It's hard to believe we've reached 200 episodes! Join Micaela, Adam, and David as we take a nostalgic look back at how our podcast began during those uncertain early days of April 2020. Hear clips from the very first episode and discover how what started as crisis communication evolved into a comprehensive professional development platform reaching political engagement professionals across America.

In this milestone 199th episode, political technologist Eric Wilson reveals how AI is quietly transforming political engagement. With 11% of voters already using ChatGPT for election information—matching podcast usage from six years ago—we're witnessing a seismic shift in how Americans consume political content.
Wilson, Campaigns & Elections' 2021 Technology Leader of the Year and executive director of the Center for Campaign Innovation, explores two potential AI futures: one where it's simply a productivity tool, and another where AI avatars enable voters to have personalized conversations with candidates. He breaks down why PAC professionals need to move beyond SEO to "large language model optimization" and implement dual-track content strategies.
This episode provides essential insights for navigating the AI revolution in political engagement.

Episode Sponsor: Kilbride Public Affairs
https://kilbridepublicaffairs.com/

It's America's 249th birthday, and we're celebrating with fireworks, fake presidential speeches, and some very real breaking news! Just when PAC directors thought they had their 2026 budgets figured out, Senator Tillis dropped a bombshell that turned seven Senate seats into open contests. Plus, hit play to hear why it is your political practitioner's patriotic duty to check out the brand new State Navigate.

Join hosts Micaela Isler, David Schild, and Adam Belmar as they welcome back political prognosticator Jim Ellis for an essential mid-year political update that PAC professionals can't afford to miss. From redistricting battles to competitive races across six open Senate seats, find out why another razor-thin House majority is virtually guaranteed. Essential listening for PAC directors weighing primary endorsement strategies, understanding fundraising dynamics between state and federal races, and planning for what promises to be another highly competitive election cycle, where business community engagement will be critical.

Episode Sponsor: Kilbride Public Affairs
https://kilbridepublicaffairs.com/

Live from the hottest ticket in town! Hit play to join the fun at NABPAC's summer 2025 kick-off event.

NABPAC Board Chair Kipp Maloney joins Micaela Isler to discuss the organization's achievements in the first half of 2025. From legislative victories to record-breaking member engagement and growth, NABPAC is thriving. Kipp shares insights from the Blue Ribbon Panel, how NABPAC is changing the conversation about business PACs on Capitol Hill, and the strategic planning process that's positioning the organization for the next 50 years. Plus, get excited for the upcoming Summer Soiree!

NABPAC convened 16 industry thought leaders for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business political engagement. As the association approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, President and CEO Micaela Isler shares a first look at insights that could reshape how the business community engages politically for the next five decades.

Episode Sponsor: PASS | Public Affairs Support Services
https://pactrack.net/

Your Memorial Day weekend update on the latest developments in budget reconciliation has arrived. We break down what this "big and beautiful bill" means as it heads to the Senate with special guest Jennifer Belair, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Atlas Crossing.

Sponsored by Capital Bank - your partner in political banking solutions.
https://capitalbankmd.com/