Las Vegas Nightlife, Engineering, Book Tours, Celebrities, and Small Town Politics: An Unlikely Journey
This episode is a high-level summary of my life and how I arrived at creating this podcast.
From growing up in the small town of Somerset, Massachusetts, to navigating the nightlife industry and the world of engineering, my journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode, I, Holly McNamara, unravel the intricate tapestry of unexpected turns that led me back home and eventually, into the local political sphere.
After spending 14 years exploring different cities and industries, I felt a powerful pull back to my roots. I moved home and started working in an engineering for a role at Boston Medical Center. I threw myself into the restoration of an old high school building, an experience that opened my eyes to the urgent need for change in my hometown. This realization eventually led me to take a leap of faith and run for the position of a Selectman, an official role in small town politics.
The journey into politics has been a rollercoaster ride, facing false rumors, accusations, and even the unexpected visit from President Biden. Despite the challenges, I've also witnessed the power of unity and the importance of giving the community a voice. Join me as I discuss the changing political landscape, the need for community engagement, and how we can address the disruptive elements threatening our town's progress. I invite you to be part of this conversation on the Salt Grain podcast. Let's explore, learn and grow together.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------
(0:00:12) - Life Journey and Podcast Inspiration
(0:08:31) - Reflecting on Home, Needing Change
(0:16:40) - Transitioning From Engineering to Politics
(0:32:10) - Small Town Political Turmoil
(0:40:11) - Changing Politics
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------
(0:00:12) - Life Journey and Podcast Inspiration
I grew up on the Taunton River, studied engineering, moved to San Diego, worked in nightlife, helped launch a bestseller, moved to Las Vegas and San Francisco, and returned to my hometown.
(0:08:31) - Reflecting on Home, Needing Change
I moved to California, returned to my hometown, restored an old high school, and met my current boyfriend.
(0:16:40) - Transitioning From Engineering to Politics
I ran for Selectman, a form of government, to address my hometown's lack of a town planner and its shelved $90 million master plan.
(0:32:10) - Small Town Political Turmoil
Political awakening, Biden visit, Prismian cables, South Coast wind, disruptive neighbors, zoning board vote, elected official resignation, addressing root problems, bullying.
(0:40:11) - Changing Politics
I'm giving a voice to people to discuss politics, interview guests, answer questions, and engage on social media.
--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH FULL SUMMARIES ---------
(0:00:12) - Life Journey and Podcast Inspiration (8 Minutes)
I was brought up with a lot of values from my parents, who were teachers, and I always wanted to learn more. I grew up on the Taunton River in Somerset, Massachusetts. When one of my friends came to visit, he was amazed that I lived there because it was on the water. I went to engineering school and moved to San Diego for my Master's. I worked in the nightlife industry and met the CEO of Zappos, who became a good friend of mine. I helped him launch his book, which became a bestseller. I moved to Las Vegas to help him, and then I moved to San Francisco. After fourteen years, I decided to move back to my hometown of Somerset, MA, and appreciate the waterfront.
(0:08:31) - Reflecting on Home, Needing Change (8 Minutes)
Growing up with two teacher parents, I was always driven to learn more and explore the world. After moving out to California, I returned to my hometown of Somerset, Massachusetts for a job at Boston Medical Center. The atmosphere in the Northeast was different, and I met a lot of down-to-earth people. I decided to get involved in a project to restore the old high school building, built in 1936, and took on the role of project manager. The event was a success, and I met my current boyfriend in the process.
(0:16:40) - Transitioning From Engineering to Politics (15 Minutes)
After buying a house in my hometown and learning about a shelved $90 million master plan, I asked questions and discovered the town was lacking a town planner. My friend suggested I run for office. Other adults encouraged me, so I pulled papers and got the required signatures in 12 hours. I decided to run for Selectman, a form of government in towns with a population of 50,000 or fewer, and the board of three Selectmen governs the town as a mayor would in a city.
(0:32:10) - Small Town Political Turmoil (8 Minutes)
After experiencing a political awakening in my hometown, I took a trip to San Diego with my boyfriend and returned to face rumors and accusations. I was then honored to have President Biden visit Somerset, a small town in Massachusetts. To top it off, the town is now being featured in the news with new developments such as the Prismian cables and South Coast wind. Unfortunately, a handful of neighbors are loud and disruptive and threaten the progress of the town. Tonight, a vote by the zoning board caused further embarrassment, and could cost the town millions. This episode will discuss the resignation of an elected official, muting noisy and disruptive people, and how to address problems from the root. Additionally, I'll be talking about my mother being bullied by a local town bully on Easter morning.
(0:40:11) - Changing Politics (1 Minutes)
I decided to use my platform to give people a voice. I want to bring people together to talk about the changing landscape of politics and how we need to readjust. I invite everyone to join me on the salt green as I interview people, listen to their stories, take questions, and interact on social media.
Show notes created by https://podium.page
The Salt Grain
When public figures stop pandering and start getting real.
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