How to Win a Campaign

Latest Episodes:

Being the Center of Controversy (feat. Olivia Hill) Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

This week, Joe talks with Olivia Hill, who shares her journey as the first trans woman elected in Tennessee. She discusses the challenges she faced, how her passion for improving infrastructure helped her stay focused, and how she continues to bridge divides in an effort to make Nashville a better place to live.

Guest Information:

Olivia Hill, Council Member at-Large, Nashville Metro Council

You can connect with Olivia on LinkedIn.

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Candidate Attacks (feat. Jon Hoadley) Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

This week, Jon Hoadley, a former Michigan House legislator and 2020 Democratic candidate, sits down with Martín and shares his journey through the political landscape. He discusses the challenges of media attacks, the importance of having a support system, and his commitment to public service.

Guest information:

You can connect with Jon Hoadley on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the Michigan Donor Alliance on their website.

Check out some of Jon's recommendations:

Books:

True Gretch (Gretchen Whitmer)
The Purposeful Warrior (Jocelyn Benson)
Hate Won't Win (Mallory McMorrow)
Healing Politics (Abdul El-Sayed)

Podcasts:

A Republic, If You Can Keep It (Mark Brewer, Jeff Timmer)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Campaign Workshop Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

We're on a break this week for Thanksgiving, but tune in to hear Joe and Martín share their favorite holiday dishes, as well as an appeal to help with spreading the spirit of giving and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving from the Campaign Workshop team!

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Confronting Road Blocks (feat. Bernadette Butler & Melanie Robledo) Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Joe sits down with Bernadette Butler and Melanie Robledo to talk about the transformative work of The Homecoming Project and the importance of building trust within the community. Tune in to learn about the power of collaboration and the importance of language and narrative in justice work.

Guest Information:

Bernadette Butler & Melanie Robledo, Impact Justice.

You can also check out Impact Justice on Instagram and LinkedIn.

David's book, Healing Paws with Patience can be found on Amazon.

Bernadette and Melanie's book recommendations:

Prisoners of Geography (Tim Marshall);
Firefly Lane, The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah)
Crucial Conversations (Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler)

Bernadette and Melanie's movie and TV recommendations:

Juror No. 2 (Apple TV)
Nonnas (Netflix)
Happy Gilmore 2 (Netflix)
The Bear (Hulu)
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Progressive Work in Conservative Landscapes (feat. Julie Burkhart) Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

This week, Julie Burkhart joins Martín to talk about her journey in reproductive health, insights on working in conservative areas, and using creative operating models to build resilient communities.

Guest Information:

Julie Burkhart, Wellspring Health Access and Hope Clinic.

You can read the New York Times profile on Julie here. She was also selected as one of Time's 100 Most Influential in Health for 2025--read more here.

Check out Wellspring Health Access on Instagram or on LinkedIn or visit the Hope Clinic on Instagram.

Julie's book recommendations:

Purple Hibiscus (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie);
Holy Ghost Girl (Donna M. Johnson)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Leadership Change (feat. Dwayne Steward) Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Dwayne Steward sits down with Joe to discuss his role as the new Executive Director of Equality Ohio, focusing on leadership, collaboration, and creating a culture of transparency and joy. He shares insights on navigating organizational change, advocating for equity, and the importance of community support.

Guest Information:
Dwayne Steward, Equality Ohio
Check out Dwayne's recommended reads:

The Equity Mindset: Designing Human Spaces Through Journeys, Reflections and Practices (Ifeomasinachi Ike)
Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? (Keith Boykin)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Presented by The Campaign Workshop

Messaging 'Wonky' Issues (feat. Kyle Wagenschutz) Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Martín talks with City Thread's Kyle Wagenschutz about the challenges of communicating complex policies and infrastructure projects to the broader community. They explore strategies for making 'wonky' issues relevant and engaging, emphasizing the importance of messaging research.

Guest Information:

Kyle Wagenshutz, City Thread

Visit City Thread on LinkedIn.

Check out Kyle's book and podcast recommendations:

Abundance (Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson)
Why is this Happening? (Chris Hayes)
The Weekly Show (Jon Stewart)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.
Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Culture Shifts (feat. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo) Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

This week, Joe chats with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, who shares insight on BISC's continued commitment to a cultural shift towards inclusivity and equity, while emphasizing the importance of centering impacted communities in the democratic process. Chris also explores the role of ballot initiatives in driving social change and the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable democracy.

Joe's recommended read:

Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility (Patty McCord)

Guest Information:

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC)

Check out BISC on Instagram or on LinkedIn, or listen to their new podcast, Direct Democracy Diaries!

Chris's TV show and podcast recommendations:

Traitors (NBC, Peacock)
Vibe Check (Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford)

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Leadership Transitions (feat. Amanda Litman) Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Martín sits down with Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of Run for Something, discussing leadership change, the organization's growth, and Amanda's new book, "When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership." They explore the challenges and strategies of leading a political organization, the importance of aligning leadership roles with personal and organizational needs, and the impact of broader social conditions on political work.

Guest Information:

Amanda Litman, Run For Something

Check out Run for Something on Instagram, LinkedIn, or sign up for their Substack!

Connect with Amanda on her website or on Instagram or check out her two books linked below:

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.

Introducing Season Five Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Joe and Martín go more in-depth and introduce the fifth season of 'How to Win a Campaign,' focusing on overcoming road blocks and challenges in the political and advocacy space. They discuss the evolution of the podcast, the importance of community, and the diverse experiences of their guests. They also share what they hope listeners will take away from the conversations we have throughout season five.

Connect with The Campaign Workshop on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Presented by The Campaign Workshop.