In this week’s episode, Chad and Cara dive into the chaos of modern American politics, from gerrymandering battles and partisan ballot language to the blurred lines between socialism, democracy, and fear-driven politics. Can exposing the flaws in our system finally lead to real reform?

Missouri’s booming cannabis market is facing a new threat: unregulated hemp and “gas station weed.” In this episode, Cara McCormick talks with Dave Craig of From the Earth about how loopholes in federal law have created a dangerous, untested, and untaxed parallel industry that’s undermining legitimate businesses and public safety.

This episode dives into the battles over redistricting, open primaries, and even cannabis reform revealing how power struggles across state lines expose the cracks in America’s democracy. Chad Peace and Cara McCormick break down what’s really happening behind the political curtain.

In this episode of The Independent Voter Podcast, hosts Chad Peace and Cara McCormick break down the viral Katie Porter interview that ignited debate across California’s political scene. Using the clip as a case study, they explore how election systems from the state’s Top Two primary to a potential Final Five model with ranked-choice voting shape campaigns, coalitions, and voter power. Drawing lessons from Alaska’s reforms, Chad and Cara unpack why the current rules often fuel division instead of consensus. The conversation also connects to a high-stakes Supreme Court case on mail-in ballots, offering voter-first insight and context far beyond the outrage cycle.

This episode of the Independent Voter Podcast features Navy veteran Eric Bronner, co-founder of Veterans for All Voters. He shares how veterans are stepping up to fight for nonpartisan reforms, from open primaries to gerrymandering, and why reaffirming the oath to the Constitution matters more than party loyalty.

The Independent Voter Podcast unpacks the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the broken systems behind New York’s mayoral race, and California’s redistricting fight.

Chad Peace and Cara McCormick discuss gerrymandering, closed primaries, and how partisan battles undermine the individual right to vote. They tackle one of the most fundamental questions of American democracy: does your right to vote really count? From gerrymandering battles in Texas, California, and Missouri to lawsuits over closed primaries, the conversation reveals how partisan maneuvering leaves independents and everyday voters sidelined.

Chad Peace and Cara McCormick unpack the partisan fight over gerrymandering, what it means for independent voters, and why the battle may be a race to the bottom.

In this episode from the How It Really Works series, the Independent Voter Podcast explores the often-overlooked mental health toll on correctional officers. Guest Michael Cantrell shares firsthand insight into the emotional cost of working behind bars.

You won’t find too many political people as smart as Steve Peace, but what really makes him interesting is his life as a grandfather (an Uber driver to his grandchildren is how he describes it), husband, and father. A former California legislator, Peace blazed a trail from San Diego to Sacramento that may never be surpassed. He also found success in the movie making business. He wrote and produced Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, a parody cult classic.