Madam Policy

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Diane Foley, Founder, Foley Foundation: Promoting Journalist Safety and Advancing US Hostage Policy Aug 05, 2026

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In this episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Diane Foley, founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. Following the murder of her son, American journalist James Foley, while reporting in Syria, Diane transformed personal tragedy into a national effort to improve support for families of hostages and wrongful detainees, strengthen journalist safety, and advance U.S. hostage policy. She discusses the evolution of the Foundation’s work, the importance of government engagement and public awareness, and the lessons she has learned about leadership, resilience, and moral courage in the face of unimaginable loss.

Translating Markets: Jamila Piracci on Policy, Markets, and Risk Jul 15, 2026

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What do financial markets and motherhood have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode, Jamila Piracci, principal of Roos Innovations, joins host Dee Martin to explore the delicate act of translating financial markets to increase understanding between the public and private sectors. Jamila reflects on the ways motherhood, music, and entrepreneurship have shaped her leadership and decision-making over the years, guiding her journey from public service to building her own firm.

The Future of Critical Minerals with Amanda Van Dyke, Author of The Mineral Imperative Jun 12, 2026

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In this episode, host Dee Martin sits down with Amanda Van Dyke, Founder of the Critical Mineral Hub and author of The Mineral Imperative, to explore why critical minerals have become a defining issue for the global economy, national security, and industrial strategy. Amanda breaks down what qualifies as a critical mineral, why supply chains are increasingly vulnerable, and why understanding mineral systems is essential for policymakers.

Want to learn more about the hidden minerals powering modern life? Tune in now!

Keys to Independence: CEO Kris Thompson on Housing & Hope at Calvary Women’s Services Apr 10, 2026

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On this episode of Madam Policy, co-hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Kris Thompson, CEO of Calvary Women’s Services, for a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to move women from crisis to independence. Together, they explore how permanent housing, job training, and holistic services are transforming lives—and why these solutions matter for policy, communities, and economic resilience. The discussion also highlights Calvary’s upcoming Hope Gala, a celebration of impact and possibility, where Dee Martin will be honored as this year’s Hope Award recipient.

The Home Depot's Heather Kennedy: "Go to the opportunity and ask for a seat at the table"—Advice from a Highly-Successful Lobbyist & Staunch DEI Advocate Sep 20, 2022

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Heather Kennedy never thought her career would look like 20+ years with the same company. Why did she stay? Because of The Home Depot's unwavering commitment to its customers, its associates, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Join us this week as hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson sit down with The Home Depot's Vice President of Government Relations, Heather Kennedy, while she breaks down her 20 years of consistent growth and leadership with The Home Depot. Heather gives advice on how to be a successful lobbyist, including her important work on navigating Congress, critical supply chains, and the pandemic. If you're curious about her proudest career moment, tune in!

Heather also dives into her professional and personal commitment to diversity and education, including The Home Depot's partnership with Women Who Code and Ladies Who Launch, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating and empowering women and non-binary business owners.

Gender Expert & Author Kate Mangino, Ph.D.: Writing "Equal Partners," Creating Household Equity & Empowering Conversations Sep 12, 2022

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Kate Mangino, Ph.D., is a gender expert and newly-minted author of Equal Partners: Improving Gender Equality at Home. Kate has been a leader in the gender equity space for over 20 years and has worked in in women's empowerment, HIV prevention, and forced childhood marriage prevention. This week, Kate sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss the importance of couples sharing both good and bad stories, how language and set terms can help enable conversations on gender equity in the home, and her new book which serves as a guide to facilitating hard conversations with friends, family, and yourself.

Kate also gives advice for new and aspiring writers to become a part of the community and the importance of trusting yourself. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Kristin Smith: Demystifying Blockchain & Envisioning a Thriving Digital Future Jan 27, 2022

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Ready or not, cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies are here, and they are the hot topics among policy leaders. What's on the policy horizon? Kristin Smith, Executive Director of the Blockchain Association, shares five policy priorities with hosts Dee Martin and Anne Termine. As the leading voice for the blockchain industry, Kristin is constantly working on cultivating the right mix of policies so blockchain networks can truly thrive. Having just spoken at the CES conference, Kristin shares her extensive knowledge on digital assets, NFTs, decentralized finance, and the impact of the infrastructure bill on crypto tax treatment. Also hear about Kristin's pathway from Capitol Hill staffer to Executive Director for life lessons you won't want to miss! Never a dull moment with this Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree who is widely-recognized for her lobbying prowess and tech expertise, Kristin Smith.

Rania Mankarious: A Leader in Crime Prevention & Creator of Practical, Smart Tools for Raising Kids in the Digital Age Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

The ever-growing scope of the world wide web has aided society's ability to connect, while simultaneously creating a world of danger. Be it cyberbullying, sexual exploitation or internet stalking, our smartphones, laptops, and applications are creating a public safety crisis, especially for children. To combat this unsafe environment, Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers Houston, is committed to public safety, and teaching parents and children how to navigate the online world. Through her chart-topping new book, The Online World, What You Think You Know and What You Don't, Rania has created strategies and exercises for parents and kids. Her leadership of Crime Stoppers has allowed her to teach internet safety tactics to students implementing smart and safe online rules for younger generations. Join hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson as they dive into the world of cybersecurity with Rania. Follow along as they talk about safe posting strategies, preventing cyber-crime, and how to find reassurance while combatting fear.

Ilhaam "Illy" Jaffer: Elevating Patient Voices, Creating Lifesaving Policies & Conquering Cancer Dec 17, 2021

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Ilhaam "Illy" Jaffer is a woman on a mission: to lead the fight for a world without cancer. Illy, a savvy political veteran, is powerful, fearless, and tenacious. As Director of Federal Government Relations for the American Cancer Society, Illy amplifies the voices of cancer patients, shapes health policy, and helps ensure equity in the distribution of funds, inclusion in studies, and more. In a conversation led by hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Illy discusses how her work in federal and state politics helped make her a strong advocate for the important work of the ACS. She also dives into women's health, discussing reproductive rights and the importance of not dismissing early signs of illness, sharing her scary journey of being diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Illy leaves listeners with advice to trust your instinct, believe in your abilities, and validate yourself.

Brooke Ringel: Blending Law and Policy to Navigate the World of International Trade Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

Brooke Ringel has mastered the art of using law, policy and data analysis to become a powerhouse in international trade law. Brooke, a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, joined hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson on Madam Policy for a deep-dive into her work as an international trade attorney. In this episode you will hear: how Covid has impacted international trade and how Brooke is adjusting to better serve her clients; details about her journey to becoming an international trade attorney, and about her involvement with the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) and the WITT Trust. Brooke also shares "contrarian" advice to achieving work-life balance. This is an episode that you won't want to miss!

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