Policy and Governance Perspectives – Details, episodes & analysis

The United States faces a government shutdown – again. How should we take care of it and what must be done to prevent it from happening at all? David Ramadan talks all about it with guest co-host Dr. Jeremy Mayer, a professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, and guest Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense. Together, they discuss the causes and consequences of government shutdowns, particularly their economic impact and negative effect on public trust. They also explore why a continuing resolution is way better than shutting down the government, the importance of reasserting congressional control over the federal budget, and “making appropriators great again.”

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In an era of political division, two former Virginia governors prove that collaboration and integrity still have a place in leadership. Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Schar School's official podcast, "Policy and Governance Perspectives!" In this compelling discussion, we have the privilege of sitting down with two extraordinary public servants and former governors of Virginia, Robert McDonnell and Terry McAuliffe. Join us as they set aside partisan hats to share invaluable lessons learned from their time in office, offering strategic advice for future leaders, and tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth. From budget complexities and legislative relationships to economic growth and the future of higher education, this conversation reveals the shared commitment to public service that transcends political divides and defines "the Virginia way."

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Reserves are an often overlooked pillar of American defense and public service. When you dig deeper, you will realize that they are more than just additional fighting forces during times of emergency. David Ramadan takes a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of the United States Army Reserve with his guest co-host Commander Dan Matthews and his guest Commander Sean Purdy. Together, they explore how Reserves continue to strengthen the connection between civilian life and national service because of their particular professional skills and career backgrounds. They also discuss how modern technology continues to transform the public service work of Reserves and the US military as a whole.

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Freedom of Speech stands at the heart of American democracy—and yet it faces new challenges in the age of polarization, executive overreach, and digital activism. In this episode, David Ramadan is joined by former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Walter Olson, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, for a powerful discussion on protecting free expression amid shifting political tides. They unpack the constitutional implications of recent executive actions, the danger of weaponizing nonprofit regulations, and how universities can preserve open discourse while maintaining inclusivity. From Capitol Hill to the classroom, the guests reveal what it takes to safeguard one of our nation’s most essential rights.

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Despite countless frictions and hurdles, the 2025 election results swung in favor of the Democratic Party. How did they manage to do this, and what could it mean for the country? David Ramadan answers these questions with Kyle Kondik and J. Miles Coleman from Sabato’s Crystal Ball, one of the most respected election forecasting teams in the country. Together, they take a closer look at the winners (and losers) of the election, particularly in Virginia and New Jersey, to determine how this will shape the 2026 cycle. They also unpack the most surprising things about the 2025 elections, particularly the shifting political winds in key states, as well as how the government shutdown impacted voter turnout.

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Despite many losses, humanity was able to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. But if we are to experience yet another outbreak on a global scale, how good is our pandemic readiness? David Ramadan and his guest co-host Gregory Koblentz sit down with renowned epidemiologist Michael Osterholm to discuss how the world should prepare to ensure that the next pandemic will not catch us off guard. They pinpoint the shortcomings of the COVID-19 response, particularly with vaccine integrity and lockdown implementation. They also explore how to address the massive problem of “infodemic,” as well as how young people can make a stand against misinformation and disinformation.

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The war in Ukraine continues to rage, and with no end in sight, the people there continue to suffer. David Ramadan and guest co-host Prof. Ellen Laipson sit down with reporter and news producer Mary McAuliffe, who shares her experiences living in war-torn Ukraine. She explains what daily life looks like in the country while living under the threat of Russian invasion, the resilience of its people, and the high costs of people's displacement. Mary also talks about her interactions with US military troops deployed in Ukraine, as well as the impact of US policies on the state of the ongoing conflict.

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With the digital world and people’s attention rapidly evolving, the media landscape also adapts quickly to catch up and stay relevant. David Ramadan sits down with guest co-host Dr. David Rehr and journalist Mark Halperin to dissect the state of media today, particularly with how it covers the most divisive political stories right now. Mark explains the role of independent journalism, including his own platform 2WAY, in presenting unbiased commentaries to foster diverse conversations and community engagement. They also share insights about the worsening problem of redistricting and gerrymandering, as well as the things to expect as we get near the elections.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast