Meet Remso W. Martinez, Podcaster and Blogger

Remso W. Martinez is the host of the Remso Republic podcast, one of the fastest growing political podcasts online. He's a blogger, community organizer, and campaign consultant who describes himself as being passionate about capitalism and individual liberty. You can hear his podcasts on SoundCloud, read his blog posts by clicking here, and learn more about him by visiting https://remsorepublic.com/.

1. How did you first become interested in politics?

It was always part of my nature. I didn't understand why if ideas were good that they had to be enforced by violence. It was at that point I understood that government wasn't the solution to our problems as a country, and that individuals thriving could accomplish more than any politician.

2. What inspired you to start a podcast?

I was a blogger for about a year, but very few people like to read things anymore; they focus on the picture and title instead of the context. I understood the only way to educate people was through entertainment, since all politics is downstream of culture.

3. What sets the Remso Republic apart from other political podcasts?

We have a commentator industrial complex, a lot of people who are famous for nothing but being famous and offer no real insight. My time in the media and political arena gives me the insight and knowledge that makes me a credible figure in my field. I don't talk about things I don't know about, but give you the straight talk needed to give you the best opinion and insight out there.

4. How does your perspective as a campaign consultant and community organizer influence your blog entries and podcast episodes?

I'm not a journalist; I'm a pundit, which means I have an agenda and worldview that I want other people to understand. I'm advocating for open minds and open markets, and hope I can help change some minds.

5. Would you tell us about some of the topics you hope to cover in upcoming shows--and do you ever consider listener-submitted ideas?

I want to continue to cover current events, but I am always open to listener recommendations. If you join my private fan group, the Remso Republic Nation, on Facebook, you can talk directly to me and my show producer Ryan and give us input and recommendations. My fans help shape the direction of my show because if they aren't listening, having fun, or learning, I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks, Remso!

Meet Caleb Laieski, Activist

Caleb Laieski is an advocate for the environment as well as civil rights. As a teenager who experienced bullying, he became involved in meeting with many members of Congress as well as other legislators regarding anti-bullying legislation. At age 17, Caleb was the Youth and Diversity Liaison in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. Today, he continues to advocate for LGBT rights, public safety, and the environment.

Learn more about Caleb by visiting his website.

1. How did your experiences growing up inspire you to become involved in political advocacy?

After receiving death threats and being severely bullied for being openly gay in high school, I ended up dropping out of school. Believe it or not, that was my only birthday wish, and fortunately it came true. About a month later, I quickly obtained my GED and went into advocacy work to make sure other young people wouldn't have to experience what I had to.

2. What projects are you currently working on?

I just joined the effort to challenge Tennessee's recently passed law that allows counselors' and therapists' religious beliefs to be an excuse for terminating care or referring clients because of moral objections to how the client identifies. In summary, this allows mental health professionals to put their own beliefs above and before the needs of their clients.

3. What is the hardest part about your work?

That's a tough question... I would certainly say that sometimes it's hard to stay energized 24/7, and advocacy can be extremely tiring. However, seeing the impact of my work and hearing that I have made a difference in someone's life is what gives me that continuous spark of energy and enthusiasm.

4. Do you think that the national conversation on LGBTQ rights has changed at all, in the wake of Orlando?

Absolutely. This shooting was the most tragic in not only LGBT history, but in U.S. history. It reminds the members of the LGBT community that hate still exists, and we must always be aware of what is going on around us. This hate crime also highlights the importance of passing legislation to ensure basic background checks are performed and make sure that guns stay out of the wrong people's hands.

5. What are your plans for the future?

I have had the honor to get involved in many amazing gigs with activism and worked as a 911 Dispatcher for several years. I am now looking to become a police officer and continue serving my community in that capacity.

Thanks, Caleb!