In this special episode of Vetted Conversations, we’re marking Election Hero Day, October 20, with Jeanette Seneca of the League of Women Voters and Julie Hendricks of Vet the Vote, a poll worker herself. Jeanette explains how Election Hero Day honors the hundreds of thousands of poll workers and election administrators who make our elections work, and why it was moved away from the day before Election Day so the people being thanked actually have room to feel it.

The conversation draws a line between military service and election administration, where careful planning lets officials adapt when a pandemic or hurricane upends things. Jeanette and Julie also talk about how firsthand experience as a poll worker or observer builds trust in the process, why Jeanette brings her kids every time she votes, and one simple ask for every listener: make your voting plan today.

Websites mentioned:
League of Women Voters - https://www.lwv.org/
Election Hero Day - https://www.electionheroday.org/
Thank Them Twice - https://thankthemtwice.org/
Vote 411 - https://www.vote411.org/

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Navy Reserve Commander, NASCAR driver, entrepreneur, and Naval Academy graduate Jesse Iwuji sat down with us at Flag Day to discuss what it means to balance military service with professional ambition. From an unconventional path out of Texas to becoming the only Navy officer competing at NASCAR's national level, he breaks down how he pursues multiple goals simultaneously and why he does it for others.

But the conversation goes deeper. Jesse opens up about using his platform as a "permission structure" for people to say yes to their own dreams and step up to serve. He discusses how sports uniquely brings Americans together across divides, the responsibility that comes with being visible in multiple spaces, and why continued civic engagement—through initiatives like Vet the Vote—is essential to maintaining our self-governance. It's a candid look at ambition, service leadership, and why showing up at your fullest capacity inspires others to do the same.

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For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations

Air Force spouse, former special education teacher, and content creator Erin Muhlenbeck sat down with us at Flag Day to discuss what it really means to be part of the military family. From challenging the "dependa" stereotype to revealing the $1 billion in unpaid labor military spouses contribute annually to the Department of Defense, she breaks down the gap between perception and reality in the veteran and military community.

But the conversation goes deeper. Erin opens up about the online criticism she faces, particularly from fellow veterans and service members, and the real cost of sharing authentic (sometimes uncomfortable) truths about military life. She discusses building genuine community through intentional acts, navigating the pitfalls of being a military spouse influencer, and what it takes to show up with integrity in a space that's not always welcoming to women's voices. It's a raw, honest look at service, leadership, and why authenticity matters more than the narrative you think people want to hear.

Support the show

For more, check us out at www.wetheveterans.us and at https://linktr.ee/vettedconversations