Madam Policy

What does cement have to do with AI, national security, and America's economic future? More than you might realize. 

In this episode of Madam Policy, Monica Manolas and Diane Tomb of the American Cement Association (ACA) sit down with hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Varner to discuss why cement sits at the center of some of Washington's biggest policy debates, from infrastructure investment and data center growth to domestic manufacturing. Along the way, they share personal stories about leadership, mentorship, and making history as the first women to serve in ACA's top leadership roles. 

How do you turn a vision for growth into billions of dollars in investment, thousands of jobs, and a new economic trajectory for an entire state?

On this episode of Madam Policy, host Dee Martin and co-host Brooke Wolters, Government Affairs Advisor at Air Liquide, speak with the leader helping drive Louisiana’s remarkable economic expansion: Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.

Secretary Bourgeois discusses the state’s impressive investment wins, including major commitments from SpaceX and Meta, as she shares how listening to communities, building strong partnerships, and creating a “yes, and” culture within government has helped Louisiana stand out in a highly competitive landscape.

Plus, hear her candid thoughts on leadership, confidence, and the value of showing up boldly. 

What does it take to build a career that leads to the federal bench? In this episode of Madam Policy, Dee Martin and Kimberly Pinter sit down with U.S. Tax Court Judge Cary Pugh to discuss the choices, opportunities, and experiences that shaped her path through private practice, public service, and the judiciary. From rendering decisions in the tax system to finding perspective on a fly-fishing stream, Judge Pugh shares insights on leadership, judgment, resilience, and why some of the best career advice is also the simplest: say “yes.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tax policy expert and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs (Tax & Budget) at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alice Lin joins Madam Policy host Dee Martin to discuss her journey from being a senior tax policy advisor in Congress to lead tax expert at Treasury. From helping develop the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during her time on the House Ways and Means Committee to working on implementation as a senior tax policy advisor for the Senate Finance Committee to helping publish over 95 pieces of guidance on the IRA at Treasury, Alice shares her view on the future of the IRA and reconciliation. Want to hear how Alice's experience shadowing a congressional district office in high school put her on the path of public service? Listen now!

Chief of Staff to Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Toni-Marie Higgins, returns to Madam Policy to discuss leadership and policy priorities in the new political climate of the Republican Trifecta. Hot topics include the reauthorization of the important Farm Bill as Chairman Boozman takes gavel of the Senate Agriculture Committee; the role of bipartisanship in the new Congress; and tackling policies related to crypto and digital currencies. Hosts and proud Arkansans Dee Martin and Shelby Kelley sit down with Toni-Marie to talk about her career journey to Chief of Staff and her advice to younger staffers looking to move up in their careers. Want to hear about Toni-Marie's work co-leading and mentoring other female chiefs of staff in the Senate? Then tune in!

In this episode of Madam Policy, hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao welcome Halie Craig, Technology Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and recent nominee to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Halie shares the journey from intern to influential policy leader that led to her current nomination, discussing the intersection of trade, technology, and the power of language skills in policymaking. She also opens up about her personal story as a survivor of sexual assault, her advocacy for survivors' rights through the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and her belief in the importance of creating supportive environments for victims. Want to hear what advice technology and trade policy expert and advocate Halie Craig would give to her 50-year-old self? Then tune in!