The Fly
215 episodes — Page 1 of 5
Tiffany Muller, President of End Citizens United, "There’s a lot that could be done with a single vote of Congress."
Mehdi Hasan, Founder of Zeteo, "Telling people what they want to hear is not journalism."
Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, "The labor movement can be both a shield and a megaphone."
Aaron Bennett, Co-Founder of The Fly, "Relationships are the coin of the realm."

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

Jon Tester, Former U.S. Senator (D-MT), "Authenticity beats the slick politician every time."
Former Montana Senator Jon Tester joins us to talk about his journey from small‑town school board member to the U.S. Senate — and back to his family farm. He shares hard-earned lessons on public service, building trust across the aisle, and why authenticity beats “slick” politics every time. We also dive into his candid take on the war in Iran, congressional war powers, and what it will take to repair America’s standing in the world.

Norah O'Donnell, CBS News Senior News Correspondent, "If you capture someone’s heart, you capture their mind."
Welcome back to another episode with Nora O'Donnell, a Georgetown alumn and award-winning journalist! This episode features O'Donnell's experiences covering significant events like 9/11 and the October 7 attacks, and her 60 Minutes Interview with President Donald Trump. Tune in to hear more about O'Donnell new book, "We the Women," which explores women's contributions to American history. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Stephen Martinko, TikTok's Global Head of Product Public Policy, "There aren’t Republican bridges or Democratic roads"
Stephen Martinko, TikTok's Global Head of Product Public Policy, "There aren’t Republican bridges or Democratic roads" by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service

Monica Popp, Former Chief of Staff to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), "In this town, integrity is everything.”
Monica Popp, Former Chief of Staff to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), "In this town, integrity is everything.” by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service

Greg Landsman, Ohio United States Representative, 'You’ve got to kick in doors and overturn tables"
Welcome to our President’s Day special episode with guest Representative Greg Landsman! Will and Bode had the chance to talk with the Ohio Representative to hear about how he flipped a swing seat, his time in Congress so far, and his plan for an “American comeback”. Listen to our latest episode to hear more about Representative Landsman’s honest insights about life on the Hill.

Alsu Kurmasheva, Former Political Prisoner, "Sometimes in prison, the only thing I could control was my breath."
This week, fly to Radio Free Europe's Headquarters in Prague to sit down with Sarah Sverdlov as she interviews Alsu Kurmasheva, a journalist who served nearly nine months in a Russian prison. Kurmasheva was imprisoned for her work, including a book titled "Saying No to War," which documented Russian dissent. She described the harsh prison conditions and her coping mechanisms, such as running and reading Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Post-release, she advocates for press freedom and supports imprisoned journalists. Tune in!

Ankit Jain, D.C. Shadow Senator, "We fought a revolution to prevent this”
Our latest episode is with Ankit Jain! Elected in 2024, Ankit Jain has served as the Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia and has stayed committed to advocating for statehood and expanding voting rights for DC. Before entering politics, Jain worked as a voting rights attorney and founded Young Democrats Ward 2 to encourage civil engagement in young people. Jain’s election as a shadow senator for D.C was historic as he was the first Asian-American and Indian-American elected to office in Washington, D.C. Listen more to hear everything there is to know about Congress from Ankit Jain!

Former Senator Laphonza Butler, "I'm Open to Every Opportunity"
Welcome back to another episode of the Fly on the Wall! Today, we welcome Former Senator Laphonza Butler on the podcast! Laphonza Butler is a former senator representing California, who Governor Gavin Newsom appointed to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein after her death in 2023. Born in Mississippi, Butler attended Jackson State University before beginning her career as a labor organizer. She has been actively involved in the United States labor movement throughout her public service career, serving as President of SEIU Local 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Before serving in Congress, former Senator Butler served as the president of Emily’s List which works to elect Democratic pro-choice women to government. Former Senator Butler has also been prominent in the private sector, working as Director of Public Policy for Airbnb. Former Senator Butler is a Fall 2025 GU Politics Fellow at Georgetown University and has hosted her weekly discussion groups on AI, Labor, and the Politics of the Future of Work, which she expands on in this must-listen-to podcast episode.

Jamelle Bouie, NYT Opinion Columnist, "The Constitution is Living"
Tune in to this week’s episode with a fellow podcaster, Jamelle Bouie! Co-host of his own podcast, Unclear and Present Danger, and columnist for the New York Times, Jamelle Bouie, provides perspective on history and politics. Before joining the Times, Bouie began his career at The American Prospect magazine and then became the chief political correspondent at Slate magazine. From receiving the Hillman Prize for Opinion & Analysis Journalism and being elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Bouie has shaped national conversations on democracy and race. Some of Bouie’s most recent articles for the Times include “They Don’t Want to Live in Lincoln’s America” and “This Administration Is Silencing Its Critics.” Listen to one of the most influential commentators in politics today as Bouie explores topics of the Constitution and the role of executive power in modern politics

Ambassador Mark Green, "I Don't Do Wish Projection"
Welcome back, flies! We hope you had a spook-tacular halloween 👻 🎃 This week we sat down with Mark Green, the former Ambassador to Tanzania. Green’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Green began his political career as a congressman for Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district, where he served as Assistant Majority Whip. During the second Bush administration, he worked to promote international development as the Ambassador to Tanzania. From 2017 to 2020, he served as the Administrator of USAID—leading its humanitarian aid efforts. As a malaria survivor, child of South African immigrants, and former school teacher in Kenya, Green brings a dynamic perspective to the table. TUNE IN to learn about his take on humanitarianism, free enterprise, and the Trump administration’s dismantlement of USAID.

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), "The Slow Walk Into an Authoritarian Government is Absolutely Happening"
Hi Flies, welcome back to Episode 5 of Season 18! On this episode, we have Congressman Adam Smith, a democrat from Washington state’s 9th district on the podcast. Representative Smith recently spoke at an event hosted by Georgetown’s Initiative for U.S-China dialogue, and discussed the U.S/China relationship and its importance. Representative Smith was born here in Washington, D.C and grew up in Washington State. In 1987, Congressman Smith graduated from Fordham University with a degree in political science and went back to Washington state to pursue his law degree at the University of Washington. After law school, Congressman Smith worked in both private and public law, notably practicing for Cromwell and Mendoza and Belur, before becoming a prosecutor and later a judge. At 25 years old, Mr. Smith was the youngest state senator ever elected, serving there until 1996 before being elected to Congress in 1997. Mr. Smith is currently the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, as well as the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Notably, and related to this episode of the podcast, Mr. Smith created the bipartisan congressional caucus for effective foreign assistance to advocate for reforms in foreign aid. In this episode, Mr. Smith discussed U.S-China relations regarding his leading of the first United States House delegation to China in six years, U.S-China diplomacy, the airstrikes conducted by the Trump administration in the Caribbean, and Mr. Smith’s role being one of the first Democrats to call for President Biden to drop out of his 2024 campaign. This episode, which you can find on Spotify, is one you won’t want to miss out on!

Amy Howe, Author of SCOTUSblog, "The 64,000 Question"
Get ready for Episode 4 of Season 18! 🪰🪰 Listen to Georgetown University 2025 Fall Fellow Amy Howe! Amy Howe is an accomplished journalist and legal analyst, best known for her work SCOTUSblog. She is the co-founder of SCOTUSblog, where she helps break down complex Supreme Court decisions and is a leading voice on the intersection between law and public life. Before turning to journalism. Amy Howe has argued over two dozen merit cases before the Supreme Court and has taught at Harvard Law, Stanford Law School and American University’s Washington College of Law. Amy has covered the Court for more than a decade and has earned both a Peabody Award and a National Press Club Journalism Award for Breaking News! Tune in to get a behind-the-scenes at the Supreme Court and the life of a journalist!

Rob Flaherty, Deputy Campaign Manager, Joe Biden 2024, "You Don't get a Trophy for Cutting the Margins"
Welcome back to the Fly for our third episode of Season 18! Rob Flaherty is a Georgetown University Fall 2025 Fellow who is a leading political strategist. He previously served as Former Assistant to President Joe Biden, as well as his Director of Digital Strategy. When President Biden exited the presidential race in 2024, Flaherty took over as Deputy Campaign Manager for Harris for President in her historic 107 day battle for the White House. Flaherty is a 2013 graduate of Ithaca College, whose career in politics was sparked after watching West Wing and from there, joined local campaigns in New York. As a young professional, Flaherty also worked on Terry McAuliffe’s campaign for governor of Virginia. Later, Flaherty moved to the national stage where he became Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke’s Digital Director in 2020, Creative Director at Priorities USA, and Deputy Director of Digital Communications for Hillary for America. Flaherty runs a fellow’s discussion group currently titled "The Politics of Attention: Media, Campaigns, and Our Broken Information Environment.” Flaherty sat down with the Fly to discuss these topics and more, ranging from how he started in politics, his work in the White House and on the campaign trail, digital media strategy wins and losses, and how the traditional media and press has evolved, as well as its implications for the political landscape in the United States. This is a must-listen episode with many fun tid-bits and insights into the White House and digital media!

Jamaal Bowman, Former U.S. Representative, "Imagine a Better World"
There is a big buzz in that air for Episode 2 of Season 18! Jamaal Bowman, former middle school principal turned US Representative for New York’s 16th Congressional District joined us for a special episode on activism. Before entering politics, Bowman founded Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, a middle school focused on a restorative justice approach for their students. In the 2020 Democratic primary, Bowman's defeat of 16-term incumbent, Eliot Engel, showed the strength of grassroot campaigning. Once in Washington, Bowman quickly became an influential progressive figure for his viewpoints on education, racial equity, and US foreign policy in Israel. Known for his authenticity and dedication to his community, Bowman was a key player in policies surrounding education and labor reform. In 2024, Bowman lost to pro-Israel candiate George Latimer in what was recorded as the most expensive House of Representives primary in US history. Since then, Bowman has launched the Built to Win PAC, and has used his platform to advocate for systemic change in education and human rights policy. Join us to hear a down-to-earth perspective on current political issues of education, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and labor reform. This is a must-listen episode for those interested in activism or a career in politics!

Trace Gallagher, Fox News @ Night Anchor, "When You Have Credibility, It's Everything"
Welcome back, Flies! For the first episode of Season 18, we met with a special guest: FOX News original Trace Gallagher! Gallagher has been a member of FOX News since its creation in 1996. Gallagher is an anchor and Chief Breaking News Correspondent for “FOX News @ Night,” where approximately 1.5 million households watch his reporting each night. He is truly an international expert, having reported on everything from the Israel-Hamas war to the second inauguration of President Trump. Tune into this episode to hear Gallagher’s insider scoop on White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Democratic heavyweight Gavin Newsom, and the key to success in broadcast journalism. Special thanks to Fly Team member Sarah for this great interview!

Don Graves, Former Dep. Sec. of Commerce, "We Have the Most Effective Government in the World"
Welcome back flies!! It’s the end of another great semester here at Georgetown which means it’s the season finale of The Fly! What a better way to end the season than with GU Politics Fellow Don Graves! Graves served as the 19th Deputy Secretary of Commerce under the Biden-Harris Administration from May 2021 to January 2025. He previously served as Counselor to President Biden during the 2020 campaign and held senior roles in the Obama-Biden Administration, including Executive Director of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he oversaw programs like the CDFI Fund and the Small Business Lending Fund. Austin and Chloe spoke with Graves about the future of the federal workforce, the value of the private and public sectors, and Graves’ political experience in both Detroit and Puerto Rico. Graves also spoke on his experience drafting major policy like the CHIPS Act, and the importance of government accountability and results. This is a must-see season finale, so tune in! We’ve had so many great guests this season, and cannot thank everyone enough for coming onto the podcast this semester. See you all in the fall and have a great summer!!

Heather Nauert, Former State Department Spokesperson: "Newscasters Are At Their Best in a Crisis"
Hi Flies! Welcome back to a brand new episode! It’s finals season here at Georgetown, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give you a great new episode! This week, Abigail and Julian sat down with Heather Nauert, a Spring 2025 GU Politics Fellow. Nauert is a journalist and former spokesperson for the State Department. She began her career as a broadcast journalist, working for major outlets such as ABC News and Fox News, where she served as a correspondent and co-host of the morning show Fox & Friends. In 2017, she transitioned to public service, joining the U.S. Department of State as its Spokesperson under President Donald Trump. Join us for a fascinating conversation about Nauert’s transition from journalism to government, the impact of foreign correspondence, and changes in the Trump administration’s foreign policy in the second administration. Julian and Abby also discussed the impact of 9/11, her experience visiting North Korea, and so much more! This is a must-see episode, so make sure to take a listen!

Quentin Fulks, Principal Deputy Campaign Manager, Biden/Harris & Harris/Walz, "The Landscape is Changing"
Have you heard the buzz? We’re back with a brand new episode! This week, Chloe and Sarah sat down with one of the foremost American campaign managers and political strategists, Quentin Fulks! Quentin has played an instrumental role in the Democratic Party. He served as Principal Deputy Campaign manager for both the Biden/Harris and Harris/Walz 2024 presidential campaigns. He also led the successful 2022 reelection campaign of Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, and helped flip Illinois from red to blue as Deputy Campaign Manager for Governor JB Pritzker in 2018. Tune in to hear Quentin’s reflections on the Harris/Walz presidential campaign and the Democratic Party’s next steps, and his advice for aspiring political operatives!

Tony Fabrizio, Chief Pollster, Donald Trump for President: 'Nothing Works Better Than a Candidate's Own Words'
Hello flies!! Welcome back to a brand new episode!! It’s cherry blossom season in D.C, and time for another great episode with an all-star guest!! This week, Kenneth and Julian sat down with Tony Fabrizio, a Spring 2025 GU Politics Fellow! Fabrizio was the Chief Pollster for Donald Trump for President in 2024, 2020, and 2016. He has helped elect Presidents and Prime Ministers on five continents. The flies discussed messaging for the 2024 campaign, the changing media landscape, and the most effective ads against the Harris campaign. This is a must- see episode so make sure to take a listen!! 🪰🪰🪰🌸🌸

Cecilia Kang, NYT Technology Correspondent: 'Color, Color Color! Show, Don't Tell.'
Happy St. Patrick’s Day flies! Buzzing in with a brand new episode, just as lucky as a pot of gold ☘️Join Abigail and Chloe as they sit down with Cecilia Kang, an award-winning Technology Correspondent at The New York Times, with unique expertise in the intersection of technology and public policy. She has broken news that led to regulatory investigations into Apple, Google, and Amazon, and interviewed top executives such as Tim Cook, Sheryl Sandberg, and Reed Hastings. Cecilia has over 20 years of experience in journalism, covering U.S. and international technology, economics, and business news. Curious to know what America’s best defense against AI could be? Tune in to hear Kang’s approach to translating complex technology issues for broad audiences, as well as the global race to dominate artificial intelligence. 🪰🎤

Meg Kinnard, AP National Politics Reporter: 'When We Cover Politics, We Leave Ourselves at the Door'
Hello flies! Welcome back to a brand new season of The Fly! We are so excited to kick start this season with a very special guest, Meg Kinnard! Meg is a national politics reporter with a 20 year career at The Associated Press. She anchored the first-ever general election livestream coverage for the AP, and was also the first AP reporter to appear on the AP’s TikTok account. Austin and Sarah sat down with Meg for a dynamic conversation about her time at The AP, the importance of nonpartisan political news, and the future of podcasting. Meg has covered Congress, campaign advertising, the 2024 GOP presidential primary, and so much more. She is also a Georgetown alum, where she was famously a member of the GU College Democrats AND the GU College Republicans. This is a must-see episode, so everyone take a listen!!! Also, stay tuned for many more exciting episodes this upcoming season!

Sen. Laphonza Butler: "The union taught me advocacy"
Welcome back flies! This week we are buzzing back in with a special edition episode featuring California’s outgoing senator Laphonza Butler! Reporting from the Hart Building of the Senate Office, sit down with Will and Sarah as they dive into Butler’s expansive political journey- growing up in Mississippi, graduating from the HBCU Jackson University, and moving from Baltimore to California. Butler begins with her passion for the labor movement, motivated by ideals of the Civil Rights Movement and inspired by her own mother to fight for worker’s rights. Rebuilding the trust of California’s laborers, Butler eventually became President of the California SEIU State Council in 2013. With organization at the root of Butler’s success, she discusses her transition to working for Emily’s List, one of the nation’s largest political action committees dedicated to electing Democratic women candidates to office. Working in both the labor movement and political consulting, Butler discusses her approach to balancing grassroots perspectives with strategic national and state goals. Lastly, Butler offers some key insights into her experience working as a California Senator, offering strategic advice for Representative Adam Schiff as he prepares to fill her seat. Tune in to listen!

2024 Election Special Pt 3 ft. Rick Wiley, Sarah Mucha, Reed Howard, and Liam Richichi
In the final episode of The Fly's Post-Election Analysis Special, Andrea Smith brings together a diverse set of voices to unpack the results of this year’s election. With a deep dive into what led to the GOP's red wave, Andrea first sits down with Rick Wiley, a seasoned Republican strategist who shares insights on the winning message that propelled the party to victory, especially after the turbulent years following January 6th and the Roe v. Wade decision. Next, Andrea converses with Reed Howard and former CNN reporter Sarah Mucha about the Democrats' communication strategy—and where they faltered, particularly in key battleground states. The conversation delves into the challenges facing Democrats and what went wrong on the ground. Finally, Andrea speaks with Liam Richichi, president of Michigan State College Democrats, to gain a crucial Gen Z perspective on the election’s outcomes in a critical swing state. His reflections on voter engagement offer a sharp critique of the Democratic Party's direction and its relationship with younger voters. As the holiday season approaches, this episode reflects on the pivotal lessons from this election and what it means for the future of American politics. Tune in for this thought-provoking episode and a special look at how the political landscape may shift moving forward.

Ashley Gunn: “We are more alike than we are different”
Today we are buzzing back in with GU politics fellow Ashley Gunn! Gunn has not only served as a special assistant to the president, the senior director of cabinet affairs for Donald Trump’s administration, but she had worked the behind the scenes of every republican convention since 1991. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Ashley’s take on the people behind our government, the experience of being a woman in politics, and the importance of balancing family and career.

2024 Election Special Pt 2 ft. Symone Sanders-Townsend
We are incredibly honored to bring to you a very special, 2-part episode. Today, all across the country, Americans are voting in one of the most consequential and unique elections in American history. From the near assassination of Former President Donald Trump to President Biden passing the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian Woman to lead a major party, we wanted to capture everything that has led up to today and what we can expect to see tonight. We spoke with Symone Sanders Townsend, the host of Symone on MSNBC and former Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Harris about her experience working campaigns and her takes on how both campaigns have operated. This week, history will be made, and America will change forever. How will America change? We will only know until all the votes are counted. Thank you for being here for this historic episode, and without further ado, we present our Election Day Special!

2024 Election Special (Part 1) - ft. Sarah Mucha and Reed Howard
In part one of our election special, Senior Fly Andrea Smith sits down with former CNN embed Sarah Mucha and Reed Howard, Chief Public Affairs Officer for The Future Caucus. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of swing state voters, focusing on groups like Nikki Haley supporters in Pennsylvania and Gen Zers in Michigan. You’ll get an insider’s perspective on how different this presidential election cycle is compared to the last two, and learn how well (or not) each candidate is running their campaign. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the planning and strategy of a campaign, this is your chance to hear all the behind-the-scenes details from those who have been in the thick of it!

Mary Beth Tinker: "History will look back and wonder, what did you do?"
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"
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"
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”
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”
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”
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"
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"
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”
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"
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"
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"
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”
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”
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”
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"
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”
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"
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"
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!