The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald
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 candidates elected.
Episodes
Tenille Taggart on Preventative Policy, Childcare Cuts, and Running for Salt Lake County Council At-Large
Support her campaign at @TenilleTaggart, votefortenille.com, ActBlue. Get the Civic App in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for all for your politics needs.
Host Amy McDonald interviews Tenille Taggart, a gay and gender-fluid community organizer running for Salt Lake County Council at-large, about her path from conserv...
Finding New Leaders and Standing Your Ground: A Conversation with Ashley Bell
Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast sits down with Ashley Bell, a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in North Carolina's 10th Congressional District. The discussion covers Bell's background as a public school teacher, physician's associate, and educator, as well as her commitment to expanding healthcare access, streng...
Dr. Candice Duvieihl and Her Campaign for Alabama's 5th Congressional District
Follow along with Candice's campaign at https://www.candiceduvieilhforcongress.com/
Get the Civic app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for your reps needs.
Host Amy McDonald welcomes Dr. Candice Duvieihl to the Foolish Optimist Podcast to discuss her campaign for the US House of Representatives Democratic Primary in Alabama's 5th Congressio...
The Voice of Youth: Leila Staton on Running for Office in Iowa
Follow along with Leila's campaign at LeilaForIowa on all socials. And download the Civic Politics in the Apple Store or Google Play Store to have your representatives in your hand.
In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, the host welcomes Leila Staton, a 22-year-old progressive Democrat running for Iowa House District 54. Leila discusses her motivations for ...
Taking Back Power: Meet Alex Hawkins, Candidate for Michigan House District 55
Follow along with Alex's Campaign at AlexHawkins.org or on socials AlexHawkinsMI
In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald talks to Alex Hawkins, a candidate running for state representative in Michigan's House District 55. Alex shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to a life dedicated to service as a US Ar...
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