Before we sit down with Ohio's candidates, we wanted to better understand the campaigns behind them.

At American Motherhood, we believe civic engagement starts with curiosity. Who actually runs a political campaign? What rules do campaigns operate under? And how can busy parents meaningfully support the leaders they believe in?

In this episode, Bethany and guest co-host Hayley are joined by Louise Valentine, a mom, nonprofit leader, advocate, and political strategist who works with female candidates across Central Ohio. Together, we pull back the curtain on campaign operations, volunteer involvement, fundraising, messaging, and the realities of running for office.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. It also explores an idea many of us don't consider enough. If we want strong leaders representing our communities, what responsibility do we have to help make that possible?

Whether you're deeply involved in politics or just beginning your civic journey, American Motherhood invites you to learn alongside us as we explore the people, policies, and processes shaping our families, our communities, and our future.

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Most of us don't think about family leave until we suddenly need it, and by then it's too late to plan. For millions of Ohio workers, that moment of need is met with an uncomfortable truth: your job may be protected, but your paycheck is not.

In this episode, Bethany sits down with Senator Dr. Beth Liston, physician, legislator, and mother, to talk about Ohio Senate Bill 369, a proposed paid family leave program that could fundamentally change how Ohio workers navigate some of life's most demanding moments. From the birth of a child to a serious illness to caring for an aging parent, SB 369 aims to ensure that taking time away from work doesn't mean choosing between your family and your financial stability.

We break down what FMLA actually guarantees today, what it doesn't, and why so many Ohio families are left doing impossible math at the worst possible time. Then we get into the bill itself: who would be covered, what wage replacement would look like, how the program would be funded, and the exemptions built in for small businesses. We also explore why paid family leave is not just a family issue, it's a workforce and economic issue.

Senator Liston is candid about the political landscape, what feels different about this moment, and why the path forward depends heavily on the coalition - and the everyday Ohioans - rallying around the issue. This one is personal, and we talk about what you can do to fight for the future of working mothers and families.

Resources:

TimeToCareOhio.org

Groundwork OHIO: The Case for Paid Family Leave in Ohio

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In the final episode of American Motherhood: Schoolhouse Edition, Yana Doughty closes the series with a focused look at how strong communities are built through powerful partnerships, as illustrated between the Ohio City of Westerville and Westerville City Schools.

Our guest, Monica Dupee, Westerville City Manager, shares how city leadership and the school district work together to support families, expand student opportunity, and strengthen long-term community stability.

Across this series, we have unpacked the systems behind education, including funding, policy, and governance, while consistently returning to the same core idea. Strong schools are built through informed questions, engaged parents, and aligned community partners, yourself included.

If you've ever felt like your voice does not matter or that these systems are too complicated to engage with, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to be an expert to participate. You just have to stay informed, ask questions, and show up.

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