Shows
Friends & Fellow Citizens#170: Prescribing Fair and Free Market Remedies for Healthier American Healthcare feat. Miranda SpindtDespite a history of medicinal innovation, the U.S. continues to unhealthily struggle with its pricey and inefficient healthcare system. What is holding back good healthcare policy with free market principles and necessary government regulation? Miranda Spindt, Policy Associate at the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL), offers an overview of how too much government intervention has disrupted free market principles and created less-than-ideal health outcomes. She offers some unique solutions and ideas that can get us closer to a healthier conversation about the U.S. healthcare system.Learn more about WILL at https://w...2025-05-0559 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#168: Securing Texas-sized Restoration of Law and Order at the U.S.-Mexico Border feat. Melissa FordFor too long, the southern border of the U.S. has been a vulnerability for American national security, sovereignty, and immigration policymaking. And with Texas bearing the brunt of the border crisis, what do these challenges and dangers to the American people look like? Melissa Ford, Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation's (TPPF) Secure and Sovereign Texas campaign, warns about the major security and sovereignty threat from Mexican drug cartels. She also calls for stronger comprehensive policies to uphold American values of legal immigration, national security, and the rule of law.Learn more about TPPF...2025-04-0759 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#167: April Fool's Special (VIDEO LINK IN SHOW NOTES) - A Viral Professor's Pranks Making Laughs Beyond the Classroom feat. Matthew WeathersVideo version available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JE6G7-Atswg Starting today (not an April Fool's joke), F&FC will have video for special episodes!Almost everyone has that favorite professor from school. But what if you could take a class with a professor who makes video pranks for students and viewers to enjoy?Matthew Weathers, a math and computer science professor at Biola University, went viral several years ago with his famous classroom pranks watched around the world hundreds of millions of times. Hear the origins of his prank videos and h...2025-04-011h 05
Friends & Fellow Citizens#165: Insurgence of the Tea Party as a Faction of Governance Dissatisfaction feat. Dr. Rachel BlumThe Tea Party may feel like a long time ago, but was it really just a movement? Or was it a much larger phenomenon? Dr. Rachel Blum, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma and the Carl Albert Center, previews her book about the Tea Party's takeover of the Republican Party and shares how the Tea Party became one of the most disruptively consequential political movements in recent U.S. political history.Check out Dr. Blum's website rachelmblum.com and her book available on Amazon!Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute...2025-03-0358 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#164: Inaugural F&FC Presidents' Day Interview - Designing the Public Service Path of the Bush School feat. Dr. Charles HermannAlmost 30 years ago, Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service was dedicated to continue the legacy of the late President George H.W. Bush. For this year's inaugural F&FC Presidents' Day Interview, founding Director of the Bush School Dr. Charles Hermann shares some insight and principles of the institution and its role in shaping public service in America.Check out Dr. Hermann's books below!When Things Go Wrong: Foreign Policy Decision Making under Adverse FeedbackCalled to Serve: The Bush School of Government and Public Service...2025-02-1747 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#162: The Spiritual Battle of Oligarchy vs. Republicanism during Reconstruction feat. Dr. Forrest NaborsLincoln, the Republicans, and the Union Army fought and won to preserve the country during the Civil War. But what larger battle brewed during the bloodiest conflict in American history? Dr. Forrest Nabors, Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage, shares deeper insight into the larger political and spiritual conflict that determined the fate of the Founders' pillars of American republicanism.If you wish to learn more and purchase Dr. Nabors' book From Oligarchy to Republicanism: The Great Task of Reconstruction on Amazon, check out this link!Support the...2025-02-0359 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#160 Part II: Reflections on 1/6 - Repairing the Post-1/6 Cracks of the People's House feat. Jen DaulbyHow can Americans from both sides of the aisle prevent a 1/6 from ever happening again? Hear Jen's thoughts and advice on how voters can contribute to our states' election processes and remember the lessons from the infamous day in America's history.ICYMI, check out Part I HERE!Watch the documentary 'January 6th' on Discovery+ (link to trailer)Learn more about the Congressional Management Foundation on its website and X!Hear Sherman's first-hand account in #73: One Year After 1/6 - A Personal Reflection From a Former Congressional InternSupport the showVisit...2025-01-0632 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#160 Part I: Reflections on 1/6 - Recounting the 2021 U.S. Capitol Assault and Disruption of the Electoral Vote Count feat. Jen DaulbyExactly four years ago, Jen Daulby was on the House floor and evacuated with Members of Congress as rioters amassed and wreaked havoc on our nation's Capitol. Just a few hundred feet away, Sherman was in the Cannon House Office Building and was twice evacuated by U.S. Capitol Police due to a bomb threat and reports of intruders.The real heroes that day were and always will be the brave police officers who risked their lives to defend the Capitol and American democracy. With the upcoming certification of the 2024 election amid the ye...2025-01-0652 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#158: A Communicator of Public Service for the 'Great Communicator' Ronald Reagan feat. Peggy GrandePresident Ronald Reagan was known as 'The Great Communicator' who made countless positive relationships with others across the political spectrum. But who has had the opportunity of a lifetime to personally serve him? Peggy Grande, Executive Assistant to President Ronald Reagan 1989-1999 (post-presidency period), shares deeper insight about Reagan and his unique personality, character, values, and charm that made him one of the most memorable and respected Presidents.Check out Peggy's signature book The President Will See You Now!Learn more about Peggy's work at https://peggygrande.com/Support the showVisit...2024-12-0259 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#156 Part II: The Strategic President's 'Bully Pulpit' - Electoral College, Presidential Evaluation, and Premises feat. Dr. George EdwardsHow should we evaluate our Presidents and presidential candidates? In Part II, we continue our conversation with Dr. George C. Edwards III about the Bush School and Presidential Library, the Electoral College, and criteria people should use for evaluating candidate and presidential performance. Finally, hear why Presidents are prisoners of their premises and a preview of some of his many books about the American presidency. ICYMI, listen to Part I of our interview: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1255184/15791663 Amazon.com links to Dr. Edwards' books on the U.S. presidency: The Strategic President: Persuasion and Oppor...2024-11-0447 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#156 Part I: The Strategic President's 'Bully Pulpit' - Persuasion, Effectiveness, and Civility feat. Dr. George EdwardsTeddy Roosevelt once coined the term 'bully pulpit' to describe an ideal speaking platform for one's agenda. But this begs many questions. The public can hear the President, but does the public actually listen? Is the Electoral College a democratic system for choosing our national leader? Does civility matter for Presidents? Released on the day before Election Day 2024, this conversation features Sherman speaking with Dr. George C. Edwards III. One of the leading presidential scholars of our time, Dr. Edwards is Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor Emeritus and has authored or edited 27 books. A researcher who en...2024-11-0459 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#154: Charting the Horizons of Astronomical Connectedness feat. Col. (ret.) Michael E. FossumImagine the ability to solemnly see the Earth and the universe from high above the sky and contributing to the ever-important infrastructure that informs us about outer space. A lifelong Aggie, Col. (Ret.) Michael E. Fossum was a former NASA astronaut who logged nearly 200 days in space, worked over 48 hours of extravehicular activity, and embarked on key missions to the International Space Station. He now serves as a VP of Texas A&M and the Chief Operating Officer of the Galveston campus. Hear Col. Fossum's inspiring story about working to become an astronaut, his service in space, th...2024-10-0759 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#152: Miss America's Real-life 'Barbenheimer'? - Catalyzing Nuclear Chain Reactions for Clean Energy feat. Miss America 2023 Grace StankeThe box office successes of the Barbie and Oppenheimer movies in 2023 may not have been just a coincidence. The Wausau Daily Herald earlier this year named a Wisconsinite woman as 'the real-life 'Barbenheimer.' Grace Stanke, a nuclear engineer and nuclear energy advocate who served as Miss America 2023, is a leader in sparking a new chain reaction. She unleashes her passion for nuclear energy and its role in keeping our physical (and discourse) environment cleaner and better for current and future generations. Follow Grace on social media! Instagram: @grace.stanke X: @Grace_Stanke...2024-09-0258 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#150: Practical Tips and Mannerisms for America's Public Service Interns feat. Rachel RohrbachNEW Patreon update! Full versions of all interview episodes will soon be available to every paid member! More details next month!How can we better prepare young people to best transition into public service careers? Whether you are interested in applying for internships, already an applicant, curious about how young people are getting involved, and/or know someone who is looking to start a career in public service, this is an episode for you! Our guest Rachel Rohrbach is a Florida prosecutor with numerous internship experiences at places such as the White House and Capitol H...2024-08-0557 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#148: From Federalism to Antislavery - How the Father of the Constitution Shaped Our Nation feat. Dr. Lynn UzzellFor many, James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. But how did he become that Founding Father who shaped American institutions and politics far beyond his time? Dr. Lynn Uzzell, a Madison scholar and Associate Professor of Political Science at Bethel University, shares the real lessons and experiences that taught the Founder himself about the realities of government and human beings. Check out lynnuzzell.com for more information about her work!Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of...2024-07-0153 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#146: Legal/Political Legacies and Aspirations of the American 'Lawyers' Revolution' feat. Dr. Williamjames HofferRevolutions are tumultuous episodes of history when the past and the present battle to fundamentally shape the future. How did the 'lawyers' revolution' and the American legal and political systems define and redefine the meanings and context of our laws? Dr. Williamjames Hoffer, Professor of History at Seton Hall University, tells the story of the Caning of Charles Sumner, the Plessy v. Ferguson case, and the 'lawyers' revolution' that refocus contemporaries on the political and legal aspirations and complexities of our nation. Check out the following books by Williamjames! The Clamor of Lawyers: The American Revolution and...2024-06-0355 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#144: The Need for Responsible Deployment of Tech in American Infrastructure feat. Kirbie FerrellToo often, Americans understandably anticipate modern technology but voice frustration over potholes. So what are some of the issues that are preventing the U.S. from having decent roads and technological advancements in our infrastructure? Kirbie Ferrell, a Texas A&M Bush School graduate and Policy Analyst at The Eno Center for Transportation, gives a snapshot of where we are on our infrastructure and how good methods like responsible deployment can better implement the technology we invent.Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop...2024-05-0651 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#142: "4am Kyiv was bombed" - A Diplomat's Reflections on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine feat. Dr. Kateryna ShynkarukAround 4am on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a tragic attack against Ukraine that began the first major European conflict since World War II. The causes and effects of the invasion have disrupted the state of U.S. national security and global world order. Dr. Kateryna Shynkaruk, an experienced diplomat and academic who is a Senior Lecturer at Texas A&M's Bush School DC, first discusses her firsthand experiences evacuating her home country. She also shares her thoughts about the conduct of Russian President Vladimir Putin, characteristics of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the state and future of the conflict in...2024-04-011h 03
Friends & Fellow Citizens#140: The Intense Struggles to Fight Antisemitism for Good feat. Trent SpoolstraSince the tragic Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023 resulting in more than 1100 deaths, Jews worldwide have encountered an unprecedented wave of antisemitism. Trent Spoolstra, Associate Regional Director for the Midwest office at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and fellow Bush School alumnus with Sherman, recounted his personal thoughts, experiences, and emotions after learning about the attack. Learn more about the mission and work of the ADL to fight antisemitism and all forms of hate, and hear Trent's calling for peace, tolerance, and civility during this critical time for the Jewish people and their communities. Find out mo...2024-03-0459 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#138 Part II: Raising the Profile of Comms on the Hill feat. Sarah SelipWhat is the future of comms on the Hill? In Part II, Sarah recounts her first-hand experience with Sherman as they were evacuated during the January 6th, 2021 Capitol attack. She also shares the mission and vision of her own PR firm 917 Strategies and the future of women working in comms in our nation's capital. And finally, why dogs are wonderful company! In case you missed it, listen to Part I HERE Check out Sarah's website! www.917strategies.comFollow Sarah on:Instagram: @sarahselipX: @sarahselipAnd follow her dog Lilly on In...2024-02-0547 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#138 Part I: Raising the Profile of Comms on the Hill feat. Sarah SelipA Capitol Hill staffer once told me: "Comms [communications] IS policy." How do congressional communications influence policymaking? In this two-part episode, Sherman reconnects with Sarah Selip, whom he had the opportunity to learn from and work with during his internship with former Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) in early 2021. An emerging leader for women looking to serve in DC, Selip is the founder of 917 Strategies and a former congressional communications director who has an extensive background in conservative politics. Hear more about her past day in the life of working for Members of Congress and the opportunities and challenges of...2024-02-0547 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#136: Promoting the General Consumer Welfare in the Modern Tech Age feat. Tirzah DurenHappy 2024! Welcome to another year of Friends & Fellow Citizens! As technology rapidly develops, how can we develop and protect consumer welfare? Tirzah Duren, Technology Director of the American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research, discusses how issues like antitrust, data privacy, and AI will shape the policy debates in an age of polarization and rapid technological advancement. Learn more about ACI at theamericanconsumer.org! Learn more about Tirzah's work on technology policy!Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop...2024-01-0157 min
Friends & Fellow Citizens#134: The Self-made Perseverance of an American General, President, and Hero feat. Dr. Anne MarshallMany people regard Ulysses S. Grant as a great Union General but lackluster President. But isn't there more to this American hero's story? Dr. Anne Marshall, Executive Director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, shares more about the successes and imperfections of our 18th President and the mission and vision of this unique presidential library located at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS.Learn more about the presidential library before your visit at usgrantlibrary.org!Support the showVisit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the...2023-12-0459 min