What if the secret to winning elections is . . . running everywhere, even where Democrats “can’t win”? 👀

This week on Beyond Resistance, we’re joined by Michele Hornish, founder and executive director of Every State Blue, to blow up some tired political myths and make a bold case for funding candidates in the reddest of red districts.

Michele breaks down why progressive organizing, grassroots fundraising, and local elections matter way more than the political establishment admits. We talk about her “bottom‑up bathtub” funding model (yes, it’s a thing), why uncontested races are quietly killing democracy, and how even a few thousand dollars can spark a butterfly effect that shifts culture, turnout, and long‑term power.

Along the way, we cover:

💖 Why “winnability” is wildly overrated in modern politics

💖 How state legislatures became laboratories for extremism

💖 The difference between voter suppression and voter depression

💖 Why accountability starts with simply showing up on the ballot

💖 How running a dignified campaign can change a community—even if you lose

This episode is a must‑listen for anyone who’s tired of Democrats playing defense while extremists run unopposed. It’s smart, hopeful, a little spicy, and full of real talk about building blue power in red and rural America.

If you believe democracy works better when people actually have choices—and that there’s more than one way to “win”—this one’s for you. 🎧

To find out more about Every State Blue: everystateblue.org

To download the Blueprint for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com

#BluePower #ContestEveryRace #RunForSomething

- - What happens when you bring a behavioral scientist, a rigged map, and a whole lot of “why are we still doing it this way?” energy into one political podcast episode? Absolute fire. 🔥

This week on Beyond Resistance, we’re joined by Kate Barr — organizer, founder of the Can’t Win Victory Fund, and the woman who famously ran as an openly fake Republican to expose gerrymandering from the inside. Yes, really.

We dive into why losing elections can actually be a winning political strategy, how gerrymandered districts warp democracy, and what it really takes to build progressive power in red states. From North Carolina to Michigan, this conversation gets honest about electoral reform, grassroots organizing, unaffiliated voters, and why the Democratic establishment keeps missing obvious opportunities to win.

Along the way, we talk about:

- Gerrymandering and redistricting (because democracy deserves better maps)

- Why political norms are overrated when democracy is on the line

- How to organize in deep-red districts without losing your mind

- Fighting for fair elections, voting rights, and long-term political strategy

- What it means to “bring a knife to a knife fight” in modern American politics

If you’re into progressive politics podcasts, election reform, independent voters, or stories about people breaking the rules to fix democracy — this episode is for you. It’s smart, slightly unhinged (in the best way), and deeply hopeful.

🎧 Hit play, ruffle some feathers, and let’s talk about how to actually win.

To learn more about Kate Barr and the Can't Win Victory Fund: www.cantwinvictoryfund.com

To learn more about Beyond Resistance and the Blueprint for Building Blue Power: www.beyondresistancepod.com

#BluePower #CantWin #Politics #midterms2026

What do dragons, Disney adults, and a sheriff running for governor have in common?

Apparently . . . this episode of Beyond Resistance.

Hosts Sarah Schulz and Jennifer Austin kick things off fired all the way up—processing the heavy reality of misogyny, online radicalization, and why being a woman in modern politics can feel like playing defense 24/7. From there, they pivot to something we desperately need in this political moment: hope that doesn’t feel fake.

Enter Sheriff Chris Swanson, Genesee County’s top cop, longtime union member, national voice on criminal justice reform, and candidate for Michigan governor. In one of our most grounded and human conversations yet, Swanson talks about servant leadership, why actions matter more than party labels, and how you actually build trust across political divides—especially in red communities.

This episode dives into progressive politics, grassroots organizing, and what it really means to build blue power in red areas without talking down to people. You’ll hear about Swanson’s nationally recognized IGNITE jail education program, coalition‑building that leads to real voter crossover, and why meeting people where they are is the future of Democratic strategy.

And yes—you’ll also hear about Auto World, Disney World, and why paying attention to vibes might be an underrated political skill.

If you’re into political podcasts, Democratic strategy, state and local politics, or how to win elections without selling your soul, this episode is for you.

Listen in, stay curious, and—when the moment calls for it—be the dragon. 🐉🎧

To find out more about Sheriff Swanson's campaign: swansonformichigan.com

To check out more on Beyond Resistance and download the Blueprint for Building Blue Power: beyondresistancepod.com