"I have endless urgency in everything that I do.” – Mike Nellis – More Than Work

(tw: mention of suicidal ideation) In this episode of 'More Than Work,' host Rabiah Coon sits down with Mike Nellis, a Democratic strategist and creator of the Substack newsletter "Endless Urgency." Mike shares his compelling personal journey from struggling with depression and weight management to becoming a prominent voice in Democratic politics and digital strategy. He opens up about his philosophy of "endless urgency" - living every moment fully and intentionally - which emerged from his own transformational journey from 600 pounds to a healthier, more engaged life.

The conversation covers Mike's 20-year career in political strategy, his work on major campaigns including Bernie Sanders' 2016 run, and his role as a co-founder of "White Dudes for Harris." He discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the importance of engaging with voters across the political spectrum, and why Democrats need to be more strategic about communicating with all Americans - including those who disagree with them. Mike also reflects on the challenges of the 2024 election, the need for Democrats to understand and wield power more effectively, and the critical importance of showing up in uncomfortable spaces to have difficult conversations.

Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes the value of building systems, staying present, and finding joy even during challenging political times. He shares mantras and advice for maintaining momentum, from "1% better every day" to being a "joyful warrior" in the face of adversity.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:35 Welcome and guest introduction

01:31 What is "Endless Urgency"?

01:47 Mike's journey: from 600 pounds to transformation

09:19 What the Substack offers: No BS Democratic strategy

14:29 How Mike got into political strategy

19:51 Staying in the Democratic Party vs. going independent

20:31 Kamala Harris and the 2024 election: what went wrong

24:37 Strategic messaging and power

31:51 Handling family members who voted for Trump

35:48 Why cutting people out weakens democracy

38:41 Going on Fox News and right-wing media

43:16 "White Dudes for Harris" and organizing men

44:31 Mantras and advice: 1% better every day

47:16 Being a "joyful warrior"

52:19 Who inspires Mike right now

Note from Rabiah (host):

Mike Nellis and I quickly found out we have more in common than we could have realized! You’ll hear about what when you listen. And please do listen because Mike is doing the hard work that is so needed right now which the work of speaking out against the Trump administration and working to get Democrats elected. He is doing it his way and after our conversation I have even more respect for him. Honestly, Mike is doing a version of what I would have done if I’d had the courage. I’ve been volunteering for various Democratic candidates, the general party and with non-partisan voter registration for years but he pursued the work as a career. What he is doing really is More Than Work. Mike was very open and honest so I’ve added a trigger warning to this episode. It is that kind of honestly I like to approach conversations with too and I am grateful that he made it through his early battles and is here today. Enjoy our conversation. And check your voter registration while you do.

+++++

Find Mike

Website: https://endlessurgency.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mike_nellis

+++++

More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)

Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!