Jim and Maggie interview 2 state political experts; Steve Palmer and Paul Dioguardi

In a special Mother’s Day episode, Maggie Mick interviews Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and her eldest daughter Kathleen Kelly Daughety. The conversation focuses on both of their careers, the governor raising her daughters in Topeka - the state capital, and insights for working moms in policy and politics.   Governor Laura Kelly is the 48th governor of Kansas. A member of the Democratic Party, she represented the 18th district in the Kansas Senate from 2005 to 2019. Kelly was elected governor in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. Kathleen Kelly Daughety is the Vice President of Campaigns and Civic Engagement at Inseparable. Kathleen began her career in Kansas politics, campaigning to elect Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius twice. She continued her career with the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), Governor Jay Nixon (MO), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (CO), Priorities USA and has held private sector posts with Liberty Media and Uber.

In their maiden episode as co-hosts, Jim O’Brien and Maggie Mick interview friend of the show, Steven Palmer, and first-time guest Paul DioGuardi. Two Partners at Forbes Tate. In addition to learning about Paul’s impressive career including time with the Democratic Governors Association as well as the Obama Administration and his work on the Affordable Care Act, we dove into a discussion on upcoming primaries and a forecast for the 2024 gubernatorial races, current characteristics of gubernatorial candidates, and the debate on the viability of state trifectas in the coming years and election cycles.   Links to Steven’s past TPL appearances:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-political-life/id1401504350?i=1000603590856 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-political-life/id1401504350?i=1000496060064

Maggie Mick has joined The Political Life podcast as co-host. Maggie is in the leadership group of the state and local government relations consultancy, MultiState - a PPHC firm, located in the Washington, D.C. area. The first episode of the new season will be next week with Reid Wilson from Pluribus News!! 

This week Jim welcomes Bradley Tusk back to the show to discuss his new book "Obvious in Hindsight".     Bradley Tusk is a venture capitalist, political strategist and writer. Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures. Tusk Ventures is the world’s first venture capital fund to work with and invest solely in high growth startups facing political and regulatory challenges. Previously, Bradley served as campaign manager for Mike Bloomberg, as Deputy Governor of Illinois and as Communications Director for Senator Charles Schumer. Tusk Montgomery Philanthropies, Bradley’s family foundation, funds and runs campaigns in states across the U.S. to increase funding for anti-hunger programs like school breakfast and food stamp enrollment. They are also working to create mobile voting so people can vote in elections on their phones. Bradley writes a regular column for Fast Company. Bradley is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he received his BA and has a JD from the University of Chicago Law School. 

Matthew Guilbault is Director of Government Affairs at Corebridge Financial – a new position for Matthew since he was last on the podcast.  Matthew walks us through his job hunting experience – I think you will find it very helpful if you are looking for a job or thinking about looking for a new job.  Some interesting facts about Matthew: Matt studied to be a pilot before deciding to focus on pre-law studies at the College of St. Rose. He got his first job in politics for a State Senator after networking at the restaurant he worked at in Albany. After almost seven years working at the New York General Assembly, Matt transitioned to an in-house lobbying position. After 10 years working in-house, he worked as a contract lobbyist. Matt owns many motorcycles, and used to race them professionally.

In today’s episode Maggie Mick of MultiState sits down with Jack Waldorf - the sixth Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA). Jack oversees WGA’s efforts to support and advance bipartisan priorities on behalf of the Governors from the 22 westernmost states and territories.   Prior to joining WGA, Waldorf led the federal advocacy activities for the University of Colorado (CU) System which is comprised of four campuses across Colorado’s Front Range. Before joining the CU System, Waldorf served in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives where he focused on policies related to education, health care, and transportation, among other issues. Waldorf holds a master’s degree in public administration from CU Denver and a bachelor’s degree in political science from CU Boulder. Waldorf currently resides in Erie, Colorado with his wife, Monica, and their three sons.

This episode is a rebroadcast of a webinar conversation Maggie Mick, assistant Vice Preistent of Multi State, had with California Assembly-member, Mike Gipson about California lawmaking!Topics covered in this episode include: An introduction to who Mike Gipson is. The moment that Mike Gipson decided to run for office. Mike's police partner being killed while in the line of duty. How it impacted Gipson's path towards office. An overview of what the CSG West Chair organization is. An overview of the CSG West Annual meeting this summer at Universal Studios in California and topics that will be discussed there. Ai Infrastructure Water Healthcare Public safety How the CSG organization is formed and how it is run. Why did Mike Gipson run for office. Some pieces of legislation that have come out of Gipson's lived experiences. The sucesses that Gipson and Speaker Rendon have had New possible changes coming from the new speaker coming June 30th. Does California have a budget issue and Gipson's take on the current budget. Mike Gipson is a California Assemblymember. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 2014, Gipson has served as Democratic Caucus Chair since 2016. A former cop, and non-profit leader in Los Angeles, he serves on Buisness and Professions, Governmental Organization, Insurance, and Transportation Committees. He serves as 2023 Chair of CSG West, the western region of The Council of State Governments.   Maggie Mick serves as Assistant Vice President at MultiState where she leads the firm’s Stakeholder Engagement Practice. She also works with clients on campaigns, issue management, lobbying and compliance.   Before joining MultiState’s leadership team in 2022, she spent nearly 12 years at The Council of State Governments (CSG) nationally headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Her final role was Chief Advancement Officer, leading strategic partnerships and external relations for major stakeholders including legislative leadership and the private sector. Prior to her tenure at CSG, she was an aide in the United States Congress. In addition, she has held public office as a member of the Lancaster City Council for two terms.   Maggie serves on the board of directors and executive committee for the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), was 2022 president of the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG) and a graduate of the Public Affairs Council's Institute. She has received local and statewide recognition including "Top Women in Business" in Kentucky by the Lane Report and the Kentucky Commission on Women Bluegrass Alliance for Women Impact Award.   Maggie is a graduate of the University of Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. She is the proud wife of Nathan Mick and mother to Birdie and Hank.

It's a podcast take over with the Gold brothers! Rich and his brother Marty Gold from Capital Council take over the podcast to focus on all things Washington DC and the debt deal that was recently made in this unique episode!   Things talked about in this episode include: An overlook of the deal that was made How it all started What is the outcome of the deal that was made? Bi-partisan legislation The adoption of Biden's defense budget Shelanda Young and her role in the negotiations Republicans trying to take credit for things in the deal. Putting off the debit ceiling until after Biden's presidency. How the democrat president always comes out on top. Will there be inner party friction on the Republican's side due to some not getting everything they wanted? The inner friction that is already happening on the Republican's side. What is the price of peace? Can there be peace? How McKarthy was voted in. The most connected thing legislatively to this issue. Why appropriation bills haven't gone across the floor in the Senate. Why Marty is skeptical about the deal that was made. Rich Gold is the leader of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group and focuses his practice at the intersection of complex policy and political issues involving Congress, the executive branch and the media. Rich Gold is the leader of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group and focuses his practice at the intersection of complex policy and political issues involving Congress, the executive branch and the media. The Public Policy & Regulation Group has been ranked among the top law and lobbying firms in Washington by publications including American Lawyer's Influence Magazine, Legal 500 United States guide, Financial Times and U.S. News - Best Lawyers guide. Mr. Gold has been recognized as a top lobbyist in Washington by The Hill, The National Journal, Washington SmartCEO, Super Lawyers and The Washington Business Journal, as well as one of Washingtonian Magazine's 500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy for the past two years.   In addition, Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide has recognized Mr. Gold since 2007. He is one of only three practitioners ranked as Band 1 in Chambers USA Nationwide Government Relations category, the highest ranking one can receive in Chambers. Mr. Gold served in the U.S. Senate for Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) as his advisor on environmental affairs where he worked on issues related to environmental side agreements of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During the Clinton administration, he was a special assistant to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Carol Browner, with whom he helped develop the EPA's Superfund reform proposal and its administrative improvements package. Mr. Gold also served as a career lawyer in the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and Office of General Counsel, working on major rule makings as well as significant Superfund cases.   Mr. Gold approaches political and policy problems from the perspective of campaign-style advocacy – forming, developing and executing issue-advocacy campaigns that incorporate lobbying, regulatory lawyering, traditional and social media, and grassroots engagement to break through the noise in Washington and achieve client goals. Mr. Gold has engaged for individual companies, trade associations and coalitions on the issues of the day ranging from climate change legislation and regulations and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform to trade legislation, corporate tax reform, as well as major U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform legislation and financial services legislation.   Martin B. Gold is a partner with Capitol Counsel, LLC. He brings over 50 years of legislative and private practice experience. He is recognized authority and author on matters of congressional rules and parliamentary strategies, and U.S policy in Asia. He frequently advises senators and their staff and serves on the adjunct faculty at George Washington University. In 2022, he received the College of Professional Studies Faculty Excellent Award. Before domestic business, professional, and academic audiences, he speaks about Congress as well as political and public policy developments. Gold has been a guest lecturer at Tsinghua University, the Beijing Foreign Studies University, Moscow State University, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, the State Parliament of Ukraine, and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Jim welcomes Stephen Sikes to the podcast to cover a wide variety of topics from investing to talking about the debt ceiling agreement that was made recently.Topics covered in this episode include: A shout out to Rachel who helped in bringing Stephen onto the show! Stephen talks about who he is and the company Public where he is the COO. How Public makes money. Where the 10% of not invested money goes and where does all the cash go? The FDIC program and sweeping The Treasury account that Public offers and what it is. How Public is trying new and innovative ways in a regulatory environment The founding of Public. Why Public exists. Where the idea of Public came from What alternative type of investing includes. Angel Investing Crypto Investing Culture Investing Regulatory issues for crypto and investing Watching closely to the courts to help give customers what they want/demand The European model Societal risks while creating regulations How to track what is going on with regulatory issues Stephen's thoughts on the debt ceiling deal that was made and how it impacts the investing business. What the next 6 months look like. What Public can offer Just launched Investment Plans Re-balancing is coming soon for the plan. What part of the army Stephen was in and how it shaped him for future careers. Stephen Sikes is currently the COO of Public, the multi-asset investing app, and he serves as the CEO of Public's broker-dealer and leads the brokerage, crypto, international, and alternatives business lines. He is also responsible for operations, customer, support, legal, compliance and risk functions. In addition to his work at Public, Stephen co-leads a fintech community and early stage investing fund called Socially Financed, where he focuses on supporting early stage consumer fintech businesses. Before joining Public, Stephen was on the founding team and became the Business Lead of SoFi Invest. Previously, he was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, and served as a Cavalry Officer in the U.S. Army, where he did one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Rich Gold returns to the podcast to talk with Jim about the looming debt limit in Washington D.C, why this issue of coming to an agreement is so important, and what could happen if no agreement is made. Topics covered in this episode include: How things are going at Holland & Knight. An update on the debt limit negotiations. What makes this different than the last time it happened? A recap of where the negotiating started and where it is now. What the Republicans want What the Democrats are trying to do to compromise with the Republicans What would need to happen for the Republicans to get everything they want and why it's not realistic? Why the current options won't get enough votes to go through? Balancing the right amount of budget cuts. Will they eventually come to a comprise at the end of the day? What happens if they don't? Why it's not a good idea to cut a deal right before the deadline and what happened last time a deal was cut before the deadline. The real-world impacts that occurred. Can a divided government happen with a Republican president and Democrats controlling Congress? The shift of the Republican party. What could happen if a Republican votes and Donald Trump doesn't approve of it. Work requirements. The significance of agreeing to freeze the limit. Is the military budget increase normal or for something specific? What makes up the budget deficit? Who Rich will have as his special guest when he hosts the podcast! Rich Gold is the leader of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group and focuses his practice at the intersection of complex policy and political issues involving Congress, the executive branch and the media. Rich Gold is the leader of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group and focuses his practice at the intersection of complex policy and political issues involving Congress, the executive branch and the media. The Public Policy & Regulation Group has been ranked among the top law and lobbying firms in Washington by publications including American Lawyer's Influence Magazine, Legal 500 United States guide, Financial Times and U.S. News - Best Lawyers guide. Mr. Gold has been recognized as a top lobbyist in Washington by The Hill, The National Journal, Washington SmartCEO, Super Lawyers and The Washington Business Journal, as well as one of Washingtonian Magazine's 500 Most Influential People Shaping Policy for the past two years. In addition, Chambers USA – America's Leading Business Lawyers guide has recognized Mr. Gold since 2007. He is one of only three practitioners ranked as Band 1 in Chambers USA Nationwide Government Relations category, the highest ranking one can receive in Chambers. Mr. Gold served in the U.S. Senate for Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D-Texas) as his advisor on environmental affairs where he worked on issues related to environmental side agreements of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). During the Clinton administration, he was a special assistant to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Carol Browner, with whom he helped develop the EPA's Superfund reform proposal and its administrative improvements package. Mr. Gold also served as a career lawyer in the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and Office of General Counsel, working on major rule makings as well as significant Superfund cases. Mr. Gold approaches political and policy problems from the perspective of campaign-style advocacy – forming, developing and executing issue-advocacy campaigns that incorporate lobbying, regulatory lawyering, traditional and social media, and grassroots engagement to break through the noise in Washington and achieve client goals. Mr. Gold has engaged for individual companies, trade associations and coalitions on the issues of the day ranging from climate change legislation and regulations and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform to trade legislation, corporate tax reform, as well as major U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform legislation and financial services legislation.   Help us grow! Leave us a rating and review - it's the best way to bring new listeners to the show. Don't forget to subscribe! Have a suggestion, or want to chat with Jim? Email him at [email protected]  Follow The Political Life on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for weekly updates.