Best Virginia Policy Review Podcasts (2025)

1
Medicaid Changes, Off-Year Elections, and the Growing Virginia Plan 51:26

Play Pause

3d ago51:26

51:26

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Princess Harrell of WJLA, covering Abigail Spanberger's "Growing Virginia Plan." Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering disputes over the number of Virginians who will be affected by federal Medicaid changes. Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering the debate over whether Virginia's elect…

1
Ballot Initiatives, Candidate Summer Reading, and the Corrections Ombudsman 32:05

10d ago32:05

32:05

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the status of Virginia's corrections ombudsman office, one year after its creation. Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering Google partnering with Governor Youngkin to offer AI training to Virginia job-seekers. Whittne…

1
University Politics, Immigration Arrests, and Civilian Review Boards 39:31

17d ago39:31

39:31

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force's reported arrest of 2500 people. Andrew Kerley of the Commonwealth Times, covering Senate Democrats considering blocking more of Governor Youngkin's university board. Dean Mirshahi of VPM Ne…

1
Republican Unity, Fixing Water Problems, and the Big Beautiful Bill 42:54

24d ago42:54

42:54

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering last week's Republican unity event--and whether it dispelled rumors of internal tensions. Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Virginians and upcoming elections…

1
Campaign Catch-Up, ICE Controversy, and Pressure on UVA 37:31

1M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Virginia's GOP ticket holding its first united rally of the campaign. Brandon Jarvis of the Virginia Scope, covering ICE agents operating out of the Chesterfield court house. Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering how the candidate…

1
Primary Takeaways, Data Center Regulation, and AI-Informed Voting 43:42

1M ago43:42

43:42

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Shannon Heckt of the Virginia Mercury, covering Virginia's patchwork data center regulation policies. Graham Moomaw of the Richmonder, covering how Richmond voters overwhelmingly voted against their former mayor, Levar Stoney. Teo Armus of the Washington Post, covering some of t…

1
Special Edition: Virginia's 2025 Primary Results 34:37

1M ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of ⁠The Virginia Press Room⁠, Michael Pope is joined by political analyst Sam Shirazi to break down the results from Tuesday's primaries. -- The Virginia Press Room is a weekly podcast that brings listeners the latest insights and analysis on Virginia’s most important stories directly from the journalists covering them. Produced in …

1
Statewide Primaries, Campaign Yard Signs, and Public Radio Personalities 42:24

2M ago42:24

42:24

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Margaret Barthel of WAMU, covering what the candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general have to say about policy issues. Ryan Murphy of WHRO, covering local primary races that are heating up in Hampton Roads. Jahd Khalil of VPM News, covering how the candidates for l…

1
Immigration Enforcement, Medicaid Cuts, and Tariff Uncertainty 33:56

2M ago33:56

33:56

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sabrina Moreno of Axios Richmond, covering why Virginia is a hotspot for immigration enforcement. Michael O'Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, covering how federal Medicaid cuts will affect Virginians' coverage and home healthcare workers. Michael Martz of the Richmond Times-Dispat…

1
Sanctuary Cities, U.S. Attorney Competition, and Richmond's Second Water Crisis 40:52

2M ago40:52

40:52

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering the competition to decide the next U.S. Attorney for Virginia's Western District. Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering DHS' list of sanctuary cities, including several conservative Virginia counties. Chris Suarez of VPM News, covering Rich…

1
Recall Petitions, Council Chaos, and Coal County Ventures 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karen Graham of the Loudoun Times-Mirror, covering recall petitions in Purcellville. Bill Atkinson of the Progress Index, covering internal strife and council meetings and financial distress in Hopewell. Ben Paviour of the New York Times, covering coal magnate-led development pr…

1
Ticket Diversity, Amendment Rejections, and Non-Traditional Candidates 39:01

2M ago39:01

39:01

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering the diversity of Virginia's Republican candidates against the backdrop of a federal crackdown on DEI. Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the Virginia House Clerk rejecting three of Governor Youngkin's vetoes. Brad…

1
Intra-Party Chaos, Fraud Accusations, and Americorps Funding Cuts 37:59

3M ago37:59

37:59

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the ousting of Laura Hughes, former chairwoman for the Virginia Beach Republican Party. Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering accusations of fraud between the Youngkin administration and the Nansemond Indian Tribe over heal…

1
Early Voting, Budget Cuts, and Controversy On The Republican Ticket 31:30

3M ago31:30

31:30

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Laura Vozzella of the Washington Post, covering controversy on the Republican ticket as Governor Youngkin tried to oust Lieutenant Governor John Reid. Dwayne Yancey of the Cardinal News, covering early voting for both statewide and local primaries around Virginia. Jeff Schapiro …

1
ICE Raid, Right-to-Work, and Trouble in Purcellville 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Hanna Pampaloni of Loudoun Now, covering the scandal surrounding a state police investigation of Purcellville's Vice Mayor. Luke Weir of the Roanoke Times, covering the Democratic debate for Lieutenant Governor, where all candidates voice support for ending Right-to-Work. Sean M…

1
Coal Emissions, Public Housing, and High School Reshuffling 42:10

3M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: James Libresco of Theogony, covering the difficulties around Alexandria's City High School's four-campus system--and the school district's new policy mandating Theogony's articles be approved by administration. Charles Paullin of Inside Climate News, covering President Trump's e…

1
Special Edition: The Latest Campaign Finance Numbers 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

In this special episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by Ben Tribbett of Pocket Aces Consulting, and Jeff Ryer, former spokesman for the House and Senate Republicans, to break down the latest campaign finance disclosures for the candidates in Virginia's statewide and local races. VPAP: Q1 Campaign Finance Reports -- The Virgini…

1
Research Cuts, TSA Picketing, and the Bills That Passed 33:30

4M ago33:30

33:30

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Sage Tanguay of the Bold Dominion podcast, covering some niche bills passed during the latest General Assembly session. Michael O'Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, covering Richmond TSA workers picketing to get their union back from the Trump Administration. Nathaniel Cline of the…

1
Budget Dispute, Filing Deadlines, and the Virginia Supreme Court 38:27

4M ago38:27

38:27

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering the latest on the filings for the fall ballot. Joe Dodson of Courthouse News, covering a Virginia Supreme Court ruling an officer not liable for the attempted suicide of a detainee. Jahd Khalil of VPM, covering Virginia's budget and …

1
Unemployment Claims, Health Department Cuts, and Record-Setting Veto Numbers 35:18

4M ago35:18

35:18

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Karri Peifer of Axios, covering the rising number of unemployment claims in Virginia. Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering Governor Youngkin's record-setting number of vetoes pushed through last week (and VPAP has visualized the numbers) Chris Suarez of VPM, covering $425 million …

1
Education Cuts, Unemployment Claims, and Signature Submissions 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Whittney Evans of VPM News, covering how cuts to the federal Department of Education will impact Virginia's students. Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering rising unemployment claims in Virginia as President Trump cuts the federal workforce. Brad Kutner of Radio IQ, covering the sig…

1
Leadership Changes, Attack Ads, and Education Politics 35:52

5M ago35:52

35:52

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Lauren Burke of Black Virginia News (and formerly Pod Virginia), covering leadership changes in both of Virginia's major political parties. Chris Saxman of the VIP Podcast, covering how cuts to the federal Department of Education impact Virginia's schools and upcoming elections.…

1
Library Funding, GreenCity Development, and the Governor's Pardon 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering Governor Youngkin's pardon of a former police officer convicted of reckless firearm use. Greg Schneider of the Washington Post, covering Warren County stripping funding for Samuels Public Library. Lyndon German of VPM News, covering …

1
Competitive House Races, Voting Rights Restoration, and the Republican Primary for Governor 31:29

5M ago31:29

31:29

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering Amanda Chase and Dave LaRock's entry into the Republican primary race for Governor. Brandon Jarvis of Virginia Scope, covering three competitive state House races--Republican seats that Kamala Harris won last year. Dean Mirsha…

1
Stalled FOIA Reform, Federal Worker Anxiety, and A Visual Dispatch 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of the Virginia Mercury, covering the last-minute stalling of a FOIA reform bill. Shaban Athuman of VPM, showcasing a visual dispatch from the 2025 General Assembly. Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, covering Governor Youngkin's acknowledgement of the anxiet…

1
Sales Tax Surcharge, Residency Issues, and the Latest Casino Bill 30:10

5M ago30:10

30:10

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Dave Ress of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering bills to establish a legal cannabis market and to impose a sales tax surcharge to pay for schools. Rich Meagher, political science professor at Randolph-Macon College and the host of VPM's "VA's Got Issues," following Natalie An…

1
Free Clinics, Immigration Enforcement, and Animal Rights 29:24

6M ago29:24

29:24

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Keyris Manzanares of VPM News, covering Richmond Public Schools' official resolution on immigration enforcement on school grounds. Kate Seltzer of the Virginian-Pilot, covering Virginia's free clinics and the possibility of cuts to federal Medicaid funding. Joe Dodson of Courtho…

1
Child Care Subsidies, Offshore Wind, and the 2025 Race for Governor 43:05

6M ago43:05

43:05

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Olivia Diaz of the Associated Press, covering how the upcoming election is affecting the current General Assembly session. Megan Pauly of VPM News, covering the waitlist for Virginia's child care subsidy program. Brad Kutner, Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, who discusses the…

1
School Choice, Sourcing Stories, and What President Trump Means for Virginia 42:35

6M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Elizabeth Beyer of Cardinal News, with the potential consequences for Virginians if the federal government rescinds Medicaid expansion Tyler Englander of WRIC, covering the Republican push for school choice in the legislature Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Governor You…

1
Constitutional Amendments, Data Center Regulation, and the State of the Commonwealth 47:19

6M ago47:19

47:19

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Charlotte Rene Woods of Virginia Mercury, with the latest on the proposed amendments to Virginia's Constitution Cameron Thompson of WTVR, covering Governor Youngkin's State of the Commonwealth address Patrick Larsen of VPM News, who talks about the latest efforts to regulate dat…

1
Richmond Water Crisis, Race for Governor, and a Death in Prison 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Anna Bryson of the Richmond Times-Dispatch with the latest on Richmond's water crisis Michael O’Connor of the Virginia Dogwood, who talks about the latest poll for the 2025 Governor's race Dave Cantor of VPM News, who talks about the death of a man incarcerated at Red Onion pris…

1
Red Onion Prison, Hampton Roads Investment, and Riggleman's Potential Run 29:28

7M ago29:28

29:28

In this inaugural episode of The Virginia Press Room, Michael Pope is joined by: Laura Vozzella of The Washington Post, who talks about Denver Riggleman's potential run for statewide office Jahd Khalil of VPM News, who talks about Del. Michael Jones' (D-Richmond) unannounced visit to the Red Onion prison Markus Schmidt of Virginia Mercury, who talk…

1
Professor Daniel Player, University of Virginia 20:39

3+ y ago20:39

20:39

Host Gary Christensen interviews Professor Daniel Player of UVA, who dives into his time in the private sector working on research projects for government contracts and discusses how public-private partnerships influence policy creation.

1
Ellie Kaufman, CNN Producer 19:17

3+ y ago19:17

19:17

Host Aidan Doud interviews CNN Pentagon correspondent Ellie Kaufman about National Security reporting and her road to becoming a journalist.

1
Professor Ben Castleman, Nudge4Solutions Lab, University of Virginia 27:33

3+ y ago27:33

27:33

Host Gary Christensen interviews Professor Ben Castleman, founder and director of the Nudge4Solutions lab at UVA about college enrollment, student loans, and the future of higher education.

1
Mary Kate Cary, Former White House Speechwriter 31:18

3+ y ago31:18

31:18

Host Aidan Doud interviews Miller Center Communications Lecturer Mary Kate Cary as the White House speechwriter for former President George HW Bush. They discuss the politics of speechwriting in the Oval Office.

1
Director Jacob Kurtzer, Center for Strategic and International Studies 22:47

3+ y ago22:47

22:47

Academical hosts Connor Eads and Gary Christensen interview Director Jacob Kurtzer of the Center of Strategic and International Studies about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. They discuss the conditions that led to the crisis, and the difficult relationship between state and non state actors.

1
Ambassador CJ Mahoney 14:35

3+ y ago14:35

14:35

Host Aidan Doud discusses the USMCA trade agreement with former trade ambassador CJ Mahoney. Their discussion tracks the differences between NAFTA and USMCA, the challenges of negotiating a multilateral international trade agreement, and its potential future impact on foreign affairs.

1
Commissioner Chris Piper, Virginia Department of Elections 19:20

3+ y ago19:20

19:20

Hosts Connor Eads and Gary Christensen interview Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections Chris Piper to discuss election security, ballot access, and the upcoming Gubernatorial election. To check your registration status and find your polling place, go to: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation/…

1
Dean Ian Solomon, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy 21:08

4y ago21:08

21:08

Our first episode of the academic year with Dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Dean Ian Solomon.

1
Director David Paylor, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 45:43

4+ y ago45:43

45:43

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Erin Melly (MPP '22) about her interest in environmental policy (1:47). Sean and Erin then speak with David Paylor, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, about his career in state government and how he operates in a role the requires managing stakeholders with dive…

1
Dia Kayyali, Associate Director for Advocacy at Mnemonic 55:53

4+ y ago55:53

55:53

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Ben Feldman (MPP '21) about what brought him to Batten and his internship at the Syrian Archive (2:09). Sean and Ben then speak with Dia Kayyali, Associate Director for Advocacy at Mnemonic, about the ongoing discussions around accountability in content moderation and how to responsibly r…

1
Liliana Segura, The Intercept 52:29

4+ y ago52:29

52:29

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with Liliana Segura, who is an award-winning investigative journalist at The Intercept covering the U.S. criminal justice system with a focus on the death penalty, about Virginia being on the verge of abolishing capital punishment. Related Reading Liliana Segura at The Intercept (link) Liliana Segura:…

1
Chelsea Higgs Wise, Marijuana Justice 57:55

4+ y ago57:55

57:55

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Ben Teese (MPP '21) about his time at Batten (2:00). Sean and Ben then speak with Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director at Marijuana Justice, about Virginia's efforts to legalize marijuana and the equity implications around legalization (13:58). Related Reading Marijuana Justice (link) C…

1
Nadwa Al-Dawsari, Middle East Institute 1:03:46

4+ y ago1:03:46

1:03:46

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Morgan Bedford (MPP '21) about her interest in foreign policy and he work with the U.S. Embassy in Yemen (2:08). Sean and Morgan then speak with Nadwa Al-Dawsari, non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute, about the war in Yemen as well as how the Biden Administration should craft …

1
Dr. Lisa D. Cook, Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University 36:16

4+ y ago36:16

36:16

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Teka Lenahan (MPP '21) about UVA student organization Black Student Leaders in Policy, or BSLIP, and what drives his interest in education policy (2:05). Sean and Teka then speak with Dr. Lisa D. Cook, Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University, about …

1
Delegate Sam Rasoul, Virginia House of Delegates 54:28

4+ y ago54:28

54:28

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Maureen Coffey (MPP '21) about her role as president of the Virginia Young Democrats (2:08). Sean and Maureen then speak with Delegate Sam Rasoul about his campaign for Lieutenant Governor and being a progressive in a more rural part of Virginia (19:15). Related Reading Roanoke Del. Sam R…

1
Penny Abernathy, Knight Chair in Journalism and Digital Media Economics at UNC-Chapel Hill 59:56

4+ y ago59:56

59:56

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Marisa Lemma (MPP '22) about her book The Marching Women (2:40). Sean and Marisa then speak with Penny Abernathy, Knight Chair in Journalism and Digital Media Economics at UNC-Chapel Hill, about the decline of local news sources and what that means for our society (11:35). Related Reading…

1
Adam Leive, UVA Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Economics 52:59

4+ y ago52:59

52:59

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Audrey McClurg (MPP '21) about how she became interested in health policy and her experience with the Institute for Medicaid Innovation (2:00). Sean and Audrey then speak with Batten Professor Adam Leive (10:45) about his research around the impact of work requirements on SNAP participati…

1
Thomas Bowman, Transition Virginia 56:47

5y ago56:47

56:47

VPR Director of Operations Sean Bielawski talks with co-host Robert Grier (MPP '21) about his experience as a fundraiser on political campaigns (2:30). Sean and Robert then speak with Thomas Bowman, a political consultant and co-host of the podcast Transition Virginia (15:40), about Virginia Democrats heading into the November election. Related Rea…