https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-people--6410660enSociety & CultureCopyright UC3Phttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/170449e0bd5cf3394aa8c35b2da49aae.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-people--6410660Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:59:10 +0000UC3PUC3Pfeeds@spreaker.comPolicy People is the newest podcast from the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcast Network (UC3P). In this series, we will be interviewing current MPP and MSCAPP students on their previous experiences, their background, and why and how they...trueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-to-break-into-and-build-a-career-in-local-government-with-elliot-karl-s2e9--72552805The Policy People, we are joined by Elliot Gary Karl (Class of 2020), a first-generation college graduate whose decade-long career in the public sector spans from the West Coast to the Midwest. Elliot shares his unintentional path from grassroots organizing and affordable housing advocacy in California to returning to his hometown of Chicago. Today, he serves as the Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief of Operations and Administration for Cook County's Bureau of Economic Development.
During our conversation, we explored what it truly means to build a career as a "public servant". Elliot provides a masterclass on what the day-to-day reality of local government looks like, what to expect, and how to effectively prepare for it. This is a must-listen for those who are aspiring to be public servants or are curious about it. 


Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:03 - First-Gen College & Early Career Path & '5-to-9'
00:12:19 - Why Grad School
00:16:40 - The UChicago Experience & What Education Means to Elliot
00:25:24 - Student Org: Harris Community Action
00:31:00 - How to Prepare for a Career in Local Government
00:46:34 - How a Non-Chicagoan Enters Chicago Government (or Any Local Government)
00:51:18 - Elliot's Current Job at Cook County
01:04:41 - Elliot's Lifetime Career Goals & Thoughts on Leadership
01:16:04 - What Type of Person is a Great Fit for the Public Sector
01:27:01 - One Last Share from Elliot
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72552805Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:57:14 +0000UC3PIn this episode of The Policy People, we are joined by Elliot Gary Karl (Class of 2020), a first-generation college graduate whose decade-long career in the public sector spans from the West Coast to the Midwest. Elliot shares his unintentional path...The Policy People, we are joined by Elliot Gary Karl (Class of 2020), a first-generation college graduate whose decade-long career in the public sector spans from the West Coast to the Midwest. Elliot shares his unintentional path from grassroots organizing and affordable housing advocacy in California to returning to his hometown of Chicago. Today, he serves as the Assistant Deputy Bureau Chief of Operations and Administration for Cook County's Bureau of Economic Development.
During our conversation, we explored what it truly means to build a career as a "public servant". Elliot provides a masterclass on what the day-to-day reality of local government looks like, what to expect, and how to effectively prepare for it. This is a must-listen for those who are aspiring to be public servants or are curious about it. 


Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:03 - First-Gen College & Early Career Path & '5-to-9'
00:12:19 - Why Grad School
00:16:40 - The UChicago Experience & What Education Means to Elliot
00:25:24 - Student Org: Harris Community Action
00:31:00 - How to Prepare for a Career in Local Government
00:46:34 - How a Non-Chicagoan Enters Chicago Government (or Any Local Government)
00:51:18 - Elliot's Current Job at Cook County
01:04:41 - Elliot's Lifetime Career Goals & Thoughts on Leadership
01:16:04 - What Type of Person is a Great Fit for the Public Sector
01:27:01 - One Last Share from Elliot
]]>5953chicago,cookcounty,localgovernment,policypeople,uc3pfalse29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/public-service-in-chicago-with-emily-metz-s2e8--71948998The Policy People, we are joined by Emily Metz (Class of 2010), a lifelong Chicagoan who has dedicated her professional life to fighting inequity and reimagining public education and policy. While she spent years embedded in education, she recently transitioned into broad systems change and philanthropy at the Michael Reese Health Trust. We cover everything from how having two college-educated parents contrasted with the stark socioeconomic realities of her extended family, to how an undergraduate English major found her way to Harris, and the profound questions she uses to guide her career.

In this episode, you will hear: 
• The Roots of Mobility: How seeing the direct link between educational attainment and life outcomes among her aunts and uncles—ranging from entering the top 1% to experiencing chronic homelessness—fueled her drive to improve foundational stability for all Chicagoans.
• The Path to Harris: Why she chose to apply exclusively to the University of Chicago, realizing during a Ralph Nader-founded public interest fellowship that a graduate degree was the key to unlocking a civic career in her hometown.
• Navigating the Civic Ecosystem: Emily's journey through different levels of public service, exploring why national government contracts felt disconnected, the chaotic but direct impact of working inside a school district, and how flexible philanthropic funding supercharges local research.
• The Missing Metric in Policy: Why rigorous quantitative data and econometric models aren't enough, and why understanding history, coalition building, and "messy human dynamics" is crucial for enacting real-world change.
• Sacrifice vs. Suffering: Honest advice for new graduates on how to protect their well-being in social justice work, and how to know if a tough job is a worthwhile slog or just a path to burnout.

This episode is a masterclass for anyone interested in local government, educational equity, or the realities of translating academic evidence into tangible community impact.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71948998Sun, 10 May 2026 20:17:41 +0000UC3PIn this episode of The Policy People, we are joined by Emily Metz (Class of 2010), a lifelong Chicagoan who has dedicated her professional life to fighting inequity and reimagining public education and policy. While she spent years embedded in...The Policy People, we are joined by Emily Metz (Class of 2010), a lifelong Chicagoan who has dedicated her professional life to fighting inequity and reimagining public education and policy. While she spent years embedded in education, she recently transitioned into broad systems change and philanthropy at the Michael Reese Health Trust. We cover everything from how having two college-educated parents contrasted with the stark socioeconomic realities of her extended family, to how an undergraduate English major found her way to Harris, and the profound questions she uses to guide her career.

In this episode, you will hear: 
• The Roots of Mobility: How seeing the direct link between educational attainment and life outcomes among her aunts and uncles—ranging from entering the top 1% to experiencing chronic homelessness—fueled her drive to improve foundational stability for all Chicagoans.
• The Path to Harris: Why she chose to apply exclusively to the University of Chicago, realizing during a Ralph Nader-founded public interest fellowship that a graduate degree was the key to unlocking a civic career in her hometown.
• Navigating the Civic Ecosystem: Emily's journey through different levels of public service, exploring why national government contracts felt disconnected, the chaotic but direct impact of working inside a school district, and how flexible philanthropic funding supercharges local research.
• The Missing Metric in Policy: Why rigorous quantitative data and econometric models aren't enough, and why understanding history, coalition building, and "messy human dynamics" is crucial for enacting real-world change.
• Sacrifice vs. Suffering: Honest advice for new graduates on how to protect their well-being in social justice work, and how to know if a tough job is a worthwhile slog or just a path to burnout.

This episode is a masterclass for anyone interested in local government, educational equity, or the realities of translating academic evidence into tangible community impact.]]>5255chicago,harrisschool,publicpolicy,uc3pfalse28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-strategy-and-growth-marketing-with-alejandro-cuauhtemoc-mejia-s2e7--69395539The Policy People, joining the conversation is Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia, a Silicon Valley co-founder and strategist with a career path as unique as his name. Alejandro shares his journey from working at Televisa Univision to leading strategy for Didi, and eventually co-founding the Silicon Valley Certification Hub.

In this episode, you will hear:
• The Strategist’s Bridge: Why strategy is the essential link between where you are and your ultimate goal.
• Growth Marketing Decoded: How data-driven digital acquisition differs from traditional marketing and why public policy graduates are uniquely suited for it.
• The AI Shift: Alejandro’s perspective on "structural unemployment" and why he believes AI will build more jobs than it destroys.
• The "In-Between" Advice: Practical tips for new graduates navigating a tough job market, including how to build an online presence and maintain mental resilience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reshape their perception of what a Harris MPP degree represents and discover how to translate hard policy skills into the fast-paced tech ecosystem.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69395539Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:49:11 +0000UC3PIn this episode of The Policy People, joining the conversation is Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia, a Silicon Valley co-founder and strategist with a career path as unique as his name. Alejandro shares his journey from working at Televisa Univision to...The Policy People, joining the conversation is Alejandro Cuauhtemoc-Mejia, a Silicon Valley co-founder and strategist with a career path as unique as his name. Alejandro shares his journey from working at Televisa Univision to leading strategy for Didi, and eventually co-founding the Silicon Valley Certification Hub.

In this episode, you will hear:
• The Strategist’s Bridge: Why strategy is the essential link between where you are and your ultimate goal.
• Growth Marketing Decoded: How data-driven digital acquisition differs from traditional marketing and why public policy graduates are uniquely suited for it.
• The AI Shift: Alejandro’s perspective on "structural unemployment" and why he believes AI will build more jobs than it destroys.
• The "In-Between" Advice: Practical tips for new graduates navigating a tough job market, including how to build an online presence and maintain mental resilience.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reshape their perception of what a Harris MPP degree represents and discover how to translate hard policy skills into the fast-paced tech ecosystem.
]]>4323ai,growthmarketing,publicpolicy,strategy,uc3pfalse27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e6-amber-s-academy--68836915Amber Mercier, class of 2010, has dedicated her career to supporting students on their exchange education journey. She strongly believes in the power of education,especially one that is globally diverse. In this episode with dive deeper into what she has done with IES and other volunteer activities for the betterment of youth and children and why she does it. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68836915Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:06:27 +0000UC3PAmber Mercier, class of 2010, has dedicated her career to supporting students on their exchange education journey. She strongly believes in the power of education,especially one that is globally diverse. In this episode with dive deeper into what she...Amber Mercier, class of 2010, has dedicated her career to supporting students on their exchange education journey. She strongly believes in the power of education,especially one that is globally diverse. In this episode with dive deeper into what she has done with IES and other volunteer activities for the betterment of youth and children and why she does it. ]]>3999education,exchangeprograms,harrisschool,ngo,policypeople,uc3pfalse26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e5-not-a-mistake-but-an-experience--68047184
She comes from a heavy research background, thinking she would do a Ph.D only to later change her perspective and goal completely.

Our conversation with her has one big takeaway: you never make mistakes in your 20s; you gain experiences and whatever you choose was the best thing you could have done at that very moment!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68047184Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:56:12 +0000UC3PSarah Guminski, class of 2017, is currently head of startup experience at 1871, a nonprofit that helps entrepreneurs. She comes from a heavy research background, thinking she would do a Ph.D only to later change her perspective and goal completely....
She comes from a heavy research background, thinking she would do a Ph.D only to later change her perspective and goal completely.

Our conversation with her has one big takeaway: you never make mistakes in your 20s; you gain experiences and whatever you choose was the best thing you could have done at that very moment!]]>4509false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e4-the-flip-side--67841768
Through The Flip Side, he is pursuing his mission of bridging the gap between liberals and conservatives. With more than 20,000 subscribers, the platform has grown into a space for uncovering perspectives beyond what mainstream media often presents.

This special episode follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk (1993–2025), a man who dedicated his life to spreading his ideas and practicing freedom of speech.In memory of Charlie—and with the hope of restoring tolerance toward differing ideologies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67841768Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:33:52 +0000UC3PJihan Varisco (Class of ‘14) has built something truly impactful during his time at Harris. Through https://www.theflipside.io/, he is pursuing his mission of bridging the gap between liberals and conservatives. With more than 20,000 subscribers, the...
Through The Flip Side, he is pursuing his mission of bridging the gap between liberals and conservatives. With more than 20,000 subscribers, the platform has grown into a space for uncovering perspectives beyond what mainstream media often presents.

This special episode follows the assassination of Charlie Kirk (1993–2025), a man who dedicated his life to spreading his ideas and practicing freedom of speech.In memory of Charlie—and with the hope of restoring tolerance toward differing ideologies.]]>3423bipartisan,charliekirk,debate,democrat,liberal,publicpolicy,republican,uchicagofalse24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e3-for-health-for-friendship--67581235Adam Nation, class of 2015, is our guest for the third episode of Policy Podcast. Adam has done extensive work in public health, and in this episode, he shares his journey of trying to make people healthier in body and mind. 

He also shares with us fond recollections of his classmate Jim Howes, who recently passed. In Jim's memory, we are sharing resources for those wishing to make contributions to his scholarship, or those who are going through a hard time. 

The donations can be made to a few different places:

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Wood County at https://namiwoodcounty.org
• Or to the “James Coleman Howes Memorial” at Bowling Green State University (may need to send details of this) 
  • By mail: Checks made payable to BGSU Foundation, Inc. - Memo: James Coleman Howes Memorial
    • BGSU Foundation, Inc.
    • Mileti Alumni Center
    • Bowling Green, OH 43403
  • By Phone: 419.372.7648

Help is available, talk to someone today: 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineLanguages: English, Spanish ,Hours: Available 24 hours

#PublicPolicy #UniversityofChicago #Mentalhealth #PublicHealth


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67581235Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:46:11 +0000UC3PAdam Nation, class of 2015, is our guest for the third episode of Policy Podcast. Adam has done extensive work in public health, and in this episode, he shares his journey of trying to make people healthier in body and mind.  He also shares with us...Adam Nation, class of 2015, is our guest for the third episode of Policy Podcast. Adam has done extensive work in public health, and in this episode, he shares his journey of trying to make people healthier in body and mind. 

He also shares with us fond recollections of his classmate Jim Howes, who recently passed. In Jim's memory, we are sharing resources for those wishing to make contributions to his scholarship, or those who are going through a hard time. 

The donations can be made to a few different places:

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Wood County at https://namiwoodcounty.org
• Or to the “James Coleman Howes Memorial” at Bowling Green State University (may need to send details of this) 
  • By mail: Checks made payable to BGSU Foundation, Inc. - Memo: James Coleman Howes Memorial
    • BGSU Foundation, Inc.
    • Mileti Alumni Center
    • Bowling Green, OH 43403
  • By Phone: 419.372.7648

Help is available, talk to someone today: 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineLanguages: English, Spanish ,Hours: Available 24 hours

#PublicPolicy #UniversityofChicago #Mentalhealth #PublicHealth


]]>3487health,mental,policy,public,uchicagofalse23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e2-comedy-to-policy--67281944
In addition, we discuss what led him to Harris and his eclectic past of careers and hobbies. Formerly, Robert was an aspiring Chicago-based improv comedian, campaign staff for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and budget analyst. Currently, he raises chickens as a hobby in his place of residence in New York City. 

We hope you enjoy what Robert has to share with us, and look forward to seeing you for the next episode!


 ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67281944Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:42:51 +0000UC3PRobert Callahan (Class of 2016) has joined us for the second episode to discuss his current position at the Office of New York City Comptroller as the Director of Policy Analytics and the logistical, financial, social, and personal challenges that he...
In addition, we discuss what led him to Harris and his eclectic past of careers and hobbies. Formerly, Robert was an aspiring Chicago-based improv comedian, campaign staff for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and budget analyst. Currently, he raises chickens as a hobby in his place of residence in New York City. 

We hope you enjoy what Robert has to share with us, and look forward to seeing you for the next episode!


 ]]>4413analysis,campaigns,comptroller,government,nyc,policy,politicsfalse22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e1-flashback--67147507To start our second season, where we will be interviewing alumni, we have asked Alberto Ramos (Class of 2012) to be our first guest. He was this year’s convocation speaker and did a wonderful job graduating us! 

Since graduating from Harris, and even before that, Alberto has had both an interesting life and turn of events that led him to that same life.

We hope you enjoy listening to what Alberto has to share as much as we did!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67147507Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:33:32 +0000UC3PTo start our second season, where we will be interviewing alumni, we have asked Alberto Ramos (Class of 2012) to be our first guest. He was this year’s convocation speaker and did a wonderful job graduating us!  Since graduating from Harris, and even...To start our second season, where we will be interviewing alumni, we have asked Alberto Ramos (Class of 2012) to be our first guest. He was this year’s convocation speaker and did a wonderful job graduating us! 

Since graduating from Harris, and even before that, Alberto has had both an interesting life and turn of events that led him to that same life.

We hope you enjoy listening to what Alberto has to share as much as we did!]]>4091alumni,firstgeneration,graduation,harrisschoolofpublicpolicy,lasvegas,military,navy,publicpolicy,uchicago,usa,veteransfalse21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep07-end-of-beginning--66466278It is the last episode, hopefully the last as a Harris student and not the end of the road for this podcast. For two years, we laughed, cried, showed vulnerability and became better versions of ourselves. To all of you, to all of us and to the class of 2025!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66466278Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:14:51 +0000UC3PIt is the last episode, hopefully the last as a Harris student and not the end of the road for this podcast. For two years, we laughed, cried, showed vulnerability and became better versions of ourselves. To all of you, to all of us and to the class...It is the last episode, hopefully the last as a Harris student and not the end of the road for this podcast. For two years, we laughed, cried, showed vulnerability and became better versions of ourselves. To all of you, to all of us and to the class of 2025!]]>980harrisschool,uc3pfalse17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep06-one-of-a-kind--66403079Now that we are approaching the end of the program, I decided to invite Melodie Angel Slaughter and Karan Kapoor for the sixth episode to talk about highs and lows of life and how we found God in the darkness. 

The three of us all have different beliefs but despite that difference our God is one. The belief led us to be kinder people, one of a kind. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66403079Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:34:09 +0000UC3PNow that we are approaching the end of the program, I decided to invite Melodie Angel Slaughter and Karan Kapoor for the sixth episode to talk about highs and lows of life and how we found God in the darkness.  The three of us all have different...Now that we are approaching the end of the program, I decided to invite Melodie Angel Slaughter and Karan Kapoor for the sixth episode to talk about highs and lows of life and how we found God in the darkness. 

The three of us all have different beliefs but despite that difference our God is one. The belief led us to be kinder people, one of a kind. ]]>4840belief,chicago,god,harrisschool,india,law,politics,publicpolicy,spirituality,uc3p,usatrue16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep05-courageous-cursious--65784725We will discuss how taking a hard decision can change your life for good and learn more about the challenges of these hard decisions!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65784725Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:20:31 +0000UC3PNeil Stein MPP’ 25 and Lauren Schmidt are my guests for the fifth episode. They both have had very different backgrounds and paths but what make them an amazing duo are  their curiosity and their courage.  We will discuss how taking a hard decision...We will discuss how taking a hard decision can change your life for good and learn more about the challenges of these hard decisions!]]>3755genderinequality,genderstudies,harrisschool,isreal,lgbtq+,morocco,politics,publicpolicy,research,southkorea,usafalse15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep04-p-like-patriot-p-like-person--64437580https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64437580Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:08:09 +0000UC3PWe’re kicking off the new year with a special episode featuring two incredible guests—John (Jay) Parish and Madison Moreau. John served in the U.S. Army for 13 years before coming to Harris, while Madison grew up in a military family as the daughter...2974defense,harrisschool,harrisschoolofpublicpolicy,leadership,maga,militarylife,militarystories,mpp,navyfamily,patriotism,publicpolicy,service,uc3p,usa,usarmy,veteranfalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep03-home-away-from-home--63530246In the last episode of 2024, I had Omar Ansari and William Wu, two second-year MPP students talk about their solo journeys. They both moved to the States by themselves at a young age and throughout this episode, we will talk about the feeling of home now that the holiday season is on. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63530246Tue, 31 Dec 2024 21:58:54 +0000UC3PIn the last episode of 2024, I had Omar Ansari and William Wu, two second-year MPP students talk about their solo journeys. They both moved to the States by themselves at a young age and throughout this episode, we will talk about the feeling of home...In the last episode of 2024, I had Omar Ansari and William Wu, two second-year MPP students talk about their solo journeys. They both moved to the States by themselves at a young age and throughout this episode, we will talk about the feeling of home now that the holiday season is on. ]]>54232024_wrapup,2025,china,christmas,college,harrisschool,harrisschoolofpublicpolicy,holidays,mpp,pakistan,publicpolicy,syria,uc3pfalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep02-for-the-people--63136348In the second episode of policy people, we have Ralph Valery Valiere and LaVontae Brooks, two MPP students with extensive experience in their governments of Haiti and the United States. In this episode we dive deeper into the role of an official in a governmental setting, how these two ended up where they were and their advice for those looking to follow their leads. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63136348Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:30:06 +0000UC3PIn the second episode of policy people, we have Ralph Valery Valiere and LaVontae Brooks, two MPP students with extensive experience in their governments of Haiti and the United States. In this episode we dive deeper into the role of an official in a...In the second episode of policy people, we have Ralph Valery Valiere and LaVontae Brooks, two MPP students with extensive experience in their governments of Haiti and the United States. In this episode we dive deeper into the role of an official in a governmental setting, how these two ended up where they were and their advice for those looking to follow their leads. ]]>5510bureaucracy,covid,governance,haiti,harrisschool,international_development,international_relations,obama,politics,publicpolicy,uc3p,usa,white_housefalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep01-cherry-on-top--62792704
In the first episode, we will be interviewing two of the most well-known students here, Shivani Patel – MPP ’25 and Joaquin Pinto- MSCAPP ‘2025 on their journey so far. These two are focusing on Data science, economics, international development, and public finance.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62792704Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:42:18 +0000UC3PPolicy People is the newest podcast from the University of Chicago Public Policy Podcast Network (UC3P). In this series, we will be interviewing current MPP and MSCAPP students on their previous experiences, their background, and why and how they...
In the first episode, we will be interviewing two of the most well-known students here, Shivani Patel – MPP ’25 and Joaquin Pinto- MSCAPP ‘2025 on their journey so far. These two are focusing on Data science, economics, international development, and public finance.]]>2626coffeechat,datascience,economics,equity,esg,harrisschool,internationaldevelopment,master,mpp,mscapp,policypodcast,publicfinance,publicpolicy,uc3p,uchciagofalse11full