Mastering the Room

Dr. Casey Burgat
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Mastering the Room

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else. The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before. Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power.

  1. Political Commentator and Consultant Tim Miller on The Future of the Republican Party

    5 DAYS AGO

    Political Commentator and Consultant Tim Miller on The Future of the Republican Party

    Tim Miller discusses his journey through the political landscape, his experiences with the Republican Party, the 2012 election autopsy report, and the current state of the Democratic Party. He reflects on the hypocrisy within politics, the rationalizations made by politicians, and his personal journey as a gay man in a party that often opposed his identity. The discussion also includes insights on the importance of accountability and the evolving nature of political engagement. He discusses the evolving landscape of American politics, particularly within the Republican Party, and the challenges of engaging younger voters. He reflects on his experiences with political messaging, the influence of Donald Trump, and the importance of addressing the concerns of the next generation. The dialogue also touches on personal insights and rapid-fire questions that reveal Miller's views on his career choices and media consumption.

    45 min
  2. Former Trump Administration Official Joe Grogan and Author Kenneth Lowande Talk Presidential Power

    5 NOV

    Former Trump Administration Official Joe Grogan and Author Kenneth Lowande Talk Presidential Power

    Casey Burgat, Kenneth Lowande, and Joe Grogan discuss the dynamics of presidential power—particularly in the context of executive actions and their consequences. They explore the symbolic versus substantive nature of presidential actions, the challenges of legislative processes, and the expectations placed on presidents by the public. The discussion highlights the bandwidth constraints presidents face and the tendency for Congress to cede power to the executive branch, leading to a cycle of inflated expectations and potential policy failures.

    46 min
  3. Journalist Mike Pesca Talks the Media Landscape

    24 OCT

    Journalist Mike Pesca Talks the Media Landscape

    In this conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist, discusses the evolution of news media, the impact of audience expectations on journalism, and the challenges of maintaining integrity in reporting. Mike reflects on the rise of 'miserabilism' in media, the importance of engaging interviews, and the need for journalists to hold political figures accountable. Pesca also shares insights into his interview style and the surprises he encounters with guests, as well as his aspirations for future interviews. Casey and Mike also explore the evolving landscape of American politics, reflecting on the legacy of Obama, the rise of cynicism among younger generations, and the importance of local engagement. They discuss the challenges of political activism, the role of journalism, and the need for objectivity in reporting. Mike shares personal reflections on his career choices and offers advice for young people entering politics, emphasizing the value of diverse relationships and hard work.

    43 min
  4. Election Analyst Dave Wasserman Talks 2024 Election

    10 OCT

    Election Analyst Dave Wasserman Talks 2024 Election

    In this conversation, Dave Wasserman from the Cook Political Report discusses his journey into political analysis, the intricacies of handicapping election races, and the current political landscape as the 2024 elections approach. He emphasizes the blend of art and science in predicting election outcomes, the importance of polling accuracy, and the demographic shifts affecting voter behavior. Wasserman also highlights key swing states to watch, the dynamics of the Senate and House races, and shares insights on what to expect on election night.

    50 min
  5. Actor Richard Schiff Talks The Real World Of The West Wing

    11 JUL

    Actor Richard Schiff Talks The Real World Of The West Wing

    Richard Schiff, an Emmy Award-winning actor known for his role as Toby Ziegler on The West Wing, discusses his upbringing, political activism, and the show's impact on young people. He reflects on the changing perception of politics and The West Wing mentality over the years. Schiff also shares his experience researching for the role of Toby and the eye-opening moments he had about the inner workings of government. He emphasizes the complexity of decision-making at the presidential level and the challenges of achieving meaningful change. Richard Schiff discusses the compromises and disappointments of real politics, the impact of his character Toby Ziegler, and his current projects. He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged in politics and making a positive difference, even in the face of disappointment and hypocrisy. Schiff also talks about his interest in longevity and the ethical implications of extending life. He encourages readers to get involved, contribute to positive change, and resist apathy.

    59 min
  6. Reporter Tim Mak on the Russo-Ukrainian War

    27 JUN

    Reporter Tim Mak on the Russo-Ukrainian War

    Tim Mak, founder of The Counteroffensive, www.counteroffensive.news, discusses his approach to war reporting in Ukraine. He emphasizes the importance of human interest stories and immersive journalism to create empathy and understanding among readers. The goal is to show how empathy and authoritarianism cannot coexist and to inspire action in support of those affected by oppression. Tim shares his experiences on the ground in Ukraine and the challenges of reporting in a war zone. He also discusses the need for self-care and the impact of covering traumatic events. Tim highlights the significance of the war in Ukraine for the global order and the importance of the United States' engagement in the conflict.

    37 min
  7. Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg on Trump Convictions

    13 JUN

    Law Professor Stephen Saltzburg on Trump Convictions

    In this conversation, Casey and Stephen Saltzburg discuss Donald Trump's recent conviction on 34 felony counts in the state of New York. They cover the charges, the jury selection process, the speed of the jury's deliberations, and the potential sentencing and appeals process. They also explore the implications of Trump's potential jail time on his acceptance of the Republican nomination and his future political aspirations. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the state of democracy and the importance of civil discourse.

    36 min
  8. Maya MacGuineas on the Federal Budget

    30 MAY

    Maya MacGuineas on the Federal Budget

    Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins Casey on Mastering the Room to discuss the federal budget. They explore the challenges of making the budget relatable to people and why it matters. Maya shares her passion for addressing budget deficits and the importance of bipartisan approaches. They discuss the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending and the political incentives for lawmakers to focus on mandatory spending. Maya highlights the dangers of ignoring the fiscal problem and the potential consequences, including crowding out other investments and hindering the country's ability to address new challenges. They also touch on the possibility of China calling the US debt and the need for a fiscal commission to find solutions.

    41 min
See All (19)

Trailer

About

Mastering the Room is a bite-sized podcast from GW’s Graduate School of Political Management, hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average morning commute, you’ll get smarter on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else. The podcast challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing points of view that few have heard before. Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Casey Burgat
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Mastering the Room
  • Show Website
    Mastering the Room

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