The Find Out Podcast

Episode: Hope Walz Joins The Find Out Podcast
Date: January 13, 2026
Host(s): Find Out Podcast Team (A, B, D, E)
Guest: Hope Walz (Daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, 2024 campaign national figure)

Overview

This episode features an honest and revealing conversation with Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and national figure during the tumultuous 2024 presidential campaign, when her father was chosen as Kamala Harris's vice presidential pick after Biden's dropout. The discussion covers the political whirlwind Hope and her family experienced, the human cost of MAGA politics, Republican smear tactics, Minnesota's unique community, targeted hate toward the Somali community, recent violence in Minnesota, and how Hope has processed public scrutiny and trauma with authenticity and humor. The hosts delve into these issues with their trademark irreverence and compassion, making space for insight, solidarity, and a few laughs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sudden Whirlwind: Transitioning to a National Profile

Timestamps: 01:08–06:43

Hope describes the shocking speed of going from governor’s daughter to national political figure:

"One day, I was in my little apartment in Bozeman, Montana. The next, I'm watching my dad give this speech in front of thousands... It all happened so quickly, and then it didn't slow down until after the election." (C, 02:01)
Funny and surreal moments: private flights, “morale captain” duties, sudden Security Service presence.
The immense escalation in public exposure, needing to sneak into her own house to evade reporters (02:01).
Maintaining family normalcy amid massive scrutiny—with neighbors sending them off with homemade signs, choosing takeout over public dining to not inconvenience others (09:00).

2. Growing Up in a Political Family

Timestamps: 06:43–10:53

Despite politics always being in the background, the national campaign brought an exponential and unexpected change.
Importance of Minnesota roots for keeping grounded; community and mutual support sets the state apart (17:09).

3. Public Recognition, Security, and Empathy

Timestamps: 08:28–10:52

How public visibility shifted normal outings (arriving at coffee shops flanked by Secret Service), and the family’s efforts to minimize disturbance for others.

"We didn't do all that much just out of kind of respect for everybody else." (C, 09:59)

4. The Walls Family's Authenticity & Political Legacy

Timestamps: 10:53–14:00

Co-hosts praise Governor Walz’s tangible impact for veterans, his empathy, and authentic care.
Hope reflects on her father's consistency and authenticity:

"When we meet people, they're like, 'Oh, you are kind of what I expected.'...He is, and I think that's pretty cool." (C, 13:34)

5. Smear Campaigns and GOP Attacks

Timestamps: 14:00–16:25

The family anticipated Republican attempts to distort her father’s military service, referencing the John Kerry “swiftboating” playbook.

"They were going to just pull up everything, even if it meant they had to lie and twist things...It was initially hard to deal with." (C, 15:15)
The pain of seeing her father’s real military sacrifices diminished by political attacks—yet also a realization that it won’t matter to those who choose not to care (16:25).

6. The Value of ‘Minnesota Nice’ and Midwestern Community

Timestamps: 17:09–19:34

Community, mutual support, and the culture of “Midwest nice” keep Hope grounded:

"It feels very community based...People have each other's backs...It just breeds this community mindset." (C, 17:09–18:04)
Fun asides about Midwestern food culture—gas station rankings, hot dish competitions, and regional favorites like Culver's and Casey's (18:17–19:58).

7. The Crushing Election Loss & Coping Mechanisms

Timestamps: 20:00–23:38

Hope candidly recalls feeling “in a bubble,” genuinely believing they would win, and the shock of the loss.

"I think we were a little bit in a bubble...My dad has the best political radar...He thought we were going to win." (C, 20:54–21:24)
Coping—her father’s “get back to work” approach, her own quick return to Montana and nonprofit work, social media as outlet, therapy as a new tool (22:25–23:28).
Life feels changed, with greater scrutiny and commentary, especially as Minnesota gets spotlighted post-campaign (23:38–24:32).

8. Minnesota’s Somali Community & MAGA Targeting

Timestamps: 24:32–29:29

The hosts highlight ICE crackdowns and smears targeting Somali Minnesotans—despite the community being overwhelmingly law-abiding.
Hope expresses frustration and solidarity:

"The targeting of this community is bullshit...The community is so rich in just culture." (C, 25:40) "It's so sad to see because they make Minnesota what it is." (continued)
Acknowledges the real fear stoked in both the Somali community and her own family:

"It really feels like the administration is trying to get people killed. My dad included." (C, 28:17)
On fighting back: emphasizing real, peaceful protest over internet battles, avoiding echo chambers, and how many are waking up and showing up in person (29:29).

9. The Escalation of Threats and Social Media Harassment

Timestamps: 29:59–32:36

After edited right-wing hit videos, bots and harassment spike—Hope receives intense hate and even credible threats.
Law enforcement coordinated across state lines after a concrete threat, but the increased danger is the new reality for the family.

10. The Murder of Renee Good & Increased Political Violence

Timestamps: 33:14–36:56

Discusses the ICE agent’s widely publicized killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the compounded sense of sadness and rage.
Hope underlines how Minnesota, a state striving to care for its people, is being deliberately targeted by the current administration.
On right-wing outrage against positive policy:

"Are you angry because Governor Walz passed free school lunches? ...Are you angry that he passed paid family leave?" (A, 35:20)
MAGA obsessions with culture war fakes (tampons in boys' bathrooms, “litter box” hoaxes) versus substantive issues.

11. Life in the MAGA Crosshairs: Slurs, Silence from GOP

Timestamps: 36:56–42:11

Trump explicitly used ableist slurs against Hope’s father; supporters echoed them in real life at the family home:

"Now I guess it's like an acceptable insult to call people again, which is the worst part of it all." (C, 40:32)
Reflection on the normalization of hate and cruelty, and the frustrating silence or complicity of local Republicans. Only two condemned wild conspiracy accusations against her father after a recent tragedy (36:56–37:41).

12. Mental Health & Self-Care in the Aftermath

Timestamps: 42:47–44:31

Hope shares coping strategies: therapy, exercise, reading (“fantasy and romantasy”), work in the homeless shelter as meaningful grounding.

"When I'm there [at the shelter]...I always leave feeling better about the state of the world." (C, 44:18)

13. Family Dynamics, Public Perception & Solidarity

Timestamps: 47:42–50:08

The bond between Hope and her brother Gus, public response to their family dynamic, and the comfort of representing hope and normalcy for people who've experienced loss or alienation due to politics.

"...Seeing you and your dad's relationship makes me feel better about the world...I think, you know, I have a responsibility to use my platform for good, but also to show the normal moments so people can see themselves." (C, 49:13)

14. Will Hope Walz Run for Office?

Timestamps: 50:08–52:39

On political ambitions: Hope “never says no to a job she hasn't been offered,” keeps an open mind, appreciates her current platform’s authenticity and flexibility, but is open to working on or running a future campaign.

15. Social Media & Where to Find Hope

Timestamps: 52:39–53:34

“Just my name” on all platforms; aims to start YouTube; plans to continue using her platform to grow community and foster hope.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On The Speed of Political Upheaval:

"I was crouched in the front seat, sneaking into my own house. Then the next morning, we get the call from the vice president—'do you want to join this ticket?'...Within an hour, we're on a flight to Philly." (Hope, 02:01)
On Authentic Family Values:

"Our family just feels very authentic and just very American...good people trying to do good things for others. I feel like that’s been lost a little bit, but your dad and you all have helped to bring some of that back..." (A, 10:25–10:52)
On GOP Attacks:

"They were going to just pull up everything, even if it meant they had to lie and twist things...it was initially hard to deal with...But these people aren’t gonna like you no matter what you do." (Hope, 15:15)
On Minnesota Somali Community:

"The targeting of this community is bullshit...the community is so rich...I just—what are you even doing?" (Hope, 25:40–26:44)
On the National Climate of Hate:

"It really feels like the administration is trying to get people killed—my dad included...It's easy to kind of slip into hopelessness." (Hope, 28:17)
On Coping & Self-Care:

"Movement is a big thing for me...I run, I love to ski. When I’m at the shelter...I always leave feeling better about the state of the world..." (Hope, 43:12–44:18)
On Political Ambitions:

"Never say no to a job you haven’t been offered yet. ...I’m figuring out how I want to use my platform. ...Now that my dad’s not running again—watch, the gloves are off." (Hope, 50:30–51:22)

Important Timestamps

00:54–06:43: Introduction & Hope describes the moment her father was selected VP candidate.
09:59: Changes to daily life; “we didn’t go out just out of respect for others.”
13:34: Authenticity of Governor Walz, praised by Hope and by co-host with advocacy/lobbying background.
15:15: First major smears and false attacks during the campaign.
17:09: The unique strength of the Minnesota community.
20:54: The emotional crash following the 2024 loss.
28:17: Direct accusation against administration for inciting violence.
33:14: Reaction to the ICE agent’s killing of Renee Good.
40:32: The normalization of ableist slurs after Trump’s attacks.
44:18: Finding hope through community service.
47:42: The public’s reaction to the Walz family dynamic.
50:30: Hope’s thoughts on running for office.

Closing Thoughts

This episode offers a candid, often moving look behind the headlines as Hope Walz and her family weather unprecedented political storms—while holding tight to their Midwestern values, humor, and each other. Hope’s realism and resilience serve as a model for political engagement and self-preservation in difficult times. The episode closes with Hope’s openness to future political action, and a potent reminder: authentic, compassionate voices matter—especially in dark times.

Where to Follow Hope Walz:

Instagram: @hopewalz
TikTok: @hopewalz
BlueSky: hope-walz
Soon to come: YouTube (just her name)

The Find Out Podcast

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sudden Whirlwind: Transitioning to a National Profile

Timestamps: 01:08–06:43

Hope describes the shocking speed of going from governor’s daughter to national political figure:

"One day, I was in my little apartment in Bozeman, Montana. The next, I'm watching my dad give this speech in front of thousands... It all happened so quickly, and then it didn't slow down until after the election." (C, 02:01)
Funny and surreal moments: private flights, “morale captain” duties, sudden Security Service presence.
The immense escalation in public exposure, needing to sneak into her own house to evade reporters (02:01).
Maintaining family normalcy amid massive scrutiny—with neighbors sending them off with homemade signs, choosing takeout over public dining to not inconvenience others (09:00).

2. Growing Up in a Political Family

Timestamps: 06:43–10:53

Despite politics always being in the background, the national campaign brought an exponential and unexpected change.
Importance of Minnesota roots for keeping grounded; community and mutual support sets the state apart (17:09).

3. Public Recognition, Security, and Empathy

Timestamps: 08:28–10:52

How public visibility shifted normal outings (arriving at coffee shops flanked by Secret Service), and the family’s efforts to minimize disturbance for others.

"We didn't do all that much just out of kind of respect for everybody else." (C, 09:59)

4. The Walls Family's Authenticity & Political Legacy

Timestamps: 10:53–14:00

Co-hosts praise Governor Walz’s tangible impact for veterans, his empathy, and authentic care.
Hope reflects on her father's consistency and authenticity:

"When we meet people, they're like, 'Oh, you are kind of what I expected.'...He is, and I think that's pretty cool." (C, 13:34)

5. Smear Campaigns and GOP Attacks

Timestamps: 14:00–16:25

The family anticipated Republican attempts to distort her father’s military service, referencing the John Kerry “swiftboating” playbook.

"They were going to just pull up everything, even if it meant they had to lie and twist things...It was initially hard to deal with." (C, 15:15)
The pain of seeing her father’s real military sacrifices diminished by political attacks—yet also a realization that it won’t matter to those who choose not to care (16:25).

6. The Value of ‘Minnesota Nice’ and Midwestern Community

Timestamps: 17:09–19:34

Community, mutual support, and the culture of “Midwest nice” keep Hope grounded:

"It feels very community based...People have each other's backs...It just breeds this community mindset." (C, 17:09–18:04)
Fun asides about Midwestern food culture—gas station rankings, hot dish competitions, and regional favorites like Culver's and Casey's (18:17–19:58).

7. The Crushing Election Loss & Coping Mechanisms

Timestamps: 20:00–23:38

Hope candidly recalls feeling “in a bubble,” genuinely believing they would win, and the shock of the loss.

"I think we were a little bit in a bubble...My dad has the best political radar...He thought we were going to win." (C, 20:54–21:24)
Coping—her father’s “get back to work” approach, her own quick return to Montana and nonprofit work, social media as outlet, therapy as a new tool (22:25–23:28).
Life feels changed, with greater scrutiny and commentary, especially as Minnesota gets spotlighted post-campaign (23:38–24:32).

8. Minnesota’s Somali Community & MAGA Targeting

Timestamps: 24:32–29:29

The hosts highlight ICE crackdowns and smears targeting Somali Minnesotans—despite the community being overwhelmingly law-abiding.
Hope expresses frustration and solidarity:

"The targeting of this community is bullshit...The community is so rich in just culture." (C, 25:40) "It's so sad to see because they make Minnesota what it is." (continued)
Acknowledges the real fear stoked in both the Somali community and her own family:

"It really feels like the administration is trying to get people killed. My dad included." (C, 28:17)
On fighting back: emphasizing real, peaceful protest over internet battles, avoiding echo chambers, and how many are waking up and showing up in person (29:29).

9. The Escalation of Threats and Social Media Harassment

Timestamps: 29:59–32:36

After edited right-wing hit videos, bots and harassment spike—Hope receives intense hate and even credible threats.
Law enforcement coordinated across state lines after a concrete threat, but the increased danger is the new reality for the family.

10. The Murder of Renee Good & Increased Political Violence

Timestamps: 33:14–36:56

Discusses the ICE agent’s widely publicized killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the compounded sense of sadness and rage.
Hope underlines how Minnesota, a state striving to care for its people, is being deliberately targeted by the current administration.
On right-wing outrage against positive policy:

"Are you angry because Governor Walz passed free school lunches? ...Are you angry that he passed paid family leave?" (A, 35:20)
MAGA obsessions with culture war fakes (tampons in boys' bathrooms, “litter box” hoaxes) versus substantive issues.

11. Life in the MAGA Crosshairs: Slurs, Silence from GOP

Timestamps: 36:56–42:11

Trump explicitly used ableist slurs against Hope’s father; supporters echoed them in real life at the family home:

"Now I guess it's like an acceptable insult to call people again, which is the worst part of it all." (C, 40:32)
Reflection on the normalization of hate and cruelty, and the frustrating silence or complicity of local Republicans. Only two condemned wild conspiracy accusations against her father after a recent tragedy (36:56–37:41).

12. Mental Health & Self-Care in the Aftermath

Timestamps: 42:47–44:31

Hope shares coping strategies: therapy, exercise, reading (“fantasy and romantasy”), work in the homeless shelter as meaningful grounding.

"When I'm there [at the shelter]...I always leave feeling better about the state of the world." (C, 44:18)

13. Family Dynamics, Public Perception & Solidarity

Timestamps: 47:42–50:08

The bond between Hope and her brother Gus, public response to their family dynamic, and the comfort of representing hope and normalcy for people who've experienced loss or alienation due to politics.

"...Seeing you and your dad's relationship makes me feel better about the world...I think, you know, I have a responsibility to use my platform for good, but also to show the normal moments so people can see themselves." (C, 49:13)

14. Will Hope Walz Run for Office?

Timestamps: 50:08–52:39

On political ambitions: Hope “never says no to a job she hasn't been offered,” keeps an open mind, appreciates her current platform’s authenticity and flexibility, but is open to working on or running a future campaign.

15. Social Media & Where to Find Hope

Timestamps: 52:39–53:34

“Just my name” on all platforms; aims to start YouTube; plans to continue using her platform to grow community and foster hope.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On The Speed of Political Upheaval:

"I was crouched in the front seat, sneaking into my own house. Then the next morning, we get the call from the vice president—'do you want to join this ticket?'...Within an hour, we're on a flight to Philly." (Hope, 02:01)
On Authentic Family Values:

"Our family just feels very authentic and just very American...good people trying to do good things for others. I feel like that’s been lost a little bit, but your dad and you all have helped to bring some of that back..." (A, 10:25–10:52)
On GOP Attacks:

"They were going to just pull up everything, even if it meant they had to lie and twist things...it was initially hard to deal with...But these people aren’t gonna like you no matter what you do." (Hope, 15:15)
On Minnesota Somali Community:

"The targeting of this community is bullshit...the community is so rich...I just—what are you even doing?" (Hope, 25:40–26:44)
On the National Climate of Hate:

"It really feels like the administration is trying to get people killed—my dad included...It's easy to kind of slip into hopelessness." (Hope, 28:17)
On Coping & Self-Care:

"Movement is a big thing for me...I run, I love to ski. When I’m at the shelter...I always leave feeling better about the state of the world..." (Hope, 43:12–44:18)
On Political Ambitions:

"Never say no to a job you haven’t been offered yet. ...I’m figuring out how I want to use my platform. ...Now that my dad’s not running again—watch, the gloves are off." (Hope, 50:30–51:22)

Important Timestamps

00:54–06:43: Introduction & Hope describes the moment her father was selected VP candidate.
09:59: Changes to daily life; “we didn’t go out just out of respect for others.”
13:34: Authenticity of Governor Walz, praised by Hope and by co-host with advocacy/lobbying background.
15:15: First major smears and false attacks during the campaign.
17:09: The unique strength of the Minnesota community.
20:54: The emotional crash following the 2024 loss.
28:17: Direct accusation against administration for inciting violence.
33:14: Reaction to the ICE agent’s killing of Renee Good.
40:32: The normalization of ableist slurs after Trump’s attacks.
44:18: Finding hope through community service.
47:42: The public’s reaction to the Walz family dynamic.
50:30: Hope’s thoughts on running for office.

Closing Thoughts

Where to Follow Hope Walz:

Instagram: @hopewalz
TikTok: @hopewalz
BlueSky: hope-walz
Soon to come: YouTube (just her name)

Hope Walz Joins The Find Out Podcast

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

The Find Out Podcast

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sudden Whirlwind: Transitioning to a National Profile

2. Growing Up in a Political Family

3. Public Recognition, Security, and Empathy

4. The Walls Family's Authenticity & Political Legacy

5. Smear Campaigns and GOP Attacks

6. The Value of ‘Minnesota Nice’ and Midwestern Community

7. The Crushing Election Loss & Coping Mechanisms

8. Minnesota’s Somali Community & MAGA Targeting

9. The Escalation of Threats and Social Media Harassment

10. The Murder of Renee Good & Increased Political Violence

11. Life in the MAGA Crosshairs: Slurs, Silence from GOP

12. Mental Health & Self-Care in the Aftermath

13. Family Dynamics, Public Perception & Solidarity

14. Will Hope Walz Run for Office?

15. Social Media & Where to Find Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Closing Thoughts

Summary

The Find Out Podcast

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sudden Whirlwind: Transitioning to a National Profile

2. Growing Up in a Political Family

3. Public Recognition, Security, and Empathy

4. The Walls Family's Authenticity & Political Legacy

5. Smear Campaigns and GOP Attacks

6. The Value of ‘Minnesota Nice’ and Midwestern Community

7. The Crushing Election Loss & Coping Mechanisms

8. Minnesota’s Somali Community & MAGA Targeting

9. The Escalation of Threats and Social Media Harassment

10. The Murder of Renee Good & Increased Political Violence

11. Life in the MAGA Crosshairs: Slurs, Silence from GOP

12. Mental Health & Self-Care in the Aftermath

13. Family Dynamics, Public Perception & Solidarity

14. Will Hope Walz Run for Office?

15. Social Media & Where to Find Hope

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Closing Thoughts