In this episode of Political TrailMix, Taryn sits down with longtime friend and colleague Jen Pihlaja for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, identity, resilience, and the pressure of political life. Jen shares her path from political consulting to coaching and facilitation, along with reflections on writing her chapter in Leading From Within. They talk about personal growth, navigating stress, finding your sphere of influence, and why strong leadership starts with knowing yourself. This episode offers an honest look at what it means to lead with self-awareness in a demanding political world, while leaving room for humor, friendship, and hope for what comes next.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

In this episode of Political TrailMix, Taryn talks with digital and social media strategist Stefanie Cruz to discuss 20 years of online politics and social impact work, from training elected officials on early social platforms to leading rapid-response strategies for major mobilizations. They dig into burnout, boundaries, and practical self-care, and leadership lessons rooted in kindness, family, and consistency. The episode closes with straight talk on midterm messaging, avoiding celebrity-driven politics, focusing on real people's daily struggles, and building online and in-person community through clear, useful content.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

In this episode of Political TrailMix, Taryn talks to Justin Myers, Executive Director of Blue Leadership Collaborative, about building strong campaign leadership through pay stability, training, and intentional support.

Justin explains how Blue Leadership Collaborative recruits, trains, and retains diverse campaign managers across local, state, and federal races. He outlines the organization's core focus on year-round benefits, structured campaign management training, and direct access to professional networks.

The episode also explores the role of AI in political campaigns, including its responsible use, research support, and detection of deepfake content. The conversation concludes with advice for candidates, guidance for individuals interested in getting involved in politics, and an explanation of why people-powered organizing remains essential during election cycles.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

In this episode of Political TrailMix, Taryn talks with strategist Jesse Ferguson about messaging, voter perception, and the shifts shaping Democratic communication. They break down how people respond to economic narratives, why language matters, and what campaigns often miss when speaking to real voters. Ferguson also shares lessons from Virginia, New Jersey, and national races, and talks about advice for people thinking about running for office.

Twitter: @JesseFFerguson

Music Credit:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

On this episode of Political TrailMix, Taryn is joined by Sarah Flowers and Matt Erickson of 76 Words, two Democratic media consultants who've spent decades crafting messages that move voters.

Together, they dive into the evolution of campaign strategy, the future of political storytelling, the rising influence of healthcare and cost-of-living issues, and how rage, hope, and resilience drive the work that changes elections.

www.76words.com

On this episode of Political TrailMix, we have Rebecca Pearcey. Rebecca has run campaigns from coast to coast, from advising Senator Elizabeth Warren to helping elect Congresswoman Summer Lee. In this episode, Pearcey shares why politics is "maintenance, not miracles," cutting through the noise with simple, authentic ads and where AI helps (and harms).

Website: brysongillette.com
Socials: @rebeccapearcey

Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

On this episode of Political TrailMix we have Mitch Kates. Mitch knows his way around an arena -- first as a heavyweight wrestling champion and professional wrestler, and now as a veteran political operative with more than two decades of campaign experience in the U.S. and abroad. Mitch Kates has spent 21 years winning hard-fought battles in politics at every level. Now Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, he's managed races from local GOTV efforts to prime minister elections abroad, all with a mix of grit, strategy, and showmanship.

Socials: @mitchkatestb

Taryn music credit

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne

On this episode of Political TrailMix we have Evan Glass. Evan went from covering Congress at CNN to making history as the first openly gay man elected to the Montgomery County Council. He's championed pay equity, housing justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and greener, more accessible communities. In this episode, we talk about his journey, his wins, and why two rescue beagles might be the secret to it all.

Website: evanglass.com
Socials: @evanmglass

Credit:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/corinne/bruxelles

License code: WJR4OASKCN8ZIBTV

Music by: Bruxelles by: Corinne