In this pilot episode we introduce The Pledge Podcast and meet host Allison Daskal Hausman. We are also introduced to some of the inspiring Alabama activists who will be featured in Season One.

Episode One of The Pledge tells the story of Elizabeth, who found her political voice in the Alabama special election for Senate and just keeps fighting for change. Listen as we explore what motivates this inspiring and tireless activist, and follow her evolution as a political force in her state.

Episode Two introduces us to Stacie Propst, the Director of Emerge Alabama, who is training and supporting a generation of first-time woman candidates in Alabama. Growing up Stacie fit in well with her anti-feminist republican peers, but she sensed something was wrong with how outsiders were treated and how women were expected to behave. Now Stacie is certain that the future of Alabama, and the country, depends on more women gaining political power and breaking up the status quo. Listen to The Pledge as Stacie shares the story of her own political evolution, and what keeps her working every day to strengthen democracy in Alabama.

Episode Three of The Pledge tells the story of Oni. A resident of one of Birmingham's poorest neighborhoods, Oni regularly visits barbershops and strip clubs to speak with members of the community, to inform them of their rights and encourage them to speak out.

Episode Four of The Pledge introduces Ashley Smith. Ashley ran to become a District Judge in rural Lowndes County, Alabama, where the court system reflects the same all-white power structure it has since before the civil rights movement. Inspired by her grandfather and dedicated to providing justice for everyone regardless of race, Ashley drove hundreds of miles and shook thousands of hands to get her message out.

Listen to The Pledge as Ashley tells her story of the ongoing struggle for equal rights and justice in the footsteps of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery march for voting rights.

Nancy Deabler, a traditional White, Southern woman, breaks every stereotype. She demonstrates what it means to link her liberal politics to her Christian values, and to have these values inform every part of her life. Nancy reminds us that we have to act now — our democracy, and Alabama's children, can't wait.

Mary Wilson spent most of her life keeping her thoughts under wraps, only taking them out on the piano keys. After her husband was unjustly laid off she realized it was time to speak her mind and get politically active. A self-defined "feisty old broad", Mary is not afraid to proudly confront people who think she should keep her political views to herself.

Mary's resolve, her candor, and her humor show the beauty and power of being authentically yourself.

The Pledge announces three bonus episodes for our listeners to be released in June - stay tuned!