Left Out Loud

A Conversation with Jessica Salas

Alison Warhol — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:45:21 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth speak with Jessica Salas, a congressional candidate running in Oregon’s 3rd District. The conversation covers grassroots campaigning, AI regulation, corporate influence, closed primaries, housing affordability, community, and what it means to run as a working-class candidate.

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(00:00) - — Intro
(00:40) - — Oregon’s 3rd
(01:30) - — Jessica’s story
(04:30) - — AI rules
(07:30) - — Voter frustration
(10:00) - — Campaign zines
(12:00) - — Closed primary
(14:00) - — Corporate money
(17:00) - — PAC influence
(20:00) - — Accountability
(23:00) - — Housing crisis
(26:00) - — Affordable housing
(28:00) - — Local action
(30:00) - — Life in Oregon
(31:30) - — Primary race
(33:00) - — No PAC money
(34:30) - — Where to find Jessica
(36:30) - — Post-interview thoughts
(38:30) - — Grassroots power
(40:00) - — Final message

A Conversation with Jackson Franklin

Alison Warhol — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth speak with Jackson Franklin, a progressive candidate who ran for Congress in Indiana’s 5th District. The conversation covers red-state organizing, working-class politics, gun reform, veterans’ care, healthcare, foreign policy, corporate influence, and building a people-powered campaign in Indiana.

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(00:00) - — Intro
(02:00) - — Meet Jackson
(04:00) - — Redistricting
(06:00) - — Fighting back
(08:00) - — Red-state organizing
(10:00) - — Working-class politics
(12:00) - — Indiana Democrats
(14:00) - — Veterans and guns
(16:00) - — Gun reform
(18:00) - — Iran and war
(20:00) - — Gaza and AIPAC
(22:00) - — Military accountability
(24:00) - — Pentagon spending
(26:00) - — Anti-war politics
(28:00) - — Veterans’ healthcare
(30:00) - — Primary day
(32:00) - — Campaign ground game
(34:00) - — Progressive scale
(36:00) - — Get involved
(38:00) - — Post-primary remarks
(40:00) - — Organizing power
(42:00) - — Movement politics
(44:00) - — Closing message

A Conversation with Hunter Miranda

Alison Warhol — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth sit down with Hunter Miranda, a congressional candidate running in California’s 47th District. The conversation covers Orange County’s shifting political landscape, voting rights, immigration law, economic inequality, housing affordability, Indigenous sovereignty, corporate influence, and what it will take to build a more responsive Democratic Party.

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Kash Patel, Iran, Congressional Scandals, and Virginia’s Redistricting Fight

Alison Warhol — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:53:31 -0400

In this bonus episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth jump back into the news cycle with a fast-moving conversation on government chaos, war politics, congressional scandal, and the fight over redistricting. They start with the latest allegations surrounding Kash Patel, including a wild response to reporting from The Atlantic, before shifting to Trump’s latest posturing on Iran and what it says about instability, oil dependence, and the danger of reckless leadership.

Links and Resources

The Atlantic reporting referenced in the Kash Patel discussion
Discussion of Trump’s Truth Social post on Iran
Discussion of congressional ethics investigations and resignations
Discussion of Virginia’s redistricting vote and broader midterm implications
Call for listeners to send in grassroots progressive candidates for future interviews

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:11) - Back to the news
(00:32) - The Kash Patel story
(02:18) - Patel’s damage control
(04:31) - Did he answer anything?
(06:11) - Why this feels bigger
(08:28) - Trump and Iran again
(09:44) - Ceasefire confusion
(11:06) - Oil, leverage, and fallout
(12:28) - Is Trump cornered?
(13:12) - The nuclear codes fear
(16:34) - Why the midterms matter
(17:18) - Congress scandal watch
(17:25) - Eric Swalwell falls
(20:01) - A Democratic purge?
(22:00) - Tony Gonzales resigns
(23:17) - Sheila McCormick steps down
(24:52) - The culture problem in Congress
(27:27) - A wake-up call for Democrats
(28:02) - Even Republicans are reacting
(29:28) - Another scandal brewing
(30:17) - Congress needs new rules
(31:15) - The culture shift argument
(31:47) - Why progressives matter here
(33:28) - The House math gets harder
(34:53) - Virginia becomes the next fight
(35:35) - Why Democrats say this is different
(36:22) - Put it to a vote
(37:17) - The Florida warning
(38:28) - Could a blue wave be coming?
(39:55) - Waiting on Virginia
(40:17) - Back to grassroots candidates
(41:18) - What this show is trying to build
(42:19) - Send us your candidates
(43:23) - One last exhale

A conversation with Maureen Galindo

Alison Warhol — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth sit down with Maureen Galindo, a grassroots candidate running for Congress in Texas’ 35th District. Maureen shares how her working-class Philly roots, union family history, anti-ICE activism, and years of local organizing have shaped her politics and pushed her toward a run built on authenticity rather than polish.

Links and Resources

Website: MaureenForUSCongress.com

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(00:11) - Meet Maureen Galindo
(00:50) - Running in Texas 35
(01:42) - Her Philly labor roots
(03:17) - Why she got political
(04:10) - From anti-ICE activism to Congress
(05:25) - Can progressives win in Texas?
(06:05) - The runoff surprise
(06:50) - Signs Texas is shifting
(08:20) - Why authenticity is landing
(10:01) - Not your polished candidate
(12:16) - Immigration, fear, and reality
(13:56) - What voters are really feeling
(15:15) - A single mom in a rigged system
(15:37) - Start with Citizens United
(16:33) - Can Texas break the money grip?
(17:27) - Trump, the economy, and backlash
(18:00) - Abbott, water, and data centers
(18:35) - War spending vs. real needs
(19:31) - Defense budget madness
(21:03) - Bring the money home
(22:12) - Profits over people
(22:36) - The Blue Dog problem
(23:45) - Buying the runoff
(24:51) - ICE funding betrayal
(25:28) - Affordability hits home
(27:07) - Teaching people how to fight back
(28:21) - Scaring billionaires out of politics
(28:48) - The Spurs stadium fight
(29:22) - The PAC money question
(29:42) - No corporate money
(30:24) - How she won with less
(30:40) - Her secret: be real
(31:33) - Why voters responded
(33:03) - What the campaign needs now
(33:23) - Where to find Maureen
(34:02) - Volunteers are there, money is tight
(35:01) - Her website and platform
(35:22) - Why she loves democracy
(35:52) - Why forums matter
(36:37) - Seth’s final thoughts
(37:37) - Why this race feels different
(39:14) - Ally’s closing thoughts
(40:17) - Share this episode

Redistricting and the Fight for Virginia’s Future | Left Out Loud Bonus Content

Alison Warhol — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:21:42 -0400

In this bonus episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth sit down with Tim Cywinski, a reformist Democrat running in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, for an urgent conversation about redistricting and why Virginia’s upcoming vote could have national consequences. With Republicans trying to lock in structural advantages ahead of the midterms, the three break down how map-drawing battles in states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, California, Utah, Florida, and Virginia could shape control of Congress.

Links and Resources

Virginia redistricting vote referenced throughout the episode
April 21 vote date discussed in the episode
Discussion of Republican redistricting moves in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida
Discussion of Democratic counter-moves in California and Utah
Discussion of the SAVE Act and broader voter suppression efforts
Tim Cywinski, reformist Democrat running in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:11) - Ally opens the bonus episode with a focus on redistricting
(00:20) - Tim Cywinski introduces himself and his run in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District
(01:20) - Ally lays out the national redistricting fight and how Republicans are trying to gain seats before the midterms
(02:42) - The Virginia vote is introduced as a potential four-seat Democratic pickup
(03:39) - Tim explains how Virginia’s proposal responds to Republican power grabs ordered by Trump
(04:02) - Tim breaks down the proposed map shift from six Democrats and five Republicans to ten Democrats and one Republican
(04:18) - Why Tim says Virginia’s approach is temporary, constitutional, and still subject to a public vote
(04:57) - Why this unusual April election matters so much in Virginia
(05:13) - Tim discusses Republican backlash, rural concerns, and the broader hypocrisy around gerrymandering complaints
(06:00) - Tim argues this fight is bigger than his own campaign and bigger than any one district
(07:00) - Seth and Tim discuss whether Democrats should answer gerrymandering with forceful countermeasures
(08:03) - The role of the courts and the Virginia Supreme Court in the redistricting fight
(09:00) - Why Tim says Democrats are at least putting the issue to voters, unlike Republicans in other states
(10:00) - The episode turns to democracy, voting rights, and why elections still matter as a public equalizer
(11:00) - Tim connects redistricting to the SAVE Act and broader efforts to undermine confidence in voting
(12:00) - The hosts discuss Democratic hesitation, political principle, and whether the moment demands a more aggressive response
(13:30) - Tim argues this should be a national story, not just a Virginia issue
(15:00) - The conversation expands into Democratic failures to materially deliver for working people
(19:00) - Why Tim says messaging matters and why voters can be misled into voting against their own power
(20:00) - The episode turns to working-class frustration, fascism, and the dangers of political complacency
(24:00) - Tim argues Democrats need a new generation of leaders and a stronger governing vision
(25:30) - The hosts connect Virginia’s vote to the broader national struggle over Florida, Texas, and other redistricting fights
(29:13) - Tim and the hosts make the direct case: vote yes in Virginia on April 21
(30:00) - Final push for turnout, organizing, and public awareness
(32:02) - Ally closes by urging listeners to share the episode far and wide

Emergency Podcast: The Situation in Iran

Alison Warhol — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:40:21 -0400

In this emergency episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth are joined again by Tim for a real-time conversation recorded just over an hour before Trump’s stated deadline related to Iran. With tensions escalating fast, the three react to the threat of a potentially catastrophic military strike, the language coming from Trump, and the terrifying possibility of mass civilian casualties, regional instability, and a much larger global conflict.

Links and Resources

Upcoming bonus episode on redistricting, referenced in the recording
Discussion of Trump’s Truth Social post and public threat against Iran
Discussion of B-52 bomber movements reported during the day
Discussion of China, Russia, oil markets, and possible global retaliation
Discussion of veterans, military families, and the long-term human cost of war

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:11) - Ally welcomes Tim back to the show under urgent circumstances
(00:42) - Ally explains they are recording about an hour and fifteen minutes before the Iran deadline
(01:00) - Ally says this emergency segment is a standalone conversation separate from a bonus episode on redistricting
(01:19) - Seth reacts to Trump’s rhetoric and the danger of even talking about eliminating an entire population
(02:05) - Ally says if Trump backs down, supporters will call it bluster or trolling
(02:19) - Ally rewinds the day’s events, including Trump’s Truth Social threat against Iran
(02:42) - Ally brings up reports of B-52 bombers loading up in the UK
(02:57) - Ally describes reports of Iranians forming human chains around key infrastructure
(03:31) - Ally frames the moment as one of the closest brushes with something potentially catastrophic
(03:49) - Tim says this is a defining moment exposing the true colors of the Republican Party
(04:15) - Tim argues that threatening this level of carnage against a country that did not attack the U.S. crosses every line
(04:53) - Tim says ordinary people are better than the people currently holding power
(05:08) - Tim reflects on poverty, free clinics, and the gap between public need and political leadership
(05:48) - Tim says this is a moment for people who still believe in goodness to act
(06:05) - Ally says Republicans should be in Washington trying to stop this
(06:34) - Ally calls Trump’s rhetoric unprecedented in American history
(07:22) - Seth says Republicans have fooled themselves into treating Trump’s threats like jokes
(08:16) - Seth says the situation has become untenable and that Trump is being misled into a false sense of security
(08:58) - Seth points to the danger facing civilians in Iran and asks how the world got here
(09:47) - Tim warns that a strike would mean massive civilian casualties
(10:08) - Tim says the people with the least power would suffer the most
(10:28) - Tim blames not just Trump, but his cabinet, enablers, donors, and every coward staying silent
(11:08) - Tim says this is a moment when people and institutions have to do something
(11:31) - Ally says there is no forgiveness for genocide
(11:43) - Ally warns of immediate global economic fallout if the U.S. attacks Iran
(12:01) - Ally raises the risk of retaliation involving China and Russia
(12:31) - Seth compares the moment to proxy-war dynamics seen in Ukraine
(13:05) - Seth says deeper involvement with Iran could give China and Russia an opening to weaken the U.S.
(13:26) - Tim says both Iran and America would lose, while adversaries could benefit
(14:05) - Tim warns that Russia’s economy could be strengthened while everyday Americans suffer more
(14:30) - Tim argues that many working people have already been living in a recession
(14:40) - Tim says this is a crossroads moment for democracy and public accountability
(15:15) - Tim says no hero is coming and people have to become their own champions
(15:39) - Tim says even the uncertainty of what might happen is itself a sign of how dangerous the moment has become
(16:03) - Ally says the public has to accept the severity of the situation regardless of party
(16:29) - Ally says people have to stop being passive and get more active between now and the midterms
(16:58) - Seth calls for a massive protest in Washington, D.C. if the worst happens
(17:24) - Seth says people may have no choice but to descend on D.C. in huge numbers
(17:47) - Tim shifts to the human cost borne by veterans and military families
(18:12) - Tim reflects on friends who served and did not come back, or did not come back the same
(18:45) - Tim says another war would again ask ordinary families to carry the burden
(19:01) - Tim recounts conversations with parents whose children are currently in the Middle East
(19:45) - Tim says the country cannot explain what its service members would be fighting for
(20:01) - Tim says real families would pay the price for reckless decisions made from the top
(20:32) - Tim says the military takes everything from people, whether they live or die
(20:44) - Tim argues that soldiers should never be sent recklessly into danger
(21:13) - Ally closes by saying no one knows what will happen before the deadline
(21:27) - Ally says this was a quick emergency episode to share what they are thinking about in real time
(21:39) - Ally ends by hoping for the best and saying, if Trump is ever going to back down, let it be tonight

A conversation with Bri Woodson

Alison Warhol — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally sits down with Bri Woodson, also known online as The Controversial Blonde, for a powerful conversation about survival, healing, political courage, and what it means to run for office as an unapologetic progressive in Georgia. Bri shares the personal journey that shaped her, from addiction and trafficking to recovery, higher education, and becoming a therapist in residency, before an accidental viral moment pushed her into the political spotlight.

Links and Resources

Website: briwoodsonforcongress.com
TikTok: TikTok.com/thecontroversialblonde
TikTok: Tiktok.com/briwoodsonforcongress
Instagram: Instagram.com/thecontroversialblonde
Instagram: Instagram.com/briwoodsonforcongress
Discussion of Georgia’s 12th Congressional District race
Reference to Dying of Whiteness
Reference to On Leadership: Words of Martin Luther King Jr.
Discussion of mental health parity and access to care
Discussion of Georgia minimum wage and labor conditions

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:11) - Ally introduces Bri Woodson, also known as The Controversial Blonde, and previews her history-making run for Congress
(01:24) - Ally welcomes Bri and opens with her groundbreaking candidacy in Georgia
(02:05) - Bri shares her background, including her work as a therapist in residency
(02:38) - Bri talks about addiction, trafficking, recovery, and returning to school
(03:03) - Bri explains how an accidental viral video launched her political platform
(03:45) - The origin story behind “The Controversial Blonde”
(04:45) - How Bri’s life experience led her to run for Congress
(05:13) - Bri points to Georgia Republicans, ICE politics, and the Hyundai plant as a turning point
(06:09) - “Thirty seconds of insane courage” and getting on the ballot
(07:00) - Ally asks what Bri is hearing on the campaign trail
(07:20) - Bri says Georgia is more progressive than people think
(07:52) - Why Bri believes direct, blunt political language matters right now
(08:31) - Bri talks about immigration detention, DHS spending, and government priorities
(09:10) - Whether Georgia is ready for a progressive candidate
(09:31) - Bri points to Georgia Democrats, state-level shifts, and Ruwa Romman
(10:03) - Bri describes qualifying for the ballot and being recognized at the state capitol
(11:12) - How Bri’s therapy background helps her in politics
(11:28) - “I’m very hard to gaslight”
(11:51) - Bri explains how teaching across backgrounds prepared her to communicate politically
(13:01) - Ally asks whether establishment Democrats are meeting the moment
(13:31) - Bri says “the old guard” is part of the problem
(14:10) - Whether she would challenge Democratic leadership directly
(14:26) - Bri says she is unshakeable and won’t fold to the establishment
(15:30) - Bri reflects on strength, resilience, and surviving her worst days
(16:03) - Bri’s progressive wishlist for her district and the country
(16:11) - Social safety nets, daycare, Medicaid, Medicare, and access to mental healthcare
(16:46) - Mental health parity and insurance coverage
(17:09) - Affordability, rural counties, and why rural communities get left out
(17:49) - Can progressive policy still happen at the federal level?
(18:27) - Bri says racism is the reason the U.S. resists social safety nets
(19:03) - New York as an example of what policy could look like nationally
(19:28) - Bri references Dying of Whiteness
(20:01) - Ally and Bri discuss Trump voters, economic pain, and entrenched political identity
(21:23) - How Bri connects across age groups on the trail
(22:25) - One bold policy idea outside the usual progressive talking points
(22:58) - Bri raises concerns about AI, data centers, and job displacement
(23:43) - Bri proposes “Patriot Pay” and argues for a much higher minimum wage
(24:05) - Georgia’s minimum wage reality and why it is not survivable
(25:22) - Books and leaders influencing Bri’s thinking
(25:43) - Bri recommends On Leadership: Words of Martin Luther King Jr.
(26:13) - How virality and social media have helped her campaign
(26:55) - Ally talks about why grassroots candidates need more exposure
(27:45) - Bri confirms she takes no corporate PAC money and no AIPAC money
(28:35) - What Bri’s campaign needs most right now: donations, volunteers, and engagement
(29:04) - Bri explains why sharing content also matters
(29:25) - Bri confirms her May 19 primary date
(29:40) - How many Democrats is she running against in the primary
(30:00) - Why Bri stands out from the rest of the Democratic field
(30:29) - Bri says her lived experience gives her a different lens for leadership
(30:43) - “How do you speak for the marginalized if you’ve never been marginalized?”

A Conversation with John Hsu

Alison Warhol — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:56:32 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally sits down solo with John Hsu, a Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District, just hours after he officially made the ballot. John talks about why he ran in 2024, why he is back in 2026, and how his campaign is rooted in grassroots organizing, labor solidarity, anti-war politics, and a rejection of corporate PAC and AIPAC money.

Links and Resources

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:10) - Ally opens the episode and introduces John Hsu as a progressive candidate running in New Jersey’s 6th District
(01:13) - John joins the show and shares the breaking news that he officially made the ballot
(01:53) - John’s political background, Bernie organizing, and local progressive work
(03:13) - Why he first ran in 2024, including Palestine and frustration with the incumbent
(04:13) - What is different about the 2026 run, including AI and opposition to war with Iran
(06:13) - Frank Pallone’s long tenure and John’s view on term limits
(08:13) - Why Democratic incumbents have structural advantages in primaries
(10:13) - From software engineer to candidate, and how Department of Education cuts affected his work
(11:16) - What DOGE-era cuts did to federal education data and international testing
(13:19) - John’s environmental platform, public transit, and why EVs alone are not enough
(15:23) - Environmental justice fights, stopping a power plant, and saving public land from privatization
(17:25) - How his software background shapes the way he thinks about government systems
(20:30) - Bernie Sanders, progressivism, and where John thinks the movement still falls short
(23:33) - Supporting striking nurses and fighting for safer staffing ratios
(26:36) - Why Democrats have lost ground with working-class voters
(29:45) - John confirms he takes no corporate PAC money and no AIPAC money
(30:49) - Voters on the doors are already asking about outside money
(32:50) - How listeners can support the campaign, from small donations to following along online
(34:51) - Closing thoughts and Ally wraps the episode

Iran, War, and U.S. Foreign Policy with Phil Walker

Alison Warhol — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:12:13 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth are joined by Phil Walker for a wide-ranging conversation on Iran, the Middle East, and the long shadow of U.S. foreign policy in the region. After one of Phil’s recent Substack videos took off, the hosts brought him on to break down the history, context, and current realities behind the latest conflict involving Iran.

Phil shares how he got into foreign relations, what it was like working in and around the Middle East for years, and why Americans often misunderstand the region. The conversation moves from Iran’s history and U.S. intervention to the Gulf War, Iraq, international law, media failures, Trump’s role in the current crisis, and the broader consequences of endless war. It is a detailed, candid discussion about power, credibility, propaganda, and the cost of American decision-making abroad.

Links and Resources

Phil Walker on Substack: https://substack.com/@phillipjameswalker
Phil Walker’s video commentary on Iran
Discussion of international law, UN authorization, and U.S. military intervention
References to foreign and international media coverage, including Al Jazeera and the BBC

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this episode with someone who wants a deeper, more grounded conversation about Iran, war, and U.S. foreign policy.

(00:00) - Intro
(00:11) - Ally introduces Phil Walker and explains how his Substack video caught her attention
(00:56) - Phil joins the show and talks about the unexpected response to his first Substack video
(01:32) - Phil’s background in foreign relations and why the Middle East is often misunderstood in the U.S.
(02:34) - Phil explains his personal experience living in the region and pushes back on one-dimensional stereotypes
(05:00) - Iran’s history, the Shah, and why U.S. intervention left such a lasting mark
(08:40) - Phil explains how he entered the foreign service and how postings are assigned
(12:00) - His work in Iraq after the invasion and the effort to plan a transition back to civilian government
(15:08) - Egypt, Yemen, and working with the British government after his U.S. government experience
(16:10) - Phil reflects on being in Saudi Arabia during the lead-up to the Gulf War
(18:07) - Why the Gulf War had international legal backing, and how that contrasts with current actions
(19:00) - Phil says today’s Iran conflict resembles an unprovoked attack without legal justification
(21:01) - Iraq war fallout: lives lost, regional destabilization, and the rise of ISIS
(22:00) - The hosts pivot to what is happening in Iran now and the lack of a coherent U.S. message
(24:00) - Trump, political pressure, and the search for an “exit ramp”
(27:00) - Why Iran has no reason to trust U.S. commitments without a credible third-party guarantor
(30:00) - Why Phil believes Americans need foreign media sources to understand what is really happening
(31:00) - Why a ground war in Iran would be catastrophic and unwinnable
(33:00) - Israel, Gaza, and the danger of domination replacing any real peace strategy
(36:00) - Gas prices, inflation, and how war hits ordinary people economically
(36:40) - Green energy, Seth’s question about Phil’s farm, and the long-term cost of missed policy choices
(39:00) - How long this conflict could last and what Trump’s budget request signals
(42:00) - Whether Trump will need a fall guy if the war becomes politically untenable
(45:00) - Final thoughts and appreciation for Phil’s perspective
(46:00) - Ally and Seth debrief the conversation and reflect on the value of Phil’s expertise

A Conversation with Victoria Broderick

Alison Warhol — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, hosts Ally Warhol and Seth Hagan sit down with Victoria Broderick, a grassroots candidate running for Congress in Tennessee’s 4th District. Victoria shares what pushed her from concerned citizen to candidate after the overturning of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, what she learned from her first run, and why she is continuing to build a people-powered campaign centered on safety, affordability, freedom, and equity. The conversation also covers reproductive rights, Tennessee politics, universal pre-K, campaign financing, labor and economic pressure, and what it means to run without corporate PAC or AIPAC money.

Links & Resources

Victoria Broderick campaign website: Victoria4Tennessee.com

As Mentioned in This Episode

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Roe v. Wade and the impact of its overturning
Tennessee’s trigger ban
Afton Bain
Scott DesJarlais
Universal pre-K
2018 tariffs and their downstream effects on logistics jobs
AI guardrails for consumers and workers
Palestinian people / pro-peace pledge
TikTok activism and online voter education
The West Wing
The American President
Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Share this episode with someone who should be part of the conversation, and support independent voices helping shape the future of politics.

(00:00) - 00:00:00 – Intro
(00:00) - 00:00:40 – Introducing Victoria Broderick
(00:00) - 00:01:20 – Victoria’s background and what pushed her to run
(00:00) - 00:02:34 – Personal story: pregnancy complications, IUD failure, and miscarriage
(00:00) - 00:03:44 – Roe overturned during maternity leave
(00:00) - 00:04:12 – Starting TikTok activism and becoming the “friendly neighborhood liberal”
(00:00) - 00:05:06 – Looking back at the 2024 campaign results
(00:00) - 00:06:14 – Growing name recognition across the district
(00:00) - 00:06:33 – How Victoria and Seth connected through TikTok
(00:00) - 00:08:43 – Afton Bain’s momentum in Tennessee
(00:00) - 00:08:45 – Supporting other Democratic candidates in the state
(00:00) - 00:12:39 – Tennessee’s supermajority and the political landscape
(00:00) - 00:15:08 – Universal pre-K and why it matters to working families
(00:00) - 00:18:55 – Opponent spotlight: Scott DesJarlais
(00:00) - 00:19:54 – Past controversies surrounding the incumbent
(00:00) - 00:25:08 – A millennial perspective on leadership
(00:00) - 00:26:20 – Victoria’s generation, worldview, and political influences
(00:00) - 00:28:50 – Education and early career path
(00:00) - 00:30:27 – How the 2018 tariffs affected her logistics job
(00:00) - 00:32:02 – The pandemic and economic disruption
(00:00) - 00:35:04 – AI, worker protections, and guardrails
(00:00) - 00:35:59 – Generational trauma and resilience
(00:00) - 00:36:44 – “Fun size and feral”
(00:00) - 00:37:58 – Refusing corporate PAC and AIPAC money
(00:00) - 00:38:45 – How listeners can donate and support the campaign
(00:00) - 00:40:45 – Victoria’s platform: safety, affordability, freedom, and equity
(00:00) - 00:44:39 – Post-interview debrief with Ally and Seth

A Shot at the News

Alison Warhol — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:49:06 -0400

In this bonus segment for Episode 02 of Left Out Loud, Ally and Seth test-drive a new recurring format: “A Shot at the News.” With equal parts frustration, humor, and political commentary, they react to a handful of major headlines and absurd moments from the news cycle while trying to keep things sharp, honest, and a little unhinged.

They break down Trump’s appointment of Erica Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, react to the eye-popping cost of Kristi Noem’s ad campaign, and dig into reports that the Pentagon spent $93 billion in a single month, including on bizarre expenses like king crab, a Steinway piano, and fruit basket stands. They also highlight one rare good-news story about Costco being cheaper than Walmart and Aldi while still paying workers better, then close by talking through the Texas Senate race, Jasmine Crockett’s loss, and why Democrats are rallying behind James Talarico in the bigger fight to flip the Senate.

Links and Resources

U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors
Erica Kirk / Charlie Kirk / Turning Point USA
Kristi Noem ad campaign discussion
Pentagon spending controversy
Costco vs. Walmart / Aldi price comparison
Texas Senate race
Jasmine Crockett
James Talarico
Tim Cywinski's interview is referenced at the end of the episode

Mentions in the Episode

Donald Trump
Erica Kirk
Charlie Kirk
Kristi Noem
Kamala HQ / “Headquarters Newsroom”
Barbie
Oppenheimer
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Top Gun: Maverick
Iron Man
The Matrix
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Pentagon budget and audit failures
Iran
Walmart
Aldi
Costco
Stephen Colbert
CBS
FCC
John Fetterman
Kyrsten Sinema
Joe Manchin
John Cornyn
Ken Paxton
Christian nationalism

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Left Out Loud on social media. Share this bonus segment with someone who wants politics coverage with a sharper edge and a little less nonsense.

A Conversation with Vance Bostic

Alison Warhol — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, Seth and Ally sit down with Vance Bostic, who is running in the Democratic primary for New York’s 8th Congressional District.

Vance explains why he decided to challenge longtime incumbent Hakeem Jeffries and what he’s hearing from constituents across the district. The conversation dives into representation, leadership in Washington, and what voters in NY-08 want from their next member of Congress.

We also discuss Vance’s personal journey — including how the COVID pandemic became an opportunity for him to pursue higher education and earn three degrees in five years. From gig worker protections to grassroots organizing, Vance outlines the ideas and policies driving his campaign and why he believes new leadership is needed.

If you care about New York politics, Democratic primaries, and grassroots candidates challenging the status quo, this episode offers a direct look into the race for NY-08.

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:24) - Meet Vance Bostic
(01:46) - Running Against Hakeem Jeffries
(03:12) - Constituent Feedback on Jeffries
(05:21) - Why Vance Is Running
(08:07) - Vance's Background Story
(10:50) - Education Journey
(15:20) - Hakeem Jeffries' Leadership Failures
(20:46) - Vance's Campaign Platform
(21:32) - Artist & Gig Workers Bill of Rights
(24:09) - Why Gig Worker Protections Matter
(26:25) - Inspiration from Zoran Momani
(29:46) - Grassroots Campaign Strategy
(30:16) - Political Inspiration: Shirley Chisholm
(33:24) - How to Support Vance's Campaign
(37:00) - Post-Interview Discussion

A Conversation with Tim Cywinski

Alison Warhol — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Left Out Loud, we sit down with Tim Cywinski, a reformist Democrat running for Congress in Virginia’s 1st District.

Tim discusses his campaign built around the Fair Shot Agenda, a platform focused on restoring competition, accountability, and opportunity so that everyday families, workers, and small businesses have a real chance to succeed. Rather than relying on temporary fixes, he argues for structural reforms that address the root causes of inequality in American politics and the economy.

Before launching his campaign, Tim interned for Senator Tim Kaine, where he witnessed firsthand how partisanship and procedure often prevent meaningful progress in Washington. He later turned to community organizing, helping deliver real results for local residents. That experience shaped his belief that political change must start from the ground up.

(00:00) - Meet Tim Suski
(01:31) - Virginia Redistricting Fight
(03:04) - Why Whitman Must Go
(05:45) - Organizing Spark To Run
(09:02) - Reformist Agenda Explained
(10:47) - Big Money And Fair Taxes
(12:25) - Ethics And Democracy Dollars
(14:55) - Underdogs Who Inspire
(18:17) - Primary Clash And DCCC
(19:51) - Earning Trust Grassroots
(20:55) - Rejecting Big Money
(22:18) - Debates Redistricting Stakes
(24:25) - District Crises Hunger Healthcare
(25:48) - Fixing Healthcare Political Will
(28:01) - How To Run For Office
(31:33) - How To Support Tim
(34:05) - Hosts React Wrap Up

Wisconsin 6th District Primary: Mike Heidenreich on Winning Back Congress

Alison Warhol — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:56:10 -0500

Ally and Seth sit down with Wisconsin congressional candidate Mike Heidenreich to break down the Democratic primary in the 6th District and why midterm primaries matter more than most voters realize.

Mike shares his background as a union worker, his experience on the Obama campaign, and what brought him back into politics after Trump’s election. The conversation dives into working-class voters, tariffs, trade policy, union power, misconceptions about gun rights, and why electing the right Democrats is essential to protecting democratic institutions and winning back Congress.

KEY TOPICS

Wisconsin 6th Congressional District

Democratic primary strategy

Grassroots organizing

Union voters and working-class politics

Tariffs and trade policy

Campaign funding and no corporate PAC money

Midterm election strategy

Protecting democratic institutions

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Mike Heidenreich for Congress

https://www.heidenreich4congress.com/

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(00:00) - - Introduction & Setting the Stage
(00:46) - - Why Focus on Midterm Primaries
(02:30) - - Mike Heidenreich Introduction
(04:25) - - Mike's Background: Union Worker & Political Roots
(06:00) - - Obama Campaign Experience
(07:20) - - Getting Re-Involved After Trump's Election
(08:18) - - 2024 Election Results in Wisconsin
(09:23) - - Name Recognition in Politics
(10:40) - - Minnesota Deportation Resistance Discussion
(13:00) - - Wisconsin's 6th District Overview
(15:28) - - Challenges Facing the District: Farmers & Tariffs
(17:00) - - Tourism Impact from Canadian Tariffs
(18:00) - - Economic Concerns & Trade Deals
(19:30) - - Why Union Members Vote Republican
(21:43) - - Gun Rights & Democratic Misconceptions
(23:00) - - Tariffs as a Tax on Consumers
(24:25) - - Automotive Industry Cross-Border Impact
(25:50) - - National Labor Relations Board & Union Threats
(26:00) - - Running for Congress: Protecting Working People
(27:33) - - Wisconsin's Narrow Presidential Margin
(29:30) - - Political Awareness Among Voters
(32:28) - - Campaign Funding: No Corporate PAC Money
(31:05) - - Importance of Electing the Right Democrats
(32:00) - - Term Limits & Generational Change
(33:50) - - Toxic Political Climate & Public Service
(35:00) - - American Dream Out of Reach
(36:00) - - Property Taxes & School Funding Crisis
(37:50) - - Unrealized Gains & Tax Hypocrisy
(38:33) - - Overtime Tax Scam
(39:15) - - No Corporate PAC Money Pledge
(40:00) - - Progressive Platform: Healthcare & Unions
(42:30) - - Economic Future at Stake
(45:47) - - How to Support Mike's Campaign
(46:00) - - Investment in Your Future
(48:00) - - Seth & Ally's Final Thoughts
(52:00) - - Bernie Scale Rating
(54:30) - - Closing Remarks

Left Out Loud: Your Front Row Seat to the Fight for Democracy

Alison Warhol — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:22:15 -0500

What if keeping up with politics didn’t feel overwhelming?

Welcome to Left Out Loud, the progressive political podcast breaking down the biggest stories shaping our democracy — without the spin, the noise, or the false equivalencies.

Hosted by Ally and Seth, this show delivers sharp analysis, real debate, and unapologetic commentary on the headlines dominating your feed. From midterm elections and breaking political news to in-depth conversations with grassroots Democratic candidates, Left Out Loud spotlights the people and movements fighting for real change.

If you care about elections, organizing, and the future of the Democratic Party — but you’re tired of feeling buried under nonstop chaos — this is your front row seat to the fight for democracy.

Smart. Informed. A little loud.