Diamond Rings and Diet Cokes: How a $1,000 Proposal Changed Everything
What does it take to go from Middle Eastern studies scholar to four-term state representative? Representative Laura Telerski shares her journey on Anything but Politics, revealing how she ended up in the New Hampshire legislature.As the youngest of five, Laura moved to Nashua in fourth grade after her father’s career took the family to Texas. At Georgetown University, she shifted her focus from government to history, eventually studying Middle Eastern cultures in Turkey. This led her to a Master’s from the University of Chicago, where she met her future husband.One memorable story she shares is getting engaged with a combined $1,000 budget, finalizing the decision over a Diet Coke at Wendy's. After graduation, the couple returned to New England, and when childcare costs became prohibitive, Laura stepped away from her career to raise their three children.Laura entered politics later, starting with local elections before running for state representative in 2018. Now in her fourth term, she holds leadership roles, including deputy ranking Democratic leader and ranking Democrat on Finance Division Three. She values building bipartisan relationships and finding common ground with colleagues.Laura’s story shows how diverse experiences offer unique perspectives on policy, reminding us that unconventional paths can lead to meaningful public service. Want to hear more? Subscribe to our podcast for new episodes.
--------
44:00
--------
44:00
She jumped out of airplanes before jumping into politics.
Representative Erica Layon's path to the New Hampshire House weaves through California sunshine, MIT classrooms, the adrenaline-charged floors of options trading, and the open skies of skydiving before landing in the granite landscape of New Hampshire politics.Growing up in a master-planned California community, Layon's intellectual curiosity led her to remarkable experiences even before college. Her high school offered an extraordinary opportunity—a year-long cadaver class where students dissected human bodies. This early hands-on experience with anatomy nearly launched her toward orthopedic surgery until she realized her limitations working without sleep. When MIT acceptance came, she couldn't refuse, though her academic journey would wind through biomedical engineering and architecture before settling on economics.The high-stakes world of options trading taught Layon to maintain composure under pressure and make solid decisions with limited information—skills that translate perfectly to legislative work. Her professional training included 100 hours of supervised poker playing to analyze decision-making patterns, while her personal life took an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with her future husband in an airport. Their connection led to skydiving adventures, including a proposal where he attached an engagement ring to his parachute pin during a pre-jump safety check.After nearly 300 jumps (and one broken femur), motherhood and career shifts as a medical device analyst shaped her next chapter. When COVID arrived, Layon recognized potential legislative pitfalls on the horizon. Despite having once made it a life goal that "nobody I didn't know would know my name," she filed to run for office on the last day possible. Now serving her third term while raising three boys and managing forest land, Leon brings her analyst's skill of "looking around corners" to committee work.
--------
39:51
--------
39:51
Peace Corps, Parenthood, and Political Life
Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka takes us on a remarkable journey from her childhood living above a family-owned Dairy Queen to her current role as Senate Democratic Leader in New Hampshire. With warmth and humor, she reveals how the practical lessons from her small business upbringing continue to shape her approach to both politics and parenthood."No one is coming to save you," she reflects, describing the self-reliance instilled by her early years decorating ice cream cakes and serving customers. This problem-solving mindset has proven invaluable throughout her career, from her time studying at Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and Cornell Law School to her transformative two-year Peace Corps service in Senegal, West Africa.The conversation takes particularly fascinating turns when Senator Perkins Kwoka describes teaching business skills to women in her West African village and the profound perspective she gained on American opportunity. Now balancing life as a senator, renewable energy company lawyer, and mother to three daughters under six, she brings a refreshingly practical approach to public service.Housing affordability emerges as her signature issue, stemming from her concern about New Hampshire's aging demographics and her desire to create communities where young families can thrive. From conducting zoning audits as a law student to championing comprehensive housing reforms on the Portsmouth City Council and now in the Senate, her commitment to practical problem-solving transcends partisan divides.The senator's stories about involving her young daughters in politics—from bringing her infant to city council meetings to her five-year-old meeting Vice President Kamala Harris—highlight her belief in exposing children early to civic engagement. As she bridges professional ambition with motherhood, her perspective offers valuable insights for anyone navigating multiple roles while seeking to build stronger communities.Have you encountered a leader who brings such diverse life experiences to their public service? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about how we can all contribute to building more connected, affordable communities.
--------
42:47
--------
42:47
Beyond the Diamond: Fisher Cats' New Leader
Taylor Fisher's remarkable journey from teenage fan to General Manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats epitomizes the American dream of turning passion into profession. Growing up just 45 minutes away in Merrimack, Massachusetts, Taylor attended Fisher Cats games decades before he would ever imagine running the organization. His story serves as proof that with determination, education, and a clear vision, careers in sports are attainable.The serendipity of sharing a last name with the team he now manages brings a smile to Taylor's face as he recounts his 13-year climb through baseball's ranks. After studying finance at Bentley University and sports leadership at Northeastern, Taylor's career began with humble game-day internships before landing his first GM role with a summer collegiate team at age 22. Eight successful years with the Nashville Sounds followed, where he rose to VP of Ticket Sales and Service while meeting his wife at the ballpark.Taylor provides fascinating insights into the true role of a minor league GM, dispelling common misconceptions. Unlike their major league counterparts who handle player trades and roster construction, minor league GMs focus entirely on business operations and fan experience. The Toronto Blue Jays control all player development aspects, while Taylor ensures both players and fans have exceptional experiences at the ballpark. His perspective is refreshingly honest: "Every day I get to work for a baseball team, my office is a ballpark. It's not that serious."Now back in New England with his young family, Taylor's vision for the Fisher Cats is ambitious. "The first 20 years of Fisher Cats baseball was awesome," he shares, "but the next 20 are going to be a whole different level." He wants fans to see games as "a three-hour mental vacation" from life's stresses. With Diamond Baseball Holdings' resources behind him and his deep understanding of creating memorable game experiences, Taylor Fisher is poised to elevate New Hampshire's only professional sports team to unprecedented heights.Join us at the ballpark this season to experience Taylor's vision firsthand. With 69 home games offering 69 entirely different fan experiences, there's always something new to discover at a Fisher Cats game!
--------
39:31
--------
39:31
Erin Hennessey: The Quiet Power Behind Democracy's Paperwork
A groundbreaking new podcast, Anything BUT Politics, is redefining how we view political figures by focusing on everything about them—except their political careers.
Ireland