Meeting the Democratic nominee for U.S. House Rodney Govens at a local town hall, you cannot help but get drawn into his fervor for change within Arkansas's 1st Congressional District. His words are a rallying cry to all those who feel unheard in the face of education gaps, economic hurdles, and healthcare woes.

This episode features a recent live radio interview with KABF host Larry Hicks, wherein Rodney charts a path for the disenfranchised, urging them to harness the power of their vote for a more equitable future. His stories of voter suppression, especially within the African American community, are a sobering reminder of the work still to be done.

This episode doesn't just spotlight these emergencies; it questions the very efficacy of current leadership and representation. As we dissect the challenges, from water infrastructure to the necessity of rural broadband, he pulls no punches questioning the effectiveness of current representatives and the dire need for transparency and accountability in government. Moreover, Rodney and Larry's spirited debate on what it means to be pro-life extends beyond the rhetoric, zeroing in on the real-life implications for foster children, veterans, and the elderly.

The stark realities for those aging out of the foster care system and returning veterans often go unnoticed, yet Rodney's insights shine a crucial light on these pressing issues. We highlight potential federal programs that could offer a lifeline to these individuals, equipping them with essential skills for independence and addressing the healthcare needs of those who've served. As we unpack the layers of healthcare dilemmas, corruption, and the right to bear arms, the episode becomes a powerful testimony to systemic struggles—from the deadly consequences of military burn pits to the harrowing experiences of those fighting illness without adequate support. Join us for a journey into the heart of Arkansas's challenges and the relentless pursuit of solutions.

DONATIONS are crucial to Rodney running a competitive race and winning in November 2024!

Small donations like "roundups" from each card purchase are just as important as big donations.

Pledge your digital spare change or make a one-time contribution at RodneyForCongress.org – click the donate button – or go to https://bit.ly/donate-rodney-govens.

This podcast production is paid for by Committee to Elect Rodney Govens.

In this conversation, Riding With Rodney co-hosts Steve Grappe, Congressional candidate Rodney Govens, and Kristal Kuykendall discuss recent visits to Marshall, Leslie, St. Joe, and Jonesboro, Arkansas, and they offer an open invitation to planned campaign events March 20, March 26 and March 28, 2024.

Rodney details the problems he's hearing about over and over as he visits many towns in the First District — for example, he's heard from officials in nearly every town that they are struggling with water infrastructure, and no money to fix it.

Rodney, Steve, and Kristal also discuss opportunities to volunteer with the campaign and the reason that Rodney's campaign benefits from every $5 contribution – in fact, small donations can open doors to major contributions, and Steve explains why.

Also in this episode, Kristal unboxes a new campaign item from the campaign store at RodneyForCongress.org/shop.

The conversation concludes with Rodney making his "elevator pitch" explaining why he's running and why people should vote for him and get behind his campaign.

Learn more at https://RodneyForCongress.org.

Rodney Govens is running for U.S. House of Representatives to represent Arkansas' First Congressional District.

Donate or pledge your digital spare change at https://bit.ly/donate-rodney-govens.

This podcast production is paid for by the Committee to Elect Rodney Govens.

Like what you hear? Rodney can win with YOUR help!

Donate your digital "spare change" or make a one-time contribution at https://bit.ly/donate-rodney-govens or visit RodneyForCongress.org and click the "donate" button at the top.

Episode 3 Description:

Rodney Govens, Democratic nominee for U.S. House of Representatives (Arkansas-01), and podcast co-host Steve Grappe talk about guns, the 2nd Amendment, mass shootings, and the need for common sense and compromise to stem gun violence.

Americans' avoidance of hard conversations and compromise on gun regulation is equivalent to choosing weapons over our own children, Rodney says – and he's a gun-rights advocate.

But, Rodney, asks, at what point does the #savethechildren movement actually inspire gun-rights activists to come to the table and work with anti-violence activists to create solutions and finally address the culture of mass shootings and the unmitigated access to weapons that has become the norm in the United States?

Why do the loudest #prolife voices stop caring so much about kids' lives when guns enter the conversation — or, tragically, the classroom?

Rodney and Steve talk about their own experiences with and ownership of guns, growing up with guns in the home, gun safety training they completed both as kids and in the military, and managing gun safety as adults.

Rodney says he does NOT believe the government should start taking individuals' personal weapons away — but he does believe that weapons made for war should be more regulated, referring to the Constitution's phrase a "well-regulated militia."

Listen to hear the whole conversation and email your feedback to hello@RodneyForCongress.org.

RODNEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT to win this election in November 2024. Donate one time or just sign up to round up your debit card purchases and contribute your digital "spare change" — every contribution is crucial!

Donate at https://bit.ly/donate-rodney-govens or visit RodneyForCongress.org and click the "donate" button at the top.

Rodney Govens is running for U.S. Congress to represent Arkansas' First Congressional District. Learn more at https://RodneyForCongress.org.

This podcast is sponsored by the Committee to Elect Rodney Govens.

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With Rodney Govens, Democratic nominee for U.S. House for Arkansas’ 1st District; Kristal Kuykendall; and Steve Grappe. Topics: Why Rodney is running; How his work in telecom and as a CASA advocate informs his platform; Improving Arkansas’ infrastructure (broadband access, safe drinking water, and cybersecurity funding for public schools); The U.S.-Mexico border “crisis” and the broken immigration court system

Congressional candidate Rodney Govens and Steve Grappe of Stand Up Arkansas and the Rural Caucus introduce Rodney's docu-podcast Riding With Rodney, a study of Arkansas’ 1st Congressional Dist. & its 31 counties. Rodney invites us to virtually “ride along” for his 2024 campaign. Also: The water-system outage happening in West Helena. Donate to Rodney's campaign here.

Podcast production paid for by Committee to Elect Rodney Govens.