I’m Amy McDonald, and I am on the hunt for the next generation of leaders, both in the ballot boxes and the teams behind them. On The Foolish Optimist, you’ll find interviews with candidates running for office in the 2025 and 2026 elections and beyond. But we also speak with civilians working behind the scenes to make elections go. You’ll find tidbits on how to communicate effectively, how neuroscience fits into campaigns, and what you can do with your current skills to help get quality cand ...
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The Foolish Optimist: Alexandria Braswell
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56:02
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56:02Alex Braswell is the first nominee for the Democratic party in Alabama's 11th District in over 15 years, and she is the first woman Democratic nominee in history. An interpreter by trade, she's running in a special election for Alabama's state house. You can follow her campaign at https://braswellfor11.com/…
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The Foolish Optimist: Jump Shepherd
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1:00:58Interview with Jump Shepherd: A Run for the US Senate In this episode of 'The Foolish Optimist,' host Amy McDonald interviews Jump Shepherd, a candidate for the US Senate in Illinois. Jump, a scientist and construction worker, discusses his motivations for running for office in 2026, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental issues, econo…
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The Foolish Optimist: Kelly Brown
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48:04
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48:04Kelly Brown is running for Wisconsin's 6th District, encompassing Sheboygan, Fon du Lac. You can follow them on Instagram at FriendsofKellyBrown and on TikTok at KellyforWI.06Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Mike Swanson
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53:23
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53:23Mike Swanson is running for US Senate in Texas! He understands what working class folks are going through, and is ready to fight for them in Washington DC! You can donate to his campaign at MikeSwanson.Org.Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Robert People
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1:01:01Robert People is running for Florida's 15th Congressional District - so just east of Tampa. If you like what you hear, you can find all of his campaign information at PeopleForCongress.comVon Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Dakarai Larriett
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38:56
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38:56Dakarai Larriett is running for US Senate to represent Alabama. He's an entrepreneur and is leading his campaign with a Listening Tour of all 67 counties in Alabama. You can follow his campaign for US Senate at DakaraiLarriett.com or on socials at DakaraiLarriettforSenate.Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: JD Mazuera Arias
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40:59
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40:59JD is running for City Council in Charlotte, North Carolina! I highly suggest you listen to this if running for office is on your to-do list. He is changing the political game. You can join his campaign at JD4CLT.comVon Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Jeremy Devito
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49:19
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49:19Jeremy is a veteran and a father, running in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. You can join his campaign, donate, and volunteer at JeremyTakesTheHouse.org.Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Christ Kallas
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51:00Christ Kallas is running for the US House of Representatives in Illinois's 8th District. If you like what you hear today - join his campaign, donate, or follow him at KallasForCongress.com.Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Jonathan Bonner
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38:34
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38:34Jonathan Bonner is running for the US House of Representatives to represent the people of the Georgia's 13th District. You can follow his campaign, donate, or volunteer via Bonner4Congress.com.Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist: Bernard Taylor
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43:58Bernard Taylor is running for the US House of Representatives in Florida's 21st District. You can join his campaign, donate, or follow his journey via https://www.bernardtaylorforcongress.org/Von Amy McDonald
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The Foolish Optimist is a podcast, hosted by me - Amy McDonald. I am interviewing candidates for the House of Representative, Senate, State Houses, State Senate and more. Get to know who is running in your district - and if I haven't interviewed them yet. Send me a note at TheFoolishOptimistPodcast@gmail.com…
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