The Fly

Mary Beth Tinker: "History will look back and wonder, what did you do?" Nov 01, 2024

NEW week, NEW episode! 🪰This week, we sat down with the acclaimed American free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker! Tinker is renowned in classrooms and courtrooms alike for her role in the 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, which solidified students’ right to free speech. In this exciting new episode, she walks us through her experience with civil rights activism, her take on current events like the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and her advice for a new generation of activists. Be sure to BUZZ IN for a discussion you and your AP GOV teacher won’t want to miss!

Rick Wiley: "With time, you just keep moving" Oct 22, 2024

Welcome back to The Fly! There’s no better way to kick off Season 16 than with Rick Wiley, a seasoned GOP political strategist and Spring 2024 GU Politics Fellow. Rick has worked behind the scenes of some of the most high-profile political campaigns in the U.S., most notably as the National Political Director for Ambassador Nikki Haley's presidential campaign. In this episode, Rick dives deep into the strategic mind of a political campaign, offering a front-row seat to the highs and lows of navigating today’s intense political landscape. Join us as Rick shares his personal stories from the campaign trail, his thoughts on early voting and vote-by-mail, and his thoughts on the future of effective political messaging.

Dr. Anthony Fauci: "We could see the tsunami in the distance" May 07, 2024

Welcome back to the Fly! There is no better way to end the season than with Dr. Fauci. As leader of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 38 years, he has been on the frontline of nearly every major disease since the 1980s. His research and dedication have helped save tens of millions of lives. As Dr. Fauci has been widely covered, he gets candid in this episode about many of his life and professional experiences, from personal relationships with presidents—he has advised seven of them—to his actions during the AIDS/HIV epidemic and his close relationship with LGBTQ+ activists to the long nights leading up to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Fauci becomes personable and opens up about his lovely relationship with his wife and gives us college students much-needed and very sentimental advice. This is truly an episode you don’t want to miss! If you want to hear what is on his personal gym playlist or the secret to a long, happy, and loving relationship, tune in now! Have a great summer!

Allegra Kirkland and Waleed Shahid: “Don’t count out the youth vote” Apr 18, 2024

Welcome back, flies! We have a very special episode this week, because we have not one but two guests!! First, we sat down with Waleed Shahid, a Senior Democratic Strategist and former Spokesperson for Justice Democrats, about the future of the Democratic party, including "The Squad." Next, we sat down with Allegra Kirkland, the politics director for Teen Vogue. Kirkland shared her thoughts on the impact of the pandemic, the key to voter turnout, and the stakes for 2024. This is a special-edition, must-listen episode that you don't want to miss!

Laura Barrón-López: “Reporting the truth is not always going to make people happy” Apr 09, 2024

This week flies sat down with the PBS NewsHour White House Correspondent and CNN Analyst Laura Barrón-López. Laura is a rising star in journalism who knew she wanted to be a journalist since she was 12. She began in local journalism in California early in her college career and, after graduation, moved to DC after receiving an opportunity to be a reporter for E&E News. Since then, she has worked for PBS, Politico, CNN, The Hill, The Huffington Post, and The Washington Examiner. Journalism is the key to protecting our democracy. Tune in as we talk about what it’s like covering the President of the United States. Hear Laura’s insights about the state of democracy and journalism following the 2020 Election and January 6th and how that will impact how journalists cover the 2024 race. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

Dan Lamothe, Pentagon Correspondent: “There is always a deeper story worth telling” Mar 25, 2024

Buzz buzz… sit down with fellow flies Kenneth and Sarah to listen to an engaging conversation with Pentagon Correspondent and the Washington Post’s National Security writer Dan Lamothe. In this episode, Dan discusses how he made his foray into the world of journalism, starting with local reporting and moving toward covering the U.S. military, its people, and its operations. For over 15 years, Dan has covered the Armed Forces, consistently traveling to Afghanistan and shadowing senior U.S. defense officials at home and abroad. Tune in to hear more about Dan’s experience with reporting about war and how it has shaped his writing today.

Val Demings, Former US Representative: "Out of the ashes, I do believe good things can evolve" Mar 17, 2024

We are zooming in with another incredible interview! Val Demings is a profile in public service. Demings was Orlando’s first woman Chief of Police and served as the Congresswoman for FL-10, where she was a house impeachment manager for Donald Trump’s first impeachment and was there that day on January 6th. She was also on President Biden’s shortlist for Vice President and ran for US Senate against Senator Marco Rubio in 2022. Tune in to hear candid talk about public safety and crime from a former police chief, the political future of Florida, what it was like becoming a House Impeachment Manager, and what it was like to be in Congress on January 6th. I promise, you do not want to miss this episode!

Machalagh Carr, Speaker McCarthy's Chief of Staff: "It was the ride of a lifetime" Feb 26, 2024

Welcome back to another incredible episode. This week, Flys sat down with Machalagh Carr, former Chief of Staff to Kevin McCarthy. Carr is an experienced legal counselor who served as General Counsel for the Speaker and office of the Republican Leader. Additionally, she has held numerous roles across a number of congressional oversight committees. Tune in to hear inside details about the McCarthy speakership and how law and politics are changing in America’s current political climate. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

Deanne Millison, Former Chief Economic Advisor: “It’s a Patience Game” Feb 18, 2024

Welcome back! Here to start off our season: Chase and Sarah joined our very first fellow, Deanne Millison! They had a lively conversation about Deanne’s experience starting off in law school and transitioning into the political sphere. Hear more about Millison’s roles as the Chief Economic Advisor for Vice President Harris, her work with the impeachment proceedings of Pres. Donald Trump, and her time with Mayor Rahm Emanuel for her hometown of Chicago. Buzz into the episode to hear more about Millison’s journey from local government to the hilltop!

Brad Raffensperger, GA Secretary of State: "There's Something True about Southern Hospitality" Feb 12, 2024

Hello Flies, and welcome back! It's a new year and time for a new season of The Fly! We have an exciting roundup of Fellows and guests this season and can't wait to get started. For our very first episode, Chase and Julian sat down with Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia Secretary of State. They had a fascinating conversation about election security, including Secretary Raffensperger's interactions with Donald Trump in the 2020 Presidential election. They also discussed Georgia's economy, the state's future, and how they will continue to hold safe, fair, free elections. It's a must-listen-to season opener, and we hope you enjoy!

Brenda Gianiny, President of Axis Research Inc.: "Voters Want Another Choice" Nov 21, 2023

Hello flies! We’re buzzing into Thanksgiving break with a brand new episode! This week flies interviewed Brenda Gianiny, President of Axis Research Inc. and a Republican pollster for notable Republicans such as Liz Cheney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mitch McConnell, Bush-Cheney 04, and more! We talked about Brenda’s experience as a pollster and how issues like abortion, Trump’s indictments, Jan. 6th, and more are impacting the GOP primary, competitive down-ballot races, and the 2024 Presidential race. Become a fly on the wall and get the inside scoop on polling and upcoming elections. You do not want to miss this episode!

Emily Horne, Fmr. Spokesperson, National Security Council: "The Changing World Order" Nov 17, 2023

Welcome back, flies! As Thanksgiving approaches, we have another great episode for you with one of our GU Politics fellows! This week, we sat down with Emily Horne, the Former Spokesperson for the National Security Council under the Biden Administration. She also is the Former Head of Global Policy Communications at Twitter, and the Founder and CEO of Allegro Public Affairs. Emily shared her thoughts on misinformation, the future of social media, and the disguised role of state actors on social media during elections. Tune in to hear her opinion on social media regulation and the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. This is a must-see episode, so make sure to take a listen!

Craig Minassian, Consultant of The Daily Show: “Comedy is the conscience of the people” Nov 06, 2023

Buzz buzz, fellow flies! This week’s episode features another GU Politics Fellow, Craig Minassian! Darius and Sarah dive into Craig’s journey of merging the seemingly distant realms of politics and entertainment. Tune in to hear more about Craig’s experience as a producer and consultant for Comedy Central, MTV, ABC, and ESPN, working with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, in addition to his ten years of involvement with the Clinton Foundation. This is a must-listen!

Joe Hack, Former Senate Chief Of Staff: “I’m a radical incrementalist” Oct 29, 2023

Hello Flies! Welcome back to another episode! This week, we sat down with another GU Politics Fellow, Joe Hack! Hack graduated from Georgetown in 2009, so we were happy to welcome him back to the hilltop! Hack is the Former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff (Sen. Fischer, R-Neb.), as well as a Senior VP for The Daschle Group and the CEO of Swann Street Consulting. Austin and Chase had a great conversation about taking on the responsibility of Senate Chief of Staff at only 27 years old, as well as his views on the changing Republican Party and his institutional faith in the Senate. This is a must-see episode, so enjoy!

Gabe Fleisher, Founder of Wake Up to Politics: “Listen to your audience” Oct 18, 2023

On this week’s episode, the flies buzzed into an exciting conversation with Georgetown senior Gabe Fleisher, the founder and editor-in-chief of the daily political newsletter Wake Up to Politics. Gabe discussed his experience with starting the newsletter, his coolest experiences as a reporter, and the accessibility of political news. He also shared insight into the Speaker race and his thoughts on 2024. Buzz into the episode; this is not one to miss!

Nia-Malika Henderson - CNN Senior Political Reporter: "We need to do better" Oct 05, 2023

In this episode, the flies sat down with Nia-Malika Henderson, CNN Senior Political Analyst and GU Politics Fellow. She discussed everything from the challenges of being a black queer woman in the media industry today, to the fallbacks the media had in covering the Obama and Trump administrations, to the significant changes she has witnessed over the past decade, and where she thinks politics and journalism in America are headed. This is definitely an episode you do not want to miss, so give it a listen now!

Ron Klain, Former White House Chief of Staff: “Look for places where you can bring people together” Sep 25, 2023

We are buzzing into a new season with an interview with former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain! Beginning working with President Joe Biden in 1988, Klain has nearly four decades of experience serving all three branches of government and the private sector. His unmatched expertise was tested in the first two years of the Biden Administration as they faced a conundrum of crises from Covid-19 to January 6th to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Klain spoke about his time here at Georgetown and the lessons he has learned from his time in public service. You do not want to miss this episode!

Former MD Governor Larry Hogan: "Successful Politics Is About Addition" May 07, 2023

Welcome back! For the season finale, we sat down with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Hogan shared his experience during his time as governor, his political career, the future of the Republican Party in Maryland, and more. It's been a fantastic season and year with The Fly, and we can't thank all of our listeners enough for tuning in every week!

Host of Left, Right, & Center David Greene: "Always be ready to take a detour" May 01, 2023

In this episode of The Fly, we sat down with David Greene, host of Left, Right, & Center, and a former co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition. David shared s his experiences reporting in Libya during the Arab Spring and in Ukraine last year. The flies also had an honest discussion with him about the current polarization of news and lessons we can learn moving forward. Listen now!

President of AEI Robert Doar: "We provide a platform" Apr 09, 2023

In this exciting episode, the flies sat down with Robert Doar, the President of the American Enterprise Institute and a highly respected public policy expert. The conversation surrounded all things about think tanks in America and the role they have in affecting legislation. This is surely an episode you do not want to miss out on, so grab a snack and listen now!

Former US Representative (VA-02) Elaine Luria: “Members of Congress have a large microphone” Apr 03, 2023

This week, Will and Kelvin sat down with Elaine Luria, a former United States representative for Virginia's Second Congressional District. She covered the day-to-day life of a member of Congress, recent ideas of isolationism, defense spending, and the differences in serving under the past two presidencies. This is an episode you won't want to miss, so enjoy the spring weather and take a listen!!

CNN Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist: "It's more important to be right than first" Mar 27, 2023

For this week’s special episode, the flies sat down with Sam Feist, Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Vice President for CNN. Given his incredible experience in the broadcast industry having won multiple Emmy awards and overseeing multiple of the most watched political shows in history, the flies had an engaging conversation with him about his work as a journalist, the broadcast industry as a whole, and the future of politics and news in America. This is surely an episode you do not want to miss the buzz on so listen now!

Former Georgia Senate Runoff Director Jonae Wartel: "Demographics Aren't Destiny" Mar 19, 2023

On this week’s episode, Austin and Kenneth sat down with Jonae Wartel, an activist and organizer. She’s the former Georgia Senate Runoff Director and a current partner at Arc Initiatives. Now she’s a 2023 Spring GU Politics Fellow! This episode covers the difference between the two recent Georgia Senate runoff races, the importance of on-the-ground mobilization, candidate quality, and the future and potential of the Democratic Party in the South. This is a must-listen episode!

Snapchat's Good Luck America Host Peter Hamby: "Appealing to a generational audience" Mar 06, 2023

This week, we sat down with Peter Hamby, the host of Snapchat's "Good Luck America" and contributing writer for Puck News and Vanity Fair. After getting his master's in journalism at Georgetown, Hamby started his career at CNN and has worked at Snapchat since 2015. In this episode, the flies discuss the legitimacy of social media news, and how to appeal to an audience that grew up on the platform. Hamby also dives into his experience with Puck News and weighs the value of the journalist versus the institution. Take a listen!

Political Analyst Chris Stirewalt: "Many people don't ask the right questions" Feb 27, 2023

In this flytastic episode of The Fly, the flies sat down with Chris Stirewalt, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, weekly columnist for The Dispatch, political editor at NewsNation, and GU Politics Fellow. In the episode, Chris spoke about his journey in the journalism industry, the current polarization of the media, and much more! This is surely an episode you don't want to miss so listen now!

Larry Hogan's Comms Director Michael Ricci: "You have to be constantly changing and adapting" Feb 19, 2023

The flies are back with the second episode of Season 13! This week, we sat down with Michael Ricci, the Director of Communications for Governor Larry Hogan, and former Director of Communications for Paul Ryan. In this conversation, Ricci shared his day-to-day as a Republican Communications Director, as well as his experience during a public health crisis. He also shares his opinion on AI in political speech writing, his experience in the White House, and the rapidly changing expectations of working in political communications. Take a listen!

CNN Senior White House Correspondent MJ Lee: "I am not your sort of typical journalist." Feb 12, 2023

The flies are kicking off Season 13 with MJ Lee, Senior White House Correspondent for CNN. In this conversation, MJ shared her experience as an Asian American Journalist having grown up in Hong Kong and now reporting on American politics. She discussed her investigative reporting covering the #MeToo movement in DC and her reporting on the campaign trail for the 2016 and 2020 elections. She even gave the flies the inside scoop on what it is like to be in Air Force One. This is an episode you do not want to miss, so grab something warm and take a listen!

Special Announcement! Feb 08, 2023

Season 13 is coming soon, but first, we have a very special announcement. We are changing our name to "The Fly" to better reflect the work we do and podcast we produce!

Ro Khanna: "We Have a Strong Platform on Sticking Up for Democracy" Dec 12, 2022

In the season 12 finale of Fly on the Wall, the flies sat down with Ro Khanna, a U.S. representative from California's 17th congressional district since 2017. In the interview, we discussed the 2022 midterms, Biden’s chances at reelection, ownership of Twitter, and the economic future of inflation. You’re not going to want to miss this finale episode of the season, so settle in!

Mark Leibovich: "I am not objective or unbiased when it comes to threats to democracy" Dec 05, 2022

In this episode of Fly on the Wall, the flies sat down with Mark Leibovich, the current staff writer for The Atlantic and the former chief correspondent for The New York Times. In the interview, we discussed his experience profiling politicians and those closest in Trump’s orbit, his take on nepotism in Trump’s administration, and much more. This is certainly an episode you don’t want to miss so grab a piece of leftover pumpkin pie and listen now!

Terry McAuliffe: "We Got to Produce" Nov 20, 2022

Terry McAuliffe sits down with the Flies to discuss his time as governor of Virginia and as DNC chair. McAuliffe and the Flies also touch on leadership styles and even dive into McAuliffe’s 2020 election bid. Don’t miss this episode with Fall 2022 GU Politics Fellow Terry McAuliffe.

Alex Lundry: 2022 Midterm Debrief Nov 15, 2022

What happened in the 2022 Midterms? The flies check back in with political data expert Alex Lundry to get his take on what these historic elections mean for Republicans, Democrats, and the future of the country. Tune in to hear the buzz about the 2022 Midterm elections!

Pat McCrory: "We Can All Do Better" Nov 07, 2022

In this very special episode, the Flies flew downtown to chat with the former Governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory. In this exciting conversation, McCory talks about his experience in public service, his accomplishments as governor and mayor, handling political controversy, and the threat of political violence. You surely don't want to miss out on this episode so listen now!

Alex Lundry: "Being the Voice of Data" Oct 31, 2022

This week, the Pod interviews GU Politics Fellow Alex Lundry, Chief Analytics Officer for Jeb Bush for President, Director of Data Science for Romney for President, and Co-Founder of Tunnl. Lundry shares his experience as a data scientist and how data can inform strategy. Lundry also discusses the role of data in the midterms and provides some predictions. Take a listen now!

Xochitl Hinojosa: "You Can Do a Lot of Good in Federal Government" Oct 25, 2022

This week the flies sat down with Xochitl Hinojosa, former Senior Advisor and Communications Director for the DNC and the current Managing Director for Bully Pulpit. Xochitl shared her expertise on what's exactly at stake with the current midterm elections as well as the current political crisis against women. There is a lot of buzz swarming about this episode so you definitely don't want to miss out! Listen now!

Katie Harbath: "The Facebook Election" Oct 13, 2022

In this episode of FOTW, the Flies sit down with Katie Harbath, Former Director of Public Policy at Facebook and now Director of Democracy and Technology at the International Republican Institute and CEO of Anchor Change. Harbath shares her expertise on the intersection of technology and politics. We hear about her time at Facebook, her views on bias in and de-platforming on social media, and the impact of technology on democracy. Take a listen!

Karoun Demirjian: "There are People Underneath Every Story" Oct 03, 2022

This week the flies chatted with Karoun Demirjian, the Pentagon Correspondent for the Washington Post. She has covered stories from all over the world including Russia and the Middle East and has won numerous awards for her work. In the interview, she shared her experience as a former foreign correspondent and gave insight into the media’s role in shaping how international conflict is covered, especially in context to Russia’s war on Ukraine. She also explained America’s perception abroad, the hardest stories she has reported on, and much more. The flies are buzzing about this episode so be sure to check it out!

Mary Elizabeth Taylor: "Differences are Jet Fuel" Sep 28, 2022

In our first episode of Season 12, the flies sit down with GU politics Fellow Mary Elizabeth Taylor, who was Former Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs and is currently the Vice President and Head of External Affairs at Robinhood Markets. Taylor shares her expertise about the nominations process, her leadership styles, how she developed her political beliefs, and more!

Jamie Raskin: "It's When Things Look the Worst that You Need to be Out There" May 08, 2022

For the Season 11 Finale, the flies sit down with Congressman Jamie Raskin for Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. Raskin shares why he is in public service, his experience leading President Trump’s second impeachment, and his views on bipartisanship. Tune in for one of our most impactful interviews from this season.

Lindsay Hayes: "The Beginnings of Erosion in Deliberative Democracy" May 03, 2022

In this exciting episode of FOTW, the flies met with Lindsay Hayes, founder of Free the Facts, and the writer and speechwriter for the US Senate, as well as two presidential campaigns. During the conversation, Hayes shares her expertise in the world of American politics in addition to her path to becoming CEO of Free the Facts, a non-partisan, policy-focused NGO. You won’t want to miss this, listen now!

Ellen Keast: "America Issues Are Nebraska Issues" Apr 24, 2022

In this episode of FOTW, the flies met with Ellen Keast, the Campaign Manager for Charles Herbester in the Nebraska Gubernatorial Race. In this conversation Ellen shares her perspective on key issues for young conservatives, Trump's influence on state politics, and much more! This is definitely an episode you don't want to miss so listen now!

Kristen Soltis Anderson: "There Will Always Be Skepticism" Apr 18, 2022

This week on the Pod, the Flies spoke with Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster and Founder at Echelon Insights. We talk about all things polling, including what it means to be a Republican pollster, generational divides, and hot button issues. You don’t want to miss it!

Elliot Williams: "Lack of Faith in the Media" Apr 10, 2022

On this week's episode, the flies were joined with Elliot Williams, GU Politics Fellow and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for legislative affairs at the Department of Justice during the Obama administration. In this lively conversation, Williams shares the highlights of his career in legislation and media and gives special insight on the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, restoration of faith in government, the state of future elections and much more! You won't want to miss this, listen now!

Ofirah Yheskel: "Figure Out the Local Angle" Apr 04, 2022

In this episode of Fly on The Wall, the Flies sit down with Ofirah Yheskel, who is the Deputy Communications Chair at the DNC. Ofirah shares her background working in communications and campaigns across the country, explaining how she crafts messages and targets certain voters. Happy listening!

Wesley Lowery: "People Want to Be Heard" Mar 21, 2022

In this episode, the Flies sat down with GU Politics Fellow Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist and CBS News Correspondent. As one of the country’s foremost journalists on issues of race, law enforcement, and social justice, Lowery shares his own experience as a political reporter in this day and age, diving into specific highlights and pinpoints of his career. This is an episode that you surely don’t want to miss, so listen now!

[Special Report] Ukraine: "Develop an Intolerance for Evil" Mar 02, 2022

In this special episode of Fly on the Wall, we cover the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The flies first interviewed protestors outside of the White House two days after the invasion. We then called into Moscow and sat down with Georgetown Professor and Russian expert Jill Dougherty to hear her analysis of the ongoing crisis. Listen now and hear the War in Ukraine from two sides of the world.

Alyssa Farah Griffin: "The Existential Threats to Our Democracy" Feb 22, 2022

In this episode, the Flies talk with GU Politics Fellow Alyssa Farah Griffin, former Communications Director for the Trump Administration. She shares expertise and experience working in the communication field, discusses her views on American Conservatism and the Republican Party.

Dafna Linzer: "Hold on to Your Integrity" Feb 14, 2022

For the first episode of Season 11, flies sat down with Dafna Linzer, a GU Politics Fellow who was a Managing Editor at NBC News. We talked about her experience working in a combat zones, highlights of her career, her advice to aspiring journalists, and more. Don’t miss the debut episode of Season 11!

Rebecca Pearcey: "Don't Overthink It, Just Keep Moving" Dec 12, 2021

For the Season 10 finale, the flies were joined by GU Politics Fellow Rebecca Pearcey to discuss her career, her extensive experience in the campaign world, her advice to young people interested in entering politics, and more! Don’t miss this great conversation with Rebecca.

Tony Fabrizio, Jocelyn Kiley, and John Anzalone Dec 06, 2021

In this episode, the flies sat down with John Anzalone, Chief Pollster of the 2020 Biden Campaign, Tony Fabrizio, Chief Pollster of the 2016 and 2020 Trump Campaigns, and Jocelyn Kiley, Associate Director of the Pew Research Center, to pull back the curtain on all things polling in this day and age. This conversation is one that you don't want to miss, with perspectives from both partisan and nonpartisan pollsters explaining the integral roll polling plays in political campaigns and what that looks like within our polarized political atmosphere.

David Bergstein: "Senate Democrats Have Kept Our Promises" Nov 29, 2021

Enjoy this Thanksgiving BONUS episode with the Fly! We are joined by DSCC Communications Director David Bergstein. We talk 2022 election prospects, candidates to watch, and the Democratic Party's message heading into the midterms. Bergstein also touches on how the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will impact senate races across the country.

Amna Nawaz: "I Never Want to Cover Just One Thing" Nov 14, 2021

This week on the Pod, the Flies spoke with Amna Nawaz, chief correspondent for PBS NewsHour and GU Politics fellow. After serving as an ABC News anchor and NBC News foreign correspondent, Amna joined PBS, where she currently reports on a wide range of topics, including politics, foreign affairs, education, climate change, culture and sports. In this interview, she delves into her journalism journey following the events of 9/11, the importance of diversity in the newsroom, and advice for promoting balanced dialogue on partisan issues.

Virginia Election Night Special Nov 09, 2021

GU Politics hosted an amazing watch party for the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial elections. The Fly spoke with students from across the political spectrum, delving into their thoughts on the competition between Republican Glenn Youngkin and Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Hear the buzz from election night in this special episode of Fly On the Wall!

Brian Stelter: "Find the Right Medium for the Message" Oct 31, 2021

The Flies were joined by Brian Stelter — CNN’s chief media correspondent, the anchor of “Reliable Sources,” and a fall GU Politics fellow — in this week’s episode. A familiar face on cable news, he sheds light on the “post-truth” era, how TV news has evolved over time, and the challenges that journalists face when reporting on science and changing public health policies.

Charlotte Clymer: "Individual liberty for all people" Oct 25, 2021

This week on the Pod, GU Politics fellow Charlotte Clymer (S’16) shared her extensive experience as a transgender activist and military veteran. In addition to serving as the Press Secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to LGBTQ equality, Charlotte was a communications and strategy director for Catholics for Choice. Tune in to hear about what it was like shaping messaging in response to the White House, being a transgender activist in both military and political spheres, and the issues she is watching in upcoming elections.

Rory Cooper: "'Pinch Yourself' Moments Every Day" Oct 17, 2021

Rory Cooper sat down with the Flies in this episode to discuss his experience working for former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and his role shaping the Department of Homeland Security. Cooper and the Flies also touch on the changing character of the Republican Party, the War in Afghanistan, and the future of national security. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Fall 2021 GU Politics Fellow Rory Cooper

The Flies: Back to the Future Oct 11, 2021

The Flies kicked off Season 10 this week with a recap of some of our favorite episodes from last year. Revisiting interviews with Jenny Durkan (Mayor of Seattle), Julie Pace (Associated Press Executive Editor), Sarah Rogers (former Chief of Staff to Rep. Patrick Meehan), Faiz Shakir (Campaign Manager, Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign), Hilary Franz (WA State Commissioner of Public Lands), and former Congressman Charles Djou (HI-01), we discussed lessons learned from the pandemic, elections, and more. Enjoy this jam-packed, laughter-filled episode featuring the entire Pod team!

Mike Madrid: "A Time for Choosing" Sep 19, 2021

In this special episode of Fly On the Wall, we bring you analysis of the recent effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mike Madrid, expert in Latino voting trends, former political director for the California Republican Party, and co-founder of the Lincoln Project shared his take on conservative politics in liberal states, the fate of American Experiment, and how both parties are changing their messaging in response to demographic changes in the country. Madrid also touched on what it's like swimming against the political current in the age of culture war politics, and his favorite moments from his time studying here at Georgetown University!

Tom Perez: "Civil rights is the unfinished business of America" May 02, 2021

For our Season 9 finale, we interviewed Tom Perez, a Spring 2021 GU Politics Fellow and former Chair of the Democratic National Committee. He served President Obama for eight years, first as DOJ Civil Rights Head and then as U.S. Secretary of Labor. In this episode, Tom not only took the Flies behind the scenes of his civil rights career, but also shared his take on Democratic party unity following the 2020 election cycle and the biggest challenges facing the nation moving forward.

Guy Benson: "There's a lot of potential for realignment" Apr 25, 2021

In this episode, the Flies sat down with Guy Benson, host of “the Guy Benson Show,” spring GU Politics Fellow, Fox News contributor, and political editor at TownHall.com. Guy shares his journey from a high school student calling baseball games on local access channels to being a political commentator for Fox News. We also explore politics in post 9/11 America, party realignment, cancel culture, and young people in the conservative movement.

Doug Jones: "It's about people, not the political party" Apr 18, 2021

This week on the Pod, we spoke with Spring 2021 GU Politics Fellow and former U.S. Senator Doug Jones, who represented Alabama from 2018 to 2021. Prior to being one of the Senate’s most bipartisan members, he served as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and prosecuted the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. Tune in to hear about the most impactful moments of his legal career, important issues he prioritized as a senator, and his most effective strategies for achieving bipartisanship.

Jenny Durkan: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it" Mar 28, 2021

Put your rain jackets on because this week the Pod visited the Pacific Northwest! The Fly sat down with Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan in this episode, chief of executive of the first major American city to be hit by COVID-19. Mayor Durkan shared her experience coordinating with cities across the globe to respond to the pandemic, building a mass-vaccination campaign, and communicating policy to the city regarding COVID-19. We also dive into Mayor Durkan’s views on the police abolition movement and managing the summer 2020 demonstrations in Seattle.

Ricky Hurtado: "We've shattered a barrier" Mar 21, 2021

Our episode this week features North Carolina State Representative Ricky Hurtado, who became the first Latino Democrat elected to the NC General Assembly in 2020. In addition to representing District 63 (Alamance County), Ricky serves on the Board of Alamance Partnership for Children and co-founded LatinxEd, a nonprofit that aims to expand opportunities for first-generation college students and immigrant families. After finding his passion for public service during his time at the University of North Carolina, he received his Masters from Princeton with a focus in fighting poverty and community building.

Julie Pace: "Play an essential role" Mar 14, 2021

How has the Trump presidency, COVID-19, and social media changed the journalism industry? What salient issues and policies will dominate the news cycle moving forward? Find out in our latest episode with Julie Pace, Washington Bureau Chief for the Associated Press and a Spring GU Politics Fellow. In addition to the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, she has covered four presidential campaigns, Congress, national security, and more.

Charles Djou: "Character counts" Mar 07, 2021

The Flies sat down with former Congressman Charles Djou (HI-01) this week for an interview jam-packed with insights from his extensive career in public service. In addition to serving as a Honolulu City Councilmember (2003-2010) and State Representative (2000-2002), the Congressman was a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Listen now for the inside scoop into everything from his military leadership in Afghanistan, to Republican support for Biden, to Hawaiian state politics.

Sara Sendek: "Overcommunication is better than 'no comment'" Feb 28, 2021

GU Politics Fellow Sara Sendek brings the Fly inside the George Bush White House, shares how she developed the public affairs strategy for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and more in this interview. Listen in for insights on combating misinformation and the duty of federal government communicators to the American people from Sara's experience working under the Trump and Bush administrations.

Adi Sathi: "Speak to people and their values" Feb 21, 2021

How are young conservatives shaping the future of the Republican Party? What issues matter to Asian American voters? This week, we got answers to these questions and more from GOP political expert Adi Sathi, who is Chief of Staff to the Young Republican National Foundation, former GOP Director of APA Engagement, and former Vice Chair of the Michigan GOP.

Anatole Jenkins: "Make a difference on the ground" Feb 14, 2021

Spring GU Politics Fellow Anatole Jenkins discusses political organization and mobilization in this week’s episode. Learn about his experience organizing for Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and his most recent experience serving as National Director of States Organizing for Joe Biden. Anatole shares his analysis of key points in the 2020 Democratic Primary, how he chooses strong candidates, and more in this amazing interview!

Special Episode: Hoyas On Campaigns Jan 25, 2021

This week, the Flies spoke with seven Hoyas across the country who spent the fall semester working on political campaigns. From state house to presidential races, from Arizona to South Carolina, these Georgetown students took us behind the scenes of the 2020 election and shared their favorite stories from the campaign trail.

Lis Smith: "New ways to communicate" Nov 22, 2020

For our final interview of Season 8, the Flies Zoomed in with Fall 2020 GU Politics Fellow, Lis Smith. Lis Smith is a veteran on the campaign trail, having worked on over 20 campaigns, including Bill de Blasio’s 2013 mayoral campaign, President Barack Obama’s second presidential campaign, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2018 re-election campaign, and, most recently, Pete Buttigieg’s presidential primary campaign.

Jessica Taylor: "It comes down to Georgia" Nov 15, 2020

This week, the Flies interviewed Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor for the Cook Political Report. Previously, she was a political reporter for National Public Radio, where she covered elections and breaking news, ranging from the White House to Congress. Her coverage of campaigns and elections has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and numerous other publications.

Sarah Rogers: "Elections have consequences" Nov 08, 2020

The Flies are excited to welcome Sarah Rogers to the podcast this week! This episode was recorded on Thursday, November 5, while election results are still being tabulated. Sarah Rogers currently works as Vice President of Navigators Global LLC, a Republican government relations and strategic communications firm in Washington, DC. Previously, Sarah has also worked as Director of Federal Affairs for Walmart. On the Hill, Sarah served in several offices, including Representatives Michael Conway from Texas and Randy Forbes from Virginia.

Mary Katharine Ham: "Have Messy Conversations" Oct 25, 2020

Our guest this week is Mary Katharine Ham, a former local news journalist turned Presidential debate moderator. MK has done almost everything in the world of journalism. She is currently a CNN correspondent and a Fall 2020 Fellow with our very own Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service.

Hilary Franz: "We can't be the limiting factor" Oct 18, 2020

This week, two of our newest Flies sat down with Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz. Commissioner Franz has over two decades of experience in environmental law and public policy. In 2016 she was elected to run the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. As Commissioner of the state’s largest wildfire fight force, she has been a key player in responding to the severe wildfires faced by the West Coast.

Errin Haines: "Be committed to the solutions" Oct 12, 2020

We're welcoming Fall 2020 Fellow Errin Haines to the podcast this week! Since starting at the Atlanta Daily World, Haines has written for major publications such as the LA Times, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press. Currently, she is Editor-at-Large for The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics, and policy and is also an MSNBC Contributor.

Kevin Hassett: "Be responsive and authentic" Oct 04, 2020

This week, we interviewed Fall GU Politics Fellow Kevin Hassett. He is a former Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors under the Trump Administration and currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the President. Prior to the White House, Hassett served as an economic advisor on the McCain, Bush, and Romney presidential campaigns, as well as a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.

Mia Love: "Set the bar high" Sep 27, 2020

The Flies are bringing you an interview with Mia Love, a former 2-term U.S. Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Utah, where she was the first black Republican woman elected to Congress. Prior to her time in Congress, Rep. Love served on the city council and was elected mayor in her hometown of Saratoga Springs, Utah. She is currently a CNN correspondent and a Fall 2020 Fellow with our very own Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service.

Faiz Shakir: "Change the landscape" Sep 20, 2020

Welcome back to a new season of Fly on the Wall! We're kicking off Season 8 by bringing you an interview with Faiz Shakir, campaign manager for Senator Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. Prior to the campaign trail, Shakir was a national political director at the ACLU, and previously a senior advisor to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Make sure to check out Faiz's Fall 2020 Discussion Group, "Learn the Bern: Managing a Presidential Campaign," Mondays from 4-5:30 PM EDT over Zoom! We would be remiss not to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who passed away on Friday evening. The Fly on the Wall team, along with the rest of the nation, mourns her passing.

Sam Cornale: “Ahead of the game at every step” Aug 03, 2020

This week, we interviewed Sam Cornale, the Deputy CEO of the DNC. Cornale has extensive experience working on the Obama campaigns for President and within the Obama Administration. After leaving the Obama administration, he served as the campaign manager for Tom Perez’s successful run for DNC chair.

Alvin Brown: "Create opportunity for all" Jul 27, 2020

This week, the Flies are excited to bring you an interview with Alvin Brown, former mayor of Jacksonville, FL, the largest city by land area and 12th largest city by population in the continental United States. Mayor Brown has extensive experience connecting the private and public sectors and was a GU Politics Fellow in Spring 2016.

Patti Solis Doyle & Karen Finney: Veepstakes 2020 Jul 06, 2020

Campaign experts Patti Solis Doyle and Karen Finney are joining the Flies this week for an exciting discussion on what the Biden campaign is looking for in a VP, the role of the VP candidate on the campaign trail, and their thoughts on what Joe Biden’s decision may be. Patti Solis Doyle served as chief of staff to Joe Biden during the 2008 vice-presidential campaign, and throughout her career has served on numerous campaigns including Hillary Clinton’s primary campaign in 2008. Karen Finney, a former director of communications at the DNC, was a senior advisor and senior spokeswoman to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and Tim Kaine’s vice-presidential campaign.

Drew Rodriguez: "The stars were aligning" Jun 28, 2020

In the next installment of our Summer 2020 Season, the Flies interview Drew Rodriguez, a Regional Organizing Director for Joe Biden for President. Since graduating from Georgetown, Rodriguez has worked on the campaign trail across the country, including in NV, SC, and FL.

Amber Athey: "I love the challenge of journalism" Jun 22, 2020

This week, the Flies are bringing you an interview with Amber Athey, the Washington Editor for Spectator USA, and host of the “Unfit to Print” podcast by the Daily Caller, where she was formerly White House Correspondent. Amber is a Hoya and Tony Blankley Fellow at the Steamboat Institute.

Michelle Jaconi: "Bring in new voices" Jun 14, 2020

Welcome back to FOTW! To kick off our first-ever summer season, we’re excited today to bring you a conversation with Michelle Jaconi, an executive producer at the Washington Post, former Hoya, and member of GU Politics’ advisory board. At the Post, she runs the creative video team, where she has spearheaded the Post’s success on Tik Tok and other programming. Previously, Jaconi worked at CNN and with NBC’s Meet the Press, where she earned multiple awards including the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Media a Peabody for CNN’s coverage of the Arab Spring, and back to back Emmy Awards for presidential election nights, at two different networks.

Will Hurd: "Solve real problems" May 24, 2020

Fly on the Wall is excited to bring you a special BONUS EPISODE interviewing Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX-23). Congressman Hurd discusses his years in public service including time as a CIA Intelligence Officer and as an elected official representing the southwestern border region of Texas since 2015.

Joe Crowley: "I wouldn't trade a moment" Apr 26, 2020

For our Season 7 finale, we're bringing you an interview with Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY)! Congressman Crowley represented New York's 14th congressional district for nearly 20 years, throughout which he was on the frontline of Democratic leadership and numerous legislative efforts. He was a Spring 2020 GU Politics Fellow and served in the New York State Assembly before being elected to Congress.

Robert Traynham: "The sky is the limit" Apr 19, 2020

The Flies are back this week bringing you an interview with Robert Traynham, the Head of Public Affairs for Facebook in Washington, DC. Robert is a GU Politics Spring 2020 Fellow with extensive experience in communications as a staffer on the Hill, as a TV host for MSNBC, and in the private sector.

Jess Morales Rocketto: "Not for the faint of heart" Apr 05, 2020

This week, the Flies are excited to bring you an interview with Jess Morales Rocketto, the Executive Director of Care in Action and Political Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Jess's career has spanned from community organizing, activism, to work on the presidential campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Mike Ricci: "Throw out the rule book" Mar 29, 2020

Tune in for FOTW's first virtual interview with Mike Ricci, Communications Director for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Ricci shares his experience communicating the response to the current COVID-19 crisis and previously served on the staff to former House Speakers Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and John Boehner (R-Ohio).

Eric Trump: "Be willing to work hard" Mar 22, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Today's episode features Eric Trump (MSB '06), campaign surrogate for the Trump 2020 reelection campaign and Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization. The episode was recorded on February 25, 2020. The Flies have transitioned to virtual production and are dedicated to bringing you new and exciting content in the future. We each of our listeners is safe and healthy in these rapidly changing times.

Dan Pfeiffer: "Make it about fairness" Mar 01, 2020

This week, we welcome back Abbey and Alec to the Pod to interview Dan Pfeiffer, a Senior Advisor to the Obama Administration, author of the new book "Un-Trumping America," and Hoya (COL '98).

Mark Sanford: "Speak from the heart" Feb 24, 2020

In this week's episode, the Flies are joined by GU Politics Spring 2020 Fellow Kate Nocera to interview Mark Sanford, a former governor of South Carolina and a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kate Nocera: "Politics can still surprise" Feb 16, 2020

For this week's episode, the Flies are excited to interview Kate Nocera, a GU Politics Spring 2020 Fellow and DC Bureau Chief for BuzzFeed News.

Tom Davis: "Talk about what binds us together" Feb 09, 2020

Fly on the Wall is excited to bring you an interview with former Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA11), whose long career in public service spans local politics, the House of Representatives, and experience in the private sector.

John Rogers: "I fell in love with politics" Feb 02, 2020

This week, the Flies interview John Rogers, former Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and Spring 2020 GU Politics Fellow.

Lily Adams: "The early bird catches the worm" Jan 26, 2020

Welcome back to a new season of Fly on the Wall! The Flies are excited to kick off Season 7 with Lily Adams, a Spring 2020 GU Politics Fellow, experienced political operative, and former Communications Director for the Kamala Harris for the People presidential campaign.

Kerry Healey: "Every legislator can improve lives" Dec 08, 2019

Dr. Kerry Healey served as the 70th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 under Governor Mitt Romney. Dr. Healey will be the first President of the Center for Advancing the American Dream and currently serves on the GU Politics Advisory Board.

Olivia Dalton: "There was no more noble cause" Nov 24, 2019

This week, the Pod interviews Olivia Alair Dalton, a Fall 2019 GU Politics Fellow. Olivia is the Founder of Dalton Strategies and Senior Advisor to the Human Rights Campaign and previously worked as the spokeswoman to First Lady Michelle Obama, President Obama's campaigns, and then-US Senator Joe Biden.

Samuel Visner: "All problems are political" Nov 17, 2019

This week, FOTW interviews Samuel Visner, an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Georgetown University. Visner currently serves as the director of the National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center(NCF) within MITRE. He previously served as chief of signals intelligence programs at the National Security Agency and has held numerous roles in cybersecurity across the federal government.

David Kensinger: "The foundation of everything is integrity" Nov 10, 2019

This week, Fly on the Wall interviews David Kensinger, a longtime political operative and consultant who has worked in the campaigns and official staffs of Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts.

Kevin Blackistone: Free Speech and Sports Nov 04, 2019

This week, Kevin Blackistone joins Fly on the Wall to discuss free speech and politics in sports.

Gov. Jeff Colyer: "We're here to make a difference in peoples' lives" Oct 27, 2019

This week, The Flies are joined by former Governor Jeff Colyer, the 47th governor of Kansas. Gov. Colyer's career has spanned medicine, business, and politics, and he is a Fall 2019 GU Politics Fellow.

Merone Hailemeskel: "Always be your first yes" Oct 20, 2019

The Flies are on the road this week to interview Merone Hailemeskel, Director of Communications and Digital Strategy for Reach Higher and Better Make Room, who previously worked for First Lady Michelle Obama.

Stephanie Valencia: "We're not going to stop fighting" Oct 13, 2019

This week, the Fly on the Wall team interviews GU Politics Fellow Stephanie Valencia, a former White House staffer for the Obama administration and accomplished organizer in the Latinx community.

Alexandra Phillips: "It comes down to bare basic principles" Oct 06, 2019

This week on Fly on the Wall, we're lucky to have Alexandra Phillips, a Member of European Parliament representing the Brexit Party for South East England.

Karen Travers: "A firehose of information" Sep 29, 2019

On this episode, the Flies interview Karen Travers, a White House Correspondent covering all aspects of the Trump administration for ABC News. Travers is a Georgetown graduate and a GU Politics Fellow for Fall 2019.

Jonathan Burks: "There is no one path" Sep 22, 2019

Fly on the Wall is back for Season 6! Today we are interviewing Jonathan Burks, a GU Politics Fall 2019 Fellow and former chief of staff to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

Jonathan Capehart: "I'm sitting next to the President, raining sweat" May 12, 2019

It's our last pod of Season 5! We're excited to welcome Jonathan Capehart, an opinion writer for the Washington Post, where he focuses on the intersection of social and cultural issues and politics, and a contributor on MSNBC. Jonathan was also one of our GU Politic's Fellows this past semester. His episode is a great season finale so be sure to tune in! We'll be back in the fall - have a great summer!

Emily Cain: "The difference makers" May 05, 2019

This week we're excited to welcome Emily Cain onto the pod! She was elected to the Maine State House at age 24 and served there for almost a decade, including some years at the Minority Leader, and then moved to the Maine State Senate. Her years of elected office then lead her to EMILY's List, where she now serves as its Executive Director. She's a fascinating woman with a lot to share about politics so be sure to tune in!

Tom Manatos: "A picture is better than a message" Apr 28, 2019

This week we're thrilled to welcome Tom Manatos to the pod! He got his start in politics doing advance work for the Gore campaign in 2000, then worked as the House Democrats liaison for over a decade, and transitioned into the private sector to work at the Internet Association and now Spotify. He also co-runs the Tom Manatos Jobs website for anyone looking to get employed in DC. Check out this fascinating episode!

Tom Steyer: "This is about justice - no one is above the law" Apr 21, 2019

This week on the pod, we're happy to welcome Tom Steyer! He's a former hedge fund manager who then turned to political action by founding NextGen America, a nonprofit group that combats climate change, promotes social justice and enlarges participation in democracy. He's also been at the forefront of a movement to impeach President Trump, called Need2Impeach. Be sure to tune in to a great episode!

Anne C. Richard: "My career goal was to work in the State Department" Apr 14, 2019

On the pod this week is Ann Richard! She's worked with many government agencies and nonprofits, including the Office of Management and Budget, State Department, Peace Corps, and International Rescue Committee. Most recently, Ann was the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration from 2012-2017 in the Obama Administration. It's a fascinating conversation you don't want to miss! (Plus we have a guest co-host, Margaret Hodson!)

Kevin McLaughlin: "We all wore our black suits to work that day" Apr 07, 2019

This week we're so excited to welcome Kevin McLaughlin to the pod! He is the Executive Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) for the 2020 cycle. Kevin had previously worked at the NRSC during the 2014 and 2016 election cycles, helping Republicans grow and hold their Senate Majority. This is a fantastic episode so be sure to tune in!

Ashley Allison: "Even in tragedy we must celebrate" Mar 31, 2019

This week we're happy to have Ashley Allison on the pod! She's an alum of the Obama White House and his 2012 re-election campaign. She worked as a field organizer in the swing state of Ohio in 2012, and at the White House she was the Deputy Director and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Public Engagement. There she managed a team that worked with the LGBTQ, Muslim, faith, African-American, disability, and entertainment communities, as well as focusing on criminal justice and policing reform. Tune in for a wonderful episode!

Paulette Aniskoff: "We lit the White House rainbow" Mar 24, 2019

This week we're excited to welcome GU Politics' Fellow, Paulette Aniskoff! She started off in Obama World as his Get out the Vote Director in Iowa in 2008 and then went to work for him in the White House as Priority Placement Director, did a stint at FEMA, and then went back to the White House as Director of the Office of Public Engagement. We chat with her about her time with Obama and what she's doing now at Citizen 44. Check out this pod and if you want to hear more from Paulette, go to her discussion group!

Mo Elleithee: "We live in echo chambers" Mar 17, 2019

We're back from spring break and so excited to welcome Mo Elleithee to the pod this week! He is the Executive Director of GU Politics and was the Communications Director at the Democratic National Committee. We chatted with him about his time in Virginia politics, Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign, and his time at the DNC. Tune in! P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dan Sena: "Go save the Republic or we're all moving to Canada" Mar 03, 2019

This week on the pod we are excited to have Dan Sena! As the Executive Director of the DCCC for the 2018 election cycle, Dan was the architect for the Dems taking back the House. We also delve into his start in politics working in New Mexico where he managed Sen. Tom Udall's reelection campaign. Check out this fascinating episode!

Antonia Ferrier: "Sometimes you have to fail to succeed" Feb 24, 2019

Today on the pod, we have GU Politics Fellow Antonia Ferrier! We talk about her time on the Hill, from House leadership to the Senate - most notably in Sen. McConnell's office - as well as her thoughts on the current status of the GOP. She has built a decade plus reputation as “one of the top Republican message gurus” so you don't want to miss this episode!

Jennie Fay: "It's gotta be DC" Feb 17, 2019

Our next guest is Jennie Fay, staff member at GU Politics and former Director of Personnel in the Obama White House. Alec and Hayley talk to her about her background in politics and what it was like to manage people in the Obama White House.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics Feb 10, 2019

We are excited to have Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry, and Minyon Moore, the authors of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics" for our second episode of the season! All four of these women have had extensive experience being at the center of Democratic national politics from the time of Jesse Jackson’s unsuccessful run for the presidency in 1984 to the Bill Clinton White House to Hillary Rodham Clinton’s historic 2016 nomination. Tune in!

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Feb 03, 2019

Welcome back to Fly on the Wall, Season 5! To kick off our new season, we're thrilled to welcome Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) to the pod. Alec and Hayley talk to her about her background, foreign affairs in Cuba and the Middle East, and the future of the Republican party and women in politics. She is also a GU Politics Fellow this semester so check out her weekly discussion group if you want to continue the conversation!

Melanne Verveer Dec 09, 2018

It's our last episode of Season 4! It's been a great semester of guests and we have one last phenomenal one for you all. On the pod this week is Melanne Verveer, former Chief of Staff to First Lady Clinton, former Chair and Co-CEO of Vital Voices, and the First United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues. We discuss international relations and women's rights, so tune in for this absolutely amazing episode!

Ed Goeas: "We had him half way off the stage" Dec 02, 2018

This week we are thrilled to have Ed Goeas on the pod! He is a GU Politics Fellow this semester and the current President and C.E.O. of The Tarrance Group, one of the most respected and successful Republican survey research and strategy teams in American politics today. He is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading political strategists, and is an often sought-after consultant. He has helped numerous candidates from Congressman to Governors win office throughout his career so this is a podcast you should definitley listen to!

Fly on the Trail: 2018 Mexican Elections Nov 25, 2018

Want to learn more about the Mexican elections that took place last summer? A group of Georgetown students travelled to Mexico to gain first-hand experience of how campaigns were operated and to learn more about the political world in Mexico. It's an interesting insight into how politics works in another country so tune in!

Suzanne Kianpour: "I disappeared in the dead of night" Nov 18, 2018

We're happy to welcome GU Politics Fellow Suzanne Kianpour to the pod this week! She is an Emmy-nominated foreign affairs and political journalist, currently working for the BBC. With previous postings in Beirut, London and Los Angeles, her reporting has taken her around the world: from various conflict zones in the Middle East to Europe traveling with then-Secretary of State John Kerry in a front row seat to the Iran nuclear negotiations. Tune in for an episode with plenty of captivating stories that cover some of the biggest global events!

Robert Flock and Colleen Nguyen: "Learn the institutional knowledge" Nov 11, 2018

This week on the pod, we're diving deep into legislative politics on the Hill. Our two guests are both Hoyas: Robert Flock, the Associate Director of Advocacy for Legislative Affairs at Credit Union National Association and Colleen Nguyen, the Legislative Director for U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice. They have a lot to say about their respective jobs and how lobbyists and Hill staffers interact so you'll want to tune in!

Climbing The Hill: Jaime Harrison and Amos Snead Nov 04, 2018

This week on the pod we have Jaime Harrison and Amos Snead, two veterans of Capitol Hill who decided to write a bipartisan book about their experiences - called Climbing the Hill. They have fantastic advice and amazing stories of what federal legislative politics is like, so be sure to listen!

Mayor Pete Buttigieg: "There is no age limit on having an impact" Oct 28, 2018

We're thrilled to have South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the pod this week! He is the first openly gay mayor in the U.S. and was formerly a candidate for DNC Chair. He has a lot of great knowledge to share about local government so tune in!

Michael Tyler: “You want to work in politics, so just go do it” Oct 21, 2018

We are so excited to welcome Michael Tyler onto the pod! He is currently the Chief of Staff to DNC Chairman Tom Perez. Previously, he worked on numerous campaigns such as Obama '08, Michelle Nunn, Russ Feingold, and others. Tune in to hear a fascinating episode with lots of great advice for anyone interested in getting into campaigns and politics!

West Wingers: "That all went out the window" Oct 14, 2018

We're happy to welcome 4 of the authors of the book, West Wingers! In this pod, you'll hear from Gautam Raghavan, Cecilia Muñoz, Ned Price, and Brad Jenkins - all of whom were Senior White House officials.

Rep. Ro Khanna: "Just figure out who will be president in 12 years" Oct 07, 2018

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna represents California’s 17th district, encompassing parts of Silicon Valley. He previously served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Obama Administration.

Tim Lim: "We're not spending the money correctly" Sep 30, 2018

We're happy to welcome another GU Politics Fellow, Tim Lim, onto the pod this week! Tim previously worked on President Obama’s re-elect through Gen44 and on Hillary Clinton’s National Finance Team in 2016. He has also worked on digital strategy at the Bully Pulpit initiative and now has his own political consulting firm.

Erin Conaton: "It Needed to be Done" Sep 23, 2018

For our second episode of the season, we're happy to welcome a GU Politics Fellow, Erin Conaton. Previously, she has served as the Staff Director of House Armed Services Committee; Undersecretary of the Air Force; and Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. She is also a Hoya!

Josh Pitcock: "This is going to be a good night" Sep 16, 2018

We're excited to welcome Josh Pitcock onto the pod for the first episode of Season 4! He's been with Vice President Mike Pence since 2005, serving as a close confidante and most recently, his White House Chief of Staff. Get ready for an amazing season!

Katie Walsh Shields: "Trying to Counter" May 06, 2018

Katie Walsh Shields joins us in our last pod of the semester (cue tears). But never fear — the former RNC Chief of Staff delivers great insight into the role of data and what it's like to work for a party during a presidential election. We'll be releasing a few episodes over the summer, so be on the lookout!

Nadeam Elshami: "Hail to the Chief (of Staff)" Apr 29, 2018

Former Chief of Staff to Nancy Pelosi, Nadeam Elshami, joins us on the pod this week! Christian and Kendall talked to him about his long career on the Hill, all the way back to his start in the mailroom. You won't want to miss — Nadeam's story is fascinating.

Lea Berman & Jeremy Bernard: "Default to the best possible behavior" Apr 22, 2018

Two former White House Social Secretaries joined us on the pod this week — Lea Berman of the Bush 43 White House and Jeremy Bernard of the Obama White House. They both shared fascinating insight on the politics of event planning and the excitement of programming on the biggest stage in the world.

Kevin Madden: "All eyes will be focused on you" Apr 15, 2018

Long-time Republican communications strategist, Kevin Madden, joins us on the pod this week. Justin and Alec talk to him about his time working for John Boehner on the Hill, and for both of Mitt Romney's presidential campaigns. He had a lot to say about how the work of messaging in politics has changed over the years with the increasingly rapid news cycle.

Eric Holder: "Going to the Supreme Court" Apr 08, 2018

Our interview this week featured former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Alec and Justin talked to him about some of the biggest national cases he handled in his time in the Administration, plus what he's doing now as Chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee working to fight against gerrymandering.

Kyle Lierman: "All you have to do is show up" Apr 01, 2018

Former Obama White House staffer, Kyle Lierman, joins us on the pod this week to take us through his journey in politics, beginning as a Field Director in '08 all the way to the White House and beyond. We talked to Kyle about some of the big initiatives he worked on during his time at the White House including "It's On Us" and the Obama team's celebrity outreach programs - plus, how he's keeping that important work moving with his new firm, Civic Advisors.

Jason Kander: "Man, I gotta do something about this" Mar 25, 2018

This week, we chatted with Jason Kander — former Missouri Senate candidate, Let America Vote founder and host of Crooked Media's Majority 54 podcast! We discussed his early experiences in public service, as well as his more recent work leading the fight for voting rights with LAV. Plus, we asked him about his own podcast and what he hopes to accomplish through the conversations he hosts there.

Dorothy McAuliffe: "Politics can be very fun" Mar 18, 2018

We sat down with Spring '18 GU Politics Fellow and former First Lady of Virginia, Dorothy McAuliffe, to talk about her lifelong dedication to public service. From meeting presidential candidate Jimmy Carter at her home in Florida, to serving Virginia as First Lady, Dorothy has some incredible perspective and stories about what it means to jump into a career of public service.

#BonusPod- Happy International Women's Day! Mar 08, 2018

Happy International Women's Day! Hear from Marie Harf and Rebecca Turkington — two trailblazing women who share their takes on the importance of gender equity in politics.

Clint Smith: "Poems allow for a radical empathy" Mar 07, 2018

Clint Smith, a teacher, writer and activist, joins Christian and Justin on the pod this week to discuss his career and how he raises his voice on issues he cares about. Happy Spring Break, Hoyas!

Kayleigh McEnany: "I wanted to be in the fight" Feb 25, 2018

RNC spokeswoman and former CNN contributor, Kayleigh McEnany, joins us on the pod this week. A fellow Hoya, she talks to Alec and Justin about her experiences from interning in the White House to CNN panels during the 2016 election. Plus, check out her new book, "The New American Revolution: The Making of a Populist Movement."

Power Couples: The Dillons Feb 19, 2018

Two Democratic stars — Jen O'Malley Dillon and Patrick Dillon — share their story of how they fell in love with both politics and each other.

Gail Wilson: "Women face the same challenges" Feb 11, 2018

Our guest this week is Gail Wilson of the International Republican Institute, an organization that works to train and support women candidates all across the world. Gail had some really fun stories about her time doing field work for Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas and working in small communities in every corner of the world.

#LivePod— State of the Union Feb 04, 2018

Our very first Fly on the Wall live recording! We had GU Politics Executive Director, Mo Elleithee, guest host at the Institute's State of the Union event this past Tuesday. Listen in to hear Spring '18 Fellows Nadeam Elshami and Steven Law give their insider perspective on how the Hill prepares for a Presidential address.

Steven Law: "Removed from the battle" Jan 28, 2018

Steven Law, President and CEO of American Crossroads, joins us on the pod this week to offer a unique perspective on money in politics. From his long career as a Senate aide to Mitch McConnell, to head of the Senate Leadership Fund, hear how PACs work, a debrief on the 2016 Senate election push, and the GOP's plans for the 2018 midterms!

Eugene Scott: "I grew up running around Rayburn" Jan 21, 2018

In our Season Three premiere, we welcome someone who has been around the block (and country) when it comes to political reporting — Eugene Scott, writer for The Fix at the Washington Post. Eugene shared some thought provoking insight on the local element of political reporting, complete with stories from his time working the Alabama Senate special election this December. And yes, you probably recognize him from his frequent TV hits on CNN.

David Litt: "Words are a means, not an end" Dec 17, 2017

Former Obama White House speechwriter, David Litt, joins us to talk about what it was like being part of the process in creating some of the President's more humorous speeches — such as Luther, Obama's anger translator at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. His stories are not only hilarious but also show some of the coolest parts of working behind the scenes in the White House.

Marie Harf: "Most of them are secret" Dec 10, 2017

Former CIA and State Department spokesperson Marie Harf joins us this week to share some heart-racing stories of secret operations that are typically hidden behind the headlines. Listen to hear her recollection of the Bin Laden raid and insights on the rising threat of North Korea — both you won't want to miss!

Cathy Koch: "It's Really Complicated Stuff" Dec 03, 2017

Congress is in the midst of a big tax reform fight, and we've got tax policy expert Cathy Koch on the pod this week. She talks about her time working on the Hill on the Senate Finance Committee and for former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. If you have no clue what's the difference between a stimulus bill and a fiscal cliff, we've got the episode for you! If you think you're hearing different voices on the pod this week...you're right! This week's episode is co-hosted by our Research Director Alec Camhi and Communications Director Abbey Nichols, who both did an awesome job on their first guest host opportunity.

Jose Diaz-Balart: "The Good and Bad of Humanity" Nov 26, 2017

NBC and Telemundo anchor, Jose Diaz-Balart, joins us on this week's post-Thanksgiving pod. We talked with him about some of the biggest moments throughout his career (including an early interview with then-candidate Trump) as well as how he approaches his responsibilities as a journalist.

Ron Bonjean: "Life in the Village" Nov 19, 2017

We welcomed Fall '17 GU Politics Fellow and veteran Republican communications strategist and crisis manager Ron Bonjean to the pod this week. We get inside the room of some of his craziest, most incredible stories about his time working for Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert up on Capitol Hill. Ron was also responsible for managing crisis communications for Justice Neil Gorsuch during his confirmation process through the Senate.

#Clinton25- James Carville and John Podesta Nov 12, 2017

James Carville, one of then-Governor Clinton's lead campaign strategists during the his successful 1992 presidential race, and John Podesta, who began his career in Clintonworld in the White House and eventually becoming Chief of Staff from 1998-2001, join us on the pod this week. Both have some amazing stories about what working with Georgetown's only alum to ever make it to the White House was like - we're excited to share their stories with you!

Rep. Jason Altmire: "Compromise is a dirty word" Nov 05, 2017

This week on Fly on the Wall, we have former Congressman from Pennsylvania, Jason Altmire, to talk about his new book "Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do about It" and his time as the most moderate Member of Congress. He has some great stories about being courted as an undecided Democratic superdelegate in 2008, plus his role in the fight to pass the Affordable Care Act.

Daniel Lippman: "It doesn't write itself!" Oct 29, 2017

We're excited to welcome Politico reporter and daily Playbook co-author, Daniel Lippman, on the pod this week! We talk to him about the ins and outs of producing Playbook each day including how they chose articles and headlines, how to tell a journalistic story through the morning newsletter, and, most importantly, how to get your birthday featured in Playbook.

Scott Mulhauser: "Mull it over with Mulhauser" Oct 22, 2017

We welcome longtime friend of GU Politics, Scott Mulhauser, to the pod this week. Scott is a former Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Biden, and former Chief of Staff at both the U.S. Embassy in China and Export-Import Bank. Scott's story is one of a diversity of roles and responsibilities, and the application of a unique set of skills and savvy to a wide variety of political problems of the day. We talk to him about some of these issues he's tackled and his motivations which got him started in political work.

Sen. Armando Rios Piter: "It starts with campaigns" Oct 15, 2017

Mexican Senator Armando Rios Piter joins us for a special international pod this week! Sen. Rios Piter talks to us about how Mexican politics and campaigning works, his approach to public service, and the Mexico-U.S. relationship. Plus, he'll walk us through the process of his next big political — running for President of Mexico in 2018!

Liz Sidoti: "Confident that, when I chose to jump, I could swim" Oct 08, 2017

This week, we talked to Liz Sidoti, current Director of U.S. Communications for BP. Liz talks to us about her unique experience in the political world, both as a journalist for the Associated Press, and now working communications for BP. She has some great stories about her time on the campaign trail in '04 and '08, and what it was like coordinating emergency response communications after BP's location in Houston was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.

Mike Dubke: "What is Dubke doing at the White House?" Oct 01, 2017

Former Trump White House Communications Director Mike Dubke joins us on the pod this week to talk about how he got the job (spoiler: it’s not how you might expect) and share some of the biggest moments in his tenure at the White House. We'll take you inside the room of that Rose Garden press conference after the House passed their health care bill, and get the real story behind one of the "Spicey-est" stories of the summer! PS: If you want to understand that joke, make sure you listen all the way to the end — you won't regret it!

#BonusPod- Happy International Podcast Day! Sep 30, 2017

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL PODCAST DAY! The Fly on the Wall team wishes you a Happy International Podcast Day! We’ve put together a BONUS episode to give you a peek inside the room of creating Fly on the Wall. We'll walk you through a normal week of podcasting, key you in on some of our best interview tips and recap our favorite moments on the pod.

Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel: "If you don't like the Republican Party, come join it" Sep 24, 2017

RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel joins our team to take stock of the GOP post-2016 and talk shop about how she's shaping the party. We dive into her experience as Michigan GOP Chair during the election as well dissect her approach toward leading the national party. Plus, Chairwoman McDaniel responds to our student hot take on the status of political parties in our country today.

Anson Kaye: "Our business doesn't work if we don't win" Sep 17, 2017

This week, the team sat down with GMMB's Anson Kaye, one of the primary ad agencies hired by both the Obama 2012 and Hillary 2016 campaigns. We discussed just how an ad firm works in the campaign ecosystem and got the behind the scenes stories on how some of the most iconic ads of 2016 were created.

Rep. Patrick Murphy: "Do Something About It" Sep 10, 2017

Welcome back! In the launch episode of Season 2, Aaron, Christian, and Justin chat with former representative Patrick Murphy (D-FL) about his experience as a millennial member of Congress. Through conversations on campaigning and governing, we get a glimpse into the life of a Congressman--and all the challenges and rewards that come along with the job.

Charlie Spies: "A Crazy Summer" Aug 13, 2017

As summer winds to a close, Aaron, Christian & Justin reflect on the past month of political happenings. They recap the big stories, share their millennial perspective on the big issues, and have a few laughs along the way. They're then joined by Charlie Spies, a "Super Lawyer" in Washington with expertise in political law and experience on Republican presidential campaigns.

#BonusPod- Alumni Episode Jun 29, 2017

Some of our favorite GU Politics alum join us on the pod just in time for the holiday weekend. Helen Brosnan, Jack Welty, and Scott Syroka (via phone call) stop by to discuss the struggle of life after Georgetown, how they've remained engaged in politics, and their thoughts on the current political landscape.

Alex Skatell: "Different Ways to Tell Stories" Jun 18, 2017

Alex Skatell, founder of the Independent Journal Review, joins us on the pod to talk about the nexus of media and politics. As a pioneer in a new age of journalism, IJR strives to deliver news through the channels people actually use and in ways that people actually want to consume news.

#FlyOnTheTrail- UK Edition Jun 08, 2017

The Fly on the Wall team reports from across the pond, providing the scoop on the British snap elections. In this episode, we learn the context of the election (HINT- it has a little something to do with Brexit) and a crash course in British politics, talking to candidates, campaign managers, and press to get the full picture.

Governor Martin O'Malley: "Darkness makes a great canvass" May 07, 2017

Finally, Aaron's dreams come true: his idol, Governor Martin O'Malley, is the guest on this week's episode. O'Malley reflects on his career in politics and his faith background, identifies key strategies for the Democratic party moving forward after a disappointing election season, and presents his vision for the nation. Will he run for president again? Listen to find out!

EJ Dionne: "The two things you don't talk about at dinner: religion & politics" Apr 30, 2017

Everyone's favorite professor and WaPo columnist EJ Dionne joins Aaron and Christian for a fascinating discussion on religion in American political life. We cover a wide array of topics--from EJ's childhood to the impact of evangelicals in the 2016 campaign to party strategy in reaching religious voters. It's a long episode, but we promise every minute is worth it.

#BonusPod- "Shattered" is taking the political world by storm Apr 26, 2017

We landed the authors of the hottest political read, "Shattered"--which details the ups and downs of Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful run at the presidency. Jon Allen and Amie Parnes join us to discuss what it was like to observe the campaign from the inside, how they cultivated their sources, and how the concept of the book evolved from early 2015 to November 8th, 2016.

Michael Steel: "Not where we thought we would be" Apr 23, 2017

As Congress appears stuck in the mud, we bring in an expert of how the Hill works--Michael Steel, former Press Secretary to Speaker Boehner. We talk about stalled agendas, a looming government shutdown, and the festival that is the White House Correspondents Dinner.

#FlyOnTheWorld- Climate Change with Amb. Peter Wittig Apr 19, 2017

Aaron visits Ambassador Peter Wittig in the German embassy to talk about the German approach to international deal-making in the second episode of "Fly on the World: Climate Change Edition." We discuss cultural differences, ambitious goals, and the need for strong leadership to hold the global consensus together.

Doug Heye: "Crisis!" Apr 16, 2017

Doug Heye, former communications head for the RNC and Majority Leader Eric Cantor, shares some of his craziest stories about communicating in crisis mode. In the wake of United and Pepsi PR disasters, we discuss what makes crisis communications different than day-to-day communications in terms of strategy, tactics, and results.

#FlyOnTheWorld- Climate Change with Amb. Selwin Hart Apr 12, 2017

Ambassador Selwin Hart of Barbados kicks off our newest series, "Fly on the World: Climate Change Edition"! In these episodes, we'll discuss the global effort to combat climate change and explore how historic agreements like the Paris Deal come to fruition. Join us as we step into the rooms where real diplomacy--the nitty gritty deal-making--takes place!

Cornell Belcher: "Polling, like politics, is both an art and a science" Apr 09, 2017

The 2016 election raised a lot of doubts about polling--and top Democratic pollster and Obama campaign adviser Cornell Belcher joins us to address those very concerns. He talks about how he got his start, the need for strategic polling, and where we went wrong in 2016.

#FlyOnTheTrail- Georgia's Sixth Edition Apr 04, 2017

Christian hits the campaign trail for #HoyasInGA, touring Georgia's Sixth Congressional District just weeks before the special election to fill Secretary Tom Price's seat. He chats with campaign managers, party officials, and even candidates--including Democratic candidate Jon Ossof.

Marlon Marshall: "At the end of the day, all politics is local" Mar 24, 2017

Former senior staffer for Hillary for America Marlon Marshall joins us on the pod this week to talk about the importance of local politics in national electoral strategy. NOTE: there's also a lengthy discussion on Girl Scout cookies.

Grover Norquist: "Piquing Your Interest" Mar 17, 2017

It's budget season in Washington--so who better to talk to than Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform? We dive into how he wields his impressive influence in the form of an interest group to tackle his agenda year after year.

Bob Barnes, Ron Klain & Sara Fagen: "En Route to the Court" Mar 10, 2017

As Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch prepares for his confirmation battle, we chat with top Supreme Court reporter Bob Barnes, Democratic legal operative Ron Klain, and Republican political strategist Sara Fagan about what the ensuing saga will entail. We talk history, politics, and Kevin Spacey.

Cody Keenan & Marc Thiessen: "Voices of Presidents Past" Mar 03, 2017

On the eve of a joint session address, we talk with two chief speechwriters--Cody Keenan of the Obama White House and Marc Thiessen of the Bush White House. They share commentary on President Trump's speaking style and reflections on their experiences writing for the President of the United States.

Jen Psaki: "A Changing Landscape" Feb 24, 2017

Aaron and Christian kick off our very first episode with special guest Jen Psaki, former Communications Director for the Obama White House, for a conversation on the rocky GOP repeal & replace of the ACA effort--specifically looking at the communications battle. We reflect on her part in the messaging battle for the ACA back in 2010 and talk about how Republicans can be successful in messaging their latest policy effort.

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