Policy and Governance Perspectives

About Policy and Governance Perspectives

Building a well-rounded educational institution starts with bringing the people together. Creating genuine connections nurtured by enlightening discussions is one great path towards a stronger community. This is the heart of Policy and Governance Perspectives, the official podcast initiative of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. Tune in to in-depth and thought-provoking conversations about policy, politics, governance, and career pathways. Every student, alumnus, and friend in the political sphere will certainly find it interesting and engaging. Join Dr. David Ramadan, Professor of Practice at the Schar School of Policy and Government, as he sits down with elected officials, professors, alumni, policymakers, and thought leaders to discuss timely events, legislative developments, and professional advice relevant to the institution’s mission and coursework. As one of the most reputable educational names in the country, Schar School is dedicated to offering cutting-edge programs taught by well-equipped professors to shape the next generation of leaders. They are committed to producing intelligent, humble, compassionate, and hard-working citizens who can strategically manage resources, evaluate complex policies, and recognize emerging threats. Through this podcast, they uphold this mission by waging a battle against misinformation and disinformation. Delve into topics that matter in today’s educational and political landscape that directly impact young people’s learning and eventual career journey. This not only serves as a signature platform reflecting the excellence and energy of the Schar School of Policy and Government but also as a unique opportunity to bring people together within and outside the academic community. While each guest openly shares real-life experiences and expert opinions, everything is backed up with proper data and research, not fabricated news or biased thoughts. Whenever the discussion goes deep into the most serious social issues or delves into the politics directly affecting how policies are formed, you are assured of balanced and verified information. These episodes are the epitome of how intelligent and provocative conversations must be done - free from sensationalism, filters, and unnecessary conflict, only the plain, unadulterated truth. This show not only brings the Schar School of Policy and Government community together but also serves as common ground for people from both sides of the aisle.Whatever your color, belief, or ideology, you are assured of getting informative and insightful discussions that will open your eyes to the reality of the status quo. Who knows, maybe this is your chance to learn something new or change your perspectives for the better! Your host, Dr. Ramadan, brings to the podcast his own share of expertise and experiences. As a former elected official in the Virginia House of Delegates and a professor for 25 years, he skillfully brings together education and politics in this podcast. He knows which policies, initiatives, and efforts will truly benefit schools and students in the long run, and what must be done to transform such noble goals into reality. This show uses podcasting as an effective way to bring people together to talk about society’s most pressing issues. Join Dr. Ramadan in knitting a closer, stronger, and more inspiring Schar School community, all while discussing policies, political updates, and education matters everyone should know about. Whether you are a student, a professor, an alumnus, or someone curious about the most important things happening around you, get ready to be inspired, elevate your perspectives, and expand the openness of your mind. The Schar School of Policy and Government is always committed to shaping leaders in their respective fields and building a much brighter tomorrow. This podcast is also committed to doing the same. Tune in: Policy and Governance Perspectives at http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast

Publisher

David Ramadan, Schar School at George Mason University

Category

education · government · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Oct 2025

Latest episode

2 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Jul 2026

   National Intelligence Status With General Michael Hayden, Mark Zaid, And Larry Pfeiffer

   National intelligence is perhaps the very last thing you would talk about during dinner. But despite being a boring subject, it is a critical thing that impacts every single citizen’s safety and security. To put Season 1 to a close, David Ramadan and guest co-host Larry Pfeiffer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrypfeiffer/) sit down with General Michael Hayden (https://haydencenter.gmu.edu/), former director of the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency, and Mark Zaid (http://www.markzaid.com/), one of the country's leading national security attorneys. Together, they take a deep dive into the current state of national intelligence: are we still safe, or should we be on red alert? They also discuss the potential dangers of politicizing government intelligence agencies, as well as how democratic societies can protect themselves without losing themselves. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast (http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast)

2. 

   12 May 2026

   Women’s Representation Under Attack With Katherine Spillar And Dr. Bonnie Stabile

   Women’s representation in the United States is under attack by the administration and the right-wing movement. They are prevented from joining the workforce, getting access to proper healthcare, and letting their voices be heard. David Ramadan and guest co-host Dr. Bonnie Stabile (https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/bstabile) discuss the current state of the women’s movement with Katherine Spillar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-spillar-aba0089), Executive Editor of Ms. Magazine (https://msmagazine.com/). Together, they emphasize the need to secure more women in decision-making positions of power to shape laws and policies centered on women's equality. Kathy also talks about her mission to put women’s stories and challenges into the spotlight, something which mainstream media greatly ignores. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast (http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast)

3. 

   10 May 2026

   The Persisterhood Project With Robbin Warner And Abbi Tesreau

   History has repeatedly shown that women are consistently involved in organizing and leading movements dedicated to social change, but their voices are often suppressed, set aside, or completely forgotten. The Persisterhood Project at George Mason aims to change that. Joining David Ramadan are two brilliant women behind it: Dr. Robbin Warner (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbin-warner-3a405285/), Research Affiliate Faculty at the Schar School and Founder and Co-Director of the Persisterhood Project, and Abbi Tesreau (https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-tesreau-6706b6300/), one of the project's Founding Student Researchers. They explore the initiative’s mission to archive inspiring stories of women activists from 2016 to the present, preserving their oral history for posterity’s sake. Robbin and Abbi also share why this project is needed now more than ever – when democracy and women’s voices are extremely at risk. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast (http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast)

Contact Policy and Governance Perspectives

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.