We Are The Government

Former ICE Director Talks Illegal Immigration and Public Safety

In this episode of We Are the Government, Dipka Hesse speaks with Jonathan Fahey, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, about the flashpoint of immigration enforcement. Fahey discusses the impact of the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding gap on federal workers, their families, and public safety.  He explores the evolution of the Democratic party, which had prioritized deportations and illegal immigration enforcement during the Clinton administration.  Fahey shares stories about public safety challenges, prosecuting the country’s most heinous crimes in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the connection between progressive policies in the Commonwealth and the rise in violent crimes, and the vital role of lobbyists in a democracy. Fahey is a partner at Holtzman Vogel Baran Torchinsky & Josefiak in Washington, D.C. and a lobbyist for its partner firm, the Vogel Group.  Hashtags: #ImmigrationPolicy #ICE #DepartmentOfHomelandSecurity #DHS #JonathanFahey #HoltzmanVogel #TheVogelGroup #JusticeSystem #FederalService #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement #Trump   #WeAreTheGovernment This podcast is produced as a time capsule for America's 250th anniversary, preserving the stories and contributions of those who have helped build our Republic. * Host/Executive Producer: Dipka Hesse  * X: @DBHesse * LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/dipkabhambhani⁠ * YouTube: @theenergyodyssey  Thank you to our great team who helped make this episode possible. A special thanks to Mathew John for his creative counsel and support, without which this wouldn’t be possible. * Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro (richard@richard.taliaferro.com) * Graphic Artist: David Zerba (zerba.david@gmail.com) * Editor: Axel Soderland (axelfromdc@gmail.com)

The Energy Transition, War and Diplomacy: Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt, on Dynamics of the New Wars

Energy, global conflict and diplomacy are inextricably linked. In this episode of We Are The Government, Host Dipka Hesse speaks with Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt about the new forces shaping geopolitics. From Russia’s weaponization of energy to the rapid quest for critical minerals, Pyatt explains how global competition for resources is influencing international alliances, military planning, trade and diplomacy at every level. Pyatt, who led the now-largely-defunct Bureau of Energy Resources at the State Department among his other roles, discusses the future of U.S. energy diplomacy, the consequences of losing institutional knowledge inside the government, and why the wars in Ukraine and the Gulf cannot be viewed in isolation. This episode offers an inside look at how American foreign policy works when global stability, energy access, and market power are all on the line — and why diplomatic experience still matters in moments of crisis. This podcast is produced as a time capsule for America's 250th anniversary, preserving the stories and contributions of those who have helped build our Republic. * Host and Executive Producer: Dipka Hesse  * X: @DBHesse * LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/dipkabhambhani⁠ * YouTube: @theenergyodyssey  Thank you to our great team who helped make this episode possible. A special thanks to Mathew John for his creative counsel and support, without which this wouldn’t be possible. * Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro (richard@richard.taliaferro.com) * Graphic Artist: David Zerba (zerba.david@gmail.com [zerba.david@gmail.com]) * Editor: Axel Soderland (axelfromdc@gmail.com [axelfromdc@gmail.com]) #EnergyDiplomacy #GeoffPyatt #Ukraine #MiddleEast #CriticalMinerals #Diplomacy #EnergyTransition #GlobalAffairs #GovernmentPodcast #federalgovernment #InternationalRelations #EnergyPolicy #Iran #Iraq #Qatar #UAE #Russia #USStateDepartment #McLartyAssociates

Neil Chatterjee on Working With Mitch McConnell, Traversing Political Partisanship and FERC’s Role in the AI Race

Former FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee tells We Are the Government Host Dipka Hesse about his journey from House Ways and Means to serving one of the most prominent Senate leaders in U.S. history–Mitch McConnell.  Chatterjee shares some riveting stories about how he came to lead FERC twice, including during the global pandemic, with an unmatched style and success. As a political appointee during President Trump’s first term, Chatterjee shares how he governed the independent agency in an era of acute political partisanship. He reflects on taking the helm from his friend, the late FERC Chairman Ken McIntyre. This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about public service, Chatterjee’s legacy, lessons learned, and his lasting impact on energy policy. This podcast is produced as a time capsule for America's 250th anniversary, preserving the stories and contributions of those who have helped build our Republic. If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on We Are The Government, please reach out.  * Host and Executive Producer: Dipka Hesse (wearethegovernment250@gmail.com)  * X: @DBHesse * LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/dipkabhambhani⁠ * YouTube: @theenergyodyssey  Thank you to our great team who helped make this  episode possible. A special thanks to Mathew John for his creative counsel and support, without which this wouldn’t be possible. * Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro (richard@richard.taliaferro.com) * Graphic Artist: David Zerba (zerba.david@gmail.com) * Editor: Axel Soderland (axelfromdc@gmail.com ) #Podcast #WeAreTheGovernment #NeilChatterjee #FERC #EnergyPolicy #PublicService #FederalGovernment #GovernmentLeadership #EnergyMarkets #GridReliability #ClimateTech #CapitolHill

From Combat Pilot to the White House and Back: Ravi Chaudhary on the Opportunities in Military Service, the Essence of Patriotism, and Energy Efficiency

From Combat Pilot to the White House and Back: Ravi Chaudhary on the Opportunities in Military Service, the Essence of Patriotism, and Energy Efficiency  In this episode of We Are the Government, veteran United States Air Force pilot and decorated officer, the Honorable Dr. Ravi Chaudhary shares his remarkable story of courage in the skies over enemy territory and his experience in the Pentagon as a political appointee. Dr. Chaudhary tells WATG host Dipka Hesse how he expanded energy innovation and resilience across American installations in his recent post as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Energy Installations, and the Environment. Dr. Chaudhary is the first and only Indian-American to have served in that leadership role. He was also appointed by President Obama to join the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  Dr. Chaudhary reflects on his catalysts–his grandfather who served in the Indian Army during WWII, his father who dedicated his career to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and his mother, who founded a leading non-profit supporting underrepresented communities in Minnesota. #DrRaviChaudhary #WeAreTheGovernment #FighterPilot #Pentagon #AviationInnovation #AirForceVeteran #ServingAmerica #NationalSecurityLeadership #PublicServicePodcast #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryInfrastructure #FederalLeadership * Host: Dipka Hesse  * X: @DBHesse * LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/dipkabhambhani⁠ * YouTube: @theenergyodyssey  Thank you to our great team who helped make this  episode possible. A special thanks to Mathew John for his creative counsel and support, without which this wouldn’t be possible. * Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro (richard@richard.taliaferro.com) * Graphic Artist: David Zerba (zerba.david@gmail.com) * Editor: Axel Soderland (axelfromdc@gmail.com)

Behind the Scenes of America250: Inside the Programs and Plans Powering America’s Semiquincentennial

On July 4, 2026, the country will commemorate 250 years since the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia establishing the United States of America. But events and engagement that have already started, will continue into, and long after, the holiday weekend.  In this episode, Jen Condon, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of America250.org [http://america250.org/], tells We Are The Government host Dipka Hesse about the development of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, and how its supporting nonprofit continues to prepare for a national and international celebration designed to educate, engage, and unite 350 million Americans.  Jen outlines the strategy behind America250’s major program pillars and how this patriotic moment unites all Americans, regardless of race, color, creed, or generation. Jen also discusses her journey as a federal civil servant and her ascent to this pivotal role.  This podcast is produced as a time capsule for America's 250th anniversary, preserving the stories and contributions of those who have helped build our Republic. * Host: Dipka Hesse  * X: @DBHesse * LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/dipkabhambhani⁠ * YouTube: @theenergyodyssey  Thank you to our great team who helped make this  episode possible. A special thanks to Mathew John for his creative counsel and support, without which this wouldn’t be possible. * Executive Producer: Richard Taliaferro (richard@richard.taliaferro.com) * Graphic Artist: David Zerba (zerba.david@gmail.com) * Editor: Axel Soderlund (axelfromdc@gmail.com) #America250 #Freedom250 #Semiquincentennial #July4th2026 #AmericanHistory #CivicEngagement #Education #Patriotism #Volunteerism #AmericaGives #CommunityService #PublicPrivatePartnership #GovernmentLeadership #AmericanStories #GenZ #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #NonprofitLeadership