• Everyone is an influencer in their own way.
• Aaron gained a million followers in six days.
• Good content gets traction regardless of algorithms.
• TikTok's algorithm allows for natural virality.
• Substack enables sustainable income for creators.
• Ethics in reporting are crucial for credibility.
• Social media is not a reflection of real life.
• Understanding content is key to effective reporting.
• Honesty is paramount in journalism.
• Social media fosters unprecedented connections. Social media has led to substantial innovation and the creation of millions of small businesses.
• Algorithms in social media can distort content visibility and promote extremism.
• Content moderation can hinder the dissemination of important news.
• The algorithm can both incentivize good content and promote misinformation.
• There is a critical need for government oversight of social media platforms.
• Open-source algorithms could enhance transparency in social media.
• Short-form content can engage audiences but may oversimplify complex issues.
• Influencers play a significant role in news dissemination and public perception.
• Diversifying news sources is essential for informed consumption.
• The future of social media is uncertain, but adaptability is key.

ABOUT MASTERING THE ROOM

Mastering the Room is produced by the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management and hosted by political analyst and professor Casey Burgat. In less time than the average D.C. morning commute, you'll get an inside take on today’s issues with information and perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.

MTR challenges guests to go beyond the Sunday show talking points and offer a deeper understanding of polarizing topics, discussing ideas that few have heard before.

Whether you agree with them or not, you’ll see unique arguments from surprising new angles. Packed with influencers, experts, and familiar names in DC and beyond, Mastering the Room is a podcast with access, connections, and proximity to power.

To listen to vintage episodes from the original Mastering the Room podcast, click here.

ABOUT CASEY BURGAT

Mastering the Room host, Casey Burgat, is the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management.

Before joining GSPM, Dr. Burgat was a Senior Governance Fellow at the R Street Institute where his research focused on issues of Congressional capacity and reform. Mr. Burgat is known for his regular contributions to scholarly and journalistic publications, including CNN, the Washington Post, and Politico, and has appeared on various television and radio outlets.

Dr. Burgat is the author of the 2025 Amazon best-seller We Hold These "Truths," exploring society's myths and misconceptions about how government works (published by Authors Equity). He's also co-authored Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch, a textbook on all things Congress, published by Sage/CQ Press in the fall of 2022.