Pigskins and Politics with T.J. Birkel

In this week's episode, Maggie Mick hosts David Hallock, president of Two Capitols Consulting in Virginia. With 30 years of experience working in the Virginia Governor's office and General Assembly, the United States Senate, and the private sector, David is one of the most seasoned and respected operatives in the Commonwealth. Maggie and David walk through the evolving dynamics in this year's statewide election including gubernatorial and attorney general races and what could be in store in the closing weeks ahead of November's election. 

In today's episode, Maggie Mick hosts Bill Maer, senior partner wtih Public Impact Strategies. Bill is a well-respected New Jersey lobbyist and onetime political operative with a career spanning more than 30 years. He was appointed to Governor Phil Murphy's 2018 Transition Committee to advise the incoming Administration on State related policies. Maggie and Bill discuss the Garden State's colorful political dynamics and how historical trends could or could not apply to this year's gubernatorial race betweeen Jack Ciattarelli (R) and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D).

On today's special episode, Maggie Mick hosts Minnesota state Sen. Julia Coleman to reflect on the life and legacy of her friend and mentor Charlie Kirk. The conversation took place on September 12, two days after he was assassinated while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Sen. Coleman began her political career on the staff of Turning Point USA and later became the youngest woman elected to the Minnesota state senate. 

On today's episode, Maggie Mick hosts Amanda Nguyen, President & CEO of the American Distilled Spirits Alliance. Amanda, an accomplished attorney and seasoned government affairs executive, recently took the helm at ADSA. The two discuss Amanda's time working in a state legislature, her path to Washington, D.C. and raising her daughter as a single mom while building a successful career. 

In today's episode, Maggie Mick sits down with Vartan Dijhanian, Director of Global Government Affairs for LAM Research. Vartan has worked on political campaigns since middle school and went on to serve on the staff for multiple Members of Congress before transitioning to the private sector. A native of Lebanon, he has a deep appreciation for American politics and how anyone can pursue public service and give back to their country. 

In this week's episode, Maggie Mick hosts T.J. Birkel, Head - Government Affairs, West, for Kroger and host of his own podcast, Common Fan. They chat about T.J.'s time on Capitol Hill, his transition to the private sector and state affairs, building businesses and of course, Nebraska football. Go Big Red. 

On today's episode, Maggie Mick is joined by New Mexico Speaker Javier Martinez. They discuss his ascent into politics and legislative leadership, the issues that matter most to him, how he leads his chamber, the big issues that the legislature tackled this session and what's ahead in 2026. 

In today's episode, Maggie Mick welcomes back to the show Tim Storey, CEO of the National Conference of State Legislatures to mark the organization's 50th anniversary. The two discuss the origins of NCSL, its impact on states as well as thousands of state legislators and staff, current programs and NCSL's important role in states rights. Tim also shares a preview for the 50th Legislative Summit set for Boston next month. 

In today's episode, Maggie Mick is joined by Nneka Chiazor, the newly installed President for the Public Affairs Council. The two discuss Nneka's career, her vision for the Council moving forward, and she shares all the ways any professional in public or government affairs can get involved. More about upcoming Public Affairs Council events here.

In the wake of the tragic political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, Maggie Mick sits down with Cristine Almeida of Almeida Public Affairs in St. Paul, Minnesota. The conversation explores Speaker Hortman's career and legacy in Minnesota as well as the impact of her death reverberating in the community of states and the challenge to our country which faces increased threats of violence to public officials.