One of the nation’s leading journalists, Heather Caygle has made a name for herself covering the ins and outs of what’s happening inside Congress and the White House and the impact on politics, policy, and society. She is currently the managing editor of Punchbowl News, which has grown to become one of the most credible media outlets in the few short years since its founding. Before becoming managing editor of Punchbowl News, Caygle served as congressional bureau chief for POLITICO and a congressional reporter for Bloomberg BNA. Her byline has become nearly perpetual alongside many of the nation’s top stories, as she covers headline-making news from every conceivable angle.

In an era of unparalleled polarization in politics and society, April Ryan represents an increasingly rare middle ground committed to upholding the integrity of fact-based journalism. With more than 25 years as a seasoned White House correspondent and political analyst, Ryan has the unique vantage point as the only Black female reporter covering urban issues from the White House — a position she has held since the Clinton era and spanning five presidential administrations. Her historic tenure as the longest-serving Black female White House correspondent has afforded her with incredible familiarity with the racial sensitivities, issues, and attendant political struggles of our nation’s past presidents.

Michael A. Smerconish is the nationally-syndicated SiriusXM Radio talk show host of The Michael Smerconish Program, the host of CNN’s Smerconish on Saturday mornings, a newspaper columnist, and a New York Times best-selling author. He has often been recognized for his radio work. Talkers magazine has consistently named him one of America’s most important talk show hosts. Using the perfect blend of analysis and humor, he delivers an engaging, thought-provoking, and balanced dialogue on today's political arena and the long-term implications of the polarization in politics.

Kevin Kallaugher (Kal) is the international award-winning editorial cartoonist for the Economist and The Baltimore Sun. His diverse portfolio includes more than 8,000 cartoons, 140 covers, and six books. In lively, illustrated presentations, Kal draws on stage while touching on themes like the uniqueness of our political system and the role of cartoons in free speech. He shares insights on current events, politics, and the economy and offers audiences a unique surprise to take home after his talks. He has lectured at TED, Harvard, Pixar, and Google among others. Offering an exciting twist for meetings and events, his presentations are always funny, interactive, and memorable.

Rich Thau is the president and founder of Engagious. He has spearheaded groundbreaking research in public policy, financial communications, insurance, trial consulting and infomercials. His firm’s clients range from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable to CNN and NBC. Thau regularly advises leaders in Congress and their staffs, Presidential campaigns and corporate executives on how to improve their messaging. His recommendations have shaped the national debate over Social Security, Medicare and tax reform. His firm’s recent policy messaging projects have focused on energy, climate change, immigration, foreign policy, welfare, government spending, healthcare, labor/management issues and international trade.