Best Downtown Revitalization Podcasts (2025)

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Trying for Good Government in SC 31:05

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6d ago31:05

31:05

For the mayor of the city of Cayce, SC, governing hasn’t been easy. There’s been a lot of controversy. But Mayor Elise Partin is optimistic and thinks good government will win out. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America…

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America’s Libraries, Government at its Finest 45:04

11d ago45:04

45:04

Imagine a place where you can get answers to questions, help filling out a form, legal advice, a safe place for children to learn and grow, learn to play an instrument or hold a meeting. That is what libraries do. And their future is being threatened. Listen to what one library does for one town. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The R…

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A New Mayor in Saratoga, CA 32:15

13d ago32:15

32:15

When I met Belal Aftab he had been mayor of Saratoga, CA for just 30 days. Listen to how he plans to lead and his approach to the job. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (Apple Podcasts …

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A New Look at Old Coal Communities 37:19

20d ago37:19

37:19

Dr Mark Sarver lead an organization of counties that looked at counties, cities and towns that were powered by the coal industry, with the coal business greatly reduced, these regions are looking at different ways to stay vibrant. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by J…

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A new Mayor in Berkeley, CA 30:21

27d ago30:21

30:21

Adena Ishii has been mayor of Berkeley, CA for less than a year. One local article called her the Can Do Mayor and when you listen to her, you will hear a dynamic leader just getting started. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ourco Good News For Lefties (…

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Downtown Revitalization in Coal Country 37:41

1M ago37:41

37:41

Drive through any downtown in rural Appalachia and many times you will see a place largely abandoned, closed stores, empty offices. Gabe Pena of Fayetteville, WV talks about how downtowns are coming back in the region. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ou…

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What's Coming to Downtown Cary, NC with Bryan Hayes 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

Join host Joe Woolworth on the Downtown Cary Show as he interviews Bryan Hayes, the business service manager for the town of Cary, to dive into the town's extensive growth and plans. Discover insights into the Imagine Cary Plan, new developments, and ongoing projects, including the new parking decks and the soon-to-open Lloyd's restaurant. Brian sh…

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Success for Small Business in California 32:43

1M ago32:43

32:43

Salami, pistachios and cheese, an odd combination for success, but it’s working in Fontana, CA as Mayor Acquanetta Warren explains. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (Apple Podcasts | S…

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Cleaning up the Mississippi River in Minnesota 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

This year the Mississippi River is a little cleaner thanks to the efforts of the people of Hennepin County, Minnesota. Debbie Goettel is a county commissioner and talks about cleaning up America’s River. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Ludlow Ourco Good News F…

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The Get “Stuff” Done President 33:03

2M ago33:03

33:03

James Gore just wrapped up his year as president of the National Association of Counties. He says he’s a member of the Get “Stuff” Done party. He talks about what he’s seen over the past year and why he’s hopeful for the nation and the nation’s counties. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have …

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A History of Innovation in Cary with Dr. Katherine Loflin 27:31

2M ago27:31

27:31

Join us as Joe Woolworth, President of the Heart of Cary Association, digs into the fascinating, hidden history of Cary, North Carolina, with Dr. Katherine Loflin. Discover untold Civil War dramas, lost treasures, and the rich cultural tapestry of this unique town. Dr. Loflin, a globally recognized placemaking expert and Cary’s History Ambassador, …

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Episode 52: Dreamers Who Do: Lessons from Season 2 of Main Street Reimagined 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

What truly transforms a struggling downtown into a vibrant community centerpiece? After two seasons and 52 episodes of the Main Street Reimagined podcast, a clear pattern has emerged—a recipe for revitalization success that's working across communities of all sizes. In this season finale, host Luke Henry distills the wisdom from dozens of conversat…

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Newer better care for Veterans 31:57

2M ago31:57

31:57

A new service for veterans called Tele-Emergency Care connects veterans to medical services within minutes anywhere in the U.S. listen as the program’s director explains it. Veterans Health Administration Tele-emergency care. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: The Royal Cousins: How Three Cousins Could Have Stopped A World War by Jim Lu…

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Episode 51: Ohio Road Trips; The Hidden Power of Tourism with Brandy Gleason 59:42

2M ago59:42

59:42

Have you ever wondered how a simple visit to a town can spark economic transformation? In this captivating conversation with Brandy Gleason, founder of the 1.3-million-member Ohio Road Trips Facebook group, we discover how tourism creates ripple effects that reshape communities. Brandy shares her remarkable journey from homeschooling mom documentin…

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Tampa is Ready 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was the host for the recent Conference of Mayor’s annual meeting. She talks about the national outlook for mayors and government and she talked about the challenges of being mayor of a city with a majority of minority citizens. And we talked about how a city prepares for annual hurricanes. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to ou…

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Episode 50: Downtowns; The Heartbeat of Economic Development with Sean Hughes 53:23

3M ago53:23

53:23

Why do communities with neglected downtowns struggle to attract businesses? How can small towns compete with manufactured lifestyle centers? Economic development expert Sean Hughes reveals the connection between downtown vitality and overall community success in this eye-opening conversation. Drawing from over a decade of downtown revitalization ex…

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Plan for the Future 42:09

3M ago42:09

42:09

Donna Dupont is a futurist, that means she plans for the future. Listen as she explains how governments should plan and what they should consider as they think forward. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chicago, IL July 29 - 30, 2025 The Royal Cousins: How Three Cou…

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Episode 49: Betting on the Blank Slate: Downtown Renaissance and Business Iteration with Ryan & Chad Whaley 50:43

3M ago50:43

50:43

Ever wonder what happens when two small-town dreamers return home with fresh eyes and big ideas? Ryan and Chad Whaley's journey from PR professionals to the owners of the vibrant Paddle Bar in Sandusky, Ohio reveals exactly what's possible when vision meets opportunity. The Whaleys saw potential where others saw decay. After careers that took them …

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Keeping the Water Clean 29:42

3M ago29:42

29:42

Joe Tackett is the CEO of Veolia, a water management company that works with governments around the world. Listen to the ways they work with government to make sure when you go for a glass of water, it’s clean and safe. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chicago, IL …

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Episode 48: Transforming Main Streets: The Sandusky Success Story with Eric Wobser & McKenzie Spriggs 57:57

3M ago57:57

57:57

In the heart of Sandusky, Ohio, something remarkable has been unfolding over the past decade. What was once a seasonal tourist town primarily known for Cedar Point has transformed into a vibrant year-round destination with a thriving downtown. Luke Henry sits down with Eric Wobser and McKenzie Spriggs of the Greater Sandusky Partnership to uncover …

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How One Triplex Launched A Real Estate Empire | Niyi Adewole E30 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

In this episode, Keith sits down with real estate investor and short-term rental expert Niyi Adewole to break down how he scaled from house hacking a Louisville triplex to building a real estate business with 225 storage units, 30 short-term rentals, and a 13-agent team in Atlanta. They cover how Niyi transitioned from medical device sales to full-…

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Tourism in what was Coal Country 35:31

3M ago35:31

35:31

Listen to how tourism, yes, tourism is helping to change the culture and the environment in some of the nation’s rural coal mining regions. It’s a part of the solution and it’s already making a difference. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chicago, IL July 29 - 30, …

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America’s Best Idea 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

America’s national parks have been called “the best idea we ever had.” David Vela is the former director of the National Park Service. He spent 38 years in public service and directly managed some of the jewels in the National Park system. Budget cuts concern him, but he says Americans can help. Just listen. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our spo…

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Episode 47: Coffee, Mentorship, and Allowing Leaders to be Human with Megan Gerber 1:03:25

3M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

What does it take to transform a community while simultaneously transforming yourself? Megan Gerber's journey from classroom teacher to downtown entrepreneur to leadership coach unveils the profound connection between personal growth and entrepreneurial success. When Megan noticed her high school students in Chillicothe, Ohio lacked consistent adul…

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New Energy in Arkansas 24:16

3M ago24:16

24:16

Molly Rawn is the new mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She said she brings new energy to the role. She has a background in bringing tourists to her city and fundraising, good stepping stones to become mayor. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chicago, IL July 29 - 30…

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Episode 46: Preserving History Through Modern Hospitality: The Inns at 8th and Main Story 1:04:08

3M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

When Amy Smith was a young volleyball player traveling to away games, she'd always press her face against the bus window to catch a glimpse of two beautiful historic buildings on Main Street in McConnellsville, Ohio. Decades later, those same buildings would become her home and livelihood – The Inns at 8th and Main, a bed and breakfast that's helpi…

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Guess Who's Back?!!! | Keith Andrews E29 4:44

3M ago4:44

4:44

Keith Andrews is back behind the mic after a long break. In this solo episode, he shares why the podcast went quiet, what it took to get Alpha Zulu Realty and the property management side fully operational, and how he finally made space to return to podcasting. He also announces his upcoming real estate memoir, Ten Doors to Freedom, and gives a pre…

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Building Up Grand Rapids Michigan 28:56

3M ago28:56

28:56

Grand Rapids is under construction. Kent County Commissioner Walter Bujak stopped by to talk about the new projects underway in this Michigan city. A zoo, a soccer stadium and a new outdoor theater are all underway. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chicago, IL July…

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Episode 45: Never Take No for an Answer; A Developer's Journey with Jared Jablonka 41:43

4M ago41:43

41:43

From humble beginnings sorting mail at a DC law firm for $12 an hour, Jared found his passion in real estate development after his grandmother noticed his habit of photographing buildings. His timing proved fortuitous—entering the market during the 2007 recession allowed him to learn valuable lessons managing troubled properties while others fled t…

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New Mayor in the City of Oaks 35:24

4M ago35:24

35:24

Janet Cowell stopped in for a conversation during her first 100 days as Mayor of Raleigh, NC. With 25 years in public service, she said she was ready. Listen to her plan to run her city. Mayor Cowell's State of the City Address GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education, State, and Local Government in Chic…

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Episode 44: Building Taco Central: Courage, Cuisine, and Community with Al Aguirre 1:03:50

4M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

In this candid conversation, Alvero "Al" Aguirre takes us through his remarkable journey from helping in his family's restaurants as a child to launching Taco Central, a unique Mexican-American fusion restaurant that opened in Downtown Marion around the beginning of 2025. Growing up with a grandfather who pioneered Mexican restaurants in Virginia d…

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The 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Oklahoma City? Meet OKC Mayor David Holt 40:33

4M ago40:33

40:33

Mayor David Holt talks about how his city became and Olympic city. He also talks about how mayors are creating good government across the nation and why it’s the best job in politics. Mayor Holt's Guest Commentary: A Republican Mayor’s Unexpected Presidential Vote GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Imagine Education…

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Justin Douglas traded a career in Public Service for a new job in Public Service 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

Justin Douglas is a new county commissioner in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was a pastor, actually an ex-pastor, as he will explain. Then an organization called Run for Something convinced him to run for office, he did and won. Listen to his story... GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June …

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Episode 43: Self Leadership & Self Care for Entrepreneurs, Part 2 Deep Dive 1:00:28

4M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

After last week’s episode on self leadership and self care, we got a lot of questions and feedback, as well as a large amount of extra downloads, so it seems this topic is important and the information resonated. Luke decided to even deeper on each topic discussed last week, sharing more practical tips, personal experiences, and additional resource…

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A happy city is an accomplishment. Former Mayor Lily Mei on leading the way in Fremont, CA 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

Listen to former Mayor Lily Mei of Fremont, CA discuss how her city is one of the happiest cities in America. She stepped down as mayor last year, but she discussed how she led a city where people really like where they live. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June 10-11, 2025 Polimorphic Ourco…

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Seeing the Future in Overland Park, KS 33:19

4M ago33:19

33:19

Overland Park is a suburb of Kansas City, both Kansas Cities and is a city growing. Our industry is office space, the mayor says. Listen to how they plan growth and improve quality of life. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June 10-11, 2025 Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!…

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Episode 42: Self Leadership & Self Care for Entrepreneurs 43:26

4M ago43:26

43:26

Self-leadership is the missing link for many entrepreneurs who excel at driving their businesses forward but struggle with personal sustainability. In this candid solo episode, Luke shares the rain barrel analogy that transformed his approach to self-care: while we can't control life's challenges (the rain), we can manage our capacity (the barrel's…

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A Capitol City of Neighborhoods 46:18

4M ago46:18

46:18

Albany is the capitol of the state of New York. What that means is the city’s population almost doubles every day. Listen to Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan explain how she manages her city. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June 10-11, 2025 Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - …

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Welcome to World Famous Ft Lauderdale 40:18

5M ago40:18

40:18

You think about spring vacation, you probably think of Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Mayor Dean Trantalis talks about managing growth and how climate resiliency effects how he manages the city moving forward. And we talk beaches. Just listen. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June 10-11, 2025 Polimo…

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Episode 41: From Farm Boy to Banking Innovator: Chad Hoffman's Leadership Journey 49:09

5M ago49:09

49:09

What happens when a community bank thinks beyond deposits and loans? Chad Hoffman, President of Richwood Bank, reveals the unexpected journey from traditional banking to becoming a true community cornerstone and industry disruptor. Growing up a farm boy who scraped hog barns in northern Union County, Chad never imagined leading a financial institut…

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Making Changes in Montgomery, Alabama 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

The mayor is the quarterback, that’s what Montgomery, Alabama Mayor Steven Reed says about the job. Listen to the mayor talk about how he didn’t think his city was changing fast enough, so he became mayor to make changes and he did. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Register for the AWS Summit Washington, DC June 10-11, 2025 Polimorphi…

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Santa Monica, Fortunate People in a Fortunate Land 53:42

5M ago53:42

53:42

When you think of what a city on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California looks like, chance are you are thinking of Santa Monica. Meet former Mayor Phil Brock, who served in city government and continues to be his city’s booster. Listen to what’s going on in this beachfront city where the city motto is Fortunate City in a Fortunate Land. Sounds li…

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Episode 40: From Home Hobby to Award-Winning Winery with Sandi Weddington 45:31

5M ago45:31

45:31

Sandi Weddington never expected a simple wine-making kit—an anniversary gift for her husband Steve—would transform their lives. What began as a hobby in 2008 blossomed into Blend of Seven Winery, an award-winning establishment now making an entrance into Downtown Marion after many successful years in Delaware. Their entrepreneurial journey exemplif…

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Predicting the Weather, It’s the science and the People 56:35

5M ago56:35

56:35

The National Weather service provides all of us with the most accurate weather forecast available. When you turn on local news, there are making their predictions largely on what they learned by looking at data from the National Weather Service. Listen as Dr Louis Uccellini former director of the Weather Service explains their mission. National Wea…

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A Tale of Two Cities, Well One City 39:01

5M ago39:01

39:01

Two cities, both called Kansas City, but there are differences, in some cases big differences, but they are all part of the same metro area. Listen to Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Tyrone Garner talk about running his city. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (…

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Episode 39: Putting Past Experiences to Work in City Leadership with Mike Bodine & Rob Cowell 49:36

5M ago49:36

49:36

City of Marion Service Director Mike Bodine and Safety Director Rob Cowell join host Luke Henry to reveal how their unexpected career paths prepared them for public service—and how they're leveraging those skills to secure millions in grant funding for betterment of the city. Behind every successful community initiative lies a network of relationsh…

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America’s Mayors Speak Up 39:38

5M ago39:38

39:38

Andrew Ginther is the president of the Conference of Mayors where he says housing solutions is his number one issue. But he is also mayor of one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Listen to how he manages two jobs. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (…

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Parking, Iron Pigs, and Smart Growth in Allentown PA 37:03

5M ago37:03

37:03

The mayor got a parking ticket, proves no one is above the law in Allentown PA. Listen as Mayor of Allentown, Pa talks parking and baseball and how he’s managing smart growth in a city that’s rapidly expanding. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (Apple Pod…

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Episode 38: 3 Reasons You Aren’t Getting Results from Your Employees 43:40

5M ago43:40

43:40

In this episode, Luke goes solo and discusses one of the most challenging parts of starting or running a business: team members. If you are running a business that involves staff aside from just yourself, you are going to find value in hearing the 3 reasons you are frustrated, and why your team is probably frustrated too. Learn why Luke typically d…

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Learning on the Job in Louisiana 34:36

5M ago34:36

34:36

Making a good solution better, that is how Mary Kay Eason looks at fixing problems in government as a police juror in Louisiana. Listen to how she is getting started in her new position. GoodGovernmentShow.com Thanks to our sponsors: Polimorphic Ourco Good News For Lefties (and America!) - Daily News for Democracy (Apple Podcasts | Spotify) How to …