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18. Gen Z in Congress: Rep. Maxwell Frost on Resilience, Hustle & Leadership
Welcome back to the B-Student Podcast!
Today, Betsy sits down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member ever elected to the United States House of Representatives, to talk about the B-side of his record. This episode isn’t about politics—it’s about resilience, hustle, and the journey behind the headlines.
From driving Uber during his campaign, working shifts at Olive Garden, and launching grassroots movements at just 15 years old, to navigating intergenerational leadership in Washington, Congressman Frost opens up about the challenges, lessons, and surprising moments that shaped his path to Congress.
We talk about:
- Lessons from being underestimated and turning setbacks into growth
- How small-dollar donors and grassroots support powered his campaign
- The entrepreneurial parallels between running for office and building a business
- Building credibility across generations in leadership
- A behind-the-scenes story of being photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue
Time Stamps:
- 00:00 Welcome & why “B-Student” (the B-side of your story)
- 02:15 Youngest in modern history — why Rep. Frost ran & early struggles
- 06:30 Campaign grind: Uber, Olive Garden, and grassroots hustle
- 10:50 Call to action at 15: Sandy Hook → organizing
- 15:20 Fundraising hack & power of small-dollar donors
- 20:05 Entrepreneur roots: garage sales to concession stand CEO
- 25:00 From winning to Washington: AI, leadership & Gen Z’s seat at the table
- 31:40 Building respect across generations in Congress
- 37:00 Pelosi’s advice & creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention
- 41:50 Annie Leibovitz photoshoot & Teen Vogue cover
- 46:00 What gives Maxwell hope & closing thoughts
Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are shaping the future of business and community.
Watch now and drop a comment with the one word that describes your B-side.
Subscribe, rate, and share the B Student Podcast—because the B side of your story might just be the best part.
Connect with Rep. Maxwell Frost: https://frost.house.gov/
Connect with Betsy Gardner: https://www.betsygardner.com/
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
Published on 12 hours ago