Management Matters with James-Christian Blockwood

Academy President & CEO James-Christian Blockwood and new Management Matters co-host Thomas Smyth, CEO of Concourse, are joined by Academy Fellow, author and political scientist Dr. Francis Fukuyama for a discussion about the 2026 midterm election results, fine-tuning the responsiveness of government in the age of AI, and so much more.
What can we expect as AI supercharges government capability, but also creates pitfalls for privacy, security and so much more? 
Find out what's next in public administration from one of the most accomplished political scientists of our time!
Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, presented by Concourse. Produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.
Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

James-Christian Blockwood is joined by Partnership for Public Service President & CEO Max Stier for a conversation about defending public servants and public service today and into the future. 
Are we living through a five-alarm fire for government and public management? How can public servants deliver for the American people while also in fear for their careers and livelihoods? Max helps us interpret what we're seeing, and raises some questions about what may be next for the federal government.
This episode is also our first full edition presented in both video and audio formats! 
Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, presented by Concourse. Produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.
Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
 Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
 Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

We've got a special announcement this week: Management Matters will have a new partner going forward, Concourse!

Management Matters will move to a weekly cadence next month, and every other week we'll be joined on the podcast by our new co-host, Concourse CEO Thomas Smyth. These episodes will focus on tech and innovation in government, as the AI Age brings public service and public administration into new frontiers.

The podcast is also now available in a video format through YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Keep following along for what's next as we tackle the biggest challenges in government, now with the help of our partners at Concourse!

Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration, produced by Nabeel Chollampat, with support from Matt Hampton and Jacob Clemente.
Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

James-Christian Blockwood interviews Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Governing’s 2026 Public Official of the Year, and National Association of Counties CEO Matt Chase about executive leadership and city-county collaboration amid declining public trust, affordability pressures, and shifting federal policies and funding. They argue local governments must work together through regionalism, clarify roles, and focus on outcomes rather than institutional power
01:11 Why City-County Ties Matter
04:50 Federal Disruption and Trust
07:20 Columbus's Regional Housing Plan
10:25 Regionalism, Land, and Taxes
13:03 Handling Polarizing Issues
18:16 NACo Playbook for Working Amidst Challenges
21:12 Local Wins in Education
24:42 Transit and Affordability
28:11 Advice: Check Your Ego

Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by and edited by Matt Hampton. 
Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190
Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT

Host James-Christian Blockwood interviews former U.S. Mint directors Ed Moy (38th) and Ventris Gibson (40th) about how U.S. currency, specifically coinage, is created and managed. They discuss why physical currency still matters for the unbanked and for privacy concerns, and why bullion demand spikes in crises. The conversation covers the costs and policy debates around the penny and nickel, Mint finances through seigniorage, how coin designs are authorized and approved, and advice urging White House and congressional collaboration with the Mint.

01:29 What the US Mint Does
04:01 Coins vs Paper Money
05:14 Running the Mint Up Close
06:51 If the Mint Disappeared
09:27 Unbanked and Bullion Demand
11:29 The Penny Debate
15:19 Nickels and Mint Economics
17:23 Future of Coinage and Privacy
19:23 Who Chooses Coin Designs
22:49 Advice for Congress and White House
Management Matters is a presentation of the National Academy of Public Administration produced by and edited by Matt Hampton. 
Support the Podcast Today at: donate@napawash.org or 202-347-3190
Episode music: Hope by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Follow us on YouTube for clips and more: @NAPAWASH_YT