Reclaiming My Mind

How does a middle school teacher launch a viral, youth-driven digital movement to shake up state politics? In this episode of our Getting to Know Your Candidates series, we talk with  Florida House District 65 candidate Ben Braver . We dive into his youth-focused social media campaign and the bold, kitchen-table ideas he's proposing for everyday Floridians—from tackling monopolistic landlords and...

What happens when you bring over 20 years of real classroom and district leadership experience to the School Board table? In this episode, we sit down with Daniela Simic, candidate for Hillsborough County School Board, District 2 . As a public school parent, former teacher, and former Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Daniela shares her deep passion for educator support, student success, and...

On this episode of Reclaiming My Mind, we're diving deep into the future of  Hillsborough County Public Schools with District 3 school board candidate Coach Chris Taylor . With a unique perspective shaped as a former classroom teacher, dedicated coach, and former president of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Chris has seen our education system from the sidelines, the front lines, and the boa...

In this powerful edition of Reclaiming My Mind, we are joined by a true force for change in Florida politics:  State Representative and U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon . Representative Nixon has never been one to sit quietly when justice is on the line. Recently, the Florida House Rules and Ethics Committee formally reprimanded her for using a bullhorn on the House floor to passionately protest...

As Plant City faces a pivotal moment of expansion, how do we ensure we don't lose the charm and safety that make it home? In this episode, we're joined by Camryn Henry, a candidate for City Commission Group 4 who is drawing a line in the sand against reckless development. A mother and a fierce advocate for "family first" governance, Camryn brings a unique, grounded perspective to the table. We dis...

In this installment of our Get to Know Your Candidate series, we sit down with public educator and community advocate Kell Cameron. Running for Florida State House District 65, Kell brings a passionate, "people-first" perspective to the critical issues facing our region. We discuss his commitment to solving the housing and insurance crisis, his fierce advocacy for public education, and his vision...

In this episode of Reclaiming My Mind, we sit down with Tampa Mayoral candidate Alan Henderson . Representing a new generation of leadership, Henderson brings a fresh, energetic perspective to the future of our city. We dive deep into his granular, data-driven plan for urban improvement—moving beyond broad promises to explore the specific strategies he believes will transform Tampa's infrastructur...

Join Stephanie Vazquez as she transitions from her background in the military and anti-human trafficking to running for Pasco County Commission. Discover her platform for a safer, more transparent, and sustainably grown community.

What happens when a town known for its history meets the momentum of the future? In this episode of Reclaiming My Mind, we sit down with "homegrown" candidate  Tony Bernard Smith . Tony's running for Plant City Commission Group 3 with a clear mission: ensuring that as the city grows, no resident gets left behind. We dive into his vision for an accessible Plant City and how his deep local roots are...

Brandt Robinson is running for Congress with momentum, purpose, and a deep commitment to public education. In this episode, we talk about standing up to Moms for Liberty, challenging Anna Paulina Luna, and why this moment—and this race—matters so much for Florida and the country. I learned a lot. You will too. https://brandtforcongress.com/

Ever wish politics felt more human? Same. This episode with Dr. Neil Manimala , Hillsborough County Commission District 5 Countywide candidate, was smart, thoughtful, and genuinely fun—like talking to someone you could easily chat with for hours. We cover what the County Commission does, how decisions about budgets, transportation, nonprofit funding, affordable housing, and infrastructure impact y...

As part of our  Education Series , please join us for a conversation with longtime public school advocates Damaris Allen and Ami Marie Granger Welch. Together, we will discuss the dangers that Schools of Hope and school co-location pose to our public schools. Learn how we got here, what this means for public education in Florida, and how you can take action to help.

Our host Jessica Vaughn speaks to guest Scott Hottenstein, president of the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Florida, about the state of education in Florida https://www.facebook.com/DPECF/

Jessica Vaughn speaks to guest Veronica McDonald about Florida's Attack on Public Education

Jessica Vaughn and Kin Cook speak to Scott Ferguson and Benjamin Wilson to discuss the Federal Reserve's new "Municipal Liquidity Facility" (MLF) and how it can help Hillsborough County & Hillsborough County schools during the present current budget crisis

Kin Cook interviews Jessica Vaughn regarding her candidacy for Hillsborough County School Board, District 3 https://jessicavaughn.us/ https://www.facebook.com/electjessicavaughn/ https://twitter.com/jessicavaughnsb https://www.instagram.com/votejessicav/

Jessica Vaughn and Kin Cook speak with Lynn Gray, who is running for re-election for Hillsborough County School Board, District 7 (Countywide) https://lynngrayforschoolboard.com/ https://www.facebook.com/LynnforSchoolBoard/ https://twitter.com/LynnSchoolBoard

Jessica Vaughn and Kin Cook speak with Gwen Myers, candidate for Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 3 https://www.votegwenmyers.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Vote-Gwen-Myers-258901205025532 https://twitter.com/VoteGwenMyers https://www.instagram.com/votegwenmyers/

Our host, Jessica Vaughn, speaks with Sky U. White, candidate for Hillsborough County Commission, District 3 https://www.skyuwhite.com/ https://www.facebook.com/skyuwhite/ https://twitter.com/SkyUWhite https://www.instagram.com/skyuwhite/

Jessica Vaughn and Kin Cook speak with Cris Carlson, co-chair of Tampa DSA's Health Justice Working Group and co-founder of Tampa Bay about Medicare for All Coalition https://www.facebook.com/tampabayM4Acoalition/ https://www.tampabaydsa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/tampadsa/ https://www.nationalnursesunited.org/ Contact Cris Carlson: crismcarlson@gmail.com

Our host, Jessica Vaughn, speaks to Liz Chatelain Lanier, Surly Feminists for the Revolution cofounder. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1800457253526396/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SurlyFems4Rev/ Surly Voices Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surly-voices/id1435747352 Surly Voices on WMNF - 12am every other Thursday - https://www.wmnf.org/events/midpoint-w...

Our host, Jessica Vaughn, speaks with Rachel Karioki and Taryn Hipwell about sustainable fashion. https://www.courtbottoms.com https://www.labeyondthelabel.com/ How to Shop for Shi(f)t: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692968709

Our host, Jessica Vaughn, speaks to Scott Ferguson about Modern Monetary Theory Scott Ferguson: sferguson@usf.edu https://twitter.com/videotroph Money on the Left podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/172776 Modern Money Network: https://modernmoneynetwork.org/

Our host, Jessica Vaughns, speaks to Nicholas Glover, candidate for Tampa City Council District 3 (Citywide) https://www.votenicholasglover.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Nicholas. Glover. FL/

Our host, Jessica Vaughn, speaks to Vibha Shevade, candidate for Tampa City Council District 3 (Citywide) https://www.votevibha.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Vibha4Tampa/