Gavel In

A podcast for Members Elect of Congress

About “Gavel In”

Available on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts, and More

“Gavel In” is a limited-run explainer podcast series designed especially to mentor new Members Elect of the incoming 119th Congress, their staff, and families, to help them successfully set up their new office, team, and Washington home base with ease.

“Gavel In” augments their official New Member Orientation and breaks down complex topics in short, easy-to-understand lessons on House Floor operations, office structure and hiring, budgeting, technology, security, ethics, and also the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, rules, and how a bill becomes a law. 

“Gavel In” is your New Member Orientation study buddy, with just-in-time, deeply researched accessible explainers on the ins and outs of working in Congress, including:

  • Government 101 Refresher

  • Congressional procedures and rules

  • Understanding your office budget (the Member Representational Allowance)

  • Standing up your office; hiring and managing staff

  • How committees work and how to be an effective committee member

  • Working with and overseeing federal agencies 

  • Constituent engagement

  • Leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency and capacity

  • Building relationships and rapport within the chamber

  • “I wish I knew then that I know now” from former Members of Congress

Gavel In will also support Members and their families with lessons learned by former Members and their spouses on how to navigate the professional and personal challenges of life as a Representative.

Episodes

  • Ep. 1: Schoolhouse Rock: A Refresher and Reality Check for the Modern Legislative Process

    For the inaugural episode of Gavel In, we pull back the curtain on Members’ and staffers’ real experiences in navigating the legislative process.

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  • Ep. 2: The Structure of a Congressional Office and How to Boost Effectiveness Out of the Gate

    In this episode, we glean insight from three sitting Representatives, two former members of House, and two experienced Chiefs of Staff on how to approach hiring staff at the start of a new Congress.

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  • Ep. 3: How Committees in the House Work and How to be an Effective Committee Member

    In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of the committee process, how to best prepare for hearings, and how to foster a productive relationship with committee staff.

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  • Ep. 4: House Rules: What Procedures to Become a Pro on Pronto

    In this episode, we demystify the House Rules and share resources available to Members and staff of Congress to help them become pros – fast – on rules and procedure.

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  • Ep. 5: Understanding Your Office Budget (“MRA”)

    In this episode, we interview current and former Chiefs of Staff and Congressional experts about strategies to make the most out of the Members Representational Allowance (MRA).

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  • Ep. 6: How to Work With and Oversee Federal Agencies

    In this episode, we speak with experienced Congressional staff and scholars about the House’s oversight powers, strategies for effective interactions between the branches, and recent changes to Congressional authorities.

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  • Ep. 7: Reaching Your Constituents and Translating Your Impact to the District

    In this episode, a bipartisan mix of current Members and former Chiefs of Staff share advice on how to make your work in Washington more accessible and relevant to the folks back home in your district.

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  • Ep. 8: Building Relationships and Rapport Within the Chamber

    In this episode, we dig into how new Members and staff can overcome partisan challenges by seeking the advice of seasoned current and former Representatives and staff.

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  • Ep. 9: I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now

    Across their conversations with current and former Members of Congress, Aubrey and Taylor asked them, “What do you wish you knew during your freshman term that you know now?”

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  • Ep. 10: How to Approach the House as a Modern Institution

    For this episode, we spoke with the champions of the House modernization movement to discuss some of the biggest changes that have recently come to fruition.

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