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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Joanna Whaley, now a candidate for Michigan’s State House representing District 2 in Southeast Detroit, to talk about the unlikely path from megachurch pastor to public servant. We unpack how growing up and working inside evangelical systems shapes the way people organize, speak, and wield power, and why that lived experience matters in today’s political landscape. Joanna shares what she loves about her working-class, often-overlooked district, how pastoral skills translate into listening for the real crises beneath the noise, and why decoding the language of “family values,” faith, and fear is essential for protecting democracy and human dignity. It’s a conversation about community, accountability, and what it looks like to bring humanity back into spaces that too often strip it away.

To get involved or two donate to Joanna's campaign

https://www.joannawhaley.com/

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Pre-roll music is composed by Joanna Whaley

For those who want to subscribe to my Patreon please look at the show notes for more information
Music composed by Joanna Whaley

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This podcast contains the personal accounts, thoughts, and opinions of guests. Focus on Your Own Family podcast will not be held liable for the personal feelings, and accounts of their guests. Focus on your Own family podcast holds itself to the highest level of integrity, and the reporting that we do in this podcast to a very high standard. We believe in showing evidence, and letting people draw their conclusions from that evidence.

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INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC
Scott Buckley "Omega"
COMMERCIAL MUSIC
Composed by Joanna Whaley