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
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...
Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from Itay Balely on Political Candidates and Training
Get involved at https://victoryinstitute.org/.
Host Amy McDonald welcomes Itay Balely, Director of Training at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, to The Foolish Optimist Podcast. They discuss the importance of political training programs that equip LGBTQ+ candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary for running for public office. Balely ...
Joey Marshall's 2026 Congressional Run: Community, Healthcare, and Rural Revitalization
You can donate to Joey Marschall - https://secure.actblue.com/donate/joey-marschall-1
or follow his campaign on Facebook.
Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist Podcast interviews Joey Marshall, a Democratic candidate running for the sixth Congressional District in Wisconsin in 2026. Marshall discusses his motivations for running, highlighti...
Building People-Powered Leadership: A Conversation with Andres Castro
You can follow his campaign at CastroForGeorgia.com
Host Amy McDonald engages in a discussion with Andres Castro, a software engineer and working-class advocate running for Georgia's fifth congressional district. Castro, who is committed to universal healthcare, strong labor protections, and affordable housing, shares his vision for a fairer economy and socie...
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