Why Not Me? 2028
What if a regular person ran for President?
Why Not Me? is a smart, thoughtful, sometimes funny podcast about one woman’s journey to ask that question — out loud. Shana is not a celebrity, not a billionaire, and not backed by a political machine. She’s a former nonprofit worker and PTA fundraiser, and current higher ed employee who’s spent her life working, parenting, and trying to make things better from the ground up.
In each episode, she explores what it would actually take for someone like her to run for the highest office in the land — from policy ideas to campaign hurdles, from civic curiosity to systemic barriers. Along the way, she asks bigger questions about leadership, representation, and what democracy really means in 21st-century America.
This isn’t a show about bashing politicians or pushing an agenda. It’s about making space for new voices, honest conversations, and people who’ve never seen themselves in power. If you've ever looked at a ballot and thought, “Seriously? These are my choices?” — this podcast is for you.
Why Not Me? 2028
Who Do You Believe Anymore?
Summary
Trust is the glue that holds democracy together. But today, Americans distrust almost everything — political parties, Congress, government agencies, even each other. In this episode, I look at where trust has frayed, where it still exists, and why it matters. From The West Wing’s fictional handover of power to neighbors helping each other with packages, we explore how trust once worked — and how we might rebuild it.
Resources & References
- In 2023, Congress passed just 27 laws — the lowest number since the Great Depression (PolitiFact).
- Michael Lewis, Who Is Government? (2025) — collection of essays on public servants’ contributions.
- Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone (2000) — landmark work on declining civic engagement and trust.
- Pew Research Center, Public Trust in Government: 1958–2023.
- Historical context of unequal justice for minorities in U.S. courts (Jim Crow, sentencing disparities).
Call to Action
Do you still see trust working — in your neighborhood, your community, or an institution you believe in? Send me your stories at shana@whynotme2028.com. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
Use this link to send us a text, or email us at the address in show notes.
shana@whynotme2028.com
Credits
Graphics and editing by Rory Lawson
Music by Universfield from Pixabay