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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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US intelligence is the key to maintaining national security, state welfare, and peace across the land. David Ramadan takes a deep dive into how decisions are made at the highest levels of government with Andrew McCabe, former Deputy Director at FBI, and Gregory Crabb, former CISO at USPS. They explore how their neighborhood friendship and bike rides have given birth to groundbreaking ideas on securing the nation’s mail and elections. They also share insights into their biggest intelligence policy challenges and how they handled them, the current state of our election security, and what they would do if given the chance to become US cyber czar for a day.

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Fairfax County is one of the most important economic engines in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But due to economic pressures from federal cutbacks, the recent government shutdown, and the crippling housing market, this region is currently facing some serious issues. David Ramadan breaks down the county’s biggest problems with Hon. Jeff McKay, Chairman of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and guest co-host Theo Stamatis. Together, they discuss what must be done to address the massive drop in available jobs, the alarming number of displaced federal employees, and the negative impact of DOGE cuts. Chairman McKay also explains how empowering small businesses and building more mixed-use buildings can help replenish Fairfax County’s wealth and solve its fiscal issues.

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The US Constitution clearly states that lobbying is legal. However, systemic corruption in Washington has turned it into a playground of billionaires and the powerful. David Ramadan delves into this shadowy world of political power with Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and guest co-host David Rehr, a former high-profile lobbyist. Together, they break down how lobbying tactics have evolved from smoke-filled rooms and relationship-based approaches to uncapped and undisclosed Super PACs. They also present possible solutions to fix this broken billion-dollar machine that currently shapes American policy and puts public participation in reforms into jeopardy.

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Virginia is currently facing a number of energy issues, particularly with the rising costs and an increasing inability to meet consumer and climate demands. David Ramadan and guest co-host Dr. Michael Webb unpack how to take care of these problems before it is too late with Hon. Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy. Together, they discuss how energy is produced, regulated, and distributed, highlighting the role of PJM Interconnection in running the entire power grid. They also break down how bipartisan politics is affecting energy policies and why fusion reactors could be the next big thing for energy production.

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