Published by Ashley & Sara
Education to empower. Action to drive change. Hosted by Ohioans, Ashley & Sara, United SHE Stands is an independent podcast helping everyday Americans get involved in politics. New episodes every Tuesday. www.unitedshestands.com
Listen on Apple PodcastsIn episode 191, we sit down with three candidates running for Ohio Statehouse seats in the Akron-Canton area - Noah Spinner (HD-31), Krista Allison (HD-49), and Nick Morris (HD-48) . We talk about what’s driving them to run and where they stand on the issues shaping Northeast Ohio. Noah Spinner is running for Ohio House District 31, which includes a large part of Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Norton, Bath, and Richfield. He is a lifelong Summit County resident, attorney, and someone who has lived the challenges facing our communities. Following the passing of his wife, Shelby, in April 2025 from cancer, Noah has sought ways to become even more engaged with his community and serve others, just as Shelby did. Noah is running for the Ohio House District to promote access to healthcare, restore funding for public education, and bring back affordability for working families. Resources: * Noah Spinner’s Campaign Website * Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook * YouTube Raised in Stark County, Krista L. Allison is a change agent, collaborator, and servant leader. For over 20 years, Krista has held leadership roles at the state, county, and local levels in family & community engagement, academic & non-academic supports, and DEI&B. Krista currently serves at the Stark County Educational Service Center, State Support Team Region 9, and the Stark Education Partnership. Krista serves in various capacities in Stark County, including volunteering at food bank ministries, leading in her church and women’s organizations, serving on multiple boards and vesting in community-wide conversations on equity. Her energy, leadership, work ethic, and authenticity have been recognized by numerous organizations. She has a passion for people and believes that implementing fair and equitable systems is the best way to ensure opportunities for everyone. Krista is on the November ballot as the Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives District 49. Resources: * Krista Allison’s Campaign Website * Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook Nick Morris , PhD, is the Director of Community Learning and Leadership at Walsh University where he teaches students how to unpack social issues and find purpose in working for the common good. He is running for Ohio House District 48, which includes North Canton, Louisville, Alliance, and Hartville. He has spent the last two decades as an educator and collaborative community leader working to address issues such as food insecurity, housing crises, and access to education. He lives in Louisville with his wife, two children, two dogs, and a collection of farm animals. Resources: * Nick Morris’ Campaign Website * Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 190, we talk with Ethan Nichols, founder of the PAC Future Without Fear , about flipping Ohio Statehouse races and rewriting the narrative on gun violence. Ethan has built his career around advancing progressive causes in Ohio. He was propelled into activism after the 2018 Parkland, Florida shooting, when he founded Students for Gun Legislation, a student-led organizing and advocacy nonprofit. Under his leadership, Students for Gun Legislation mobilized young people across the state to advocate for common-sense gun reform, register voters, and ensure young voices were heard in the political process. In 2022, he was invited to the White House for the signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Since then, Ethan has built a career working on Democratic campaigns at every level of government. In 2024, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was among the first Ohio delegates to pledge his support to Vice President Kamala Harris. He most recently founded Future Without Fear, a political action committee dedicated to electing gun-sense champions to the Ohio legislature. Resources: * Future Without Fear PAC Website * Social Media: * Instagram * Threads * X/Twitter * Flippable/Focus Seats in Ohio Legislature! * Statehouse: * District 17 - Megan Coy * District 31 - Noah Spinner * District 35 - Samantha Salamon * District 36 - Rose Lounsbury * District 49 - Krista Allison * District 52 - Mike Baker * Senate: * District 7 - Cara Jacob * District 13 - Joe Miller * Dems need to flip 6 seats to break the GOP Statehouse supermajority, and Northeast Ohio is pivotal - Ohio Capital Journal We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
Episode 189 is a bonus episode! 🎉 We are joined by Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio to dig into a term that gets thrown around constantly in political discourse: “establishment Democrat.” We asked our audience what they think it means (thanks to those who submitted their thoughts via Instagram!), then brought that feedback straight to a sitting state rep to see how it lands. Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantonio is serving her first full term in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 4th District, where she serves as Minority Whip and sits on several House committees, including Education, Finance, and Judiciary. A graduate of Ohio Dominican University and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Rep. Brown Piccolantonio spent over twenty years as an attorney for the state of Ohio, focusing on labor relations and workers’ rights. In 2016, she joined the Gahanna-Jefferson School Board, serving as President throughout her tenure. A lifelong Ohioan, she lives in Gahanna with her husband and three sons. Resources: * Beryl for Ohio * Follow Rep. Beryl on Social Media: * Instagram * TikTok * Facebook * X/Twitter * Ohio Senate Bill 63 (Ranked Choice Voting Ban) We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 188, we talk with Seth Walsh, Cincinnati City Councilmember and Democratic nominee for Ohio Treasurer, about what the office actually does and why his campaign for transparency and accountability matters. Seth is a recognized community development leader who has prioritized keeping Cincinnati growing, vibrant, and safe. As Treasurer of State, Seth will ensure the state’s investments, pension funds, and revenue are managed with integrity and are used to strengthen our communities so all Ohioans thrive. Seth served as Executive Director of the College Hill Urban Redevelopment Corporation before he was appointed to Cincinnati City Council in December 2022. Seth is a member of the Cincinnati Retirement System Board of Trustees. Seth graduated from Xavier University and later founded the Cincy Soccer League. He lives in the Cincinnati Business District with his two dogs, Calvin and Rosie. Resources: * Seth Walsh for State Treasurer * The Dark Money Game (HBO documentary on HB6 featuring Seth’s opponent) * Follow Seth on Social Media! * Instagram * TikTok * Facebook * X/Twitter * YouTube We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 187, we sit down with two incredible women running for the Ohio Statehouse in Central Ohio - Shelby Kimball (House District 60) and Whittney Wood (House District 73). Shelby Kimball is a Marine Corps & Army National Guard member veteran, mom of four, and community advocate. She is running for Ohio House District 60 which includes Powell, Orange and Liberty township, and portions of Dublin, Westerville, and Delaware. She believes every child deserves access to a high-quality public education regardless of their zip code; she will fight to protect and expand access to affordable healthcare; and she will stand up for our military veterans and their families to make sure they get the benefits and services they deserve. Whittney Wood is running for Ohio House District 73, which includes parts of Lancaster and Pleasantville, Pickerington, Baltimore, and MIllersport area. She is a mom who has always worked hard to provide for her family. She has always spoken out and stood up for anyone who was being treated unfairly or just having a hard time standing on their own two feet. She figured running for office she could help way more people at the same time. She believes ICE should be disbanded, Trump is a lunatic, and ALL humans are her people, not just the rich white men. She says her policies will be written for all Ohioans, not just the predatory class or ultra wealthy. Resources: * Shelby Kimball for Ohio * Shelby’s Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook * Whittney Wood for Ohio * Whittney’s Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook * TikTok * Bluesky We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 186, Rep. Anita Somani joins us to break down looming changes to Ohio’s Medicaid program, her push for a state reinsurance program, and what voters need to know about SJR10 before heading to the polls this November. We also dig into the House Democratic Caucus’s affordability agenda called “An Ohio You Can Afford”. Dr. Anita Somani is currently serving her second term as State Representative for Ohio’s 8th House District, which includes the cities of Dublin and Worthington. For the last three decades, Dr. Somani has worked in Columbus as a highly respected healthcare professional, currently as an OBGYN at OhioHealth. Dr. Somani is a past board member of the Columbus Medical Association and Planned Parenthood. She is currently a Board Member of LEAD Ohio. Dr. Somani ran for office because she believes the state of Ohio has gone down the wrong path regarding prominent issues such as health care, increasing abortion restrictions and the loosening of gun laws, all of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As a physician and legislator, she has used her medical background to improve the public health of our state and to create evidence-based legislation that helps everyone in our community. She currently serves on the House Medicaid Committee and serves as Ranking Member on the House Health committee. Dr. Somani lives in Columbus with her husband where they raised their son, an engineer and their daughter, an OB/GYN. Resources: * Rep. Anita Somani - Ohio House District 8 * Ohio House Democrats Unveil “An Ohio You Can Afford” Legislative Package * Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook * Bluesky * X/Twitter We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 185, we sit down with Judge Myron Duhart to break down what an appellate court actually does and why those down-ballot judicial races deserve more than a passing glance. Judge Duhart is a native of Toledo, Ohio. He is the proud father of three and has been married to wife Nicole for 29 years. Myron grew up in the central city. He graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School and after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was later commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). While serving his country he earned a B.A. in Political Science from Wright State University Dayton, Ohio and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. Judge Duhart received a L.L.M. in judicial studies from Duke University School of Law and he attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Also Judge Duhart has been a long time adjunct lecturer in law at the University of Toledo College of Law where he teaches trial practice. Throughout his legal career, he litigated a number of high profile criminal cases all over northwest Ohio and was one of a select cadre of attorneys certified by the State of Ohio to handle death penalty cases. He has been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. In January 2011, Judge Duhart was appointed by former Governor Ted Strickland as one of ten (10) judges who serve on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas bench. In addition to hearing serious felony criminal cases and large civil cases, Judge Duhart has served as a commercial docket judge hearing cases dealing with business-related disputes. In 2020, Judge Duhart was elected to the Court of Appeals where he served as Presiding judge. As an Army veteran, Judge Duhart served this country with distinction. As an attorney he worked tirelessly to protect the rights afforded to citizens both rich and poor. As a volunteer, he has unselfishly devoted his time and talent to a wide variety of causes. As a judge on the 6th District Court of Appeals he will continue to act with fairness and integrity. Resources: * Re-elect Judge Myron Duhart * Social Media: * Facebook * Instagram * Article about the Capital Care Network/Reproductive Rights case Judge Duhart worked on in 2016 We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 184, we sit down with Jesse Baker, a progressive challenger who ran a scrappy, grassroots campaign for Ohio State Senate with no establishment support and nearly pulled off an upset - earning 44% of the vote and over 12,000 Ohioans behind him. Jesse is an Ohio native from Findlay and a graduate of The Ohio State University, now living in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood with his wife Emily and their two cats. Rather than a career in politics, Jesse spent his professional life in business and technology - solving problems and helping organizations operate more effectively. Raised by a single father, Jesse has personally navigated food stamps, years without health insurance, and student loan debt. He didn’t just observe these systems — he lived them. That experience drives his belief that the Statehouse has grown disconnected from working Ohioans, and that the Democratic Party has prioritized its own power over boldly fighting for people. Jesse’s campaign is centered on fighting for working families, protecting individual rights, and building a more affordable Ohio - led by transparent, courageous leaders willing to put real solutions ahead of partisan games and monied interests. Resources: * Baker for Progress Campaign Website * Instagram We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 183, we sit down with Sarah Jakle of DemocraShe to explore how brain science is unlocking a new generation of bold, civically engaged women leaders. Sarah Jakle is the Founder and Executive Director of DemocraShe, a nonpartisan national nonprofit empowering underserved high school girls to become future leaders, voters, and elected officials. Her approach uniquely integrates brain science into civic leadership training, helping young women overcome barriers, build courage and ambition, and claim their place in public life. Previously, Sarah served as Get Out The Vote Director for California NOW and National Outreach Director for Field Team 6. Her passion for women in politics began as an intern at the Women’s Council of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Sarah has a Bachelors from Yale, a Masters in Social Work from USC and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA. She was a 2025 Movement Builder Fellow with How Women Lead and was a Fellow with Obama’s Organizing For Action. Resources: * DemocraShe * DemocraShe Application * Sarah’s LinkedIn We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 182, we talk with Andrew Grossman of Battleground Alliance about why Democrats can’t afford to wait for a wave election and how a $50 million, labor-backed organizing operation across 37 Republican-held House districts is building the infrastructure to win back the House majority in 2026. Andrew is a nationally recognized campaign innovator and leader specializing in strategy, campaign management, and executive recruitment for campaigns, non-profits, advocacy groups and unions. Since starting Grossman Solutions in 2007, he helped pass the Affordable Care Act, served as Director of the Democratic National Convention Platform Committee four times, and created a distinctive talent recruitment practice, placing hundreds of leaders at organizations including America Vote, Planned Parenthood and several Democratic party committees. His earlier roles include executive and political director at the DSCC (1999–2004), founder and president of Wal‑Mart Watch (2005–2007), and field organizer for Jesse Jackson’s 1988 campaign. Resources: * Battleground Alliance * Red, Wine, and Blue - Ohio * Ohio Organizing Collaborative We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 181, we sit down with our first three-peat guest and our friend, Priya Bathija, to talk about her new podcast that every woman needs to listen to - The Women’s Health Playbook ! Priya is a sought-after speaker and expert on women’s health, with more than 20 years of experience working with hospitals, tech start-ups, and public health organizations to make healthcare better for patients and providers alike. She blends strategic insight, practical experience, and a focus on scalable solutions with a deep understanding of the people and businesses healthcare impacts. Women’s health has been a consistent throughline in Priya’s career. In 2022, she founded Nyoo Health - driven by a clear vision of how healthcare can lead change and the urgent need to act. Nyoo Health helps healthcare organizations rethink women’s health in realistic, actionable steps that start now – resulting in better care, inspired staff, and healthier outcomes for everyone. Resources: * The Women’s Health Playbook * Instagram * Nyoo Health * Priya’s LinkedIn We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 180, we talk with Tad Stoermer about his book A Resistance History of the United States - the buried stories, the patriot mythology used to contain dissent, and the principles history offers us for meeting the moment we're living through right now. Tad Stoermer is a public historian who trained at the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins, and Harvard, with a particular focus on Colonial and Revolutionary America. He is also a former congressional staffer and speechwriter, and he served in the US Army and Reserves as a reconnaissance scout. He currently lives in Denmark. Resources: * Tad’s Website - Buy A Resistance History of the United States here! * Social Media * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Bluesky We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 179, we talk with Kim McCarthy about building power from the inside, including her campaign for the 70th Ohio House district, the Ohio Progressive Caucus, and what progressive politics actually looks like in Ohio. Kim became politically engaged through the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011, later advocating on issues like corporate accountability and GMO labeling before turning her focus to local politics after the 2016 election. Using her accounting background, she challenged ineffective representation in Greene County, running strong grassroots campaigns in 2018 and 2020 that significantly shifted vote margins and broke fundraising records. She was elected Chair of the Greene County Democratic Party in 2022, where she works to rebuild the party around progressive values. An immigrant from Australia and a mother of three, Kim supports universal healthcare, a living wage, paid leave, environmental stewardship, and removing billionaire influence from politics. Resources: * Kim’s Campaign Website * Ohio Progressive Democrats * Join the Ohio Democratic Party Progressive Caucus! We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
Surprise! Bonus episode! In episode 178, we're joined by Traci Thomas of The Stacks podcast to debrief Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear - yes, the book you’ve been seeing all over social media. Traci is the creator and host of the critically acclaimed literary podcast, The Stacks. She is a passionate champion of books and a deeply curious interviewer. Traci is a monthly contributor on NPR’s Here & Now, a columnist for shereads.com, the creator of the LAist live literary series, One for the Books. She also hosts and moderates literary events, book festivals, and author talks nationwide. Traci’s Substack, Unstacked , is a place where she dives deeper into books, and also discusses topics outside the literary world like pop culture, sports, politics, and more. Away from The Stacks, Traci is a lover of hot takes, a watcher of sports, and a true snack enthusiast. Originally from Oakland, CA, she now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Mr. Stacks, and her twin boys, the Mini Stacks. Resources * The Stacks Podcast * Patreon * Instagram * Unstacked - Substack We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 177, we sit down with Liz Schmidt, the Executive Committee Co-Chair of Ohio Equal Rights, to talk about the campaign to amend Ohio's constitution and make it the strongest equal rights framework in the nation. Ohio's constitution offers no equal rights protections for residents. There are no protections from government discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or other attributes. Marriage equality rests only on federal guarantees that could be reversed. Ohio Equal Rights is pursuing two citizen-led ballot amendments to change that, the Ohio Equal Rights Amendment and The Ohio Right to Marry Amendment , potentially making Ohio home to the most comprehensive state equal rights framework in the nation. Resources: * Ohio Equal Rights * Fill out the form to volunteer! * Find out where to sign the petitions! * Social Media: * Instagram * Facebook * TikTok * Substack We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 176, we are finally talking about DATA CENTERS. Ohio is in the middle of a data center boom. Google, Amazon, Meta, and dozens of other tech giants are building massive facilities across the state — particularly in Central Ohio — drawn by cheap land, fiber infrastructure, and generous tax breaks from our Statehouse. While these companies are selling the story of jobs and economic growth, a report from Innovation Ohio raises serious questions about who is really footing the bill. The answer unfortunately, is all of us. Joining us today is Michael McGovern, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, the organization behind that report. Innovation Ohio is Ohio’s Progressive politics and policy hub. It’s an organization that bridges advocacy, activism, and policymaking in Ohio. By building coalitions, conducting research, and coordinating messaging campaigns, they tackle critical issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Their work focuses on improving the lives of Ohio workers and families, creating opportunities for all Ohioans, and strengthening communities from the ground up. And today with Michael, we’re going to dig into what’s actually happening to Ohio’s electric grid, why the average Ohio family could be looking at roughly $70 more on their monthly power bill by 2028, and what state lawmakers are (and aren’t) doing about it. This is a conversation every Ohioan needs to hear. Resources: * Innovation Ohio * Report - Data Centers, Ohio’s Electric Grid, and Your Power Bill * Report - The Power Plant Next Door: How a Little-Known Ohio Law Is Silencing Local Communities * Ohio House Bill 706 * Ohio House Bill 695 We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 175, we break down the Ohio Primary on May 5th, walking you through statewide races, the Senate special election, Ohio Supreme Court races, congressional districts across the state, and more. Resources: * Our Ohio Primary Voter Guide (via Sway) * Ohio - Find out what’s on your ballot! * Find Your District * Columbus Safety Collective - Issue 5 (VOTE YES) * Voting in Primaries: What Are They? * 2026 Midterm Election FAQ (League of Women Voters of Ohio) * Democratic Party primaries in Ohio, 2026 * Ohio state executive official elections, 2026 * Michael Eisner in the Democratic primary for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District: endorsement editorial * United States House of Representatives elections in Ohio, 2026 * United States Senate special election in Ohio, 2026 * Ohio Supreme Court elections, 2026 We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 174, we sit down with Tom Herner, Democratic candidate for Ohio House District 37, to talk about what it takes to flip a seat, fight public corruption, and actually represent the people who sent you to Columbus. Tom Herner is a lifelong Ohioan, Centerville High School graduate, and Wright State University alumnus running for State Representative in District 37. Raised by union parents and conceived through IVF, Tom is a direct product of the public schools and reproductive healthcare he now fights to protect. With over a decade of experience in banking, internal auditing, and entrepreneurship, Tom brings a sharp eye for accountability to Columbus. He is dedicated to lowering the cost of living by expanding the Homestead Exemption, fully funding public schools through the Fair School Funding Plan, and ensuring Ohio remains a state where reproductive freedom is a protected right. Learn more about Tom’s campaign at TomforOhio.com . Resources: * Tom’s Campaign Website * Donate to Tom’s Campaign * Volunteer for Tom’s Campaign * Instagram We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 173, we talk with Amanda Litman, the cofounder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse leaders running for local office. We talk about what it really takes to rebuild Democratic power from the ground up and why the path forward might look different than you’d expect. Since 2017, Run for Something has launched the careers of thousands of millennials and Gen Z candidates and in the process, changed what leadership looks like in America. Amanda is also the author of two books: When We’re In Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership , and Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself , a how-to manual for people running for office. Before launching Run for Something, Amanda worked on multiple presidential and statewide political campaigns. She graduated from Northwestern University and lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two daughters, and their sometimes rowdy dog. Resources: * Run for Something Website * Ready to Run? Start here! * Run for Something’s Social Media * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Facebook * Bluesky * Amanda’s Website * Amanda’s Books * When We’re in Charge * Run for Something * Amanda’s Social Media * Instagram * Substack * TikTok * Facebook * Bluesky We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe
In episode 172, congressional candidate Carl Setzer tells us how he went from insider to outsider. He was raised inside the ultra-conservative movement and is now running as a Democrat in Ohio’s 14th District with a very different vision for what public service should look like. Carl Setzer, born in Ohio, experienced firsthand the consequences when powerful individuals in Ohio politics face no accountability. He has navigated through broken systems—government, corporations, and movements that demand loyalty yet deliver nothing in return. From factory floors to foreign capitals, Carl Setzer has witnessed who gets crushed and who receives protection, shaping his perspective as he runs for Congress. Resources: * Setzer for Congress * Donate to Carl’s Campaign * Carl’s Interview with The Rooster * Social Media * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok * X/Twitter * YouTube * Abundance (Carl’s wife’s restaurant) We’re bringing together digital creators from across the state to build a powerful digital organizing network called Ohio Creators for Progress . Support and donate to this effort below! ⬇️ Connect with United SHE Stands: * Substack * Instagram * TikTok * YouTube * Threads * Buy us a coffee ☕️ This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner . Learn more about him and his services here: * Website * Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unitedshestands.com/subscribe