Megan Hunt
In The Arena
This episode is completely profound, occasionally profane, and filled with phrases you won't soon forget! Though Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt described herself in the episode as "the Diet Coke of LGBTQ Community," she's so much more. She is the woman in the arena that Teddy Roosevelt would have thrilled over. She overcame internalized stigma, to live her life and advocate for others in a way that envisions a world where everyone can be free to live without having to justify who they are. And she's willing to fight for it. In the interview we discuss the challenges of self-discovery, the complexities of coming out, and how these experiences have shaped Senator Hunt's confident approach to both personal and political life.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt in 1910
This episode is completely profound, occasionally profane, and filled with phrases you won't soon forget! Though Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt described herself in the episode as "the Diet Coke of LGBTQ Community," she's so much more. She is the woman in the arena that Teddy Roosevelt would have thrilled over. She overcame internalized stigma, to live her life and advocate for others in a way that envisions a world where everyone can be free to live without having to justify who they are. And she's willing to fight for it. In the interview we discuss the challenges of self-discovery, the complexities of coming out, and how these experiences have shaped Senator Hunt's confident approach to both personal and political life.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt in 1910
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Highlights
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Guest Biography
Senator Megan Hunt is a dedicated small business owner, community activist, and devoted mother first elected to the Nebraska State Legislature in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 to represent District 8; becoming the first LGBTQ+ person ever elected to the Legislature, and the first woman ever from the district. A sixth-generation Nebraskan, Megan has lived and worked in the district for the past 18 years. Senator Hunt currently sits on five committees in the Legislature and is passionate about public education, reproductive justice, gender equity, workforce development, and reducing brain drain in the Midwest. Since taking office, she has worked with senators across the political spectrum to tackle food stamp reform, tenants’ rights, access to healthcare, public health harm reduction policies, and affordable housing in Nebraska. Megan has given board service to Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, Charles Drew Health Center, Friends of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, and Friends of the Nebraska AIDS Project, among other organizations. Megan’s work and impact has been featured in dozens of publications including the New York Times, Forbes, INC, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, the Huffington Post, and more. She and her kid, Ash, make their home in the Benson neighborhood of Omaha with their dog, Cricket. When the Legislature isn’t in session, you can find her at either her stationery shop, Five Nine, or her clothing store, Ceremony. |
Show Notes
Season 2, Episode 16 Credits
Guest: Megan Hunt Host: Liz Cavallaro Host: Bree Fram Audio: Frieda Garcia |