The Foolish Optimist with Amy McDonald

The Foolish Optimist: Robert People

Robert People is running for Florida's 15th Congressional District - so just east of Tampa. If you like what you hear, you can find all of his campaign information at PeopleForCongress.com

The Foolish Optimist: Dakarai Larriett

Dakarai Larriett is running for US Senate to represent Alabama. He's an entrepreneur and is leading his campaign with a Listening Tour of all 67 counties in Alabama. You can follow his campaign for US Senate at DakaraiLarriett.com or on socials at DakaraiLarriettforSenate.
 
Dakarai Larriett's Run for Senate: A Vision for Justice and Community in Alabama
 
Host Amy McDonald interviews Dakarai Larriett, a US Senate candidate from Alabama, on The Foolish Optimist Podcast. Dakarai shares his journey through personal and systemic injustice and his drive to reform the justice system. They discuss his campaign focuses, including economic stability, education, healthcare, and community investment. The conversation covers Dakarai's background, business ventures, and commitment to public service, alongside his approach to addressing issues like gun control and fostering local economies. They also touch on Dakarai's religious journey and the historical significance of his campaign in the context of Alabama's civil rights legacy.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:01 Dakarai's Motivation for Running
02:38 Key Issues for Alabamians
05:31 Dakarai's Background and Return to Alabama
06:58 Vision for Alabama's Future
12:22 Supporting Small Businesses
20:20 Campaign Strategy and Outreach
22:33 Balancing Policy for Diverse Populations
23:44 Discussing Gun Control and the Second Amendment
25:52 Religious Diversity in Alabama
26:31 Personal Faith Journey
29:08 Running for Congress as a Young Black Man
30:11 Maintaining Stamina and Family Inspiration
31:36 Promoting the Upcoming Book
33:12 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

The Foolish Optimist: JD Mazuera Arias

JD is running for City Council in Charlotte, North Carolina! I highly suggest you listen to this if running for office is on your to-do list. He is changing the political game. You can join his campaign at JD4CLT.com 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grassroots to City Council: JD Mazuera's Journey in East Charlotte
Amy McDonald interviews Juan Diego Mazuera Arias, a Colombian immigrant and organizer running for Charlotte City Council. JD, deeply rooted in East Charlotte, shares his unique journey from growing up as an undocumented child to becoming a community organizer and policy strategist. They discuss JD's platform, which is centered on economic development, government transparency, affordable housing, public safety, and improved public transit. Despite the challenges posed by a predominantly Democratic council and the aftermath of scandals, JD emphasizes the need for a city government that genuinely serves its diverse community.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:03 JD's Background and Journey to the US
01:38 The Decision to Run for City Council
04:19 Campaign Strategy and Community Engagement
16:30 Challenges and Opportunities in East Charlotte
21:57 Urban Development and Changes in Charlotte
22:25 Economic Challenges and Corporate Jobs
23:24 Affordable Housing and Community Impact
25:07 City Council Scandal and Police Chief Settlement
29:11 Public Safety and Government Accountability
36:33 Public Transit and Infrastructure Needs
39:16 Campaign Information and Closing Remarks

The Foolish Optimist: Jeremy Devito

Jeremy is a veteran and a father, running in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. You can join his campaign, donate, and volunteer at JeremyTakesTheHouse.org.
 
Interview with Jeremy DeVito: Veteran and Nonprofit Founder Running for the Alabama House
 
Host Amy McDonald interviews Jeremy DeVito, who is running for the Alabama House District 5 in the 2026 elections. Jeremy discusses his motivations for running, rooted in his background as a father, husband, veteran, and nonprofit founder. He highlights his desire to combat far-right policies and uphold the Constitution. DeVito addresses his military experience, particularly in Army Special Operations and PsyOp, and how it shapes his campaign. The discussion covers topics including veterans' affairs, immigration, universal healthcare, public education, and the importance of public service. DeVito's emphasis on grassroots activism and progressive policies underpins his campaign strategy, aiming to unite and inspire the local community.
00:00 Introduction to Jeremy DeVito
00:28 Jeremy's Motivation for Running
02:12 Military Service and PsyOps Experience
05:10 Transition to Civilian Life and Nonprofit Work
08:04 Political Landscape and Campaign Strategy
14:07 Views on Universal Healthcare
17:46 Challenges Facing the Democratic Party
24:47 King Andrew and the Birth of the Whig Party
25:09 Empathy and the Democratic Party
25:52 Immigration Crisis or Leadership Crisis?
29:20 Infighting in the Alabama Democratic Party
34:14 Education in Alabama: Challenges and Controversies
36:21 School Vouchers and Public Education
44:18 Conclusion and Contact Information
45:08 The Role of PAC Money in Politics
 

The Foolish Optimist: Christ Kallas

Christ Kallas is running for the US House of Representatives in Illinois's 8th District.
If you like what you hear today - join his campaign, donate, or follow him at KallasForCongress.com.

The Foolish Optimist: Jonathan Bonner

Jonathan Bonner is running for the US House of Representatives to represent the people of the Georgia's 13th District.
You can follow his campaign, donate, or volunteer via Bonner4Congress.com.

The Foolish Optimist: Bernard Taylor

Bernard Taylor is running for the US House of Representatives in Florida's 21st District. 
You can join his campaign, donate, or follow his journey via https://www.bernardtaylorforcongress.org/

Introducing the Foolish Optimist

The Foolish Optimist is a podcast, hosted by me - Amy McDonald. I am interviewing candidates for the House of Representative, Senate, State Houses, State Senate and more. 
Get to know who is running in your district - and if I haven't interviewed them yet. Send me a note at TheFoolishOptimistPodcast@gmail.com