Fed under fire: Examining the future of the central bank and U.S. economy under President Trump
In this episode of The Penta Podcast Channel, host Ylan Mui dives deep into the evolving role of the Federal Reserve and its implications for the U.S. economy under President Trump. Joined by Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, they discuss the historically apolitical nature of the Fed and how it has come under unprecedented scrutiny from the White House. Heather shares insights on the Fed's independence, the potential impact of interest rate changes, and the broader economic landscape, including the challenges facing middle-class Americans. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how political dynamics are reshaping monetary policy and economic stability in the United States.
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The $4 Trillion Question: What’s Really in the “One Big, Beautiful Bill?”
This week’s episode of What’s at Stake dives into the details of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and its impact on the national debt and deficits. Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to discuss the tax changes, budget gimmicks and long-term fiscal consequences.
Their conversation covered:
- Whether this is really the largest tax cut in history
- Why spending cuts don’t offset the $4 trillion in added debt
- How tariffs, interest rates, and economic growth factor into the administration’s math
- Signals of a potential debt crisis
- If fiscal discipline will ever return to Washington
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Reputation, Regulation and Relationships: What’s driving policymaker priorities in 2025
On this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, Penta Policy Brand Research leaders Rebecca Cunningham and Victoria Nolte join hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to unpack findings from the 2025 Washington Insights Review, an annual Penta report based on a survey of hundreds of senior Washington policymakers
Their conversation covered:
Which issues are shaping U.S. policymaker priorities across parties, from the economy and immigration to AI, fintech, and China.
How corporate reputation in Washington has shifted post-COVID, and what’s driving both the rise of emerging sectors and the reputational slip of legacy industries.
Why companies must tailor their advocacy to resonate authentically with policymakers, and how social commitments are being evaluated differently across political parties.
The rising importance of data-backed, bipartisan engagement strategies that reflect political durability in a shifting landscape.
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Crypto Counsel: How Ripple’s Top Lawyer Navigates Uncharted Waters
In this episode of The Penta Podcast Channel, join me, Yelan Moy, as I delve into the world of cryptocurrency with Deborah McCrimmon, Ripple's Vice President and Deputy General Counsel.
We explore her journey from private practice to leading Ripple's legal strategy amidst the complex landscape of digital assets. Deborah shares her insights on Ripple's mission to create a seamless financial ecosystem and discusses the pivotal SEC lawsuit that challenged the classification of XRP.
Tune in as we unpack the implications of recent legal developments, the importance of mentorship, and her advice for aspiring lawyers in the crypto space. This is a conversation you won't want to miss, filled with valuable perspectives on navigating uncharted waters in the evolving financial landscape.
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Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Trump, tariffs, and the future of transatlantic relations
On this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, now a member of Penta's Global Advisory Board, shared his perspective on the evolution of political leadership and business strategy amid rising global uncertainty.
His candid and wide-ranging conversation with hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui covered:
What it was like to negotiate directly with President Trump and what he learned about the President's governing and communications playbook.
How Europe is responding to shifts in the geopolitical order.
The opportunities and threats facing companies navigating transatlantic trade during a period of volatility.
How political durability and long-term planning can help organizations stay resilient through electoral and ideological shifts.
The importance of authenticity in navigating social and cultural controversies.
You can learn more about the former Taoiseach’s background and new role within Penta Group here: https://pentagroup.com/insight/leo-varadkar-joins-penta
The Penta Podcast Channel is home of Penta's podcast - "What's At Stake". "What's at Stake" features in-house experts and often special guests for analysis on the biggest issues shaping business and public policy.
South Africa