation that is as heavy-hitting as it is high-energy. Mandie isn’t your typical "polished" politician—she’s a mother of four, an Auburn alumna, and a leader with fifteen years of experience in the trenches of corporate America and tech (including roles at Target, Shipt, and Wyndy). Greg and Mandie dive deep into the issues that actually matter to Alabamians, moving from the systemic to the lighthearted without missing a beat. Mandie Ledkins is a Fort Payne native, a Vietnam veteran’s daughter, and a resident of Alabaster in Shelby County. From her roots in the "sock capital of the world" to her career in customer success and community advocacy, Mandie is running to ensure that every Alabamian has a seat at the table and a voice that is "too loud to turn down." To learn more about Mandie and her campaign, visit: https://mandieforalabama.com/ [https://mandieforalabama.com/] *** Support the Show & Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! You can also dive deeper into the culture and stories we cover by checking out our partner publications: SUPPORT THIS SHOW [https://ko-fi.com/springbreak83productions?s=09] SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE [https://my.captivate.fm/www.yourlifethemixtape,com/Subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE [https://www.deardeanpublishing.com/subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b]

This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 11 with Forrest Satterfield & Thomas Casez from Cicada

Join your host, Greg Howard Jr, as he sits down with the founders of Cicada, Forrest Satterfield and Thomas Casez, to discuss politics, alternatives to the national anthem, and what is objectively the best film of all time. To learn more about Cicada, visit: www.cicada.now [www.cicada.now] *** SUPPORT THIS SHOW [https://ko-fi.com/springbreak83productions?s=09] SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE [https://my.captivate.fm/www.yourlifethemixtape,com/Subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE [https://www.deardeanpublishing.com/subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b]

This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 10 with John Padora

Can a manufacturing engineer fix a broken political system? In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with John Padora, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado's 4th District. John isn't your career politician—he’s a problem-solver by trade, bringing a background in environmental science and engineering to the table. Greg and John explore how technical precision, environmental stewardship, and a unique spiritual outlook can reshape the halls of Congress. And, because no episode is complete without a bit of debate, they tackle the impossible question: what is, objectively, the best film of all time? Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, John Padora is a graduate of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and Southern New Hampshire University. With a professional history spanning manufacturing engineering, independent consulting, and geospatial technology, John has built a career on understanding how things work—and how to fix them when they don't. He is now running for Congress to apply those same skills to the issues facing everyday Americans. *** Support the Show & Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your engagement helps us continue to bridge the gap between policy and people. SUPPORT THIS SHOW [https://ko-fi.com/springbreak83productions?s=09] SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE [https://my.captivate.fm/www.yourlifethemixtape,com/Subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE [https://www.deardeanpublishing.com/subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b]

This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 9 with Ashleigh Dunham

Can a legal system truly be fair if it doesn't understand the personal struggles of the people it serves? In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with AshLeigh Meyer Dunham, candidate for the Alabama Supreme Court, to explore the intersection of law, life, and the deeply personal journey of starting a family. From her work in juvenile court to her advocacy for fertility rights, AshLeigh brings a unique blend of "big-picture" legal expertise and "boots-on-the-ground" compassion. As always, Greg keeps it real, leading a conversation that moves effortlessly from the sanctity of the courtroom to the vulgarity of toe socks. A Huntsville native and proud alumna of the University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law, AshLeigh Meyer Dunham has built a career dedicated to protecting Alabama families. As a practicing Fertility Attorney and a Juvenile Court Referee, she balances complex legal adjudication with a heart for advocacy. AshLeigh lives in the Birmingham area with her husband, Jonathan, and their daughter, Aria—who was welcomed into the world through the very IVF journey that fuels AshLeigh's mission today. To learn more about Ashleigh and her campaign, visit: https://ashleighforalabama.com/ [https://ashleighforalabama.com/] *** Support the Show & Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! You can also dive deeper into the culture and stories we cover by checking out our partner publications: SUPPORT THIS SHOW [https://ko-fi.com/springbreak83productions?s=09] SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE [https://my.captivate.fm/www.yourlifethemixtape,com/Subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE [https://www.deardeanpublishing.com/subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b]

This Is Not An Endorsement • Episode 8 with Dr. John Dickey

Join your host, Greg Howard Jr, as he sits down with Alabama State Senate Candidate Dr. John Dickey to discuss politics, spirituality, and whether or not hot dogs are tacos. A native of North Alabama, Dr. John Dickey is running for the Alabama State Senate in District 3. Raised by a farmer, Dr. Dickey learned the value of hard work and grit early in life. While their mother faced significant health challenges, her resilience and ability to find joy in every circumstance left a lasting impression on the family. The greatest inspiration for Dr. Dickey’s career in public service, however, was their grandfather. A man who remained tirelessly dedicated to his neighbors long after retirement, he modeled the belief that community service is a lifelong calling. It is this legacy of selfless leadership that Dr. Dickey intends to bring to Montgomery. Dr. Dickey offers a unique blend of practical experience and academic rigor: Deep Roots: Years spent working cattle and understanding the agricultural backbone of Alabama. Educational Dedication: Experience teaching students of all ages, providing a firsthand look at the needs of the classroom. Academic Excellence: A Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, providing the policy expertise necessary to navigate complex legislative issues. Dr. Dickey believes that government should be a tool for solving problems and serving the taxpayers. Their platform is built on four key pillars: Education: Ensuring schools have the resources to prepare children for the modern workforce. Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses to foster a thriving regional economy. Housing & Infrastructure: Improving access to affordable housing for Alabama families. Healthcare: Protecting and expanding access to quality care for all citizens. Dr. Dickey is running because they believe in the potential of North Alabama. With a firm conviction that the community's best days are ahead, Dr. Dickey is ready to work for the prosperity and progress every Alabamian deserves. To learn more about John and his campaign, visit: https://dickey4alabama.com/ [https://dickey4alabama.com/] *** SUPPORT THIS SHOW [https://ko-fi.com/springbreak83productions?s=09] SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE [https://my.captivate.fm/www.yourlifethemixtape,com/Subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO DEAR DEAN MAGAZINE [https://www.deardeanpublishing.com/subscribe] SUBSCRIBE TO WHATJAYESAID: THE PODCAST [https://open.spotify.com/show/6pop3Ju581NmxgD18ivwzR?si=165a844af10e409b]