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CONTROL

CONTROL

By: Seven Letter
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Summary

CONTROL is a podcast hosted by Seven Letter’s Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci, two veterans of Capitol Hill who now serve as communications strategists to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and advocacy coalitions. Drawing on their experience in GOP congressional politics, the podcast seeks to look around the corner at the policy priorities and political dynamics that will define Congress.

The podcast series talks to experts who know the institution and helps explain the challenges and opportunities facing a divided Congress. Guests include subject-matter experts, journalists, former lawmakers, and political operatives, all with a keen insight into what is next for Washington. You can expect a new episode every Tuesday when Congress is in session.

Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Welcome to Hell Week Feat. Meredith Lee Hill

    Welcome to Hell Week Feat. Meredith Lee Hill
    Apr 28 2026

    It is “Hell Week” in the House of Representatives with several major votes on the schedule. Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss the outlook for Reconciliation 2.0, FISA and the Farm Bill. Plus, Meredith Lee Hill, Senior Congress reporter for POLITICO, shares how the attack at the WHCD is shaking up the agenda and what to look for during a big week for Speaker Mike Johnson.

    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

    Guest: Meredith Lee Hill, POLITICO

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    POLITICO: WHCD attack jolts Mike Johnson’s big week

    POLITICO: ‘National emergency’: After assassination attempt, White House urges Congress to fund DHS

    POLITICO: Johnson says Senate-passed DHS funding bill will have to change

    POLITICO: It’s finally farm bill week

    Punchbowl News: House GOP has an impossible week

    TIME: King Charles Arrives in Trump's Washington, and a Congress Less Civil Than His Mother Faced
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    50 mins
  • How Redistricting Is Rewriting the Midterms Feat. Ally Mutnick

    How Redistricting Is Rewriting the Midterms Feat. Ally Mutnick
    Apr 21 2026
    The Senate is moving ahead with reconciliation while things go off the rails in the House – all while a pivotal election takes place across the Potomac. On a new episode of CONTROL, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci discuss Speaker Johnson’s FISA flop and next steps in the Senate for DHS funding and the Iran war. Then, Punchbowl News’ Senior Congressional Reporter Ally Mutnick joins the show to preview the redistricting ballot measure in Virginia and what it portends for both the 2026 midterms and future election cycles. Plus, the trio analyze the most competitive races across the Senate map. Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci Guest: Ally Mutnick, Punchbowl News Audio Producer: Benji Englander Video Producer: Regina Anderson Articles Discussed: POLITICO: Republicans stare down a growing, neverending FISA crisis Punchbowl News: Thune: Full speed ahead on reconciliation New York Times: House Thwarts Bid to Halt Iran War, but Some in G.O.P. See Support Fading WaPo: Senate rejects resolution to block Trump from striking Iran New York Times: White House Declines to Offer Congress an Estimate of Iran War Cost Punchbowl News: House, Senate Dems post giant Q1 numbers Punchbowl News: NRCC outraises DCCC in Q1 New York Times: Democrats Spend Big but Face Tough Fight in Virginia Gerrymandering Battle CNN: Pinwheels and the ‘lobster district’: How Virginia Democrats drew up a US House map to all but lock out Republicans CNN: How a must-win Michigan Senate race turned messy for Democrats
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    55 mins
  • Back From Recess — and Buried in Business Feat. Reese Gorman

    Back From Recess — and Buried in Business Feat. Reese Gorman
    Apr 14 2026

    On a milestone episode of CONTROL, Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci cover the stack of items that have piled up on Congress’ to-do list over the spring recess – starting with a critical vote to extend FISA. Then, with peace talks to end the Iran War faltering, will more Republicans support a War Powers Resolution? And will DHS ever reopen? At the end, Reese Gorman, a political reporter at NOTUS, shares his insights into the resignations of Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Tony Gonzales, House leadership maneuvering, and TMZ’s new focus on Capitol Hill.

    Hosts: Annalyse Keller and Mike Ricci

    Guest: Reese Gorman, NOTUS

    Audio Producer: Benji Englander

    Video Producer: Regina Anderson

    Articles Discussed:

    NBC News: Congress returns to battles over DHS, expelling lawmakers and the Iran war

    WaPo: Powerful surveillance program faces obstacles as renewal deadline looms

    Politico: GOP leaders prepare to steamroll opponents of DHS funding plan

    NOTUS: Notice Anything Different About Jim Jordan? That’s Because He’s Probably Angling for Leadership

    NOTUS: Tony Gonzales Announces He’s Leaving Congress, Avoiding Likely Expulsion Vote

    NYT: TMZ Sics Its Tipsters on a New Breed of Celebrity Villain: Members of Congress
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
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