# Episode 145: Built by Union. Driven by Justice. In the Hot House with Kimetra Simpson-Lewis

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hot-house-with-richie-ray-7087929/episode-145-built-by-union-driven-by-justice-in-the-hot-house-with-kimetra-simpson-lewis
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hot-house-with-richie-ray-7087929/episode-145-built-by-union-driven-by-justice-in-the-hot-house-with-kimetra-simpson-lewis.md
Podcast: [Hot House with Richie Ray](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hot-house-with-richie-ray-7087929)
Published: 2026-08-26T08:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/richie809/episodes/Episode-145-Built-by-Union--Driven-by-Justice--In-the-Hot-House-with-Kimetra-Simpson-Lewis-e3n583d
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fa64cb84/podcast/play/123952685/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-7-8%2Fd9ac2da4-6b8f-9c30-03db-d1d1a6fd9ed3.m4a
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Duration seconds: 2981

## Resource

For the first time, Kimetra "Kim" Simpson-Lewis stepsinto the Hot House. From becoming a shop steward in 1994 to leading Dallas Lone Star Branch 132 as Branch President, Kim has spent decades fighting for letter carriers on the workroom floor, in Formal A meetings, in arbitration, and at every level of union leadership. Raised in a family where unionism wasn't just discussed itwas lived she understands what it means to defend workers against injustice. In this powerful conversation, we explore her journey, her philosophy of leadership, why she chose to join the Concerned Letter Carriers slate alongside James Henry and Corey Walton, and why she believes the future of the NALCdepends on member engagement, accountability, and participation. We'll also discuss the current challenges facing the Postal Service, the state of our union, why every member's vote matters, and what gives Kim hope and concern for the future. Finally, Kim steps into the legendary Hot House Game, where one-word prompts lead to honest, personal, and revealing answers. Knowledge is Power... and today, we're turning up the heat.

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## Transcript

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