The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald

The Foolish Optimist: Kathleen Hayek, Chairwoman of the Delaware County Dems

Navigating Political Campaigns: A Deep Dive with Delaware County Dem Chair Kathleen Hayek
 
Host Amy McDonald sits down with Kathleen Hayek, the chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee, on the Optimist Podcast. Kathleen shares her journey from being an artist to a pivotal political figure, explaining her early influences and passion-driven political work. The discussion covers the roles and responsibilities of county chairs, the intricacies of campaign management, and the importance of grassroots engagement. They also touch upon the significance of supporting candidates, the impact of campaign finance reforms, and the necessity of blending passion with practical strategy in running successful campaigns.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:15 Meet Kathleen Hayek: Chair of Delaware County Democratic Committee
00:50 Understanding the County System and Candidate Support
02:03 Kathleen's Journey into Politics
06:51 Campaigning: The Highs and Challenges
09:55 Role and Responsibilities of a County Chair
20:01 Campaign Finance and Support Systems
27:59 Grassroots Politics and Community Engagement
34:37 Touring Georgia's Infrastructure Improvements
35:19 The Importance of Communication in Politics
37:07 The Power of Door Knocking
38:56 Challenges of Campaigning in Different Regions
41:10 The Role of County Committees
50:42 The Future of the Democratic Party
59:35 The Importance of Primaries and Candidate Support
01:04:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

The Foolish Optimist: J'Kwan Fulmore running for Fayetteville City Council

Empowering Communities: J'Kwan Fulmore's Mission for Fayetteville City Council -
 
Donate to the campaign http://secure.actblue.com/donate/jkwan-fulmore?refcode=directory
 
In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, hosted by Amy McDonald, we meet J'Kwan Fulmore, a progressive candidate running for City Council in Fayetteville, North Carolina. J'Kwan, a traveling chef, educator, and founder of the nonprofit 'Everybody Eats,' shares his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to creating solutions for food insecurity and advocating for equitable resource allocation in the city. He discusses the systemic gaps that persist in Fayetteville, his vision for sustainable community development, and the importance of local government in effecting meaningful change. As J'Kwan gears up for the 2025 election, he dives deep into his plans for creating a pipeline for livable wage jobs, addressing utility price gouging, and engaging the community through innovative youth programs. Learn how J'Kwan plans to make a lasting impact and why he believes in the power of community-driven change.
00:00 Welcome to the Foolish Optimist Podcast
00:26 Meet J'Kwan Fulmore: Candidate for City Council
00:45 Addressing the Gaps in the System
02:37 Challenges in Accessing Resources
06:08 The Livable Wage Crisis
08:07 Utility and Environmental Issues in Fayetteville
09:46 Incentivizing Local Employment
14:25 Controversial Rezoning and Community Impact
20:14 Political Drama and Transparency Issues
22:33 The Importance of Community Engagement
38:33 The Importance of Voter Turnout
38:59 Engaging the Younger Demographic
40:28 Challenges in Voter Suppression
42:10 Simplifying Complex Topics for Social Media
45:03 Addressing Misinformation and Civic Education
46:07 Innovative Approaches to Youth Engagement
52:52 The Struggles of Implementing School Gardens
58:56 The Power of Community Collaboration
01:03:33 Get to Know the Candidate

The Foolish Optimist: Matthew Glover running in State House District 12 in Alabama

Empowering Local Communities: A Conversation with Matthew Glover - Follow his campaign on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MatthewGloverForHouseDistrict12/
Host Amy McDonald of The Foolish Optimist podcast interviews Matthew Glover, who is running for the Alabama State House District 12 in a special election. They discuss Glover's background, his previous tenure on the Good Hope City Council, and his commitment to returning power to local government from the state. Glover shares his views on pressing issues such as state control over local municipalities, the impact of state laws on rural and urban communities, Medicaid expansion, the economic benefits of eliminating the grocery tax, and sensible regulations around hemp and cannabis. The conversation also delves into the challenges of running a political campaign in a predominantly Republican district, the importance of grassroots support, and the role of local politics in improving community life.
00:00 Welcome to the Foolish Optimist Podcast
00:27 Meet Matthew Glover: Candidate for Alabama State House
01:19 The Importance of Local Politics
01:41 Challenges in Alabama's State Governance
06:15 The Fight for Direct Citizen Initiatives
08:17 Campaign Finance and Barriers to Entry
11:21 Collaborating with Neighboring Districts
15:31 Addressing Key Issues: Taxes and Healthcare
21:30 Medicaid Expansion and Rural Healthcare
25:49 The Push for Hemp Legalization
26:21 Hemp Legislation and Its Impacts
26:50 Understanding Delta-8 and Delta-9
27:22 Legal Loopholes and Enforcement
29:32 Political Accountability and Expertise
30:24 Challenges in Political Communication
33:42 Balancing Constituency Needs
38:05 Personal Insights and Rapid Fire Questions
45:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Foolish Optimist: Drew Williams running in Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District

Follow along with Drew's campaign at WilliamsForKY.com
Host Amy McDonald sits down with Drew Williams, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district, to discuss his campaign and vision for the district. Drew, a lifelong Marshall, Kentucky native, emphasizes the importance of improving rural infrastructure, promoting small-town business, and enhancing congressional ethics. During the episode, Drew talks about the need for grassroots initiatives, small business incentives, and community upliftment. He also shares his insights on healthcare accessibility in rural areas and systemic corruption in politics, advocating for greater transparency and reform in Congressional operations. Other topics include the challenges of child care, the necessity of walking and biking paths in rural areas, the importance of critical thinking in education, and fostering community engagement. Drew underscores the importance of collective action and community-focused campaigns to drive meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:50 Drew Williams' Background and Motivation02:05 Rural Revitalization and Economic Growth04:00 Challenges in Rural Healthcare08:51 Congressional Ethics and Lobbying14:34 Campaign Finance and Transparency19:45 Local Issues and Community Engagement32:47 Tater Day and Community Events34:56 Reviving Community Events37:54 Challenges of Childcare Costs41:06 Parental Leave and Support Systems49:34 Education System Reforms55:13 Campaign Information and Closing Remarks

The Foolish Optimist: Robert Arnold, Writer

Folllow Robert on tiktok, instagram, substack or youtube at Defiance13 
 
Host Amy McDonald engages in a conversation with Robert Arnold, a writer, poet, and activist from Helena, Arkansas. Arnold discusses his blend of Southern storytelling with political activism and touches on his current work with political candidates, including writing for Halle Schaffner who is running against Tom Cotton. They delve into topics such as climate and heat waves, the frustrations with political misinformation, the importance of social services, and the shortcomings of the American political system. Arnold also shares his insights on the broader landscape of partisan politics, the challenges facing Arkansas, and his broader vision for a more informed and engaged citizenry.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Casual Conversation and Heat Wave
02:18 Pen Preferences and Stationery Talk
04:26 Diving into Politics
04:42 Economic and Political Insights
16:02 Healthcare and Social Issues in Arkansas
20:51 Gerrymandering and Political Strategies
24:53 Corruption and Accountability in Politics
31:17 The Role of Media and Public Perception
46:14 Personal Reflections and Political Goals
50:13 Crafting Effective Political Plans
50:41 The Platinum Rule in Politics
51:20 Respect for Hard Work in Farming
52:12 Challenges and Rewards of Farming
53:40 Skills from the Restaurant Industry
55:37 Women in Politics
56:24 Arkansas Political History
01:04:56 China as a Strategic Competitor
01:15:22 The Importance of Arts and Culture
01:17:32 The Role of USAID and Global Power
01:21:33 Critique of Trump's Economic Policies
01:29:08 The Influence of Shonda Rhimes
01:32:28 Conclusion and Social Media Handles
 

The Foolish Optimist: Jordan Wood, Candidate for US Senate in Maine

Follow Jordan's campaign at electjordan.com 
In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews Jordan Wood, a US Senate candidate from Maine. Jordan discusses his background in combating corruption through his work with Democracy First and End Citizens United. He outlines his 2026 campaign priorities, focusing on fighting political corruption, democracy reform, and addressing key affordability issues such as healthcare, housing, and childcare. Jordan shares his experiences living in Maine and Washington, DC, his stance on bipartisan cooperation, and the impact of big money in politics. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust with voters through transparency and engagement, including his commitment to holding regular town halls. The episode concludes with Jordan's reflections on personal motivations, his family life with his husband and daughter, and his deep connection to the community in Maine.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:26 Meet Jordan Wood: A Senate Candidate from Maine01:32 Jordan's Motivation for Running03:28 Tackling Political Corruption and Money in Politics05:37 Personal Stories and Campaign Finance Reform16:55 The Role of a Senator and Serving Constituents32:48 The Power of Failure and Resilience33:03 Campaign Strategies and Trust Building33:56 Political System and Reality TV Analogy34:39 Town Halls and Voter Engagement35:41 Affordability Crisis and Childcare36:15 High Voter Turnout in Maine38:52 Community Organizing and Political Mobilization40:26 Demographic Shifts and Economic Impact47:59 Healthcare and Economic Decisions49:00 Campaign Goals and Future Vision53:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights58:50 Conclusion and Podcast Information
 

The Foolish Optimist: Josh Taveras, candidate in New York State’s 2nd Congressional District

You can follow Josh's campaign at JoshTaveras.com
 
Empowering Change with Josh Taveras
 
In this episode of the Foolish Optimist Podcast, Amy McDonald interviews Josh Taveras, a candidate for the US House of Representatives from New York's Second Congressional District. Josh, a proud gay Dominican American and first-generation college graduate, discusses his motivation to run for office and his commitment to implementing bold, people-first policies. They delve into Josh's background in community organizing, his focus on issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and LGBTQ+ rights, and his grassroots campaign efforts. Josh also shares his personal experiences and how they drive his passion for creating positive change in his community.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:48 Josh Taveras' Background and Motivation
01:40 Community Involvement and Impact
03:11 District Demographics and Challenges
05:01 Voter Engagement and Political Landscape
07:51 Housing Affordability Issues
10:35 Transportation and Accessibility
12:08 LGBTQ+ Rights and Challenges
14:57 Education and Disinformation
19:23 Campaign Strategy and Grassroots Efforts
24:46 ICE Activity and Immigration Issues
29:26 Website Information and Smart Domain Choices
29:55 Favorite Thing About the District: The Food
30:28 Taveras Taste: Promoting Local Food Businesses
32:15 Advice for Young People Entering Politics
34:26 The Attention Economy and Taking Breaks
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Josh
46:31 Personal Struggles and Motivation for Running
48:57 Conclusion and Where to Follow Josh
50:49 Podcast Wrap-Up and Thank You

The Foolish Optimist: Kyle I PhD

Deep Dive: The Importance of Down Ballot Races with Kyle PhD (follow him on TikTok and Bluesky at KyleIPHD)
In this special episode of The Foolish Optimist, host Amy McDonald interviews Kyle PhD, a neuroscientist who turned to TikTok during the 2024 election cycle. They discuss Kyle's journey from earning his PhD in neuroscience to becoming a viral voice on TikTok, highlighting down ballot races across the U.S. They explore the significance of local elections, the impact of grassroots activism, and the importance of addressing propaganda in today's political landscape. Tune in to hear about Kyle's inspiring journey, the role of hope in activism, and their shared commitment to effecting change in American politics.
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:22 Meet Kyle PhD: From Neuroscience to TikTok Activism01:45 Understanding Down Ballot Races03:49 The Importance of Local Elections04:19 Kyle's Political Journey and Viral Moments06:35 The Power of Hope and Political Engagement14:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Upcoming Elections17:01 Combating Propaganda and Disinformation30:11 The Republican Platform and Purity Politics30:37 Challenges in Democratic Campaigns31:10 Hope and Action in Alabama32:41 The Big Tent of the Left33:09 Personal Political Identity35:54 Supreme Court and Judicial Concerns46:32 The Importance of Empathy and Community50:30 Dungeons & Dragons and Building Community57:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The Foolish Optimist: N'Kiyla 'Jasmine' Thomas Candidate for US Senate from Oklahoma

Follow Jasmine's Campaign for US Senate out of Oklahoma at NkiylaforOK on all socials
Campaigning for Change: N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas on Equity, Representation, and Tribal Sovereignty
In this episode of The Foolish Optimist podcast, host Amy McDonald interviews N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, a senatorial candidate for Oklahoma. Jasmine shares her background as a proud nurse, military spouse, and Chickasaw woman, and discusses her historic run for the U.S. Senate. She emphasizes the importance of fighting for working families, equitable healthcare, and real support for military and special needs families. Jasmine also speaks about her unique perspective as a multiracial woman and addresses key issues in Oklahoma, such as education, housing, and the challenges faced by small businesses. The conversation highlights her commitment to representing and serving all Oklahomans while driving meaningful change.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:15 Jasmine Thomas: Background and Motivation02:49 Challenges and Experiences in Healthcare05:01 Tribal Sovereignty and Cultural Preservation14:49 Housing and Education Issues in Oklahoma22:46 Accountability in Government and Personal Growth31:00 Consequences of Industry Misconduct31:14 Sharing Personal Work Experiences31:55 The Value of Diverse Professional Backgrounds32:47 Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners36:59 Healthcare and Medicaid Issues41:46 Voter Turnout and Political Engagement48:07 Campaign Strategies and Community Involvement51:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
 

The Foolish Optimist: Loren Colin, candidate for California's 34th Congressional District

Follow Loren's campaign at LorenColinForCongress.com.
 
On this episode of The Foolish Optimist Podcast, host Amy McDonald welcomes Loren Colin, an independent candidate running for the US House District 34 in California. Colin, a Southern California native with a background in marketing and technology, discusses his journey, motivations for running, and his vision for progressive policies to break the current two-party system. The conversation covers a range of topics, including healthcare, housing, homelessness, economic disparity, and the importance of empathy and anti-racism. Tune in to hear Collin's thoughts on the need for governmental change and how his unique perspective aims to address the needs of one of the most diverse districts in the country.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:57 Loren's Political Journey and Independent Run
01:55 Defining Independence and Political Ideologies
04:50 Government's Role and Economic Policies
15:38 District Overview and Local Issues
20:41 Housing Crisis and Solutions
32:27 Campaign Strategy and Vision
33:25 Comparing Healthcare Systems: US vs. Germany and Japan
34:11 Taxation and Public Services: A Closer Look
34:55 Racism and Historical Context
36:28 The Benefits of Anti-Racism
37:09 Political Shifts and Self-Interest
39:20 The Role of Fear and Anger in Politics
39:55 The Common Enemy: Oligarchs and Billionaires
55:54 The Independent Movement and Political Change
57:33 Rapid Fire Questions with Loren Collin
01:02:13 Conclusion and Call to Action