Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/step-up-podcast Welcome to Step Up with Ellen Troxclair — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. Whether it's joining an organization or running for office, you'll come away feeling not only supported and inspired, but determined to step up and be a part of shaping your community and country. © 2025 Texas Public Policy Foundation 4a72fd55-8b5d-55c4-a45d-1886470756f4 no en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:34:47 +0000 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:11:11 +0000 http://stepuppodcast.libsyn.com/website https://img.transistor.fm/pEb6vAGkV5Wl2BYR-AK8zPzYPqfeNptxqfNqMj67LIc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMwODUyLzE2NTIz/MDEzOTQtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg http://stepuppodcast.libsyn.com/website episodic Texas Public Policy Foundation Welcome to Step Up with Ellen Troxclair — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. Whether it's joining an organization or running for office, you'll come away feeling not only supported and inspired, but determined to step up and be a part of shaping your community and country. Welcome to Step Up with Ellen Troxclair — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas Alex Billups No No 17 17 Tiffany Barfield- Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy at the National Academy Foundation full bd0cd242-925e-4ae5-ad98-9f0b3a394448 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa946ae2 Tiffany tells us how her sister's disability sparked a passion for advocacy at a young age, the leadership lessons she learned while working at the Whitehouse during 9/11, and gives practical advice on how you can be an effective advocate for a cause that matters to you.

]]> Tiffany tells us how her sister's disability sparked a passion for advocacy at a young age, the leadership lessons she learned while working at the Whitehouse during 9/11, and gives practical advice on how you can be an effective advocate for a cause that matters to you.

]]> Tue, 05 May 2020 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1298 Tiffany tells us how her sister's disability sparked a passion for advocacy at a young age, the leadership lessons she learned while working at the Whitehouse during 9/11, and gives practical advice on how you can be an effective advocate for a cause that matters to you. Tiffany tells us how her sister's disability sparked a passion for advocacy at a young age, the leadership lessons she learned while working at the Whitehouse during 9/11, and gives practical advice on how you can be an effective advocate for a cause that conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 16 16 Hadley Heath Manning: Director of Policy at Independent Women's Forum full 49874eb7-10d3-4e56-984b-12986fa2cc31 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc872d1e Hadley Heath Manning is the director of policy at the Independent Women's Forum where she frequently comments on health care, entitlements and economic policy. She was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Law and Policy in 2016. In this episode Hadley joins Ellen to discuss choices and opportunities for women in the workplace and why the liberal agenda often fails to recognize women’s voices.

 

]]> Hadley Heath Manning is the director of policy at the Independent Women's Forum where she frequently comments on health care, entitlements and economic policy. She was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Law and Policy in 2016. In this episode Hadley joins Ellen to discuss choices and opportunities for women in the workplace and why the liberal agenda often fails to recognize women’s voices.

 

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2020 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1667 Hadley Heath Manning is the director of policy at the Independent Women's Forum where she frequently comments on health care, entitlements and economic policy. She was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Law and Policy in 2016. In this episode Hadley joins Ellen to discuss choices and opportunities for women in the workplace and why the liberal agenda often fails to recognize women’s voices.   Hadley Heath Manning is the director of policy at the Independent Women's Forum where she frequently comments on health care, entitlements and economic policy. She was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Law and Policy in 2016. In this episode Hadley jo conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 15 15 Sylvie Légère: Co-founder, The Policy Circle full 5708d2c3-8d87-4c7b-975b-37984cef62a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b160ccd2 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1550 After Sylvie personally encountered the unique challenges women face in public policy, she co-founded The Policy Circle to provide women with opportunities to gain confidence in public policy dialogue. She has more than 20 years of experience working in technology, process and change management, and she is the co-owner of a bicycle shop outside Chicago. After Sylvie personally encountered the unique challenges women face in public policy, she co-founded The Policy Circle to provide women with opportunities to gain confidence in public policy dialogue. She has more than 20 years of experience working in t conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 14 14 Jason Isaac: former state representative and distinguished fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation full 960041ba-1297-48f0-b34e-6245fab96aed https://share.transistor.fm/s/760835a2 Join Ellen as she interviews former state representative Jason Isaac.  Jason was her first employer in the public sector when she worked as his chief of staff.  They discuss how they've worked together in the past, how the legislature can encourage women in politics, and why your vote in local races matter. 

]]> Join Ellen as she interviews former state representative Jason Isaac.  Jason was her first employer in the public sector when she worked as his chief of staff.  They discuss how they've worked together in the past, how the legislature can encourage women in politics, and why your vote in local races matter. 

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1581 Join Ellen as she interviews former state representative Jason Isaac.  Jason was her first employer in the public sector when she worked as his chief of staff.  They discuss how they've worked together in the past, how the legislature can encourage women in politics, and why your vote in local races matter.  Join Ellen as she interviews former state representative Jason Isaac.  Jason was her first employer in the public sector when she worked as his chief of staff.  They discuss how they've worked together in the past, how the legislature can encourage women conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 13 13 Stacy Hock: Philanthropist, Activist, TPPF Board Member full b8f45789-8eb7-4b90-9bd8-b4c5ae54f6c8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/66d95a75 Stacy Hock is a philanthropist, public policy activist, and business owner who has done everything from serving as a gubernatorial appointee to leading the charge on improving our education system. She has also taken on a new role as the Texas GOP 2020 victory chairwoman and is charged with leading the party’s statewide strategy in the upcoming election. Stacy is proof that running for office isn't the only way to make an impact, and Ellen sits down with her to find out how.

]]> Stacy Hock is a philanthropist, public policy activist, and business owner who has done everything from serving as a gubernatorial appointee to leading the charge on improving our education system. She has also taken on a new role as the Texas GOP 2020 victory chairwoman and is charged with leading the party’s statewide strategy in the upcoming election. Stacy is proof that running for office isn't the only way to make an impact, and Ellen sits down with her to find out how.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2020 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1645 Stacy Hock is a philanthropist, public policy activist, and business owner who has done everything from serving as a gubernatorial appointee to leading the charge on improving our education system. She has also taken on a new role as the Texas GOP 2020 victory chairwoman and is charged with leading the party’s statewide strategy in the upcoming election. Stacy is proof that running for office isn't the only way to make an impact, and Ellen sits down with her to find out how. Stacy Hock is a philanthropist, public policy activist, and business owner who has done everything from serving as a gubernatorial appointee to leading the charge on improving our education system. She has also taken on a new role as the Texas GOP 2020 vi conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 12 12 Mandy Gunasekara: Former EPA Official and Climate and energy strategist full 2dcdf099-8ddb-43b9-bd4b-5e25abbbfa8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/906ddf92 Mandy Gunasekara, a Climate and energy strategist and communicator, tells us how she became the presidential appointee for the EPA and gives her insight on why a flourishing economy is key to environmental quality.

]]> Mandy Gunasekara, a Climate and energy strategist and communicator, tells us how she became the presidential appointee for the EPA and gives her insight on why a flourishing economy is key to environmental quality.

]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1678 Mandy Gunasekara, a Climate and energy strategist and communicator, tells us how she became the presidential appointee for the EPA and gives her insight on why a flourishing economy is key to environmental quality. Mandy Gunasekara, a Climate and energy strategist and communicator, tells us how she became the presidential appointee for the EPA and gives her insight on why a flourishing economy is key to environmental quality. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 11 11 Keeping up with Alice Marie Johnson full 84ebfd5d-f82b-4e0d-88a2-3b1ad8136ac4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/acecf948 You may know her as one of the President’s guests at the 2019 State of the Union, from the recent Super Bowl ad featuring her story, or from the attention of a high-profile reality star turned criminal justice advocate. Here’s your chance to hear directly from the woman behind the hoopla you will not be disappointed with her story or her spirit.

]]> You may know her as one of the President’s guests at the 2019 State of the Union, from the recent Super Bowl ad featuring her story, or from the attention of a high-profile reality star turned criminal justice advocate. Here’s your chance to hear directly from the woman behind the hoopla you will not be disappointed with her story or her spirit.

]]> Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1903 You may know her as one of the President’s guests at the 2019 State of the Union, from the recent Super Bowl ad featuring her story, or from the attention of a high-profile reality star turned criminal justice advocate. Here’s your chance to hear directly from the woman behind the hoopla you will not be disappointed with her story or her spirit. You may know her as one of the President’s guests at the 2019 State of the Union, from the recent Super Bowl ad featuring her story, or from the attention of a high-profile reality star turned criminal justice advocate. Here’s your chance to hear directly conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 10 10 Virginia Foxx: U.S. Representative, North Carolina full 0a8ca9e2-cc28-4181-9008-863b7cbfd99e https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ed0dc69 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx details her journey from extreme poverty to Congress and how she uses her platform to encourage others to get involved and make a difference with their talents.

]]> Congresswoman Virginia Foxx details her journey from extreme poverty to Congress and how she uses her platform to encourage others to get involved and make a difference with their talents.

]]> Tue, 04 Feb 2020 17:35:49 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1172 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx details her journey from extreme poverty to Congress and how she uses her platform to encourage others to get involved and make a difference with their talents. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx details her journey from extreme poverty to Congress and how she uses her platform to encourage others to get involved and make a difference with their talents. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 9 9 Cathy McMorris Rodgers: U.S. Representative, Washington full 49ab859e-8c87-46a1-82c4-1ba67e9f043d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1e32d23 Did you know that of the nearly 11,000 who have served in Congress, only 366 have been women? In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Ellen chats with the 200th woman elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, about her experience as one of the few women in Congress and the importance of fostering conservative female leaders.

]]> Did you know that of the nearly 11,000 who have served in Congress, only 366 have been women? In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Ellen chats with the 200th woman elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, about her experience as one of the few women in Congress and the importance of fostering conservative female leaders.

]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1656 Did you know that of the nearly 11,000 who have served in Congress, only 366 have been women? In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Ellen chats with the 200th woman elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, about her experience as one of the few women in Congress and the importance of fostering conservative female leaders. Did you know that of the nearly 11,000 who have served in Congress, only 366 have been women? In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Ellen chats with the 200th woman elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, about her conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 8 8 Shoshana Weissmann: Digital Media Manager, R Street full cf6ff6ac-a31b-4825-a9f8-0d70a91b59c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5483c9f9 The purple-haired social media influencer with 50,000 twitter followers talks about how she’s made mundane topics like occupational licensing reform great again!

]]> The purple-haired social media influencer with 50,000 twitter followers talks about how she’s made mundane topics like occupational licensing reform great again!

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1777 The purple-haired social media influencer with 50,000 twitter followers talks about how she’s made mundane topics like occupational licensing reform great again! The purple-haired social media influencer with 50,000 twitter followers talks about how she’s made mundane topics like occupational licensing reform great again! conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 7 7 Katie Linehan: American Federation for Children, Deputy Communications Director full 42196967-6edd-4de4-bdfd-7b4352a38496 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0fb5028 Katie discusses how witnessing the benefits of school choice on the lives of low-income students in New Orleans pulled her away from pursuing law towards issue-based advocacy.

]]> Katie discusses how witnessing the benefits of school choice on the lives of low-income students in New Orleans pulled her away from pursuing law towards issue-based advocacy.

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1143 Katie discusses how witnessing the benefits of school choice on the lives of low-income students in New Orleans pulled her away from pursuing law towards issue-based advocacy. Katie discusses how witnessing the benefits of school choice on the lives of low-income students in New Orleans pulled her away from pursuing law towards issue-based advocacy. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 6 6 Yvette Herrell: Candidate for Congress, former New Mexico State Representative full 53533274-0404-431b-9aa0-c534328086f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0e2146a Declared the winner in her Congressional race on election night and the loser the next morning, Yvette discusses the impact of 9/11, campaigning, and how sharing a skin care tip earned her votes across the aisle.

]]> Declared the winner in her Congressional race on election night and the loser the next morning, Yvette discusses the impact of 9/11, campaigning, and how sharing a skin care tip earned her votes across the aisle.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1438 Declared the winner in her Congressional race on election night and the loser the next morning, Yvette discusses the impact of 9/11, campaigning, and how sharing a skin care tip earned her votes across the aisle. Declared the winner in her Congressional race on election night and the loser the next morning, Yvette discusses the impact of 9/11, campaigning, and how sharing a skin care tip earned her votes across the aisle. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 5 5 Libby Szabo: County Commissioner, Jefferson County Colorado full 52fc85932dba4c74ab2ba1ea0ef08101 https://share.transistor.fm/s/638c3fcb A former State Representative who gave up her seat to become a County Commissioner,Libby dispels common assumptions about power at different levels of government, and explains why she has more influence (and better pay!) as a local leader

]]> A former State Representative who gave up her seat to become a County Commissioner,Libby dispels common assumptions about power at different levels of government, and explains why she has more influence (and better pay!) as a local leader

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1170 A former State Representative who gave up her seat to become a County Commissioner,Libby dispels common assumptions about power at different levels of government, and explains why she has more influence (and better pay!) as a local leader A former State Representative who gave up her seat to become a County Commissioner,Libby dispels common assumptions about power at different levels of government, and explains why she has more influence (and better pay!) as a local leader conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 4 4 Lisa Nelson: Executive Director, American Legislative Exchange Council full abc55dfaf3d34c5baaca3229e7f17724 https://share.transistor.fm/s/93ae074e From Public Affairs Director for Newt Gingrich to the leader of an influential national organization and Commissioner of the White House Fellows Program, Lisa Nelson knows how to influence from behind the scenes.

]]> From Public Affairs Director for Newt Gingrich to the leader of an influential national organization and Commissioner of the White House Fellows Program, Lisa Nelson knows how to influence from behind the scenes.

]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2019 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1348 From Public Affairs Director for Newt Gingrich to the leader of an influential national organization and Commissioner of the White House Fellows Program, Lisa Nelson knows how to influence from behind the scenes. From Public Affairs Director for Newt Gingrich to the leader of an influential national organization and Commissioner of the White House Fellows Program, Lisa Nelson knows how to influence from behind the scenes. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 3 3 Julie Emerson: State Representative, Louisiana full 94e0173a8f48451087e0a3bd2c12fc43 https://share.transistor.fm/s/74edd8ba Elected when she was 27 years old, Julie is the youngest woman in the Louisiana Legislature, and lets us in on a secret: constituents are the most powerful lobbyists in politics.

]]> Elected when she was 27 years old, Julie is the youngest woman in the Louisiana Legislature, and lets us in on a secret: constituents are the most powerful lobbyists in politics.

]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:44:32 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 2106 Elected when she was 27 years old, Julie is the youngest woman in the Louisiana Legislature, and lets us in on a secret: constituents are the most powerful lobbyists in politics. Elected when she was 27 years old, Julie is the youngest woman in the Louisiana Legislature, and lets us in on a secret: constituents are the most powerful lobbyists in politics. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 2 2 Patricia Rucker - State Senator, West Virginia full 125bdb4968d845f2befb864f43785457 https://share.transistor.fm/s/45ce264d From Venezuelan immigrant to homeschooling mom to Senator, Patricia talks about her unlikely journey and how the bank bailouts in 2008 compelled her step up to ensure the country that she now calls home didn’t become the country that she left behind.

]]> From Venezuelan immigrant to homeschooling mom to Senator, Patricia talks about her unlikely journey and how the bank bailouts in 2008 compelled her step up to ensure the country that she now calls home didn’t become the country that she left behind.

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:00:00 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1521 From Venezuelan immigrant to homeschooling mom to Senator, Patricia talks about her unlikely journey and how the bank bailouts in 2008 compelled her step up to ensure the country that she now calls home didn’t become the country that she left behind. From Venezuelan immigrant to homeschooling mom to Senator, Patricia talks about her unlikely journey and how the bank bailouts in 2008 compelled her step up to ensure the country that she now calls home didn’t become the country that she left behind. conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No 1 1 Ellen Troxclair: Mom, Wife, Conservative, Former Austin City Council full 3fa23f3e76eb4b9ea5315dd291b2093f https://share.transistor.fm/s/8085e793 Welcome to Step Up — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! I’m your host Ellen Troxclair. Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. No matter the level, in political office or at their kitchen table, women are making a difference. We tell your stories, and help inspire others to step up too! Regardless of political leanings, you are needed and your voice matters.

]]> Welcome to Step Up — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! I’m your host Ellen Troxclair. Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. No matter the level, in political office or at their kitchen table, women are making a difference. We tell your stories, and help inspire others to step up too! Regardless of political leanings, you are needed and your voice matters.

]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:18:06 +0000 Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation 1071 Welcome to Step Up — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! I’m your host Ellen Troxclair. Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. No matter the level, in political office or at their kitchen table, women are making a difference. We tell your stories, and help inspire others to step up too! Regardless of political leanings, you are needed and your voice matters. Welcome to Step Up — the podcast where we learn to advocate like a woman! I’m your host Ellen Troxclair. Each week we talk to a different leader about how she became active in policy and politics. No matter the level, in political office or at their kitch conservative,democrat,libertarian,politics,publicpolicy,republican,womenempowerment,womenleaderstexas No