Shows
Facts About PACs PodcastFresh Eyes on Campaign FinanceJoin host Micaela Isler and the Facts About PACs podcast team for their annual summer intern special featuring Luke Rinker from The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) and AY Kuwornu from Ghana. From Capitol Hill briefings to cross-party collaboration, these interns reveal what surprised them most about Washington's political finance landscape and why transparency matters more than you might think.
2025-08-0116 minFacts About PACs PodcastCampaign Politics Update with Jim EllisJoin hosts Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar as they welcome back political prognosticator Jim Ellis for an essential mid-year political update that PAC professionals can't afford to miss. From redistricting battles to competitive races across six open Senate seats, find out why another razor-thin House majority is virtually guaranteed. Essential listening for PAC directors weighing primary endorsement strategies, understanding fundraising dynamics between state and federal races, and planning for what promises to be another highly competitive election cycle, where business community engagement will be critical.Episode Sponsor: Kilbride Public Affairs
2025-06-2627 minFacts About PACs PodcastMomentum & Growth: A Conversation with NABPAC Board Chair Kipp MaloneyNABPAC Board Chair Kipp Maloney joins Micaela Isler to discuss the organization's achievements in the first half of 2025. From legislative victories to record-breaking member engagement and growth, NABPAC is thriving. Kipp shares insights from the Blue Ribbon Panel, how NABPAC is changing the conversation about business PACs on Capitol Hill, and the strategic planning process that's positioning the organization for the next 50 years. Plus, get excited for the upcoming Summer Soiree!
2025-06-0511 minFacts About PACs PodcastSky's the Limit: A First Look at NABPAC's Blue Ribbon PanelNABPAC convened 16 industry thought leaders for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business political engagement. As the association approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, President and CEO Micaela Isler shares a first look at insights that could reshape how the business community engages politically for the next five decades.Episode Sponsor: PASS | Public Affairs Support Serviceshttps://pactrack.net/
2025-05-3011 minFacts About PACs PodcastFEC Update with Mark Renaud | WileyIn this episode of Facts About PACs, hosts Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar welcome Mark Renaud from Wiley Law to discuss recent developments at the Federal Election Commission. Mark breaks down the current FEC membership crisis, with only three commissioners remaining and no quorum to issue advisory opinions or move on enforcement cases. Despite this deadlock, he emphasizes that PAC professionals must maintain compliance with reporting requirements. The conversation covers President Trump's executive orders on election integrity, recent enforcement cases with significant penalties, and consideration of the future of the FEC. This episode provides essential insights for...
2025-05-1518 minFacts About PACs PodcastMastering the Fly-In: Effective Advocacy on Capitol HillFacilitating Capitol Hill advocacy through successful legislative fly-ins involves managing expectations and preparing advocates to build lasting relationships with congressional staff. In this episode of Facts about PACs, hosts Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar sit down with Colleen Morton, owner and principal of Congressional Meetings LLC, to discuss the post-pandemic surge in in-person advocacy and why her "politely persistent" approach works. Whether you're organizing your first fly-in or seeking to enhance your advocacy strategy, this episode offers practical guidance on how to amplify your organization's voice in Washington.Episode sponsor: Capital Bankhttps://capitalbankmd.c...
2025-03-2719 minFacts About PACs PodcastElection Insights with Political Technologist Eric WilsonJoin NABPAC's President and CEO Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar as the #1 PAC Podcast in America dives into the fascinating world of digital voter engagement with political technologist Eric Wilson. Hot off the press from the Center for Campaign Innovation's 2024 post-election survey, this episode reveals surprising shifts in how voters consume political information - including the rise of social media over local news and the emergence of podcasts as a major player in political communication. Plus, hear why personal connections and workplace relationships are becoming increasingly crucial in political messaging. Episode Sponsor: ...
2025-01-1619 minFacts About PACs PodcastBad Words with Amy ShowalterIn this delightfully salty episode, language and PAC expert Amy Showalter joins the Facts About PACs crew to drop truth bombs about the words and phrases we should all retire in 2025. From the eye-roll-inducing "going forward" to the overused "historic," no corporate buzzword or political cliché is safe from Showalter's witty critique. Listen as hosts Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar navigate this verbal minefield with humor and insight.
2024-12-1217 minFacts About PACs PodcastTop 5 TakeawaysA Friendsgiving fireside chat about the Top 5 Takeaways from the NABPAC Post-Election Conference. Join Amie Adams, Rocky Krivijanski, David Schild, Adam Belmar and Micaela Isler
2024-11-2618 minFacts About PACs PodcastHurt LockerWant to avoid the pitfalls and steer clear of the Hurt Locker? Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar have actionable tips for PAC Directors seeking to recognize the small things that can morph into profoundly troubling issues.
2024-06-0714 minFacts About PACs PodcastEmployees VoteBIPAC hosts EmployeesVote.com, a site dedicated to Employee Voter Registration. Hit play to hear about the nonpartisan resources available to you and your team for encouraging voter registration. Kim Durcho and Liz Byrd from BIPAC join Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar for the scoop on Employees Vote 2024.
2024-04-1920 minFacts About PACs PodcastDark MoneyWhat is Dark Money? Are SUPER PACs Dark Money? What are Employee Funded and Business Trade Association PACs? David Schild and Adam Belmar join Micaela Isler for an unforgettable episode where darkness is illuminated and transparency wins the day.
2024-03-1414 minFacts About PACs PodcastWhat PAC Professionals WantHow do PAC Managers keep track of fundraising events? There's a software for that! Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar are joined by Robert Arensberg, President and Founder of Coalescent.
2024-02-0118 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC in Session with Prof Steve BilletIn this first episode of 2024, Facts About PACs podcast hosts Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Professor Steven Billet. They discussed the importance of PAC directors conducting thorough research on candidates before making contributions, to avoid potential embarrassment for their organizations. Billet also emphasizes the need for PAC managers to improve their skills and contribute more effectively to government affairs organizations. Plus, the recent recommendation by the Federal Election Commission for PACs to be indexed for inflation, which Billet described as a "fabulous development" that could help PACs compete more effectively with large independent expenditure contributions.
2024-01-1223 minFacts About PACs PodcastDifferent Types of PACsThere are many different types of PACs. In this unplugged episode of the #1 PAC Podcast in America, Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar call on Forrest Gump for help making sense of them all. Links to the Suite Talk Series mentioned in this episode:Suite Talk: CEO EditionSuite Talk: Comms EditionSuite Talk: General Counsel Edition with Carol Laham (Wiley)
2023-12-0113 minFacts About PACs PodcastAll Systems GoThe annual NABPAC conference was ALL SYSTEMS GO! Hit play for the takeaways and the highlights with hosts Micaela Isler and special guest, Rocky Krivijanski, Founder, Trine Strategies.
2023-11-0310 minFacts About PACs PodcastShutdown Survival StrategiesThe November 17th deadline for the temporary spending bill keeping the government open is coming quickly. How should PAC practitioners prepare for the questions and concerns of their members? Hit play for the steps you can take to get ready now. Host Micaela Isler is joined by David Schild of Three Rivers Strategies and Adam Belmar of Advocacy Content Kitchen.
2023-10-1215 minFacts About PACs PodcastYour Biggest PAC InvestmentA conversation with NABPAC's 2023 Association President Courtney Schoenborn, Corporate VP, Government Affairs at New York Life. Courtney speaks with hosts Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar about the rewards of professional development, the professional benefits of being part of NABPAC, and why staying engaged is a key ingredient to her success.
2023-09-2216 minFacts About PACs PodcastGenerative AI RepriseThe #1 PAC Podcast in America is back with an updated look at the current shape of generative AI in our professional lives. Dr. Casey Burgat from George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management joins David Schild, Adam Belmar, and Micaela Isler for a fascinating conversation pertinent to the professional PAC world we all live in.
2023-08-2422 minFacts About PACs PodcastRelationship FundraisingHit play for a deep dive into relationship fundraising in the PAC space. From the how. To the why. To the sustainable results that you can achieve. Nancy Bocskor joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar with everything you need to know about how to catch and keep PAC contributors.
2023-07-2724 minFacts About PACs PodcastSuite Talk: Comms EditionJoin us as we continue our stroll through the corner offices with another dramatic imagination of PAC Director interactions with the senior leadership in their organizations. Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar are back with a peek into the role of the Chief Communication Officer.
2023-06-2315 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC AIHow are practitioners in the employee-funded and business trade association PAC space using AI tools like ChatGPT in June 2023? Are they? Join Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for an unplugged episode of the number-one PAC podcast in America.
2023-06-0918 minFacts About PACs PodcastSuite Talk: CEO EditionIn this special episode of the Facts About PACs podcast, David Schild joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for a dramatic imagination, and a detailed examination of, how best to proceed when a PAC Director encounters someone from the C-Suite who is overly enthusiastic and needs to be managed in a way that protects both your organization and the employee-funded political action committee.
2023-05-1817 minFacts About PACs PodcastSummer Interns Available: TFAS Business and GR Summer ProgramThe Fund for American Studies offers DC offices the chance to host top undergraduate students from across the country and worldwide for an academic internship experience in the nation’s capital. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar discuss mentorship and preparing the next generation of advocacy professionals with Lainey Carlton, Director of the Business and Government Relations Summer Programs at The Fund for American Studies.
2023-04-2016 minFacts About PACs PodcastSolutions In Action: Evaluating Your VendorsFor many practitioners in the employee-funded and business trade association PAC space, vendors and software platforms are critical components to a successful operation. Eric Wilson, a political technologist driving innovation and digital transformation as Senior Vice President for Strategy at Bullpen Technology Group, joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar with tips for PAC Managers on how to evaluate their vendors better and maximize the value of their software.
2023-04-0721 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC Match Startup Success StoryPAC Match can be a meaningful benefit for members of an employee-funded or business trade association PAC and the 501c(3) nonprofit organizations they support. And the demonstrated success and popularity of PAC Match programs have paved the way for many organizations to try it. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Brittany Starr, Senior Director, Political Affairs at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, for the details of her PAC Match startup that exceeded everyone’s expectations.Episode Sponsor: Quorum
2023-03-2316 minFacts About PACs PodcastExposure. How safe are your PAC bank accounts?Micaela Isler, Adam Belmar, and David Schild are joined on this special episode of the Facts About PACs podcast by CPA Brian Bender from Withum, to discuss the banking crisis sparked by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on March 10. Hit play to learn whether PACs are put at risk by having too much money in one bank or account.
2023-03-1719 minFacts About PACs PodcastThe Farm Bill with Randy Dwyer, American Farm Bureau FederationOne of the most significant pieces of legislation expected to come out of the 118th Congress will be reauthorizing the Farm Bill. The pandemic highlighted agriculture and the importance of protecting America’s food supply. Randy Dwyer, Senior Director of Political Advocacy and Engagement with the American Farm Bureau Federation joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar to talk about farm policy, business trade association PACs, and how to build a world-class advocacy program.Episode Sponsor: Quorum
2023-03-0216 minFacts About PACs PodcastLet's Talk!A wild week in America. Just ask the Northern Illinois Bottlecap Balloon Brigade. Hit play for sanity and wisdom on the latest trends in employee-funded and business trade association PACs. Amie Adams, President of Dunn Associates, joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for a peek inside NABPAC's Let's Talk! program and what's trending in 2023. Episode sponsor: Access Marketing Services
2023-02-1718 minFacts About PACs PodcastCapitol Hill Fly-InOn this episode of the #1 PAC Podcast in America, we’re talking Fly-ins. Why they matter. How they work. And ways to improve yours, this year. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Bridget Sewell, Vice President at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
2023-02-0322 min
80-Proof PoliticsExploring the role of PACs with Micaela Isler, Executive Director of NABPACThe Executive Director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees, Micaela Isler, breaks down what PACs are, how they represent the voices of hundreds - even thousands - of like-minded individuals in today's elections, and how the housing financial crisis saved her marriage.
2023-01-2644 min80-Proof PoliticsExploring the role of PACs with Micaela Isler, Executive Director of NABPACThe Executive Director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees, Micaela Isler, breaks down what PACs are, how they represent the voices of hundreds - even thousands - of like-minded individuals in today's elections, and how the housing financial crisis saved her marriage.
2023-01-2642 min80-Proof PoliticsEpisode 8 PreviewNext week, 80-Proof Politics returns to its regular schedule with a fascinating conversation with Micaela Isler, Executive Director of the National Association of Business PACs. Here's a sneak peek into that episode. Thanks for listening.
2023-01-1901 min80-Proof PoliticsEpisode 8 PreviewNext week, 80-Proof Politics returns to its regular schedule with a fascinating conversation with Micaela Isler, Executive Director of the National Association of Business PACs. Here's a sneak peek into that episode. Thanks for listening.
2023-01-1902 minFacts About PACs PodcastFEC Update with Lee Goodman | Wiley LawIs there a sea change in the regulation of internet communications about to happen at the FEC? Former FEC Chairman Lee Goodman tells Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar it looks that way. Hit play for all the details and what you should know about new disclaimer rules for small digital ads.
2022-12-1622 minFacts About PACs Podcast100th Episode Special - LIVELive from the 2022 NABPAC Post Election Conference in Florida comes the 100th episode of the #1 PAC Podcast in America! Micaela Isler, Adam Belmar, Meaghan Joyce, and David Schild take you poolside for a recap of the events and speakers.
2022-11-1724 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC Insights with Mica Evans Hider | American Chemistry CouncilThe business of chemistry has been represented in Washington DC since 1872. For one hundred and fifty years the American Chemistry Council has championed science-based public policy agendas that bring forth innovation, job creation, economic expansion and enhance public and environmental health and safety. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Mica Evans Hider, who leads ACC's Coalitions and PAC program as Senior Director.
2022-07-2814 minFacts About PACs PodcastFacts UnpluggedMicaela Isler and Adam Belmar speak about NABPAC and what the association does for, and on behalf of, the membership. It's all about: Advocacy, Communications, Fundraising Best Practices, Legal and Compliance, and DE&I.
2022-07-2117 minFacts About PACs PodcastFacts UnpluggedMicaela Isler and Adam Belmar for an unplugged edition of the number one PAC Podcast in America.
2022-06-0314 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC Insight with Lauren Colicelli | National Association of REALTORS®A master class on political fundraising with a professional who leads one of our industry’s best programs: RPAC. Lauren Colicelli, Director of Political Fundraising at the National Association of Realtors® joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for a deep dive on peer-to-peer fundraising.
2022-05-2115 minFacts About PACs PodcastPAC Insight with Meghan Everngam | NAHBMeghan Everngam from the National Association of Home Builders joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar to talk about her program and the way BUILD PAC is rallying its members in 2022.
2022-04-2221 minFacts About PACs PodcastSolutions in Action with Mike Richardson | Chain Bridge BankThis episode is the first in an ongoing series we’re calling “Solutions in Action.” As ever, the experiences and expertise of our colleagues can go a long way toward helping us all get better outcomes. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined for a candid conversation about PAC Banking by Mike Richardson, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer at Chain Bridge Bank This episode is brought to you by Quorum.
2022-04-1415 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 72 with Jocelyn Hong (NILE)Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Jocelyn Hong, 2022 President of NILE - The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics. Jocelyn is a strong voice for lobbyists and someone with terrific insights into both how DC works and the power of association.This episode is brought to you by QUORUM.
2022-03-2422 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 71 with Jamie Jones Miller, Northeastern UniversityMarch is Women's History Month, and in this episode, Micaela Isler is joined by Jamie Jones Miller, Inaugural Dean & CEO of the Northeastern University Arlington Campus for an in-depth discussion about women in the government relations space.
2022-03-1016 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 70 with Bradley A Smith, Institute for Free Speechin this episode, Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Bradley A Smith, Chairman, and Founder of the Institute for Free Speech for a look at the few bills still percolating in the 117th Congress that aim to do harm to employee-funded and business trade association PACs – directly and indirectly.
2022-03-0416 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 69 with Dr. Casey Burgat - Director, Legislative Affairs program, GWU Graduate School of Political ManagementBe better in your current job and how to get the next one. Inside the PAC Certificate and Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management with Dr. Casey Burgat. Plus, hear host Micaela Isler on the hot new podcast Civic Warriors !
2022-02-2515 min
Civic WarriorsCivic Warriors Episode 31: Understanding Political Action Committees with NABPACIn this episode of Civic Warriors, we speak with Micaela Isler, Executive Director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC). Support the show
2022-02-2237 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 68 Corporate Culture | DE&I with Tracy J EdmondsThe work of DE&I didn’t start during the summer of social justice in 2020 – that’s just when it broke through the noise. And the work of DE&I isn’t done in 2022, just because it’s not on everyone’s lips right now. In this episode, Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar talk to Tracy J Edmonds about Corporate Culture and how getting DE&I right is fundamental to success.
2022-02-1815 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 67 with Dave Wasserman U.S. House Editor, The Cook Political ReportIt is time to take a hard look at politics. The races, The candidates. The redistricting maps. The court battles. And all the data. Dave Wasserman, U.S. House editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar.This episode of the Facts About PACs Podcast is brought to you by CHAIN BRIDGE BANK.
2022-02-0323 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 66 with Meaghan Joyce (International Paper)Meaghan Joyce, Director of Political & Advocacy Strategy at International Paper joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for a discussion about where NABPAC stands as an organization, the important work being done behind the scenes, and where the association is headed in 2022. This episode is brought to you by GR Pro.
2022-01-2817 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 64 with Tim Riordan from BIPAC2022 is an election year and employee-funded and business trade association PAC campaigns are getting underway. Tim Riordan, President & CEO of BIPAC, joins Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar for a conversation about: employed voters’ priorities; the willingness of employees to trust their employers when it comes to business issues; changes in voter purchasing behavior based on a company's public position on an issue.
2022-01-1317 minFacts About PACs PodcastLook Ahead to 2022 with Steven Billet, Ph.D.And just like that, things are winding down in Washington DC for 2021. Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by a recognized expert in US campaign finance and PAC management, Steven Billet. Professor Billet headlined our first episode of 2021 and today we hear how his predictions held up and what the tale of the 2021 tape should tell us all about the year ahead.
2021-12-1015 minFacts About PACs PodcastREconnect Conference SpecialA special episode of the #1 PAC podcast in America - a pre-flight checklist for the NABPAC Reconnect Conference. 10 pro-tips to maximize your experience in less than 10 minutes. Host Micaela Isler is joined by Amie Adams, David Schild, and Adam Belmar.
2021-11-0608 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 59 with Jim Ellis | Political SnapshotMicaela Isler and Adam Belmar examine the electoral and political landscape with Jim Ellis – from Ellis Insight. The latest on New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial campaigns and the impact on the upcoming primaries and 2022 midterms, from redistricting.
2021-10-2215 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 57 Three Questions with Amy ShowalterMeeting people "where they are" is a term you hear frequently in 2021. But, before you meet people where they are – you have to do your homework. Because how you do it, is the real challenge, especially in the PAC space. In this episode, Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by one of the great experts on the "how,” Amy Showalter of the Showalter Group. Don't miss the three key questions Amy says PAC managers must be able to say “yes” to in order to succeed.
2021-09-3020 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 55 with Lauren Newhouse of Dogwood Public AffairsMany firms are suddenly asking if now is the time to start a PAC? Or reinvigorate the PAC they already have? Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Lauren Newhouse of Dogwood Public Affairs - a leading expert when it comes to doing both of those things. Lauren shares the considerations that must be made before you get started.SHOW NOTES:Business of Politics Show Ep 3: Inside Business PACs: A Critical Source of Direct Campaign Funding with Micaela Isler, NABPAC Lauren Newhouse, Owner, Dogwood Public Affairs
2021-09-1615 min
Campaign Trend PodcastInside Business PACs: A Critical Source of Direct Campaign Funding – Micaela Isler (NABPAC)Micaela is the executive director of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees more commonly known as "NABPAC."It's a non-profit trade association for PACs with a membership of more than 700 government affairs professionals with over 300 PAC. In this episode, we talk about the role employee-funded and business trade association PACs play in the political process and how that's changed significantly in recent cycles. The Business of Politics Show, hosted by Eric Wilson, is a production of Startup Caucus, an investment fund and incubator for Republican campaign technology. Visit StartupCaucus.com to...
2021-09-1521 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 54 Top 5 QuestionsMicaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Amie Adams and David Schild as they break down the top 5 questions ever PAC Manager should be asking right now.
2021-09-0921 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp 51 Adrienne Marks, PAC Director, Global Government Relations, VISAIn episode 51 of the Facts About PACs Podcast, Micaela Isler and Adam Belmar are joined by Adrienne Marks from VISA. Adrienne is responsible for managing Visa's Political Action Committee, civic engagement, regulatory compliance at the federal and state level, and corporate diversity & inclusion initiatives.
2021-07-3021 minFacts About PACs PodcastEp. 16 FEC Chairman Trey Trainor on Oversight, Compliance, and Transparency | 07.23.20NABPAC Executive Director, Micaela Isler, speaks one-on-one with the newly confirmed Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, Trey Trainor, about oversight, compliance, and transparency in the employee-funded and association PAC space.
2020-07-2416 min