Youth organizers are reshaping democracy from the ground up with a level of purpose and urgency that’s impossible to ignore.

This episode of Participation Trophy takes a clear look at how youth are driving real change through community-based organizing. Topher Williams talks with Dakota Hall of the Alliance for Youth Action, who explains why young people are stepping up in such large numbers and how rising costs, shrinking opportunities, and a desire for honest leadership shape their political energy. Dakota shares the personal moments that sparked his own commitment to organizing, and he reflects on the lessons that help him move through self-doubt and stay grounded in the long tradition of people who fought for justice before him. What does meaningful action look like in a moment that feels overwhelming? How do young leaders build power without losing hope?

Join Topher and Dakota in this conversation to get a glimpse of where democracy is headed and the growing role youth play in shaping it.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Do Young People Really Care About Democracy?

01:34 How Dakota Hall Builds Youth Power Nationwide

03:41 The Economic Issues Driving Young Voters

10:08 How Young People Can Organize in Conservative States

12:31 Combating Isolation and Creating Community

14:37 The Life Lessons That Shaped Dakota’s Leadership

18:23 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Through History and Legacy

26:47 Dakota’s Early Awakening to Injustice

30:24 Three Actions Anyone Can Take to Fight Authoritarianism

31:38 What Makes Wisconsin Unique

37:46 Participation Trophies, Politics, and Final Thoughts

Connect with Dakota Hall:

Follow Alliance for Youth Action on LinkedIn

Follow Alliance for Youth Action on Instagram

Follow Alliance for Youth Action on Facebook

Connect with Dakota on LinkedIn

Connect with Topher Williams:

Visit the Participation Trophy website

Connect with Topher on LinkedIn

Follow Topher on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

What does it really mean to run for office in Texas today? Topher Williams talks with Odus Evbagharu, a millennial organizer and Houston native, about what it takes to fight for working families in a state where politics often feels out of reach.

Odus breaks down how issues like health care, education, and wages shape daily life across Texas and why every campaign should start with those kitchen table concerns. He also explains how redistricting tilts the playing field and what it takes to push back with clarity and heart.

Rooted in his story as the son of Nigerian immigrants, Odus shares a vision of leadership grounded in community, service, and love for the people the government is meant to serve. If you’ve ever wondered what change in Texas could look like from the ground up, this conversation offers both the blueprint and the belief that it’s possible.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Houston: The Heart of Texas

03:11 Empowering Millennial Leadership

06:00 Redistricting and Its Implications

08:50 The Immigrant Experience in Houston

11:49 Inspiration from Barack Obama

17:55 Optimism and Activism in Texas

23:26 Texas: A Dual Energy Powerhouse

24:51 Diversity in Progressivism

26:40 Kitchen Table Issues Matter

28:23 Welcoming Conversations in Progressivism

31:03 Embracing Discomfort for Change

34:21 Economic Realities vs. Social Issues

39:17 Connecting with the Community

Connect with Odus Evbagharu:

Visit Odus Evbagharu for Texas

Connect with Odus on LinkedIn

Follow Odus on Instagram

Follow Odus on Facebook

Connect with Topher Williams:

Visit the Participation Trophy website

Connect with Topher on LinkedIn

Follow Topher on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Local elections shape how our communities actually function, from the safety of our streets to the quality of our parks and schools. In this episode, DSPolitical’s Director of Business Development MaryEllen Veliz joins Topher Williams to talk about why those races deserve more of our attention and how democrats can start showing up differently. Why do so few people vote in elections that affect their lives the most? What would happen if campaigns treated voters like real people instead of targets in a spreadsheet?

MaryEllen shares how growing up in San Antonio taught her the value of neighborhood involvement and why she believes connection, not perfection, drives political impact. She and Topher break down what’s missing in most political ads, how audience-first storytelling reaches voters where they actually are, and why cultural nuance and language matter more than ever. The episode will leave you thinking about the everyday power of local elections and how small, consistent action can reshape the political landscape.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Local Elections Matter More Than You Think

03:59 What Most People Get Wrong About Texas and San Antonio

06:32 Understanding Municipal Ballots and Voter Confusion

07:20 MaryEllen Veliz on Finding Her Path Into Politics

10:41 The Moment That Sparked Real Political Involvement

15:29 How Democrats Can Build Better Political Ads

17:01 Reaching Latino Voters Through Language and Culture

23:01 Making Political Messaging Personal and Relevant

29:58 Finding Hope and Inspiration in Local Organizing

33:28 From Protest to Action: How to Create Real Change

Connect with MaryEllen Veliz:

Visit the DSPolitical website

Connect with MaryEllen on LinkedIn

Connect with Topher Williams:

Visit the Participation Trophy website

Connect with Topher on LinkedIn

Follow Topher on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm