Cigar Caucus

The conversation explores Todd Deatherage’s upbringing in Fifty-Six, Arkansas, and how his small-town roots shaped his life and career. Todd discusses his transition from teaching to politics, his experiences working as a district director, and the lessons he learned while serving as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson. He also reflects on his transition to the U.S. Department of State a...

Roby Brock, a journalist and analyst, shares insights on his upbringing, political attraction, and experiences working with Bill Clinton and Governor Tucker. He also discusses the changes in political campaigns over the years. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including leadership traits, political campaigns, the impact of social media on the media landscape, and the revitalization o...

The conversation covers Congressman Charles Canady early life, entry into politics, political campaigns, congressional experience, bipartisanship, impeachment, constitutional implications, Senate trial, and the routine use of impeachment in modern politics. The conversation covers topics such as impeachment and bipartisanship, transition to the executive branch, serving in the governor's office, i...

The conversation with Ed Goeas delves into the importance of civility in American politics, the impact of negative campaigns, the toxicity of social media, and the role of faith in restoring mutual respect. It also explores the need for cross-aisle friendships and the potential for a healthier civic culture. Ed's insights and experiences shed light on the challenges and opportunities for positive...

Bob McEwen shares his upbringing in Ohio, his passion for America, and his involvement in the end of the Cold War. He also discusses the impact of socialism and communism, the changes in Congress, and the decline of civility in politics. The conversation covers a range of topics including patriotism, storytelling, economics, faith, education, and the future of the conservative movement. Bob McEwen...

The conversation covers Ambassador Huckabee's Arkansas roots and upbringing, his transition from ministry to politics, the role of humor in politics, and the chaotic transition to governorship in Arkansas. These themes provide insights into Huckabee's personal and professional journey, as well as the challenges and experiences he encountered along the way. The conversation covers the power of musi...

The conversation covers Congressman Buck McKeon's journey from a small family business in California to chairing the House Armed Services Committee. It delves into his upbringing, early work experiences, entry into politics, and his perspective on the future of the country. Takeaways Service and Leadership Work Ethic and Small Business Bipartisanship in Politics Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Work...

Senator Mike Rounds shares insights into his prairie upbringing, political influences, conservative and pragmatic politics, achievements as a governor, cybersecurity concerns, challenges faced by American farmers, the role of AI in agriculture, legacy, and the future of America. His steady leadership and pragmatic approach to politics are evident throughout the conversation. Takeaways Steady Leade...

Tom McMillen's conversation with Tim Hutchinson covers his remarkable career journey from basketball to politics, highlighting the challenges and transitions he faced. The discussion also delves into the governance of college sports and ends with a reflection on the future and advice for young people. Takeaways Seamless Transition Between Careers Challenges in College Sports Governance Chapters 00...

The conversation explores Tim Hutchinson's pioneering spirit, childhood adventures, willingness to take risks, and commitment to doing the right thing. Tim reflects on the discoveries and rewards of writing, the importance of optimism and conviction in politics, building relationships across differences, and restoring civility and bipartisanship in public life. He also shares personal stories abou...

The conversation delves into the early days of the Cigar Caucus, the unwritten rules of Congress, the impact of earmarks, the role of Newt Gingrich, the dynamics between freshman members and committee chairs, the deference to senior members, the weakening of committees, the partisanship and change in Congress, the impact of cable news and social media, messaging and media strategy, the influence o...

The conversation with Congressman Bob Clement covers his upbringing in politics, on-the-job training from his father, transition to higher education leadership, service in the U.S. Congress, the decline of civility in politics, and the Clement legacy of civility and public service. Takeaways Legacy of civility On-the-job training Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in Politics 07:40 Transition to Higher Edu...

The conversation with Dan Glickman covers his unpredictable career, the influence of humor in public service, and the importance of bipartisanship. From his roots in Kansas to serving in Congress and as Secretary of Agriculture, Glickman's journey is marked by humor, relationship-building, and the ability to diffuse tension. His transition to the Motion Picture Association and the importance of se...

A conversation about identity, redemption, and the surprising places where grace shows up. Todd Chrisley shares his experiences, insights, and advocacy for prison reform. Takeaways Family support and values play a crucial role in overcoming challenges. Being underestimated can be an advantage, leading to unexpected success. Advocacy for prison reform and policy changes is essential for a fair and...

The conversation with Timothy J. McCarthy, the Secret Service agent who protected President Ronald Reagan during the 1981 assassination attempt, delves into themes of courage and duty. It explores the events of that day, reflections on history, personal insights on Ronald Reagan, the recovery process, evaluation of Secret Service performance, challenges of venue protection, and the impact of polit...

The conversation with Governor Mike DeWine delves into his life anchored in family and service, the impact of early experiences on his leadership, the role of personal relationships in politics, the challenges and future of the Senate, the transition to governor, the impact of family, and his motivation for public service. The conversation also includes advice for young politicians. Takeaways Stea...

This conversation with Mac McClarty delves into the early days of his life in Hope, Arkansas, his friendship with Bill Clinton, and their shared journey in politics. It also explores the challenges and accomplishments of the Clinton presidency, as well as the need to restore civility in political discourse. Takeaways Friendship and loyalty play a significant role in shaping political careers. The...

The conversation covers the early influence of public service, growing up in the Governor's Mansion, the Arkansas Legislature experience, constituent service and bipartisanship, and campaigning and interacting with people. The key takeaways include the value of relationships and the importance of retail politics in public service. Takeaways Value of relationships Retail politics

The conversation with Congressman John Tanner covers his legacy, early life in rural Tennessee, interest in politics, lessons from military experience, congressional career, fiscal responsibility, and the Blue Dog Coalition's role in promoting bipartisanship. Takeaways Bipartisanship Fiscal Responsibility Chapters 00:00 The Blue Dog Coalition and Bipartisanship

The conversation covers Fred Upton's early years, political beginnings, and his experience working in the Reagan White House. It delves into lessons from campaigns and elections, the importance of bipartisanship, challenges in the House of Representatives, the impact of gerrymandering, and reflections on public service with advice for the future. Takeaways Bipartisan deal-making Impact of gerryman...

Colonel Jim Hendren shares insights on the intersection of business, politics, and public service, emphasizing the importance of private sector experience in public office. He also discusses the impact of social media on politics and the need for civility and collaboration across party lines. Takeaways Private sector experience is valuable in public service Civility and collaboration are essential...

Colonel Jim Hendren's conversation with Tim Hutchinson covers his uniquely American life, the experience of space travel, and the comparison of space travel to F-15 flight. It also delves into the training and preparation for space travel and the surprises and impact of the experience.

The conversation with former Congressman Steve Israel covers his journey from growing up in Brooklyn to serving in Congress and transitioning to bookstore ownership. It delves into the challenges of bipartisanship and the role of books in healing political divides. Steve's insights on leadership, political strategy, and the disappearance of the middle ground provide valuable takeaways for listener...

Barry Goldwater Jr. shares insights on his political journey, the legacy of his father, and the importance of civility in politics. He also discusses the Privacy Act of 1974 and the challenges of partisanship in modern politics. Takeaways Legacy of Barry Goldwater Importance of Civility in Politics Chapters 00:00 The Goldwater Legacy 07:40 The Privacy Act of 1974 15:16 The Importance of Civility 2...

Senator Roger Marshall discusses the importance of preserving Kansas values, the impact of media on public anger, the national debt as a major concern, the significance of community and family values, and the legacy of leaving the world better. He also shares insights on finding joy in rural America. Takeaways Preserving Kansas values Impact of media on public anger National debt as a major concer...