Ohio, we’re excited to let you know that a ballot initiative focused on protecting reproductive rights is taking root. For everyone else, get excited too. This week’s interview walks through what this ballot initiative would look like and how it came to be as told by Iris Harvey, President and CEO at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. Iris fills us in on what’s to come, what the hurdles look to be, and how both Ohioans and reproductive freedom advocates (that’s you) far and wide can help get ...
Feb 15, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 122
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Les Objets: https://bit.ly/3XxwEK2 [The Hill] Ohio Derailment Part 1: https://bit.ly/3YP0fzE [AP News] Ohio Derailment Part 2: https://bit.ly/3K8QR5V [Independent] Biden Fires Cap. Architect: https://bit.ly/3KmVJET [The Hill] Georgia Judge x Grand Jury Report Update: https://...
Feb 14, 2023•32 min
The timing of this interview is kismet, because it’s coming at the heels of one of the biggest speeches we all (or a lot of us) tune into – the State of the Union address. This episode as its title may have hinted at walks through how speechwriters in the political space operate, what their process is, and how they coordinate with other communications team members. And best yet, this walk-through happens courtesy of renowned political speech writer, Christopher Huntley. If you’re an Elizabeth Wa...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 121
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: SOTU aka The State of the Union: https://bit.ly/3jEwD9l [AP News] The Balloon: https://bit.ly/3RBUfb7 [AP News] Biden’s Polling Numbies: https://bit.ly/40xtkRQ [AP News] Extremists Target Power Grids: https://politi.co/3X3mwZm [Politico] #VIRAL by Girl and the Gov®: https://w...
Feb 07, 2023•41 min
IYKYK we had a little audio mishap with our interview for this week, so we pivoted faster than the speed of light and are bringing you a different type of episode. An episode we might add, we’ve received loads of requests for – a solo episode with just us, sharing details on the Girl and the Gov story, what the future has in store, and more. We included a fun feature called State of the Bills, highlighting state bills we cheer, and state bills we jeer (it felt punny, let us have this one, okay)....
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 120
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Tyre Nichols & Police Reform: https://bit.ly/3wEkzYH [AP News] Debt Limit Continued: https://bit.ly/3jeEp9G [Punchbowl] Continually Under Investigation - Trump: https://bit.ly/3JvfKsb [AP News] Mass Shootings x Policy Divide: https://bit.ly/3kXt7XO [AP News] Senate Switch...
Jan 31, 2023•48 min
Ever wonder what a White House Correspondent does? Well then this episode is going to be one that you listen to time and time again because it features an interview with Emily Barkann, Chief White House Correspondent at AKSM News. Emily walks us through a day in the life and what it’s really like to walk through the doors of the White House briefing room. We talk about the details like what a press bay is to what credentials are necessary to get a seat in the room. Naturally, we also chit chat a...
Jan 25, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 124
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Debt Ceiling [with dramatic effects]: https://n.pr/3ZVVllM [NPR] Biden’s Classified Docs Drama: https://n.pr/3kBd16i [NPR] AZ Senate Race Officially Gets Spicy: https://bit.ly/3R2sJDw [AP News] 4 Oath Keepers Convicted: https://bit.ly/3HmSFWb [AP News] Notorious Insurrectioni...
Jan 24, 2023•46 min
The housing crisis the US of A has found itself in isn’t the result of just one cause or catalyst – it’s a plethora of issues, including the mass purchasing of residential properties by institutional investors. In other words, the ol’ Wall Street crew is playing grab and go with homes at a considerable scale across this country, leading to unaffordable housing, inflated pricing and bidding wars, and a huge cut to the middle and lower markets. It’s a bit complicated, it’s a bit econ 101, and it’s...
Jan 18, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 118
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Explainer: Biden’s Classified Docs: https://n.pr/3ITO9Ay [NPR] Missouri’s New Dress Code: https://bit.ly/3XjBdZ4 [AP News] Ex-GOP candidate arrested in shootings at lawmakers’ homes https://bit.ly/3GKO9QJ [AP News] GOP Rep Jim Banks Adds His Hat to the Senate Ring: https://bi...
Jan 17, 2023•53 min
There are a lot of things to know about State Treasurers and what they do, including that there’s a rumor that there’s a six foot plus height requirement. If you’ve been ‘round these parts before, you know we’ve been joking and joshing about hanging with two state treasurers during the DC trip and that they’re both double our heights. You’d also know that we interviewed one of the two in this Treasurer duo, and that would be Tobias Read who is the Oregon State Treasurer. In our conversation, we ...
Jan 11, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 117
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: New Speaker, New Rules: https://bit.ly/3CxcR5S [Punchbowl] Biden at the Border Updates: https://nyti.ms/3CYod3h [NY Times} Biden’s Border Plan: https://bit.ly/3k3FJMO [AP News] US Leaders Condemn Brazil’s Jan 6.: https://bit.ly/3GSIdXe [The Hill] Trump’s Peaches in Georgia: h...
Jan 10, 2023•41 min
This episode features an interview with the history-making, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden. Kyra is the FIRST Black woman on the Michigan Supreme Court, and a powerful voice for justice. In our discussion, we chat about the path to this position and what the position does itself. An often confusing ballot decision for voters, we had Kyra pull back the red tape on why this is often the case and how to vet judges before e-day. We importantly walk through what she’s excited for in this ...
Jan 04, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 116
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: The girls [GOP] are fighting..still?: https://bit.ly/3GwD1bo [Punchbowl] Bipartisan Besties Go to KY: https://bit.ly/3jFkL6B [AP] Can we get a ‘see ya Santos?’: https://bit.ly/3i4Jtx0 [AP] SANTOS Act via Congressman Ritchie Torress: https://bit.ly/3jEvmyB THE Tax Returns, and...
Jan 03, 2023•53 min
If you’ve ever wondered what a day in the life of a communications director is on The Hill, this episode is your holiday present. You’re welcome and please make sure to recycle the gift wrap. All jokes aside, this episode, and more specifically, this interview with Eric Olsen, the Communications Director for Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), provides a behind the scenes look at political communications at the national level. Touching on strategies, best practices, attitudes toward various press...
Dec 21, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 115
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: EOY Spending Drama: https://bit.ly/3VfTCUN [Punchbowl] Jan. 6 Panel Slays: https://bit.ly/3BJDTXi [AP News] New Congress, Who Dis? https://bit.ly/3WsodQf [The Hill] TikTok Bans: https://bit.ly/3G66DMu [USA Today] Action Item: Tell Congress to protect immigrant youth. Sign the...
Dec 20, 2022•36 min
First things first, this is an evergreen episode. This episode, this interview, this conversation, is one you will be able to listen to time-and-time again, and will always be relevant to share with friends and family. Now that we’ve defined evergreen, let’s get on with it. This interview is with Ashley Edwards, who is a U.S. Partnerships Manager at Google. She’s a former journalist and a former editor, and now works on team Google on the Google News Initiative and media literacy partnerships. S...
Dec 14, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 114
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: That gov money aka gov funding 2.0: https://bit.ly/3Fv93D4 [Punchbowl News] Biden reinstates the Task Force on New Americans: https://bit.ly/3HskSfK [AP News] Mayor Bass makes history: https://bit.ly/3Yl0bZh [AP News] Sinema gives everyone a headache: https://bit.ly/3uL5Bz5 [...
Dec 13, 2022•46 min
You’re going to want to sit down for this. No, seriously, this episode requires being seated. It’s powerful, it’s moving, and honestly much of this discussion had us all choked up. On this episode – one of our very first recorded in person – is a sit down with FL State Representative (D-95) & Former Parkland, FL Mayor, Christine Hunschofsky. This incredible leader walked us through what happened in Parkland, specifically the aftermath of the violent day that put the city on the national map....
Dec 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 113
ICYMI, on Tuesday’s we release our top stories of the week episode. The news-focused episode is dedicated to covering a few (not all) of the top political stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Government FUNding, Defense Authorization, & Tax Extenders: https://bit.ly/3Y2u00g [Punchbowl] GA Runoff Expectations https://bit.ly/3P3jz8I [AP News] HBCU Students Face Voter Suppression in GA: https://bit.ly/3XWxIsq [NBC News] Respect For Marriage Act Passes: https://bi...
Dec 06, 2022•28 min
We’re going back to the classroom this week with this week’s interview featuring Education Activist, Nicholas Ferroni. In our conversation, we cover a lot of ground, shedding light on the abysmal teacher pay issues in this country, as well as the teacher shortage. We discuss how these two pieces are related, as well as other factors influencing many educator’s exit from the role. A bit of teacher therapy, a bit of Maddie having a flashback to high school chem class, and a bit of what we can do t...
Nov 30, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 112
ICYMI we’re trying something ~new and different~ and releasing our top stories of the week segment on Tuesdays. Basically top stories has a new home, making a move from the backend of our weekly interviews to its very own weekly special. You can expect our run throughs every Tuesday covering a few (not all) of the top stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Congress & The Lame Duck Sesh, Quack Quack: https://bit.ly/3u8ZiFm [Punchbowl News] Midterm Election Leftov...
Nov 29, 2022•37 min
On its face, the marriage of labor unions and environmental organizations may seem like the odd couple of politics. But when you think about it, and when you listen to this interview with Jason Walsh, Executive Director of Blue Green Alliance, it all begins to make sense. You’ll be saying you ‘ship this duo that’s working together to solve today’s many environmental challenges, by the end. You’ll also be able to say you understand quite a few enviro x political science terms you might’ve heard ‘...
Nov 23, 2022•46 min•Season 1Ep. 111
ICYMI we’re trying something ~new and different~ and releasing our top stories of the week segment on Tuesdays. Basically top stories has a new home, making a move from the backend of our weekly interviews to its very own weekly special. You can expect our run throughs every Tuesday covering a few (not all) of the top stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: TW: Mass Shooting at Colorado Gay Club: https://bit.ly/3i4UldB [AP News] Trump’s Bid for the White House (again...
Nov 21, 2022•36 min
If we played a 2022 drinking game called take a shot every time the Republicans scream “they’re going to teach the kids CRT,” we’d all be on our asses. CRT or Critical Race Theory has been the talk of the town this year, but with an interesting catch – it seems as though most people don’t actually know what it is. Cue this episode, and this interview with the iconic Dr. Khiara Bridges. She’s not only served facts on ice to the not-so-pleasantly notorious Josh Hawley, but she’s cultivated an impr...
Nov 16, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 110
Top Stories gets a guest – a really special, super duper guest – Brian Derrick. If you’ve been with us since the dino age, you know we love Brian. If you’re new here, go follow him at @brianderrick_ for loads of helpful political content. Anyways, back to this episode where we chat all about the election results thus far and what’s to come (hi, Georgia!). We importantly got to react to AZ’s Governor’s race getting called while we chatted. We also – and this is a can’t miss – got into who outside...
Nov 15, 2022•55 min
Happy day after election day and welcome to a conversation that is going to give you serotonin. This conversation aka episode is with living breathing serotonin i.e. V Spehar, Host of Under The Desk News and V Interesting with V Spehar. If you’re already a fan of Under The Desk News, you know that V delivers bite-sized news in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting a hug at the same time. If you don’t already know that, this is your cue to go follow @underthedesknews. V is a leading figur...
Nov 09, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 109
ICYMI we’re releasing our top stories of the week segment on Tuesdays. Basically top stories has a new home, making a move from the backend of our weekly interviews to its very own weekly special. You can expect our run throughs every Tuesday covering a few (not all) of the top stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events is election week focused (naturally) and includes: Past Presidents on the Campaign Trail: https://bit.ly/3WHekix [Associated Press] PA Mail-in Ballot Issues: htt...
Nov 08, 2022•53 min
This episode makes our hearts happy for so many reasons – first of all, our guest, Angela Lang, the Executive Director at BLOC is amazing and we can’t wait for y’all to listen to her insights. Secondly, this conversation gets not just into community organizing, but the many strategies for creating long standing civic engagement. Our chat taps into the importance of creating more than one-off, one-election voters, but instead fostering consistent engagement in community, civics, and politics. In ...
Nov 01, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 108
ICYMI we’re trying something ~new and different~ and releasing our top stories of the week segment on Tuesdays. Basically top stories has a new home, making a move from the backend of our weekly interviews to its very own weekly special. You can expect our run throughs every Tuesday covering a few (not all) of the top stories we have our eyes on. This week’s round up of events include: Violent Attack at The Pelosi’s Home & GOP Reaction: https://bit.ly/3Ua90lE [Punchbowl] Elon Retweets Misinf...
Nov 01, 2022•29 min
