How to Win a Campaign

In this episode, Enrique Rivas of The Campaign Workshop sits down with Mayte Aldrett, Partner Success Director at Empower Project, to break down relational organizing—the practice of reaching people through their own trusted relationships. Mayte explains why a message from a friend, family member, or neighbor lands when a stranger's outreach gets screened out, and how organizations of any size can put the approach to work. 

Mayte and Enrique dig into the real costs and commitment involved, the common roadblocks that make programs stall, and how relational organizing fits alongside canvassing, digital ads, and direct mail rather than replacing them. She also walks through Empower Project's free app for nonprofits and labor unions, and the surprising ways groups are using relational for everything from mutual aid to rapid response. 

Guest Info: 

Enrique Rivas, Account Manager at The Campaign Workshop

Mayte Aldrett, Partner Success Director at Empower Project

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In this 7 Questions episode, Joe sits down with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, to discuss the state of money in politics in America. Tiffany breaks down how the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates to unlimited and undisclosed spending in our elections and explains how dark money flows through the system. They also dig into why transparency and disclosure are critical tools for accountability. Tiffany also shares what everyday people can do to fight back, and why she believes people power is ultimately stronger than money power.

Guest Info:

Tiffany Muller, President, End Citizens United. You can also find End Citizens United on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Check out Tiffany's recommendations:

TV: 

Rooster (HBO/Max)

Shrinking (Apple TV)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Hulu)

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In this episode, Martín sits down with Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Inseparable, a bipartisan national mental health advocacy organization working to change how Washington and state houses respond to the mental health crisis. Bill shares his story behind founding Inseparable, why mental health is a winning political issue, and how his team has delivered 100 policy wins in just five years. He and Martín dig into the role of personal storytelling in advocacy, how to recruit and protect storytellers, and what it takes to turn hesitant policymakers into real champions. Bill also opens up about how he protects his own mental health while leading a movement focused on everyone else's.

Guest Info: 

Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Inseparable. 

Connect with Inseparable on Instagram and learn more at inseparable.us.

Check out Bill's recommendations:

Book: Strong Ground by Brené Brown

TV Show: Jury Duty

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This week, Joe is joined by Katie Belanger, consultant for the Local Solutions Support Center, for her third appearance on the show. Katie breaks down what state preemption is, why it matters, and how it's being weaponized by corporate special interests and social conservatives to override local democracy. From heat safety standards for outdoor workers to sanctuary city policies to local zoning decisions, preemption is shaping daily life in ways most people never see. With LSSC currently tracking over 850 preemption bills this legislative session, Katie shares what's at stake.

Guest Info:

Katie Belanger, consultant for the Local Solutions Support Center (LSSC)

Resources:

2026 Mid-Session Trends in State Preemption

Check out Katie's recommendations:

Podcast: The Find Out Podcast

TV: How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

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In this bonus 7 Questions episode, Joe Fuld talks with Monica Hopkins, Executive Director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, about what it takes to defend democracy at the local level. They cover DC statehood and voting rights, how the ACLU of DC's advocacy approach delivers wins, and how a shifting political landscape has reshaped their strategy. Monica also shares candid thoughts on keeping a team motivated and protecting joy when the work feels heavy.

Guest Info:

Monica Hopkins, Executive Director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia. Learn more about the ACLU of DC.

Resources

ACLU-DC Resource Hub
DC Statehood Now

ACLU-DC now has a podcast! Browse through episodes of A More Perfect District here.

Check out Monica's Recommendations

Podcast: Wildcard with Rachel Martin

Book: Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley

TV: Twisted Yoga (Apple TV)

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