What happens when a teenage volunteer at Planned Parenthood witnesses ACT UP's graphic design revolution and decides to build a career at the intersection of creativity and activism?


In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shane Lukas, creative strategist and owner of A Great Idea, who's spent 25 years proving that design isn't just about aesthetics—it's a tool for resistance and social change.


They discuss:

• How working with Planned Parenthood taught him that storytelling could create space for dignity and recognition

• The brutal truth about platform power

• Leadership advice that hits hard: when others shine, you shine too

• Why Power Beyond Pride means thinking about all the values—not just one—that make queer communities powerful agents of change

From grassroots organizing to working with healthcare and education partners nationwide, Shane's story is about merging purpose with strategy and recognizing the fullness of people in every interaction.


Show Notes

• A Great Idea
• Shane's Website
• Shane’s LinkedIn
• Jake’s LinkedIn

• Power Beyond Pride Podcast
• Shane's First TED Talk
• Shane's Upcoming book: "The Advocacy Advantage" (late 2025/early 2026)

What happens when a software engineer leaves crypto behind to build something that actually improves civic life?

In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shruti Gupta, founder of Pollsee, a new platform aiming to democratize lobbying and bring everyday people into conversations with local governments.



They discuss:

• Why local elections feel so out of reach—and how Pollsee is changing that
• How Shruti navigated coming out, camping solo, and launching a company all in one year
• What she learned from a co-founder breakup and why solo building is both freeing and lonely
• And how being queer and brown shapes her role as a civic tech founder

From potholes to policy proposals, Shruti’s story is one of bold pivots, quiet courage, and building the tools we wish we had.

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Show Notes

• Shruti’s LinkedIn
• Pollsee
• Out in Tech Mentorship Program
• Out in Tech U
• Out in Tech Discord
• Girls Who Code

What do you get when you blend performer, educator, and nonprofit strategist into one career? In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Brian Kirn, a former teacher, working actor, and nonprofit leader at America On Tech, to explore how internships, access, and identity intersect.

They discuss:

• Why early access to tech internships matters
• How being queer and Midwestern shaped Brian’s leadership style
• And how the performing arts prepare you for corporate life more than you’d expect

From St. Louis to NYC, from Spanish teacher to hand model (yes, really), Brian’s journey reminds us that the nonlinear path is often the most impactful.

Show Notes:

• Be Our Next Podcast Guest
• Brian's LinkedIn
• Brian's Instagram
• Jake's LinkedIn
• America On Tech
• Out in Tech U
• Out in Tech Discord
• BrainStation Digital Marketing Bootcamp