Hosted by the Transparent Campaign Initiative, Politics Not Included brings you candid conversations with elected officials and election candidates. We go beyond politics to focus on the person and the stories that shaped them. When we see each other as people first, we build stronger communities and a more engaged democracy. We’re here to make engaging with your elected leaders easier, more personal, and a little less intimidating.
Sandy Spidel Neumann, Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate
In this episode, Sandy Spidel Newman shares her journey from corporate leadership to running for the U.S. Senate. She discusses her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and working with others to accomplish goals. We also talk about her family, shares her experience being adopted, and how her upbringing has driven her to run for public office.
In this episode, Kansas Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Ethan Corson shares some of the pivotal experiences in his life that shaped the person he is today. From growing up playing baseball to being a college athlete, earning a law degree, working in Washington D.C., and then making the move back to Kansas. He discusses why he took the leap into public service and what drives him to continue this work running for Governor.
In this episode, Kansas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Marty Tuley shares his journey from rural Kansas to running for governor, emphasizing the importance of grassroots campaigning, leadership, and the power of persistence. Discover how his outsider perspective and commitment to the middle ground aim to reshape Kansas politics.
In this episode, Kansas State Senator Cindy Holscher and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate shares her journey from her early career to running a campaign for Governor. She discusses her legislative experiences, motivations for running, and her vision for Kansas, emphasizing community engagement, public education, and the importance of voting. She discusses her motivations, approach to campaigning, and the role of family support in her political career.
30 Mar 2026
Charlotte O'Hara, Republican Kansas Gubernatorial candidate
Kansas Republican Gubernatorial candidate Charlotte O'Hara shares her previous political experience and vision for a transparent, accountable leadership rooted in conservative principles. She discusses her personal journey, how her personal experiences shaped her political viewpoints, and the importance of integrity in politics. We also discuss her reputation for speaking directly about her political beliefs and how that honesty has helped her Gubernatorial campaign.
20 Mar 2026
Dr. Sharilyn Ray, Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate
In this episode, Dr. Sharilyn Ray shares how her experiences with abuse, homelessness, and foster care shaped her career in social work and her passion for helping others. She discusses her inspiring journey from overcoming personal adversity to running as an independent candidate for Governor of Kansas. She discusses her platform focused on community and transparency, emphasizing the importance of bringing diverse voices to the table to solve problems. Balancing family life, running a nonprofit, and a statewide campaign, Dr. Ray emphasizes resilience, faith, and the importance of civic engagement.
10 Mar 2026
Stacy Rogers, Kansas Gubernatorial Candidate
Kansas gubernatorial candidate Stacey Rogers shares her journey from entrepreneur to political candidate, discussing her campaign strategies, views on political experience, social media engagement, and the importance of grassroots support. Discover how her unique perspective is reshaping political campaigns and inspiring change in Kansas.
10 Oct 2025
Margaret Shabazz, Wichita City Council District 6 Candidate
Margaret Shabazz, Wichita City Council District 6 candidate discusses her career path, the importance of community advocacy, and the influence of her family legacy on her commitment to social change. Margaret emphasizes the significance of voting and community engagement, reflecting on her personal experiences that shaped her leadership style and her decision to run for office.
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3 Oct 2025
LaWanda DeShazer, Wichita City Council District 1 Candidate
LaWanda DeShazer, candidate for the Wichita City Council District 1, shares her background from her extensive community involvement to some ins and outs of her current campaign. LaWanda discusses her educational background, her passion for helping others, and her experience as a first time candidate. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement and voter trust in local government.
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Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded
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1 Oct 2025
Abena Taylor, Manhattan City Commission Candidate
Abena Taylor shares her journey from Jamaica to the United States, educational background, and career path leading to her candidacy for the Manhattan City Commission. The conversation explores her passions for pottery and dance, her supportive family life, and the challenges of running a campaign. Abena emphasizes the importance of community engagement, informed voting, and the need for a supportive environment for all residents.
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Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded
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23 Sept 2025
Amber Starling, Manhattan City Commission Candidate
Amber Starling, Manhattan City Commission candidate, shares her backstory including how she was raised and what led her to start Good Witch Cleaning Services. She also talks about starting the Free Store to provide free clothes to community members in need.
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Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded
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10 Sept 2025
Jayme Minton, Manhattan City Commissioner and Candidate
Jayme Minton, Manhattan City Commissioner, discusses some of her experience being appointed to the Commission, what it's like to get a campaign going, and tells us a little bit about her beer collab with Manhattan Brewing Company.
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Instagram @transparentcampaigns or @politicsnotincluded
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Website: transparentcampaigns.org
5 Sept 2025
Martha Sweeney, Manhattan City Commission Candidate
Martha Sweeney shares her background moving from California to England to Belgium to settle down in Manhattan, Kansas. We also discuss her experience as a rower and what led her to run for commission.
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Visit our website for more information on the Manhattan City Commission election: transparentcampaigns.org
3 Sept 2025
Scott Seel, Manhattan City Commission Candidate
Scott Seel, Manhattan City Commission Candidate and Realtor, shares the path and experiences that shaped his career. We also dive into some of the realities of running a campaign.
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@PoliticsNotIncluded
@TransparentCampaigns
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Website: TransparentCampaigns.org
28 Aug 2025
Peter Oppelt, Manhattan City Commissioner and Candidate
Manhattan City Commissioner, Peter Oppelt, discusses his career path from the Army to an economist and data analyst. He is seeking re-election in November and shares the experience of what led him to run in the first place.
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Newsletter: transparentcampaigns.kit.com/newsletter
Instagram @transparentcampaigns
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Website: transparentcampaigns.org
22 Aug 2025
Jayme Morris-Hardeman, USD 383 School Board Member and Candidate
In this episode, we get to know Jayme Morris-Hardeman. She is a current USD 383 School Board member seeking re-election in November. She is also the Executive Director of Thrive! Join us as we discuss her career path from biochemist to Executive Director of several non-profits. We also dive into her previous experience as a Manhattan City Commissioner and a real example of why every vote matters.
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19 Aug 2025
Courtney Hochman, USD 383 School Board Candidate
Meet Courtney Hochman, mom of three currently finishing a PhD in Student Affairs in Higher Eduction. She is also a candidate for the USD 383 School Board. On this episode she shares her journey in education as a student, experience in higher education, and why she is running for the school board.
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15 Aug 2025
Lew Faust, USD 383 School Board Candidate
Meet Lew Faust, retired Director of Business Services for USD 383. He is also a candidate for the USD 383 School Board election in November. On this episode he shares insights from a 43-year career education, his experience with the USD 383 district, and some of the things he's navigated in his first run for an elected position.
8 Aug 2025
Kristin Brighton, USD 383 School Board President
Meet Kristin Brighton, Co-Owner and Principle of New Boston Media Group. She is also the current USD 383 School Board President. On this episode she shares her favorite parts of owning a media company, insights from 6 years of serving on the school board, and how local leadership shapes the place we call home.
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