Best Align Public Strategies Podcasts (2025)

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A contraception bill on the governor’s desk is also now a campaign talking point

10h ago

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Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering about a hundred bills that are on his desk right now, and his deadline to take action is at the end of the week. Michael Pope more about one bill that guarantees a right to contraception.By Nick Gilmore

1
Higher Education Strategic Planning That Drives Growth and Faculty Buy-In 34:20

8h ago34:20

34:20

Strategic planning in higher education isn't just about setting goals—it's about building the kind of stakeholder engagement and leadership alignment that can drive lasting institutional change. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Andrew T. Hsu, President of the College of Charleston, about how a col…

1
Solar power takes center stage at central Virginia landfill

12h ago

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UVA civil engineering majors Caroline Maher and Erik Hammerquist got hands-on experience planning the site. (Credit: Sandy Hausman) By law, Virginia’s largest electric utility must stop emitting carbon by 2045, so Dominion is expanding its solar production. One challenge – finding places to put more solar panels. Sandy Hausman reports on a novel lo…

1
Show Up as a Leader & Attract Premium Clients with a Brand Built from the Inside Out 27:15

16h ago27:15

27:15

If you're ready to attract 4- and 5-figure pay-in-full clients without the burnout, this episode is for you. I'm diving into what it really means to show up as a leader online - not just in your content, but in your energy, identity, and brand presence. I’m breaking down why magnetic branding starts within, how to shift from blending in to standing…

1
Angela Tipton: Preview 8:35

22h ago8:35

8:35

Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with Angela Tipton, an extraordinary entrepreneur, investor, and content strategy expert. Despite being diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 19, Angela refused to let it define her. She built a successful career with Fortune 500 companies, paid off $85,000 of student debt in 18 months, and now dedicated her…

1
Building the resilience muscle: With Leonardo Hirschbrand 33:35

1h ago33:35

33:35

Leonardo Hirschbrand looks back on 29 years of digital transformation at Unilever In this week’s episode of Catalyst, Tammy is joined by a pioneer in digital transformation Leonardo Hirschbrand. Over his 29 year career at Unilever Leo helped the brand go from pen and paper to a tech-forward global company. Leo shares some stories about the early da…

1
What will Youngkin’s “all of the above” energy strategy look like after this week?

1d ago

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Carolina Power employees work on replacing older powerlines in Richmond’s Southside. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ) Governor Glenn Youngkin is expected to make several key environmental decisions this week. Michael Pope has this preview.By Nick Gilmore

1
Virginia’s Right to Work law will again be a big campaign topic this year

1d ago

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Credit: NPR Labor issues may end up being a big campaign issue in the statewide elections this year. Michael Pope reports on a question that has vexed Democrats for years. In a written statement, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger did not commit to repealing the Right to Work Law. Here is the entire statement from her campaign to Reporter Mich…

1
Using fire to save water for rare Shenandoah ponds

5d ago

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Specially trained crews spread flames through a state-owned nature preserve to remove invasive plants and debris that could lead to wildfires. (Credit: Emi Endo / Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation) Firefighters often use water to put out a blaze, but in Augusta County a team of 11 men and women set a fire to ensure there’s enough w…

1
Pope & Schapiro: The November ballot, the budget, and butting heads with Trump

5d ago

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Changes to the November ballot and changes to Virginia’s budget are a few of the political headlines from the past few days. Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.By dseidelvtedu

1
Advocates want Youngkin to sign African American studies bill; they say it aligns with his first EO

5d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin is considering a bill that would expand African American Studies in Virginia public schools. Michael Pope reports.By Nick Gilmore

1
Virginia business beats criminal skill games charges with help from Southside Senator

6d ago

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Dozens of convenience store owners gather at the Capitol in yellow shirts in support of legalizing skill games. (Credit: Brad Kutner / Radio IQ) So-called “skill games” have been popping up around Virginia since their temporary legalization in 2020. Efforts to restrict such games followed. However, one Virginia Senator successfully convinced a Hano…

1
Strategies and Tactics to Gain Publicity and Fame with Dr. Richard Kaye 51:45

6d ago51:45

51:45

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Kaye, a renowned consultant and business evolution trailblazer. Discover how Dr. Kaye has empowered countless entrepreneurs to achieve unprecedented growth through his expert insights and innovative programs. From his journey as a chiropractor in a crowded market to becoming a media sensation, Dr. Kaye …

1
Advocates say Youngkin can “put his money where his mouth is” by signing bias training bill

6d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin has about 100 bills on his desk that he’s still considering. Michael Pope has this report on one of those bills that will require unconscious bias training for doctors.By Nick Gilmore

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The Lawes of Attraction & Claiming Your Power 31:19

6d ago31:19

31:19

This episode is your reminder that you are the power source of your brand! I'm diving deep into what it really means to claim your power as a woman - in your brand, your energy, and your next-level expansion. I share the truth about the Law of Attraction (or The Lawes of Attraction!) when it comes to visibility, magnetism, and the energetic presenc…

1
Lack of statewide GOP primary might diminish turnout for down ballot primaries

7d ago

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The sudden withdrawal of Pat Herrity from the Republican primary for lieutenant governor means the GOP will have no statewide primaries in June. But Michael Pope tells us that Republicans will have ten primaries for House of Delegates seats.By dseidelvtedu

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How NASWA’s Open Initiative is Bringing a Modern Solution to a Legacy Problem 30:23

6d ago30:23

30:23

Unemployment insurance has supported Americans through economic hardship for nearly a century. But its long history brings complex challenges: rigid systems, layered policies, and outdated tech that’s difficult to change. In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Jess Carter talks with Allison Johnson, director of Open UI at the National Associati…

1
Youngkin backs Trump’s tariff plans at Virginia Ag Trade Conference

7d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin backs President Donald Trump’s tariff policies at the 2025 Virginia Agricultural Trade Conference. (Credit: Brad Kutner) Governor Glenn Youngkin gave the thumbs up to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies Tuesday. The remarks came at an agricultural trade conference held in Richmond where the impacts of Trump’s policy wer…

1
Capital Funding Strategies in Higher Education: How Universities Are Solving Infrastructure and Student Housing Challenges 32:47

8d ago32:47

32:47

With state capital support on the decline and infrastructure aging out of usefulness, higher education leaders are under pressure to find new ways to fund capital projects—without compromising mission, control, or long-term sustainability. In this episode of Changing Higher Ed®, Dr. Drumm McNaughton explores creative capital funding strategies inst…

1
Cubs raised in captivity bound into the wild

8d ago

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Orphaned bears are cared for at the Wildlife Center of Virginia until they can survive on their own. (Credit: Wildlife Center of Virginia) Seven bear cubs are enjoying spring in the wild after growing up at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Reporters are not allowed to witness their release, but Sandy Hausman spoke with one staffer who says the year…

1
Appeals court judge wrote “the book” on a pivotal Virginia figure

8d ago

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The title page of Harvie Wilkinson’s book about Harry Byrd, with a photo of Byrd on the opposite page. (Credit: Michael Pope) Long before he wrote this month’s federal appeals court decision excoriating the Trump administration’s deportation system, Judge Harvie Wilkinson was a noted historian of a pivotal figure in Virginia history. Michael Pope e…

1
Dr. Richard Kaye: preview 8:33

8d ago8:33

8:33

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Kaye, a renowned consultant and business evolution trailblazer. Discover how Dr. Kaye has empowered countless entrepreneurs to achieve unprecedented growth through his expert insights and innovative programs. From his journey as a chiropractor in a crowded market to becoming a media sensation, Dr. Kaye …

1
From the archives: Navigating corporate life with humor 43:27

8d ago43:27

43:27

Chappell Ellison on balancing professionalism whilst staying true to yourself This week we’re sharing one of our most recent favorites from the archives, a conversation with Launch’s Director of Digital Strategy, Chappell Ellison. In this episode Tammy and Chappell dive into what it means to bring your authentic self to work and how authenticity ca…

1
Crossover Episode with First Responder Families Podcast 56:51

8d ago56:51

56:51

In this episode of On Air by Yoga for First Responders, we dive into a crossover conversation featuring Olivia Mead, our founder, as she joins Ivona Bhadha on the First Responder Families Podcast. Olivia shares her inspiring journey of bringing yoga to first responders, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered along the way. Th…

1
Virginia Catholics mourn the loss of Pope Francis

8d ago

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A photo of Pope Francis sits in the entry way of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Richmond. (Credit: Brad Kutner) Catholics around the world are mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Brad Kutner spent time at a special mass at a cathedral in downtown Richmond.By dseidelvtedu

1
Researcher at Virginia Tech developing technology that could help utility companies put more power lines underground

9d ago

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(Credit: Appalachian Power) When storms hit, many of us brace, wondering if the power will remain on. Utility companies in Virginia are putting more power lines underground, which can help. Roxy Todd spoke with a researcher who is looking at whether improved technology may make this cheaper and safer.…

1
Boosting you visibility & authority through public speaking with Amanda Jane Outram 27:28

11d ago27:28

27:28

Have you thought about public speaking to help you share your expertise with more people? Ever questioned how you’d even go about creating a good keynote presentation so you can talk to not at your audience? This episode is for you! Today I’m joined by public speaking expert, Amanda Jane Outram, where we dive into how you can sky rocket your visibi…

1
Dem AG primary could become proxy fight between two big donors

11d ago

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The Democratic primary for attorney general might end up being an expensive fight between two big-money rivals. Michael Pope explains why.By dseidelvtedu

1
Pope & Schapiro: Money talk

12d ago

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Lots of money talk this week— campaign money, tariff money and state tax money. Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.By dseidelvtedu

1
Early campaign finance numbers show Democrats outraising Republican incumbents

12d ago

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Credit: NPR Campaign finance numbers show the fall campaign season is heating up. And Michael Pope explains a handful of races feature Republican incumbents in districts won by Kamala Harris.By Nick Gilmore

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How to Build and Sell Two Multimillion-Dollar Companies with Mark Aylward 43:20

13d ago43:20

43:20

Join us for this enlightening episode as we interview Mark Aylward, founder of Seven Pillars LLC, a company dedicated to career and leadership development. Mark shares his 35 years of experience in the technical staffing industry, having generated over $75 million in revenue and founded two multimillion-dollar companies. Discover his unique coachin…

1
VMI Board of Visitors elects Gottwald president

13d ago

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Virginia Military Institute’s Board of Visitors selected a new president during a special meeting Wednesday. The position opened up when two members resigned following a vote by the panel to not extend the contract of Superintendent Cedric Wins, the first Black man to hold the post. Dave Cantor has more.…

1
The governor is still mulling a medical debt protections bill

13d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin is contemplating what to do with 92 bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving medical debt.By Nick Gilmore

1
The House and Senate have different opinions on this social media bill; what will Youngkin do?

14d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin is still considering how he wants to handle dozens of bills on his desk. Michael Pope has this report about one involving social media.By Nick Gilmore

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What’s Fueling the Collapse in Public Trust in Higher Education 32:54

15d ago32:54

32:54

Public confidence in colleges and universities has dropped dramatically—only a third of Americans say they trust higher education. In this episode, Dr. Drumm McNaughton talks with Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, about Gallup–Lumina’s latest findings and what institutional leaders must do to …

1
She joined the army by accident and couldn’t be happier

15d ago

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Next month, 21-year-old Rebecca Fitch will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army — a post she had not considered until signing up for an ROTC course by accident. (Credit: Rebecca Fitch) Joining the U.S. military is a big decision – something not taken lightly, but one University of Virginia student admits she signed up by accident…

1
Scaling responsible AI: With Noelle Russell 43:16

14d ago43:16

43:16

Noelle Russell on harnessing the power of AI in a responsible and ethical way Noelle Russell compares AI to a baby tiger, it’s super cute when it’s small but it can quickly grow into something huge and dangerous. As the CEO and founder of the AI Leadership Institute and as an early developer on Amazon Alexa, Noelle has a deep understanding of scali…

1
Mark Aylward: Preview 4:08

15d ago4:08

4:08

Join us for this enlightening episode as we interview Mark Aylward, founder of Seven Pillars LLC, a company dedicated to career and leadership development. Mark shares his 35 years of experience in the technical staffing industry, having generated over $75 million in revenue and founded two multimillion-dollar companies. Discover his unique coachin…

1
Activating the next level identity shift 35:18

17d ago35:18

35:18

This episode is a juicy behind-the-scenes look at the identity shift that happens when you're stepping into your next level - not just in business, but in who you're here to be. I’m taking you into the real-time upgrades happening in my world - from working on my rebrand to redefining what alignment, abundance, and authority truly mean as I scale. …

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#19 Gabe Alfour on why AI alignment is hard, what it would mean to solve it & what ordinary people can do about existential risk 1:36:40

17d ago1:36:40

1:36:40

Gabe Alfour is a co-founder of Conjecture and an advisor to Control AI, both organisations working to reduce risks from advanced AI. We discussed why AI poses an existential risk to humanity, what makes this problem very hard to solve, why Gabe believes we need to prevent the development of superintelligence for at least the next two decades, and m…

1
UVA seeks patients for long COVID study

19d ago

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Credit: CDC By now, most adults in this country have had COVID, and about seven percent have lingering symptoms that might be related to the virus. Scientists at the University of Virginia are now comparing a number of medications that hold promise for treating it, as Sandy Hausman reports.By dseidelvtedu

1
Pope & Schapiro: Trump admin actions on tariffs, immigration and education

19d ago

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The Trump administration’s actions on tariffs, immigration and education are making waves in Virginia. Jeff Schapiro, political columnist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.By dseidelvtedu

1
Ranked-choice voting advocates hope gubernatorial veto won’t be a set back

19d ago

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Credit: Jahd Khalil Advocates for ranked-choice voting are hoping that a recent veto won’t set back their movement. Michael Pope reports.By Nick Gilmore

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Youngkin backs removal of alleged MS-13 gang leader without trial

19d ago

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Governor Glenn Youngkin chimed in on the future of an alleged MS-13 member arrested in Northern Virginia late last month. The defendant’s gun charge was dropped earlier this week. Brad Kutner has more.By Nick Gilmore

1
Inside a Bland County prison, inmates are learning welding

20d ago

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Samuel Gibson holds a welded piece of metal. (Credit: Roxy Todd / Radio IQ) April is “second chance” month, a national initiative to raise awareness around challenges that incarcerated individuals face after they are released. Finding a job can often be one of the biggest hurdles. There are several programs inside Virginia prisons to teach inmates …

1
The Wolf of Costa Rica Street with Richard Blank 55:03

20d ago55:03

55:03

Join us in this exciting episode as we sit down with Richard Blank, a visionary entrepreneur who journeyed from Philadelphia to Costa Rica, where he revolutionized the telemarketing industry. Discover how Richard's passion for languages and gamification led him to train over 10,000 bilingual telemarketers and establish Costa Rica's Call Center. Ric…

1
Congressman Beyer wants to limit the use of public funds for sports stadiums

20d ago

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Should taxpayers help finance pro sports stadiums? Virginia considered an unsuccessful proposal for a taxpayer-financed sports arena last year. Now, Michael Pope reports about a bill in Congress that would limit how public money could be used for private gain.By Nick Gilmore

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Rewiring your subconscious mind to overcome limiting beliefs with Immy Mawle 24:35

20d ago24:35

24:35

In this powerful episode I’m joined by the incredible Immy Mawle - Certified Life, Mindset & REBT Coach, Accredited NLP Practitioner, and an expert in helping ambitious female entrepreneurs overcome the inner blocks that keep them stuck. If you’ve ever felt held back by procrastination, overwhelm, or limiting beliefs around money and success… this …

1
Waynesboro Symphony’s Hollywood debut

21d ago

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The cast and crew of Granite Rapids Moon hiked 82 miles to make their movie without lights, power or showers. (Credit: John Charles Meyer) One week after its first screening in Los Angeles, a film that features music from the Waynesboro Symphony will be shown in Charlottesville, Richmond and Northern Virginia. It was shot in the Grand Canyon during…

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When Everything’s Connected: The Role of Data in Public Health 32:54

21d ago32:54

32:54

A spike in food prices. A livestock disease outbreak. An overwhelmed hospital. These might seem unrelated—until you follow the data. In this episode of Data Driven Leadership, Jess Carter talks with Dr. Heidi Steinecker, senior director of health and human services at Resultant. They discuss how data brings clarity to the hidden links between the e…

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