We’re back for Season 2 of The Candidate, and truthfully… it feels both exciting and overwhelming. A lot has happened since we last recorded. The Mets are playing again. Our petition signatures are in. And I’m officially on the ballot.
But the big question I’ve been wrestling with — the one that’s kept me up at night — is: what do we call this third party?
In this episode, I talk with Jess Milanes (my producer, friend, and all-around powerhouse) about what it really takes to carve out a political identity in today’s climate. And more importantly, what it means to run as a moderate when most people are tired of the extremes.
We also get real. Jess shares how podcasting became a lifeline during her battle with infertility — and how that personal journey turned into a thriving business. I open up about the awkward, beautiful, occasionally bizarre world of door-to-door campaigning (including singing to a Ring doorbell — yes, really).
This season, we’re not just pulling back the curtain on politics. We’re pulling it back on the human side of what it takes to lead.
Topics We Get Into:
Why we landed on “The Moderate Party” — and what it really signals
The hard, hopeful reality of gathering signatures
What voters actually know (and don’t) when they hit the ballot box
Vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and building community through storytelling
And yes… singing voicemail messages on campaign trails
Why this episode matters: Because running for office — especially without a big machine behind you — is messy. It’s hard. And it’s deeply personal. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to create change in your own backyard, this is your backstage pass.
Connect with Dave Kerpen: DaveKerpen.com
Connect with Jess Milanes + Smart Podcast Solutions: SmartPodcastSolutions.com
If you’re new here — welcome. If you’ve been following since Season 1 — thank you. We’re just getting started.Paid for by the Friends of Dave Kerpen
