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The Democratic Dilemma

Unfiltered Marketing for a New Generation of Candidates and Causes.

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Latest episode · Episode 212

Why 40% of Democratic Races Are Lost Before They Start

Mary and Josh sit down with Michele Hornish of Every State Blue and Michelle Higgs of Indiana Rural Summit on the 40 percent of state legislative races Democrats concede before they start: why funding every candidate wor…

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It is never a waste of funds to support a candidate, particularly a grassroots one, that is going out there and organizing their community.
Michele HornishEpisode 212

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Your hosts

Mary Noone

Mary Noone

Co-Host·Political Strategist

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Mary is an Indiana-based political strategist and digital communications expert with experience as a campaign manager, communications director, and advisor.

She co-founded Hoosier Victory Alliance. Earlier, she supported ivivva, lululemon's girls line, during a period of rapid retail and Instagram-led growth. She leads identity-aware strategy, grassroots mobilization, and data-driven voter registration across Indiana.

Mary holds an MBA from Boston University's Questrom School of Business and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development. She brings hands-on leadership across teams and sectors, with a clear focus on moving values into voters and volunteers.

Josh Stanley

Josh Stanley

Co-Host·Gen-Z Marketing Strategist

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Josh Stanley is a storyteller, strategist, and founder who builds values-first brands across fashion, wellness, and mental health.

As CEO of Lifestyled Marketing, he designs campaigns that turn purpose into growth.

As Managing Partner at Narrative Now, he helps social enterprises and emerging leaders scale clear, values-based positioning. He has worked with nonprofits and for-profits in and out of the political space, leading launches, content systems, and revenue programs that favor measurable outcomes. Josh also consults as a Gen Z strategist on political campaigns.