Explore every episode of the podcast Madam Policy

With election day one day away, Madam Policy welcomes Mandy Gunasekara, former EPA Chief of Staff during the Trump administration and author of Y’all Fired: A Southern Belle’s Guide to Restoring Federalism and Draining the Swamp. Listen in as hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos talk with Mandy about her new book detailing her experience as a political appointee during the Trump administration, her role in Project 2025, and her biggest professional achievements, including developing former President Trump’s strategy for exiting the Paris Climate Accords. Curious to hear more about Mandy’s new book and what she thinks a second Trump administration could look like? Then tune in!

Madam Policy welcomes Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters (LWV), to talk about the importance of voting, making a plan to vote, and voting as early as possible! In celebration of Vote Early Day and election day in just seven days, hosts Dee Martin and Bracewell Partner Kate Day chat with Celina about the critical importance of voting rights, what the LWV is doing to ensure voter access, remove barriers to voters, and empowering first-time voters. Want to hear more about the legal strategies the LWV is implementing to ensure a fair and trustworthy election process? Then tune in! For more information on how to vote, visit vote411.org to make a plan for the 2024 election.

With the election just a week away, Madam Policy welcomes Hannah Fried, Executive Director of All Voting is Local, to discuss the critical issues surrounding voter access and the impact it has on our democracy. Hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles talk with Hannah to explore All Voting is Local’s mission to ensure equitable access to the ballot and how they are working in all states to combat barriers faced by underrepresented communities and to fight the wave of misinformation currently facing America’s elections. Want to hear about the work Hannah is doing to combat the “cost” of voting facing many Americans? Then tune in!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Madam Policy welcomes Friday Jones, a renowned tattoo artist who specializes in helping empower breast cancer survivors by transforming their mastectomy scars into illustrative tattoos. Friday joins hosts Dee Martin and Joshua Zive to discuss the emotional and psychological impact of her work on clients and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women and non-binary individuals in the tattoo culture. Want to hear more about Friday Jones’ perspective on the intersection of tattoo artistry and the medical reconstructive process? Want to hear about Friday’s experience in legalizing tattooing in Montenegro and tattooing Angelina Jolie? Then listen now!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Madam Policy welcomes Running Start alumnae Nykarlis Santos Núñez and Jessica Vallejo, political powerhouses and experts in legislative affairs and policy. Hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Nykarlis and Jessica to highlight the vital contributions of Latina leaders in shaping policy, what it was like to go through Madam Policy alum Susannah Wellford’s Running Start program which trains young women to join the political space, and the amazing work that Nykarlis and Jessica have done since the program. Spoiler alert, Nykarlis Santos Núñez is currently serving as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Agency of International Development and Jessica Vallejo is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania’s world-renowned Wharton Business School! Want to hear about Jessica’s emotional experience being in Congress during the passing of the Dreams and Promise Act? Want to know about Nykarlis’ journey from immigrant to Foreign Service Officer? Then tune in!

Political powerhouse and Legislative Counsel for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Donni Turner, joins the Madam Policy Podcast to talk about her extensive experience in legislative advocacy, the importance of representation and mentorship in politics, and the impact of education policies in the United States. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Donni to discuss her work shaping the College for All Act, the Cancel Student Loan Debt proposal, the Universal School Meals Deal, and the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Donni also shares valuable advice on negotiation and networking, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Curious about student loan policies, negotiating in the workplace, or advocating for diverse representation in Congress? Then tune in to learn more!

Madam Policy welcomes champion and advocate for mental health services and LGBTQ+ rights as well as a fighter for all things Vermont, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT). Rep. Balint joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss her key policy priorities for Vermont including housing, healthcare, and climate issues. Tune in as former middle school teacher, Rep. Balint, gives her take on whether teaching members of congress or teaching middle schoolers is more challenging. Tune in to hear more about the Congresswoman’s journey and the importance of being the first openly gay person to represent Vermont in Congress. Want to know how Rep. Balint cultivates bipartisan support for some of the most critical issues facing our nation? Then listen now!

Madam Policy host, Dee Martin, welcomes the latest batch of Policy Resolution Group (PRG) interns for the Summer 2024 semester, Jenna Bolonik, Margaret Hecht, Cooper Henson, Jenny Hu, Margaret Hutt, Joelle Rosenthal, and Kyleigh Voity. Dee and the interns discuss the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity available during the internship, constantly seeking out opportunities to learn, and more! The interns also talk about their favorite moments from the in-person D.C. internship including a U.S. Supreme Court Tour and a U.S. Capitol Tour, newsroom tours including NPR and Fox News, and more! Want to hear about the interns’ favorite pieces of advice they received over the semester? Want to know what advice this next generation of policy makers would give to their 50-year-old selves? Then tune in!

In this special episode of Madam Policy, listen in as host Dee Martin speaks at the Feminist Equalitea, an event hosted as part of the Democratic National Convention (the DNC) by the Feminist Majority and the ERA Coalition. Dee and the other advocates and leaders at the Equalitea called on Congress to take the procedural steps needed to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment and enshrine equal protection under the law. Listen 🎧

In this episode of Madam Policy, entrepreneur and fashion industry veteran Wendy Rabin, Founder of Wrabyn Boutique (wrabyn.com), joins hosts Dee Martin and Joelle Rosenthal to explore fashion’s role in emboldening women and driving change. Wendy shares her insights on the evolution of the fashion industry, exploring topics such as the impact of clothing on confidence and personal branding through the lens of enclothed cognition. The conversation tackles several pressing issues in the industry including sustainability, the impact of sexism in design, and how women can claim a seat at every table through confident self-presentation. Need help building a timeless wardrobe or still confused about business casual? Want to know about the importance of buying better and wearing forever? Then tune in!

Leader in the “Food is Medicine” movement and nutrition advocacy space, Jean Terranova, Senior Director of Policy and Research at Community Servings, joins Madam Policy to talk about the future of nutrition and food security policy in the United States. Host Dee Martin and Jenna Bolonik sit down with Jean to discuss her work on the bipartisan Medically Tailored Meals (MTM) Home-Delivered Meals Demonstration Act, the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, and an amendment of Medicare and Medicaid to include coverage for MTMs. Want to understand more about how Community Servings caters their services to people experiencing a wide range of health challenges and food preferences? Curious about the progress, challenges, and benefits of expanding access to MTMs? Wondering how to get involved in volunteering and advocacy for food security? Tune in to learn about these issues and more!

Expert in crisis communications and brand building, Anne Marie Malecha, CEO of Dezenhall Resources, sits down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown to discuss how operations should drive high-stakes communications, the role of communications in politics and policy, and when and how a company should weigh in on hot button issues. Armed with a policy background and extensive experience advising clients on how to build strong brands, Anne Marie lays out critical questions companies should ask themselves before speaking about issues that affect their key audiences. Curious about the legal consequences of crisis communications? Wondering how a communications professional would objectively analyze Trump and Biden’s performances in the recent presidential debate? Give this episode a listen!

The Honorable Thea Lee, Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs (ILAB) at the U.S. Department of Labor, joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to talk about her important work influencing policy through economics and promoting workers’ rights globally. As a leader at the forefront of both domestic and foreign policy, Deputy Undersecretary Lee explains how economics and economic research inform her work in policy, from the seafood industry to child labor prevention, and the importance of putting workers’ rights front and center when creating workplace evaluation protocols. Want to hear the story of how Thea debated a Nobel Laureate during the NAFTA negotiations? Strategies to end forced labor and social auditing under authoritarian regimes? Then tune in!

Globally recognized environmental justice champion Jeanette Pablo, founder and CEO of the Climate Equity Foundation and previous director of the Climate Equity Initiative at the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), joins Madam Policy to discuss the intersection of environmental justice and climate change. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Jeanette to talk about her work negotiating high-stakes international energy frameworks, the importance of AANHPI voices in environmental justice, and global approaches to shaping inclusive policies. Curious about the role of optics vs. substance in treaty negotiations or the staggering language barrier in social services and climate justice? Tune in to learn about these issues and more!

Madam Policy welcomes world-renowned musher and literal trailblazer, DeeDee Jonrowe, to discuss her journey within the dogsledding world, leading to 32 Iditarod starts, 29 finishes, three second-place finishes, and a record setting run in 1998 of fastest time by a female. DeeDee joins hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos to discuss her incredible journey, including completing one of her Iditarod runs three weeks after finishing chemotherapy, her work with search-and-rescue dogs, and her role as a leader on animal humanitarianism. Want to learn more about animal search-and-rescue training? The importance of perseverance in the face of hardship? Then this episode is for you!

Trailblazer Eleanor (Ellie) Smeal, co-founder and president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, joins Madam Policy to talk about her lifelong dedication to achieving social, political, and economic equality for women worldwide. Mentor and friend, Ellie joins Madam Policy host Dee Martin, former Feminist Majority intern and now Board member. The two discuss the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment, Title IX, reproductive choice, and the what’s at stake in the 2024 elections. Want to know more about gender apartheid in Afghanistan? What the U.N. calls “crimes against humanity”? What could happen with mifepristone? The potential for young people to decide the elections? Then this is the episode for you!

Madam Policy welcomes global leader and trailblazer in telecommunications and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mignon Clyburn, former Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Making history, Mignon was the first woman to serve as Chair of the powerful FCC.

Mignon joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell to discuss her journey to the top in an historically male-dominated field, the challenges and opportunities surrounding the widespread emergence of AI, her lifelong commitment to public service, and the work she is doing and has done to maintain an open and accessible internet for all. 

Tune in to hear about how Mignon, daughter of Congressman James E. Clyburn, shaped her journey to the head of an executive agency through her experience at the South Carolina Public Service Commission and how mentorship has molded her path every step of the way.

Women and children’s rights activist, Maebel Gebremedhin, co-founder and president of Tigray Action Committee, shares the Tigrayan story of the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia, acting in alliance with Eritrea, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on Madam Policy this week. Born in a refugee camp in Sudan, Maebel sits down with host Dee Martin to discuss the “forgotten war,” conflict-based gender violence, and how her family background shaped her path in life. This episode spotlights the importance of women being involved in decision making processes, living by the mantra “if not me, then who?”, and how drawing attention to an issue can create change. Tune in to learn more!

Political strategist and technology entrepreneur, Lucy Caldwell, Founder of Mockingbird Lab, joins Madam Policy to talk about her work mobilizing independent voters, advocating for structural reforms to make politics more competitive, and disrupting old school grassroots organizing with innovative technologies. Lucy sits down with Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles to discuss the current state of political campaign technology and her focus on using data-driven strategies to drive voter engagement. Tune in for a healthy dose of political prognostication, too! Want to hear the toughest advice Lucy was told early on in her career? Tune in now!

Chief Strategy Officer for the CHIPS Program Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Dr. Morgan Dwyer, joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to talk about the critical work the CHIPS program does to ensure U.S. economic prosperity and national security. Dr. Dwyer highlights the work she’s doing to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry and the importance of investing in local communities and workforce development programs. Want to hear about the journey that landed Dr. Dwyer to become the woman leading a $39 billion investment portfolio focused on semiconductor manufacturing and the advice she would give to her 24-year-old self? Then tune in!

Madam Policy welcomes the Honorable Meredith Berger, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment and Chief Sustainability Officer! Secretary Berger joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss climate readiness and the importance of women in STEM. Learn more about her “Three C” strategy that focuses on communities, critical infrastructure, and climate. Want to know what the Navy is doing for Earth Day and Energy Installations and Environment Week? Want to hear about ASN Berger’s letter to President H.W. Bush when she was seven? Then tune in!

Running Start Founder and CEO, Susannah Wellford, joins Madam Policy with hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell. Tune in as they talk with Susannah about empowering women to run for political office. A nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Running Start trains young women to run for political office and provides them with the tools they need to build a long-term community of support. 

Tune in to hear about some of the amazing and successful Running Start alumnae, as well as tips for success from Susannah based on her own impressive journey.

Madam Policy welcomes renowned constitutional scholar and Ms. Studios executive producer, Professor Michele Goodwin, to talk about the state of reproductive health rights in the United States. Dr. Goodwin—book author, activist, and professor of Constitutional Law & Global Health Policy at Georgetown University—chats with hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles about her journey in the law, her passion for equality, and the reality of the “Jane Crow” era. Want to hear the story of what happened when Dr. Goodwin met President Joe Biden? Then tune in!

Policy veteran and Baker Hughes’ super-smart Chief Sustainability Office, Allyson Anderson Book, joins Madam Policy for an all-new episode. Allyson chats with hosts Dee Martin and Brittany Pemberton about her strategy for ESG reporting and harmonization, as well as her leadership role in diversifying the perspectives at the decision-making table. Want to hear more about how the skills of the current energy workforce can be parlayed into the net-zero emissions economy? Want to join Allyson and Dee as they take a quick stroll down memory lane, remembering the work they did together to help ensure certainty in the nation’s helium supply (it’s not just for balloons!)?  What advice would sustainability champion and geoscientist Allyson Anderson Book would give to her 24-year-old self? Tune in and find out!

Madam Policy is excited to welcome back the amazing Alexa Cole, Director of the NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce. Hosts Dee Martin and Anna Karakitsos sit down with Alexa to talk about the work she is doing as she leads the U.S. government’s efforts on global management of marine resources. Want to hear about Alexa’s work combatting IUU fishing and forced labor or how Alexa navigates and negotiates international treaties? Then tune in!

On this episode, Madam Policy welcomes a rockstar in the energy space, Camille Moore, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE). From being a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Energy Fellow to an environmental Policy Advisor for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe to joining AABE during the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Camille is and has been at the center of the energy sector. Camille joins hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell to discuss the work AABE is doing around the country to ensure community voices are being heard within the energy industry; the work Camille is doing as a member of the SWEEP Standard board; and more. Want to hear Camille’s advice to women of color wanting to advance in the energy field? Tune in!

Kicking off 2024 and Black History Month, Madam Policy welcomes two amazing and recognized leaders for race, social justice, and gender equality, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Author Mungi Ngomane! Daughter and granddaughter of the honorable Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Naomi Tutu and Mungi Ngomane, author of Everyday Ubuntu, join hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell this week. Hear from Rev. Tutu about the importance of living through the struggle, as she did when she ultimately accepted her call to the ministry. Hear from Mungi about the Southern African philosophy ubuntu, “I am only because you are,” and the smart, implementable lessons Mungi shares in her book, Everyday Ubuntu. Want to put a big smile on your face? Tune in to hear the mother-daughter dynamic duo talk about their pride in each other and a potential book in the works 👀.

** TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains a discussion of death by suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Award-winning author and former California State Assemblymember, Mary Chung Hayashi, is a trailblazer and a leading advocate for women’s health. Throughout her career, Mary has shaped policy and created history.  In 2006, Mary became the first Korean American woman elected to the California State Assembly. Mary is a fierce healthcare advocate, became the first director of the Asian Pacific Islanders for Choice and later founded the trailblazing National Asian Women’s Health Organization. 

Mary joins host Dee Martin to discuss her new book, Women in Politics: Breaking Down the Barriers to Achieve True Representation. Want to know how Mary and Dee might have crossed paths in the 90’s? What is the “imagination barrier”? Can I still get this book for the women in my life before the holidays? Find out the answer to all of these questions and learn so much more!

Top advocate for renewables and GEVO Vice President of Government Affairs Lindsay Fitzgerlad joined Madam Policy upon her return from COP28, sharing her insight and wisdom! As a leading renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, GEVO’s commitment to sustainability was front and center at COP28. Join host Dee Martin as she talks to Lindsay about her “aha” moment when the polices she’s been championing were embraced by US and foreign leaders at the COP.  Want to learn more about the role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in decarbonizing air travel? The role of sustainable agriculture in lower emissions? What advice this trailblazing renewable champion would give to her 24 year old self? Tune in now!

** The COP28 in 8 series is a series where we have 8-minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 13th, 2023, and events may have changed since this recording.

President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and policy powerhouse Lisa Jacobson continues Madam Policy’s COP28 in 8 series, joining us on “Gender Day”! Lisa talks with hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell while in Dubai for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28. We check in with Lisa about BCSE’s role as a 65-member trade association representing the energy efficiency, natural gas, and renewable energy industries on the world stage. We also hear more about BCSE’s Sustainable Energy in America Factbook, the invaluable resource for government officials, stakeholders, and thought leaders. Want to hear more from this amazing woman who shapes policy every day to advance the clean energy transition? Tune in today!  

** The COP28 in 8 series is a series where we have 8-minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 4th 2023 and events may have changed since this recording.

Kicking off Madam Policy’s COP28 in 8 series is Founding Executive Editor of Cipher and top national energy and climate reporter Amy Harder. Amy joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector from Dubai for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP28. Get the inside scoop from Amy about hot topics from methane reduction measures, the “investment gap,” the role of the oil and gas industry and more in this special episode of Madam Policy! Per usual, Amy is covering it all. Tune into this fast-paced episode and come back for the other quick convos that are part of our COP28 in 8 series.

** The COP28 in 8 series is a mini episode series where we have 8 minute conversations with the women involved with COP28 in Dubai.

**This was recorded on December 5th, 2023 and events may have changed since this recording.

Madam Policy is 100! We’re celebrating Madam Policy’s 100th episode and no better way than hosting trailblazer Dr. Geri Richmond, DOE’s Under Secretary for Science and Innovation! The brilliant physical chemist Dr. Richmond leads the Office of Science, the nation’s largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences; DOE’s applied R&D areas of nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy, and energy system integrity; and the DOE national laboratories and their facilities. Dr. Richmond has been honored by numerous awards including the National Medal of Science, the Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society, and the Linus Pauling Medal Award. Deeply commitment to the advancement of women in science, Dr. Richmond is the founding director of a grassroots organization called COACh that has helped over 25,000 women scientists and engineers in career advancement in the U.S. and in dozens of developing countries globally.

Hosts Dee Martin and Rebecca Brown are joined by the Under Secretary to discuss the Department of Energy’s role in supporting the US’s advancement in energy, science, and technology. Want to learn about the nation’s top priorities for advancing the Clean Energy Transition? Want to hear our thoughts on the themes of the bestselling book Lessons in Chemistry and how it ties into Dr. Richmond’s real life work empowering women in STEM? Want to know what advice the Under Secretary would give to her 24-year-old self? Tune in to our monumental 100th episode now!

Earlier this year, the FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) made history by electing FBIAA President Special Agent Natalie Bara and FBIAA Vice President Special Agent Jen Morrow, the first female-duo, to lead the Association. The FBI Agents Association is a member organization representing current and former agents and focuses on three key areas: legal support, advocacy, and charitable foundations. This week, FBIAA hosts the 10th annual G-Man Honors gala, a fundraising event for the Association’s two key foundations. The Memorial College Fund pays the college tuition of children of Agents who die while employed by the Bureau, and the Membership Assistance Fund provides financial support in times of need for agents in the face of unexpected and often catastrophic situations.

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Special Agents Bara and Morrow to discuss FBIAA policy priorities, the importance of supporting the FBI family, and offer important advice to young women thinking about becoming FBI Agents. Want to know what these Special Agents would be if they weren’t in the FBI? How the FBIAA is advocating in the executive and legislative branches for current and former Agents? What advice these groundbreaking women would give to their 24-year-old selves? Listen now!

President and CEO of Democracy Forward Skye Perryman, a leading figure in fight to safeguard our valued constitutional and civil liberties, shares her views on the key cases before the United States Supreme Court this term. Join hosts Dee Martin and Senior Principal Josh Zive as they engage Skye on a wide range of cases and their implications for democracy. Reproductive choice, gun control laws, and Chevron deference are all on the table. Plus, hear from Skye about being an advocate and shaping policy, as well as her advice on going to law school! Tune in to learn about all of this and more!

Are you ready to take some time for yourself every day? Restore your confidence? Rejuvenate your mind? Then pick up your copy of Self!sh by actress and author Stephanie Szostak today! Self!sh is your personal playbook for your mindset. Stephanie calls it “your toolkit to cope and grow.” Stephanie created Self!sh in collaboration with Give an Hour—a national mental health nonprofit focusing on providing direct counseling, peer support groups, and education. One thing that is absolutely NOT selfish about Stephanie is that a portion of the proceeds from her book go to Give an Hour.

Stephanie joins host Dee Martin to discuss her new book Self!sh, her struggles with anxiety, and her career. She shares about what led her to write Self!sh, highlighting her experience with loss and imposter syndrome as her career ramped up. She shares how those feelings led her on a journey to address how her self-worth is not tied to outside validation. Stephanie simultaneously inspires us and provides a pragmatic approach to developing tools to succeed in life.

Stephanie is an award-winning actor who played opposite Meryl Streep as French Vogue Editor Jacqueline Follet in the iconic film The Devil Wears Prada; she won Best Lead Actor – Female for her film Satellite; she played the villain Brandt opposite Robert Downey, Jr. in Iron Man 3 and so much more. She also starred in the ABC series A Million Little Things and now she is a new author! Don’t miss this episode.

“You’ve been given gifts, use them” is the advice that Co-Chair of VERITY NOW and policy powerhouse Beth Brooke would give to her 24-year-old self. Beth has dedicated her career to creating an inclusive space for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to her work at VERITY NOW, an organization aimed at educating and advocating for gender equity in vehicle safety standards, Beth served as the Global Vice Chair of Ernst & Young, held multiple senior roles at the Department of the Treasury, and has chaired the Board of Vital Voices. This two-time delegate for the U.S. to the UN Commission on the Status of Women has been named one of Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women 11 times and has been vocal about the importance of differences in the workplace, whether it be professional or personal, and how it leads to a better product and working environment.

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Beth Brooke to discuss how to become a “changemaker” in a world that deprioritizes gender and equity. From car safety standards to LGBTQ+ rights, Beth breaks down all the ways in which she has advocated for greater inclusion in professional spaces. Ever wonder about the accuracy of test dummies? Thinking about becoming more involved in advocacy? Or are you just really interested about Beth’s rise to stardom as an Indiana basketball legend? Tune in to learn about all this, and more!

United States District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Ana Reyes arrived in Kentucky from Spain at the age of five speaking very little English, making school and adaptation difficult. Ana’s first-grade teacher took notice and dedicated her personal time before school each morning teaching Ana the language. That early life lesson instilled in Judge Reyes a deep commitment to selfless service and paying it forward.  Today, Judge Reyes is the first Hispanic woman and the first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and is a role model for many others.

On this special episode of “Madam NOT Policy,” Judge Reyes joins hosts bestie Dee Martin and good friend Caitlin Sickles to discuss her journey from Uruguay to Spain to Kentucky to the bench. Highlights include tales of those who helped the Judge along the way, including first-grade teacher Patricia Harkleroad and her own mother, The Lilliam—a force of nature! Tune in as they discuss the importance of visibility for marginalized communities, conveying calm, and singing birds in trees (that’s for you, Elizabeth, also bestie). Want to hear about Judge Reyes’ love of the Boston Red Sox and her advice on how to best put on a bus tour? Tune in!

Do you know what “if you see it, you can be it” means? It’s a phrase designed for trailblazers like Ambassador Carrin Patman. Ambassador Patman has inspired thousands of young women to excel through her years of extraordinary service in the public and private sectors. Raised in a family dedicated to public service, Ambassador Patman has always known that she would find or create ways to strengthen her communities and pay it forward. The Ambassador, a former trial partner at Bracewell LLP, was the first woman to serve on the Firm’s Management Committee; she chaired the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County; and helped establish the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law.  In August of 2022, the U.S. Senate confirmed her to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Iceland. A powerhouse litigator, trailblazer for women in law, and mentor to many, Ambassador Patman has helped shape the future for women and broken down barriers in gender bias.

Host Dee Martin sits down with friend and mentor, Ambassador Patman, to talk about her legendary career and extraordinary journey. They discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Iceland as longstanding allies and the continued progress both countries can achieve together. Want to learn about Iceland’s utilization of different types of renewable energy? Overcoming gender bias in the workplace? How Thor’s hammer is used in the United Nations? Tune in now!

“Learn to be a storyteller” is just one of the pieces of advice that the brilliant Dr. Bhavya Lal would give to her 24-year-old self. Dr. Lal and her analyses have been at the forefront of space policy for the past decade; she created and curated the role Associate Administrator for Tech, Policy, and Strategy at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and she was the first woman in 60 years to hold the position of acting chief technologist for NASA. She spent years in the private sector leading strategy technology assessment for The Institute for Defense Analyses. She has four degrees--three of which are from MIT--and she was nominated and selected to become a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Join hosts Dee Martin and chair of Bracewell’s technology section Constance Rhebergen as they speak with Dr. Lal about her amazing work with space initiatives, policy, and technology. They discuss the potential between international collaboration on Space IP, the Artemis program, and the efforts to explore space beyond our moon. Ever wonder about the increasing commercialization of space? Thinking about orbital debris? Curious about whether the plot of Gravity is more feasible that we thought? Then this episode is for you! Or, if you just really love golgappa, like our guest and hosts do, then this episode is really for you! Tune in now!

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, inspired by her mother former New York City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke and a predecessor of her current congressional seat U.S. Representative Shirley Chisolm, has dedicated her life to public service. Congresswoman Clarke is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 9th district—a district that prides itself on being an immigrant port and mosaic of different cultural, ethnic, and belief backgrounds­. Not only is Clarke the Representative for NY-09, but she was also born and raised in the district she now represents after her parents immigrated from Jamaica to attend school in Brooklyn. Clarke co-chairs the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security and has been a member of the Congressional Black Caucus since coming to Congress in 2007 and chairs its Immigration Task Force.

Congresswoman Clarke sits down with hosts Dee Martin and “forever team Clarke” former staffer Kendall Mitchell to discuss her work, her leadership, and her constituents. They discuss Representative Clarke’s leadership within CBC and her policy priorities and roles during ALC. Want to know how to create systemic change? Tune in now!

Lina Tori Jan currently leads the implementation of Georgetown University’s new Afghanistan Initiative, Onward for Afghan Women, elevating and supporting Afghan women leaders with opportunities to continue their advocacy on behalf of Afghan women and girls.  Shaped by her experiences as an Afghan woman raised in Afghanistan, Lina has worked around the globe with companies, NGOs, and governments, assisting in their efforts to create a more just society. Lina holds a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Oxford, and a B.A. in Leadership Studies and Political Science from the University of Richmond. Lina is widely regarded as a champion for civic and social justice, as well as a fierce advocate for refugees.

Lina sits down with hosts Dee Martin and former PRG intern Anum Merchant to talk about her work at Onward for Afghan Women and its objective to highlight the expertise of these Afghan women and make sure their voices are heard in the global policy debate. They discuss the role of the United Nations and the current discussion about recognizing “gender apartheid” in Afghanistan based on the Taliban’s rule and severe mistreatment of women and girls. Want to hear more from Lina on how “attentive leaders create a culture of grassroots empowerment”? Tune in now!

Ready to be inspired to use your voice and your vote?  Hear from champion of democracy and lifelong social justice activist Virginia Kase Solomón, the CEO of the League of Women Voters (LWV). The LWV is the 103-year-old organization that formed just before the 19th Amendment was ratified, and women won the vote. That was on August 26, 1920. While every year that date is marked as Women’s Equality Day, for the second year, the LWV is declaring it Women’s Inequality Day because of the historic challenges women and allies currently face. The campaign—#WID23—calls on the federal government to pass voting rights legislation, add the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution, and restore reproductive rights to women and those who can become pregnant.

Tune in as Virginia sits down with hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell to discuss #WID23, the critical role of Black women historically and today in the fight for democracy, and the qualities of being an effective leader. Don’t miss Virginia’s sage advice on “walking in your purpose” and not sweating the small stuff!

“Be open to new and different opportunities along the way”—sage advice from Toni-Marie Higgins, Chief of Staff to Sen. John Boozman (R-AR). With an impressive tenure of over two decades on Capitol Hill, Toni-Marie has worked her way up from Staff Assistant to Chief of Staff, only 1 of 32 women to hold this prestigious position in the Senate. Toni-Marie’s work is widely recognized. She was named a John C. Stennis Congressional Staff Fellow, and she co-leads the bipartisan group of female Chiefs of Staff and Staff Directors. Last year, she was part of an important team dedicated to supporting democracy through election observation in Kenya.

Tune in as hosts and Arkansans Dee Martin and Shelby Kelley sit down with Toni-Marie Higgins to discuss how “bipartisanship is still very much alive in the halls of Congress if you look hard enough.” Hear how Toni-Marie balances between the policy and politics, elevates female leaders across Congress, and aims for bipartisanship. Perhaps most importantly, hear about the Boozman Team’s important work for the great state of Arkansas! Want to hear about the Farm bill, what makes a good Hill staffer, and how to make great pasta? Listen now!

“Persistence and resiliency” are words to live by, according to trailblazer and innovator Dr. Evelyn Wang. During her successful tenure as Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), President Biden nominated Dr. Wang to lead the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the “crown jewel” and research arm of the U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Wang and her team of brilliant inventers identify, develop, and fund disruptive energy innovations in their developmental stages. Tasked with thinking boldly and outside the box, ARPA-E is a catalyst for early-stage R&D. Having participated in ARPA-E’s Energy Innovation Summit to now leading it, Dr. Wang is strengthening the community of industry leaders and innovators who share her passion for solving energy problems and powering the clean energy future.

Dr. Wang joins hosts Dee Martin and Carolyn Spector to discuss her work as Director of ARPA-E and her experiences as a department head, beloved professor, and mentor at MIT. From geomechanical pumps to thermal batteries, Dr. Wang breaks down ARPA-E’s process to transform early ideas into proof-of-concept demonstrations. Dr. Wang discusses the importance of supporting young innovators, especially women, and how women in STEM should reject “imposter syndrome” and instead “savor the spotlight.” Tune in now!

“Do well while doing good” is the philosophy that global public affairs and policy powerhouse Susan Davis has followed throughout her four-decade long career. As owner of Susan DavisInternational and global activist, Susan has received numerous awards such as the Global Empowerment Humanitarian Award, the Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Business, and National Woman Business Owner of the Year. As the Board Chair for Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation and Chair Emeritus of Vital Voices Global Partnership, Susan works closely with Afghan women and children. Renowned for her proficiency in strategic positioning, reputation management, government relations, and crisis communications, Susan Davis does it all!

Tune in as hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Susan to discuss the role of resiliency in shaping policy, staying on track even when things go awry, and the normalcy of failure. Want to hear about Susan’s work on military caregiving, a discussion about ongoing issues in Sudan, and losing John Wayne’s toupee on national television? Listen now!

“Ignore the naysayers,” is the advice that Colorado’s Secretary of State Jena Griswold would give to her 24-year-old self and other young people. Hailing from rural Colorado, hard-working Secretary Griswold became the youngest elected Secretary of State in the United States. Currently in her second term, Secretary Griswold oversees state-wide elections and is dedicated to protecting voter’s rights and expanding access to elections. The Secretary is also dedicated to ensuring access to reproductive healthcare in Colorado and has worked with Governor Jared Polis to do so.

Secretary Griswold joins host Dee Martin to discuss her important work on these and many other issues, and she also shares pragmatic lessons learned throughout her journey.  Don’t miss the conversation between the Secretary and Dee about the importance of bipartisan advocacy and coalition building, as well as the harmful role of mis- and disinformation in political campaigns. Tune in now!

In an activity awash with top minds and top talent, Eugenia (Eu) Giampetruzzi and Grace Kessler stand out as two of the best, brightest, and fastest collegiate debaters in the country. This pair of scholars from Emory University recently finished the 2023 debate season earning the award for second best partnership in the country for the regular season, culminating in a Final Four appearance at the prestigious National Debate Tournament championship. On top of that, Eu is the first woman to be crowned with the #1 individual speaker award at the national championship in back-to-back years.

Hosts Dee Martin and successful, former college debater David Bernstein sit down with Eu and Grace to talk about the high stakes-high reward ecosystem of collegiate debate. Grace and Eu also discuss how their finely honed debate skills translate into success in shaping policy across a spectrum of issue areas, including mental healthcare. Tune in to hear what advice Eu and Grace would give to their 50-year-old selves and take a listen to what the fast-paced and highly successful duo sound like using their debate voices!

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) is a military veteran, a doctor, and a strong champion of ethanol, biofuels, and energy security. What listeners may not know is that the Congresswoman wanted to be a teacher and a series of events led her to a career as a doctor and now, a Member of Congress. Compassionate, passionate, and smart, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has parlayed her previous work into the work she does today, serving on the Veterans Affairs committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. A woman who has shattered the glass ceiling on a number of occasions, Representative Miller-Meeks is a trailblazer and role model for many.

Co-hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson sit down with Congresswoman Miller-Meeks to talk about veterans’ mental health and the importance of creating a safe space for people who served. Of course, no conversation about Iowa is complete without a discussion of corn and the use of biofuels to reduce CO2 emissions, so tune in to hear more about her bipartisan legislation the Next Generation Fuels Act. Want to know what it takes to be an effective leader? Listen now!

U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) has just finished her first 100 days in office. Tune in to hear about her important work on behalf of Southern and Central Illinois, on the Farm Bill, and on rural and veteran healthcare.  No stranger to Washington, DC, the Congresswoman brings to bear extensive policy and political experience gained at the highest levels of state and federal government, as well as over a decade of experience in the labor movement. The throughline of this important work? Advocating for working families. Her superpower? The ability to get things done.

Congresswoman Budzinski joins Dee Martin and the Congresswoman’s Legislative Director John Lee to discuss the importance of negotiation and intentional bipartisanship in policymaking. Another key ingredient? State fair diplomacy! You don’t want to miss the advice this smart and passionate policymaker would give to her 24-year-old self. Listen now!

Born and raised in Cordova, Alaska, Rachel Kallander grew up with the motto “know who you are, know who you represent.” Rachel carries that motto with her today, and it drives her work on behalf of Alaska and the Arctic. As the founder and executive director of Artic Encounter, Rachel convenes the largest annual Arctic policy and business conference in the U.S. today. With over 1,000 attendees this year—including Ambassadors, US Senators, dignitaries, indigenous and youth leaders—Arctic Encounter convened panels on important topics ranging from climate change, energy development, healthcare, and more. Also the founder and CEO of Kallander & Associates, Rachel works to effectively engage the issues and opportunities affecting Alaska and the Arctic through bipartisan policy development and creative collaboration. From working with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to owning and publishing the 114-year-old Cordova Times, Rachel’s goal is to make sure that when it comes to Alaska and the Arctic, the health of the environment and the people are a key part of the conversation.

Rachel joins hosts Dee Martin and Yasmin Nelson to discuss her passion for the Arctic region and how growing up in a fishing family in Alaska anchors her mission. Tune in to hear about Rachel’s journey form working with Senator Murkowski (R-AK) to becoming the publisher of Prince William Sound’s oldest newspaper, the Cordova Times, established in 1914. And don’t miss the story of being named an Honorary Consul to Alaska by the government of Iceland! Tune in now!