Hope in Hostile Times: Congressman Eric Swalwell on Resilience, Action, and Protecting Democracy

In today’s episode, I am so excited to sit down with Congressman Eric Swalwell, representative of California’s 14th Congressional District and former prosecutor, for an unfiltered, emotional, and urgent conversation about the state of our country and what it means to lead with courage and conviction in the face of chaos, fear, and division. What begins as a conversation about politics quickly becomes something far more personal and profound. Congressman Swalwell opens up about the heavy personal toll of public service in today’s increasingly hostile climate. From receiving weekly death threats to being physically blocked by protestors, he shares how he continues to show up for his constituents despite it all. He and I dive into the alarming rise in ICE raids, the erosion of voting rights, the threat of political apathy, and the real human cost of dangerous policies. Through heart-wrenching stories of families torn apart and communities living in fear, we remind listeners that these aren’t just headlines. They’re real people, our neighbors, and the backbone of our society. This episode is not just about politics. It’s about humanity. It’s about refusing to be silent when silence means complicity. It’s about staying grounded in your values even when it's hard, and finding strength in vulnerability and truth. Congressman Swalwell shares his personal mental wellness rituals, from daily runs to moments of silence, while I open up about the healing power of my daily beach walks and my mission to hold onto hope, even when it’s hard to find. With honesty, empathy, and a powerful call to action, this episode reminds us that democracy isn’t just something we inherit. It’s something we fight for. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain about the future, this conversation will meet you where you are and reignite your belief in what’s possible. This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor # resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #MentalHealthMatters #JudgingMeghan #EricSwalwell #LeadershipInCrisis #ProtectDemocracy #ICEraids #HumanRights #PoliticalCourage #VoteForChange #Resilience #TraumaSurvivor #FaithAndPolitics #StandTogether #YourVoiceMatters #SpeakYourTruth #TakeAStand #ManhattanBeachMarch #InspireAction #MentalWellness #WeRiseTogether Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices