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 sit down with General Michael Hayden, former director of the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency, and Mark Zaid, 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
Jul 2
1 hr 6 min
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 discuss the current state of the women’s movement with Katherine Spillar, Executive Editor of Ms. Magazine. 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
May 12
42 min
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, Research Affiliate Faculty at the Schar School and Founder and Co-Director of the Persisterhood Project, and Abbi Tesreau, 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
May 10
27 min
The Virginia General Assembly is currently in session, and it is laser-focused on making big changes that will impact the lives of every citizen. Joining David Ramadan and co-host Commander Greg Brandon is the General Assembly’s chairman, Marcus Simon. Together, they discuss the state’s efforts to bolster public safety, from improving work relations with ICE to changing regulations about gun ownership. Marcus also explains their plans for redistricting, as well as why it is highly similar but still vastly different from gerrymandering. Find out what your elected officials are doing for everyone’s sake and what you can do as a citizen to let your voice be heard.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Apr 1
37 min
Data centers are going beyond the cloud and into the vastness of space. David Ramadan and his co-host Hina Kazmi explore this off-world progress with his guest Dr. Shareef Al Romaithi, CEO of Madari Space. Together, they explore the business, policy, and governance of space-based data infrastructure, which could be essential in building secure orbital data centers in low Earth orbit. They also discuss the colossal technical hurdles of bringing data centers into space, from the huge launch costs to the ever-increasing space debris. Discover how we can work together to ensure such an innovation can benefit the entire human race.
Mar 11
58 min
The American Legion – you know the name. Everyone does. But they are more than just a group of old veterans at a bar. What are their duties, and how do they impact the next generation of our armed forces and society as a whole? David Ramadan sits down with two distinguished leaders: Captain Len Wales, a Commander of McLean American Legion Post 270, and Colonel Glenn Yarborough, who served 2017 years in the US Army in Armor and Cavalry units. Together, they discuss the activities and programs organized by the American Legion for the youth, families, and communities. They also explore what the largest veteran’s organization today is doing to address loneliness and food insecurity faced by aging soldiers.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Mar 4
40 min
Municipal government may be the closest level of authority in every home, but it seems many people do not really understand how it runs. David Ramadan unpacks what it is like to run a municipality with the Hon. Catherine Read, the first woman mayor of Fairfax City and the first George Mason graduate to hold that office. Together, they discuss the responsibilities and powers of a municipal mayor, as well as the city manager and the municipal council. Mayor Read also presents the biggest issues in Fairfax City on top of her priority list, from improving the transformation system to navigating high-density housing.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Feb 18
41 min
Virginia could be facing a once-in-a-generation energy crisis due to the explosive growth of data centers, AI demand, and electricity bills. If we fail to address its red flags as soon as possible, we are doomed. David Ramadan explores what must be done to stop this problem from worsening with Ambassador (ret) Richard Kauzlarich, Co-Director of the Center for Energy Science and Policy (CESP), and Paul Bubbosh, former Director of the Energy Security Division in the U.S. Department of Energy. They share how they worked on the Virginia Energy Report, which outlines practical solutions to the commonwealth’s current energy problems. They also discuss what it takes to create top-down policy tools and bottom-up local action and education to establish long-term energy infrastructures.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Feb 11
47 min
If we give fusion energy and AI tools a chance instead of being anxious about them, the future of society could be equally exciting and promising. Joining David Ramadan to discuss these topics is a most unique guest: 75-year-old Congressman Don Beyer, who has recently returned to school at George Mason University to study computer science. Together, they discuss how fusion power plants can produce virtually limitless energy that could solve the climate crisis and alleviate poverty. They also shed light on how AI, no matter how complicated it becomes, can be used to improve and speed up work processes, particularly in the government. This conversation on the intersection of technology, energy, and democracy will open your eyes to the surprisingly hopeful tomorrow for America.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Jan 21
32 min
Is the Chinese military gearing up for war against Taiwan? What does it mean for global security, deterrence, and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region? David Ramadan unpacks the truth behind the mission and motives of the People’s Liberation Army with Dr. Timothy Heath and Dr. John Gordon. They discuss the biggest misconceptions about the Chinese military, its strongest and weakest aspects, and its characteristics that make it a political army. They also talk about how the United States is preparing right now in case China wages war on Taiwan – and why the Chinese cannot stand a chance against US retaliation.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://schar.gmu.edu/podcast
Jan 14
36 min
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