Around the Districts Podcast

The Authoritarian Playbook and How We Fight Back

The authoritarian playbook is not theoretical. It’s unfolding right here in the United States. In this episode, Ajlan Kurdoglu shares his firsthand experience from Turkey, exposing how media control, disinformation, and the erosion of trust systematically dismantle democracy. We dive deep into how these tactics silence dissent, undermine elections, and corrode the institutions meant to protect us. But democracy’s survival depends on grassroots resistance. Neighbors organizing, supporting local leaders, and rebuilding trust at the community level.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/the-authoritarian-playbook

Part 2 with Brooke St. George: Tempe City Council Candidate Focused on a Better Future

Tempe is facing a crossroads with urgent challenges in housing, government transparency, and community care. Brooke St. George offers a bold plan for city-owned social housing to counter skyrocketing rents and keep families rooted. She demands openness in city council decisions—no more behind-closed-doors deals, but early and honest public input to rebuild trust. Seniors aging in place and the unhoused need affordable, dignified solutions, with real investments in neighborhood programs and support for grassroots efforts. This campaign is about justice, dignity, and building a Tempe that works for everyone. Learn more and join the movement for real change.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/brooke-st-george-4-tempe-part-2
== Connect with Brooke St. George ==Website: https://brookefortempe.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578065753929TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookefortempeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeforTempeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brookefortempe.bsky.social

Navigating Division, Polarization and Political Violence in America

Polarization and political violence are ravaging America. Discover strategies for restoring civility and promoting peaceful participation.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/navigating-division-polarization

Meet Brooke St. George: Tempe City Council Candidate Focused on Community

Brooke St. George's vision for Tempe as she runs for City Council. Learn about her commitment to smart development and community engagement.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/brooke-st-george-4-tempe
== Get to Know Brooke St. George ==Website: https://brookefortempe.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578065753929TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookefortempeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeforTempeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brookefortempe.bsky.social

What’s at Stake with this Government Shutdown? Real-Life Consequences

Learn how advocacy can drive meaningful change, and the real-life effects of government shutdowns on federal employees and communities.
https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/shutdown-whats-at-stake

Local Small Business Realities: Part 2 with Melissa Harlan of Drink Me Tea Room

Melissa Harlan of Drink Me Tea Room shares the challenges and resilience of Arizona's small businesses. Learn how to support local entrepreneurship.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/smallbiz-challenges-triumphs-part-2
== Support Melissa and the staff at Drink Me! Tea Room! ==Visit them in person: https://maps.app.goo.gl/17d8ZsGFEHmTy6TR6Visit them online: https://drinkmetearoom.com/Share your love on social media:https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkmetearoomhttps://www.instagram.com/drinkmetearoom/, and https://www.facebook.com/drinkmetearoom/

Understanding Arizona Redistricting and Its Impact on Communities

Gerrymandering impacts every level of government. Find out how Arizona’s map changes could divide or empower your community.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/az-redistricting-impacts-community

Challenges and Triumphs of Small Businesses: Insights from Drink Me! Tea Room

Inflation and rising costs are squeezing small businesses tight. Discover how Arizona locals like Melissa Harlan are adapting and why community support matters now more than ever.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/smallbiz-challenges-triumphs-part-1
== Support Melissa and the staff at Drink Me! Tea Room! ==
Visit them in person: https://maps.app.goo.gl/17d8ZsGFEHmTy6TR6Visit them online: https://drinkmetearoom.com/
Share your love on social media:https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkmetearoomhttps://www.instagram.com/drinkmetearoom/https://www.facebook.com/drinkmetearoom/

Investing in Arizona’s Schools Means Investing in Our Future

The challenges of school funding in Arizona with Nicole Brown and Cedric Collins. Learn how investing in education can transform student outcomes.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/investing-az-schools-az-future

Why Voters Are Leaving the Democratic Party and How to Win Them Back

The Democratic voter exodus is real in Arizona and nationwide. Learn why voters are leaving and how the party can win them back.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/voters-leaving-democrats