The whole experience was amazing. I won’t bore you with the details right now, but you can read my write-up from the conference here.

Within a few weeks of the Summit, I was off and running with a Smart Girl Politics Podcast. The Smart Girl Report has played nearly every week, first on RFC Radio, then on FTR Radio when the latter acquired the former.

For 43 episodes, I have done my best to get listeners fired up for activism, as well as introduce them to conservative politicians and others fighting the good fight alongside Smart Girl Politics. With the support of the organization, The Smart Girl Report has become more popular than I ever dreamed of, and I owe a debt of gratitude not only to SGP for taking me under their wing, but also to every single person that takes the time each week to tune into the show.

As with all good things, my time with The Smart Girl Report has come to an end. It is important to notice that I did not say my time with Smart Girl Politics has ended, only my involvement in producing and hosting the podcast. While remaining on the leadership team of SGP, I will continue to broadcast each week, only under my own name.

The nature of SGP’s non-profit status combined with my growing conviction in political punditry has led me to the conclusion that it is time for this little birdie to leave the safety of the nest. I am standing on the edge looking out, grateful for the mama bird that has taught me to fly, but oh so nervous that my baby wings won’t work.

When I stepped on that plane last year, to my very first political conference, I was scared. But I knew that I could make a difference just by showing up. By letting others know that they weren’t alone. By holding a hand, sharing a smile, and offering a word of encouragement.

I can only hope that I’ll be able to share and connect even more with my listeners without the restrictions that come with representing a branded organization, even one as fabulous as Smart Girl Politics.

Thank you everyone for such a beautiful year. I have a feeling the best is yet to come for all of us.