The Fly

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A Mayor Roundtable Discussion: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Oct 11, 2026

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In this episode of The Fly, Sarah and Chase bring together Mayor Aftab Pureval of Cincinnati, Mayor Arunan Arulampalam of Hartford, and Mayor Andrew Ginther of Columbus to discuss the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the challenges of expanding affordable housing. Mayor Pureval has focused on zoning reform and developer incentives to increase housing supply, while Mayor Arulampalam has pursued streamlined permitting, the redevelopment of vacant lots and downtown buildings, expanded homeownership opportunities, and stronger tenant protections. Mayor Ginther has championed major voter-approved housing investments, zoning reform, and public-private and regional partnerships to expand affordable housing. Together, the mayors discuss housing supply, rising costs, renter protections, and the role of the private sector, exploring what cities can accomplish locally and what more they need from state and federal leaders.

Hudson Munoz, Executive Director of Guns Down America, "The firearms industry is a common denominator." Oct 04, 2026

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In this episode of The Fly, David and Olivia sit down with Hudson Munoz, executive director of Guns Down America, to discuss how corporate accountability can help address gun violence. He explains the firearms industry’s influence, ways to bridge cultural divides around gun ownership, and why community interventions and safe-storage efforts matter—especially as firearm suicides rise.

Sabrina Singh, Former Deputy Press Secretary for VP Harris, "Their obligation is not to an entity or to a person; it’s to the people.” Sep 27, 2026

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Join Kennedy and Sarah as they sit down with the first GU Politics fellow of the semester: Sabrina Singh! Sabrina walks us through how an internship in Senator Barbara Boxer’s office during the 2009 recession unexpectedly launched a career at the center of American politics and national security. We get into what it’s really like to shape messaging in high-pressure environments, from Democratic campaigns to the Biden–Harris administration, to her time at the Pentagon at the start of the Ukraine war. Sabrina dives into the challenge of countering Russian disinformation in real time, and how misinformation can put U.S. institutions on the defensive and impact everything from battlefield morale to global perceptions of American power. Along the way, Sabrina reflects on lessons learned from crises like Afghanistan, the midterms, and other geopolitical flashpoints, including how to communicate clearly when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tune in!!

Alex Freedman, D.C. Senior Community Planner, "It is a transformational project" Sep 13, 2026

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In this episode, Chloe and Kennedy interview Alex within the RFK Campus Master Plan public comment period, regarding the stadium construction set to begin in 2027. The economic impact is groundbreaking: 2,000 permanent jobs, 14,000 construction jobs, new affordable housing, restaurants, parks, and public services that will cost the district and Commanders $3.8 billion. Alex talks about all things construction, parking, transportation, the future of the project, comparison to Nationals Park, effect on the district, bringing the Commanders back home, and the logistical side of the planning process.

John Leganski, Former Deputy Chief of Staff, "Turns out there’s not much to do for the Jokers when Batman is gone." Sep 06, 2026

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The Fly sat down with John Leganski, former Deputy Chief of Staff and the youngest floor director in House history. His deep understanding of the policymaking process has launched Leganski's book to the bestseller list. Leganski is also the first Republican aide to serve on the floor team for each House leadership position, including the Majority Whip, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, and Speaker. Tune in to hear Leganski share more of his knowledge on the Speaker Kevin McCarthy vote. He dives into the lead-up to the vote, the 15 rounds of voting, and how its aftermath will have significant implications for today's Congress. Tune in to Spotify to hear more of his predictions for this upcoming November.

Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, "There’s a lot that could be done with a single vote of Congress." Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to The Fly for a special episode with Tiffany Muller, the President of End Citizens United and Let America Vote. Named one of the Most Influential People in Washington, Tiffany transformed End Citizens United into a national organization with more than 4 million members. She's an outspoken advocate for campaign finance reform and voting rights. With the midterms coming up and recent voter suppression efforts, Tiffany’s work is more important than ever. Tune in to hear about how dark money influences elections, landmark Supreme Court cases, and her friendship with Spring 2026 Fellow Senator Jon Tester!

Mehdi Hasan, Founder of Zeteo, "Telling people what they want to hear is not journalism." Apr 19, 2026

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Award-winning journalist and Zateo founder Mehdi Hasan joins us on The Fly to discuss his transition from corporate media giants like MSNBC to the "fascinating, dynamic" world of independent, subscriber-funded journalism. Hasan offers a candid critique of mainstream media "groupthink" and explains why independent reporting is essential for covering global crises like the genocide in Gaza without the pressure to self-censor. He also reflects on his viral Jubilee appearance, grappling with the ethics of debating bad-faith actors and the personal impact of confronting rising authoritarianism as a parent in America. From his "pity interview" with a future mayor to his 2028 presidential picks, this episode provides an unfiltered look at the future of media and political discourse.

Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, "The labor movement can be both a shield and a megaphone." Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

We are flying back in with a special guest! Our flies Kennedy and Aniya sit down with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler as she discusses her journey from a young activist to becoming the first female leader of the federation. She highlights the stark differences between the Biden and Trump administrations, arguing that recent executive actions have undermined federal worker protections and collective bargaining rights. Shuler details how the labor movement is combating union-busting, navigating the risks of artificial intelligence, and advocating for immigrant rights through grassroots mobilization and legal challenges. She also emphasizes the vital role of younger generations in driving a modern resurgence of labor interest and organizational energy. Tune in!

Aaron Bennett, Co-Founder of The Fly, "Relationships are the coin of the realm." Apr 05, 2026

Show notes

Aaron Bennett discusses the founding of the show and the importance of relationship building in Washington, D.C., noting how his own career trajectory was shaped by connections made at the Institute of Politics and Public Service. As a professional speechwriter for high-profile figures like Nancy Pelosi and Tim Walz, he outlines his "three M's" formula for success: the message, the messenger, and the moment. He emphasizes that effective speechwriting is a collaborative and iterative process that requires capturing a principal's unique voice rather than centered on the writer's own opinions. Tune in!

Richard Walters, Former RNC Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor, "Elections come down to pocketbook issues." Mar 29, 2026

Show notes

Sit down with Richard Walters to hear about the Republican Party's strategy heading into the 2026 midterm elections, why affordability and "pocketbook issues" remain the top priority for voters, and where the GOP lands with tax cuts, housing, and healthcare. The conversation also dives into the complexities of election integrity, fundraising dynamics, and the stark contrasts between Republican and Democratic preparations for the upcoming campaign cycle. Join us for an expert’s look at the shifting landscape of American politics and what to watch for as the nation heads toward the polls!

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