Birmingham's He's Not Wrong Podcast Brings Mallory Hagan to the Mic: Old-School Politics Are Failing Alabama

Birmingham local Chad DuBois, host of the fast-rising political and social commentary podcast He's Not Wrong, has released a new interview featuring Mallory Hagan, the 2013 Miss America, Democratic leader, and political influencer.

Hagan, well known across Alabama and the nation for her advocacy work and her willingness to challenge entrenched power, first stepped into politics as the 2018 Democratic nominee for Alabama's 3rd Congressional District. In 2022, she returned to the campaign trail to run for a seat in the Alabama State House of Representatives, continuing her commitment to building a stronger, more equitable Alabama.

In this wide-ranging conversation, DuBois and Hagan dive deep into the state of the Democratic Party in Alabama - unpacking its current struggles, its missed opportunities, and the path forward for progressives in a state long dominated by Republicans. Drawing on Hagan's own experience as a candidate, they reflect on the lessons learned from her campaigns and how those lessons can inform a stronger Democratic presence in the future. The discussion highlights why competitive primaries matter, how vital it is to recruit candidates who can both raise money and build authentic name recognition, and the role grassroots organizing plays in bridging the gap between campaigns and communities. Beyond individual races, DuBois and Hagan take on the larger mission: elevating Democratic voices in the South that are too often ignored or dismissed, and proving that meaningful progress is possible even in the most challenging political landscapes.

"I think what's really devastating in a place like Alabama is that there are so many people here who are still operating under old-school political thought," Hagan said. "You've got people here who will say things to you as a candidate like, 'Don't talk about the LGBTQ community,' even though we have a huge LGBTQ population in the state of Alabama and their rights are under attack and they need people to advocate for them. And we don't change the conversation around those topics unless we have viable candidates out there making the case for why the other side's commentary is absolutely asinine."

Hagan emphasized that when candidates remain silent, it allows only one side of the conversation to reach voters. "So when you consider the issues with the LGBTQ community, trans people, or women's rights, if you've got a bunch of candidates who are afraid to say anything about those topics, then the only message that Alabamians are getting is the other side."

Hagan's remarks underscore the need for political courage and advocacy in Alabama, where marginalized communities face increasing legislative attacks and underrepresentation.

Launched in March 2025, He's Not Wrong has quickly grown into one of the top 10% of podcasts worldwide, reaching more than a quarter-million people each month across platforms. By combining sharp analysis with accessible conversation, DuBois has created a space where global leaders and local voices alike can discuss the most pressing issues of the day.

DuBois says the episode is a timely reminder that "Alabama politics matter not just for Alabama, but for the national conversation on what the future of democracy looks like."

The full episode of the He’s Not Wrong podcast featuring Mallory Hagan is available on the web, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeart and all major platforms.