Best Zac McCrary Podcasts (2025)

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A Master Class in Political Communications, with Democratic Comms Veteran David Bergstein 57:01

11d ago57:01

57:01

Send us a text David Bergstein, Communications Director for Senator Cory Booker, is one of the most accomplished communications professionals working in Democratic politics - working tough campaigns across the country and stints at the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC. In this conversation, we talk his path to politics out of a political family in Portland, OR,…

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S7E10: Building Trust That Transforms: The Foundation of Community with Pastor Steve Layton 31:02

3d ago31:02

31:02

Every thriving Bible study group begins with one essential ingredient—trust. Without it, vulnerability is rare, growth is limited, and connection remains shallow. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy welcomes Steve Layton, Discipleship Pastor at Double Oak Community Church, for a powerful conversation about the role of t…

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S7E9: Strengthening Community Through Consistent Connection Jay Gordon 32:41

11d ago32:41

32:41

Building a thriving small group ministry isn't just about curriculum—it's about connection. In a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced, intentional community can be hard to cultivate, yet it's exactly what people are craving. In this episode, host Ken Braddy sits down with Jay Gordon to talk about what it takes to truly build and strengt…

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S7E8: Practicing Biblical Hospitality in Small Groups with Zac Workun and Delanee Williams 43:24

18d ago43:24

43:24

Think back to the first time you visited a small group. Were you greeted by name? Did someone show you where to sit or introduce you to others? Those small moments of hospitality can shape someone’s entire church experience. In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Delanee Williams and Zac Workun for a rich conv…

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S7E7: From Rows to Circles—Helping Worship Attenders Join Bible Study Groups with Jared Barham 33:04

25d ago33:04

33:04

Every church leader knows the tension - your worship service is full, but your Bible study groups are not. So how do we bridge the gap between Sunday morning attendance and deeper community engagement? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Jared Barham from Northside Baptist Church to unpack practical strateg…

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Yasmin Radjy, ED of Swing Left, on Grassroots Tactics That Work & Those That May Not 58:06

25d ago58:06

58:06

Send us a text Yasmin Radjy is the Executive Director of Swing Left and Vote Forward, and was featured recently in The Atlantic after her organization released data showing some of ther field and canvassing tactics in the 2024 election did not work. In this conversation, Yasmin talks her family's path as Iranian refugees to the US, how the '08 Obam…

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S7E6: Using Technology to Strengthen Group Community with Crystal Mazzuca 36:14

1M ago36:14

36:14

In an age when connection is just a click away, many small group leaders are asking: How can we use technology to bring people closer together without replacing real, meaningful relationships? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Crystal Mazzuca to explore how Bible study groups can build stronger community …

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S7E5: Strengthening Community Through Meaningful Prayer with Dwayne McCrary 33:25

1M ago33:25

33:25

In a world full of noise and distraction, prayer has the power to anchor us - and our groups - in what truly matters. But for many small group leaders, prayer can feel routine or even rushed. So how do we move from surface-level prayers to meaningful conversations with God that deepen community and stir hearts for the lost? In this episode of Disci…

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Morris Katz, Lead Media Strategist for Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor 51:38

1M ago51:38

51:38

Send us a text Morris Katz, ad-maker at the Fight media firm, is the lead media strategist for Zohran Mamdani's insurgent campaign that secured the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City in a decisive upset over the long-favored Andrew Cuomo. In this conversation, Morris talks his NYC roots, coming from an artistic family, his accidental …

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S7E4: Building Community Through Fellowship in Bible Study Groups with Andrea Lennon 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

In a culture that often values convenience over connection, small group leaders carry the vital responsibility of cultivating spaces where people feel known, welcomed, and spiritually encouraged. But how do we move beyond just meeting for Bible study and into meaningful community? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sit…

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S7E3: How to Build Strong Church Community Through Group Leadership with Pastor David Loyed 33:37

2M ago33:37

33:37

When was the last time your leadership team truly felt like a community, not just a collection of volunteers? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with David Loyed, adult discipleship pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church, to explore what it takes to build genuine community within church groups—starting with lead…

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Mike Nellis: Founder of Authentic digital, former Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris, & co-founder of White Dudes for Harris 1:07:22

2M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

Send us a text Mike Nellis is the founder of Authentic, a digital fundraising firm that's raised over $1 billion for it's clients including Kamala Harris, Adam Schiff and numerous Governors, Senators, and high profile organizations. He was also a Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign, the co-founder of White Dudes for Harris in…

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S7E2: Building Community Through Serving with Kim Harris 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your small group isn’t found in your meeting room, but out in your community? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Kim Harris from the Noonday Association to talk about how service can be a catalyst for deeper relationships and stronger discipleship. If you’ve …

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S7E1. Rebuilding Community with Ben Mandrell 32:24

2M ago32:24

32:24

In the wake of isolation brought on by the pandemic, many small group leaders have wrestled with a pressing question: How do we rebuild the kind of authentic community that leads to real spiritual transformation? In this episode of the podcast, host Ken Braddy is joined by Ben Mandrell —church planter, former pastor, and president and CEO of Lifewa…

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Congressman Mike Quigley, Why He Called on Biden to Step Aside, & Why It Remains A Necessary Conversation 47:23

2M ago47:23

47:23

Send us a text Congressman Mike Quigley is in his 9th term representing Chicago's North Side and Lakefront as a Democrat in the House. He made waves last year after the first presidential debate as one of the first elected Democrats to publicly urge President Biden to step aside as the party's nominee. In this conversation, we talk through what led…

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Eight Years in the Reagan White House with Veteran GOP Staffer Frank Lavin 1:19:38

3M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Send us a text Frank Lavin served under Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush in positions as varied as personnel, national security, international trade negotiations, Ambassador to Singapore, among others. In this conversation, we discuss his 8+ years in the Reagan White House from 1981-1989 - which is chronicled in his recent bo…

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S6E10: Overcoming Small Group Attendance Challenges with Brandon Adams 35:19

3M ago35:19

35:19

Every small group leader has faced it—slumps in attendance that leaves you wondering how to reignite your group’s passion and connection. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Brandon Adams to discuss strategies for overcoming attendance challenges. Together, they share insights on creating a welcoming envi…

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Patrick McHugh, Co-Founder of Gambit Strategies & Former E.D. of Priorities USA 1:01:21

3M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Send us a text Patrick McHugh, co-founder of Gambit Strategies, was the Executive Director of Priorities USA in 2020 as the main super PAC allied with the Biden Presidential campaign. Prior to that, he had stints at the DSCC and working in the opp research department on major Democratic campaigns. In this conversation, we explore Patrick's roots in…

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S6S9: Training My Replacement with Nathan Miller 37:50

3M ago37:50

37:50

As small group leaders, we know the importance of investing in others—especially when it comes to raising up new leaders. But how do we ensure we're not just filling spots but truly developing individuals who will carry the mission of the church forward? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy and guest Nathan Miller discus…

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S6E8: Self-Care for Group Leaders with Mark Dance 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

As leaders, we often pour ourselves into the work of others—but who’s taking care of you? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy and guest Dr. Mark Dance discuss the critical importance of self-care for group leaders. They explore the scriptural basis for self-care, how to recognize burnout, and the need for setting bounda…

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Checking Back in with Dr. Michael Cohen on the New Edition of His Book, Modern Political Campaigns 1:09:53

4M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Send us a text Catching up this week with return guest Dr. Michael Cohen, who just released a new edition of his book Modern Political Campaigns this month. He studied under iconic pollster Bill Hamilton as a student, worked in the trenches in Republican campaigns, spent time at Gallup, apprenticed under renowned GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio and work…

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S6E7: Beyond Lecture: Teaching with Variety with Peter Burmeister 36:53

4M ago36:53

36:53

As small group leaders, we know that keeping everyone engaged during Bible study can be a challenge. Is the traditional lecture-style Bible study the most effective way to communicate God's Word, or is there a better way to engage and connect with the diverse learning styles within your group? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host K…

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S6E6: From Cliques to Community with Alicia Wong 39:42

4M ago39:42

39:42

Have you ever walked into a small group and immediately felt like an outsider? Maybe you've seen groups within your church that seem more like exclusive circles than welcoming communities. While strong friendships are a great thing, they can unintentionally turn groups into cliques that make newcomers feel unwelcome. So how do we shift our small gr…

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Senator Pat Leahy, the Third Longest Serving Senator in US History 48:49

4M ago48:49

48:49

Send us a text Pat Leahy is a giant of the US Senate...the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Vermont...the third longest serving Senator in US history...the Senate President Pro Tem...Chair of Appropriations, Agriculture, and Judiciary...and 8 terms in the US Senate. In this conversation, we talk his roots in small town Vermont, overcoming …

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S6E5: Managing Over Talkers—Keeping Small Group Discussions Balanced with Alan Raughton 34:47

4M ago34:47

34:47

Every small group leader has faced this challenge—a well-meaning but overly talkative group member who dominates the discussion. How do you keep the conversation balanced without discouraging participation? How do you ensure that quieter members feel heard? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Alan Raughto…

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S6E4: AI Technology in Small Groups: A tool, or A Distraction? with Dwayne McCrary 39:34

5M ago39:34

39:34

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and even engage with Scripture—but what does that mean for small group leaders? Can AI actually help with Bible study preparation, or does it pose more risks than rewards? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Dwayne McCrary to discuss the role…

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Documentary Filmmaker Yoav Attias & The American Housing Crisis 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

Send us a text Yoav Attias is a documentary filmmaker whose projects include Brick City chronicling the inner-workings of Newark, NJ under then-Mayor Cory Booker and CNN's Chicagoland featuring then-mayor Rahm Emanuel. His most recent role is as Director on the new documentary film Fault Lines - which examines the issue of affordable housing in Ame…

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S6E3: Balancing Teaching and Prayer in Small Groups with Sean Beach 34:07

5M ago34:07

34:07

As small group leaders, we all want to create meaningful, Spirit-led discussions that help people grow in their faith. But how do we balance prayer and teaching time in a way that feels natural and impactful? In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Sean Beach from First Baptist Dallas to explore these challen…

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S6E2: How To Handle Tough Personalities in Groups with Ashton Wright 37:41

5M ago37:41

37:41

Every small group leader has faced it—that one personality in the group who seems to dominate discussions, challenge every point, or drain the energy of the room. While small groups are meant to foster discipleship and community, navigating difficult personalities can feel overwhelming. How do you lead well without alienating members or losing the …

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Karen Defilippi, Democratic Campaigns, & The Launch of Versus Media Group 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

Send us a text Karen Deflippi is launching Versus Media Group, after nearly 20 years in politics - including running campaigns, being a House Chief of Staff on the Hill, senior positions at Emilys List and the DCCC, and her current role as a media consultant for Democratic candidates and progressives causes. In this conversation she talks her path …

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S6E1: Launching New Small Groups with Keith Lowry 38:07

5M ago38:07

38:07

Have you ever felt the tension between wanting to start a new small group at your church but not knowing where to begin? Maybe you’ve wrestled with how to find the right leaders, create a welcoming environment, or ensure your group is more than just another meeting on the calendar. In this episode of Disciple-making in Community, Ken Braddy and Kei…

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Taegan Goddard, Founder of Political Wire, on the Intersection of Politics, Tech, & Media 50:41

5M ago50:41

50:41

Send us a text Taegan Goddard is the founder and editor of Political Wire, one of the most widely-read political news sites over the last 25+ years. He created Political Wire in the late 1990s after stints as a Senate staffer on Capitol Hill and several years in state government in his home state of Connecticut. In this conversation, he talks his o…

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Together: Building Authentic Biblical Community with Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton 56:22

6M ago56:22

56:22

What does true community look like in the church today? Are we prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships, or are we settling for surface-level connections? In this episode, Ben Mandrell and Tyler Litton invite the church to reflect on their own experiences with biblical community and consider how the church can better foster belonging in a cultur…

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Remembering Peter Rodino, "Watergate's Unexpected Hero", with Staffer & Author Larry Spinelli 1:06:22

6M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Send us a text Dr. Larry Spinelli has worn numerous hats in and around politics...Hill staffer, senior positions in the federal bureaucracy, political science professor, historian and author. His new book is Watergate's Unexpected Hero, about the life of the incredibly impactful New Jersey Democratic Congressman Peter Rodino - to whom Spinelli was …

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The Ballad of Mary Bono 1:05:58

6M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Send us a text Mary Bono served 15 years in the House, representing a Palms Springs-based seat in Riverside County, CA. She initially entered politics and the House after the tragic passing of her late husband Sonny Bono - the world-famous singer / TV star turned mayor and ultimately congressman. In this conversation, she talks the political rise o…

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Ryan Davis, Co-Founder of People First, on Why 2024 Was "The Influencer Election" 59:00

7M ago59:00

59:00

Send us a text Ryan Davis, co-founder of the digital political firm People First, has long been at the cutting edge of digital politics and the rise of digital influencers and has dubbed 2024 as "The Influencer Election". In this conversation, Ryan talks his roots in politics, a detour through the NYC theater community, being part of the influentia…

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Mark Harris, General Consultant for Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, on 2024's Lone Senate Upset 1:14:02

7M ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Send us a text Mark Harris, co-founder of ColdSpark strategies, was the General Consultant for the successful Dave McCormick 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race - arguably the lone true upset of the '24 Senate cycle. In this conversation, Mark talks his roots in PA politics - including running for office himself, ousting a sitting legislator in a GOP pri…

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Inside the 2024 North Carolina Governor's Race with Josh Stein Senior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff Allen 1:08:17

8M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Send us a text Senior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff Allen helped guide Democrat Josh Stein to a historic win in the 2024 open-seat North Carolina Governor's Race over GOP lighting rod Mark Robinson. In this conversation, they both discuss how Stein went from trailing in many of the early polls to winning on Election Day by a his…

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Rebecca Katz, General Consultant for Ruben Gallego & John Fetterman, on Running & Winning Tough Races 48:56

8M ago48:56

48:56

Send us a text Rebecca Katz, founder of New Deal Strategies, is coming off her second consecutive cycle as General Consultant on signature Democratic Senate wins - including Ruben Gallego in Arizona and John Fetterman in Pennsylvania. In this episode, Rebecca talks in depth about both of those races and the lessons to be mined for Democrats in the …

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Election 2024 Recap with Nathan Gonzales of Inside Elections 55:20

9M ago55:20

55:20

Send us a text Nathan Gonzales is the Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections, one of the foundations of American political analysis, and a frequent presence talking and writing about politics on TV and in print. In this conversation, recorded two weeks after Election Day 2024, Nathan weighs in on the headlines from the '24 campaign, surprises and…

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S5E7. Getting to Know Hyfi 35:58

9M ago35:58

35:58

What if your curriculum could help kids and students not only learn about faith but truly feel like they belong? How can you create a discipleship experience that’s both flexible and aligns with the unique mission of your church? In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, Ken Braddy interviews Jeremy Carroll about Hyfi, Lifeway’s innovative n…

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Pro Politics Re-Release: Maggie Haberman on the Political Rise of Donald Trump 40:54

9M ago40:54

40:54

Send us a text [Originally released 11/22] Maggie Haberman is, of course, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who's covered the political rise of Donald Trump for the New York Times...and her book, CONFIDENCE MAN: The Making of Donald Trump & The Breaking of America became an immediate best seller. In this conversation, Maggie dives into all things…

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Republican Pollster Patrick Ruffini on the Increasingly Multi-Racial GOP Coalition 53:18

9M ago53:18

53:18

Send us a text [Initially Released 11/07/23] Patrick Ruffini, pollster at Echelon Strategies, returns to talk about his new book PARTY OF THE PEOPLE - on the transition of the Republican Party from being dominated by wealthy, suburban white voters to a more blue-collar and increasingly-multi-racial coalition. In this conversation, Patrick lays out …

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S5E6. Getting to Know The Gospel Project 31:53

9M ago31:53

31:53

On today's show, host Ken Braddy welcomes Y Bonesteele, content editor for Lifeway’s Adult Gospel Project, for a deep dive into one of Lifeway’s standout curriculums. If you’re a small group leader looking for a powerful tool to disciple your group with purpose and structure, this episode is for you! Ken and Bone explore what sets Gospel Project ap…

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Election Day 2024 Preview with Amy Walter 1:09:46

9M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Send us a text With just hours until polling places open for the November 5th presidential election, this week's guest is analyst Amy Walter to provide her insights and instincts heading into Election Day. The editor and publisher of The Cook Report with Amy Walter, Amy has been a constant presence writing and thinking about US elections for nearly…

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S5E5. Getting to Know Bible Studies For Life 37:08

9M ago37:08

37:08

In this insightful episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy sits down with Dr. Len Pryor, team lead at Lifeway Christian Resources for Bible Studies for Life, to uncover the philosophy and unique aspects of the curriculum. Designed around eight essential markers of a growing disciple, Bible Studies for Life offers small group leader…

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2024 Election Panel: Andy Blunt, Jim Ellis, & Zac McCrary 42:33

9M ago42:33

42:33

Send us a text This is a different type of episode this week as I have borrowed the audio from a panel I was part of last Thursday (10/24/24) to discuss the upcoming 2024 elections. This panel is hosted by the government affairs firm Husch Blackwell Strategies, and the video link can be accessed here. Moderating the discussion is Husch Blackwell CE…

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S5E4. Getting to know Explore the Bible 38:53

10M ago38:53

38:53

Curriculum plays a pivotal role in guiding meaningful Bible study and fostering spiritual growth within small groups. It’s not just about following a plan—it’s about creating a foundation for spiritual transformation. In this episode, Ken Braddy sits down with Amber Vaden, team leader for Explore the Bible at Lifeway Christian Resources, to delve i…

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S5E3. The Pros and Cons of Aligned Curriculum Across Age Groups 31:46

10M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode, Ken Braddy and Dr. Dwayne McCrary dive into the ins and outs of aligning curriculum in the church to help small group leaders lead with greater effectiveness. They explore various approaches to alignment—whether by age group, concept, or teaching style—and share how alignment can foster deeper conversations, streamline planning, an…

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Forrest Claypool & A Master Class in Chicago Politics 59:59

10M ago59:59

59:59

Send us a text Forrest Claypool has one of the most impressive and varied resumes in politics...early campaign and operative work with David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel, two-time Chief of Staff to the mayor of Chicago, opposing Barack Obama in mock debates in his 2004 Senate race, running the Chicago Park District, Chicago Transit Authority, and Chica…

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Zac McCrary Podcasts

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