Ohioans Against Extremism Podcast

About Ohioans Against Extremism Podcast

Ohioans Against Extremism is a 501(c)4 nonprofit launched in August 2024, dedicated to confronting extremism in Ohio’s state and local politics and government. Each episode, the hosts discuss current events and hot legislative topics within the context of Ohio’s political and legal landscape. As native Ohioans and experienced policy wonks, the hosts share their first-hand knowledge and experience to give listeners an intimate look behind the curtain of the extremist playbook. ohagainstextremism.substack.com (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Ohioans Against Extremism

Category

education · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Sept 2024

Latest episode

4 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

30 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Jul 2026

   America is 250, and history rhymes.

   We have to admit, we kind of just wanted to spend our 4th of July weekend eating hot dogs and trying not to sweat to death. But we also know that this is a significant moment in US History, one that’s worthy of some reflection. So we are trying to have our cake and eat it too. Enjoy the brief on-the-go reflections of our co-founder & executive director Maria Bruno as she tends to plants and pets. She then closes out with a (very imperfect) reading of Fredrick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to a Slave is the Fourth of July?” The context of Douglass’s speech is important. Two years prior to this speech in 1852, slavery was legalized nationally through the Fugitive Slave Act (https://www.worldhistory.org/Fugitive_Slave_Act_of_1850/). The Civil War hadn’t happened yet; slavery was still very much alive. Yet Fredrick Douglass, himself a former slave, was asked to speak. And speak he did. Maria reads her favorite 15 minutes from the more than an hour long speech. Instead of looking at a close-up of her face for 25 whole minutes, enjoy some b-roll of Maria’s pets and plants — two of the main things that keep her sane in these trying times. Happy birthday, America! Let’s pray for many more. More from Ohioans Against Extremism Hang Out With Us and Eat Popsicles! Join us for Popsicle Social Hour on Friday, July 17th in Columbus! We’re teaming up with our friends from Ohio Women’s Alliance (https://www.ohiowomensalliance.org/) for an afternoon of snacks, lo-fi beats, and lively conversation. We will be in the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch courtyard with frozen treats starting at 3 pm. There’s no need to take PTO for this event. We have reserved Room 2B for co-working from 1 pm to 5 pm. Learn About the Post-Dobbs Fight for Reproductive Justice Join us on July 8th at 7pm for an important conversation with experts and advocates to discuss where Roe fell short and how we secure reproductive justice for ourselves and the generations that follow. Tell Your Legislator What They’re Doing Wrong Sound Off: What Would You Say If Your Elected Official Actually Listened? Have you called, emailed, attended town halls, or posted online only to feel ignored by the people elected to represent you? Coming soon: Sound Off is a new Ohioans Against Extremism feature that will give constituents a platform to speak directly, publicly, to elected officials who have become difficult to reach. Whether you’re frustrated by a vote they cast, concerned about a bill they’re sponsoring, or simply want answers to questions they’ve avoided—we want to hear from you. Each edition will feature a constituent’s message and invite a response from the public official. Democracy works best when public officials listen. When they don’t, Ohioans deserve another way to be heard. Have something you want to say? Email info@ohagainstextremism.org. The OAE legislative tracker is available at any time at OhioBills.WTF (https://docs.google.com/document/d/193JfhzWrKxvGMO1eNL5Ik74rKCtiKf4cmZCDYVaXi4s/edit?tab=t.0) Join our Community Partner Network Join a diverse network of community partners and take advantage of private planning sessions, exclusive safety resources, a free spot at OAE’s training sessions, and more. Support & Follow Ohioans Against Extremism Rely on our updates and analysis? Please consider supporting our work. We don’t have any billionaire friends, and we don’t paywall our updates. We rely on the generous support of Ohioans like you to keep us going. Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Even $5/month can make a big difference. Donate (https://ohagainstextremism.org/donate/) | Substack (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/) | Podcast (https://ohagainstextremism.org/podcast/) Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Ohioans Against Extremism at ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   30 May 2026

   S2 E7: WTF is Going on @ The Ohio Statehouse?!

   In our 7th episode of Season 2 of the OAE Podcast and 4th “WTF is going on at the Ohio Statehouse?!” presentation of the 136th General Assembly, Maria & Ainslee are again joined by experts on the front lines of Statehouse advocacy. In today’s discussion, we go over the controversies that are front and center at the Statehouse and share some predictions about what we expect the rest of the year. Spoiler: Shenanigans are afoot! Find links to the organizations referenced and calls to action below. And check out earlier presentations to get a deep dive into specific bills under consideration. Recorded: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Previous Episodes Covering the 136th GA * WTF is going on at the Ohio Statehouse?! - (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse-0e8https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse-0e8)February 27, 2026 (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse-0e8https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse-0e8) * WTF is going on at the Ohio Statehouse?! - (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehousehttps://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse)November 13, 2025 (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehousehttps://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-the-ohio-statehouse) * WTF is going on at the Ohio Statehouse?! - (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-at-the-ohiohttps://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-at-the-ohio)May 15, 2025 (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-at-the-ohiohttps://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/icymi-wtf-is-going-on-at-the-ohio) OAE Updates CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST!We give a behind-the-scenes look at the madness at the Ohio Statehouse. BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER!Complete the Community Partner Interest Form (https://ohagainstextremism.org/community-partner-form/) on our website to become an Ohioans Against Extremism Community Partner. CHECK OUT OUR BILL TRACKER!The full weekly hearing list for the hundreds of bills we track is available at any time at OhioBills.WTF (https://docs.google.com/document/d/193JfhzWrKxvGMO1eNL5Ik74rKCtiKf4cmZCDYVaXi4s/edit?tab=t.0) NEW! POLICY EXPLAINERS If you have a request for a topic for our new Policy Explainers, or if you are interested in helping produce these explainers, please reach out to Info@ohagainstextremism.org (mailto:Info@ohagainstextremism.org) Statehouse Schedule & Shenanigan Forecast Now through sometime in June: “Mini Lame Duck” They say they want to leave at the beginning of June. They say that every year. Fool us once… They will return on [REDACTED] They can technically come back at any time. Sometimes they come back as early as August to do some more campaigning via policy-making. Sometimes they stay out until mid November. Post election: Lame Duck mayhem Bills expire on December 31. They will go to the buzzer if they have to, particularly those not returning next session It’s all theatre all the time. Smile for the Camera Ever heard, “Don’t wrestle a pig in mud”? Well.. that applies here. They want to earn their viral story, their Fox News guest appearance, their shout-out from Elon. The wildcards are the ones not coming back Brenner, Williams to name a few… The girls are still fighting There is a lot of discontent within the Republican party. There are going to be a lot of power plays. THIS WEEK’S SHENANIGANS! HJR 9/ SJR 10 What it isA constitutional amendment to add voter photo ID requirements (already established in state law) to the Ohio Constitution. What’s happening this weekTestimony for and against the bill. To change the constitution. For forever. With legislation just introduced this month. Right before they leave for the summer and campaign for their own reelection. Total coincidence we’re sure. Sign up to stay informed (https://actionnetwork.org/forms/yes-keep-me-updated-on-the-general-assemblys-threats-of-a-photo-id-constitutional-amendment)Sign up to be part of a phone bank calling Ohio legislators (https://www.mobilize.us/acluohio/event/957862/) Medicaid fraud circular firing squad What it isAfter a viral story from the Daily Wire sparked accusations that there is wide-scale fraud in Ohio’s medicaid system What’s happening this weekThe State Auditor, the Attorney General Office, and the Department of Medicaid were invited to testify. The State Auditor is currently in a competitive election to become the attorney general. Total coincidence we’re sure. The committee chair is Representative Gross, who has stated that Ohio is in “crisis” due to widespread medicaid fraud. WHO WE FOLLOW Democracy WHO TO FOLLOW FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Common Cause (https://www.commoncause.org/ohio/) * League of Women Voters (https://www.lwvohio.org) * Ohio Voter Rights Coalition (https://www.ohiovoterrights.org) * All Voting is Local (https://allvotingislocal.org/ohio/) * ACLU of Ohio (https://www.acluohio.org/issues/) ORGANIZING EFFORTS * Ohio Ballot Protection (https://ohioballotprotection.com) * Red Wine & Blue (https://redwine.blue/ohio/) Criminal Justice WHO TO FOLLOW FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Ohio Families United for Political Action & Change (OFUPAC) (https://www.ofupac.org) * ACLU of Ohio (https://www.acluohio.org/issues/) * Ohio Justice & Policy Center (https://ohiojpc.org) * Ohio Poverty Law Center (https://www.ohiopovertylawcenter.org) ORGANIZING EFFORTS * CONGRATS to the Columbus Safety Collective (https://cbussafety.org) for the passage of Issue 5! * Ohio Coalition to End Qualified Immunity (https://oceqi.org) Immigration WHO TO FOLLOW FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Ohio Immigrant Alliance (https://ohioimmigrant.org) * ACLU of Ohio (https://www.acluohio.org/issues/) * Vibrant Ohio (https://www.vibrantohio.org/) ORGANIZING EFFORTS * OhioIsHome.org (http://ohioishome.org/) * Ignite Peace (https://ignitepeace.org) * OPAWL (https://www.opawl.org) * LULAC (http://ohio.lulacohio.com) * CRIS Ohio (https://www.crisohio.org) * CAIR Ohio (https://cair-ohio.com) Environment WHO TO FOLLOW FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Ohio Environmental Council (https://theoec.org) * Ohio Citizen Action (https://www.ohiocitizen.org) ORGANIZING EFFORTS * Conserve Ohio (http://ConserveOhio.org) * Ohio Residents for Responsible Development (https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/04/03/data-center-ban-on-the-ohio-ballot-petitioners-get-approval-to-start-gathering-signatures/) * Save Ohio Parks (https://saveohioparks.org) * Buckeye Environmental Network (https://benohio.org) * Local solar power ballot initiative in Richland (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/resident-led-campaign-fails-reverse-170000041.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9kdWNrZHVja2dvLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKPJ2KEWUU7EgpGZf2jvVhDbZzi33HzVsmaoHyzVKLDaQS-MX91ZDA8ZkE62mCj8D1_6Ejn_6o8yXdEgZcquTx4hut7WTe7jYmemFc1A82s6fLEynP5SH6Xv49-cFEXoQbIBaJaggXI8H7nHibAVCCFY5L4W4gK6UjLImhR5ux0V)(narrowly failed) Healthcare WHO TO FOLLOW FOR UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Policy Matters Ohio (https://policymattersohio.org) * Planned Parenthood of Ohio (https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-ohio) * Abortion Forward (https://abortionforward.org) ORGANIZING EFFORTS * Ohio Women’s Alliance (https://www.ohiowomensalliance.org) * New Voices for Reproductive Justice (https://www.newvoicesrj.org) Important legislative highlights: * HB 324 (telemedicine ban for a variety of prescriptions) * TESTIMONY NEEDED! Had proponent testimony last week and we expect that it will have opponent testimony as early as Wednesday June 3rd - if you would like to testify please email Jaime@abortionforward.org (mailto:Jaime@abortionforward.org) - * people can take action and tell their legislator to vote NO on HB 324 here (https://abortionforward.org/medication-abortion/) LGBTQ+ Rights WHO TO FOLLOW FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Equality Ohio (https://equalityohio.org) * TransOhio (https://www.transohio.org/calls-to-action) * LoveBoldly (https://www.loveboldly.org) ORGANIZING EFFORTS Equal Rights Amendment (https://www.ohioequalrights.org) BILL TRACKERS * Buckeye Flame (https://thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/05/15/2025-26-guide-to-ohios-lgbtq-legislation/) * Love Boldly (https://www.loveboldly.org/billtracker) Important legislative highlights: * HB249 (Drag Ban) - has not passed and it will not be passed in time to impact any prides this year. * HB693 (anti-LGBTQ bill impacting child welfare and foster care systems) - Equality Ohio is looking for families impacted by the child welfare systems willing to speak on the harm of this bill. Education Education @ the Statehouse TLDR: Brenner still sucks and doesn’t understand DEI; Introducing some GOOD transparency and accountability bills (SB443) WHO TO FOLLOW FOR UPDATES & ANALYSIS * Honesty for Ohio Education (https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org) * Ohio Federation of Teachers (https://oft-aft.org/legislative-updates) * Ohio Education Association (https://www.ohea.org/legislative-watch/) BILL TRACKERHonesty For Ohio Education (https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/legislation-tracker) Important legislative highlights: * SB443 (voucher transparency & accountability) - GOOD BILL! Bipartisan bill being introduced this week. * SB113 - DEI ban for K-12 * HB485 and SB310 (Baby Olivia bills) could see opponent testimony scheduled at any time. They further erode our nonexistent health education standards and push “fetal personhood” along with absolutely inaccurate language about fetal development. * Reminder: Property tax bills inherently impact public school funding! Rely on our tracking and analysis? Please consider supporting our work. We don’t have any billionaire friends, and we don’t paywall our updates. We rely on the generous support of Ohioans like you to keep us going. Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Even $5/month can make a big difference. More from Ohioans Against Extremism NEW! Policy Explainers! We are supplementing our weekly posts with policy explainers that dive into the weeds of complex policy issues. * SB202 Is About More Than Just a Flag (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/policy-explainer-and-more-may-14) (May 14, 2026) * What HB 1 and HB 292 tell us about the future Ohio lawmakers are building (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/p/policy-explainer-and-more-may-21) (May 21, 2026) If you have a request for a topic, or if you are interested in helping produce these explainers, please reach out to Info@ohagainstextremism.org (mailto:Info@ohagainstextremism.org) Join our Community Partner Network Join a diverse network of community partners and take advantage of private planning sessions, exclusive safety resources, a free spot at OAE’s training sessions, and more. Support & Follow Ohioans Against Extremism Donate (https://ohagainstextremism.org/donate/) | Substack (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/) | Podcast (https://ohagainstextremism.org/podcast/) Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Ohioans Against Extremism at ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   8 May 2026

   Searching for Hope in Ohio Politics

   In this episode, Ainslee is joined by our producer and host of her own podcast, Columbus Can’t Wait (https://www.instagram.com/columbuscantwait/), Tareya Palmer. Columbus Can’t Wait focuses on local politics in Columbus and holding those in power accountable to the community. Tareya and Ainslee get candid about why it feels so hard to keep trying to make positive change in Ohio politics, especially when we keep losing. They discuss the creative ways Ohioans can keep pushing Ohio towards progress, even when everything is stacked against us. The voters decide, then the politicians overrule. Ohio politics is always rough for progressives, but in recent years it’s been altogether demoralizing. Despite continuing to have a purple electorate and powerful tools for a people-led democracy, Ohio’s state government is bright red, with seemingly endless hostility towards anyone outside the MAGA multiverse. Even worse, many of the politicians in power weaponize their authority to undermine hard-earned voter victories, be it redistricting reform, abortion rights, or marijuana legalization. It can feel hopeless, and for good reason. But we find hope anyway. We keep going. Because we have to. Whether it’s mobilizing around ballot initiatives, demanding more proactive action from politicians, or learning from policy successes in other parts of the country, there are ways that even the most frustrated Ohioans can get to work to preserve what’s left of our state’s democracy. It might involve building coalitions with groups you don’t agree with 100% of the time. It might involve finding common ground with people you’re still pretty mad at.It might involve difficult policy compromises. The fight for justice is always a worthwhile endeavor. Episode Information: Recorded: Tuesday, April 14, 2026In this Episode: Ainslee Johnson-Brown, Tareya PalmerProduced, Edited, and Recorded by: Devin “Dev Draper” Palmer and Tareya Palmer Support Our Work Thanks for listening. Our work is sustained through the generous support of everyday Ohioans, not billionaire bankrollers. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Ever $5 a month can make a big difference. More from Ohioans Against Extremism Save the Date! June 17: Ballot Fair in Akron On the evening of Wednesday, June 17, Ohioans Against Extremism will host our second ballot fair in Akron. Look out for an RSVP form soon. Email info@ohagainstextremism.org if you are working on a ballot issue or voter education in the Akron area and would like to be a part of this event. Join our Community Partner Network Join a diverse network of community partners and take advantage of private planning sessions, exclusive safety resources, a free spot at OAE’s training sessions, and more. Learn More (https://ohagainstextremism.org/community-partner-form/). Get the weekly “This week @ the Statehouse” into your inbox every Monday! We send weekly dispatches from Hell the Statehouse. Each week, we provide a brief overview of what we’re paying attention to as we monitor the Ohio Legislature. We will flag bills that are moving, bills we’re fighting for or against, and provide timely reminders about other things advocates should be thinking about. Make sure to sign up for our email alerts to get this summary right to your inbox every week. Join the Helpers Cohort The Helpers Cohort offers mentorship, networking, and skill-building opportunities to “politically homeless” activists in Ohio. This cohort will help experienced activists find their next pet project and help newer activists learn how their strengths can make a difference in the fight against extremism. Support & Follow Ohioans Against Extremism Donate (https://ohagainstextremism.org/donate/) | Substack (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/) | Podcast (https://ohagainstextremism.org/podcast/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OhioansAgainstExtremism/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ohioansagainstextremism/) | X (https://x.com/NoExtremismOhio) | BlueSky (https://bsky.app/profile/ohagainstextremism.bsky.social) Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. OHAGAINSTEXTREMISM.ORG (http://ohagainstextremism.org) Get full access to Ohioans Against Extremism at ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe (https://ohagainstextremism.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

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