Blue Dot

Send us Fan Mail This week, Natalie and Brian cover Juneteenth and its significance. They dive into controversy surrounding Trump’s “Freedom 250” celebration, including concerns about commercialization, political branding, and funding, and contrast it with the official bipartisan America250 effort. The episode also highlights Kentucky politics—from Matt Bevin’s legal issues to a key congressional...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast , hosts Natalie McDonald and Brian Koehl interview Drew Williams, a Democratic candidate for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District. Williams shares how his “People First” campaign is shaped by his background in construction, small business, and community service. He highlights his top priorities: tackling the cost of living, reforming Congre...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie and Brian cover major developments in Northern Kentucky and national politics. Locally, they discuss the groundbreaking of the $125M Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence and ongoing concerns about transparency. They also unpack the canceled “road diet” on Dixie Highway after public backlash, highlighting the power of community en...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Natalie and Brian highlight Kentucky’s 234th birthday, Pride Month recognition, and the political tensions surrounding inclusivity and “Nuclear Family Month.” They discuss rising costs impacting Kentuckians, Governor Beshear’s actions on gas prices and data center regulations, and expanded medical marijuana access. The episode wraps with updates on local events, includi...

Send us Fan Mail In this hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with State Representative Matt Lehman (District 67, Campbell County) for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of Northern Kentucky and the realities of serving in the state legislature. Lehman shares how his background as a healthcare entrepreneur shapes his pragmatic, problem-solving approach in Frankfort, where he’s f...

Send us Fan Mail This week hosts Natalie and Brian break down the Kentucky primary results, including a major upset in the 4th District and what new turnout data reveals about Democratic momentum—especially in rural areas.  They highlight Governor Beshear’s record-setting economic success, touch on a high-profile Texas Senate primary, and share local updates from Northern Kentucky, including new d...

Send us Fan Mail The Kentucky primary election shook things up—and we’re breaking it all down. We dive into the biggest surprises across Northern Kentucky and beyond, from high-profile congressional shakeups to key local races that could shift the balance of power in Frankfort. They unpack the impact of Trump-backed wins in District 4, what to expect in the Booker vs. Barr Senate matchup, and why...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast , hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Vincent Thompson—a farmer, conservation leader, and small business owner—to explore the personal experiences driving his campaign. Thompson shares the powerful story of losing his wife to a prolonged health battle, shaping his top priority of reforming the...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s roundup, Natalie and Brian cover everything you need to know ahead of Kentucky’s May 19 primary, including early voting details and why local races matter more than ever. They also discuss a major $125M biomedical project planned for Covington, rising gas prices and inflation hitting Kenton County, and shifting dynamics in key primary races. Plus, highlights from Go...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kenton County District 3 candidate John Bussey to discuss his vision for the future of the community. Drawing from his business background, Bussey shares his perspective on local government, emphasizing responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and practical leadership. Tune in to learn how his experience and ideas could shape Kenton County’s path fo...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s round up focuses on primary election season across Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, highlighting key races, strong voter turnout in Ohio, and upcoming opportunities for Kentuckians to vote and get involved ahead of the May 19 primary. The hosts review local ballot races, promote their voter guide and candidate interviews, and emphasize civic engagement. They also cover enc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl talk with nationally recognized policy expert Meagan Guthrie about the evolving addiction and overdose crisis. They explore how today’s challenge extends beyond opioids, driven by fentanyl and polysubstance use, and why some communities are hit harder than others. The conversation highlights what’s working—...

Send us Fan Mail This week on The Blue Dot Podcast , Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl break down a chaotic week in Kentucky and national politics in 10 minutes or less. They examine Kentucky’s worsening energy crisis, where utility shutoffs have surged 85% while Republican leaders admit they have no plan and continue blocking consumer protections. The hosts also cover rising gas and food insecuri...

Send us Fan Mail As demand for electricity surges—from AI and data centers to EVs and new manufacturing—lawmakers at the local and state level are weighing how to keep the lights on without driving energy costs out of reach.  In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with energy expert Jenny Bulach, a power plant industry veteran with 25 years of exp...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s Blue Dot podcast takes a different tone as hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl pause the usual fast-paced roundup to honor the life and legacy of Katie Meyer, a beloved community leader whose impact shaped Northern Kentucky and beyond. The episode opens with heartfelt reflections on Katie’s compassion, leadership, and lasting contributions—from downtown revitalizat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast , hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl are joined by longtime progressive strategist Andrew Grossman for a wide-ranging and hopeful conversation about the road to 2026. Andrew brings decades of experience—from serving multiple cycles as Director of the Democratic National Convention Platform Committee to leading major national field opera...

Send us Fan Mail Kentucky lawmakers have wrapped up the 2026 legislative session—and the results are raising serious concerns. In this week’s Blue Dot Podcast roundup, Natalie McDonald and Brian Koehl break down what the GOP supermajority passed, what Governor Beshear vetoed, and how Republicans overrode nearly all of those vetoes to push through legislation that reshapes state power and prioritie...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast , hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl continue their 2026 election series with a candid conversation featuring Wilanne Stangel , Democratic candidate for Kentucky House District 69 . A lifelong Northern Kentucky resident and retired educator, Will Ann is running for the same seat she sought in the previous cycle, citing a deep sense of r...

Send us Fan Mail In this “What’s Happening in Your Holler” episode, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl head to Fayette County (Lexington) for a conversation with Karen Summers , Chair of the Fayette County Democrats. Karen shares her path from first‑time volunteer to party leadership and explains how her “why”—human rights, public education, affordable healthcare, and community service—drives her o...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s roundup of the Blue Dot Podcast , hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl mark Local News Day by diving deep into the legislative shadows of Kentucky and the broader national landscape. The episode kicks off with a sobering "pop quiz" on the state of the nation, discussing the staggering costs and consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran and how nati...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast , Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl speak with Jordan Baldridge , Democratic candidate for Kenton County Commissioner (District 3) . Jordan shares how his background as a senior software engineer, new father, and lifelong Northern Kentucky resident shaped his decision to run for local office. The conversation covers the role of county commis...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s Blue Dot Podcast Weekly Roundup , Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl cover key national and Kentucky political developments, including legislative action in Frankfort, court rulings affecting voting rights, immigration, and public media, and growing economic pressure on Kentucky farmers. The hosts discuss Democratic momentum heading into upcoming primaries, concerns...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview, Democratic candidate Melissa Strange discusses her campaign for U.S. Congress in Kentucky's 4th district, her policy priorities, and her vision for government reform. She shares her background, insights on district diversity, and plans to bring change to Congress.

Send us Fan Mail History is being made in Western Kentucky. For the first time since 2018, Daviess County has Democratic candidates on the ballot for all four state legislative races—and for the first time ever, all four candidates are women. In this special candidate forum, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with the "Sister State Slate," a coordinated, grassroots powerhouse of...

Send us Fan Mail This week’s roundup dives into what’s happening locally and nationally —from grassroots organizing in Northern Kentucky to key legislative updates, upcoming protests, and the growing housing affordability crisis. We’re talking real community action: neighbors connecting, precinct training opportunities, and why staying involved matters more than ever. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming...