The Forward Party Podcast

This episode of The Forward Party Podcast - EP7 brings the conversation back to where politics has the most immediate impact: local leadership. While national headlines tend to dominate attention, this discussion highlights how mayors and community leaders are quietly solving real problems every day—without the noise of partisan division.
Featuring Deke Copenhaver, former mayor of Augusta, Georgia, Bryan Vincent, current mayor of Farmville, Virginia, and Clint Eisenhauer, South Carolina Forward Party Chair, the episode explores what it looks like to lead with service, accountability, and community-first thinking. These leaders share firsthand experiences navigating political pressure, earning trust at the grassroots level, and making decisions that directly shape the lives of their constituents.
At its core, this episode centers on a powerful idea: people don’t care about party labels when their daily lives are on the line—they care about results. From fixing infrastructure to addressing affordability and rebuilding local economies, the conversation makes it clear that effective leadership happens closest to home.
Listeners will hear how Bryan Vincent approaches governance in a small town where constituents expect accessibility and transparency, and how his decision to align with the Forward Party reflects a growing desire for political independence. Deke Copenhaver reinforces the importance of staying grounded in the community, sharing how direct, everyday interactions shaped his leadership style and decision-making process.
The episode also expands beyond individual leadership stories. Clint Eisenhauer offers a behind-the-scenes look at building political momentum from the ground up, including the successful mayoral campaign of Jay Doyle in Georgetown, South Carolina. His perspective highlights how a focus on affordability, economic stability, and practical solutions can resonate more deeply than traditional party messaging.
Throughout the conversation, several themes emerge that define modern local leadership:
Nonpartisan problem-solving over ideological alignment
Grassroots engagement as the foundation of trust
The growing demand for independent leadership in local government
Balancing public service with personal and family responsibilities
Focusing on real issues like cost of living, infrastructure, and economic opportunity
There is also an honest discussion about the challenges that come with this approach. Leaders who choose to operate outside traditional party structures often face criticism from both sides, yet they continue to prioritize pragmatic decision-making over political loyalty. The result is a style of leadership that feels more personal, more accountable, and ultimately more effective at the community level.
What makes this episode stand out is its emphasis on service as a mindset. Whether it’s responding to constituents at the grocery store, managing the pressures of public scrutiny, or setting an example for the next generation, each guest brings a grounded perspective on what it truly means to lead.
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that rebuilding trust in government doesn’t start at the top—it starts in cities, towns, and neighborhoods across the country. And it starts with leaders willing to listen, adapt, and act in the best interest of the people they serve.
If you’re interested in the future of American democracy, civic engagement, or the evolving role of local government, this episode offers a compelling look at where meaningful change is already happening.
To stay connected with The Forward Party Podcast, follow the show on your preferred streaming platform and subscribe for upcoming episodes featuring leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. You can also visit the Forward Party website to learn more about their mission, get involved in your local community, or explore opportunities to support independent leadership across the country.

In this episode of The Forward Party Podcast, the conversation moves beyond national headlines and into the places where real political change is quietly taking shape. State and local communities are becoming the proving ground for new ideas, fresh leadership, and a growing demand for alternatives to the traditional two-party system.
The episode features three voices working at the front lines of that shift: Michelle Quist in Utah, Kayla Sullivan in South Carolina, and Rick Kennedy in Texas. Each brings a different perspective, but together they paint a clear picture of what modern political reform looks like when it starts from the ground up.
Michelle Quist shares how Utah is rethinking the way democracy functions at a structural level. From orchestrating a rare political party merger to opening up a special election process to tens of thousands of voters, her work challenges the idea that politics has to follow outdated rules. The focus is simple but powerful: expand participation, reduce gatekeeping, and give voters real choices. Her story highlights how leadership at the state level can ripple outward and inspire broader change.
Kayla Sullivan brings a different kind of energy to the conversation. As a first-time campaign manager, she helped lead a historic mayoral win in South Carolina—without the backing of either major party. Her experience speaks directly to a younger generation stepping into politics without waiting for permission. She breaks down what it takes to run a campaign from scratch, earn trust in a close-knit community, and win support even when voters are hesitant to publicly break from political norms.
Then there’s Rick Kennedy, who offers a candid look at the uphill battle for ballot access and fair competition in Texas. He walks through the realities of restrictive systems, the challenges independent candidates face, and why more voters are beginning to question the current structure. His perspective adds depth to the conversation around gerrymandering, election rules, and the barriers that keep new voices out.
Across all three conversations, a few themes stand out:
The growing demand for independent candidates and alternatives to the two-party system
How state-level reform is often more achievable and impactful than federal change
The importance of grassroots organizing and local leadership
The structural challenges of ballot access, funding, and political visibility
Why authenticity and direct communication resonate more than polished political messaging
What ties this episode together is a shared belief that democracy works best when more people can participate—and when systems are designed to reflect that. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re real-world examples of what happens when people step in, challenge norms, and build something different.
If you’re interested in political reform, independent movements, or the future of American democracy, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at where things are heading and who’s leading the charge.
To stay connected with The Forward Party Podcast, follow along on your preferred platform, share the episode with someone who cares about the future of politics, and explore more at the Forward Party website. You can also get involved locally by finding your state chapter and joining the growing network of people working to bring new energy into the political process.

In this episode of the Forward Party Podcast, the conversation centers on one of the movement’s most important guiding principles: service. From grassroots political organizing to military leadership and veteran advocacy, the hosts explore how civic responsibility, community engagement, and nonpartisan leadership can help strengthen democracy in a divided political environment.
The episode begins with a conversation featuring Bob Perls, chair of the Forward Party New Mexico and a former member of the New Mexico State Legislature. Drawing from decades of experience as an elected official, entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer, and diplomat, Bob shares the journey that led him from being a longtime Democrat to becoming a champion for political independence and reform. His story highlights how firsthand experience inside traditional party structures can reshape perspectives about the need for new political infrastructure.
Bob explains how the Forward Party has been building momentum across New Mexico over the past year. With an expanding volunteer network, professional organizers, and leaders from diverse backgrounds, the team has been working to secure ballot access while developing a sustainable grassroots presence across the state. He discusses the importance of empowering volunteers, building cross-partisan coalitions, and creating a culture where experimentation and innovation are encouraged.
Throughout the conversation, Bob reflects on how his time serving abroad as a U.S. diplomat shifted his understanding of American democracy. Seeing global perspectives on governance helped him recognize the challenges facing political consensus at home. That experience, combined with years of organizing around democracy reforms like open primaries, ultimately led him to help launch and scale the Forward Party’s presence in New Mexico.
Later in the episode, the podcast welcomes Sarah Czech, a U.S. military veteran and national leader of the Forward Party Veterans and Military Families Committee. Sarah brings a perspective on leadership, service, and the realities facing veterans and military families after active duty.
Sarah discusses the challenges that service members and their families face, including transitions back into civilian life, navigating healthcare systems, and finding stable community support. She emphasizes that these issues should never become partisan talking points, but instead deserve thoughtful solutions that put people before politics.
Together, these conversations reinforce a central theme: democracy depends on citizens who are willing to step forward and serve. Whether through local organizing, national advocacy, or military service, leadership grounded in trust and responsibility can rebuild civic confidence.
Key themes explored in this episode include:
The growth of the Forward Party in New Mexico and the strategy behind gaining ballot access

How Bob Perls built a volunteer team to expand grassroots political infrastructure

The importance of open primaries, voter choice, and independent political movements

Sarah Czech’s advocacy for veterans, service members, and military families

Why nonpartisan leadership and civic engagement help rebuild trust in democracy

The hosts also reflect on how service connects people across political differences. Leaders like Bob and Sarah show how community-centered leadership can open the door to a more collaborative political future.
If you enjoyed this episode of the Forward Party Podcast, be sure to follow the show on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the conversation. You can also learn more about the Forward Party, get involved with local chapters, and connect with the hosts through the organization’s official website and social media channels. Listeners are encouraged to share the episode and continue the discussion in their communities.

In Episode 4 of The Forward Party Podcast, Lindsey Williams Drath, Kerry Healey, and Christine Todd Whitman go deeper on the question they hear everywhere: What can I do that actually matters? The answer is bigger than a single election cycle and bigger than any one candidate. This episode makes the case for building a durable political movement that restores voter choice, rewards problem-solving, and helps everyday Americans step into leadership where it counts.Kerry Healey shares her personal “why,” shaped by decades in public life and a clear-eyed view of how political polarization has pulled the country off course. She reflects on serving in Massachusetts, where independent voters make up a large share of the electorate, and how that experience proved something essential: democracy works best when leaders must appeal beyond partisan extremes. Her message to listeners is direct and empowering. If you are asking how to help your community right now, you are already closer than you think. State and local politics are reachable, practical, and filled with real opportunities to serve.Christine Todd Whitman grounds her “why” in family and responsibility to the next generation. She recalls a time when leaders could debate fiercely over policy and still work together to get results. She draws a sharp distinction between governing and politics driven by performance and fear. Whitman explains why the Forward Party principles matter: respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and a commitment to working with anyone to solve problems. She also underscores how decisions made at the state and local level shape daily life, from election access to education to community trust.A central theme of this episode is the difference between a movement and a moment. Kerry explains why past third-party efforts often faded: they centered on a single personality and failed to build lasting political infrastructure. Forward is taking a different approach by building from the ground up. The focus is on local elections and community leaders: city council members, mayors, state legislators, sheriffs, school boards, and others who form the backbone of democracy. The hosts also challenge the “spoiler” narrative with a simple reality: in many parts of the country, elections are uncontested. When voters have only one option, there is nothing to spoil. What is missing is choice.The conversation turns practical as Lindsey asks what it really takes to run for office. Christine describes being recruited, losing before winning, and stepping into statewide leadership. Kerry shares her own path of raising her hand, learning through losses, and eventually recruiting future leaders. Together, they demystify the process and make a compelling case that leadership is learned, not innate, and that conviction matters more than a perfect résumé.The hosts also confront a major gap in representation: parents of young children and the lack of women in politics with kids under 18. They speak candidly about balancing family and public service, the power of role models, and why encouragement is critical. Research shows women are often asked multiple times before they say yes, and this episode makes clear why asking again can change the future of leadership.The episode closes with a look ahead at what Forward is building next: not rigid policy litmus tests, but a growing library of proven ideas shaped by communities across the country. The call to action is unmistakable. Volunteer. Recruit. Run. If you want a country where problems get solved and communities come first, the work starts close to home. Not Left. Not Right. Forward.

In Episode 3 of The Forward Party Podcast, Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, and Lindsey Williams Drath take a wide-angle look at one of the most important shifts in American politics: the rise of independent voters and the growing demand for a new political approach. Joined by veteran political journalist Chris Cillizza and historian Dr. Jeremi Suri, the conversation explores what this moment means for the future of democracy—and whether a new party can move the country forward.
With nearly half of Americans now identifying as independent, the hosts dig into what that really signals. Is it frustration with polarization? A rejection of party loyalty? Or a deeper desire for common-sense solutions that neither major party seems willing to prioritize? Chris Cillizza offers an unfiltered look at today’s political climate, arguing that while the appetite for change is real, building a successful third party requires more than a headline-grabbing announcement. It takes grassroots organizing, credible candidates, and proof that independent leaders can win and govern.
The discussion centers on a critical theme: bottom-up reform. Rather than focusing on billionaire-backed presidential bids, the episode highlights the importance of local candidates, state legislative races, and community trust. As Cillizza explains, voters need proof of concept. They need to see independent leaders solving problems where they live before they believe larger change is possible.
The episode then turns to history. Dr. Jeremi Suri, chair of Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, places this political moment in context. He draws parallels to the 1850s and the Progressive Era—times when economic upheaval and social change disrupted existing party systems and opened space for new movements. According to Dr. Suri, when major parties fail to address pressing concerns, voters eventually realign around leaders and ideas that better reflect their lived realities.
Together, the guests explore how today’s transformations—from artificial intelligence and workforce disruption to health care affordability and political disengagement—are reshaping expectations of government. The conversation challenges the idea that Americans are divided on everything. In reality, there is broad agreement on many core issues, but the current system amplifies the smallest points of conflict.
This episode explores:
Why independent voters are now the largest voting bloc in America

How grassroots wins can build credibility for a new political movement

Historical moments when new parties reshaped the political system

The impact of AI, economic change, and generational shifts on party politics

Why voters are hungry for big ideas that focus on problem-solving over partisanship

Throughout the episode, Gov. Whitman, Lt. Gov. Healey, and Lindsey Williams Drath reflect on the Forward Party’s commitment to reducing polarization, expanding competition in elections, and empowering candidates to represent their constituents—not party bosses. They discuss how reforms like ranked-choice voting, nonpartisan primaries, and independent redistricting commissions can create a more responsive and representative democracy.
At its heart, this conversation is about restoring trust. It asks what happens when elected officials are incentivized to divide rather than solve problems—and what it would take to change those incentives. It also makes a direct appeal to public servants who feel politically homeless: there is another path.
If you’re concerned about polarization, curious about the future of independent voters, or interested in practical political reform, this episode offers both historical perspective and forward-looking strategy. It is a thoughtful, candid discussion about how Americans can reclaim agency in a system that often feels unresponsive.

Not Left. Not Right. Forward.