What happens when a working-class mom and corporate veteran decides she’s had enough of "politics as usual"?

In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with Mandie Ledkins, candidate for the Alabama State Senate, for a conversation that is as heavy-hitting as it is high-energy. Mandie isn’t your typical "polished" politician—she’s a mother of four, an Auburn alumna, and a leader with fifteen years of experience in the trenches of corporate America and tech (including roles at Target, Shipt, and Wyndy).

Greg and Mandie dive deep into the issues that actually matter to Alabamians, moving from the systemic to the lighthearted without missing a beat.

Mandie Ledkins is a Fort Payne native, a Vietnam veteran’s daughter, and a resident of Alabaster in Shelby County. From her roots in the "sock capital of the world" to her career in customer success and community advocacy, Mandie is running to ensure that every Alabamian has a seat at the table and a voice that is "too loud to turn down."

To learn more about Mandie and her campaign, visit: https://mandieforalabama.com/

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Join your host, Greg Howard Jr, as he sits down with the founders of Cicada, Forrest Satterfield and Thomas Casez, to discuss politics, alternatives to the national anthem, and what is objectively the best film of all time.

To learn more about Cicada, visit: www.cicada.now

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Can a manufacturing engineer fix a broken political system?

In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with John Padora, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado's 4th District. John isn't your career politician—he’s a problem-solver by trade, bringing a background in environmental science and engineering to the table.

Greg and John explore how technical precision, environmental stewardship, and a unique spiritual outlook can reshape the halls of Congress. And, because no episode is complete without a bit of debate, they tackle the impossible question: what is, objectively, the best film of all time?

Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, John Padora is a graduate of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and Southern New Hampshire University. With a professional history spanning manufacturing engineering, independent consulting, and geospatial technology, John has built a career on understanding how things work—and how to fix them when they don't. He is now running for Congress to apply those same skills to the issues facing everyday Americans.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! Your engagement helps us continue to bridge the gap between policy and people.

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