How to Be a Purposeful Warrior to Preserve Democracy with Jocelyn Benson

Aug 27, 2025

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State and election law expert, shares her journey from a fearful 20-year-old confronting the KKK to a fierce advocate for democracy. She discusses the emotional toll of defending voting rights amid violent protests and the importance of grassroots activism to combat gerrymandering. Jocelyn emphasizes moral courage over immediate success in the fight against injustice, drawing inspiration from historical figures. Her insights on the role of individuals in empowering change offer a compelling call to action.

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INSIGHT

Purposeful Warrior Defined

Being a purposeful warrior means refusing to stay silent in the face of injustice or bullying.
Speaking out can inspire others and shift outcomes even if you don't immediately win the end result.

ANECDOTE

Mob Outside Her Home

In December 2020 a violent mob gathered outside Jocelyn Benson's home while she sheltered her child and waited nearly 45 minutes for broader police support.
She framed the moment as defending Michigan voters' voices and resolved to continue protecting access to the ballot.

ANECDOTE

Undercover Work Against White Supremacy

As a young journalist Jocelyn went undercover to investigate white supremacists and risked her safety while reporting.
Her article exposed the leader and led to the group's collapse, teaching her that confronting hate can dismantle it.

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What happens when the Secretary of State becomes a target for standing up to the most powerful person in America? Meet Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's fearless Secretary of State who has faced down violent mobs, presidential threats, and assassination lists—all while protecting democracy and voting rights. From her undercover work investigating the KKK as a young journalist to her current run for Michigan governor, Jocelyn embodies what it means to be a "purposeful warrior" in her new book of the same name. In this gripping conversation, Guy explores how Jocelyn transformed from a scared 20-year-old confronting white supremacists to a Harvard-trained election law expert who refuses to back down from bullies—even when they occupy the highest office in the land.

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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.

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