Former Archivist Of The United States Colleen Shogan Sets The Record Straight Mastering The Room podcast

Takeaways

The National Archives has 43 facilities across the U.S.
There are 13.5 billion records in the National Archives.
Presidential records are considered permanent records.
Over 90% of presidential records are electronic.
Only 1-3% of federal agency records are preserved.
Records training is mandatory for federal employees.
Presidential records are transferred to the Archives after a term ends.
The confirmation process can be influenced by political events.
Colleen Shogan's background includes significant experience in public service.
The nomination process involves extensive paperwork and background checks. Colleen Shogan emphasizes the importance of following the law as Archivist.
The nomination process can be politically charged and stressful.
Shogan faced a second nomination hearing that felt unnecessary.
Traveling to meet NARA employees was a priority for her.
She implemented visitor services at the National Archives to enhance public engagement.
Accessing presidential records was a unique experience for Shogan.
She supported initiatives to digitize artifacts for public access.
Her dismissal from the position was unexpected and upsetting.
The archivist plays a crucial role in validating electoral documents.
Shogan plans to continue her work in civics education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Archivist's Role
02:50 The Scope of the National Archives
06:07 Presidential Records and Their Management
08:49 The Process of Record Submission
12:08 Colleen Shogan's Journey to the Archivist Position
14:56 Navigating the Nomination Process
20:08 Confirmation Challenges and Political Dynamics
26:32 Navigating the Nomination Process
30:01 Becoming the Archivist of the United States
32:10 Day-to-Day as Archivist
34:21 Accessing Presidential Records
37:12 Insights from Presidential Libraries
40:51 Dismissal by Tweet
44:06 Role of the Archivist in Elections
48:22 The Importance of Historical Records
51:44 Reflections on Service and Future Plans

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is produced by the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management and hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average D.C. morning commute, you'll get an inside take on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

MTR challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing ideas that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power.

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

Before joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on various television and radio outlets.

Dr. Burgat is the author of the 2025 Amazon best-seller We Hold These "Truths," exploring society's myths and misconceptions about how government works (published by Authors Equity). He's also co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.