Roughly one year ago -- we cant believe its been that long -- we began working on a podcast called "Candidate Confessional." It was a project envisioned as an antidote to our political cynicism.

We wanted in-depth interviews with politicians who would give us more than soundbites and conventional wisdom. So we decided to talk to the those with nothing left to lose: the ones who had already lost.

Each week, we go one-on-one with a politician who came up short on election night -- from former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) to former Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.); from former Texas state Senator Wendy Davis (D) to former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R). We interviewed the famous, the not-so-famous and the Internet infamous on what its really like to fundraise in the era of Citizens United, to lose by four votes, to run as a black Republican or to be mocked for a Newsweek cover.

You might laugh. You might cry. You might be horrified. Who knows? You might find yourself becoming a bit less cynical. Welcome to "Candidate Confessional."

Series Preview:

Episode 1: Howard Dean on His 2004 Presidential Campaign.

Episode 2: Michele Bachmann on Her 2012 Presidential Campaign.

Episode 3: Mitt Romney's Top Aide on His 2012 Presidential Campaign.

Episode 4: Wendy Davis on Her 2014 Gubernatorial Campaign.

Episode 5: Tim Pawlenty on His 2012 Presidential Campaign.

Episode 6: Michael Steele on His 2006 Senate Campaign.

Episode 7: Ben Konop on Being Mercilessly Booed In His Mayoral Run.

Episode 8: Jack Kingston on the Dangers Of Being Bipartisan.

Episode 9: Newt Gingrich on his 2012 Presidential Campaign

Episode 10: The Guy Who Lost To Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

Episode 11: Richard Carmona on His 2012 Senate Campaign

Episode 12: Anthony Weiner on His 2013 Mayoral Campaign

Episode 13: Martin O'Malley on His 2016 Run For The White House

Episode 14: Relive One Of The Closest Election Losses In U.S. History

Episode 15: Jon Huntsman on His Run For The White House in 2012

Episode 16: Clay Aiken on His Run For Congress

Episode 17: Jeb Bush's Communications Director On The 2016 Campaign

Episode 18: Sandra Fluke On Her Run For State Senate

Episode 19: Jesse Jackson On His White House Runs in '84 and '88

Listen to the podcasts above, or download it on iTunes . And while you're there, please subscribe to, rate and review our show.

This podcast was produced, edited and engineered by Christine Conetta.