Interview with Association of Indiana Counties incoming Board President Barb Hackman at the 2025 AIC Annual Conference in French Lick.

It has been a bit, but it's good to be back! The Political Doula Podcast is bringing you a new episode each week.

Do you have a question for the Political Doula? Politics, wellness, life - anything at all - please ask away! Submit your questions by sending an email or messaging on social media.

Email: melissa@thepoliticaldoula.com

Instagram: @themelissaacton

LinkedIn: Melissa Acton

It is my pleasure to welcome Indiana State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn! For Victoria, "people over politics" is a guiding principle not an empty platitude, and her love for people shines throughout this conversation.

CONNECT

Victoria Garcia Wilburn on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Melissa Acton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thepoliticaldoula.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: melissa@thepoliticaldoula.com

What a pleasure it is to introduce to you Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla! While Elise may have inherited her heart for service from her mother, her dedicated spirit is uniquely hers. Elise discusses her public service story, her family, and her commitment to her work and those she serves with passion, hope, and confidence.

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Elise Nieshalla on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Melissa Acton on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thepoliticaldoula.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: melissa@thepoliticaldoula.com

Sometimes we don't notice the effect of a particular habit until we stop....and then pick it up again. In this episode, Melissa shares three realizations after an injury which caused her to take a break from her daily exercise routine.

Please give a warm welcome to Indiana State Representative Wendy Dant Chesser! Although new to elected office, Wendy’s life path has perfectly positioned her for this role. Wendy discusses pertinent issues, valuable to any woman contemplating stepping into the public arena, with enthusiasm and conscientiousness.

CONNECT

Wendy Dant Chesser on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Melissa Acton on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠www.thepoliticaldoula.com⁠⁠⁠

Email: melissa@thepoliticaldoula.com

We all experience wins and losses throughout our lives, and it's the losses that give us the opportunity for growth. Listen for three important takeaways when experiencing a failure.

Prepare to be inspired! In big ways or small, Blair Milo is always looking to make a difference in this life. Whether serving in the Navy on the world stage or in her hometown of La Porte, Indiana, Blair is intentional in amplifying her impact.

HIGHLIGHTS

03:19 Blair's service background

05:14 Journey to Mayor of La Porte

10:28 Women in leadership

12:17 Being a young candidate for office

14:16 Relationship with fitness and running

19:56 Gold Star Initiative Athlete at Ironman 70.3 Eagleman Triathlon

26:37 Pivot from international relations to local focus

30:28 Fostering positive lifestyle choices in the City of La Porte

34:11 Gratitude

CONNECT

Blair Milo on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Melissa Acton on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠www.thepoliticaldoula.com⁠⁠

Email: melissa@thepoliticaldoula.com