Capitol Spotlight

Today's topics: Ashley Davis, former White House staffer and author, shares what it was like inside the West Wing on 9/11 and helping stand up the Office of Homeland Security as employee #1. She also dives into her new book, "The Power Pivot: With Grit, Grace, and Growth".

Today's topics: Managing the "nerve center" of the West Wing, receiving Sharpie-redlined edits from the president, gaining 100,000 Instagram followers in just two months, switching careers, and professional etiquette tips. Alison Cheperdak, Founder of Elevate Etiquette and Author of “Was It Something I Said”, joins Capitol Spotlight!

Today's topics: Building the first AI platform approved for use in the House, the critical need for verifiable data over “Reddit rumors,” why legacy policy tools are ripe for disruption, solving the “mile wide and inch deep” staffer struggle, and navigating the House’s new AI guardrails. Jackson Tufts, Founder of Article One and former National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser for Rep. David Price, joins Capitol Spotlight!Read more about Jackson: https://www.capitolcnct.com/cs-jackson-tuftsCNCT with Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksontufts/Connect with CNCT: https://www.capitolcnct.com/

Today's topics: Working on a horse ranch in Spain, skiing across the world, writing a book, office culture at Asana, and what to learn from work-life balance on the west coast. Brennan Adelaide, Public Policy Lead at Asana and former Deputy Comms Director for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joins Capitol Spotlight!Read more about BrennanCNCT with BrennanConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Writing a book about the Appropriations process, working in the Congressional Budget Office, memories from Bush's White House, how money dictates policy, and pitching a TV pilot. Adrienne Ramsay, Founder of Delphi Strategies and former Sr. Budget Analyst for the OMB, joins the show!Read more about AdrienneCNCT with AdrienneCNCT with Delphi StrategiesConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: All about Center Forward, humanizing Hill comms, how bipartisanship benefits your work, viewing compromise as a strength, creative phases, and cake decorating. Cori Kramer, CEO at Center Forward, sits down to share her story.Read more about Cori.CNCT with CoriCNCT with Center ForwardConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Being born and raised in Cuba, the culture of Miami, what it takes to do bilingual/Spanish comms, and the beauty of silence. Laura Hernandez Smith, Senior Account Director at ROKK Solutions, joins the show to share her story!Read more about Laura.CNCT with LauraConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Owning a farm, being a grandson to a lifelong politician, starting a landscaping company, owning a deli during COVID, and remaining competitive in AI development. Caleb Max, President and CEO of the NAIA, sits down to share his story.Read more about Caleb.CNCT with CalebConnect with CNCT

In this panel, discover how analytics are rewiring political media. Join Sara Fagen of Tunnl and Andrew Markoff of Three Point Media to hear which skills matter most in an analytics-driven world, how political media has evolved in just five years, where audiences are actually showing up, and more.Presented by Columbia University, Political Analytics.See more about the panel.CNCT with SaraCNCT with AndrewConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Inside the Supreme Court, writing a book, transparency in Congress, returning to the structural Constitution, campaign culture, and chicken wings. Sarah Isgur, host of the Advisory Opinions podcast at The Dispatch and Editor for SCOTUSblog, joins the show!Read more about Sarah here.CNCT with SarahConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Is Guinness better in Ireland? Bringing curiosity across the aisle, 2028 predictions, surviving the White House, campaign work, and being the piano player at JWoww's wedding. John McCarthy, Principal at Causeway Strategy Group, shares his story.CNCT with JohnConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: The Hill in the early 2000s, culture at Capital One, volunteering at the Center for Great Apes, and traveling via cruises. Emily Weems, Head of Global Policy Affairs Group at Capital One, sits down to join the show!CNCT with EmilyConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: How to be a beekeeper, life as a twin mom, bringing AI to the Hill, and modernizing Congress. Aubrey Wilson, Director of Global Initiatives at POPVOX Foundation, shares her story.CNCT with AubreyConnect with CNCT

On this episode: The original idea for CNCT, executing the vision, struggles, successes, and misconceptions. Podcast producer Nick Delaney turns the camera (and mic) around to interview CNCT Founder and CEO David Tennent in this special episode.CNCT with DavidConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Becoming Gerry Connolly's Chief of Staff at 26 years old, running for Representative of VA's 11th district, knocking on 15,000 doors, and getting coffee from 7-Eleven. James Walkinshaw, candidate for VA's 11th District, joins the show!CNCT with JamesConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: What does it take to compete in pageants? How do you publish your own children's book? What can a staffer learn from dancing? How do you balance it all with work?? Annemarie Cake, Deputy Clerk & Professional Staff for the Committee on House Administration, answers it all in this episode!CNCT with AnnemarieConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Serving as Parliamentarian for the House of Representatives, learning 435 names, what's changed on the Hill since 1989, finding a work-life balance, and the best hiking spots. Tom Wickham, Vice President of Government Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sits down for a chat!CNCT with TomConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Speechwriting for Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the Harris Campaign, and Fenway, and finding the best burger in America. Aaron Bennett, Senior Speechwriter at Fenway, joins the show!CNCT with AaronConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Advance work – the best kept secret in town, international travels for the first Trump Admin, spending time outdoors, and being a "car guy" inside and outside of work. Mike Watson, Director of Federal Relations for the American Petroleum Institute, joins the show!CNCT with MikeConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Behind-the-scenes at Punchbowl News, covering the Hill, the ins and outs of newsletter writing, and some political speculation. Heather Caygle, Managing Editor at Punchbowl News, takes the spotlight.CNCT with HeatherConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Congressional Management Foundation, resources and opportunities, the Democracy Awards, innovation on the Hill, and efficiency in your office. Jen Daulby, Chief Executive Officer of the Congressional Management Foundation, joins Capitol Spotlight!CNCT with JenCNCT with CMFConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: The purpose behind STATION DC, building a business, having a growth mindset, and risk tolerance in D.C. James Barlia, Executive Director of STATION DC, joins the show!CNCT with JamesConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Writing a book, growing up outside of Gary, IN, finding your vocation, and facing adversity. Robert Ordway, Senior Policy Advisor for Indiana Governor Mike Braun, shares his story.CNCT with RobertConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Memories as the Press Secretary for former First Lady Jill Biden, presidential campaign life during the pandemic, and White House comms. Michael LaRosa, Partner at Ballard Partners, joins Capitol Spotlight to share some stories!CNCT with MichaelConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: National park adventures, trips to Scotland, small victories, and being a part-owner of the Greenbay Packers. Scott Rausch, Hill veteran and proud Wisconsinite, joins the show!Get to know more about Scott in his previous Staffer Spotlight article (May 2024).CNCT with ScottConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Growing up as a preacher's kid, having a twin sister, helping others, and finding community. Javonni Ayers, Legislative Assistant for the House Ways and Means Committee and President of Congressional Black Associates, joins the show!Read Javonni's Staffer Spotlight (Oct. 2023)CNCT with JavonniConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Rice farming, northeastern California, and office pranks. Representative Doug LaMalfa of California's First Congressional District joins Capitol Spotlight!CNCT with Rep. LaMalfaConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: How to dress for the Hill, Greek heritage, making the most of your digital skills, and the best cheeses. Wisconsinite and Hill fashionista Maria Giannopoulos joins Capitol Spotlight!CNCT with ⁠Maria⁠Find Maria using ⁠@greekmaria⁠ on all channelsCheck out ⁠Outfit on the Hill⁠Connect with ⁠CNCT⁠

Today's topics: Meditation, running, directing stage plays, and dating in the district. Marie Baldassarre, Chief of Staff for Rep. Ro Khanna, steps into the spotlight on this episode.Hear more professional advice from Marie on the Climbing the Hill panel.Get to know more about Marie in her previous Staffer Spotlight.CNCT with MarieConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Advancing your Hill career, networking tips, and landing your next job. Tune in to this recording of our Climbing the Hill panel discussion to hear expert insights from three Hill veterans.CNCT with our panelists...Alex Schriver, Senior VP of Public Affairs at PhRMAMarie Baldassarre, Chief of Staff for Rep. Ro KhannaEmily Ackerman, Deputy Floor Director for House Whip Tom EmmerConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Brewing award-winning beer at home, building strong teams, having an innovative mindset, and being a "maker." Yuri Beckelman, Chief of Staff for Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, joins the show and shares his insights!CNCT with Yuri: [email protected] with CNCT

On this episode: Serving in the Marine Corps, running marathons, and pursuing your career while raising a family. Michele Exner, former Communications Director for Speaker Kevin McCarthy, joins Capitol Spotlight and shares her story.CNCT with MicheleConnect with CNCT

Today's Topics: Moving from music to politics, Broadway shows, starting your career on Sesame Street, and the life of a scheduler. Cabelle St. John, Senior Advisor for Sen. John Fetterman, takes the spotlight!CNCT with CabelleConnect with CNCT

Today's topics: Founding the 118 Foundation, the importance of community, and corn! Sadie Knight, Director of Grassroots and Political Strategy, joins the show and shares her story. CNCT with Sadie: [email protected] CNCT with The 118 Foundation Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: The best spots for food and coffee, the need for better breakfast sandwiches, and a passion for music. U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost of Florida's 10th Congressional district joins the show! CNCT with Rep. Maxwell Frost Connect with CNCT

Today's Topics: A 150-1 wrestling record, the importance of discipline, favorite sports teams, and the benefits of not wearing a suit jacket. Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4) joins Capitol Spotlight to share who he is outside of politics. CNCT with Rep. Jim Jordan Connect with CNCT

Today’s topics: Hiking the Himalayas, international food and spirits, award-winning office management, and the benefits of taking a year off. Michelle Dorothy, Chief of Staff for Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, joins the show! Watch the video version. CNCT with Michelle Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: Working at Spotify, favorite music artists, bringing creativity to the Hill, grad school, and bipartisanship. Stephanie DeMarco, Manager of Government Affairs at Spotify, joins the show! CNCT with Stephanie Connect with CNCT

Today's Topics: What makes a good New York-style slice of pizza, solving Rubik's Cubes, predictions for Congress in 2025, and what it's like to be a Congressional Reporter. Mychael Schnell from The Hill joins the show! Request to Attend The Hill's "Meet the New Members" CNCT with Mychael Connect with CNCT

Today's Topics: A successful career in pharmaceuticals, balancing family life with Hill life, and taking legislation seriously. Congressman Buddy Carter joins the show to describe his life outside of politics. CNCT with Rep. Buddy Carter Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: Working with JFK Jr. at George Magazine, what it's like to be a fact-checker at Rolling Stone, understanding the other side, and the importance of networking. Sean Neary joins the show to deep dive into his exciting resume and vast experiences. CNCT with Sean Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: Moving your career from the bottom to the top, life on the campaign trail, playing the guitar, and balancing professional life with family life. Jordan Davis of Purple Strategies joins the show and shares it all! CNCT with Jordan Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: Human rights, ending hunger, favorite films, and go-to recipes. Get to know the passions and interests of U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) in this episode of Capitol Spotlight. Connect with CNCT

Today's topics: Setting boundaries on the Hill, work-life balance, Bravo TV, and finding community in D.C. In our first episode, Mickey Sundermann from ROKK Solutions joins the podcast! CNCT with Mickey Connect with CNCT

Get to know the person outside of politics in Capitol Spotlight, the new audio and video podcast from CNCT.