Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Pope

Election season isn’t just flooding the airwaves this year. Michael Pope tells us about the latest trend in direct mail.

Trial attorneys are cleaning up on eviction fees, raking in money on people who are struggling to make ends meet. Michael Pope has more from a new report.

While the 2025 campaign is heading into the final weeks, some are already looking to 2026. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

All 100 seats of the House of Delegates are on the ballot this year, although most of the money and attention are going to a dozen or so competitive races. Michael Pope has this report on some of the rural Democrats that are not receiving as much attention.

The politics of power are on the ballot this year as voters determine what approach Virginia will take to handling increased demand on the energy grid. Michael Pope reports about how that issue is playing out in one of the most competitive House races on the ballot this year.

Federal prosecutors in Virginia are seeing some record turnover. Michael Pope has the story.

Virginians will weigh in on statewide offices this fall – as early voting for the November elections gets underway. Michael Pope and Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro discuss that and the week that was in state politics and government.

Early voting has already started in Virginia, although some locations are more likely to have early voters than others. Michael Pope reports.

Every ending carries within it the seed of a beginning. To leave something behind—whether it's a beloved job, a familiar city, or the comfort of a community—requires not only courage but also an embrace of uncertainty. In this first episode of Season 11, we step directly into that tension: the sacred space between goodbye and a new hello.Carrie Fox sits down with nonprofit leader Mike Pope and theater founder Elisa Pupko at the very edge of a new chapter. Together with their two young children, they're leaving behind steady careers, a home in Brooklyn, and the familiarity of everyday life to embark on a yearlong journey around the world. It's a leap that began with a fleeting thought on a run and grew into an intentional act of re-imagining what family, leadership, and community might look like.As Mike reflects on stepping aside from his nonprofit after 15 years, he asks what it means to honor an organization by knowing when to let go. Elisa, meanwhile, navigates the delicate balance of letting her company grow stronger in her absence while choosing presence with her family. And together, they invite us to consider what it means to say yes—not when the plan is complete, but when the possibility feels alive.Their story is not only about travel; it's about perspective. About the way children learn to smile at strangers on playgrounds in foreign cities. About how leaders discover strength in stepping back. About how the question “what if?” can open doors we didn't realize were waiting.With this conversation we invite you to wonder what might happen if we—all of us—leaned into the space between goodbye and hello, and allowed it to teach us something new.Follow along with Elisa and Mike and their whole family at https://twokidsoneworld.com/. (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (04:24) - "What would happen if we just ... left?" _____This episode is supported by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread. At their Frank Lloyd Wright–designed campus, Wingspread brings leaders and communities together to turn dialogue into action. Learn more at johnsonfdn.org or wingspread.com.This episode is also brought to you by Positively Partners. When HR starts to slow down your mission, it's time for a better solution. Positively HR is the fully outsourced HR partner that understands nonprofits—and acts like part of your team. Learn more at PositivelyPartners.org.

The latest round of campaign finance numbers are showing the state of the race so far. Michael Pope tells us about money in the race for lieutenant governor.

Campaign finance numbers are revealing the shape of Virginia politics heading into this year’s election for governor. Michael Pope reports the latest disclosures show Democrat Abigail Spanberger has more than twice as much cash on hand heading into the fall election season.

Early voting starts on Friday. Michael Pope has this preview.

The murder of Charlie Kirk shocked the nation and Virginia. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Members of the General Assembly are about to face a choice: Either find a way to fix errors in SNAP benefits or pay the price. Michael Pope reports.

Virginia is seeing a rise in data centers just as demand for power is at unprecedented levels. Michael Pope reports one way to power them on-site.

The latest Census numbers have some positive key indicators. But as Michael Pope reports, some are concerned about where those indicators may be heading next year.

Local government employees in Virginia’s largest jurisdiction are about to launch a new union. Michael Pope has details.

Democrats are setting their sights on two Republican-held Virginia congressional districts they want to flip from red to blue in 2026. Michael Pope reports on one of those, the First Congressional District. 

Voters have more choices than ever in terms of when and how they cast their ballots. One of the recent changes is that voters can now register and cast a ballot on the same day. Michael Pope explains.

With the fall campaigns kicking into high gear, with national issues playing big roles on the race for governor. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

Voters in Northern Virginia are about to decide on a replacement for the late Congressman Gerry Connolly. Michael Pope has this preview.

As students return to public schools across Virginia, some teachers are struggling to make ends meet. Michael Pope has the numbers. Also, a note of disclosure – the Virginia Education Association is the primary funding source for Virginia Public Radio.

Demand for power has never been higher in Virginia, and the growth of data centers is expected to expand that demand exponentially. Michael Pope tells us that’s part of the push behind nuclear energy.

The Labor Day weekend is traditionally when political campaigns kick into high gear, which means that the political ad season is just beginning. Michael Pope has a preview of how the race for governor will be frequent fixture your TV screens.

Win the Day: Productivity with Purpose & Courage w/ Michael PopeWhat if the path to success isn't about being perfect — but about being a doer?In this episode of Spiritual Changemakers, I sit down with professional speaker and author Michael Pope (Doers Win the Day) to explore how to break free from perfectionism, self-doubt, and procrastination — and instead create momentum by taking consistent, courageous action.Together we talk about:The D.O.E.R. method for overcoming hesitation.Why multitasking kills productivity (and what to do instead).How to reframe resistance as a sign of growth.Tools to silence the inner critic and use affirmations daily.The role of coaches and mentors in accelerating success.This conversation is equal parts inspiring and practical — a reminder that your next breakthrough won't come from waiting, but from doing.

A new report from Roanoke College has some stark views of the economic outlook. Michael Pope has details.

Registration of new voters is lagging behind the last election cycle when the governor was on the ballot. Michael Pope asked some political analysts why.

Third-parties have a long history in Virginia, although most of them have not been successful very long. Michael Pope tells us about the latest attempt.

Republicans are hoping school choice will be an issue that helps them with voters on the campaign trail this year. Michael Pope is looking at one district in Lynchburg where the future of public schools will be on the ballot.

Democrats are targeting 14 seats in the House of Delegates, hoping to flip from red to blue. Michael Pope tells us that a handful of those districts have colleges and universities.

Congress is considering an effort to force more transparency for immigration officials. Michael Pope reports.

Debates between candidates have long been a feature of America's political campaigns.  But getting candidates to agree to them has become increasingly difficult. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope discuss the impact of that trend on Virginia's race for governor.

Will 2025 be a wave election for Democrats? Michael Pope reports on what that might mean.

A new report says Virginia’s economic outlook is unfavorable. Michael Pope has details.

Endorsements are an important part of the race for governor, and Michael Pope tells us about one significant endorsement that’s not happening.

Virginia's bottom line and the speeding-up race to November's election are making headlines. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

The Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton celebrated contributions to American independence from the people of Virginia's Frontier ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary... Candidates for Virginia's lieutenant governor are making their pitches to local leaders... Democrats disagree with Governor Glenn Youngkin's positive outlook on the state's economy ... Meanwhile, the Virginia Department of Corrections struggles to fill open jobs... And Radio IQ Politics Analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government

The candidates for lieutenant governor are making their pitch to local leaders across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

Public school enrollment is expected to decline in the next decade. Michael Pope has the story. Here’s the link to the latest data from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Also, as a note of disclosure, the Virginia Education Association is the primary funding source for Virginia Public Radio.

Democrats are saying Republican candidate for governor Winsome Earle-Sears is in violation of disclosure laws. Michael Pope has details.

All 100 seats of the Virginia House of Delegates are on the ballot this year, and candidates are talking about everything from environmental policy to immigration. One issue that has become important in districts with colleges and universities is higher ed. Michael Pope reports.

Redistricting is back in the news, just a few years after Virginia completed the process. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.

The cost of health care through the health insurance marketplace is likely to increase... Virginia Republicans are embracing early voting... Virginia Commonwealth University removes references to race in scholarships... Researchers at Old Dominion University discover 5,000 year old sand dunes... Students learn how to care for animals at the Wildlife Center of Virginia... And politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government...

The cost of health care is likely to increase next year for people who get their health insurance through the marketplace created by Obamacare. Michael Pope reports.

Virginia's governor's race is widely seen as a referendum on the party in power and a bellwether for the national political mood. And it's not just the race for governor - every seat in Virginia is on the ballot in November. Michael Pope, reporter for Virginia Public Radio and host of the Virginia Press Room podcast, joins us to break down what's at stake. Want some more DC news? Then make sure to⁠ sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can⁠ also become a member⁠, with ad-free listening, for as little as $10 a month. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: ⁠Overlook Maps⁠ ⁠Nace Law Group⁠ ⁠District Bridges⁠ ⁠Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week⁠ nterested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rise of data centers is becoming one of the hottest issues on the campaign trail this year in the election for the House of Delegates. Michael Pope reports.

Virginia will elect its first female governor this year, but many other women are also on the ballot this fall. Michael Pope reports.

Will President Trump make an endorsement in Virginia’s race for governor? Michael Pope reports.

Affordable housing is on the ballot in Virginia this year, as candidates in battleground districts are taking a variety of approaches. Michael Pope reports.

A judge made his decision, but that doesn't mean the state's college leadership controversy is going away anytime soon. Politics analyst Jeff Schapiro and Michael Pope recap the week in politics and state government.