Fixing Ohio's Broken Statehouse: Cara Jacob on Fighting for Working Families and a Fairer Ohio
In episode 148, we talk with our friend Dr. Cara Jacob about why she’s stepping up to run for the Ohio State Senate. From property taxes to public schools and healthcare, she shares what’s driving her campaign and how she hopes to create a fairer future for all Ohio families.Cara was raised in a small town with a close-knit family who taught her the values of hard work, integrity, and caring for others. Her passion for helping people led her to pursue medicine and ultimately become a neurologist. In that role, she’s had the privilege of caring for patients and families from communities across Ohio. She is also a wife and the proud mom of two wonderful children, experiences that have deepened her commitment to building a better future for all families.Beyond her medical career, Cara has been an advocate for policies that expand access to healthcare, strengthen our public schools, protect our democratic process, keep our communities safe, and ensure government works for everyday Ohioans—not just the wealthy and well-connected. That advocacy, coupled with growing concerns over the extreme legislation and corruption coming out of our statehouse, is what inspired her to run for the Ohio State Senate in Senate District 7.She believes we can make Ohio a stronger, fairer place for families by advancing common-sense policies that lift up all Ohioans—ensuring opportunity and dignity for everyone, not just the few at the top. Resources: * Cara Jacob for Ohio Senate Website* Instagram* TikTok* FacebookConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis 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
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If She Can't Farm, She'll Fight: Hallie Shoffner’s Run for the U.S. Senate
In episode 147, we sit down with sixth-generation farmer and U.S. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, who’s stepping out of the fields and into the fight for Arkansas. Hallie shares why she’s taking on Tom Cotton and how she plans to stand up for the farmers, families, and working people who’ve been pushed to the back of the line.Hallie knows what it means to have to fight like hell for everything you have, and still get hammered by an economy that’s rigged against you--she’ll fight that rigged system every day, Tom Cotton’s the guy doing the rigging.She’s not a politician, she’s not much for political parties, and she’s never run for office in her life—the only thing Hallie ever wanted to do was farm. But if she can’t farm, she’s going to fight. For families. For Arkansas. For you.Resources:* Hallie Shoffner for Senate 2026 | Support Arkansans Today* Instagram* TikTok* Facebook* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis 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
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On the Front Lines of Ukraine: Benjamin Goldhagen on Fighting Disinformation and Defending Humanity
In episode 145, we sit down with human rights advocate Benjamin Goldhagen, who has spent the last two years documenting the war in Ukraine and confronting Russian disinformation. His work offers a rare, unfiltered look at what’s really happening on the ground and why the world must not look away.Benjamin Goldhagen is a committed human rights advocate and expert on Ukraine, deeply immersed in the region’s geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian challenges. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Benjamin’s personal history fuels his unwavering dedication to preventing atrocities and promoting human dignity.When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Benjamin swiftly moved to the front lines, providing critical insights and firsthand documentation of the conflict. His work highlights the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people as they navigate the complexities of war and resistance against eliminationist forces seeking to undermine their sovereignty and cultural identity.Benjamin collaborates extensively with Ukrainian communities, offering strategic support and advocating for policies that bolster Ukraine’s fight for freedom and justice. His expertise extends to combating Russian disinformation, ensuring that truthful narratives prevail in the global discourse surrounding the conflict.Through his relentless advocacy and deep understanding of Ukraine’s socio-political landscape, Benjamin Goldhagen plays a vital role in shaping international perspectives and fostering meaningful support for Ukraine’s enduring struggle for peace and human rights.Resources:* The Steel Porcupine Film* To The Zero Line Film* Goldhagen Group* X/TwitterConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis 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
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The Fight for Fair Maps: A Panel Discussion on Ohio’s Redistricting Showdown with the Equal Districts Coalition
Ohio is in the middle of a high-stakes redistricting battle that will shape political power through 2032 and gerrymandering is once again threatening fair representation. In episode 144, we’re joined by members of the Equal Districts Coalition to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how Ohioans can demand fair maps.Meet the Panelists: Grace Metz is a second-year Computer and Information Science student at Ohio State University. She’s a recipient of the Morrill Scholarship and is deeply involved in her campus community. She currently serves as the Advocacy Chair for Ohio State’s chapter of the Ohio Student Association, a grassroots organizing group dedicated to improving the lives of all Ohio students.Deidra Reese is an advocate for building power and community. She has more than thirty years in the public policy and advocacy arena. She was the Executive director of two major organizations, the lobbyist of one of the largest Ohio labor unions and even started her own consulting firm to teach her E philosophy — Education + Engagement + Empowerment. Currently she is on the executive team of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative where she leads both the Statewide Voter Engagement program, and the Faith Based engagement and empowerment programs through the Amos Project.Reese is a member of Second Baptist Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and she serves on Delta’s National Social Action Commission. Deidra serves on several statewide and national committees and boards that focus on people power and advocacy. She resides in Columbus with her fiancé Paul.Gabriel Mann has been the Communications Director for Abortion Forward (formerly Pro-Choice Ohio) since 2015, following six years with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. In 2023, he served as the Communications Director for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, the successful campaign to pass Issue 1 and enshrine the right to abortion in Ohio’s state constitution. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Gabriel’s career has included being a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate and labor organizing with SEIU District 1199 WV/OH/KY.Resources:* Equal DistrictsConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis 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
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Trump’s Takeover and D.C.’s Fight for Power: A Conversation with ACLU-DC's Monica Hopkins
In episode 143, we sit down with Monica Hopkins, executive director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, to unpack what happened when Donald Trump deployed the National Guard into D.C. and what that moment revealed about the city’s lack of power. Monica explains how D.C.’s unique status without statehood leaves its residents without full representation, vulnerable to federal overreach, and stripped of protections every other state enjoys. We also explore the broader fight for democracy, autonomy, and accountability in the nation’s capital - and why achieving statehood is about more than politics; it’s about fundamental civil rights.Monica took the helm of the D.C. affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-DC) in 2014. Prior to joining the ACLU-DC Monica served as the executive director of the ACLU of Idaho from 2008–2014 during which time she oversaw sweeping statewide victories, particularly in the areas of criminal justice reform, LGBTQIA equality, immigrants’ rights and upholding the First Amendment.Under Monica’s leadership, the ACLU-DC has grown its capacity and reach allowing the organization to become a resource for all District residents. As executive director, Monica oversees programmatic and advocacy efforts to defend and advance the ACLU-DC’s work on civil rights and civil liberties for the over 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia.Monica is a graduate of Boise State University. She is also a 2012–2013 Rockwood Institute LGBT Advocacy Fellow and currently serves on the board of the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens.Resources:* Home - ACLU of DC* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsConnect with USS:* Substack* Instagram* TikTok* ThreadsThis 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
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
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