How to Win a Campaign

Episoder

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  REGISTER NOW: TCW's Virtual Advocacy Training 09.09.2026 3min

  The Campaign Workshop's Advocacy Training is coming up on December 10 and 11. Our advocacy training is fully virtual and is a complete guide to the ins and outs of effective advocacy. We cover topics like goal setting, messaging and storytelling, budgeting and fundraising, digital campaigns, lobbying, and more. Register now through our Humanitix page at the link below.
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  7 Questions with Alex Dickinson 19.08.2026 16min

  In our final 7 Questions episode of the season, Joe sits down with Alex Dickinson of Beekeeper Group to discuss their report, The Future of Advocacy. Drawing on a December 2025 survey of 1,000 voters and insights from Beekeeper's 100+ client partners, Alex shares why the traditional "ladder of engagement" may be giving way to a more fluid model, how local action is outpacing national, and why reducing friction matters more than ever. She also unpacks surprising findings on SMS engagement across generations and what the rising use of AI tools means for the future of advocacy work. A fitting close to the season, and a reading for anyone shaping campaigns in 2026.
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  Bonus Episode: Relational Organizing with Empower 12.08.2026 28min

  In this episode, Enrique Rivas of The Campaign Workshop sits down with Mayte Aldrett, Partner Success Director at Empower Project, to break down relational organizing—the practice of reaching people through their own trusted relationships. Mayte explains why a message from a friend, family member, or neighbor lands when a stranger's outreach gets screened out, and how organizations of any size can put the approach to work.
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  7 Questions with Tiffany Muller 05.08.2026 27min

  In this 7 Questions episode, Joe sits down with Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, to discuss the state of money in politics in America. Tiffany breaks down how the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision opened the floodgates to unlimited and undisclosed spending in our elections and explains how dark money flows through the system. They also dig into why transparency and disclosure are critical tools for accountability. Tiffany also shares what everyday people can do to fight back, and why she believes people power is ultimately stronger than money power.
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  7 Questions with Bill Smith 29.07.2026 19min

  In this episode, Martín sits down with Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Inseparable, a bipartisan national mental health advocacy organization working to change how Washington and state houses respond to the mental health crisis. Bill shares his story behind founding Inseparable, why mental health is a winning political issue, and how his team has delivered 100 policy wins in just five years. He and Martín dig into the role of personal storytelling in advocacy, how to recruit and protect storytellers, and what it takes to turn hesitant policymakers into real champions. Bill also opens up about how he protects his own mental health while leading a movement focused on everyone else's.
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  7 Questions with Katie Belanger 22.07.2026 28min

  This week, Joe is joined by Katie Belanger, consultant for the Local Solutions Support Center, for her third appearance on the show. Katie breaks down what state preemption is, why it matters, and how it's being weaponized by corporate special interests and social conservatives to override local democracy. From heat safety standards for outdoor workers to sanctuary city policies to local zoning decisions, preemption is shaping daily life in ways most people never see. With LSSC currently tracking over 850 preemption bills this legislative session, Katie shares what's at stake.
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  7 Questions with Monica Hopkins 15.07.2026 31min

  In this bonus 7 Questions episode, Joe Fuld talks with Monica Hopkins, Executive Director of the ACLU of the District of Columbia, about what it takes to defend democracy at the local level. They cover DC statehood and voting rights, how the ACLU of DC's advocacy approach delivers wins, and how a shifting political landscape has reshaped their strategy. Monica also shares candid thoughts on keeping a team motivated and protecting joy when the work feels heavy.
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  Bonus Episode: TCW Advocacy's "Goal Setting for Advocacy" 08.07.2026 36min

  This week, we're featuring a recorded webinar from our Advocacy Training series. Joe dives into goal setting—why defining clear goals as a team is one of the most critical and most often skipped steps in building a successful advocacy campaign.
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  7 Questions with Denise Feriozzi 01.07.2026 39min

  In this Seven Questions episode, Martín Diego Garcia sits down with Denise Feriozzi, co-founder and executive director of Pipeline Fund, to talk about building the long-term, down-ballot infrastructure progressives have needed for years. She breaks down the gaps Pipeline Fund set out to fill and digs into the realities of this work today, from rising safety and security concerns to the case for contesting races everywhere, not just in swing states.
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  7 Questions with Cesar Toledo 24.06.2026 22min

  In this episode, Joe sits down with Cesar Toledo, Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, to talk about what it really looks like to make local impact. Cesar shares his journey from national politics — including the Harris-Walz campaign and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund — to leading a small but mighty DC nonprofit serving homeless LGBTQ+ youth, where nearly 40% of DC's homeless youth identify as queer. He and Joe dig into how Cesar is scaling impact with limited staff, why campaign skills translate directly to nonprofit leadership, and how he refuses to let the opposition steal his joy.
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  7 Questions with Maura Keaney 17.06.2026 35min

  What does it actually mean for a bank to be "socially responsible," and why should every nonprofit, campaign, and advocacy organization care? In this episode, Martín sits down with Maura Keaney, Vice President and Director of Client Engagement at Amalgamated Bank, to unpack what ethical banking looks like in practice. Maura shares how a bank can be a real partner in the progressive movement. She also gets into the practical stuff: ACH payments, fraud prevention, payment strategy, and the questions every executive director or CFO should be asking their banking partner.
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  7 Questions with Kristen Grimm 10.06.2026 36min

  In this special 7 Questions episode, Joe sits down with Kristen Grimm, Founder and Strategist at Spitfire Strategies, for a candid conversation about what it takes to win a campaign right now. Kristen unpacks common strategic-planning mistakes: vague milestones, the "build the plane while we're flying it" approach, and the obsession with one giant "big tent" coalition. She and Joe also dig into why so many strategic plans sit on a shelf, what AI is changing about the speed of campaigns, and why the most important question in your planning meeting may be what you're for, not just what you're against.
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  Bonus Episode: Q&A with Loft and Blueline Fellows 03.06.2026 39min

  In this bonus episode of How to Win a Campaign, host Martín Diego Garcia shares a webinar recorded in September 2025 featuring two innovative leadership development programs working to solve one of campaigns' most persistent problems: what happens to great talent between election cycles. Martín sits down with Theo LeCompte of Loft Leaders and Lorenza Ramirez of Blue Line Fellows for a deep dive into how both programs are investing in the next generation of political and advocacy leaders. Whether you're a campaign staffer navigating the off-year gap, an organization looking to hire mission-driven talent, or someone curious about how progressive campaigns are developing their bench, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Both guests share how their programs work, what they look for in fellows, and how employers and mentors can get involved.
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  Season 5 Bonus Episodes Are Here! 27.05.2026 10min

  Joe and Martín are back to give listeners a sneak peek at what's coming in Season 5's bonus episodes. From ethical banking and mental health policy to DC voting rights and the future of advocacy, this season's lineup is packed with timely, practical conversations from some of the sharpest minds in politics and advocacy. We're also sharing a few webinar recordings — including an exclusive goal-setting training from our TCW Advocacy series. This bonus season is a must-listen, whether you're a seasoned campaigner or just getting started.
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  Political Shifts (feat. Heather Booth) 28.01.2026 1t 7min

  In our final regular episode of Season 5, Heather Booth returns to share more of her journey and insights into organizing and activism, as well as the need for love and joy in sustaining long-term activism. Joe and Heather discuss the challenges of staying organized and the importance of maintaining personal connections and joy in their work.
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  AI: Friend or Foe? (feat. Cheryl Contee) 21.01.2026 53min

  In this episode, Joe chats with Cheryl Contee about AI’s impact on nonprofits. Cheryl discusses her book, “AI for Nonprofits,” emphasizing the importance of using AI to enhance work and make a greater difference. She also addresses concerns about AI ethics and environmental impact, advocating for transparency and responsible use. If you’ve got questions about AI, this is the episode for you!
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  Ally Drift (feat. Abby Levine) 14.01.2026 55min

  In this episode, Martín dives into the tricky world of keeping alliances strong in social justice movements with Abby Levine, formerly the Executive Director and now CEO of the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable. Abby shares advice on handling tough times, staying true to your values, and why building connections is key when working together, even when it feels like your allies are drifting.
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  Slow Progress (feat. Fran "Hutch" Hutchins) 07.01.2026 57min

  This week, Fran (Hutch) Hutchins shares their journey from growing up in Alabama to becoming a key figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy. They discuss their work with the Equality Federation, the importance of grassroots organizing, and the challenges of sustaining motivation in long-term activism. Hutch emphasizes the significance of community support, personal resilience, and strategic planning in driving social change. The conversation also touches on the role of hope, the impact of movement history, and the need for inclusive leadership.
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  Happy Holidays from The Campaign Workshop 24.12.2025 2min

  We're offline for a much-needed holiday break for the next two weeks. How to Win a Campaign will be back with another full episode on January 7, 2026.
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  Layoffs (feat. Stacy McAuliffe) 17.12.2025 58min

  This week, Martín sits down with Stacey McAuliffe from the Management Center to tackle one of the toughest challenges facing organizations today: navigating budget cuts and potential layoffs. Stacey shares her thoughts on maintaining humanity and integrity during these difficult times, offering practical advice for leaders to manage tough conversations while supporting their teams. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to management, this episode provides valuable insights to help you lead with confidence and compassion.