Who is Ashley Fedan beyond the campaign?

In this episode of On The Record, I sit down with Ashley Fedan, candidate for Washington State Representative in the 11th Legislative District, for a long-form conversation about the experiences that shaped her life, her leadership, and why she's running for office.

Ashley shares what it was like growing up in West Virginia's coal mining country, serving in the U.S. Navy, and spending her career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. We discuss how those experiences influenced her views on healthcare, housing, education, public safety, workers' rights, foster care, homelessness, and public service.

My goal with On The Record™ is simple: to give voters the opportunity to hear directly from candidates in a respectful, long-form conversation that goes beyond campaign ads, headlines, and social media clips. Every candidate is invited to share their story, explain what they believe, and help voters make informed decisions.

Whether you agree with Ashley, disagree with her, or are still undecided, I hope this conversation helps you better understand the person behind the campaign.

If you enjoy thoughtful, long-form conversations like this one, subscribe to the Leaders Lead Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe here on YouTube so you don't miss future episodes.

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I've always believed that the best way to make an informed decision is to hear directly from the people asking for your vote.In this episode of On the Record™, I sit down with Michelle Gipson, who is running for Thurston County Commissioner, for a long-form conversation about her life, leadership, and vision for Thurston County.Michelle shares her journey from immigrating from Jamaica to building a life in Thurston County, raising a family, serving on the North Thurston Public Schools Board of Directors, and working in nonprofit leadership. We also discuss housing affordability, homelessness, county budgeting, public safety, environmental stewardship, leadership, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected.My goal with On the Record™ isn't to tell you who to vote for. My goal is to create a space where candidates can have real conversations so voters can hear directly from them and make their own informed decisions.In this episode we discuss:Michelle's journey from Jamaica to Thurston CountyHer background in nonprofit leadership and public serviceServing on the North Thurston School BoardHousing affordability and homelessnessCounty budgeting and difficult leadership decisionsPublic safety and county governmentEnvironmental concerns and responsible growthLeadership philosophyWhy she's running for Thurston County CommissionerEvery candidate on the ballot for this office was offered the same opportunity to participate in On the Record™.If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode. An informed community starts with informed conversations.Connect with Michelle Gipsonhttps://www.michellegipson.com

What does it really take to lead one of Washington State's largest sheriff's offices?

In this episode of On the Record™, I sit down with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders for an unscripted, long-form conversation about leadership, accountability, public safety, and the difficult decisions that come with serving more than 300,000 residents.

During our conversation, Sheriff Sanders shares his perspective on:

• Immigration enforcement and working with federal agencies
• Flock cameras and balancing technology with privacy
• Officer accountability and misconduct
• Hiring decisions and lessons learned
• Mental health response and crisis intervention
• Community trust and transparency
• Social media and public communication
• Political independence and voting for President Trump
• Race, leadership, and lived experiences
• The legacy he hopes to leave as sheriff

The purpose of On the Record™ is simple:

To create space for thoughtful, long-form conversations that allow people to hear directly from the individuals serving their communities.. without sound bites, without headlines, and without someone else deciding what you should think.

Whether you agree with Sheriff Sanders or disagree with him, my hope is that you'll leave this conversation with a better understanding of how he approaches leadership and the responsibilities of serving Thurston County.

If you enjoy conversations like this, please subscribe, leave a comment, and let me know who you'd like to see interviewed next.