Shows
For St. Pete's SakeJosh Weil gets RealIn this episode, Christian and Laura sit down with bold and witty candidate Josh Weil for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and hard-hitting. From the disgusting “Alligator Alcatraz” to the real work of finding bipartisan common ground, Josh brings fresh perspective, fierce honesty, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning in Florida, the issues that actually unite us, and why Josh believes showing up matters most.2025-07-241h 03For St. Pete's SakeA Journey of Advocacy Missouri State Rep. Rachel ProudieIn this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Gerken welcome Missouri State Representative Raychel Proudie. They discuss her journey into politics, the impact of personal experiences on her activism, and the challenges faced in the current political climate, particularly regarding reproductive rights and LGBTQ legislation. Proudie emphasizes the importance of local politics and youth engagement in driving change, while also reflecting on the historical context of movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation highlights the need for coalition-building and the significance of budgetary decisions in legislative processes, concluding with a message of hope...2025-07-1759 minFor St. Pete's SakeEmpowering Change in Florida Politics with Ana EskamaniIn this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken welcome Ana Eskamani, a prominent political figure in Florida. They discuss her journey into politics, the importance of community activism, and the challenges faced in a conservative political landscape. Ana shares her insights on immigration, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements and civic engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating wins while acknowledging ongoing struggles and encourages listeners to get involved in their communities.2025-07-1038 minFor St. Pete's SakeRenee Flowers: A Voice for the CommunityIn this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, host Christian Hotchkiss and co-host Laura Lee engage with Commissioner Renee Flowers of Pinellas County. They discuss her journey in public service, the challenges of affordable housing and gentrification, the impact of property tax and homeowners insurance, and the political climate in Florida. Flowers emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the role of Pinellas County in upcoming elections, while also addressing the need for compassion and humanity in policy-making.2025-07-0359 minFor St. Pete's SakeWhat's Going on Nationally?This week, Christian and Laura discuss a few national headlines before bringing it back home to Florida and closing it out with the weekly Shout Out or Shut Down.If you want to join Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas at St. Pete Pride this weekend (6/28 and 6/29) sign up here:Parade - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772487/Street Fair - https://www.mobilize.us/stonewalldemocratsofpinellas/event/772505/2025-06-2633 minFor St. Pete's SakeKyandra Darling and the Future of Florida House District 62We sit down with Kyandra Darling, candidate for Florida House District 62, to talk about her grassroots campaign, bold vision for equity, and what it means to lead with community at the center.darlingforflorida.com2025-06-1940 minFor St. Pete's SakeIntersectionality and PrideIn this episode of For St. Pete's Sake, hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken discuss the kickoff of Pride Month, highlighting their participation in local events and the importance of community engagement. They reflect on the powerful speeches delivered at the Pride and Progress Dinner Fundraiser, emphasizing the need for intersectionality in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation shifts to the concerning militarization of protests and the importance of free speech, culminating in a call to action for the upcoming No Kings Day protest. The hosts stress the importance of safety and community support during activism.2025-06-1337 min
For St. Pete's SakeRunning for Change with Marialana KinterThis week on the podcast Christian and Laura from Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County interview Marialana Kinter, who is running for Congress in Florida's 7th Congressional District.2025-06-0552 min
For St. Pete's SakeMoving The Party Forward with Luis SalazarThis week, Christian and Laura are joined by Luis Salazar, a fellow LGBTQ Caucus member and Hillsborough County LGBTQ Caucus president! They try to figure out what is going on with the Democratic party statewide and nationally, and the best way to fix it.2025-05-231h 10
For St. Pete's SakeWe Love to Protest with 5050-1 VeteransThis week on the pod, Christian and Laura talk to Katie from 5050-1 Veterans. As a medically retired Army veteran and activist, Katie gives an in-depth interview on issues for veterans that range from applying for benefits to fighting for sexual trauma survivors. We end with the Shout Out / Shut Down segment as usual!Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress2025-05-151h 00
For St. Pete's SakeKeeping it Local with Richie FloydChristian and Laura have a varied discussion with St. Pete City Councilmember Richie Floyd. Richie represents District 8 in central St. Pete. They talked about democratic party politics, climate change and the impacts on St. Pete, and of course, the Historic Gas Plant deal.Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County's Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress2025-05-0845 min
For St. Pete's SakeHealthcare Changes with Nathan BruemmerNatan Bruemmer joins Christian and Laura to give an update on recent changes to LGBTQ healthcare access.Stonewall Democrats' Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogressPetition to save 988 funding: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtq-youth/2025-05-021h 04For St. Pete's SakeHealthcare Changes with Nathan BruemmerNatan Bruemmer joins Christian and Laura to give an update on recent changes to LGBTQ healthcare access.Stonewall Democrats' Pride and Progress dinner tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogressPetition to save 988 funding: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline-for-lgbtq-youth/2025-05-0139 min
For St. Pete's SakeThe State of Education in Pinellas with Eileen LongChristian and Laura are joined this week by Eileen Long, a member of the Pinellas County School Board. They discuss proposed changes to education standards in Florida and the politicaztion of education.Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County2025-04-2539 min
For St. Pete's SakeCrashing OutWe're back after an audio break last week. No interview guest this week, so Christian and Laura discuss recent news events.Sponsored by Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County2025-04-1731 min
For St. Pete's SakeThe Cost of Democracy: Sabrina BousbarSabrina Bousbar is the interview guest this week, and she talks with Laura and Christian about the costs of campaigns and the impacts of the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United on the political discourse.Don't forget to get your tickets to Stonewall Dems Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025!https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress2025-04-0324 min
For St. Pete's SakeLeading the Charge: Kristen BrowdeThis week Christian and Laura talk to Kristen Browde, the president of the democratic LGBTQ+ Causcus in Florida! Check out the caucus at lgbtqdems.org!Also annouced Stonewall Dems of Pinellas are holding their first Pride and Progress dinner on June 8, 2025! Get early bird ticket prices at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/stonewallprideandprogress2025-03-2850 min
For St. Pete's SakeDrag for Change: Drag2Talle Fight Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-DEI LegislationChristian and Laura (@gerkie313) jump right in with our new opening segment, Politically Speaking. This week we're talking to Lilith Black (@thelilithblack) and Ericka PC (@queenerickapc) about Drag2Talle, what it is, how they got started, and what specific legislation they oppose. We finish with our new segment, Shout-Out/Shut-Down!2025-03-2042 min
For St. Pete's SakeInaugural Episode!Hosts Christian Hotchkiss and Laura Gerken (@gerkie313) from the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County (@stonewallpinellas) begin their weekly podcast adventure!2025-03-1415 min
Grieving Parents Sharing HopeEpisode 11: Pregnancy and Infancy Loss (with Kelly Gerken)Last week on episode 10, Laura and Kelly talked about the struggles we can have as believers in Christ, wondering where God is in the tragedy of the death of our children.
This week the discussion turns to pregnancy and infant loss. Kelly starts out by sharing why she doesn't like to use the term miscarriage, and how important it is for these precious moms to have their loss of a child validated.
Much of their discussion is about some of the unique triggers and things parents deal with in early loss that those who lose...2019-07-0235 min
Grieving Parents Sharing HopeEpisode 10: Where is Your God Now? (with Kelly Gerken)This talk with Kelly Gerken was so full of good stuff that instead of editing things out, it was turned into two separate episodes.
In this first half, Kelly shares her story about losing her twins, Faith and Grace, before they were born, along with her son Thomas six hours after his birth.
Then Laura and Kelly turn a corner as Kelly shares her struggle with the internal question, Where is your God now? and the whole issue of what it means to have faith when our prayers don't get answered the way we thought...2019-06-2525 min