83 episodes

There are many titles for these over-caffeinated, overworked, underpaid, Washingtonians, but just one name: STAFFER. There's no other workplace in the world where one might find themselves picking up coffee, shaping legislation that will impact global markets, ordering an Uber, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with world leaders, all in the same day.

Capitol Hill has long been the launching pad for very BIG careers, a cauldron that forges our country's most influential leaders. Our mission is to share their stories.

STAFFER Jim Papa

    • Government
    • 4.9 • 77 Ratings

There are many titles for these over-caffeinated, overworked, underpaid, Washingtonians, but just one name: STAFFER. There's no other workplace in the world where one might find themselves picking up coffee, shaping legislation that will impact global markets, ordering an Uber, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with world leaders, all in the same day.

Capitol Hill has long been the launching pad for very BIG careers, a cauldron that forges our country's most influential leaders. Our mission is to share their stories.

    Sandra Douglass Morgan

    Sandra Douglass Morgan

    Sandra Douglass Morgan is a trailblazer through and through. On today’s episode, she talks about the many roles she’s held – from Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board to President of the Las Vegas Raiders and everything in between.

    • 29 min
    Josh Earnest

    Josh Earnest

    This episode's guest is Josh Earnest, one of the few staffers to go the distance from early on the Obama campaign through both terms in the White House. Josh worked in politics and government from Florida to Iowa to New York City to Washington – and has applied lessons learned there to his job at White House Press Secretary and today, as EVP of Communications and Advertising for United. Learn all about his extraordinary pathway, his take on what makes a great staffer, and more.

    • 50 min
    A Tribute to Dan Turton

    A Tribute to Dan Turton

    A series of conversations in memory of Dan Turton, a former White House and House of Representatives staffer who died too young, made a lasting difference, and touched many lives.

    • 1 hr 47 min
    Jocelyn Frye

    Jocelyn Frye

    As a little girl, Jocelyn Frye wanted to be a lawyer. That she did – and so much more. Today, Jocelyn leads the National Partnership for Women and Families. On this episode, she shares insights about her journey from attorney to advocate to White House staffer, and back to advocate. Along the way, she describes what it was like to work so closely with the First Lady Michelle Obama, how she views the ongoing work for justice and equality, and so much more.

    • 58 min
    Louisa Terrell

    Louisa Terrell

    President Biden’s first two years in office resulted in several landmark laws: the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS & Science Act, and more. During that time, this episode's guest, Louisa Terrell, served as Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. In this episode, hear Louisa discuss her journey to the West Wing and how she helped the President achieve historic wins under incredibly challenging circumstances.

    • 54 min
    Mike Harney

    Mike Harney

    Mike Harney knows the federal government like few others. Prior to his position as Senior Vice President and Head of Public Affairs at Clear, he held a range of impressive positions as a staffer. Hear about the joys and challenges of each position on this episode of STAFFER.

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
77 Ratings

77 Ratings

fjhcr ,

Love this show!

I’m a political podcast junkie and Staffer is refreshingly positive and upbeat! Although I appreciate sarcasm, doom & gloom, but it’s reassuring listening to how staffers achieved their success through hard work, scruples, and character!

Belgiandem ,

Staffer

I really enjoyed hearing these stories!

dwilly3215 ,

Excellent podcast

Jim is a pro and he brings out the best in his guests. Highly recommend his recent chat with Chris Lu who is a quintessential staffer.

Top Podcasts In Government

Strict Scrutiny
Crooked Media
Anne Hidalgo - Paris en Commun
Paris en Commun
The Lawfare Podcast
The Lawfare Institute
5-4
Prologue Projects
Future Hindsight
Future Hindsight
The Chris Plante Show
WMAL | Cumulus Podcast Network | Cumulus Media Washington

You Might Also Like

Playbook Deep Dive
POLITICO
The Axe Files with David Axelrod
The Institute of Politics & CNN
Pod Save America
Crooked Media
Hacks On Tap
Hacks On Tap
Up First
NPR
Offline with Jon Favreau
Crooked Media