In this bonus episode of How to Win a Campaign, host Martín Diego Garcia shares a webinar recorded in September 2025 featuring two innovative leadership development programs working to solve one of campaigns' most persistent problems: what happens to great talent between election cycles. Martín sits down with Theo LeCompte of Loft Leaders and Lorenza Ramirez of Blue Line Fellows for a deep dive into how both programs are investing in the next generation of political and advocacy leaders. Whether you're a campaign staffer navigating the off-year gap, an organization looking to hire mission-driven talent, or someone curious about how progressive campaigns are developing their bench, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Both guests share how their programs work, what they look for in fellows, and how employers and mentors can get involved.

Guest Info:

Lorenza Ramirez, Founder, Blue Line Fellows. Blue Line bridges the gap between election cycles by placing top campaign talent into meaningful roles, while building their networks and skills ahead of future cycles and beyond. Learn more at bluelinefellows.com.

Theo LeCompte, Executive Director, Loft Leaders. Loft is a fully paid, year-long fellowship that provides up-and-coming leaders in campaigns and public service with access to a graduate business education. Loft gives fellows the opportunity to deepen their network and build a stronger foundation for future opportunities. Learn more at loftleaders.org.

Resources:

• Arena
• TCW Blog: How to Land Your First Political Internship
• TCW Blog: Job Banks and Boards for Political Careers

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Joe and Martín are back to give listeners a sneak peek at what's coming in Season 5's bonus episodes. From ethical banking and mental health policy to DC voting rights and the future of advocacy, this season's lineup is packed with timely, practical conversations from some of the sharpest minds in politics and advocacy. We're also sharing a few webinar recordings — including an exclusive goal-setting training from our TCW Advocacy series. This bonus season is a must-listen, whether you're a seasoned campaigner or just getting started.

In our final regular episode of Season 5, Heather Booth returns to share more of her journey and insights into organizing and activism, as well as the need for love and joy in sustaining long-term activism. Joe and Heather discuss the challenges of staying organized and the importance of maintaining personal connections and joy in their work.

Guest Information:

You can connect with Heather on LinkedIn or on her website.

Check out some of Heather's recommendations:

Books:

• The Hard Work of Hope (Michael Ansara)
• Working 9 to 5: A Women's Movement, a Labor Union, and the Iconic Movie (Ellen Cassedy)

Movies

• The Janes (HBO Max)
• Freedom On My Mind (Vimeo)
• Salt of the Earth (Prime Video)
• Z (Criterion)
• Sinners (HBO Max)
• Heather Booth: Changing the World (Amazon)
  

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Presented by The Campaign Workshop.