Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts

Tony Taylor

Leaders Lead Even When It Hurts is a show about the real moments that shape us.

Every week Tony Taylor sits with people who have lived through something hard and came out changed. Caregivers, creators, entrepreneurs, survivors. People in the messy middle who kept going even when it hurt.

These conversations are raw, honest, and unscripted. We talk about the moments that broke you open, the choices that changed everything, and the strength you didn’t know you had.

If you’re carrying a lot and trying to stay true to yourself while you build

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November 2 · 1 hr 1 min
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland : Her Journey to Congress & Voter Questions | On The Record
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland | WA-10 | Her Journey, AIPAC, Israel & Healthcare | On The Record I had the opportunity to sit down with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for a long-form On The Record™ conversation about her journey to Congress and some of the questions I’ve been hearing from voters about her positions, record, and campaign support. We started with who Marilyn Strickland is beyond the title. She talked about being born in Seoul, growing up in a military family, her parents’ experiences with discrimination, and the conversation with her mother that helped shape her decision to enter public service. From there, we got into some of the questions people specifically asked me to bring to her. We talked about: • Medicare for All and universal healthcare • Healthcare and insurance industry campaign contributions • Whether political donations influence votes • AIPAC and campaign support • Israel and Gaza • Benjamin Netanyahu and her visits to Israel • Criticism surrounding her support for Israel • Project 2025 • DEI and federal policy • Misinformation and social media • The ICE detention center in Tacoma • Why she is running for reelection Some of these are difficult and controversial topics, and I wanted to give her the opportunity to answer them directly and in her own words. That is what On The Record™ is about. I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. I’m here to have meaningful conversations, ask the questions people are asking, and give candidates and elected officials enough time to explain where they stand. You may agree with some of her answers. You may strongly disagree with others. Either way, I want you to hear the conversation for yourself and make your own decision. Watch the full interview and let me know what stood out to you. And if you value long-form conversations like this, subscribe to the Leaders Lead Network for more episodes of On The Record. #MarilynStrickland #WA10 #OnTheRecord #WashingtonPolitics #Congress #AIPAC #Israel #Healthcare
November 2 · 50 min
Candidate for Washington State Representative, LD35 | Maria Littlesun | On The Record
Maria Littlesun is running for Washington State Representative in Washington's 35th Legislative District, Position 2, challenging incumbent Travis Couture. In this episode of On The Record, host Tony Taylor sits down with Maria for a conversation about healthcare, education, caregiving, affordability, and what leadership means to her. Maria shares her experiences as a social worker, mother, and caregiver, including her work supporting tribal elders and vulnerable adults. We discuss the challenges facing rural Washington communities, access to medical and behavioral healthcare, education funding, and the responsibilities that come with representing a community. We also explore her personal journey, the experiences that shaped her decision to run for office, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected. Topics discussed: Rural healthcare and access to medical services Supporting caregivers, families, and older adults Education funding and public schools Housing affordability and behavioral healthcare Tribal communities and intergenerational leadership Political division and working across differences Maria's priorities for the 35th Legislative District About On The Record On The Record™ is part of the Leaders Lead Network, hosted by Tony Taylor. Our mission is to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates through meaningful, long-form conversations. We do not endorse candidates. Our job is to ask questions, listen, and let voters decide for themselves. Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews, conversations, and stories that matter to our communities. Visit: https://leadersleadthepodcast.com #MariaLittlesun #WashingtonState #LD35 #WashingtonElections #OnTheRecord
November 2 · 59 min
Candidate for Washington State Senate, District 35 | Carolina Mejia | On The Record
Carolina Mejia, candidate for Washington State Senate in the 35th Legislative District, joins Tony Taylor for a conversation on On The Record™. Currently serving as a Thurston County Commissioner, Carolina Mejia is seeking to represent Washington's 35th Legislative District in the State Senate. In this interview, we get an opportunity to hear directly from Carolina about her background in public service, her campaign, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected. With Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, it's important that voters have an opportunity to get to know the people asking for their votes. That's why we created On The Record™. We've spent this election season sitting down with candidates from races across Thurston County, providing a platform for meaningful conversations that go beyond political advertisements, campaign mailers, and sound bites. Our goal isn't to tell you who to vote for. It's to give you the opportunity to listen, learn, and make your own informed decisions. SUBSCRIBE TO LEADERS LEAD If you appreciate these conversations, please subscribe to our podcast. We've interviewed candidates from many of the races on this year's ballot, and those conversations are available for you to watch or listen to. And if you know someone who is still deciding how to vote, consider sharing this interview with them. ABOUT ON THE RECORD™ On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced as part of the Leaders Lead Network. We believe voters deserve an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, in their own words. Hosted by Tony Taylor On The Record | Leaders Lead Network #CarolinaMejia #WashingtonStateSenate #District35 #ThurstonCounty #WashingtonElections #OnTheRecord #TonyTaylor
November 2 · 58 min
Candidate for Washington State Supreme Court, Position 4 | Judge Sean O’Donnell | On The Record™
King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell, a candidate for Washington State Supreme Court, Position 4, joins me for an in-depth conversation on On The Record. This was my first time interviewing a judge, and I learned quite a bit about how judicial elections work, the ethical rules judges must follow, and why the Washington Supreme Court has such an important role in our everyday lives. We also had a pretty eye-opening conversation about the outside money being spent in his race. In this episode, we discuss: Money in judicial elections: O'Donnell discusses the outside spending, political advertisements, and attack mailers targeting his campaign. The Public Disclosure Commission: We discuss the PDC's recent decision to suspend enforcement of certain campaign contribution limits while voting was already underway. Judicial independence: What it means for a judge to remain fair and impartial, regardless of political affiliation. Republican and Democratic support: O'Donnell explains why he's received support from across the political spectrum and addresses the controversy surrounding an unsolicited Republican Party recommendation. The MAGA accusations: I ask O'Donnell directly about the political labels being used against him, and he responds. Judicial ethics: Why candidates for judge cannot simply tell voters how they would rule on issues such as reproductive rights or taxation. Artificial intelligence in the courtroom: His concerns about AI-generated legal arguments and the possibility of judges relying on AI to make decisions affecting people's lives. Access to justice: Why legal representation is becoming unaffordable for many Washington families. Public safety: His experience as a prosecutor, including his involvement in the Green River Killer case. His personal story: The role his family played in encouraging him to run for the Washington Supreme Court. We also get a straightforward explanation of how Washington's court system works, what the Supreme Court actually does, and why voters should pay attention to these races. Throughout the interview, O'Donnell offers his perspective on campaign spending, his opponent, and the challenges facing Washington's courts. Those statements represent his views and should not be taken as independent findings by On The Record™. ABOUT ON THE RECORD™ On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced through the Leaders Lead Network. Our goal is simple: Give voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, ask meaningful questions, and allow people to make their own decisions. These interviews are not political endorsements. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL We're interviewing candidates across Washington to help voters better understand the people asking for their votes. If you find these conversations valuable, please subscribe, share the episode, and help us get these interviews in front of more voters. Have a question or something you'd like to add to the discussion? Leave a comment below. Election Day: November 3, 2026 #SeanODonnell #WashingtonSupremeCourt #JudicialElections #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord
November 2 · 51 min
State Rep. Travis Couture on Medicaid, MAGA & Working With Democrats | On The Record
Washington State Representative Travis Couture (R) joins Tony Taylor on On The Record for a candid conversation about Washington politics, Medicaid, special education, bipartisan leadership, and the controversies surrounding his campaign. Couture represents Washington's 35th Legislative District and is running for reelection in 2026. A U.S. Navy veteran, small business owner, and the lead Republican on the House operating budget, he discusses what happens behind the scenes in Olympia and the challenges facing Washington families. In this episode, we discuss: • Medicaid and health care: Why Couture says he opposed state Medicaid cuts and what he believes needs to change. • PANS/PANDAS legislation: His collaboration with Democratic Rep. Tarra Simmons on legislation addressing access to treatment, including IVIG. • Special education: His work on changes to Washington's special education funding system. • Washington's budget and taxes: His concerns about state spending, affordability, and government accountability. • Working across party lines: Why a conservative Republican works with Democrats on issues such as health care, child welfare, and education. • MAGA and campaign attacks: Couture responds to political labels, negative campaign advertising, and criticism from opponents. • Allegations of racist remarks: Tony asks Couture directly about a rumor involving remarks allegedly made on the House floor. Couture denies the allegation and shares his account of what happened. • The 2026 election: What Couture hopes to accomplish if voters return him to Olympia. We also discuss his military service, his journey into politics, and what he's learned about leadership and representing people who don't always agree with him. ABOUT ON THE RECORD On The Record™ is an independent interview series hosted by Tony Taylor and produced by the Leaders Lead Network. We're having conversations with candidates and elected officials across Washington, asking meaningful questions and giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people seeking to represent them. These interviews are not endorsements. Our goal is to provide information, encourage thoughtful conversations, and let voters decide for themselves. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL We've interviewed candidates across Washington, and there are more conversations to come. Subscribe to On The Record™ so you don't miss an episode. Have thoughts about this conversation? Leave a comment below. We want to hear from you. #TravisCouture #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord #WashingtonStateLegislature #Election2026
November 1 · 1 hr 9 min
Candidate for Thurston County Assessor, Lynda Nashed Zeman | On The Record™
What does the Thurston County Assessor actually do, and how much control does that office have over your property taxes? In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with Lynda Nashed Zeman, candidate for Thurston County Assessor, for a conversation about property taxes, government accountability, leadership, and the issues affecting Thurston County residents. Lynda shares her background, her experience working inside the assessor's office, and why she believes she's qualified to lead it. We also get into some of the tougher questions, including disagreements with the current assessor, the property assessment appeals process, and concerns she's raised about her opponent. In this conversation, we discuss: What the Thurston County Assessor actually does Why rising property values don't always mean an equal increase in property taxes How homeowners can challenge their property assessments Lynda's concerns about reported delays in property tax appeals Property tax relief for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities Her experience and qualifications Her disagreements with the current assessor Her concerns about her opponent's campaign endorsements and contributions Her plans to make county services more accessible With Election Day on November 3, 2026, I encourage Thurston County voters to take the time to hear directly from the people asking for their vote. ABOUT ON THE RECORD On The Record is hosted by Tony Taylor and powered by the Leaders Lead Network. Our goal is simple: Give voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates, beyond campaign ads, mailers, and sound bites. We ask meaningful questions, have real conversations, and let voters make up their own minds. On The Record does not endorse political candidates. Subscribe for more candidate interviews, local election coverage, and conversations that matter. https://leadersleadthepodcast.com #OnTheRecord #LyndaNashedZeman #ThurstonCounty #ThurstonCountyAssessor #WashingtonElections #Election2026
October 31 · 1 hr 13 min
Candidate for Washington State Representative, Danica Noble | LD32 | On The Record
Danica Noble is running for Washington State Representative in the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1, against fellow Democrat Keith Scully. In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with Danica Noble to discuss her nearly 20 years at the Federal Trade Commission, her work involving Facebook and Meta, and why she left federal service to run for public office. Danica shares her experiences working on the federal antitrust case against Facebook, including her role developing evidence related to online harms affecting children. We also discuss: • Why Danica Noble is running for Washington State Representative • Her work investigating Facebook, Meta, and powerful corporations • Artificial intelligence, AI chatbots, and the potential risks to children • Social media algorithms, online safety, and corporate accountability • Cell phones in Washington schools and proposed restrictions • Medical exceptions for students who need access to their phones • Public education funding and the challenges facing Washington families • Her experience working in Ukraine shortly before Russia's invasion • Healthcare costs and her proposal to address private equity involvement in healthcare • Her opponent, Keith Scully, and what she believes he gets right We also have a personal conversation about parenting, protecting our children, and finding the right balance between technological innovation and public safety. About On The Record I'm Tony Taylor, and I created On The Record to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for their votes. Our mission isn't to tell you who to vote for. Our mission is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision. Every candidate running for this office has been offered the same opportunity to participate. Whether you're voting in Washington's 32nd Legislative District or simply interested in the future of artificial intelligence, education, and consumer protection, I hope this conversation gives you something to think about. Subscribe to On The Record for more conversations with candidates and community leaders. Join the conversation: What issue matters most to you in this election? #DanicaNoble #WashingtonPolitics #OnTheRecord
October 31 · 1 hr 28 min
Candidate for Washington State Representative, William Dehnel | LD2 Position 1 | On The Record
William Dehnel is challenging Washington State Representative Andrew Barkis for Legislative District 2, Position 1. But who is William Dehnel, and what would he do differently if elected? In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with William for an honest conversation about the issues facing Washington voters, his experience working at Pierce Transit, and why he decided to run for office. We discuss: • Why he's challenging incumbent Andrew Barkis and what he believes Barkis gets right • Workers' rights, labor unions, and the future of Washington's working class • Washington's tax system, corporate taxes, and the cost of living • Affordable housing, homelessness, and access to rural healthcare • Mental health services and his family's personal experiences • LGBTQ+ rights, supporting his transgender daughter, and how his beliefs have changed • Why he believes voters should look beyond political party labels William also shares what growing up in poverty taught him, why he believes working families are being left behind, and what he wants voters to know before casting their ballots. On The Record™ is about informing voters, not telling them who to vote for. Candidates are offered the same opportunity to participate, and our goal is to give you a chance to hear directly from the people seeking public office. Watch the full conversation, hear his positions in his own words, and make your own decision. Subscribe to On The Record™ for more conversations with candidates, elected officials, and community leaders. Join the conversation: What issue matters most to you in Washington's 2nd Legislative District? #WilliamDehnel #AndrewBarkis #WashingtonPolitics
October 19 · 1 hr 11 min
Candidate for Mason County Commissioner, District 3 | Miguel Gutierrez | On The Record™
Miguel Gutierrez, a Shelton City Councilmember and candidate for Mason County Commissioner, District 3, joins Tony Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation on On The Record. Gutierrez talks about why he entered public service, his experience on the Shelton City Council, and why he believes he can take what he has learned at the city level and bring it countywide. Pasted text The conversation covers housing affordability and development, healthcare access, the Mobile Integrated Health Program, public safety and privacy concerns surrounding Flock cameras, the influence of money in politics, community engagement, and his concerns about the future of democracy. Pasted text Miguel also discusses working across political differences, his belief in being accessible to voters regardless of party, and his message of “housing, healthcare, and hope” and “peace, love, and justice.” Toward the end of the conversation, he challenges voters to stay engaged, hold elected officials accountable, and even vote him out if he fails to do what he promises. His closing message centers on keeping the American Dream and representative democracy alive through participation, community, and voting.
October 16 · 1 hr 20 min
Washington State Representative Candidate Terry Carlson | On The Record™
Terry Carlson is the Democratic candidate for Washington State Representative in the 19th Legislative District, Position 2. In this episode of On The Record, Terry talks about growing up in Washington timber country, working as a logger, organized labor, affordability, rural healthcare, education, taxes, jobs, and why he decided to run again for office. We also talk about the increasingly personal nature of the race, his opponent Joel McEntire, and questions that surfaced around court, CPS, and law-enforcement records from Terry’s past. Terry was given the opportunity to respond directly and explain his side on the record. This conversation is not an endorsement. On The Record exists to give voters a chance to hear directly from the people asking for their vote and make their own decision. Subscribe to Leaders Lead and On The Record so you don’t miss upcoming candidate interviews.
October 16 · 1 hr 13 min
Candidate for WA State Representative, Kevin Moynihan | 19th LD, Position 1 | On The Record
I sat down with Kevin Moynihan for a full On The Record™ conversation about why he’s running for Washington State Representative in the 19th Legislative District, Position 1. Kevin currently serves on the Aberdeen City Council and describes himself as a working-class person who decided to run after seeing the struggles facing his neighbors and communities throughout the district. We talked about rural healthcare, hospitals closing, people having to travel long distances for specialty care, schools, affordability, economic development, mental health and addiction services, and what he believes rural Washington needs from Olympia. We also talked about how he would represent a district made up of very different communities. Kevin said that means actually going to places like Vader and Pe Ell, talking to people who may otherwise feel overlooked, holding town halls, and making himself available instead of expecting everyone to come to Olympia. We got into his approach to political parties, why he says the district would come before party loyalty, healthcare, economic development, environmental issues, accountability, and what he wants voters to be able to hold him accountable for if he’s elected. One of the reasons I created On The Record™ was to give voters more than campaign signs, mailers, ads, and short clips. I want people to hear the longer conversation, get a feel for the person behind the campaign, and make up their own minds. Watch the full conversation and let me know what stood out to you. Powered by the Leaders Lead Network#KevinMoynihan, #WA19, #OnTheRecord, #WashingtonPolitics, #RuralHealthcare, #AberdeenWA, #LongviewWA, #VaderWA, #PeEllWA, #GraysHarbor, #LewisCounty, #CowlitzCounty
October 15 · 1 hr 14 min
State Rep. Tarra Simmons | From Prison to the Washington Legislature
Title: State Rep. Tarra Simmons | Washington's 23rd Legislative District | On The Record Washington State Representative Tarra Simmons joins me for a conversation on On The Record. Tarra represents Washington's 23rd Legislative District, Position 1, and is running for reelection. We talk about her journey to becoming a state representative, the experiences that shaped her, and the work she's doing in Olympia. Our conversation covers criminal justice reform, housing, healthcare, working across party lines, and legislation involving PANS/PANDAS, an issue that's especially personal to my family. We also get into the challenges of public service, what she's learned during her time in office, and why she believes voters should send her back to Olympia. One of the things I enjoy about these long-form conversations is getting beyond the campaign signs, talking points, and political arguments to learn more about the person behind the title. That's what On The Record is about. Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself. On The Record is produced by Leaders Lead Media and hosted by me, Tony Taylor. Conversations with candidates and elected officials are intended to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from them. An interview does not constitute an endorsement. #OnTheRecord #TarraSimmons #WashingtonPolitics #WA23 #LeadersLead
October 2 · 55 min
Washington State Senate Candidate Tamara Stramel
Tamara Stramel is running for Washington State Senate in Washington’s 31st Legislative District. She is certified to appear in the 2026 general election. WA Secretary of State In this episode of On The Record, Tamara talks about the experiences that shaped her, why she decided to step from working behind the scenes in politics into becoming a candidate herself, and what she’s hearing from voters across the district. We talk about affordability, transportation and infrastructure, public education, healthcare, Washington’s tax system, gun policy, political participation, and what she believes accessibility and accountability should look like from an elected official. On The Record: isn’t here to tell you who to vote for. Listen to the conversation. Compare the answers. Decide for yourself. Because informed voters build stronger communities.
September 27 · 51 min
Healing From Narcissistic Abuse: Trauma, Chronic Pain & Reclaiming Yourself
What happens after you recognize narcissistic abuse? How do you actually begin healing? In this episode of Leaders Lead, Tony Taylor sits down with narcissistic abuse recovery coach Adriana Bucci, founder of Let’s Get Your Shift Together, for an honest conversation about narcissistic abuse, trauma, chronic pain, survival mode, boundaries, people-pleasing, and reclaiming yourself. Adriana shares her own experience growing up with a narcissistic mother and spending years struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, people-pleasing, and few boundaries before beginning the healing journey that changed her life. Together, Tony and Adriana explore the emotional patterns that can keep people stuck, including guilt, shame, fear, gaslighting, love bombing, devaluation, fight-or-flight, freeze and fawn responses, and the difficulty of setting boundaries after years of conditioning. But this conversation isn't just about identifying narcissistic behavior. It's about what comes next. How do you stop living in survival mode? How do you set boundaries without being consumed by guilt? How do you reconnect with yourself? And what does healing look like when you've spent years taking care of everyone else's emotions while ignoring your own? Adriana also shares her personal experience with chronic pain and the mind-body approaches she says played an important role in her recovery. If you've experienced narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, people-pleasing, chronic stress, difficult family relationships, or simply feel like you've lost pieces of yourself along the way, this conversation is about finding your way back. Subscribe to Leaders Lead for more conversations about leadership, healing, mental health, resilience, relationships, and the experiences that shape us. Disclaimer: This episode includes personal experiences and discussion of trauma, mental health, chronic pain, and mind-body approaches. It is provided for educational and informational purposes and is not medical or mental health treatment. Chronic pain can have many causes, and listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding their individual circumstances.
September 25 · 50 min
Congressional Candidate Alex Scheel: From Combat Veteran to Anti-War Activist
Alex Scheel is a combat veteran, organizer, Democratic Socialist, and candidate for Congress in Washington’s 10th Congressional District. Alex was a late addition to this episode, and I’m glad we had the opportunity to talk. In this conversation, Alex shares how his experiences serving in Army intelligence and deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan changed the way he understood war. He talks about one experience in particular, sitting across from a young Iraqi man and hearing how the war had affected his family and his life. Alex says those experiences eventually helped lead him from soldier to anti-war activist. We also talk about his work with the Democratic Socialists of America, organizing around housing and workers’ rights, and what democratic socialism actually means to him. Alex doesn't shy away from some of the bigger issues either. We get into Medicare for All, housing affordability, U.S. military spending, Israel and Gaza, and why ending U.S. involvement in overseas wars is such a major part of his campaign. The conversation also gets personal. We talk about mental health, loss, and why politics ultimately affects real people and real families. Alex shares the loss of his sister to an overdose and his best friend to suicide, and why those experiences matter to him. I’m looking forward to learning more about Alex’s journey, especially how he went from serving in the military to becoming an organizer and activist. This conversation is not an endorsement of Alex Scheel or his campaign. On The Record™ gives candidates an opportunity to share their stories, positions, and perspectives in their own words. Listen to Leaders Lead Podcast on all major podcast platforms. #OnTheRecord #AlexScheel #WA10 #WashingtonPolitics #Congress #Veterans #AntiWar #DemocraticSocialism #LeadersLeadPodcast
September 24 · 1 hr 19 min
Candidate for WA State Representative, 31st Legislative District | Stephen Szczurko-Walton
Candidate for WA State Representative, 31st Legislative District, Stephen Szczurko-Walton joins On The Record™ for a long-form conversation about his background, military service, leadership, and the issues shaping his campaign. The conversation covers healthcare, affordability, Washington’s tax structure, artificial intelligence, corporate money in politics, rural transportation, climate policy, and public trust in government. Szczurko-Walton also discusses his nine and a half years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear reactor operator and what he says he is hearing from voters across the district. On The Record™ gives voters the opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for their vote, beyond the campaign ads, headlines, and soundbites. Watch the full conversation and make up your own mind.
September 22 · 1 hr 7 min
Candidate for Congress, WA-03: Troy Rasband:
Troy Rasband joined me for On The Record to talk about why he decided to run for Congress in Washington's 3rd Congressional District and the issues driving his campaign. We talked about his story, what shaped his political views, the challenges facing working families, healthcare, immigration, government accountability, the transgender community, and what he believes needs to change in Washington, D.C. This is a long-form conversation designed to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidate, beyond campaign ads, social media posts, and sound bites. On The Record doesn't tell you who to vote for. The goal is simple: ask the questions, give candidates room to answer, and let voters decide for themselves. Learn more about Troy Rasband: Troy Rasband for Congress #TroyRasband #WA03 #OnTheRecord #WashingtonPolitics #Election2026 #Congress #CandidateInterview #SouthwestWashington
September 20 · 1 hr 13 min
Kevin Moynihan: Candidate for WA State Representative, 19th LD, Position 1 | On The Record
I sat down with Washington State Rep candidate Kevin Moynihan for a candid talk about his platform and his vision for our state.We step away from the campaign trail to have a real, unscripted interview. This conversation is not a polished sound bite or a press release, but a chance to hear directly from him about the topics that matter most to voters. We talk about his background, the challenges he sees in our district, and the specific insights he has gained while running for office.Whether you are familiar with his work or just discovering his story, this podcast conversation offers a clear look at the person behind the campaign. We move past the surface level to talk about what he believes, why he makes the decisions he does, and what he sees on the horizon for local politics. This political interview is designed to help you get a better sense of who you are voting for this year.Subscribe to the Leaders Lead Podcast for weekly long-form discussions, and let me know in the comments who you want to see on the show next.
September 17 · 1 hr 12 min
Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant’s Story of Recovery, Redemption, and Second Chances
I sat down with Thurston County Commissioner Rachel Grant for a powerful and deeply human conversation about recovery, redemption, second chances, and public service. Rachel shared her story of becoming a young mother, losing her son’s father, struggling with drug use, being arrested, going through Thurston County Drug Court, rebuilding her life, and eventually becoming a Thurston County Commissioner. This conversation is not just about politics. It is about the human behind the title. We talked about addiction, recovery, motherhood, grief, foster care, behavioral health, housing, workforce, mentorship, public service, and what it means to turn lived experience into service. Rachel also shared the story of how she was encouraged to run for commissioner, what she has learned in the role, and why she believes people who have been impacted by systems need to be part of the decisions that shape those systems. If you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, Rochester, Rainier, Bucoda, or anywhere in Thurston County, I believe this is a conversation worth hearing.
September 14 · 59 min
Open Lacey City Council Seat: What the Job Really Takes | Maren Turner
Thinking about applying for the open seat on the Lacey City Council, or just curious what the job actually involves? Apply for the open Lacey City Council position here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b3d4ed0cea6e430b8d41fbd932eb39ba In this special I’m Asking for a Friend edition of On The Record, Tony Taylor sits down with Lacey City Councilmember Maren Turner for a candid conversation about what serving on the council really looks like. Turner breaks down the time commitment, preparation, committee work, relationships between councilmembers, how much influence one person actually has, and why you don’t need to walk into the job as an expert. She also explains why asking questions, doing your homework, and learning how to work with people who see things differently are essential to being effective. They also get into a question a lot of people quietly wonder about: Do you have to “go along to get along” to get things done? Turner explains how disagreements are worked through before votes happen and why being the loudest person in the room does not necessarily make someone the most effective. She also discusses what she hopes to see in whoever fills the vacant seat and why she believes the council should focus on choosing the person who is best for Lacey. At the time of the interview, Turner said the city had received at least 16 applications, with the application deadline set for September 18. If you’re considering applying, this conversation gives you a much clearer picture of what you’d actually be signing up for.

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