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

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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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In this episode, Greg Howard Jr. sits down with AshLeigh Meyer Dunham, candidate for the Alabama Supreme Court, to explore the intersection of law, life, and the deeply personal journey of starting a family. From her work in juvenile court to her advocacy for fertility rights, AshLeigh brings a unique blend of "big-picture" legal expertise and "boots-on-the-ground" compassion.

As always, Greg keeps it real, leading a conversation that moves effortlessly from the sanctity of the courtroom to the vulgarity of toe socks.

A Huntsville native and proud alumna of the University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law, AshLeigh Meyer Dunham has built a career dedicated to protecting Alabama families. As a practicing Fertility Attorney and a Juvenile Court Referee, she balances complex legal adjudication with a heart for advocacy. AshLeigh lives in the Birmingham area with her husband, Jonathan, and their daughter, Aria—who was welcomed into the world through the very IVF journey that fuels AshLeigh's mission today.

To learn more about Ashleigh and her campaign, visit: https://ashleighforalabama.com/

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A native of North Alabama, Dr. John Dickey is running for the Alabama State Senate in District 3. Raised by a farmer, Dr. Dickey learned the value of hard work and grit early in life. While their mother faced significant health challenges, her resilience and ability to find joy in every circumstance left a lasting impression on the family.

The greatest inspiration for Dr. Dickey’s career in public service, however, was their grandfather. A man who remained tirelessly dedicated to his neighbors long after retirement, he modeled the belief that community service is a lifelong calling. It is this legacy of selfless leadership that Dr. Dickey intends to bring to Montgomery.

Dr. Dickey offers a unique blend of practical experience and academic rigor:

Deep Roots: Years spent working cattle and understanding the agricultural backbone of Alabama.

Educational Dedication: Experience teaching students of all ages, providing a firsthand look at the needs of the classroom.

Academic Excellence: A Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, providing the policy expertise necessary to navigate complex legislative issues.

Dr. Dickey believes that government should be a tool for solving problems and serving the taxpayers. Their platform is built on four key pillars:

Education: Ensuring schools have the resources to prepare children for the modern workforce.

Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses to foster a thriving regional economy.

Housing & Infrastructure: Improving access to affordable housing for Alabama families.

Healthcare: Protecting and expanding access to quality care for all citizens.

Dr. Dickey is running because they believe in the potential of North Alabama. With a firm conviction that the community's best days are ahead, Dr. Dickey is ready to work for the prosperity and progress every Alabamian deserves.

To learn more about John and his campaign, visit: https://dickey4alabama.com/

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Dakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University. 

Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.

To learn more about Dakarai and his campaign visit: www.dakarailarriett.com

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Candice Duvieilh was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in 2012, a graduate degree from Walden University in 2014, and a graduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021. Her career experience includes working as a software consultant and K-12 educator.

To learn more about Candice and her campaign visit: https://www.candiceduvieilhforcongress.com/

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Joe Vogel is an Uruguay-born American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 17 since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, his district includes the Montgomery County cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville; he represents the district alongside fellow Democratic delegates Julie Palakovich Carr and Ryan Spiegel.

To learn more about Joe, his work as a State Delegate, and his re-election campaign visit: https://www.instagram.com/joevogelmaryland/

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Randi was born and raised in Salisbury on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Her grandmother raised her to care deeply and be involved in government and voting. She was taught that the rights our elders fought and died for should never be taken for granted. From the time she was eight years old, she was asking tough questions, studying policies, and learning that leadership means seeking solutions, not just pointing out problems. She went on to earn two Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Communications and built a 20-year career in Marketing and Communications. In every role she's had, her goal has been simple: to make people’s lives better. Running for Congress is the most direct way to accomplish that for her community in MD-01. She's proud to be a daughter of the Shore, a lifelong Orioles and Ravens fan, and someone who believes in bringing laughter, music, and empathy into everything she does.

To learn more about Randi's campaign visit: https://randiformd.com/

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Amanda is running for Congress because this is a now-or-never moment for Alabama and our nation. Her bold ideas and new leadership will unite Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, rather than pushing us further apart. She’s not a millionaire; she worked double shifts, cleaned up after disasters, and made a career of caring for people when the system turned its back. She isn’t running to be just another polished politician who never delivers on their promises. She’s not running to become a career politician who ignores and neglects their constituents. She’s running to give a voice to the families, patients, caregivers, renters, and the fed-up of Blount, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Marion, Marshall, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston counties.

To learn more about Amanda's campaign visit: https://citizensforapusczek.com/

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Retired Master Sergeant Sotomayor brings a unique blend of military discipline, progressive values, and community engagement to his campaign for Alabama State Senate. His lifelong dedication to public service and his commitment to a more just and sustainable future make him a compelling choice for voters seeking positive change in Alabama. 

To learn more about Guy's campaign visit: https://www.guysotomayor.com/

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Jennifer Bush-Harris (she/her) is an alumna of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is a writer, activist, thought leader, social critic, and co-chair of the For The Future Political Action Committee. Jennifer is an indie author whose latest work is The Necromancy of Black Women: An Essay On Being Black & Woman In The Anti-Black/Anti-Black Woman World, and is a part of the monthly magazine YOUR LIFE THE MIXTAPE MAGAZINE; the quarterly magazine BLACK LIKE THAT. She is a mother of two daughters, currently residing in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Connect with Jennifer Bush-Harris

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