Gavel In
By POPVOX Foundation
Categories: Government
“Gavel In” is a limited-run explainer podcast series to mentor new Members Elect of the incoming Congress, their staff, and families, to help them prepare for the whirlwind of establishing their new offices, teams and roles in our nation’s capital. It augments the House of Representatives’ official New Member Orientation and breaks down complex topics in short, easy-to-understand lessons on House Floor operations, office structure and hiring, budgeting, technology, security, ethics, and also the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, rules, and how a bill becomes a law. Cohosted by POPVOX Foundation’s Managing Director Aubrey Wilson, “Gavel In” is a nonpartisan resource to demystify the experience of working in Congress.
13 episodes indexed on PodSearch.
Recent episodes
- In Session with Rep. John Mannion
Before Congress, Rep. John Mannion [D, NY] was a science teacher. Now he represents New York's 22nd District — and he's brought that same classroom instinct to Capitol Hill. In this episode, he talks staffing, constituent access, disability advocacy, and why good people are increasingly reluctant…
- In Session with Rep. Dave Min
Rep. Dave Min [D, CA] brings a mix of perspectives to Capitol Hill as a former SEC attorney, US Senate staffer, think tank scholar, and law professor. In this episode, he opens up about the frenetic pace of Congress, balancing family life across time zones, building bipartisan relationships, and…
- In Session with Rep. Jeff Hurd
Rep. Jeff Hurd [R, CO] joins Gavel In to share what he's learned in his first year on the Hill: from managing a fragmented schedule and building a cohesive team, to redefining what success in Congress actually looks like. Spoiler: it's a lot more than how many bills you pass (although as a…
- How to Approach the House as a Modern Institution
Over the last several years, the House has been undergoing an internal modernization golden age, led by Members and staff who have been inspired by the idea that an institution that works better internally operates more effectively and better serves the public. These improvements also translate…
- I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now
Across their conversations with current and former Members of Congress, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift asked them, “What do you wish you knew during your freshman term that you know now?” Their answers don’t disappoint! From adjusting to a steep learning curve and the realization that holding a…
- Building Relationships and Rapport Within the Chamber
Congress is known to be a relationship business, but it also has a reputation for being a hub of debate and partisan turmoil. In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift dig into how new Members and staff can overcome partisan challenges by seeking the advice of seasoned current and former…
- Reaching Your Constituents and Translating Your Impact to the District
In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift welcome onto the podcast a bipartisan mix of current Members of Congress and former Chiefs of Staff who share their advice on how to make your work in Washington more accessible and relevant to the folks back home in your district, including…
- How to Work With and Oversee Federal Agencies
Oversight of the Executive branch is a cornerstone responsibility of Congress and essential to the checks and balances of America’s federal government. In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift speak with experienced Congressional staff and scholars about the House’s oversight powers…
- Understanding Your Office Budget (“MRA”)
MRA is an acronym that all House Members and staff learn quickly. It stands for the “Members’ Representational Allowance,” which is a Representative’s allotted budget to support their office operations during each calendar year. In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift interview current…
- House Rules: What Procedures to Become a Pro on Pronto
In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift engage with guests to demystify the House Rules to prepare incoming Members for one of the first votes they will cast. From covering suspension bills to the 72-hour rule, the motion to vacate, and recent trends with continuing resolutions, this…
- How Committees in the House Work and How to be an Effective Committee Member
A Member’s committee assignments can define their career in Congress. As a freshman, what expectations should you have regarding vying for a seat on the committees of your choice and how can you ensure to make an impact starting with that first hearing? In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J…
- The Structure of a Congressional Office and How to Boost Effectiveness Out of the Gate
In this episode, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift glean insight from seven guests – three sitting Representatives, two former Members of House, and three experienced Chiefs of Staff – about how to approach hiring staff at the start of a new Congress. From honing in on what staff positions to fill…
- Schoolhouse Rock: A Refresher and Reality Check for the Modern Legislative Process
For the inaugural episode of Gavel In, your hosts, Aubrey Wilson and Taylor J. Swift, pull back the curtain on Members’ and staffers’ real experiences in navigating the legislative process.
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