Crashing The Political Party

Latest Episodes:

Collin Corbett, Independent for Governor of Illinois Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

This week, we're joined by Collin Corbett, an independent candidate for Governor of Illinois. We discuss his decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent, his successful effort to get on the ballot in Illinois, why voters continue to support the major parties despite widespread dissatisfaction, and how he's working to change that mindset. We also explore the policies he'd pursue to address Illinois' cost of living, his approach to promoting economic growth, tackling corruption and restoring public trust in state government, and addressing the unique challenges facing Downstate Illinois. Plus, we cover his book recommendations, answer questions submitted by listeners, and much more!

Wilneida Negron, Independent for NY-12 Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Wilneida Negron, an independent candidate for NY-12, about her background, technology policy, ai, and the future of work. How her values shape her policies, what campaigning has looked like for her and why she choose the independent route over running on a party label, music and life outside of politics, books that have influenced her thinking, and a whole lot more.

Andre Easton, Independent Socialist for NY-15 Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

This week we’re joined by Andre Easton, an independent Socialist running for Congress in the NY-15. We talk about his background as a teacher, his policy priorities, what it means to be a Socialist, why interest in Socialism seems to be growing in America, books, fatherhood, and more.

Austin Ahlman, Independent for NE-1 Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

For this week, our guest is Austin Ahlman, an independent running for Nebraska's 1st Congressional District. In this conversation, we discuss a bit about Austin's background, why he's running as an independent, anti-monoply being part of his platform, why monopolies are a problem and what he proposes America do about them, rural attitudes towards Big Tech and datacenters, having policy positions that may surprise people, campaigning as an independent, news media, book recommendations, and more!

Ann Marie Danimus, Independent WA-5 Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Ann Marie Danimus, an independent running for Washington’s 5th congressional district. We discuss her background, why she’s running as an independent, policy priorities, issues specific to the WA-5, running against 11 opponents in Washington’s top 2 primary system, life outside of politics, and, of course, book recommendations.

Brian Bengs, South Dakota Independent Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

For this episode, we head to South Dakota to speak with independent senate candidate Brian Bengs. We talk Brian's background, how he's returning to his independent roots after a detour as a Democrat, "The Code of the West", why anti-corruption and anti-big money are major themes of his campaign, what issue Brian has shifted on over time, the biggest issue facing South Dakota that gets overlooked nationnally, Brian's experience gathering voter signatures in sub-zero tempratures, what he learned from voters while on his signature drive, political leaders he looks up to, and, of course, book recommendations!

Ken Estes Jr., Farmer and Independent Congressional Candidate May 15, 2026

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by farmer and independent candidate for New York’s 24th Congressional District Ken Estes Jr. We talk farming, what Washington DC can learn from farm life, what’s one thing DC could do to help rural America, Ken’s “four pillars”, what a World Cafe is and why his campaign holds them, learning from voters, book recommendations, and more!

Brian Reisinger, The Impact of the Iran Conflict on American Farmers Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

In the Season 5 premiere of our special "Hidden in Plain Sight" episodes, AJ sits down with farmer, author, and rural policy expert Brian Reisinger to unpack how the conflict with Iran is quietly reshaping American agriculture. They dig into the ripple effects most people never see: rising diesel and fertilizer costs, the squeeze on crop yields, and why higher grocery prices don’t necessarily mean higher income for farmers. The conversation also explores what government programs can and can’t do, how farmers are adjusting their plans in real time, what everyday consumers can do to support farms while keeping their own costs down, and more!

Ty Pinkins, Independent Mississippi Senate Candidate Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

For this episode, we head down to Mississippi to talk with independent senate candidate Ty Pinkins. Ty and AJ talk about Ty's background, leaving the Democratic Party to run as an Independent, what Ty tells voters about supporting an independent over the major parties, policy priorities for Ty's campaign, how Ty's military service and being a father influence how he'd govern, book recommendations, and food!

Research Note #1 Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

In our first Research Note mini-episode, AJ walks through one of his academic publications which tests the theory that alternative candidates would perform better in America under ranked choice voting than the current widely used electoral system. He answers questions about why that might be the case, how he and his coauthors went about studying this, what they found, why even small improvements can matter, and possible future extensions of the work.

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