Podcast
United SHE Stands
Education to empower. Action to drive change. Hosted by Ohioans, Ashley & Sara, United SHE Stands is an independent podcast helping everyday Americans get involved in politics. New episodes every Tuesday.
- Government chart
- #137
- Episodes
- 203
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 52 min
- On air since
- 2022
- Latest episode
- 1 week ago
Episodes
203 episodes, newest first
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47 min
Ohio! Everything You Need to Know Before You Vote
Show notes
OHIO! IT’S TIME TO VOTE (early if possible 🥰)!
In episode 205, we break down everything on your Ohio ballot, from Governor and the Senate special election to your U.S. House district, the statehouse, Issue 3, and Columbus Issues 8 and 9. Let’s get after it! 🗳️ 🌊
‼️ We’re going LIVE on Substack on Election Night (Tuesday, November 3rd) at 8:15 PM ET to talk election results with special guests. Join the conversation HERE ‼️
Resources:
* Ohio Democratic Party - 2026 Candidates
* Our City Our Say (Issue 8 - Vote YES)
* U.S. House of Representatives Races (Ohio)
* Picture This: Issue 3 Puts Strict Photo ID on the Ballot (ACLU Ohio)
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 6 min
Candidate Interview Marathon Finale: Samantha Salamon (HD-35) & Mason Blankenship (HD-68)
Show notes
In episode 204, our candidate interview marathon wraps up with Ohio House candidates Samantha Salamon (HD-35) and Mason Blankenship (HD-68).
EARLY VOTING IS OPEN NOW - GO VOTE, OHIO!
Samantha Salamon is running for Ohio House District 35, which encompasses Northern Summit County and parts of Geauga and Portage Counties. This district plays a critical role in breaking the Republican held supermajority in the Ohio Statehouse. When Amy Acton is elected governor, she will need a legislature that won’t overrule every decision she makes. Breaking the supermajority requires flipping six seats in the Ohio House, and District 35 is among the most competitive opportunities to do so this year.
Samantha is the Chief Counsel at Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA), where she works and advocates for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Samantha is deeply rooted in the community she seeks to represent and currently lives there with her husband and son.
Samantha is a proven leader and a strong advocate for Ohioans. In the Statehouse, she will stand up against harmful legislation, fight to find practical solutions to the challenges facing Ohio families, and work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to build a dignified and fulfilling life in our state.
Resources:
* Social Media
* Facebook
Mason Blankenship is running for Ohio House District 68, which includes a large portion of Licking county, including Granville, Pataskala, and parts of Newark. He is a native of Licking County, understands the challenges of balancing hard work, family responsibilities, and the feeling of being overlooked by state leadership. His candidacy aims to introduce a working-class perspective to the Statehouse, characterized by attentive listening, honesty, and a commitment to advocating for the residents of this community.
Resources:
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 3 min
Taking the Fight to the Statehouse: Jonathan Bradner (HD-29) & David Fournier (HD-44)
Show notes
In episode 203, we sit down with Ohio House candidates Jonathan Bradner (HD-29) and Dave Fournier (HD-44) to talk about what’s at stake for working families across the state. They cover everything from property taxes and school funding to corruption in Columbus, and share what’s keeping them hopeful heading into November.
Jonathan Bradner running for State Representative in Ohio’s 29th District, which includes Northwest Hamilton county. He is a progressive pastor and advocate Raised in Northwest Ohio, he learned the value of community early. As a teenager, he earned a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Later, while working through seminary, he advocated for and won fair wages for his fellow employees in the hospitality industry. Now a pastor and community leader, he brings real-world experience and leads with empathy and a commitment to dignity for all.
Resources:
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
David Fournier is running for Ohio House District 44, which includes parts of Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties. He is a husband, dad and attorney. A lifelong Northwest Ohioan, he is committed to fighting for working families by lowering property taxes, fairly funding and strengthening public schools, and improving access to healthcare.
Resources:
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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50 min
Ohio Deserves Better: What’s at Stake in November & the Case for Showing Up with Casey and Amanda Weinstein
Show notes
In episode 202, Casey and Amanda Weinstein lay out what’s at stake in November and why Ohio voters shouldn’t outsource their vote.
Public service is a family tradition for Casey and Amanda Weinstein. Casey’s grandfather, father, brother, and brother-in-law have all served in the armed forces, and so have Casey and Amanda themselves, who have called Hudson, Ohio, home while raising their three children, Nora, Emilia, and Brady.
Casey is Ohio State Senator for the 28th district, which includes Hudson and parts of Akron . Wherever he was stationed, he made a point of engaging with his community. In Dayton, he was named a “Top 40 Under 40” Community Leader. As a member of the Leadership Hudson Class of 2014, he helped bring the Barlow Community Center Solar Training Center to Hudson, the first government-owned facility of its kind in the region. He served on Hudson City Council from 2015 to 2019, won his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in 2018, and in 2024 won his bid to move up to the State Senate.
Dr. Amanda Weinstein serves as an At-Large Councilmember for the City of Hudson. She is an economist, a veteran, and a mom. She served in the U.S. Air Force, where she programmed drone systems and advised top military leadership, and she went on to earn her Ph.D. in agricultural, environmental, and development economics at The Ohio State University. She has advised the Governor on tax policy and helped lead the Center on Rural Innovation’s work to revitalize small towns, focusing on modern infrastructure, small business growth, workforce development, and quality of life. In Hudson, she has been a Girl Scout troop leader and an advocate for the Hudson Inclusive Playground.
Resources:
* Ohio Property Tax Rates by County
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 30 min
Running in Southwest Ohio: Laalitya Acharya (HD-56), Caleb Price (HD-30), & Jordan Haire (HD-47)
Show notes
In episode 201, we sit down with three Southwest Ohio candidates for the Ohio House, Laalitya Acharya (HD-56), Caleb Price (HD-30), and Jordan Haire (HD-47), to talk about why they're running and what they want to change in Columbus.
Laalitya Acharya is a biomedical engineer and candidate for State House District 56 (Mason, Lebanon & Deerfield Twp). She graduated at the top of her class from Mason High School) - and then received her Bachelors & Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University. Through both high school and college, she volunteered for local STEM education centers, organized to increase education access, and supported student worker’s rights. She was even honored with the Gold Congressional Youth Award for her advocacy work. After completing graduate school, she moved home to the district that raised her where she has continued to advocate for public education, affordability and success for all Ohioans.
Her goal is to create an Ohio that works for everyone. That means making sure our state legislature fully funds our schools without property tax hikes, pushing back on the data centers that are driving up our utility bills and ensuring every hardworking Ohioan has access to the healthcare that they need. All of this is possible and within the state government’s control – and that’s what she will fight for in the State House.
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Bluesky
* Facebook
Caleb Price is running for Ohio House District 30, which includes the west side of Cincinnati all the way to the Indiana border. He is a Cincinnati native and Cincinnati Public Schools graduate (Walnut Hills High School, ‘20). He graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2023 and is finishing his master’s in Public Administration there online. Caleb has volunteered with the Special Olympics of Ohio & Kentucky and helped start H2O for Earth, a fundraiser for the Flint Water Crisis. He also worked with Cincinnati City Council to rename sections of Reading Road after President Barack Obama. A dues-paying member of IBEW Local 1220 from his time as a barista, he has worked jobs from busboy at Skyline Chili to cashier at Home Depot, and he says that experience shapes his focus on average workers and families. A member of Gen Z and a Green Township resident, Caleb says he brings fresh ideas and new life experiences to Columbus.
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
* Threads
Jordan Haire is running for Ohio House District 47, which lies entirely within Butler County containing many communities including Hamilton, Fairfield Township and Oxford. Jordan grew up in the Hamilton area, earned a BA from Marian University and Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at NKU. Running in her hometown HD 47, Jordan is a mom, wife, mental health counselor, small business owner, and native Ohioan that is ready to listen, understand, and advocate for her community by putting people first.
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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39 min
Our 200th Episode: 2026 So Far and What's Next
Show notes
It's our 200th episode!!!! We're celebrating with a look back at everything we've done in 2026, some rapid-fire confessions from 200 episodes of this show, and what's coming next as we gear up for the midterms and look ahead to 2027.
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 1 min
Daquan Neal Is the Real Deal: His Run for Ohio House District 39
Show notes
In episode 199, we sit down with Daquan Neal, whose race for Ohio House District 39 is one of eight seats that could help break the Republican supermajority. We get into his affordability-first platform, his social media strategy, and what winning would mean for the district.
Daquan Neal is running for Ohio House District 39, which includes the North Dayton area, like Huber Heights, and parts of Union, Englewood, Northridge, and Shiloh. As a young adult, Daquan faced one of the darkest periods imaginable. He battled severe depression, dropped out of college twice, and was diagnosed with Stage III kidney failure. Instead of giving up, he chose to fight for his health, his future, and his purpose. That fight transformed him into the leader he is today.
Daquan returned to school with renewed determination and graduated from Central State University, an Ohio HBCU. He earned dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science, with additional studies in Philosophy. He then worked in the Ohio Senate before transitioning to the Ohio House of Representatives, gaining experience in both chambers of the Ohio State government. He even worked as a legislative aide to create a direct pipeline from Central State University to the Ohio House of Representatives for Career and internship opportunities for students.
Daquan continues to uplift young people as an instructor for the Certified Basic Automotive Maintenance Program at T-8 Auto Sales, helping teens and young adults gain hands-on skills, confidence, and career readiness.
Resources:
* Social Media:
* TikTok
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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52 min
John Kulewicz Should Be Ohio's Next Attorney General
Show notes
In episode 198, Democratic candidate for Ohio Attorney General John Kulewicz joins us to explain what the AG actually does and make his case for why he should be the state’s next one.
John Kulewicz grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He learned the values of hard work and independent judgment from his parents and grandparents, who came from Martins Ferry and Cincinnati, and saw firsthand the importance of good jobs and union membership to the economy of Ohio. John has spent his law career challenging conventional wisdom and taking on uphill battles. As a 44-year member of the Columbus-based law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, he successfully argued and won cases against the odds in the Supreme Court of the United States and courts throughout Ohio. He recently published a book, An Ohioan’s Odyssey: Lessons in Leadership, Law, and Public Service.
In politics, Kulewicz has consistently defied expectations, most recently in his own two campaigns for Upper Arlington City Council, where he was the leading vote-getter both times. In his re-election effort, he won more votes than any UA City Council candidate in a contested election since adoption of the city charter seven decades ago.
John earned his J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal. He earned his B.A. in American history from The Ohio State University.
Outside of work, he is an accomplished long-distance swimmer and certified lifeguard. He lives with his wife Maryline in Upper Arlington where he has served on the City Council since 2020. He and Maryline are the proud parents of Adam and Abigail.
Resources:
* Social Media
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 2 min
Running for Rural Ohio: Katie Koehler Wagner (HD-80) and Colton Stidam (HD-76)
Show notes
In episode 197, we sit down with two candidates fighting for rural Ohio’s future: Katie Koehler Wagner, running for Ohio House District 80, and Colton Stidam, running for House District 76. Both are pushing back on a statehouse they say has left working families and small communities behind.
Katie Koehler Wagner is running for Ohio House District 80, which includes Troy, Piqua, and goes all the way west to the Indiana border. Katie is a 38-year-old mother, teacher, and lifelong advocate for doing what’s right. She and her husband are proud to raise their four children here, instilling in them the values of hard work and community service.
Katie never had political ambitions. But she’s watched life get harder for her neighbors, students, and family while politicians fail to deliver real solutions. After listening to people across Miami and Darke counties, she heard the same frustrations again and again: decisions made behind closed doors, and local voices ignored.
Staying on the sidelines felt like a betrayal of her values and her children’s future. So she turned to civic engagement, helping people understand how local and state decisions shape their lives — work that led to The Village, a Facebook community where neighbors share information, organize, and support each other.
Now she wants to bring that voice to Columbus with H.O.P.E.: affordable and accessible Healthcare, Opportunities to prosper, good Public schools, and affordable Energy for homes and businesses.
Katie Resources:
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
Colton Stidam is running for State Representative in Ohio’s 76th District, which includes parts of Richland county like Mansfield, Bellville, Shelby and the surrounding areas. Colton, 29, was born and raised in Shelby, Ohio, in a proud union family. Today, Colton works in IT for the Mansfield City School District alongside his wife, who is a science teacher in the district. They live in Mansfield.
A strong advocate for his community, Colton has spent years volunteering with local organizations that provide food, resources, and support to underserved residents. He has also spearheaded community cleanup projects, working hands on to make his community a better place for everyone.
Colton’s involvement in local politics began with the Shelby Area Democratic Club, where he became an active voice at community events and a well known presence at protests and demonstrations. He later joined the Richland County Young Democrats, where he was elected Vice President of Membership.
Colton is running on a simple belief: Ohio should work for everyone, not just those at the top. He believes in fully funding our public schools, protecting and strengthening workers’ right to organize through their unions, and making everyday life more affordable for working families across Ohio.
Colton Resources:
* Social Media
* TikTok
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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53 min
Stolen Pride: The Politics of Shame in Appalachia with Arlie Russell Hochschild
Show notes
In episode 196, we sit down with sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild to explore the pride, shame, and empathy at the heart of her book, Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right. We talk about her seven years in Appalachia and what that experience reveals about America’s political divide ahead of a pivotal midterm election.
Hochschild is the author of many groundbreaking books, including The Second Shift, The Managed Heart, and The Time Bind as well as Strangers in Their Own Land, which became an instant bestseller and was a finalist for a National Book Award, and Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right (both from The New Press). She is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Berkeley with her husband, the writer Adam Hochschild.
Resources:
* Buy Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right
* In Kentucky’s coal country, a community is working to heal political divisions - PBS News
* Other Books by Arlie Russell Hochschild
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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46 min
Ohio Has a Supreme Court and It's on the Ballot: Judge Marilyn Zayas
Show notes
In episode 195, we sit down with Judge Marilyn Zayas to unpack a race that’s important but often overlooked: the Ohio Supreme Court. She breaks down what’s really at stake on the state’s highest court, and why she’s stepping up to run for it.
Judge Marilyn Zayas is a highly respected Ohio judge. For nearly ten years she has served at Ohio’s Court of Appeals, a court that is directly below the Supreme Court of Ohio. This year she is running for the Ohio Supreme Court. Raised in a tough neighborhood plagued by drugs and crime by parents who migrated from Puerto Rico, she learned the value of hard work, integrity, and service from an early age.
Judge Zayas has decided thousands of cases across Ohio. She faithfully determines cases on the Constitution, the law and independent of political influence. Last year, she was selected by the Chief Justice to replace a recused justice at our Ohio Supreme Court, three times in a 40-day window, an unprecedented honor.
As the first Latina elected to any Ohio Court of Appeals, she embraces the responsibility of serving as a role model and mentor to others. Since 2017 she has hosted over 2,000 students at her Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders Program, teaching students about Ohio’s courts and inspiring them to dream big. Her judicial excellence and community contributions have earned national recognition.
Resources:
* Judge Zayas’ Campaign Website
* Social Media:
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 21 min
Scott Charland (SD-19) & Laura Sirot (SD-31): Democrats Taking on Red Ohio Senate Seats
Show notes
In episode 194, we sit down with Scott Charland and Laura Sirot, two Democrats challenging red Ohio Senate districts, to talk about the issues driving their campaigns and what success looks like to them.
Scott Charland is running for Ohio Senate District 19 which includes Delaware, Coshocton, Holmes, and Knox Counties. Scott received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his master’s degree in Education from the University of Alabama- Birmingham. Scott is a former national and state champion powerlifter and has been a strength and conditioning coach for over 25 years. He currently works in health care as a Manager of Human Performance.
Scott is running to make Ohio’s public schools stronger, to implement stronger protection of Ohio’s natural resources, and to enact strong working class economic policies. Scott believes that politicians have lost sight of who they should really be serving, the working class and underrepresented, and have instead focused almost entirely on helping the wealthy and large corporations.
Scott is active in the community and serves on the Orange Township Parks Advisory Committee and is an active volunteer for the Ohio Nature Conservancy, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, Friends of the Lower Olentangy (FLOW) and the American Red Cross.
Scott and his wife Tonya have been married 25 years and have a son who attends Ohio State University and a daughter in the Olentangy School District.
Scott’s Resources:
* Social Media:
* Facebook
Laura Sirot is running for State Senate in District 31 which includes Wooster, New Philadelphia and Zanesville, and parts of Massillon and Cambridge. She lives in Wooster, Ohio with her husband, Pete, and their two sons. She is a professor of Biology at The College of Wooster and has worked and lived in Wooster for the past 16 years. Her research mainly relates to understanding the reproductive biology of insect vectors of human pathogens and agricultural pests.
Laura is very involved in her local community in the areas of children and family services, sustainability, animal rescue, and science communication. She is co-founder and co-coordinator of the Wooster Science Café (now in its 14th year) which is a monthly forum for discussing science-related issues of public interest. She has been a foster parent for Wayne County Children Services and adopted a child through foster care. She continues to serve Wayne County Children Services as a Board member and through mentoring families and children. She has created programs for local animal rescue agencies, such as the K9 coach program where she trains students to work with recent adopters of dogs on common behavioral issues to decrease the number of returned dogs. She is very passionate about making Ohio and the world a safer place for current and future generations.
Laura’s Resources:
* Social Media:
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 13 min
The Fight to Save Public Education in Ohio: Voices from Canton City Schools
Show notes
In episode 193, we sit down with a school counselor, union president, and superintendent to talk about vouchers, testing, and what’s really going on in Ohio’s public schools right now. Don’t worry! We also talk about how you can help - VOTE IN NOVEMBER! Thank you to Allie Childress, Jeff Talbert, and Paul Palomba for joining us.
Allie Childress is a School Counselor at Canton City Schools . She grew up in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Springfield Local Schools. She got her bachelors in Psychology and Sociology as well as her Masters of Education in School Counseling from Bowling Green State University. She spent two years in North Carolina working as a school counselor in elementary schools and relocated back to Ohio and is entering her fourth year in Canton City Schools as a middle school counselor and serves on the CPEA board as an organizer. She also helps run the social media campaign Stark Voices for Public Education which has a goal to get Stark County out to vote in favor of public education this November.
Jeff Talbert, Canton City Schools Superintendent, is an educational leader dedicated to providing high-quality teaching and safe, engaging learning environments that help students grow into confident, creative, open-minded learners. He returned to Canton City School District as Superintendent in August 2020, following seven years as Superintendent of Alliance City Schools, and previously served as Assistant Superintendent in Cleveland Heights-University Heights, Superintendent of Osnaburg Local Schools, and Principal of Canton McKinley Sr. High School. A Canton Timken Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, Jeff holds a BA from Muskingum University and a Master of Education from Ashland University.
Paul Palomba, Canton Professional Educators Association President, was born and raised in Canton. He graduated with degrees in Science and English from Kent State University and received his Masters in Curriculum from Marygrove College. He taught 7th grade English in Canton City Schools for 16 years while serving as a building representative and executive leadership team member for the union. He has been the President of the Canton Professional Educator Association (CPEA) since 2013 and served as co-chair of the Ohio 8 Coalition from 2022-2025. Thousands of students have learned from him over the years and he has helped guide thousands of educators in his positions with the union. His four children are all graduates of public schools and his wife is a graduate of and now educator in Canton City Schools.
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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44 min
Meet the Veteran Nurse Practitioner Fighting to Flip OH-10: Kristina Knickerbocker
Show notes
In episode 192, we sit down with Kristina Knickerbocker - the incredible candidate for Ohio's 10th Congressional District. We talk about why she's stepping away from patient care to run for office and why incumbent Mike Turner's record has left this district ready for someone new.
Kristina is running for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, representing the Dayton area, including Montgomery County, Greene County, and part of Clark County. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, and mom of two, Kristina has dedicated her life to serving her country and community. She pursued nursing before joining the Air Force, serving as a major and nurse at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where she led efforts to improve medical care and readiness for service members and their families.
While in the Air Force Reserves, Kristina worked as a Neuro-Oncology Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University Medical Center, where she saw firsthand the toll of a broken healthcare system on cancer patients. Her own pregnancy nearly turned fatal when doctors failed to listen to her concerns, an experience that taught her the importance of patients advocating for themselves. Today, Kristina and her husband Bret are raising their two young children in the Yellow Springs area near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Resources:
* Email Kristina: info@kristinaknickerbocker.com
* Social Media:
* Facebook
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
* Linktree
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 49 min
Greater Akron-Canton Area Statehouse Races: Noah Spinner (HD-31), Krista Allison (HD-49) & Nick Morris (HD-48)
Show notes
In episode 191, we sit down with three candidates running for Ohio Statehouse seats in the Akron-Canton area - Noah Spinner (HD-31), Krista Allison (HD-49), and Nick Morris (HD-48). We talk about what’s driving them to run and where they stand on the issues shaping Northeast Ohio.
Noah Spinner is running for Ohio House District 31, which includes a large part of Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Norton, Bath, and Richfield. He is a lifelong Summit County resident, attorney, and someone who has lived the challenges facing our communities. Following the passing of his wife, Shelby, in April 2025 from cancer, Noah has sought ways to become even more engaged with his community and serve others, just as Shelby did. Noah is running for the Ohio House District to promote access to healthcare, restore funding for public education, and bring back affordability for working families.
Resources:
* Noah Spinner’s Campaign Website
* Social Media:
* Facebook
* YouTube
Raised in Stark County, Krista L. Allison is a change agent, collaborator, and servant leader. For over 20 years, Krista has held leadership roles at the state, county, and local levels in family & community engagement, academic & non-academic supports, and DEI&B. Krista currently serves at the Stark County Educational Service Center, State Support Team Region 9, and the Stark Education Partnership.
Krista serves in various capacities in Stark County, including volunteering at food bank ministries, leading in her church and women’s organizations, serving on multiple boards and vesting in community-wide conversations on equity. Her energy, leadership, work ethic, and authenticity have been recognized by numerous organizations. She has a passion for people and believes that implementing fair and equitable systems is the best way to ensure opportunities for everyone. Krista is on the November ballot as the Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives District 49.
Resources:
* Krista Allison’s Campaign Website
* Social Media:
* Facebook
Nick Morris, PhD, is the Director of Community Learning and Leadership at Walsh University where he teaches students how to unpack social issues and find purpose in working for the common good. He is running for Ohio House District 48, which includes North Canton, Louisville, Alliance, and Hartville.
He has spent the last two decades as an educator and collaborative community leader working to address issues such as food insecurity, housing crises, and access to education. He lives in Louisville with his wife, two children, two dogs, and a collection of farm animals.
Resources:
* Nick Morris’ Campaign Website
* Social Media:
* Facebook
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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40 min
Building a Future Without Gun Violence, One Ohio Statehouse Race at a Time with Ethan Nichols
Show notes
In episode 190, we talk with Ethan Nichols, founder of the PAC Future Without Fear, about flipping Ohio Statehouse races and rewriting the narrative on gun violence.
Ethan has built his career around advancing progressive causes in Ohio. He was propelled into activism after the 2018 Parkland, Florida shooting, when he founded Students for Gun Legislation, a student-led organizing and advocacy nonprofit.
Under his leadership, Students for Gun Legislation mobilized young people across the state to advocate for common-sense gun reform, register voters, and ensure young voices were heard in the political process. In 2022, he was invited to the White House for the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Since then, Ethan has built a career working on Democratic campaigns at every level of government. In 2024, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was among the first Ohio delegates to pledge his support to Vice President Kamala Harris. He most recently founded Future Without Fear, a political action committee dedicated to electing gun-sense champions to the Ohio legislature.
Resources:
* Future Without Fear PAC Website
* Social Media:
* Threads
* Flippable/Focus Seats in Ohio Legislature!
* Statehouse:
* District 35 - Samantha Salamon
* District 36 - Rose Lounsbury
* District 49 - Krista Allison
* Senate:
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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57 min
Unpacking the "Establishment Democrat" Label with Ohio Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio
Show notes
Episode 189 is a bonus episode! 🎉 We are joined by Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio to dig into a term that gets thrown around constantly in political discourse: “establishment Democrat.” We asked our audience what they think it means (thanks to those who submitted their thoughts via Instagram!), then brought that feedback straight to a sitting state rep to see how it lands.
Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio is serving her first full term in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 4th District, where she serves as Minority Whip and sits on several House committees, including Education, Finance, and Judiciary.
A graduate of Ohio Dominican University and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Rep. Brown Piccolantonio spent over twenty years as an attorney for the state of Ohio, focusing on labor relations and workers’ rights.
In 2016, she joined the Gahanna-Jefferson School Board, serving as President throughout her tenure. A lifelong Ohioan, she lives in Gahanna with her husband and three sons.
Resources:
* Follow Rep. Beryl on Social Media:
* TikTok
* Facebook
* Ohio Senate Bill 63 (Ranked Choice Voting Ban)
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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50 min
Ohio's Corrupt Statehouse Needs a New Banker: Seth Walsh for Treasurer
Show notes
In episode 188, we talk with Seth Walsh, Cincinnati City Councilmember and Democratic nominee for Ohio Treasurer, about what the office actually does and why his campaign for transparency and accountability matters.
Seth is a recognized community development leader who has prioritized keeping Cincinnati growing, vibrant, and safe. As Treasurer of State, Seth will ensure the state’s investments, pension funds, and revenue are managed with integrity and are used to strengthen our communities so all Ohioans thrive.
Seth served as Executive Director of the College Hill Urban Redevelopment Corporation before he was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December 2022. Seth is a member of the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees.
Seth graduated from Xavier University and later founded the Cincy Soccer League. He lives in the Cincinnati Business District with his two dogs, Calvin and Rosie.
Resources:
* Seth Walsh for State Treasurer
* The Dark Money Game (HBO documentary on HB6 featuring Seth’s opponent)
* Follow Seth on Social Media!
* TikTok
* Facebook
* YouTube
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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1 hr 12 min
Central Ohio Statehouse Races: Shelby Kimball (HD-60) & Whittney Wood (HD-73)
Show notes
In episode 187, we sit down with two incredible women running for the Ohio Statehouse in Central Ohio - Shelby Kimball (House District 60) and Whittney Wood (House District 73).
Shelby Kimball is a Marine Corps & Army National Guard member veteran, mom of four, and community advocate. She is running for Ohio House District 60 which includes Powell, Orange and Liberty township, and portions of Dublin, Westerville, and Delaware. She believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education regardless of their zip code; she will fight to protect and expand access to affordable healthcare; and she will stand up for our military veterans and their families to make sure they get the benefits and services they deserve.
Whittney Wood is running for Ohio House District 73, which includes parts of Lancaster and Pleasantville, Pickerington, Baltimore, and MIllersport area. She is a mom who has always worked hard to provide for her family. She has always spoken out and stood up for anyone who was being treated unfairly or just having a hard time standing on their own two feet. She figured running for office she could help way more people at the same time. She believes ICE should be disbanded, Trump is a lunatic, and ALL humans are her people, not just the rich white men. She says her policies will be written for all Ohioans, not just the predatory class or ultra wealthy.
Resources:
* Shelby’s Social Media:
* Facebook
* Whittney’s Social Media:
* Facebook
* TikTok
* Bluesky
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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56 min
Medicaid, Affordability, and Ohio's November Ballot with Rep. Anita Somani
Show notes
In episode 186, Rep. Anita Somani joins us to break down looming changes to Ohio’s Medicaid program, her push for a state reinsurance program, and what voters need to know about SJR10 before heading to the polls this November. We also dig into the House Democratic Caucus’s affordability agenda called “An Ohio You Can Afford”.
Dr. Anita Somani is currently serving her second term as State Representative for Ohio’s 8th House District, which includes the cities of Dublin and Worthington. For the last three decades, Dr. Somani has worked in Columbus as a highly respected healthcare professional, currently as an OBGYN at OhioHealth. Dr. Somani is a past board member of the Columbus Medical Association and Planned Parenthood. She is currently a Board Member of LEAD Ohio.
Dr. Somani ran for office because she believes the state of Ohio has gone down the wrong path regarding prominent issues such as health care, increasing abortion restrictions and the loosening of gun laws, all of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As a physician and legislator, she has used her medical background to improve the public health of our state and to create evidence-based legislation that helps everyone in our community. She currently serves on the House Medicaid Committee and serves as Ranking Member on the House Health committee.
Dr. Somani lives in Columbus with her husband where they raised their son, an engineer and their daughter, an OB/GYN.
Resources:
* Rep. Anita Somani - Ohio House District 8
* Ohio House Democrats Unveil “An Ohio You Can Afford” Legislative Package
* Social Media:
* Facebook
* Bluesky
We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress. Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️
Connect with United SHE Stands:
* Substack
* TikTok
* YouTube
* Threads
This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:
* Website
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
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