The Fly

We are flying back in with a special guest! Our flies Kennedy and Aniya sit down with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler as she discusses her journey from a young activist to becoming the first female leader of the federation. She highlights the stark differences between the Biden and Trump administrations, arguing that recent executive actions have undermined federal worker protections and collective bargaining rights. Shuler details how the labor movement is combating union-busting, navigating the risks of artificial intelligence, and advocating for immigrant rights through grassroots mobilization and legal challenges. She also emphasizes the vital role of younger generations in driving a modern resurgence of labor interest and organizational energy. Tune in!

Aaron Bennett discusses the founding of the show and the importance of relationship building in Washington, D.C., noting how his own career trajectory was shaped by connections made at the Institute of Politics and Public Service. As a professional speechwriter for high-profile figures like Nancy Pelosi and Tim Walz, he outlines his "three M's" formula for success: the message, the messenger, and the moment. He emphasizes that effective speechwriting is a collaborative and iterative process that requires capturing a principal's unique voice rather than centered on the writer's own opinions. Tune in!

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!

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.

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" 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.” by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service

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.

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!

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!