Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Political pollster Zac McCrary interviews interesting people who work in and around the political industry. Guests come from a multitude of backgrounds and specialties within the political industry, and span the partisan spectrum. This is not a podcast for partisan squabbling or punditry about the latest issue in DC - it is hearing directly from successful people in the industry...their stories, experiences, and advice. This is a podcast for anyone who works in politics, hopes to work in politics, or wants to get up close to see how things really work in the world of professional politics.

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Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Mike Nellis: Founder of Authentic digital, former Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris, & co-founder of White Dudes for Harris

June 17, 2025

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Mike Nellis is the founder of Authentic, a digital fundraising firm that's raised over $1 billion for it's clients including Kamala Harris, Adam Schiff and numerous Governors, Senators, and high profile organizations. He was also a Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign, the co-founder of White Dudes for Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign, and an active thinker and leader on how progressive politics has to evolve in a changing world.

IN THIS EPISODE

Growing up in a conservative, middle class home in Omaha...

Anti-Iraq War protests draw Mike into political activism...

Mike's time as an Obama volunteer and fellow in the '07-'08 Iowa Caucus...

On the campaign trail from Nebraska to North Carolina to Connecticut and more...

Mike's connection to the 2016 Bernie Sanders' campaign...

Mike's take on why a full primary would've helped the Kamala Harris' 24 presidential effort...

Mike founds Authentic, a firm focused on online fundraising...

Mike's time as a Senior Advisor to Kamala Harris 2020 presidential bid...

Behind the scenes of designing the Harris' 2020 logo...

Mike's recent focus as a General Consultant for campaigns...

Why Democrats have become so risk-averse?

Mike co-founds the White Dudes for Harris 2024 group...

What Democrats must do to better appeal to younger men...

The right balance of economics vs culture in Democratic campaigns...

Should messaging and governance go big or go small?

Where do Democrats need to move to the center?

Mike's encouragement for those working in politics to stay healthy...

AND...90s pro wrestling, AKAs, Avon, Brene Brown, George W. Bush, Pete Buttigieg, Carter Lake, James Carville, Bob Casey, Shirley Chisolm, Bill Clinton, John Fetterman, Flagrant, Scott Galloway, Jared Golden, Al Gore, Nikki Haley, hollowed-out banks, John Kerry, Larry King, Jane Kleeb, Scott Kleeb, Dan Malloy, Joe Manchin, Elaine Marshall, Ross Morales Rocketto, Morningside University, Elon Musk, music appreciation class, Trevor Noah, Martin O'Malley, Orange Theory, Ben Ostrower, Jordan Peterson, Ro Khanna, Chris Rock, Joe Rogan, Pat Ryan, Adam Schiff, Lis Smith, Tim Tagaris, Andrew Tate, Vampire Weekend, Theo Von, Tim Walz, Paul Wellstone, Wide Eye Creative & more!