Today's episode features the new Mayor of Downingtown, PA, Dr. Erica Deuso.  Erica is a scientist, advocate for the marginalized...oh, and the first openly transgender Mayor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Erica and I discuss topics as weighty as the dirty business inherent in politics, how education is the best form of activism, and how long a buffalo would need to be in electrolysis before a vaginoplasty.REFERENCES:Erica Deuso’s Website:  https://www.ericadeuso.com/Follow Erica on Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/ericadeuso.bsky.socialFollow Erica on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/Erica_Deuso/Follow Erica on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EricaForPA/Follow Erica on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@EricaforPAFollow Erica on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_deusoEmerge Pennsylvania:  https://pa.emergeamerica.org/(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Erica Deuso (04:34) - More worried about empty storefronts than gender (09:45) - Just qualified for the job (14:43) - The dirty business of politics (19:15) - A quick jaunt into global finance (25:32) - Dealing with hate on the campaign trail (31:58) - Fighting hate with critical thinking (37:50) - Activism means constantly learning more (44:30) - Humanity is all about respect (49:47) - The Good Neighbor Mayor (53:45) - Deuso Herrick 2028! (58:13) - How to find Erica Deuso on the internet (01:03:36) - Show closing (01:04:00) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★