Shows
Cyber FocusCode Red: Breaking Down China's Cyber Offensive—Volt, Salt, and Flax TyphoonWhat do Volt Typhoon, Salt Typhoon, and Flax Typhoon reveal about China's cyber playbook? This episode of Cyber Focus breaks down a new McCrary Institute report on China's advanced persistent threat campaigns—and what they mean for U.S. national security. Frank Cilluffo sits down with Mark Montgomery, Brad Medairy, and Bill Evanina to explain how China is embedding itself in American infrastructure, telecom, and data systems. They warn that Beijing is laying the groundwork for future conflict and that the U.S. response has been dangerously slow. The guests call for stronger deterrence, better public awareness, and a re...
2025-10-2844 min
Pro Politics with Zac McCraryA Master Class in Political Communications, with Democratic Comms Veteran David BergsteinSend us a textDavid Bergstein, Communications Director for Senator Cory Booker, is one of the most accomplished communications professionals working in Democratic politics - working tough campaigns across the country and stints at the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC. In this conversation, we talk his path to politics out of a political family in Portland, OR, why he gravitated to comms, lessons learned on early races, some of his favorite press gimmicks, the difference in working campaigns vs. committees, some of the saviest pols he's worked with, the changing face of political communications & much more.
2025-07-2957 min
Cyber FocusCyber Warfare, Workforce, and Fixing the System: Top House Chairmen on the Digital ThreatIn this special Independence Day episode of Cyber Focus, we bring together highlights from three influential House leaders shaping U.S. cyber policy: Chairman Mark Green (Homeland Security), Chairman Mike Rogers (Armed Services), and Chairman Rick Crawford (Intelligence). From digital warfare and offensive cyber capabilities to workforce development and interagency reform, this episode offers a rare look into how Congress is working to strengthen national security in the digital age. Listen to their full interviews: • Rick Crawford – We Are in a State of Digital Warfare https://mccraryinstitute.com/podcast/cyber-focus/76/we-are-in-a-state-of-digital-warfar/ • Mike Rogers – Cyber, S...
2025-07-0131 min
Cyber FocusTo the Point: Iran's Cyber Threat After Israel's StrikesAs tensions explode between Israel and Iran, what cyber threats could hit the U.S. next? In this urgent episode of To the Point, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery—cybersecurity expert and longtime Solarium Commission leader—to assess the growing risk of Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure. With Iran and its proxies already escalating digital aggression against Israeli targets, Montgomery warns that water systems, energy grids, and transportation networks in the U.S. could soon face similar threats. The conversation explores: The vulnerabilities across U.S. critical infrastructure...
2025-06-2009 min
Cyber FocusSplitting Commands, Building Capabilities: DefenseScoop's Mark Pomerleau on the DoD's Cyber Future In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo sits down with Mark Pomerleau, senior reporter for DefenseScoop, to discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. cyber operations and military doctrine. Pomerleau unpacks the ongoing debate over splitting NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, the rising role of offensive cyber capabilities, and what "Cybercom 2.0" might look like in practice. He also explores the integration of cyber, electronic warfare, and space as part of a new operational triad, and shares lessons learned from Ukraine that are reshaping U.S. strategy. Together, they examine whether U.S. deterrence efforts are keeping...
2025-06-1037 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Mike Quigley, Why He Called on Biden to Step Aside, & Why It Remains A Necessary ConversationSend us a textCongressman Mike Quigley is in his 9th term representing Chicago's North Side and Lakefront as a Democrat in the House. He made waves last year after the first presidential debate as one of the first elected Democrats to publicly urge President Biden to step aside as the party's nominee. In this conversation, we talk through what led him to speak out, the reaction from the White House and his colleagues, and why he believes it's an important conversation for the party to have now. We also discuss his path in politics as a...
2025-06-0347 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryChecking Back in with Dr. Michael Cohen on the New Edition of His Book, Modern Political CampaignsSend us a textCatching up this week with return guest Dr. Michael Cohen, who just released a new edition of his book Modern Political Campaigns this month. He studied under iconic pollster Bill Hamilton as a student, worked in the trenches in Republican campaigns, spent time at Gallup, apprenticed under renowned GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio and worked with famed Dem strategist Mark Penn when Michael was an in-house pollster at Microsoft. Along the way, Michael started his own firm (Cohen Research Group), built the successful Congress in Your Pocket tech app, and wrote Modern Political Campaigns...
2025-04-221h 09Pro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Pat Leahy, the Third Longest Serving Senator in US HistorySend us a textPat Leahy is a giant of the US Senate...the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Vermont...the third longest serving Senator in US history...the Senate President Pro Tem...Chair of Appropriations, Agriculture, and Judiciary...and 8 terms in the US Senate. In this conversation, we talk his roots in small town Vermont, overcoming the state's deep Republican roots in a 1974 upset, entering the Senate in his mid 30s, and his favorite stories, lessons, and proudest moments from nearly 50 years in the US Senate.IN THIS EPISODE
2025-04-0848 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDocumentary Filmmaker Yoav Attias & The American Housing CrisisSend us a textYoav Attias is a documentary filmmaker whose projects include Brick City chronicling the inner-workings of Newark, NJ under then-Mayor Cory Booker and CNN's Chicagoland featuring then-mayor Rahm Emanuel. His most recent role is as Director on the new documentary film Fault Lines - which examines the issue of affordable housing in American cities through the prism of several storylines in San Francisco where the housing crisis is especially acute. In this conversation, Yoav talks starting a legal career in South Florida before following his passion to become a documentary filmmaker...what he learned...
2025-03-2546 min
Douglass Hills church of Christ PodcastWhat I Have LearnedSeries: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-02-0938 minDouglass Hills church of Christ PodcastGalatiansSeries: N/AService: Sun Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-01-2643 minDouglass Hills church of Christ PodcastKeys To PeaceSeries: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-01-2636 minDouglass Hills church of Christ PodcastAn Exhortation to Our ChurchSeries: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-01-1932 min
Cyber FocusPriorities and Challenges for the Trump Administration with Matt Hayden and Mark MontgomeryOverview: In the first episode of Season Two of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo welcomes Matt Hayden, former Assistant Secretary at DHS, and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, former Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. Together, they discuss the evolving cyber landscape under the incoming Trump administration. The conversation covers critical cybersecurity challenges, including regulatory reform, military mobility infrastructure, the separation of Cyber Command and NSA, and strategies to counter adversarial cyber threats. Hayden and Montgomery provide insight into potential policy shifts and the role of public-private partnerships in safeguarding national security. Main Topics Covered: Cybersecurity...
2025-01-1546 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRyan Davis, Co-Founder of People First, on Why 2024 Was "The Influencer Election"Send us a textRyan Davis, co-founder of the digital political firm People First, has long been at the cutting edge of digital politics and the rise of digital influencers and has dubbed 2024 as "The Influencer Election". In this conversation, Ryan talks his roots in politics, a detour through the NYC theater community, being part of the influential 2004 Howard Dean campaign, and eventually starting the first firm focused on digital political influencers. And Ryan goes deep on the 2024 race...how the campaigns' strategies differed, the role of influencers and podcasts, which platforms are on the ascent versus...
2025-01-1459 minDouglass Hills church of Christ PodcastA Faithful Church (part 2)Series: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-01-1337 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMark Harris, General Consultant for Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, on 2024's Lone Senate UpsetSend us a textMark Harris, co-founder of ColdSpark strategies, was the General Consultant for the successful Dave McCormick 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race - arguably the lone true upset of the '24 Senate cycle. In this conversation, Mark talks his roots in PA politics - including running for office himself, ousting a sitting legislator in a GOP primary, and multiple stints helping elect and re-elect GOP Senator Pat Toomey. Then Mark goes deep on his role helping elect Dave McCormick to the US Senate - starting with McCormick's ill-fated '22 race...getting back on the horse in '24...
2025-01-071h 14Douglass Hills church of Christ PodcastA Faithful ChurchSeries: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2025-01-0530 minDouglass Hills church of Christ PodcastWhat Does the Lord Want from Me?Series: N/AService: Sun First SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Mark McCrary
2024-12-2230 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryInside the 2024 North Carolina Governor's Race with Josh Stein Senior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff AllenSend us a textSenior Strategist Morgan Jackson & Campaign Manager Jeff Allen helped guide Democrat Josh Stein to a historic win in the 2024 open-seat North Carolina Governor's Race over GOP lighting rod Mark Robinson. In this conversation, they both discuss how Stein went from trailing in many of the early polls to winning on Election Day by a historic 15-point margin. They talk the initial phase of the race with Robinson leading the polls, the Stein strategy to define Robinson early, the power of using Robinson's own words against him, the infamous "Nude Africa" scandal, the impact...
2024-12-171h 08
Cyber FocusBridging the Cybersecurity Gap: Congressman Mark Green on Workforce, Regulation, and ResilienceIn this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo interviews Mark Green, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Congressman Green, a combat veteran and healthcare entrepreneur, discusses key cybersecurity challenges, including workforce shortages, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and economic models that incentivize cybercrime. The conversation highlights the importance of initiatives like the Cyber Pivot Act, designed to address critical workforce gaps, and the need for harmonizing regulatory requirements. Green also explores strategies for protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing state-level cybersecurity, and leveraging public-private partnerships to bolster national resilience. Main Topics Covered: Addressing the cybersecurity workforce gap through the...
2024-12-0429 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPro Politics Re-Release: Maggie Haberman on the Political Rise of Donald TrumpSend us a text[Originally released 11/22]Maggie Haberman is, of course, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who's covered the political rise of Donald Trump for the New York Times...and her book, CONFIDENCE MAN: The Making of Donald Trump & The Breaking of America became an immediate best seller. In this conversation, Maggie dives into all things Trump...from his formative influences in the New York City of the 70s and 80s, to his political ascent, time in the White House, her take on the likelihood of another Trump run, what a Trump...
2024-11-1240 min
Cyber FocusA Look Inside McCrary Institute's Presidential Transition ReportIn this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo discusses cybersecurity priorities for the incoming administration with Mark Montgomery, co-author and leader of the Cyber Solarium 2.0 Commission, and George Barnes, former deputy director of the NSA. They delve into the McCrary Institute's new presidential transition report that presents a strategic roadmap to maintain the progress achieved in cybersecurity. The report highlights eight lines of effort, ranging from regulatory harmonization and collaboration to building workforce capacity and securing emerging technologies, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding national security and economic resilience. Main Topics Covered: The purpose and...
2024-10-2335 minPro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Mark Udall & A Life in PoliticsSend us a textMark Udall, former Democratic US Senator and House member from Colorado, comes from the famed Udall family of the Mountain West - including his father, Congressman Mo Udall, and uncle, former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall under both JFK & LBJ. But Mark Udall largely stayed away from politics until his mid 40s - having an entire career within the outdoor leadership organization Outward Bound. However, once he flipped the switch to politics, his ascent was rapid: elected to the Colorado State House in 1996, the US House in 1998, and the US Senate in 2008. In this...
2024-10-0159 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCaleb Smith on Working for 3 GOP House SpeakersSend us a textCaleb Smith may be the only political operative who's worked for three consecutive US House Speakers. During over a decade on Capitol Hill, he worked with Speakers Boehner, Ryan, and McCarthy. In this conversation, Caleb talks his path to politics from managing a legislative race in small-town Kentucky to working in some of the most prime real estate at the US Capitol building. He goes in-depth on his time on the Hill - being in the early wave of digital political staffers, joining Speaker Boehner's staff, strengths and weaknesses of the last 3 GOP...
2024-09-171h 02Pro Politics with Zac McCrary2024 Digital Trends & Best Practices with Mark Jablonowski, President & CTO of DSPoliticalSend us a textMark Jablonowski is the President and Chief Tech Officer of DS Political - one of the leading digital ad firms for Democratic campaigns and progressive causes. Mark's roots in campaign tech go back to 2004 and he was deeply involved in the Obama 2008 primary and general election digital innovations. In this conversation, Mark talks his own path to politics starting in Alaska to Maine to the Obama '08 Chicago HQ and continuing to be on the front lines of the digital political evolution. In addition to his own story, Mark gives his takes on...
2024-09-0347 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTucker Eskew, Political & Corporate Comms ExpertSend us a textCommunications expert Tucker Eskew has been a participant in some of the most seminal moments in American political history over the course of the past 30+ years...a protege of the famed Republican strategist Lee Atwater, senior aide to the Bush 2000 win over John McCain in the fractious South Carolina primary, working in the White House the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a stint representing the Bush Administration at 10 Downing Street in London, one of Sarah Palin's lead handlers during her whirlwhind 2008 VP experience...among many other momentous experiences during his decades in and...
2024-08-061h 04Pro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Mickey Edwards...From Conservative Insurgent to House Leadership to Nonpartisan IconoclastSend us a textMickey Edwards served 16 years in Congress, as the first Republican to represent his Oklahoma City-based district in almost 50 years. Prior to his time in the House, he'd already made a mark as a leader in early days of "New Right" conservative organizations like the Young Republicans and Heritage Foundation. In this conversation, he talks his early days as a conservative political outsider in a Democratic state, the upset victory that propelled him to 8 terms in the House, his ascent within the GOP House Leadership, and how conservatism and Congress have changed since he...
2024-06-1157 min
Cyber FocusMinimizing Cyber Risks: Steve Kelly on Secure StrategiesIn this episode of Cyber Focus, Frank Cilluffo hosts Steve Kelly, Chief Trust Officer at the Institute for Security and Technology. With a rich background that includes roles at the National Security Council and the FBI, Steve shares his deep insights into the cybersecurity landscape. The discussion covers the expanding attack surface due to emerging technologies, the convergence of physical and cyber domains, and the critical importance of trust and security in today's digital world. Main Topics: The increasing attack surface from consumer devices, industrial IoT, clean energy tech connecting to the grid Rethinking network architecture...
2024-05-2945 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Political Innovator Hal Malchow, with Trish Hoppey & Rich SchlackmanSend us a textHal Malchow was the incredibly innovative Democratic direct mail and fundraising consultant, who passed away several weeks ago. His final chapter was chronicled by Sasha Issenberg in Politico recently. Hal's was truly a creative mind, including breaking new ground on sophisticated political microtargeting and "social pressure" tactics to generate increased voter turnout. Joining this conversation are two of Hal's longtime business partners and friends - fellow direct mail consultants, Trish Hoppey and Rich Schlackman. We discuss Hal's political roots in progressive politics out of the Deep South, his innovative and curious political mind...
2024-05-1441 min
Business Partner PartnersHollowed Earth Pottery: Pottery for All, Art as a Business, Knowing Your Turf, One Try isn't a Success or a Failure.Mark and Sarah Batory may have gone to high school together, but their real connection began on Facebook (thanks Marky Z!). In this episode you'll hear the beautiful story of Mark and Sarah moving to Wisconsin for grad school two weeks after getting married, but ending up working at a pottery studio and learning how you can take studio art and make it a job. After experience a tragedy about a month after moving back to South Carolina, they explain how their business plan was put even further into motion with all of their priorities aligning with the vision...
2024-05-0748 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTalking Washington Books, with NYT Columnist Carlos Lozada...author of The Washington BookSend us a textCarlos Lozada is currently an Opinion columnist at The New York Times, after spending nearly 20 years at The Washington Post - where he earned the Pulitzer Prize in 2019 for criticism as The Post's nonfiction book critic. He's also an author, with his second book - The Washington Book - recently published: a collection of essays exploring what books by and about D.C. power players reveal about the people and political conflicts that define Washington. In this conversation, Carlos talks his path from Peru to South Bend to D.C., his accidental route t...
2024-04-1649 min
Cyber FocusUnraveling Cybersecurity's Key Challenges with Mark MontgomeryOn this week's Cyber focus, Frank Cilluffo interviews Mark Montgomery, the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. They address the commission's history and role in shaping U.S. cybersecurity policies. They also outline unfinished business in the field, and explore the challenges posed by China and TikTok.
2024-04-101h 00
Cyber FocusTom Fanning's Vision for U.S. CybersecurityCyber Focus is where we explore the people and ideas shaping and protecting our digital world. In this episode host Frank Cilluffo speaks with Tom Fanning, the now retired CEO of The Southern Company. The two discuss the best ways private businesses need to approve their digital security, and why company leaders are too often missing the mark.
2024-02-2152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJim Margolis, Founding Partner of Democratic Media Firm GMMBSend us a textJim Margolis, partner at GMMB media, is a pioneering Democratic media consultant who is featured in the new documentary, The Bigger Hammer, by filmmaker Keith Gaby that focuses on the message war behind the Obama vs. McCain 2008 race (now available on Amazon). In this conversation, Jim talks his path to politics through student activism in Kalamazoo, managing House campaigns, and working on the Hill before partnering with Frank Greer to start GMMB. He also goes in depth on his work for the Obama Presidential campaigns and shares some of his favorite stories and...
2024-02-0654 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMark Z. Barabak, L.A. Times Political Columnist, on the Changing Politics of the New WestSend us a textMark Barabak, the veteran political reporter and columnist for the L.A. Times, has just helmed a six-part series analyzing the political evolutions across the New West - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. In this conversation, Mark talks his recent series, touches on the politics in all six of these states, and breaks down what it says about the trajectory of the region and the impact on the national landscape. He also mines his reporter's notebook to talk some of his favorite stories and personalities from 35+ years covering politics.
2023-11-2156 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Dianne Feinstein, with her former Chief Media Strategist Bill CarrickSend us a textBill Carrick was the longtime chief media strategist for Senator Dianne Feinstein, as well as helping elect President Bill Clinton, multiple LA mayors, Congressman Jim Clyburn, and many more. In this conversation, Bill discusses his early political roots in South Carolina, his time working for Senator Ted Kennedy, his pivot to political media, and a deep dive on his time as chief strategist for Dianne Feinstein. We talk her early activist days in the 60s, the assassination that led to her becoming mayor of San Francisco, their first lunch meeting in 1989, how she...
2023-10-2444 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRemembering Governor Bill Richardson, with his former Campaign Manager & Chief of Staff Dave ContarinoSend us a textDave Contarino was Bill Richardson's 2002 gubernatorial campaign manager, his first term Chief of Staff, and manager of his 2008 presidential campaign. Very few are better equipped to remember the life and legacy of Governor Richardson than Dave. In this conversation we talk Dave's own path to politics and mine his expertise specifically about New Mexico, then go in depth about the inspiration, impact, and influence of Bill Richardson...from his unconventional lifestory, to his time as a rising star in the House, stint in the Clinton cabinet, two terms as Governor, groundbreaking presidential campaign...
2023-09-261h 04
Balancing the Christian LifeA quick trip to PalawanPrepare to embark on an inspiring journey as Mark McCrary, Wyatt Taylor, and I weave tales of our life-altering missionary trip to the Philippines. Our tales are a testament to the power of faith, the richness of diverse cultures, and the deep bonds formed when you step outside your comfort zones. Our discussion takes you from the planning stages, through unforeseen hurdles and fascinating cultural experiences, to the profound impact this expedition had on our Christian walk.Our conversation delves into the poignant moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts, such as witnessing baptisms influenced by...
2023-09-251h 02Pro Politics with Zac McCraryRich Schlackman, Democratic Direct Mail PioneerSend us a textRich Schlackman is best known as a pioneer of all things direct mail - and he continues to hit the mail box and also spearheads important efforts as a GC and has expanded his reach to digital messaging. In this conversation, Rich talks his early activist roots at the '68 Democratic Convention and with names like Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden...why he gravitated to political direct mail in the mid 70s...how he took the "California Style" of mail national in the 80s and 90s...diving deep into his best practices and...
2023-09-1255 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBill Knapp, Partner at SKDK, on 40+ Years as an AdmakerSend us a textBill Knapp is in his fifth decade as a top Democratic media consultant and is the first K in the mega-media firm SKDK. In this conversation, Bill talks his NYC roots, the 1980 Senate campaign that launched his professional career, lessons from his mentor & eventual partner Bob Squier, key races in his development as a strategist, the '96 Clinton re-elect, 20 years as part of Mike Bloomberg's political orbit, advice for budding media consultants, and much more. IN THIS EPISODEBill’s roots on the Upper Wes...
2023-08-2954 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Pollster Lisa Grove on the Power of a Question MarkSend us a text[EPISODE ORIGINALLY RECORDED FEBRUARY 2021]Lisa Grove has been a leading Democratic strategist and pollster for 25+ years, helping elect a President, Senators, Governors, and more. She also developed a reputation for winning tough ballot measures and helped refine messaging to advance the cause of marriage equality. In this conversation (recorded February '21), she talks her roots in Oregon politics and activism, being drawn to polling, her early days in the business, starting her own firm in the mid 90s, and stories & insight from a successful career that has spanned several decades.
2023-08-0845 minBalancing the Christian LifeBalancing the Christian Life Conference, Good character with Mark McCrarywww.balancingthechristianlife.com/conferenceEver wondered what constitutes good character from a Christian perspective? Buckle up as Mark McCrary and I, Dr. Kenny Embry, unpack the good character track of the Balancing the Christian Life conference, using Galatians 5 as our guide. We delve into the nine aspects of the fruit of the spirit, spotlighting love as the cornerstone of Christianity. Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we stress on love as an action, not an emotion, and the significance of epitomizing love, irrespective of our feelings.In this enlightening conversation, Mark and I continue...
2023-07-1237 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAndi Johnson, Trailblazing Democratic Media Consultant & Partner at GPS ImpactSend us a textAndi Johnson, a partner at GPS Impact, is a veteran Democratic media strategist who has been a trailblazer as one of the first women in Democratic media. She's worked for leading Democratic political figures for over 30 years...names like Obama, Klobuchar, Leahy, Inslee, Bob Casey Jr, and many more. In this conversation, Andi talks growing up in a political family in Eugene, OR, how she somewhat accidentally found a path into political media, mentoring under the late Democratic admaker Joe Slade White, some of her favorite races she's worked on...from Ben Nighthorse...
2023-07-0453 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLegendary Democratic Strategist Bob ShrumSend us a textBob Shrum is a platonic ideal of a guest for this podcast…someone who, as a teenager, met JFK at the 1960 Democratic Convention and decades later worked as a strategist for several presidential candidates, big city mayors, Governors, and Senators. In this conversation, we talk his early passion for politics, the fortuitous chance to get his foot in the door as a speechwriter for a NYC mayor, how he connected with Senator Ted Kennedy and helped write his famous ’80 Convention Speech, and Bob’s 3 decades as a leading Democratic admaker and strategist – plus his curr...
2023-06-1354 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryInside Election Analysis with Stu RothenbergSend us a textYou almost certainly know that, for decades, Stu Rothenberg and his Rothenberg Political Report (now Inside Elections) penned among the most influential political analysis in Washington. But you probably don't know the origin story...his initial academic career track, how he cut his political teeth at the conservative Heritage Foundation, and what led to launching his own newsletter. In this conversation, we talk through all of that plus his most memorable interactions with candidates, biggest surprises, savviest politicians, and when he knew it was time to pass the newsletter baton to his partner...
2023-06-0647 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryFred Davis, One of the Most Creative & Controversial Ad Makers in PoliticsSend us a textFred Davis only ended up in politics due to a family tragedy and then a family connection, and yet has become one of the most creative and controversial ad makers in America. His clients include a who's who of Republican elected officials...from Bush to Dole to McCain to Schwarzenegger among dozens of others. And despite electing Presidents and numerous Republicans up and down the ballot, he's most famous for his unique perspective on advertising that has led to some of the most memorable and controversials spots of the last few decades...the...
2023-05-301h 11Pro Politics with Zac McCraryBecoming David AxelrodSend us a textYou know David Axlerod...the chief strategist for President Obama, CNN commentator, and founder of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. The Obama years come up a bit in this conversation, but we focus mostly on his 20+ years as a working political media consultant before connecting professionally with then-State Senator Obama. We talk cutting his teeth in NYC, how the appeal of Chicago politics drew him to the Windy City, why he made the jump from political journalist to political operative, & stories, lessons, and insights from his 40+ years in and around politics.
2023-02-2852 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRebecca Lambe, Architect of the Nevada "Reid Machine"Send us a textRebecca Lambe is often described as the architect of Nevada’s “Reid Machine” that has shaped politics in the state over the past 20 years. In this episode, she talks cutting her teeth in Missouri politics with both Governor Mel Carnahan and Senator Jean Carnahan and then moving west to Nevada to build the state Democratic political organization with Senator Harry Reid...plus co-founding Senate Majority PAC to build and protect a Democratic Senate Majority. This conversation contains both Rebecca's memorable campaign stories and case studies, as well as incredibly practi...
2023-02-2157 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMark Mellman on Four Decades in PollingSend us a textFor nearly 40 years, Mark Mellman has been an industry leader in Democratic polling. In this conversation, he talks the serendipitous start of his consulting firm, stories from his iconic clients Al Gore, John Glenn, and Harry Reid, and lessons as lead pollster from John Kerry's '04 Presidential campaign. Mark also talks his founding of Democratic Majority for Israel and the work DMFI is doing to help mold the Democratic Party and shape American policy toward Israel.IN THIS EPISODE….Mark talks his roots in a pol...
2023-01-1743 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLiam Donovan On the Fall & Rise of Speaker McCarthy, What to Expect in the 118th Congress, & Trump vs DeSantis '24Send us a textLiam Donovan, a principal at Bracewell PRG, is a regular presence on cable news, in print, and on twitter as an expert explainer of what's going on in Congress and in the Republican Party. With a background both in GOP campaign politics and government relations, Liam's expertise on the intersection of politics and policy gives him tremendous insight to distill what really matters in Washington from the rest of the Beltway din. In this conversation, we talk Liam's path to politics, his time in GOP campaigns, his shift to government relations, and get...
2023-01-1053 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryHow Senate Democrats Expanded the Majority, with DSCC E.D. Christie RobertsSend us a textChristie Roberts is the DSCC Executive Director, coming off of the first cycle since 1962 when Senate Democrats expanded their majority while holding the White House...during a cycle when many observers assumed a "red wave" was imminent. Christie talks her path to politics, the importance of learning her craft in Montana politics, and managing Jon Tester's 2018 re-election. And, of course, going deep on all things 2022 Senate races...her original theory of the case of how to succeed in a tough cycle, how the DSCC tried to mold the GOP primary fields, the impact...
2022-12-2047 min
Working with the WordDevotional Bible Reading - With Mark McCraryWe close out our series exploring the why, what, and how of devotional reading with an interview with Mark McCrary. We discuss the importance of discernment in choosing devotional aids and building upon a solid foundation of Bible knowledge. Mark also shares his current process of reading a chapter of the Bible at a time with a specific focus to help jumpstart our own discovery of God through the Word.
Resources Mentioned
Douglass Hills church of Christ Facebook page
Morning Five video devotions
Music Credits
"Faith"...
2022-12-2047 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryZee Cohen-Sanchez on the Intersection of Social Justice & Practical PoliticsSend us a textZee Cohen-Sanchez came to politics from an unconventional background…growing up in Australia as the child of “atheist, socialist American Jews”. Back in the United States she took her passion for social justice to work in the labor movement, for Bernie Sanders in 2016, and AOC’s upset primary win in 2018. In this conversation, Zee talks these early formative experiences and how they led her to start Sole Strategies as a firm that helps insurgent candidates – especially first-time candidates and women of color. Great conversation about how the small nuts-and-bolts of politics can fuel b...
2022-12-0647 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMaggie Haberman & Her New Best Seller, Confidence ManSend us a textMaggie Haberman is, of course, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who's covered the political rise of Donald Trump for the New York Times...and her new book, CONFIDENCE MAN: The Making of Donald Trump & The Breaking of America became an immediate best seller. In this conversation, Maggie dives into all things Trump...from his formative influences in the New York City of the 70s and 80s, to his political ascent, time in the White House, her take on the likelihood of another Trump run, what a Trump White House restoration...
2022-11-0140 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryWesley Donehue on Digital Politics & Crisis ManagementSend us a textWesley Donehue has an unconventional background for a Republican consultant…growing up in public housing with two parents who struggled with drug addiction…but that upbringing fueled his passion to work in politics and his interest in crisis communications. In this conversation, we talk Wesley’s path to politics, his work as a digital consultant for big GOP names like Lindsay Graham, Marco Rubio, Herschel Walker, and many more – and his recent book Under Fire, which lays out his 13 rules for how candidates, campaigns, and organization should handle crisis.IN THIS...
2022-10-1834 minBalancing the Christian LifeExtending grace to each other...a conversation with Matt Hennecke, Mark McCrary and Wyatt TaylorSo how good are you at extending grace to others? In this conversation we talk about how grace can practically be used at the congregational level. If you would like the to see the materials used at Douglass Hills church, you can find them here:https://www.douglasshillschurch.org/graceSupport the show
2022-10-161h 17Pro Politics with Zac McCraryTim Miller on Traveling the "Republican Road to Hell"Send us a textTim Miller had sterling credentials as a top GOP operative, working for the RNC, John McCain, Jeb Bush, Jon Huntsman and more...until he felt increasingly alienated as Donald Trump took over the party. In this conversation, he talks his path out of Republican politics - chronicled in his bestselling book WHY WE DID IT - and how the past several years of GOP politics led to the wholescale Trump takeover of the party. This is a great discussion with one of the most brutally honest observers of American politics, who’s had a...
2022-09-1347 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Tom Davis & the Political Life of a Political JunkieSend us a textTom Davis served seven terms in the House from Northern Virginia, including 2 cycles as NRCC Chair and as Chair of the House Government Reform Committee. In this conversation, he talks becoming obsessed with politics at an early age, working as a Senate page in the 1960s, playing a small role in the political operation of Richard Nixon, 15 years on the Fairfax County Board, 14 years in Congress, protecting the GOP majority in 2000 and 2002 while helming NRCC, why he left elected politics, the work he's most passionate about now, and his expectations ahead of the 2022...
2022-09-0652 min
Pete The Job Guy, LLCPete interviews Mark McCrary, US Navy vet, Father of 5, co-owner of TitanUp Fitness and value added reseller of IT infrastructure and services.
2022-08-2600 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAri Rabin-Havt: Bernie Sanders' 2020 Deputy Campaign Manger & Author of The Fighting SoulSend us a textAri Rabin-Havt spent more time with Bernie Sanders over the past few years than virtually anyone. Ari served as the Sanders' 2020 Deputy Campaign Manager, traveling with Bernie almost 24/7. He recounts much of this time in his new book The Fighting Soul: On the Road with Bernie Sanders...and in this conversation talks about the personal side of Bernie, the major strategic decisions within the campaign, both what he thinks the campaign got right as well as mistakes they made, and much more from one of the operatives closest to the Sanders' campaign and...
2022-06-1441 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMedia Consultant Neil Oxman on the History of Political Admaking & His Own CareerSend us a textVeteran Democratic media consultant Neil Oxman is one of the most interesting people working in politics. In addition to his years helping elect Democrats at all levels, he caddies on the PGA tour for golfing legends including Tom Watson. In this discussion, Neil talks the history of political ad-making from the 1950s to today and goes deep inside several of his own high-profile races including PA Governor Ed Rendell, Philadelphia's first Black mayor Wilson Goode, Al Gore's 1988 presidential campaign, and more throughout his career that show the ways TV can help win (and...
2022-06-0755 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDem Strategist Jesse Ferguson on Hillary '16, Messaging 101, & Healing the WorldSend us a textJesse Ferguson is a top Democratic strategist and comms expert - who cut his teeth in Virginia, ran the $60M+ DCCC Independent Expenditure in 2014, served as a top press aide to the Clinton ’16 campaign, and is now a strategist advising numerous organizations and independent expenditures. In this conversation, Jesse talks key moments and lessons from his career, as well as providing his Messaging 101 on how he thinks of effective political communications.IN THIS EPISODE…Jesse’s family connection to Joe McCarthy and the 1950s Red Scare…Jesse’...
2022-04-2651 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Pollster Celinda Lake on A Trailblazing Career in PoliticsSend us a textCelinda Lake, President of Lake Research, has been a leading Democratic researcher and strategist for 30+ years. In this conversation she talks her Montana roots, her path to polling, working for groundbreaking women like Geraldine Ferraro, Carol Mosley Braun, and Nancy Pelosi, working on Biden 2020, and lessons & insights from four decades working to elect Democrats and advance progressive goals. IN THIS EPISODE…Celinda talks growing up on a ranch in Montana…The progressive tradition in Montana…The Vietnam War influences Celinda’s politics…Celinda’s...
2022-04-1953 min
Hope Along The JourneyEp. 68 Maurice McCrary (Bro. Mac) on A Portrait of a Man Wonderfully Used of GodThousands of lives have been powerfully impacted for the ministry and for the kingdom of Christ through the life and labors of Maurice McCrary. Saved when he was just a boy, little did he realize how God would use his life in a most remarkable way. Your heart will be blessed and encouraged as you listen to "Bro. Mac" share his story.
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2022-04-0644 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryOne Year Anniversary Episode with John Anzalone, Chief Pollster for Biden 2020Send us a textJohn Anzalone has been a Democratic pollster winning tough races for 30+ years, most recently as Chief Pollster for Biden 2020 helping navigate a crowded primary and grueling general election en route to ousting Donald Trump. John talks his working class roots growing up in Michigan, cutting his teeth in the Biden '88 ('87) presidential, his path to polling, and ultimately starting and growing his own firm to become on the handful of top-tier Democratic pollsters in the country. IN THIS EPISODEJohn grows up a “free lunch kid” and t...
2022-03-0150 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJeremy Ben-Ami, Founder and President of J StreetSend us a textJeremy Ben-Ami was born into a family among whom politics was very personal – and became active in politics himself at a young age, interning for the 1976 Carter campaign at 14. From there, he worked for numerous politicians from Ed Koch and David Dinkins and Mark Green to Bill Clinton and Howard Dean. Jeremy talks his life in campaign politics, working in the White House, what led to the creation of J Street, and how J Street has grown to become an influential voice that’s changed the debate on American policy toward Isra...
2022-02-0152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Admaker Mark Putnam on Storytelling & Viral VideosSend us a textMark Putnam, Democratic media strategist and founder of Putnam Partners, has helped elect 11 Governors, 10 Senators, and dozens of members of Congress. In this conversation, Mark talks growing up in Alaska, his unconventional path to working in political media, early races on which he cut his teeth, helping elect Presidents Obama and Biden, how to think about “viral” ads, some of his favorite spots, and smart insights from one of the most successful careers in political media.IN THIS EPISODE…Mark talks what it’s like growing...
2021-12-1457 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMichael Barone, Patron Saint of Political JunkiesSend us a textMichael Barone, senior political analyst at the Washington examiner, is one of the most important political writers and thinkers of his time. He helped found the Almanac of American Politics in the early 70s and was the lead author for decades. He worked in politics himself, before transitioning to a role as a journalist, author, and pundit - always being an incisive and influential analyst of American politics at each stop along the way. In this conversation, we talk his roots in post-war Detroit, his time working for Democratic candidates and as a...
2021-12-0757 min
SWVA Hoops PodcastMark Dockery - Nickelsville Produces - (Season 1, Episode 2)Nickelsville is a small town in Scott County. This place has produced some of the most historic bucket-getters of all time in SWVA. Listen in as one of the many legends that played at Twin Springs, tells his story about his career. Former all-time leading scorer at King University, Mark Dockery graduated from Twin Springs in 2007. He amassed over 1,000 career points, 2 Region D championships in a row, and encountered many stories playing for the legendary Coach McCrary. Hear Mark discuss rivalries with Gate City, Castlewood, Rye Cove, and many more. Plus many bouts with out of district foes, Council...
2021-10-121h 47Pro Politics with Zac McCraryDr. Michael D. Cohen...Pollster, App Builder, AuthorSend us a textDr. Michael D. Cohen studied under iconic pollster Bill Hamilton as a student, worked in the trenches in Republican campaigns, spent time at Gallup, apprenticed under iconic GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio (most known recently as Donald Trump's pollster) and worked with famed Dem strategist Mark Penn when Michael was an in-house pollster at Microsoft. Along the way, Michael started his own firm (Cohen Research Group), built the booming political Congress in Your Pocket technology app, and recently wrote the book Modern Political Campaigns to bring the campaign literature up to speed with the...
2021-09-2850 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMindy Myers on Winning Senate Races, Running the DSCC, & Starting MZL MediaSend us a textMindy Myers has a knack for being where political history happens and, more importantly, has run and won tough Senate races. She managed Sheldon Whitehouse in 2006 over Linc Chafee and ran Elizabeth Warren's first political race in 2012...then was the first ever woman to serve as E.D of the DSCC. Now she's started MZL Media to put into practice what she's learned winning tough races. And even as a young operative, Mindy found herself witnessing political history...working for trailblazing Congresswoman Pat Schroder, interning in the Clinton White House during...
2021-09-2152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Rise of Raghu DevaguptapuSend us a textNot many people have a story in politics like Raghu Devaguptapu...son of Indian immigrants, making the jump from touring with a band to working in politics, working at the upper echelons of both state and national politics, and then co-founding his own media firm. This is a great conversation talking through Raghu's early life, key moments in his career, and insight and advice from a one-of-a-kind career in politics. IN THIS EPISODE…Raghu grows up in Wisconsin as the son of immigrants straddling the worlds of bei...
2021-09-1453 minBalancing the Christian LifeDigital Literacy: Summing it upSo what is digital literacy and why is it important for Christians to understand? This week I asked my buddy Mark McCrary to interview me for the podcast about digital literacy. This topic has been both a passion and professional pursuit for several years and I wanted someone to help me explore the idea from a different perspective. Mark is usually a willing participant in these conversations, but also someone whose opinion I truly appreciate. He also had me answer one of my own questions..."what is good?" I wasn't ready for that.Support the show
2021-09-1044 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJim Duffy, a Godfather of Democratic MediaSend us a textJim Duffy is one of the Godfathers of Democratic media consultants. He joined with Raymond Strother in the mid 80s to form Strother Duffy - one of the elite Dem firms of the era. Jim cut his teeth working in New Orleans politics - for names like Moon Landrieu and Lindy Boggs, before making the move to DC as an ad-maker. As a media consultant, Jim has helped elect numerous Senators, Governors, and members of Congress - and in this conversation, he talks about the Louisiana politics of his youth, learning...
2021-09-0750 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAn Engaging Conversation with Author Sasha Issenberg on the 25-year Path to Marriage EqualitySend us a textJournalist and author Sasha Issenberg recently released his new book, The Engagement: America's Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage. Sasha chronicles the path to progress on this issue from the early 90s when even most LGBT advocates didn't see marriage equality as an achievable goal..to the present with marriage equality cemented by the Supreme Court and over 70% of Americans (and rising) lining up behind these rights. In this conversation, Sasha talks the core thesis of his book, the strategic decisions that made a difference in the debate, the key political actors on both...
2021-06-2244 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBonus Book Episode: 30 Minutes with Jason Stanford, author of Forget the AlamoSend us a textThose in the political world know Jason Stanford as the founder of the opposition research firm Stanford Campaigns - which is still going strong after 20+ years. He's also a prolific writer, with a new book out. Forget the Alamo chronicles the history of the Alamo, starting before the first shot was fired to the present day as the Alamo continues to roil Texas politics. In this discussion, Jason talks about his early days in Moscow as an aspiring spy, cutting his teeth working for Ann Richards in Texas, starting his opposition research firm...
2021-06-1128 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJames Aldrete on Communicating to a Winning Democratic CoalitionSend us a textJames Aldrete comes out of a family political tradition with one foot in the world of radical Tejano politics of the 50s and 60s - and one foot in the Democratic establishment. As a political professional, he's merged those strands to start his own firm (MAP) based in Austin, TX and become a leading voice within the Democratic party on communications and messaging, with a focus on Hispanic engagement and media. In this conversation, James talks cutting his teeth in Texas politics for Governors Mark White and Ann Richards, building his own media f...
2021-06-0852 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBonus Episode: 30 Minutes with Singer/Songwriter/Novelist Kinky FriedmanSend us a textEnjoy a short bonus episode with the iconic (and iconoclastic) Kinky Friedman...country music legend, best-selling novelist, and sometimes political candidate. Kinky talks through some of his political heroes, his favorite political stories, his time in the Peace Corps, his friendship with both Bill Clinton and George W Bush.,.& and closes the episode with one of his songs - that was a favorite of Nelson Mandela.IN THIS EPISODE...Kinky talks about the politician that spoke to him most as a kid....Kinky tells the...
2021-06-0431 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKasim Reed, Atlanta's 59th Mayor, on Winning Races & Running a CitySend us a textAs a student, Kasim Reed set a goal to be mayor of Atlanta by age 40 - and he made it happen.The Kasim Reed story is truly an original...motivated by a nurturing mother and demanding father, on the Board of Howard University by age 19, the youngest member of the Georgia legislature by 29, managing a successful mayoral race at 32, and winning his own mayoral campaign 8 years later after starting in last place. And 8 successful years as mayor of one of the great international cities. Fascinating to hear Mayor Reed's...
2021-04-0659 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRose Kapolczynski, icon of West Coast politicsSend us a textThis week my guest is Rose Kapolczynski, a legend in California politics and beyond. Rose managed all four of Barbara Boxer's successful US Senate races, including the iconic Boxer upset win in the '92 Year of the Woman. Beyond Boxerworld, Rose started her own consulting firm and has been deeply involved in numerous successful campaigns - and she is currently the President of the American Association of Political Consultants.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics Podcast IN THIS EPISODE
2021-03-3056 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPaul Begala Joins The Pro Politics PodcastSend us a textI’m so fortunate to be joined by Paul Begala as my first guest – we had a great conversation. Paul is a great storyteller, with tremendous insights he’s learned over the years that remain incredibly relevant today.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics PodcastIN THIS EPISODE…Paul breaks out his spot-on impressions of Bill Clinton, James Carville, and a deep cut of Phil Graham…Why was Paul’s nickname “Huntley-Brinkley”?Which Senator did a 12...
2021-03-021h 00Balancing the Christian LifeResponding to Coronavirus, Part 2This episode concludes the conversation we started last week with Edwin Crozier, Kris Emerson, Jason Hardin and Mark McCrary. In this episode, the guys talk about their own podcasts and what roles they play with their congregations, the love/hate relationship we all have with Zoom, concerns about returning to worship at a building and what they plan to keep doing after the pandemic is more controlled.I'll say it again, these are some great guys. If you'd like to get in touch with any of them, you can reach them at:E...
2021-01-2931 minBalancing the Christian LifeResponding to Coronavirus, Part 1Well...this was a conversation with four guys I think are doing excellent work in light of Covid. Edwin Crozier, Kris Emerson, Jason Hardin and Mark McCrary. Three of these guys are past guests. I just wanted to know how they reacted to Covid and putting together something they could use to help their members still feel connected.This is very frank, and I so appreciate the vulnerability they express. We're all figuring this out, and I worked hard to find a couple guys who have been doing this for awhile, another who is has been doing...
2021-01-2231 min
Balancing the Christian LifeLeadership and digital discipleshipThis week is a conversation with my close friend Mark McCrary. He's a leader at Douglass Hills church of Christ and one of the decision makers there which help implement the tools of digital discipleship. Pay particular attention to how they use Facebook as an integral part of how they spread Christianity.Support the show
2020-10-1645 min