Episodes

Host Nan Whaley sits down with Judge Mary Wiseman of Montgomery County to discuss her journey to becoming a seasoned judge. They explore her early career in private practice, her switch from engineering to law, and her dedication to the legal profession. Judge Wiseman shares her experiences navigating the judicial system, including maintaining impartiality and adapting to the limitations of expressing personal opinions as a judge. They also touch on the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicate...

Host Nan Whaley sits down with Liz Walters, CEO of TargetSmart and former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation about leadership, politics, and the power of data. Liz reflects on her political journey - from leading in Ohio to shaping the future of political technology - and shares lessons learned working alongside some of the most influential women in public life. Together, they explore how data is transforming modern campaigns, the role of mentorshi...

Host Nan Whaley interviews Kimberly Hamlin, a historian and professor specializing in women's history and rights. They discuss the historical and contemporary contributions of women leaders and how we can learn from the past to deal with today’s challenges. Their conversation covers: Changing perspectives on women's leadership across generations The importance of addressing intersectionality and inclusivity in both historical context and modern advocacy. Stories about famous and lesser-known...

Host Nan Whaley engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Booth, a renowned activist known for her work in the civil rights movement and abortion rights. They discuss Booth's journey from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to the establishment of the 'Jane' collective, which provided thousands of safe abortions before it was legalized by Roe v. Wade. Heather Booth shares her thoughts on the recent overturning of Roe and emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing...

Host Nan Whaley engages in a fascinating discussion with Betsy Fisher Martin, a prominent journalist and the Director of American University's Women & Politics Institute. The conversation delves into Betsy's career journey, from growing up in a politically charged environment in New Orleans to leading 'Meet the Press' for decades. Betsy shares insights into the evolving role of women in leadership and the shifting landscape of journalism. They also touch on the challenges women face in political...

Host Nan Whaley is joined by Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Secretary Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, for a discussion on her journey in labor leadership. Melissa shares insights into the Federation's growth and challenges, efforts to organize new sectors such as libraries and social services, and the complexities of labor advocacy in a politically tough state like Ohio. They also delve into the evolving role of women in leadership positions within unions, Melis...

Host Nan Whaley sits down with Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, for a candid conversation about her unexpected path into national leadership, the complexity of steering an organization under constant attack, and the delicate balance between long-term vision and daily crisis response. The dig into the emotional toll of crisis leadership, the importance of mental health compartmentalization, the rising influenc...

Host Nan Whaley sits down with Mayor Sharetta Smith of Lima, Ohio, a trailblazing leader who made history as the city’s first female and first African American mayor. They talk about her transition to the mayor’s office, what it means to lead with transparency, and how she’s making city government more accessible and responsive. Sharetta and Nan explore the challenges of affordable living, the impact of federal recovery dollars, and the importance of creating real opportunities for young people ...

Host Nan Whaley sits down with Nikol Miller, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Urban League, to explore what true mentorship looks like – and how lifting others can transform careers, communities, and lives. Nikol embodies the spirit of Carry As You Climb. A trusted community leader and lifelong mentor, she shares how she approaches guiding others with honesty, humility, and purpose. Nan and Nikol also reflect on their decades-long friendship in Dayton and the mentors who helped shape thei...

In this energizing episode, host Nan Whaley sits down with Katie Paris, founder of Red Wine & Blue, to talk about how suburban women are reshaping politics and reclaiming the power of community. From kitchen tables to neighborhood text threads, Katie shares how real conversations among women can change hearts, minds, and outcomes—and why humor, authenticity, and connection are some of the most powerful organizing tools we have. Their conversation covers: • The origin story of Red Wine & Blue ...

In this inspiring episode, host Nan Whaley sits down with Dr. Amy Acton, physician, community leader, and current candidate for Governor of Ohio. Together, they explore what it means to lead with both strength and empathy - and how to keep climbing even when the path feels steep. Their conversation covers: The crossroads of their own leadership journeys - and how their paths have intersected What it means to be an upstander versus a bystander in times of challenge Why kindness is not a weak...

Connie Schultz is a Pulitzer Prize winning, nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate, and Professional in Residence at Kent State University School of Journalism. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for Commentary for columns that judges praised for providing “a voice for the underdog and the underprivileged.” She also won the Robert F. Kennedy […]

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, now in her fifteenth term as the Congresswoman for the District of Columbia, is the Chair of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. She serves on two committees: the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Before her congressional service, President Jimmy Carter appointed her […]

As Mayor of her hometown, Muriel Bowser is committed to building pathways to the middle class and making sure every Washingtonian gets a fair shot. Washington, DC is a growing and prospering city—now more than 700,000 residents strong. To keep up with this growth, the Bowser Administration remains focused on making DC’s prosperity more inclusive, […]

Tamera Luzzatto leads government relations at The Pew Charitable Trusts. She ensures that Pew’s wide range of nonpartisan policy work at the state, federal and international levels is effectively and accurately communicated to policy makers. Luzzatto served as then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s chief of staff from 2001 to 2009. Prior to her service with Senator […]

Heather Booth is one of the leading strategists about progressive issue campaigns and driving issues in elections in the United States. She has been an organizer starting in the civil rights, anti-Vietnam war and women’s movements of the 1960s. She was the founding Director and is now President of the Midwest Academy, training social change […]

Dr. Karen Donfried is president of the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening transatlantic cooperation through policy analysis, fellowships for next generation leaders, and support for civil society. GMF is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has seven offices in Europe. Before assuming her current role in April […]

Leirion Gaylor Baird is the Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska. She was elected in May 2019.She was previously elected to the Lincoln City Council in May 2013 and was re-elected to a second term in May 2017. Prior to her election to City Council, Leirion was a Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commissioner and helped produce the 2040 […]

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Sykes represents her hometown of Akron. She was elected in 2014 to the legislature and elected by her peers in 2019 to be the caucus leader. Her passion for social justice extends to issues such as voter rights, criminal justice reform, a more efficient social safety net for struggling Ohioans, […]

Seema Nanda is the Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic National Committee. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff at the US Department of Labor. Seema has a background in labor and employment law and has worked in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. She is an alumna of Brown University and […]

Elissa McBride is the Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) International. Elissa joined the labor movement as a member of the United Auto Workers District 65 in 1989. In 1991, she was recruited to the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute where she worked with factory workers to form unions and win […]

Christine Hunschofsky is the Mayor of Parkland, Florida. She was elected as District 2 Commissioner in 2013 and Mayor in 2016. She was re-elected in 2018. She is only the second woman to be Mayor of Parkland and the first in over 30 years. I want to personally thank Mayor Hunschofsky for the support she […]

Mayor Michelle De La Isla is the Mayor of Topeka, Kansas. She was elected to City Council in 2013 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2016. Mayor De La Isla previously served as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity where she established Topeka’s first ReStore office.

This week, Nan speaks with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio’s third district. Congresswoman Beatty was elected in 2013 and serves on the Financial Services Committee. Prior to being elected to Congress, Congresswoman Beatty was Senior Vice President of Outreach and Engagement at The Ohio State University and served five terms in the Ohio House of […]