What happens when you’re the only one in the room willing to say what no one else will? Nikki Fried knows the feeling all too well.
As Florida’s former Agriculture Commissioner and now Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki has spent her career challenging power from the inside out. She’s been arrested protesting abortion bans, turned a low-profile government role into a platform for progress, and refused to stay silent in the face of growing extremism in her home state.
In this powerful conversation, Nikki opens up about the political battles most people never see—the clashes with Ron DeSantis, the controversy around Alligator Alcatraz, and why the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” isn’t what it seems. She also shares her strategy for rebuilding the Florida Democratic Party, why local elections matter more than most realize, and what she wants young women to know about power, protest, and persistence.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Nikki turned down a 2026 gubernatorial run—and what she’s building instead
The truth behind her arrest during Florida’s abortion protests
What’s really happening at Alligator Alcatraz
Why she says the “Big Beautiful Bill” is dangerous for Floridians
How women in politics are labeled—and why she wears it all as armor
Her personal “Misunderstood” moment—and the sentence she wants to finish
Follow Nikki Fried:
Instagram/Twitter: @NikkiFried | @FlaDems
PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood
Shop Miss Understood Merch https://mumerch.com/
Follow Rachel on TikTok!
Follow Rachel on Instagram
Follow Rachel on X
Follow Rachel on Facebook
Follow Rachel on LinkedIn
Follow Rachel on Rumble
Rachel’s Linktree
Executive Producer: George Carmona
Please like, share, subscribe, and give us a 5-star review!
Do you have show ideas, media requests or sponsorship opportunities?
Email the show at: infomissunderstoodpodcast@gmail.com
Watch every episode on YouTube! @missunderstoodpodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts!
Watch every episode on Patreon: Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel Patreon
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code UNDERSTOOD for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/miss-understood-with-rachel-uchitel/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy