What does it take to break into foreign policy—and thrive in the “last three feet” of U.S. diplomacy? In this episode, we sit down with Vasu Vaitla, a Georgetown adjunct-associate professor whose career spans the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations, NGO Initiatives of Change, and the U.S. Air Force.

Vasu shares practical advice for students and professionals seeking careers in foreign affairs, whether through government, NGOs, or multinational organizations. From classroom insights to field-tested strategies, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to serve at the intersection of policy, people, and purpose.

🔗 Learn more about Vasu Vaitla: Georgetown Faculty Profile
🎶 Featuring a sample of Georgetown’s fight song—drums courtesy of the Chicago Bears.

One CA is a product of the Civil Affairs Association, spotlighting voices from the frontlines of diplomacy, development, and defense. Feedspot ranks us among the top 10 foreign policy podcasts—see why at Feedspot’s Foreign Policy Rankings.

📬 Contact the show: CApodcasting@gmail.com
🌐 Visit us: civilaffairsassoc.org

Aspiring to serve in the “last three feet” of diplomacy? 🎙️ In this episode of #OneCAPodcast, Georgetown’s Vasu Vaitla shares actionable advice for launching a career in foreign policy—from the classroom to the field. Whether you're eyeing the #ForeignService, NGOs, or multilateral organizations, this is your roadmap to impact.
#PublicDiplomacy #CivilAffairs #ForeignPolicyCareers #GeorgetownUniversity #USStateDepartment #InternationalRelations #DiplomacyMatters #MentorshipInAction #GlobalLeadership #FeedspotTop10 #CareerPathways #ForeignAffairs #NationalSecurity #DevelopmentDiplomacy #WomenInForeignPolicy #NextGenDiplomats #CFR #AFSA #WFPG #PDCA #AAD #FPA

Organization,Hashtag

One CA Podcast,#OneCAPodcast,#LastThreeFeet,#CivilAffairs

Georgetown University,#GeorgetownUniversity,#ForeignPolicyCareers,#NextGenDiplomats

U.S. Department of State,#USStateDepartment,#ForeignService,#PublicDiplomacy

United Nations,#UNCareers,#GlobalLeadership,#MultilateralEngagement

Initiatives of Change,#InitiativesOfChange,#Peacebuilding,#CivicTrust

U.S. Air Force,#USAirForce,#NationalSecurity,#DefenseDiplomacy

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR),#CFR,#ForeignAffairs,#GlobalPolicy

American Foreign Service Association (AFSA),#AFSA,#ForeignServiceLife,#DiplomacyMatters

Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG),#WFPG,#WomenInForeignPolicy,#MentorshipInAction

Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA),#PDCA,#PublicDiplomacy,#CareerPathways

Association of American Diplomats (AAD),#AAD,#DiplomaticCareers,#ForeignPolicyVoices

Foreign Policy Association (FPA),#FPA,#InternationalRelations,#GlobalEngagement

Feedspot,#FeedspotTop10,#ForeignPolicyPodcast,#PodcastRankings

Academic & NGO Networks,#CareerInForeignPolicy,#DevelopmentDiplomacy,#GlobalCareers

In this episode of the One CA Podcast, host Danny Joseph sits down with Navy EOD Commander Brad Penely to explore the evolving face of warfare—from mine countermeasures in the Strait of Hormuz to cruise missile defense in the Red Sea and joint ops in South America.

Brad shares firsthand insights from Syria, Iran, and beyond, while unpacking the future of small-unit operations, drone warfare, and the power of disruptive thinking.

But this isn’t just about tactics. Brad dives deep into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of leadership, offering hard-won advice on resilience, innovation, and the kind of mindset that thrives under pressure.

From writing white papers that change doctrine to taking cold showers that build grit, this episode is a masterclass in modern warfighting and personal growth.

🔗 Learn more about FP21: https://www.fp21.org

🎧 Visit the show page: civilaffairsassociation.com/podcast

📨 Contact us: capodcasting@gmail.com

🏆 Ranked Top 10 Foreign Policy Podcast by Feedspot: Check it out

🎵 Music by TC Dickinson Ft. Carrera – Django (Hip Hop vs Western Instrumental): https://youtu.be/O2Cz16Kk3jA?si=pDy_knvnK8NBF3vK

🎧 Welcome to the Once CA Podcast.

In this episode, host Assad Raza welcomes Jim Hake, founder of Spirit of America, a nonprofit that directly supports overseas U.S. Military, Diplomatic, and Development efforts.

Hake shares how his organization bridges critical gaps in foreign assistance—delivering rapid, locally tailored support that helps advance U.S. foreign policy goals in complex environments.

From frontline partnerships in Ukraine and West Africa to strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, Hake explains how Spirit of America works alongside Civil Affairs teams and other U.S. personnel to build trust, deliver impact, and reinforce democratic values.

One CA is a production of the Civil Affairs Association, featuring voices from the field—military, diplomatic, development, and intelligence professionals—who operate in the “last three feet” of U.S. foreign relations. Our goal is to inform, inspire, and elevate the role of Civil Affairs in global engagement.

🔗 Learn more about Jim Hake and Spirit of America: spiritofamerica.org

📩 Contact the show: CApodcasting@gmail.com

🌐 Visit: civilaffairsassoc.org

🏆 Ranked Top 10 Foreign Policy Podcast by Feedspot: See the list

🎵 Music credit: Relaxing Rhythms CH, Album 92 Sing Song Swing Jazz: Twist Till Your Hips Hurt YouTube link

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Organization,Hashtag

Spirit of America,#SpiritOfAmerica,#SupportOurTroops,#CivilAffairsSupport

Civil Affairs Association,#CivilAffairs,#OneCAPodcast,#LastThreeFeet

USAID,#USAID,#ForeignAssistance,#DevelopmentDiplomacy

U.S. Department of State,#Diplomacy,#USForeignPolicy,#DemocracySupport

U.S. Army Civil Affairs,#CivilAffairsOps,#MilitarySupport,#StrategicEngagement

Atlantic Council,#FrontlineDemocracy,#UkraineSupport,#WestAfricaSecurity

Brookings Institution,#ForeignAid,#GlobalEngagement,#IndoPacificStrategy

Carnegie Endowment,#CivilMilitaryRelations,#HumanitarianAssistance,#ConflictPrevention

Freedom House,#DemocracyPromotion,#HumanRightsSupport,#UkraineSolidarity

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS),#CSISLive,#GlobalSecurity,#DevelopmentMatters

Harvard Belfer Center,#BelferCenter,#NationalSecurity,#CivicAction

Stanford Internet Observatory,#DigitalDemocracy,#CivicTech,#InformationOps

Global Citizen,#HumanitarianSupport,#NGOImpact,#HashtagActivism

Bosch Stiftung (West Africa),#LocalNGOs,#WestAfricaPeace,#CommunityResilience

Ukrainian Civil Society Groups,#StandWithUkraine,#StopRussianAggression,#UkraineNGOs