Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

Academy President & CEO James-Christian Blockwood and new Management Matters co-host Thomas Smyth, CEO of Concourse, are joined by Academy Fellow, author and political scientist Dr. Francis Fukuyama for a discussion about the 2026 midterm election results, fine-tuning the responsiveness of government in the age of AI, and so much more.What can we expect as AI supercharges government capability, but also creates pitfalls for privacy, security and so much more? Find out what's next in public administration from one of the most accomplished political scientists of our time!Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, presented by Concourse. Produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

James-Christian Blockwood is joined by Partnership for Public Service President & CEO Max Stier for a conversation about defending public servants and public service today and into the future. Are we living through a five-alarm fire for government and public management? How can public servants deliver for the American people while also in fear for their careers and livelihoods? Max helps us interpret what we're seeing, and raises some questions about what may be next for the federal government.This episode is also our first full edition presented in both video and audio formats! Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, presented by Concourse. Produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

We've got a special announcement this week: Management Matters will have a new partner going forward, Concourse!Management Matters will move to a weekly cadence next month, and every other week we'll be joined on the podcast by our new co-host, Concourse CEO Thomas Smyth. These episodes will focus on tech and innovation in government, as the AI Age brings public service and public administration into new frontiers.The podcast is also now available in a video format through YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Keep following along for what's next as we tackle the biggest challenges in government, now with the help of our partners at Concourse!Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

James-Christian Blockwood interviews Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Governing’s 2026 Public Official of the Year, and National Association of Counties CEO Matt Chase about executive leadership and city-county collaboration amid declining public trust, affordability pressures, and shifting federal policies and funding. They argue local governments must work together through regionalism, clarify roles, and focus on outcomes rather than institutional power01:11 Why City-County Ties Matter04:50 Federal Disruption and Trust07:20 Columbus's Regional Housing Plan10:25 Regionalism, Land, and Taxes13:03 Handling Polarizing Issues18:16 NACo Playbook for Working Amidst Challenges21:12 Local Wins in Education24:42 Transit and Affordability28:11 Advice: Check Your EgoManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews former U.S. Mint directors Ed Moy (38th) and Ventris Gibson (40th) about how U.S. currency, specifically coinage, is created and managed. They discuss why physical currency still matters for the unbanked and for privacy concerns, and why bullion demand spikes in crises. The conversation covers the costs and policy debates around the penny and nickel, Mint finances through seigniorage, how coin designs are authorized and approved, and advice urging White House and congressional collaboration with the Mint.01:29 What the US Mint Does04:01 Coins vs Paper Money05:14 Running the Mint Up Close06:51 If the Mint Disappeared09:27 Unbanked and Bullion Demand11:29 The Penny Debate15:19 Nickels and Mint Economics17:23 Future of Coinage and Privacy19:23 Who Chooses Coin Designs22:49 Advice for Congress and White HouseManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

With back-to-school season in full swing, we've got two Fellows and public administration education experts on the podcast: David Van Slyke, dean of The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and Susan Gooden, professor and former dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Both join host James-Christian Blockwood for a very educational discussion.They share challenges and triumphs in public administration education, and what may be next for schools around the country.Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Daniel Schuman of the American Governance Institute joins Management Matters host James-Christian Blockwood this week!Are we in a “crisis point” for U.S. institutions driven by expanded presidential power, courts overturning precedent and reshaping agency independence, and Congress failing to assert its authorities? Daniel Schuman brings an encyclopedic knowledge of history and the legislative branch to a discussion about what may be next for the federal government.00:00 Elections And Escalation01:32 Institutions At A Crossroads03:08 Defining The Crisis05:26 Restoring Checks And Balances09:39 Power Vacuum And A New Deal Lesson12:01 Elections Could Worsen Tensions15:17 Durable Democracy Reforms17:55 The Challenges of Elections and the Courts22:26 Modernizing Congress with Incentives25:55 Reasons For Optimism

James-Christian Blockwood interviews Academy Fellow Dr. Howard Balanoff of the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University and municipal attorney Alan Bojorquez about defining “good government” amid declining public trust and growing conflict at even local meetings. We learn about the value of the "Ten Texas Traits of Good Government": Good Government is Respectful, Responsive, Effective, Transparent, Competent, Ethical, Lawful, Innovative, Fiscally Sound, and Accountable.00:00 Qualified Leaders Matter01:06 Defining Good Government02:31 Ethics and Competence03:44 Trust and Public Cynicism06:46 Ten Texas Traits09:08 Traits Explained14:07 Training Elected Officials15:08 Advice for Newcomers18:44 Personal Commitments21:43 Transparency and EngagementCheck out the 10 Texas Traits here: https://texasmunicipallawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ten-Texas-Traits-of-Good-Gov.pdfManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews Ambassador Joe Westphal and former senior FBI executive Lauren Anderson about how national security has evolved from the Cold War through 9/11 to today’s interconnected threats, including terrorism, geopolitical shifts, and emerging technologies. Both warn that global changes, partner uncertainty, polarization, and reduced information sharing can make the U.S. less safe, alongside a loss of government expertise and strained diplomacy. 01:55 How Security Has Changed03:17 Collaboration And Trust05:11 Today’s Threat Landscape09:11 Eroding Trust And Expertise15:09 Rebuilding Trust18:49 Listening And Self Correction21:39 Serving Above Politics23:02 Advice For Next Generation26:16 Checks And BalancesManagement Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

In this special Crossover episode with Governance Matters, James-Christian Blockwood is joined by Raphe Sonenshein, President and CEO of the the Haynes Foundation.We're focused on local government charters as “local constitutions” that can be changed more easily, and impact people more immediately, than the U.S. Constitution.Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by Lizzie Alwan and Matt Hampton and edited by Matt Hampton. Support the Podcast Today at: [email protected] or 202-347-3190Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comFollow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT