Welcome to the Suburban Civics 101 Podcast: your go-to resource for understanding the inner workings of local government and politics in the Chicagoland area! Hosted by Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid, this teaser episode introduces the mission of the podcast: to demystify suburban politics and give you the tools you need to better engage with your local government.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or disconnected from your local government, this podcast is for you. Get ready for interviews with elected officials, experts, and more, all aimed at helping you feel more informed and empowered to take action.

Jackie shares her journey from confusion about township roles to running for office and discovering the interconnected pieces of local governance. Ethan, a lifelong Wheaton resident, dives into the challenges of understanding local elections and offers insights from his own experiences in lobbying and serving as a student ambassador to a local school board. Together, they explore the often-overlooked aspects of local politics, from non-partisan elections to the impact of key local offices like township, city council, school board, and more. Be sure to subscribe, today, on your favorite podcast app, so you never miss an episode.

Do you have a question for a future episode? Reach out to the Suburban Civics 101 team on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok @SuburbanCivics101, or email us at suburbancivics101@gmail.com.

This podcast is produced, edited, and mixed by Josh Williamson.