Why Lived Experience Wins: Affordability, SNAP, and the Real Big Tent — with Mike Nellis and Rep. Tiara Mack (RI)

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Hey folks,

A bonus episode today with someone I’ve wanted to have on for a while: Rhode Island State Senator Tiara Mack. We got real about power, values, and what it takes to win when families are getting crushed. This one moves — from origin story to affordability to SNAP to what kind of fighters our party deserves. You don’t want to miss this one.

• [00:01:13] Tiara’s origin story: running at 26, why lived experience matters, and the moment she decided to stop being mad and start getting elected.

• [00:03:44] “Sleeping on the statehouse couch”: challenging a 30-year incumbent, codifying abortion rights, and fighting for tenants before it was “sexy.”

• [00:07:02] Be a student of the work: minimum wage vs. rent math, real costs, and how policy fails when policymakers don’t look like the people.

• [00:15:32] The big tent, for real: we debate Zohran, moderates, rank-choice quirks, and why the answer is a yes-and-coalition rooted in affordability.

• [00:36:12] SNAP and stakes: Rhode Island’s emergency, court-ordered urgency, and why food is being weaponized — plus what real pro-life policy would look like from cradle to grave.

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With urgency,

—Mike