There are over 500,000 elected officials in the United States, meaning that at least 1 out of every 1,000 American adults serves in an elected position. But despite the fact that there are more women than men in this country, only about 20-25% of all elected positions are held by women. It's not because we don't get elected as often. Is it that women are less likely to be encouraged by their parents, teachers, and community to run? Or maybe it's that we don't think we're qualified enough, or prepared enough to run. But I think a big reason is that we just don't know what it's really like to run for elected office. And that is the point of this podcast. Elected is a week-by-week behind-the-scenes look into what it's like, as a woman, to run for elected office in the U.S.
Are you a mom and also considering running for office? In this episode, Kendra and Meg get real about what it's really like to run for office as working mothers. And let's face it. We need MORE moms in elected office. But the barriers are tough - balancing parenthood, work, and life while also running for office. In this episode, we're dishing on what it's really like and why, yes we do think you should run. Support the show
19 Mar 2021
S2: It's All Relational (Campaigning)
In our second episode of Season 2, Meg sits down with Jessica Laverty, an activist, and organizer who’s been a part of incredible campaigns from Senator Ed Markey’s re-election to Meg’s very own State Senate campaign. In this chat, Jessica speaks to the importance of prioritizing relationships over transactional campaigning, and why it’s critical for candidates to listen to what the communities they’re running in need. Jessica also gives some great advice for future candidates to build up you...
11 Mar 2021
S2: Meet the Candidate
We're back Elected listeners! In this first episode of our second episode, Meg's sitting down with Kendra Hicks, our Season 2 candidate. We'll be following Kendra as she runs for Boston City Council and campaigns for equity-centered policies for the people in her communities. In this episode, Meg and Kendra chat about the importance of community, especially in developing policies to build lasting change, finding common ground for progress, and building a movement by activating the community. ...
7 Mar 2021
Season 2 Trailer
Elected is coming back for Season 2! Tune in to hear the announcement of our Season 2 candidate and all the goodness we have in store for you. And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review! Support the show
7 Mar 2021
S1: When the Election is Over
All things must come to an end. And just like that, our election and our campaign are over. In this final episode of the first season of Elected, Sam and Meg sit down to chat about what it's like AFTER the election. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Support the show
20 Oct 2020
S1: The Power of Young People in Politics (LIVE!)
In this episode, Team Meg is joining us for a special LIVE episode! We're also bringing on special guests - Calla Walsh, one of the high school students who was instrumental in Senator Ed Markey's historic primary win as part of Students For Markey, and Ashawn Dabney-Smalls, the youngest person to run for Boston City Council ever. This episode goes behind-the-scenes as you hear from the members of Team Meg about what it's really like to work on a State Senate campaign, and from our guests on ...
1 Oct 2020
S1: Balancing Work and Family
Let’s be honest, women are expected to do everything. Raising our families, doing our jobs, and keeping everything going. So how do you add in campaigning and balance it all? Meg and Sam tackle this touchy subject and more on this week’s episode of Elected. Support the show
17 Sept 2020
S1: Overcoming the Fear of Losing
What if I lose? In this episode and in the wake of the primary election here in Massachusetts, Meg and Sam speak to the fears many women have about losing their elections. Will I be able to get a job? Will people like me? Am I going to have enemies because I challenged the status quo? We're talking about it all, and more, here on Elected. Support the show
9 Sept 2020
S1: Racism and Police Reform
In this episode of Elected, Sam and Meg chat about what it's like when you're running a campaign and a difficult topic comes up - in their case, police reform and #BlackLivesMatter. Do you speak out? Do you avoid taking a stand? How do you handle these difficult conversations when you know it might cost you votes? Support the show
24 Jun 2020
S1: Running an Authentically You Campaign
In this episode of Elected, Meg and Sam talk about what they're most proud of in the campaign, why they believe branding matters, what's so troubling about politicians being elected over and over again and becoming entrenched, and why we all deserve to know how our elected officials vote. They also dive into the dark world of campaign financing and why it's so important we get money out of politics. This episode is all about how to run an authentic campaign - one that you can stand behind and...
17 Jun 2020
S1: Dealing With the Haters & Trolls
In this episode, Meg and Sam get real about the not-so-nice side of political campaigning - dealing with trolls. From not taking it personally to deciding whether or not to respond, they chat about how to handle haters and how to not let it kill your momentum. Support the show
8 Apr 2020
S1: Getting on the Ballot
In this episode, Meg and Sam talk about what you have to do to actually get on the ballot and how coronavirus has changed that for a lot of candidates. They also dive into the all-too-real balance, especially for women, of trying to be seen as relatable and a real person, but also as a professional and someone to be taken seriously. To learn more, visit electedpodcast.com. Support the show
25 Mar 2020
S1: Campaigning during the Coronavirus
In this episode, Meg and Sam talk about how the campaign has reacted in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. They’re taking you behind-the-scenes, from being one of the first campaigns to cancel all events and go virtual, to managing a completely remote campaign team, to trying to fundraise and connect with voters entirely online. Support the show
23 Mar 2020
S1: Building Your Campaign Team
In this episode, Sam and Meg break down what it takes to build a campaign team - who should be on it, what their roles look like, and how to decide who you need on your team. From campaign managers to body people to interns, they’re sharing their perspectives on the challenges of building your team, and what’s most important to consider. Support the show
18 Mar 2020
S1: How to Pay Your Bills While Running For Office
In this episode, Meg and Sam take their first listener questions and they're GOOD ones. A huge barrier to women running for office is how to afford to run - whether it's paying for childcare, balancing campaigning with your job so you can pay the bills, and figuring out what to do after the election if you don't win. Meg shares her experience balancing work and running, how she manages to get it all done, and why she's sticking with her job even when a lot of people tell her she needs to camp...
10 Mar 2020
S1: Super Tuesday Recap
In this episode, Meg and Sam recap Super Tuesday, Elizabeth Warren’s announcement that she’s dropping out of the Presidential race, and what that means for women all over this country. They also take their first listener question and discuss the challenges of crafting your message, especially when you’re running as a woman. To submit a question for the podcast, or to learn more about Meg's campaign, visit electedpodcast.com. Support the show
10 Mar 2020
S1: Why I'm Running
In this first episode, Meg (the candidate) and Sam (the campaign manager) introduce themselves and share why they’re in the race for State Senate in the Massachusetts Plymouth and Norfolk District, why they decided to share this behind-the-scenes look into the campaign and what some of the surprises have been from the first week on the campaign trail. To submit a question for the podcast, or to learn more about Meg's campaign, visit electedpodcast.com. Support the show
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