When Power Goes Unchecked, Who Pays the Price? With Nicole Locklin

What happens when you stop yelling at the television and decide to actually run for Congress? That’s where my conversation with Nicole Locklin begins. Nicole is an attorney, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, a survivor, and now a candidate for Florida’s 26th Congressional District. She didn’t set out to become a politician. She reached a point where she decided somebody had to step up.We talk about what it means to live under political systems that can feel increasingly disconnected from the people they’re supposed to serve. Gerrymandering, campaign money, corporate influence, government accountability—these aren’t abstract political talking points when they shape whether people can afford housing, access healthcare, feel safe, or have control over their own lives.And then we get personal. Nicole and I talk about ADHD, autism, late diagnosis, sexual violence, domestic violence, and what happens when survivors are failed by institutions that are supposed to protect them. How much are we willing to tolerate from people in power? And why do we keep treating accountability like an optional feature of government? We also talk about immigration, human rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and the responsibility of allies to speak up—especially when it would be easier to stay quiet.Because democracy doesn’t survive on spectators. At some point, somebody has to decide: "I’m not sitting this one out."Learn more about Nicole Locklin:Website: Locklin For CongressEmail: info@locklinforcongress.com Facebook InstagramYouTube Chapters00:00 Nicole Locklin’s Journey to Politics10:15 The Importance of Community and Roots20:19 Navigating Neurodiversity and Advocacy24:13 The Journey of Advocacy and Activism27:47 The Impact of Government Actions on Communities32:46 Confronting Societal Issues and Historical Context37:47 Addressing Child Protection and Justice44:58 The Rise of Extremism and Its Consequences47:00 Navigating the Justice System50:28 Racism and Political Accountability57:37 The Importance of Representation63:10 A Call for Accountability and ChangeContact Tabitha:staringdownthestorm@gmail.comhttps://tabithazeigler.com/