Casey sits down with Sarah Stewart-Holland and Beth Sillers, the hosts of the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics, to discuss the origins of their podcast, the evolution of political discourse, and the importance of community engagement. They share listener interactions that have shaped their journey, the role of news in politics, and the challenges of bridging the gap between local and national perspectives.

They also discuss the significance of authenticity in political leadership and the need for more people to participate in civic duties to foster trust in institutions.

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LINKS:
Pantsuit Politics Substack
Pantsuit Politics Show Page 

EPISODE NOTES:

• Pantsuit Politics started as a way to have meaningful conversations about current events.
• The podcast has evolved over the years, reflecting changes in the hosts' lives and politics.
• Listener engagement has been crucial in shaping the podcast's direction.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding local politics in the context of national issues.
• There is a growing discomfort in politics that can be harnessed for positive change.
• Authenticity is key for political leaders to connect with their audience.
• Personal experiences in politics can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by public servants.
• Civic duty and participation are essential for rebuilding trust in institutions.
• The hosts believe that more exposure to governance can change perceptions of political systems.
• Community building is a vital aspect of their podcast's success. Civic engagement can open our eyes to community issues.
• Businesses can play a crucial role in incentivizing civic participation.
• Civic work should not solely rely on volunteerism.
• Expectations around civic duty need to be redefined.
• Consumerism has overshadowed our roles as citizens.
• Civic engagement often requires personal investment, not financial.
• Finding purpose in civic engagement is essential for fulfillment.
• Local actions can have a significant impact beyond voting.
• Acknowledging uncertainty in political outcomes is important.
• Literature can provide comfort and perspective in challenging times.

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is produced by the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management and hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average D.C. morning commute, you'll get an inside take on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

MTR challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing ideas that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power. 

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. 

Before joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on various television and radio outlets. 

Dr. Burgat is the author of the 2025 Amazon best-seller  We Hold These "Truths," exploring society's myths and misconceptions about how government works (published by Authors Equity). He's also co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.