Madam Policy

In this special episode of Madam Policy, you’ll hear the latest news on COVID-19 and the Biden-Harris administration’s “Path Out Of The Pandemic” action plan—straight from the White House. In a conversation led by your hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson, Chair to the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, discusses how she is using her role and expertise to shape policy and create history. Topics include: an overview of what is included President Biden's 6-point COVID-19 plan, why representation matters in health care, how Dr. Nunez-Smith's upbringing in the U.S. Virgin Islands sparked her dedication to addressing inequities in health care, and more!

Powerhouse Dana Perino has an idea a minute and has always shaped policy and created history. Your hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles talk with Dana about her barrier-breaking work as White House press secretary—on the frontlines explaining policy—and her groundbreaking work now as Anchor of America’s Newsroom and Co-Host of “The Five” at Fox News Channel—analyzing policy for millions of viewers. Dana shared lessons she learned during her time as Press Secretary for George W. Bush, the importance of having a regimented schedule, why she believes you should always be reading, and what she enjoys about her successful podcast “Everything Will be Okay.”

This week, hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles are joined by Laura Cox Kaplan, the creator and host of the She Said, She Said podcast. Topics include: what has changed for the She Said, She Said podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of generosity in leadership, and insights into how to not let fear slow her down.

Your hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles are joined by Beverly Kirk, a fellow and director for outreach in the CSIS International Security Program and director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative. Topics include: the role of social media and the internet in working with women entrepreneurs and women leaders around the world, how Beverly is using the skills that she learned as a journalist in her current roles, and the importance of normalizing women as policy experts in foreign policy, national security, international business, and development. Also, Beverly shares the advice that people should shed their fear of failure, and instead they should fail fast and fail forward.

This week, your hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson are joined by Parker Poling, a Partner at Harbinger Strategies, to discuss how she became a politics and policy powerhouse and how she is using her previous experience in her new role. Topics include: how her plans to practice as a “real lawyer” got derailed, her career on Capitol Hill and her former role as Executive Director for NRCC, and insight into how she balances a busy work schedule and home life. 

This week, your hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson are joined by Christina Henderson, who was raised on the principle that your zip code should not determine your opportunity for success. Now, as DC Councilmember, At-Large, she is using her voice to create change. Topics include: how to use your voice to make sure everyone has a seat at the table, how to advocate for constituents, and how a shift in mindset can make policymakers more effective. 

This week, your hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson are joined by Tasha Cole, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Diversity Officer at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Topics include: a dive into Tasha’s role at the DCCC, political campaigning in the virtual world, the skills she learned during her time as a documentarian and a political reporter, and the importance of claiming credit when it’s due.

Your hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown are joined this week by Kelsey Knight, Industries PR Lead at Zoom. Topics include: Zoom’s support of business, education, and family connection during the pandemic, Kelsey’s time as the Communications Director for the Department of Energy, and how sticking to the 3C's - confidence, constant evolution, and charm - has helped her navigate the policy arena.

Your hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson are joined this week by Charlotte Clymer, an outspoken activist for the LGBTQ+ community, feminism, and veterans issues. Topics include: Charlotte's work advocating for trans people in the US Military, the recent extension of protections for gay and trans students under Title IX, a dive into "woke" culture, her popular column "Charlotte's Web Thoughts," and more.

This week, your hosts Dee Martin and Christine Wyman lead a riveting conversation with Dr. Darian McBain, the Global Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Thai Union. Topics include: championing ocean sustainability, fighting for human rights in the world of international fishing, building partnerships to make a difference across an industry, and more.