Our Erie

WARNING: This episode contains an abundance of expletives.

This week, in the Season 3 finale, co-hosts unpack the definition of leadership, the local debate around how to achieve community safety and policing, and recent Erie City Council events you may have missed!

Marty brings her definition of leadership to the table to start unpacking the real roles local elected officials play in political, economic and social systems. Do we have leaders in elected office or merely managers?

This week, Lydia and Marty are joined by Allison Jones, creator of the popular website and Instagram "Lake Erie Vegan." Sometimes it can feel like Erie is stuck in time, so we discuss how Erie transplants/boomerangs often move our region forward, and Allison shares exciting news about upcoming Erie Veg Fest and other events!
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Find Allison on...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeerievegan/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeerievegan/?fbclid=IwAR2ETlumYbPIiR6G3UTy0mc0TBw2F_Parj-PiHkbq8OK14q-uiOjFuDoQNo
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lakeerievegan/?fbclid=IwAR2ETlumYbPIiR6G3UTy0mc0TBw2F_Parj-PiHkbq8OK14q-uiOjFuDoQNo

Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

This week, Marty & Lydia are joined by Ariel Phillips, a fellow Edinboro University Alum and current Assistant Director of Admissions for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Ariel and the hosts process their own experiences with "diversity, equity and inclusion" and unpack what intersectionality means personally and systemically, especially in higher education. But most importantly, this trio dives into their shared love of Harry Potter and experiences as oldest siblings.

Listen now & join the conversation!

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

This week Our Erie is joined by Dr. Adrienne Dixon, President and CEO of Sarah Reed Children's Center. Dr. Dixon helps identify the connection between individual trauma, community trauma, systemic disadvantage and policy decisions. From school shootings to the debate around Roe v Wade, community trauma affects us all.

Listen now & join the conversation!

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

This week, Our Erie hosts are joined by Cole Schenley, Co-Chair of Erie's Democratic Socialists of America chapter. Cole helps unpack and debunk the myths around socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America, as well as demystifying the process of forming a Union and the power of collective bargaining (from Amazon and Starbucks to schools and small businesses). As the manager of a local comic book store, the conversation naturally wraps up with a discussion of favorite superheroes and real-life super villains.

Listen now & join the conversation!

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

This week, Our Erie is joined by the Senior Director of Field Offices for the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Dylanna Grasinger. Dylanna helps unpack Erie’s noteworthy history of refugee resettlement, the typical resettlement process, and what we (don’t) know about how Ukrainian resettlement will go. Dylanna also discusses the ins and outs of beekeeping, bulldog rescuing, self-care and the formula for success!

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

This week, Our Erie discusses growing up in Christianity, attending Catholic School, and how religion can be used as a space for social change or cultural/economic warfare.

Other highlights:

-Best thing about being human
-The awesomeness of nuns

This week, Our Erie is joined by Josh Fleitman, Western PA Manager for CeaseFirePA, a statewide organization committed to advocacy for gun violence prevention. Hosts and guest unpack the complex issue of gun violence which affects communities across Pennsylvania. Scratching the surface of underlying issues involved in gun violence - from mental health, trauma, systemic and historical disadvantage, and unprecedented access to guns in the United States. Don't miss assessments of local electeds and their stances on common sense gun violence prevention policy and personal stories of connections to gun violence. Our Erie believes our community deserves more than bandaids on bullet wounds.

This week Our Erie is joined by special guest Sarah Young, a garden enthusiast and coordinator of agricultural programming for refugees in Erie. Listen as we "dig" into the importance of gardening, supporting local farmers, the benefits of being outdoors, and whether people are born with green thumbs or if that skill can be "grown." And let your love "grow" for reality dating shows when we take a short tangent to discuss trash TV, hobbies, disc golf, and more!

Join the conversation on social media and share what plants you'll be growing this season or other ways you enjoy the outdoors!

Hosts Lydia Laythe and Marty Nwachukwu are joined by Local Filmmaker, and Our Erie Co-producer, John C. Lyons. This week, the hosts discuss how movies are made, how what people do for work can affect their television preferences, and most importantly ….. which streaming platforms do people actually pay for???

Wanna check out that awesome movie John made: 

“Unearth” (2021)

On the brink of bankruptcy and desperate to save his family, George Lomack (Marc Blucas) leases his farmland to a natural gas company despite the stern warnings of his neighbor, Kathryn Dolan (Adrienne Barbeau). Once the drilling operation begins, the bonds between the two families are fractured as their farms are transformed into a dusty, noisy hellscape. As the tension grows above ground, the fracking chemicals and explosions unleash a long-dormant organism deep beneath the earth's surface, releasing it into the groundwater. The elders soon become shadows of their former selves while the children are forced to grapple with a fight for survival against a slow-burrowing terror affecting their minds, bodies, and the very nature surrounding them.

With Our Erie experiencing some internal shifts at the end of 2021, this first episode of 2022 was the perfect time to reflect. Hosts Marty & Lydia reflected on what they're unplugging from and - more importantly - what they're plugging back into. Taking a beat to reflect is a natural process at the beginning of every year, so this week hosts unpacked previous episodes, social media consumption, mental health, freedom in play, and the value in "taking a beat."

In this short episode, join Marty & Lydia as they return from their holiday breaks and unpack the duality of Thanksgiving, the ability to tolerate discomfort, collective memory & policy.

This week, Our Erie hits the streets to unpack the situation at Erie Strayer, diving deeper into the history of union organizing and the power of collective bargaining, and more!

Every election there's an issue that takes centerstage in public conversation. This year, the issue that turned out thousands of people across America to the polls, was Critical Race Theory (CRT). Join the conversation as we talk about the origin of CRT, current debates, and as always, how legal, institutional, and cultural systems closely impact people in their everyday lives.

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

Season 03 is here! Our Erie hosts Marty Nwachukwu, Lydia Laythe and DaVona Pacley are unpacking the 2021 Election that surprised many, disappointed some - and, for over 60% of registered voters in Erie County, was forgotten completely. The hosts will chat with the following guests, who ran for Erie School Board, City Council and County Executive.

Here's the line up: 

Candidates for Erie School Board 

21:00: Daria Devlin 

38:30: Leatra Tate 

57:20: Zakaria Sharif

1:10:20: Lauren Gillespie 

Candidates for Erie City Council

1:25:00: Liz Allen 

1:43:40: Jasmine Flores 

Candidate for Erie County Executive 

2:02:20: Dr. Tyler Titus

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Stay tuned for our Patreon page. Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

When is the last time that you truly let yourself feel? In this final episode, hosts Marty, Lydia and DaVona have an open-hearted conversation about all the things starting with grief and loss; honoring our emotions, and the use of mindfulness. Lastly, the hosts collectively do a mindfulness exercise to create a poem. Tune in!

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Your support helps us to continue creating episodes and leveling up the podcast!

How do people manage controversy in a culture that is sometimes too unforgiving and profit-driven? In this week's episode, hosts DaVona, Lydia, and Marty talk about how social and systemic accountability play into different aspects of life, from media and healthcare to the markets.

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We are recognizing Mental Health Awareness with this week’s episode, hosts DaVona Pacley, Lydia Laythe and Marty Nwachukwu are joined by Dr. Shraddha Prabhu, Associate Professor of Edinboro University. You will have the opportunity to meet her, learn about her work as we discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness month; engaging in a courageous conversation that destigmatizes mental health through a post-colonial and feminist lens. 

**Trigger Warning at 32:50 domestic violence is mentioned.

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This week's episode, hosts DaVona, Lydia and Marty enjoy a laid-back conversation from discussing the high-five as a gesture of joy to the term "cappin" to "reality" television being a social experiment; and how our reality in Erie is stranger than fiction, as they take a closer look at the local candidates running for Erie County Sheriff, County Executive and County Council. 

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In this week's episode, Amanpreet Oberio, President of Erie APAA joins us for a heartfelt conversation about our diverse community, combatting anti-Asian hate and stereotypes through policy change and inclusive education, and the Erie Asian Festival celebration. So tune into another courageous conversation. 

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Hosts Marty, Lydia and DaVona decided to share their thoughts and concerns on some recent news. Local news announced that at least 150 of refugee children who were detained in the recent weeks at the U.S. border with Mexico would be arriving in Erie on Tuesday. The community has been talking about this issue, with many wondering what’s next?

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This Tuesday's episode is with Amanpreet Oberi of Erie Asian Pacifica American Association.

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In this episode, our divine guests, Birth Doulas Kristen Weeks and Tica Nickson, will talk about their experiences as a doula, helping womxn and birthing persons advocate for themselves to have better care and the creation of BirthRoot Community Doula Alliance. 

April 11-17th is Black Maternal Health week and we celebrate these Birth workers (doulas), who are very crucial for maternal health; offering support, empowerment, compassion and education to birthing persons' and their families. So get ready for a beautifully courageous conversation. 

This week, DaVona and Lydia are joined by special guest Angel (filling in while Marty is temporarily away) to discuss radical authenticity, pole dancing, bodily autonomy, trans identities and media representation, education & inclusion, the mayor of Erie & hierarchies, and so much more!

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This week we unpack linguistics, the power of our words, the importance in understanding context, history, and privilege when speaking, and so much more!

Our guest is Dr. Sherez Mohamed, PH.D. a linguistics professors at Mercyhurst University. 

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Three weeks ago, the hosts invited Mayor Joe Schember to be a guest to talk about environmental racism. Since then, there has been zero response from the City of Erie Government and the Mayor. In this mini episode of Our Erie, the hosts aka citizens to be heard insightfully share their response of being 'ghosted' and decided to make a public call. 

Please read the following letter to the Mayor from the hosts of Our Erie:

"Hello Mayor Schember,

Our names are Marty Nwachukwu, DaVona Pacley, Lydia Laythe and John C. Lyons. We’re the producers of the popular podcast Our Erie. In less than 4 months, our podcast has been downloaded over 3,000 times and 72% of our listeners are 23-34 years of age. We’re really excited to reach out to you today, because we want to have you as a guest on our podcast!

We were hoping to record with you for an hour over Zoom at 6pm on one of the following dates: April 30 or May 7.

We know you’re committed to ending racism in Erie - and our podcast has consistently addressed the issues of racism, both locally and nationally. We know you’re aware of the countless intersections between environmental degradation and racism - how developments that have destructive impacts to the environment and public health are consistently placed in communities of color. As such we thought you would be especially interested in a discussion topic we’re planning: The Story of Plastic, IRG and Racial Justice through an Environmental lens.

On Wednesday, March 31st at 6:00pm, the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania is hosting a Zoom discussion of “The Story of Plastic” a new documentary about plastic recycling with one of the film’s producers, Stiv J. Wilson, and concerned city of Erie residents. We thought viewing the film - and how it relates to your efforts to end racism in Erie - would be a powerful discussion to help our community become more engaged in local development, politics - and elections.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns before agreeing to be our guest. We’re really excited about the intersectionality of issues in this topic and think you’d be a great voice to have.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

The Our Erie Team"

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Tuesday's episode is with Dr. Sherez Mohamed of Merchyhurst University.

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In this Episode, our guest, Death Cafe organizer Barb Newcamp talks about what a Death Cafe is, how to cope with loss, what a green burial is, and how we all should grow more comfortable with how death is universal, a natural event that unites us and can bring us together.

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Next episode is with Dr. Sherez Mohamed of Merchyhurst University. 

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In this week’s episode, the hosts give you a closer look into their personal lives sitting down with their partners, lovers & significant others to discuss love, relationships, open communication, and reciprocity. 

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Next episode is with Barb Newcamp of Death Cafe!

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We're back for another Our Erie Debrief on the 2021 Local Primary Elections!

In this week’s episode, our Season 02 sponsors, United Way of Erie join us for a laid back and courageous conversation!

United Way of Erie County is a local social impact organization on a mission to crush poverty in our community. Who envisions a collaborative community where all students succeed and all families thrive. That's LIVING UNITED. https://www.unitedwayerie.org/

With this month’s celebration of Womxn’s History, we talk with four dynamic womxn about their role in the organization, the connection between poverty and literacy, the pros and cons of community schools, and the understanding of what the United Way of Erie County does in the community.

0:43 - 2:10 (Guest Introduction) - Each guest introducing themselves starting with Joelyn Bush (Director of Marketing and Communications), Laurie Root (Senior Vice President), Katrina Byrd (Community School Director), and Kaitlyn Falk (Community School Coordinator).

In this episode you’ll learn more about:

-United Way of Erie’s revamp of their mission to end the cycle of poverty by leveraging the community impact framework 

-Shared Stories of experiences of working in the community schools

-The impact and challenges from all four perspectives

-How the community as a whole can get involved with the organization and advocate for the expansion of United Way of Erie's mission

We had a such a great time talking with our new friends at United Way of Erie and there was so much that we unpacked in our hour conversation that we wanted to do a deeper dive. 

 64:17 (Hosts Reflections) - Listen in on our reflections of the systemic issues that we spoke about in this episode with our guests!

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We'll be back next week!

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This week it's just us! 

Join us in listening to a candid conversation where we discuss personal identity, authenticity, apologies & social conformity. 

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Next Week we will have guests from United Way of Erie! 

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Local entrepreneur and owner of Lake Erie Woodworks, Armando Reyes, joins the hosts this week to unpack attitudes towards college, trade schools and other paths to economic stability & professional success.

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We're back Next Week!

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Season 2 kicks off with a candid conversation about the historical figures praised in Erie and those forgotten, the "leaders" that leave more to be desired, and the heroes that don't get the recognition they deserve. 

Listen as special guest Jonathan Burdick, helps hosts unpack local "heroes" like Oliver Hazard Perry & Anthony Wayne, and introduces new heroes like Gegosasa, Cyrus Tiffany, and Daniel Dobbins - to name a few!

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We're back Next Week with Armando R. Reyes, craftsman and owner of Lake Erie Woodworks.

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Our Erie hosts welcome Corey Cook and John C. Lyons, two of the people working behind the scenes on the first season of this podcast.

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We're back Next Week with a preview of Season 02.

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For Our Erie's first bookclub discussion, the group unpacked the historical nonfiction writing of William Loren Katz, "Black Indians," which details the intersection of Indigenous, African, African American, and bi/multi-racial people on the land now called the United States. Our Erie's hosts were joined by listeners who read "Black Indians" as well - Molly, Leatra, Madeline, and Buster. With several graduate degrees, a handful of children, and extensive professional & personal experiences with these topics, these guests brought complex, thoughtful, & diverse reflections on this (moderately) controversial book.

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We're back Next Week for our season 01 finale.

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At this week's Erie School Board meeting, president Tyler Titus recommended the mascot for the Warriors be replaced. We unpack the issue and relate it to our conversation with Dr. Jolie in Episode 011 and Tuesday's upcoming discussion on the book "Black Indians."

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Interested in sponsoring Our Erie Season 2? Email us at ourerie@gmail.com

Last week was quite ...something. We have a lot to breakdown, so this week, our guest is Dr. Rhonda Matthews Professor of Politics at Edinboro University. Listen and follow her journey from Los Angeles, to Mississippi, to San Franciso, and finally here in Erie, PA. What does Erie's culture look like compared to other regions?

After a break, we talk about Black Mirror and last week's white nationalist insurrection in the US capitol.

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Interested in sponsoring Our Erie Season 2? Email us at ourerie@gmail.com

The following are excerpts from the January 6, 2021 Erie City Council meeting. They have been edited for time.

Listen to this before next Tuesday's episode, when we dive deeper into the issues presented in the meeting & other current events.

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First, you’ll hear Councilperson David Brennan, addressing his nomination of Liz Allen as President and City Solicitor, Edward Betza, weigh in on procedure to vote for Brzenzski first and Allen only if Brzezinski does not receive 4 votes.

You will then hear opening remarks from Councilperson Liz Allen before the vote on the resolution.

Followed by the vote for Erie City Council President and Vice President.

Then the meeting is opened up for CItizen’s Remarks. 

And finally, closing remarks by new Vice President, Michael Keys, and President, Ed Brzezinski.

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Interested in sponsoring Our Erie Season 2? Email us at ourerie@gmail.com

This week, Marty, Lydia and DaVona reflect on 2020, technology hurdles and Mayor Schember's goal to end racism in Erie.

Interested in sponsoring Our Erie Season 2? Email us at ourerie@gmail.com

This week, our guest is Mercyhurst University's Dr. Ed Jolie to discuss local indigenous history and modern concerns.

Next Week our hosts talk Zoom culture, social media and what it means to "end racism" in Erie.

This week, our guests are Amina Kranson and Makayla Alicea of the Green New Deal Coalition to discuss their presentation on concerns surrounding International Recycling Group's proposed plastics plant. The episode includes audio clips from the Community Roundtable on December 11: https://fb.watch/2z7c1EzbG9/

Next Week our guest will be Mercyhurst University's Dr. Edward Jolie.

We're living in highly stressful times. Sometimes winding down takes some intention. In this week's episode, Davona, Lydia, and Marty share their self-care tips.

[00:00:00]

We introduce the Our Erie Bookclub, this month we are reading "Black Indians," and we shout out our top fans of the week.

[00:02:16]

We check-in with each other. Why are we talking about self-care? 

[00:32:47]

What's your go-to song when you're trying to release some stress?

[00:38:39}

We list off our go-to self-care activities

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Next Episode: Tuesday, December 22, 2020, our guests will be Amina and Makayla of the Green New Deal Coalition to discuss their presentation on concerns surrounding International Recycling Group's proposed plastics plant.

When the news requires an extra recording, we share our thoughts. Last week in Erie County, Dwyer Plumbing and Excavating left a transphobic message on a digital signboard in Waterford. The message was targeted at Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, and the newest restrictions regarding Covid mitigation. 

Next Episode: Tuesday, December 15, 2020, our hosts will be discussing self-care under quarantine.

Our guest this week is the multi-talented, Mabel Howard. Plus we check in on the latest developments at Erie City Council. 

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We're back to unpack Councilman Ed Brzezinski's latest behavior: "Both sides are wrong on this thing..." and "I'd also like to tell Mr. Wertz to do his homework before he starts shooting his mouth off."  Did Councilwoman Liz Allen receive an apology? Or did Mr. Brzezinski just "let off more exhaustion"?

[00:25:37]

Meet Mabel Howard, a woman who wears many hats, who started Cafe 7-10 to work with and honor her mother.

[00:35:33]

A large Erie family and working, from age 14, for people who aren't able to pay for health services.

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Manifest. When preparedness meets opportunity, great things happen.

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How can I help?

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Marketing, grinding and Shark Tank's Daymond John.

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The hosts rave about their sweets from Cafe 7-10 and we wrap up our time with Mabel.

This week we bring you the first part of our conversation with Karen Thomas, co-owner of Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro.

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Erie’s dichotomy mirrors our nation’s. Will we choose the well-traveled road of toxicity or build a new one, painted in beautiful, broad strokes by artists and educators like our guest, Ceasar Westbrook?

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Is this 2020? Our hosts open this episode with reactions to how City leadership handled councilman Ed Brzezinski's disrespectful behavior last week. We aren't about to let our "welcoming" city off the hook.

[00:26:34]

Ceasar Westbrook on his journey to Erie, Pennsylvania, taking a chance in the arts and finding C-West.

[00:39:38]

Ceasar describes his artistic process and talks about some of his work.

[00:47:11]

Becoming a teacher: 10% of yes, instead of 90% of no. 

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What makes Erie yours? And initiation into the arts community.

[01:13:22]

Self-care and finding the strength to carry on.

We're spending the full hour with Kristy Gnibus, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Pennsylvania's District 16.

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The amount of money required to run a national campaign, the campaign industrial complex and the results of the 2020 election.

[00:13:44]

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Emily's List, monetary benchmarks and the grassroots grind.

[00:27:08]

Aren't we ready for something new?

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Questions from our Listeners: campaigning in conservative counties, challenging & rewarding moments, and more!

[00:55:25]

The importance of the Why and starting to shift the narrative. Plus more listener questions!

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Next Episode: Tuesday, November 24, 2020, our guest will be artist, Ceasar Westbrook (C-WEST).