For St. Pete's Sake

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Lee welcome U.S. Representative Kathy Castor to discuss pressing political issues in Pinellas County and beyond. The conversation covers a range of topics, including hurricane preparedness, the role of FEMA, housing affordability, public transportation, redistricting concerns, voter rights, and support for the LGBTQ+ c...

In this episode of 'For St. Pete's Sake', host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken engage with Pete Gerken, a seasoned County Commissioner from Lucas County, Ohio. The conversation explores Gerken's extensive background in public service, labor leadership, and advocacy for LGBTQIA rights. They discuss the challenges of navigating a predominantly red political landscape, th...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and vice president Laura Gerken welcome Caprice Edmond, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss Caprice's background, her journey into politics, and the challenges faced by the school board in balancing academic needs with political pressures. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health supp...

In this episode, Christian and Laura sit down with bold and witty candidate Josh Weil for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and hard-hitting. From the disgusting “Alligator Alcatraz” to the real work of finding bipartisan common ground, Josh brings fresh perspective, fierce honesty, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning in Florid...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie. They discuss her journey into politics, the impact of personal experiences on her activism, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, particularly regarding reproductive rights and LGBTQ legislation. Proudie emphasizes the importance of l...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken welcome Ana Eskamani, a prominent political figure in Florida. They discuss her journey into politics, the importance of community activism, and the challenges faced in a conservative political landscape. Ana shares her insights on immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for grassroots m...

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee engage with Commissioner Renee Flowers of Pinellas County. They discuss her journey in public service, the challenges of affordable housing and gentrification, the impact of property tax and homeowners insurance, and the political climate in Florida. Flowers emphasizes the importance of community engagement...

This week, Christian and Laura discuss a few national headlines before bringing it back home to Florida and closing it out with the weekly Shout Out or Shut Down. If you want to join Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas at St. Pete Pride this weekend (6/28 and 6/29) sign up here: Parade - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772487/ Street Fair - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalld...

We sit down with Kyandra Darling, candidate for Florida House District 62, to talk about her grassroots campaign, bold vision for equity, and what it means to lead with community at the center. darlingforflorida.com

In this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss the kickoff of Pride Month, highlighting their participation in local events and the importance of community engagement. They reflect on the powerful speeches delivered at the Pride and Progress Dinner Fundraiser, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation...

This week on the podcast Christian and Laura from Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County interview Marialana Kinter, who is running for Congress in Florida's 7th Congressional District.

This week, Christian and Laura are joined by Luis Salazar, a fellow LGBTQ Caucus member and Hillsborough County LGBTQ Caucus president! They try to figure out what is going on with the Democratic party statewide and nationally, and the best way to fix it.

This week on the pod, Christian and Laura talk to Katie from 5050-1 Veterans. As a medically retired Army veteran and activist, Katie gives an in-depth interview on issues for veterans that range from applying for benefits to fighting for sexual trauma survivors. We end with the Shout Out / Shut Down segment as usual! Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets:...

Christian and Laura have a varied discussion with St. Pete City Councilmember Richie Floyd. Richie represents District 8 in central St. Pete. They talked about democratic party politics, climate change and the impacts on St. Pete, and of course, the Historic Gas Plant deal. Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallp...

Natan Bruemmer joins Christian and Laura to give an update on recent changes to LGBTQ healthcare access. Stonewall Democrats' Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress Petition to save 988 funding: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtq-youth/

Christian and Laura are joined this week by Eileen Long, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss proposed changes to education standards in Florida and the politicaztion of education. Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

We're back after an audio break last week. No interview guest this week, so Christian and Laura discuss recent news events. Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County

Sabrina Bousbar is the interview guest this week, and she talks with Laura and Christian about the costs of campaigns and the impacts of the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United on the political discourse. Don't forget to get your tickets to Stonewall Dems Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

This week Christian and Laura talk to Kristen Browde, the president of the democratic LGBTQ+ Causcus in Florida! Check out the caucus at lgbtqdems.org! Also annouced Stonewall Dems of Pinellas are holding their first Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025! Get early bird ticket prices at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress

Christian and Laura (@gerkie313) jump right in with our new opening segment, Politically Speaking. This week we're talking to Lilith Black (@thelilithblack) and Ericka PC (@queenerickapc) about Drag2Talle, what it is, how they got started, and what specific legislation they oppose.  We finish with our new segment, Shout-Out/Shut-Down!

Hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken (@gerkie313) from the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (@stonewallpinellas) begin their weekly podcast adventure!