Friends & Fellow Citizens

What 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...

A 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 f...

How did the first U.S. Senator with an abolitionist platform speak on the Senate floor? Hear excerpts from New Hampshire Senator John P. Hale's speech in support of a DC emancipation bill in 1862 and learn more about his public service career and accomplishments (including an interesting fact about his daughter Lucy). Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-m...

Happy 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 advancemen...

As revolutionary as the Signers were, few were as revolutionary as Abraham Clark. Hear how this Signer from New Jersey advocated for "true policy" in his home state and ideals for a diverse economy, accountable legislature, faith, and justice. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! See you next year in 2024 with plenty more content to come! Music Credits:  "Joy to the World...

Many 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 Uni...

The U.S. presidential election of 1836 was anything but normal, especially if one was a member of the Whig Party. Although the Whigs nearly prevailed, unity within the party was a disaster. Nearly 200 years later, can the 1836 election teach candidates now and the future about party unity and disunity? With under a year until the 2024 presidential election, learn about the Whigs' strange camp...

U.S.-China relations are at tense levels and will define the course of the international order for decades to come. But what are the historical episodes that have led us to this point? Do our leaders understand this complex history between China and rest of the world? Dr. Jeffrey Crean, a history professor and author, provides deeper insight into how the perceptions and fears of the 'Central...

Known as "Honest John," John Hart was regarded for his authenticity and dedication to the patriotic cause. Learn how this farmer from New Jersey participated in public service for nearly 30 years and lessons to learn about this Signer from The Garden State! Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Fri...

With so much division, misinformation, and fear-mongering on environmental issues, Americans have found it difficult to weather the contemporary political ecosystem. So what policy solutions are there that can make our natural and political environment sustainable? Stephen Perkins, former VP of Grassroots Strategy at the American Conservation Coalition (now Chief Operating Officer as of this episo...

As another year of Friends & Fellow Citizens passes, Sherman provides a recap of the interview episodes since September 2022. 22 years ago, America experienced a tragedy that would change the country and the world instantly. As yet another year passes since 9/11, Sherman offers some brief thoughts about the significance of America's yearly reflection on this unforgettable day. We will alw...

The U.S. faces unprecedented drug addiction and trafficking crises that is intricately connected to law enforcement, foreign policy, and social factors. How extensive have these crises been regarding U.S. foreign policy in Latin America? Dr. Aileen Teague joins the program to share her views on the transnational drug trafficking and preview how complex the causes and solutions are to these ever-ch...

When people think of the U.S. flag design, they often think of Betsy Ross...but not Francis Hopkinson. Hear how this Founder with artistic skills encountered a major bureaucratic obstacle in the young Congress and how his writing analogized the patriot cause of the American Revolution. Support the show Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop sho...

Listen to Part 1 HERE ! What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and mainta...

What goes into the process of podcasting? After nearly three years since Friends & Fellow Citizens began, this special, two-part, two-way interview episode features Sherman and fellow podcaster Francisco Kilgore, who hosts his own program "Hello Sonoma!". Both provide deeper insight into the podcast production process, including tips on how to start and maintain your own podcast! Lis...

Discover the intriguing life and impactful legacy of Benjamin Bristow as this episode journeys through his career as a Union Army officer and major Republican Party reformer. Hear how his dedication to government reform and civil rights advocacy as a Kentucky state senator, US district attorney, first Solicitor General of the U.S., and Secretary of the Treasury. We also dive into the Whisky Ring s...

In an age of social media, the challenge of promoting and maintaining trust online continues to grow and demand more solutions. So how can parents and educators contribute to minimize online threats and maximize accountability and personal responsibility? Brock Murphy, Co-Founder and President of Parent ProTech, discusses the challenges of social media accountability and regulation and how his pla...

What can we learn from the life and legacy of John Witherspoon, an influential figure in American history who left an indelible mark on the education system and the formation of our nation? In this Sacred Honor series episode, we also delve into Witherspoon's role as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and the only clergyman to sign the document. Learn about the impact of this incre...

Despite numerous political differences, most people can agree on one thing: everyone wants freedom! So where can people convene and socialize about ideas for liberty? A professional dancer and Executive Director of FreedomFest, Valerie Durham shares what makes FreedomFest a unique annual event, insight into how it is put together, and some of the successes and challenges of our current political e...

In today's politics, it is not uncommon to see Members of Congress in shouting matches among each other and even toward witnesses. But what historical precedent could explain how we arrived at this point in time of polarized American politics? In this episode, learn more about the highly televised HUAC hearings of Alger Hiss and Whittaker Chambers and how the confrontational saga paved the wa...

Utah Army National Guard Major Brent Taylor, a lifelong public servant and serviceman, was serving as mayor of North Ogden, UT when he embarked on his fourth deployment to Afghanistan. But on November 3, 2018, Maj. Taylor was tragically killed by an insider attack in Kabul, making him the first sitting U.S. politician to be killed in action since the Civil War. The United States lost an American h...

Richard Stockton was one of the most prominent jurists and politicians before the American Revolution. But the growing conflict would not only take away his beloved estate, but also his health. Learn how Stockton's treatment as a prisoner of war and false rumors by Loyalists shaped the rough times many Signers faced soon after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Support the show Visit...

Whether it's flying into Harry Reid International Airport or driving through the border town of Jackpot, visitors from all over the world come to Nevada for a gaming experience built on leisurely fun. But who is authorized to ensure tourists and locals are treated fairly by gaming companies and allow for an open environment of business innovation? Phil Katsaros, a gaming industry professional...

With millions of visitors every year, Yosemite National Park in California is one of the natural wonders in the U.S. But what many might not know is the work that President Abraham Lincoln and one U.S. Senator did to protect this park from destruction and exploitation. Learn how Senator John Conness helped spearhead one of the earliest examples of natural conservation and why Yosemite remains an i...

Since Nevada officially became a "battle born" state in 1864 during the Lincoln presidency, Lincoln has been a ubiquitous historical figure in the Silver State. What other lessons can we learn from the 16th President? In Part 2, Dr. Green tell us why a both brilliant and imperfect Lincoln exemplified the type of moral leadership that can inform our political leaders today. For more resea...