In episode 120, we are joined by the Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, Liz Walters! We talk about how became so passionate about politics, the biggest challenges Democrats face in Ohio, and how to turn Ohio into a swing state again. You don’t want to miss this conversation!

In January of 2021, Liz was unanimously elected as Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. She is the first woman elected to this role and was re-elected in 2022 to a four year term. Throughout her career Liz has worked with people and organizations that support progressive values, including official offices, campaigns, and nonprofit and community organizations.

Walters is also serving the citizens of Summit County as an At-Large councilmember, and previously served as Council President. She has been active on a wide variety of issues and led the passage and implementation of Paid Parental Leave for county employees, the only Ohio county to pass such legislation.

She is a lifetime Girl Scout and has been active with the organization as a member, employee, or volunteer since the age of five. Liz earned a B.A. in History from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and her MPA from Cleveland State University. She and her rescue dog, Beatrice, live on the westside of Akron.

Resources:

* Ohio Democratic Party

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This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

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In episode 119, we talk with Cameron Hilaker, who was recently fired from his job at USAID as part of DOGE cuts. Tune in to hear his story and how he’s turned into a fierce advocate for other fired federal employees.

Cameron worked at USAID as an Emergency Manager responding to domestic and international crises. As a leader of the Readiness Team, his role was to ensure that as a crisis developed, USAID was able to keep its people and families safe and continue the crucial life saving assistance. He has supported over 20 responses, including evacuations, disruptions, and ordered departures.

Before Cameron’s time at USAID, he served as a peace corps volunteer in South Africa for three years working to combat HIV/AIDS where he met his wife Catharine. They are expecting their first child in June.

Resources:

* What’s being lost with the DOGE cuts? These fired employees can tell you (Washington Post)

* Cameron as Congressman Hank Johnson’s Guest to Joint Address to Congress on March 4th, 2025

* Judge Rules DOGE’s Dismantling of USAID Unconstitutional

* The implications of a USAID shutdown (Brookings)

Connect with USS:

* Substack

* Instagram

This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:

* Website

* Instagram