Former Senator Laphonza Butler, "I'm Open to Every Opportunity"

Former Senator Laphonza Butler, "I'm Open to Every Opportunity"

Author: Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service November 16, 2025 Duration: 29:11
Welcome back to another episode of the Fly on the Wall! Today, we welcome Former Senator Laphonza Butler on the podcast! Laphonza Butler is a former senator representing California, who Governor Gavin Newsom appointed to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein after her death in 2023. Born in Mississippi, Butler attended Jackson State University before beginning her career as a labor organizer. She has been actively involved in the United States labor movement throughout her public service career, serving as President of SEIU Local 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Before serving in Congress, former Senator Butler served as the president of Emily’s List which works to elect Democratic pro-choice women to government. Former Senator Butler has also been prominent in the private sector, working as Director of Public Policy for Airbnb. Former Senator Butler is a Fall 2025 GU Politics Fellow at Georgetown University and has hosted her weekly discussion groups on AI, Labor, and the Politics of the Future of Work, which she expands on in this must-listen-to podcast episode.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the closed doors where political power is exercised? The Fly offers exactly that perspective, a weekly journey into the rooms where consequential decisions are negotiated and made. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's an audio postcard from inside the Oval Office, a campaign war room, a governor's mansion, or the corridors of Congress. The podcast, produced by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service, is built on the premise that understanding process is just as important as debating policy. You'll hear the strategies, the tensions, and the human dynamics that shape our government's most impactful moments. What makes the series particularly engaging is its unique hosting perspective: it's guided by a couple of curious college students who are themselves navigating the complexities of the American political system. Their genuine quest to learn how things actually get done creates a refreshing and accessible entry point for anyone interested in the mechanics of power. Each episode feels like a candid conversation, pulling back the curtain on the often-opaque world of politics. Tune in for a grounded, insider look that goes beyond the headlines and soundbites.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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