GovExperts Insights

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton talks with John Vinson, Senior Vice President at Ragnar Research, about how political polling is adapting to new technology, shifting voter behavior, and a fragmented media landscape—and what campaigns, candidates, and citizens should take from the numbers.Vinson draws on nearly a decade of campaign experience and years of polling leadership to explain how research drives modern campaign strategy: building message plans, testing attacks, targeting persuadables, and directing limited resources. He also breaks down a critical distinction in today’s polling environment—how private, client-funded polling differs from public surveys built for headlines.“Accuracy is our currency—Election Day is our report card.” — John VinsonKey InsightsFrom landlines to mobile-first research: Polling now relies heavily on mobile phones, expanding contact windows and requiring new outreach methods to reach representative voters.Fragmented media raises the stakes: Polls must measure not only what voters think, but where they’re getting information as audiences splinter across platforms.Benchmarks vs. brushfires: Early benchmark polls shape message strategy; late-cycle “brushfire” polls test whether ads and field efforts are actually moving voters.Regression testing and message impact: Ragnar uses regression tools to identify which messages shift opinions—so campaigns invest in what moves numbers, not noise.“Don’t trust polling you don’t pay for”: Vinson explains how incentives differ between campaign polling and media polling, and why methodology (live calling, mobile reach, stratification) still matters.Covid’s political aftershocks: The pandemic reshaped issue priorities, fueled school board activism, and shifted party registration patterns in states like Florida and Tennessee.About John VinsonJohn Vinson is Senior Vice President at Ragnar Research, one of the nation’s leading political and corporate polling firms. After nearly a decade working on campaigns nationwide, he moved into polling in 2019—bringing both campaign and research perspectives to survey design, message testing, and strategy.Why It MattersIn a crowded, fast-moving information environment, high-quality polling offers a disciplined read on what voters actually think. Reliable research helps leaders set priorities, refine messages, and avoid costly missteps. And for citizens, understanding polling methods makes it easier to separate meaningful insights from headline noise.Follow GovExperts Insights on LinkedIn or Spotify and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Peter Pomerantsev—author, documentary producer, and senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University—to examine how propaganda distorts reality during wartime and what it takes to preserve truth when information itself is weaponized.Pomerantsev discusses his work documenting alleged war crimes tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and why even a negotiated peace could leave profound legal and moral questions unresolved. Central to the conversation is The Reckoning Project—an initiative that blends journalism and law to preserve evidence, confront state-sponsored denialism, and ensure facts endure long after the fighting stops.“We need evidence that lasts longer than propaganda.” — Peter PomerantsevKey InsightsIdentity and propaganda are deeply linked: how regimes exploit uncertainty to impose new narratives and identities.Russian propaganda adapts to each audience: different messaging across Europe, the U.S., Africa, and Latin America—yet a consistent core claim that Russia is the victim and the West is to blame.The Reckoning Project bridges journalism and prosecutions: detailed testimonies that support public storytelling and future war-crimes cases—so evidence doesn’t disappear.Ukraine’s identity has strengthened: increased unity and civic cohesion since 2014 and 2022 despite attacks on language, culture, and sovereignty.Child deportations as a totalitarian tactic: separating children from families to break cultural continuity and reshape a nation.Disinformation now enables war crimes: false “pretexts” spread before attacks may become part of future legal accountability efforts.About Peter PomerantsevPeter Pomerantsev is a leading thinker on propaganda, narrative, and political identity. He is the award-winning author of How to Win an Information War and Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, and his work explores how authoritarian systems manipulate truth to evade accountability.Why It MattersWars may end on paper, but accountability rarely does. This conversation explores how modern conflict blurs the line between combat, propaganda, and crime—and why courts, evidence, and legal standards may be among the last institutions capable of anchoring truth when political narratives diverge from reality.Follow GovExperts Insights on Spotify or LinkedIn and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton is joined by the Director of The Competitive Enterprise Institute, Jessica Melugin, who is an expert on technology policy, antitrust and competition in digital markets, and the impact of regulatory interventions on innovation and free-market economics.Read more about our interview with Jessica Melugin here: Jessica Melugin: An Exclusive Look Into The World of AntitrustRead more about The Competitive Enterprise Institute here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Competitive Enterprise Institute

In this episode, Andrew Langer joins us to discuss one of the biggest questions facing U.S. aviation:Should the FAA modernize air-traffic control—or move toward privatization?We cover the FAA’s staffing crisis, the risks exposed during government shutdowns, and the national-security implications of outdated ATC technology. Andrew walks through the pros and cons of privatization, what modernization would require, how other nations have approached reform, and what’s at stake for the future of America’s airspace.Topics include:• FAA workforce shortages• System modernization and technology gaps• Privatization debates and global examples• Shutdown impacts on aviation safety• Congressional inaction and potential solutionsA must-listen for anyone interested in aviation policy, transportation infrastructure, or federal reform.

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Larry Berlin—angel investor, startup mentor, and former CFO—to unpack how public policy shapes innovation, risk, and investment.From taxes and tariffs to labor laws and regulation, Berlin explains how uncertainty—not just higher rates—changes startup math, discourages innovation, and drives companies to relocate. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, fintech, and venture mentoring at the University of Chicago Booth School’s New Venture Challenge, he shares practical advice for founders, investors, and policymakers alike.💡 Topics include:Why policy uncertainty raises the cost of capitalThe hidden startup killer: compliance and labor lawsHow states act as “laboratories of democracy”The role of boards in policy foresightDeregulation, innovation, and long-term growthBerlin’s message is clear: predictability is the best policy for entrepreneurship.🎧 Listen and Subscribe:Visit https://govexperts.com/insights/Follow GovExperts Insights on LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Keywords: Larry Berlin, Chris Britton, GovExperts Insights, startup policy, angel investing, regulation, economic policy, entrepreneurship, deregulation, compliance, innovation, capital markets, University of Chicago Booth.

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Larry Berlin—angel investor, startup mentor, and former CFO—to unpack how public policy shapes innovation, risk, and investment.From taxes and tariffs to labor laws and regulation, Berlin explains how uncertainty—not just higher rates—changes startup math, discourages innovation, and drives companies to relocate. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, fintech, and venture mentoring at the University of Chicago Booth School’s New Venture Challenge, he shares practical advice for founders, investors, and policymakers alike.💡 Topics include:Why policy uncertainty raises the cost of capitalThe hidden startup killer: compliance and labor lawsHow states act as “laboratories of democracy”The role of boards in policy foresightDeregulation, innovation, and long-term growthBerlin’s message is clear: predictability is the best policy for entrepreneurship.🎧 Listen and Subscribe:Visit https://govexperts.com/insights/Follow GovExperts Insights on LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Keywords: Larry Berlin, Chris Britton, GovExperts Insights, startup policy, angel investing, regulation, economic policy, entrepreneurship, deregulation, compliance, innovation, capital markets, University of Chicago Booth.

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Luke Wachob, Senior Director of Communications and Policy at the People United for Privacy Foundation, to discuss one of the most urgent questions facing America today:Is our right to free speech under attack?From political violence and cancel culture to government “jawboning” and campaign finance regulation, this conversation explores how the boundaries of the First Amendment are being tested across college campuses, social media, and nonprofit advocacy.Luke shares powerful insights on why free speech protections matter for everyone — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike — and how threats to donor privacy and nonprofit advocacy could silence everyday Americans.Topics Covered:Political violence and intimidation as threats to free speechHow campaign finance laws intersect with the First AmendmentDonor privacy and nonprofit protectionsThe rise of government “jawboning” and censorship pressureWhy protecting free speech transcends politicsKey Quote:“Transparency is for government. Privacy is for people.” — People United for Privacy Foundation🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on policy, politics, and advocacy that shape our democracy.#FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #GovExpertsInsights #LukeWachob #ChrisBritton #DonorPrivacy #NonprofitAdvocacy #Censorship #PoliticalViolence #CampaignFinance

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Luke Wachob, Senior Director of Communications and Policy at the People United for Privacy Foundation, to discuss one of the most urgent questions facing America today:Is our right to free speech under attack?From political violence and cancel culture to government “jawboning” and campaign finance regulation, this conversation explores how the boundaries of the First Amendment are being tested across college campuses, social media, and nonprofit advocacy.Luke shares powerful insights on why free speech protections matter for everyone — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike — and how threats to donor privacy and nonprofit advocacy could silence everyday Americans.Topics Covered:Political violence and intimidation as threats to free speechHow campaign finance laws intersect with the First AmendmentDonor privacy and nonprofit protectionsThe rise of government “jawboning” and censorship pressureWhy protecting free speech transcends politicsKey Quote:“Transparency is for government. Privacy is for people.” — People United for Privacy Foundation🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on policy, politics, and advocacy that shape our democracy.#FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #GovExpertsInsights #LukeWachob #ChrisBritton #DonorPrivacy #NonprofitAdvocacy #Censorship #PoliticalViolence #CampaignFinance

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton is joined by Senior Director of Communications and Policy at People United for Privacy Foundation, Luke Wachob, who is an expert on donor privacy and free speech advocacy. Listen in today to learn more! Read more about our interview with Luke Wachob here: Luke Wachob on Protecting Free Speech and Donor Privacy | GovExperts⁠⁠⁠ Read more about People United for Privacy Foundation here: ⁠⁠⁠People United for Privacy Foundation

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton is joined by RealClearPolicy author Jerry Rogers, who is an expert in political dialogue to discuss the meaning of political and civil discourse, examine the roles of media and identity politics in shaping conversations. Listen in today to learn more! Read more about our interview with Jerry Rogers here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry Rogers: How to Save Democracy through Civil Discourse | GovExperts⁠⁠ Read more about RealClearPolicy here: ⁠⁠RealClearPolicy

In this episode, RJ Johnson joins GovExperts Insights Host Chris Britton to discuss The World Orphan Fund, which offers hope and support for orphaned and vulnerable children around the globe. Johnson discusses the challenges they face while helping orphaned children worldwide and their goal to find solutions for sustainability and long term change. Listen in today to learn more! Read more about our interview with RJ Johnson here: ⁠World Orphan Fund: Transforming Lives Through Global Collaboration | GovExperts⁠ Read more about The World Orphan Fund here: ⁠World Orphan Fund

In this audio episode, Pastor Corey Brooks joins GovExperts Insights Host Chris Britton to discuss Project H.O.O.D., a beacon of hope and transformation in the heart of inner city Chicago. This initiative, also known as Helping Others Obtain Destiny, focuses on individual empowerment and community revitalization. Listen in today to learn more! Read more about our interview with Pastor Corey Brooks here: Project H.O.O.D. Charting A New Way in Chicago | GovExperts Read more about Project H.O.O.D here: Project HOOD

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton and ethics expert Ross Fischer discuss Texas’ approach to ethics compliance, disclosure and enforcement and best practices to avoid running afoul of state ethics laws.

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton and military expert Jim Lechner discuss Lechner's new book "With My Shield: An Army Ranger in Somalia", US Foreign Policy and multiple world conflicts, including Mogadishu, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

The GovExperts Insights interview titled "Exploring Rare Disease with Soleno Therapeutics’s Dr. Anish Bhatnagar" features a detailed discussion on the challenges and impacts of rare diseases, particularly focusing on Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and the efforts to address it through therapeutic interventions. The conversation is between GovExperts founder and CEO Chris Britton and Dr. Anish Bhatnagar, CEO of Soleno Therapeutics, who has over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. Key points from the document include: Rare Diseases and Their Impact: Rare diseases, defined in the United States as conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people, collectively impact 25 to 30 million people in the U.S. alone. Despite their individual rarity, their cumulative effect on families, healthcare systems, and the government is substantial, particularly due to the lack of FDA-approved treatments for 90% of these conditions. Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): PWS is highlighted as a genetic condition that manifests at birth with symptoms evolving over time. It is characterized by low muscle tone at birth, leading to a diagnosis, and an insatiable appetite (hyperphagia) developing around 7-8 years of age, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients and their families. There are currently no drugs available to treat the hallmark symptom of hyperphagia. Challenges in Drug Development for Rare Diseases: The discussion addresses the financial and regulatory challenges in developing treatments for rare diseases. The Orphan Drug Act is mentioned as a pivotal moment that encouraged research into rare diseases by providing incentives, but recent years have seen challenges in funding due to regulatory complexities and the need for large-scale trials that are not feasible for rare conditions. Soleno Therapeutics' Efforts on PWS: Dr. Bhatnagar discusses Soleno Therapeutics' focus on developing a treatment for PWS since 2017, acquiring a company with preliminary data but facing financial difficulties. Despite the challenges, including a pivotal study that did not meet its primary endpoint partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing treatment has shown significant benefits in patient symptoms and quality of life. Future Directions and Regulatory Hopes: The document touches on the need for regulatory flexibility to accommodate the unique challenges of rare disease drug development. It also mentions the Promising Pathway Act as a potential legislative solution to provide earlier access to promising drugs for conditions with significant unmet needs. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of addressing rare diseases within the healthcare and regulatory framework, highlighting the need for innovation, flexibility, and continued advocacy to improve the lives of those affected by these conditions.

Welcome to a Special Episode of GovExperts Insights: The Bill of Rights with Bill Pascoe The United States Bill of Rights stands as a testament to the enduring principles of liberty and democracy. In this episode, we talk with Bill Pascoe, an accomplished expert with 38+ years of experience promoting liberty and democracy. Pascoe and GovExperts' Chris Britton discuss the rich history, influence, and contemporary relevance of the United States Bill of Rights. This episode is not just a discussion; it's a celebration of the 232nd anniversary of the Bill of Rights' adoption. Tune in today!

GovExperts Insights with Chris Britton and guest Allen Fuller: Using your personal network for #GrassrootsOrganizing Welcome to this episode of GovExperts Insights, now available for all our listeners with an interest in politics, advocacy, and the transformative power of grassroots organizing.  In this segment, our host, Chris Britton, CEO and founder of GovExperts, is joined by Allen Fuller, a seasoned political entrepreneur focused on merging technology with advocacy.    With over two decades of experience, Allen has dedicated his career to intertwining emerging technology with advocacy. As the founder of Flat Creek, a pioneering digital studio, Allen has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. His recent venture, Datrm.in stands out as a tailor-made contact relationship management platform for individuals and organizations aiming to effectively mobilize their personal networks for political and advocacy purposes.  Throughout this episode, listeners will gain insights into:  The Evolution of Grassroots Organizing: Discover the journey of grassroots movements, from their humble beginnings to their current influential status in shaping political landscapes. The Power of Personal Networks: Understand the pivotal role of genuine relationships in grassroots organizing. Learn how nurturing these connections can lead to impactful political and advocacy campaigns. Technology & Advocacy: Explore the transformative role of technology in politics. From the rudimentary days of Excel spreadsheets to cutting-edge platforms like Datrmin has revolutionized how we engage in grassroots organizing. Real-world Applications: Hear firsthand accounts of successful grassroots campaigns and the strategies employed to mobilize communities, influence policy, and drive genuine change.  This episode is not just for political enthusiasts or public policy professionals. It's for anyone who believes in the power of community, the importance of genuine relationships, and the potential of individuals to drive change. Whether you're a seasoned grassroots organizer or someone looking to dip their toes into the world of advocacy, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and inspiring stories.  So, plug in your headphones, settle down, and immerse yourself in a conversation that promises to be both enlightening and engaging. Start exploring the world of grassroots organizing today and be inspired to make a difference in our communities.  Don't forget to follow our channels for more insightful discussions on public policy, politics, and expert insights into the world of advocacy.

🎶 Remember ABC's School House Rock and the iconic "I'm Just a Bill"? Join GovExperts Founder and CEO Chris Britton for a celebration of US Constitution Day and an informative discussion with constitutional expert Andrew Langer about civics education and awareness and a fatal flaw with the beloved American cartoon. #CivicsEducation #SchoolHouseRock #USConstitutionDay #America