Through thoughtful policy discussions and interviews, each episode will showcase the voices in and around the halls of our capitol. Let’s find out what’s important to those shaping public policy and in turn, what’s important to Virginia and you. The VIP Podcast will be hosted by Chris Saxman, Executive Director of Virginia FREE, and a former delegate who served in the Virginia House from 2002 to 2010.
Episodes
Mar 21, 2023
Mar 21, 2023
14 min
VIP Inbox is back! Host Chris Saxman candidly reacts to current topics and questions submitted by listeners. We had some great ones this week! Have a political topic or question you are curious about? Submit a question or comment to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWIq6-uq1GQ1owmU5zF8i6g1abRPzoi1AkcI8aC-09Wzy6Dg/viewform
Mar 7, 2023
Mar 7, 2023
28 min
Lo Davis, Executive Director of the Cavalier Futures Foundation, talks about how the 2021 NCAA NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) ruling transformed college athletics in Virginia and beyond. He outlines creating the "Virginia Way" to help student athletes understand and properly take advantage of opportunities within the rules of the NCAA. Learn more: https://www.cavscare.org/
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
40 min
General Bob Wood sits down with Chris for a discussion focused on Veterans' issues. They talk about the frustrations of Veterans, the impact of January 6th, political history, support for Veterans and their families, and more. Learn more about American Veterans Vote
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
5 min
Chris continues his rundown on Virginia's upcoming primary elections - this time focusing on Senate Republican Districts.
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
7 min
Chris gives a quick rundown on the upcoming June 20th primaries in Senate Democratic districts and makes early predictions.
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
7 min
Chris continues discussing incumbent retirements in the Virginia legislature. This time, he's predicting up to seven more legislators who may retire as a result of internal primary battles. Listen to Chris discuss what's impacting these nomination battles and make your own predictions!
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
5 min
Chris discusses the incumbent legislators who will not be returning next year. Recent retirement announcements mean Virginia is losing over 300 years of institutional knowledge and experience! Chris discusses what this turnover means for good governance in Virginia.
Feb 21, 2023
Feb 21, 2023
24 min
Delegate Amanda Batten talks about what's happening in this year's chaotic short session, including a conversation with Chris on parenting and education issues. As a former legislative assistant and now Delegate and Caucus Chair, she discuss shifts in policymaking and dynamics from her experienced perspective.
Feb 21, 2023
Feb 21, 2023
26 min
Texas Parliamentarian Kay Crews explains her job and how it helps maintain fairness and order in chaos. She talks in detail about working on ranked choice voting in Virginia, and calls it the best job she's ever had! Get to know Kay and learn more about the importance of professional parliamentarians in policymaking and more.