Deborahcratic

A podcast hosted by Deborah Drucker. We sit down with everyday Americans and hear their extraordinary stories. Be sure to follow @Deborahcratic on IG for more!

Mike Pushkin 10/16/2024

Mike Pushkin Mike Pushkin is a member of the WV House of Delegates, representing parts of Charleston and currently serves as the Chair of the WV Democratic Party. He was first elected to the legislature in 2014, the year Democrats lost control of both houses in WV. He’s been a state chair since June 2022. He works for a service provider for individuals with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and has been a professional musician for over 30 years. During his time in the legislature he’s fought for second chance laws, expungement for certain nonviolent felonies, reentry, and recovery issues, and helped legalize medical cannabis in WV. He’s also in long-term recovery from addiction /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/33479042

Katrina Foley 10/09/2024

Katrina Foley Orange County California supervisor Katrina Foley joins Deborah to share her unique life story. From her impoverished beginnings, divorced parents, a difficult stepfather and a mother who showered her with the love that set her on a path in believing that nothing was out of reach. Katrina shares how she made her way into the world that is California politics. A woman who understands what it is like to face financial struggles Katrina has always stood for the workers and working families. As a business woman a lawyer and a community leader Katrina works tirelessly for the underserved and marginalized in her community. In this episode we get up close and personal with this powerful and compassionate woman. /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/33384667

Glenn Rogers 10/02/2024

Glenn Rogers In this episode, Deborah gets the inside scoop on how this publishing entrepreneur became the insightful and opinionated person that he is. A man who constantly moves forward despite the unexpected things that life can present. Deborah finds out just how Glenn feels about the political landscape in his adopted country and how he views the future of democracy. Join us as we hear this interesting man’s story and find out what his beloved wife gave him that kept him alive today! Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/33293372

Sue Kempf 09/25/2024

Sue Kempf Sue Kempf is currently the Mayor of Laguna Beach California. In this episode Deborah explores her life’s journey from the Hoosier state to the golden coast of Southern California. Sue shares with Deborah the challenge of coming out to her family and the complications of opening up to her conservative father. Deborah uncovers how this successful business woman became the mayor of one of the most exclusive beach towns in America and what it means to be a leader. Join us as we uncover Sue’s passion for sports, individuality, humanity and the environment. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/33197682

Dean Phillips 09/18/2024

Dean Phillips In this episode we will get to hear the story of Dean Phillips. Dean is a three term Democratic congressman in the state of Minnesota. Born and raised in Minnesota, Dean has a genuine love for his state and its citizens. Dean was the first Democrat to win this congressional seat since 1958. An eternal optimist who also threw his hat in the ring by challenging president Biden in the 2024 presidential primary. He is a man of many layers. To hear more about this great guy, tune in to DEBoRAHcratic wherever you listen to podcasts. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/33099352

Denise Ellison 06/12/2024

Denise Ellison In 40 years in obstetrics, Denise Ellison helped bring more than 5,000 babies into the world. In this episode, the retired nurse-midwife shares some of her remarkable experiences: growing up in a devout Catholic household, training as a midwife in remote Alaskan villages, and even helping to deliver some of her own grandchildren. What exactly does a nurse-midwife do? Find out along with Deborah in this season’s fascinating final episode. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890348

Clayton Cameron 06/05/2024

Clayton Cameron Jazz drummer Clayton Cameron has played, toured, and recorded with Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, and the Count Basie Orchestra. In this episode, Clayton shares with Deborah his experiences and his perspectives on music, politics, race – and tennis. How did the man known as “The Brush Master” and “The Big C.” earn his nicknames? Listen and find out. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890283

Erin Wolfkiel 05/29/2024

Erin Wolfkiel As a teenager, Erin Wolfkiel was often the only girl at the skatepark. In this episode, she tells Deborah about her years traveling to skateboard competitions, her complicated relationship with the sport after college, and her recent transformation into a nutrition advocate and skateboard social influencer whose joyful skating videos have gone viral on Instagram. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890178

Nico Raineau 05/22/2024

Nico Raineau Nico Raineau uses his skill as a creative and intuitive storyteller to flourish in two entirely different fields: as a filmmaker and as a professional wedding officiant. In this episode, he takes Deborah through his journey from coastal Connecticut to Hollywood, and then to a ceremonial role on the altar. How does a young writer/director become a sought-after wedding officiant, and keep both careers afloat? Nico reveals all, with his trademark wit and candor. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890143

Elle Quintana 05/15/2024

Elle Quintana Elle Quintana is a creative director, brand strategist and photographer. In this episode, she tells Deborah about growing up as a mixed-race Afro-Latina in Los Angeles, the groundbreaking grandmother who is her role model and biggest fan, and how her time spent teaching violin students on a Native American reservation shaped her political philosophy. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890108

Yale Scott 05/08/2024

Yale Scott Catch the story of Yale Scott. One day he is playing on the White House lawn with his family, POTUS and the First Lady. The next day he's out skiing in an American flag Speedo. Yale is a political veteran who held jobs in the Bush and Obama administrations and still helps run family-friendly events at the White House. In this episode, Yale talks with Deborah about his years in D.C., his work as an intended parent coordinator, his lifelong commitment to volunteerism, and why he considers himself to be a “recovering Republican.” Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890093

Lisa Conn 05/01/2024

Lisa Conn Through intelligence, confidence and sheer determination Lisa Conn has forged her career at the intersection of tech, politics and community building. Her work studying political division at MIT’s Media Lab earned her recognition as one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 leaders under the age of 30. In this episode, Lisa tells Deborah about her journey from politics to Silicon Valley and how new motherhood has reframed her perspective. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890063

Bryce Blanton 04/24/2024

Bryce Blanton Bryce Blanton epitomizes what it means to be a good citizen. During his high school days he organized fundraisers and clothing drives. After college he worked for the Boys and Girls Clubs. Now he drives a truck for UPS and catches waves during his lunch hour. In this episode, he talks with Deborah about his life as a young husband and father, and about the sudden medical crisis that united a community around him when he was a child, which helped shape who he is today. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30890013

Audrey Prosser 04/17/2024

Audrey Prosser Audrey Prosser is a tireless and accomplished businesswoman, activist and community organizer. In this episode, she tells Deborah about growing up in the segregated South of the 1950s, discovering her sexuality as a teenager, and the many obstacles she overcame to become a successful real estate agent, a progressive leader, and a mainstay of the Southern California Democratic community. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30697943

Jeffrey Lichtman 04/10/2024

Jeffrey Lichtman Criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman has represented mobster John A. Gotti and Mexican drug lord El Chapo, among many other high-profile organized crime figures. In this no-holds-barred episode, Jeffrey tells Deborah his story as only he can, from his childhood as a shy kid in New Jersey to his transformation into one of America’s most renowned mob lawyers. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30479853

Tijana Hamilton 04/03/2024

Tijana Hamilton Tijana Hamilton is an adventure traveler, a mother, a wife and a civil engineer who has helped to plan freeways and transportation projects all over Southern California. In this episode, she tells Deborah how a nomadic childhood in the former Yugoslavia, Zambia and South Africa led to studying engineering in Utah and her successful career in transportation. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30479808

David Vanderveen 03/27/2024

David Vanderveen In this episode, Deborah sits down with entrepreneur David Vanderveen. David grew up surfing giant swells on the Great Lakes and has ridden his own wave ever since. He describes his unique life journey to Deborah and our listeners: from his childhood in a conservative, religious Dutch-American community to a varied professional career that has included political PR, biotechnology, software development, and worldwide success with health and energy drinks. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30479773

Deborah Drucker 03/20/2024

Deborah Drucker This week we are flipping the mics! "Deborahcratic" host Deborah Drucker shares her remarkable life story, from her humble beginnings and colorful childhood to her career as a sales superstar with the house of Gucci, a fashion designer, a big mouth activist, and wife to legendary upright bassist Lee Rocker. Join us as we get up close and personal with the Deborah behind "Deborahcratic." Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30422603

George Esquivel 03/13/2024

George Esquivel George’s Esquivel’s life story could be a movie -- except no one would believe it. Born into hardship, with a drug dealer dad who later went to jail for murder, George found solace in his two passions: fashion and the dynamic Orange County, California music scene of the 90s. In this episode of Deborahcratic, George sits down with Deborah to describe his amazing path to success, from making shoes for bands like No Doubt, X and Pearl Jam, to a mentorship by Vogue uber-editor Anna Wintour, to collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger and others. “How can I not believe in God,” George tells Deborah. “Angels are looking out for me.” Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30341058

Season 3 Premiere: Lisette Elhayani 03/06/2024

Season 3 Premiere: Lisette Elhayani Lisette Elhayani is an interactive event creator whose bold and original explorations celebrate major brands. To kick off Season 3, she sits down with Deborah to talk about her career path, from synagogue catering manager ("I couldn't do another wedding or bris or bar mitzvah") to innovative designer and co-founder of her own women-run firm. Find out why Lisette gave herself a home basketball court as a gift from her 12 year old self, what it was like to come out in an orthodox Jewish family, and how she saved her business during the pandemic. All this and more, in this episode of Deborahcratic. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/30231738

Season Finale: Kelle Huston 09/13/2023

Season Finale: Kelle Huston Kelle Huston is a clean water advocate, COO of Nyjah Huston, Inc. and all-around optimist. In this episode, she sits down with Deborah to tell her incredible story of perseverance; how she escaped her husband’s control; gaining custody of their 5 children; and how she remains a lover of life, despite the tremendous hardships she’s endured. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358671

Bill Shopoff 09/06/2023

Bill Shopoff Bill Shopoff is the Founder and CEO of Shopoff Realty Investments, as well as an activist, philanthropist, and family man. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to discuss his Texan upbringing; his passion for LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy work; and how he became the business maverick he is today. Be sure to follow along @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358614

Alexander Hammond 08/30/2023

Alexander Hammond Alexander Hammond is a casting executive, proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and the grandson of Ethiopian immigrants. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to discuss sobriety; how his family escaped execution in Ethiopia; his passion for reality television; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358566

Alisa Eisenberg 08/23/2023

Alisa Eisenberg Alisa Eisenberg is a therapist and creator of the Renew Program, a federally funded stress management plan, as well as an accomplished singer, songwriter and composer. In this episode, she sits down with Deborah to discuss her passion for travel; being a mental health care provider; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358515

Kenneth Setzer 08/16/2023

Kenneth Setzer Kenneth Setzer is a writer based in Miami, FL. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to share his story of going from middle-school dropout to earning his master’s degree; growing up the little brother of a rock star; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358461

Rachele Cooks 08/09/2023

Rachele Cooks Rachele Cooks is a talented makeup artist living in Orange County, CA. In this episode, she sits down with Deborah to tell her story, from living in her car to having a thriving career. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358392

Myles Reed 08/02/2023

Myles Reed Myles Reed is an author and businessman. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to discuss his strong family values; his experiences living abroad; how his faith informs his political perspective; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27358335

Harold Noriega 07/26/2023

Harold Noriega Harold Noreiega is a founder of the Coop’s Advice Foundation; a top realtor; and volleyball enthusiast. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to discuss the tragic death of his son, Cooper Noriega; his passion for mental health advocacy; how he became a realtor who’s sold more than a billion dollars of real estate to date; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27307077

Evelyn Schreiber 07/19/2023

Evelyn Schreiber Evelyn Schreiber is a retired entrepreneur. In this episode, she sits down with Deborah to discuss how her family escaped Belgium the day the Nazis invaded; how an incredible act of kindness helped her family make their way to NYC; what she thinks of today’s political landscape; and more. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27307020

Steven 'Sli Dawg' Chew 07/12/2023

Steven 'Sli Dawg' Chew Steven ‘Sli Dawg’ Chew is a surfer, winemaker and bon vivant. In this episode, he sits down with Deborah to discuss his life in the water; how travel has expanded his consciousness; and memories of his friend, Taylor Hawkins. Be sure to follow along on IG @Deborahcratic and visit Deborahcratic.com! /episode/index/show/6ad81562-f765-42ae-8f93-dc0e972983fa/id/27097935

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