Episodes
102
Latest episode
Mar 2026
Language
EN
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 guest Jaime Lizárraga has spent more than three decades at the center of economic policymaking, where he worked in Congress, the executive branch, and independent regulatory agencies. On this episode, Jaime reflects on a career that spans the GAO, the Treasury Department, Capitol Hill, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, serving as a Commissioner after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
In this episode, Shanan Guinn joins Jim Papa to reflect on her years in public service, from planning events for President Clinton to managing crises on Capitol Hill to multiple stints on the campaign trail. She has served presidents, governors, members of Congress, and now, handles communications at one of the world’s top energy companies at Westinghouse Electric Company.
In this episode, Julia Spiegel — now Founder and CEO of Governors Action Alliance — talks about being inside Governor Newsom’s office when Roe was overturned, how that experience led her to build a new platform to help governors protect fundamental freedoms, and so much more about her career along the way.
On this episode of STAFFER, Jim Papa speaks with Corey Tellez, Head of U.S. Public Policy at PayPal, about her decades in public service and policy, spanning the House, Senate leadership, the Treasury Department, and the private sector. From advising during the financial crisis to navigating leadership roles on the Hill, Corey shares lessons on resilience and how government service has shaped her thinking.
Maite Junco, now Senior Vice Chancellor at CUNY, reflects on her years as a reporter, on campaigns, and as a government staffer — from the New York Daily News to the Clinton ’92 presidential campaign to advising Letitia James’ historic campaign for New York Attorney General. She dives into what it takes to lead, navigate crises, and build a career in public service.
Melissa Morales, talks about her long history of political organizing and leading statewide coalitions, how she stayed motivated while founding Somos Votantes, her perspective on the 2024 election, and so much more. She is a true inspiration to changemakers everywhere and has plenty of advice to share. Listen now.Relevant LinksSomos VotantesMore from STAFFERFollow STAFFER on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn
This STAFFER guest – Shuwanza Goff, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Empire Consulting Group – recently served in the Biden White House, where she was the first Black woman to lead any administration's legislative team. On the episode, she talks about breaking barriers, managing historic bipartisan negotiations, and so much more. Listen now.
Anne Filipic – CEO of Share Our Strength – has more than 20 years of experience at the highest levels of government, campaigns, and advocacy. She has worked on House and Senate campaigns, at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the White House (twice), the DNC, and served as CEO of Enroll America, the organization tasked with signing up millions of Americans for health care under the Affordable Care Act. Learn more about Anne’s journey, her ongoing commitment to public service, Share our Strength’s mission to combat hunger and poverty, and much more on this episode.
As the state’s chief legal officer, California Attorney General Rob Bonta is at the forefront of addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges. Hear what he has to say about the role of his department in meeting this moment, why people looking for new opportunities should consider joining the CA DOJ, and what inspires him to keep fighting for social justice for all.
In light of all that has been happening to government employees over the last six weeks, we are releasing a special edition of STAFFER to recognize the invaluable work staffers do for our communities. Indiscriminate, poorly reasoned firings threaten more than the people directly affected – they threaten the functioning and fabric of our democracy. Listen to the full episode now.
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