On this episode Eva Posner and I get into the messiness of politics: the long hours, the emotional exhaustion, the constant fundraising, and the ways it can stretch and strain even the most well-meaning candidates. But we also talk about why it’s worth it and how local politics, despite being overlooked, might be our most powerful tool for creating lasting change.
This episode isn’t about hype or false hope. It’s about the truth, the kind of truth that helps you figure out where you actually fit in this fight. We talk about what it means to build something from the ground up, how to support campaigns that align with your values, and how to show up for your community without burning out. We also get into why both major parties have serious blind spots, and why being disillusioned doesn’t mean giving up, it means getting smarter.
If you’re thinking about running for office, we break down the questions you need to ask yourself first and if running’s not for you, we talk through real, practical ways to still make a difference. From funding and volunteering to just unplugging from the doom-scroll and connecting with your neighbors, this conversation is packed with ideas for action.
Because the truth is: no one’s coming to save us. But that’s not a reason to panic, it's a reason to step up. And this episode will help you figure out how.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:23 - Running for Office: Considerations
05:28 - "Unqualified for Public Office"
10:09 - Preparing for Political Leadership
11:40 - Barriers to Running for Office
14:28 - Life Spreadsheet Planning
20:22 - Comprehensive Political Fundraising Solutions
21:33 - Affordable Campaign Training Programs
27:22 - Local Governance and Infrastructure Woes
28:13 - Local Issues and Solutions
34:18 - "Encouragement to Run for Office"
37:47 - "Infrastructure's Role in Political Change"
42:02 - "Collaborative Efforts Drive Change"
43:25 - "Get Involved: Fascism's Urgency"
47:14 - Podcast: A Beacon Amidst Chaos
48:57 - Outro
Quotes:
”If you want to take your power back, you're gonna have to work for it”- Eva Posner
"One of the things that keeps happening is that the Supreme Court essentially keeps saying, 'Okay, we're going to push it back to the States.' If that's their play, then it's up to us in the States to say, 'Heard, bet, got it.'"- Eva Posner
"Nobody will save us. Together, brick by brick, we protect each other and move forward."- Molly Ruland
Key Takeaways:
Running for Office is Life-Changing—Do Your Homework
Qualifications Are More Than a Resume—Bring Your Real Life to the Table
Local Offices Make the Biggest Impact
If Not You, Support Someone Who Is
Build Your Rolodex—Campaigns Run on Networks
Losing Isn’t the End—It’s Building Power for Next Time
Don’t Burn Out—Pick Your Battles & Protect Your Sanity
No One’s Coming to Save Us—It’s On Us, Together
Connect with Eva Posner
https://www.evincostrategies.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evinco-strategies/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/evincocampaigns/
Book a Call with Eva Posner
https://www.evincostrategies.com/book-a-call
Book a call if you want to run for office, you run a local or community org that needs more resources, or just want to get involved, and you don't know where to start
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Produced by Heartcast Media
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