Not Red, Not Blue: Lauren Pinkston on Raising Kids and Running for Governor as an Independent

This week, we're joined by Lauren Pinkston, a 7th-generation Tennessean, former university professor, and independent candidate for Governor of Tennessee. After spending years working in human trafficking prevention and community development around the world, Lauren returned home determined to break the two-party gridlock, running under the banner "Not Red, Not Blue, Just You." She's also a wife and mom of four, including a daughter adopted from Uganda, and she's raising her kids in the middle of a campaign most people said couldn't be won. We talk about why she's running as an independent in a deep-red state, what she's learned watching democracy up close in places like Laos and Uganda, and how she balances motherhood with a statewide campaign. Plus, we get into Pardon My Politics for the questions everyone's afraid to ask, and DGAF for the confessions no one expects from a gubernatorial candidate. Whether you're a lifelong Tennessean or just tired of choosing between two extremes, this episode is a refreshingly honest look at what it means to lead, and parent, without picking a team. Learn more about Lauren Pinkston and her campaign at https://www.pinkstonfortn.com/ Meet the Women Behind the Mic Tanya Nathan is a political campaign and communications strategist with over a decade of experience in progressive campaigns and advocacy. Currently, a Principal at a nationally-based political consulting firm, living in Denver with her toddler daughter, husband, and their rescue pets. Her hobbies include crosswords, mezcal tasting, and trying to find people to talk to about haunted places. Sarah Andrews is a nationally recognized political strategist living in rural Colorado with her husband and two young kids. When she's not managing campaigns or chasing toddlers, she's passionate about women's rights, childcare policy and creating space for honest political conversations that don't end in shouting matches. Website: momarchypodcast.com YouTube: @Momarchypodcast Instagram: @momarchypodcast TikTok: @momarchypodcast Email: momarchypodcast@gmail.com