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By Robert Ganzert MPP’27
How Policy 360 Inspired My Degree and Concentration
Even before coming to Sanford, I had been a fan of Policy 360. I felt a connection to the Sanford School’s podcast, like it was my regular newsfeed. I had been relatively novice to most of the policy world. Before joining Sanford, my focus had been primarily on conservation and environmental policy. Other policy topics were not as familiar. That is, until I pressed play on Policy 360. The policy-focused conversations felt casual, yet informative. To an aspiring student like myself, the podcast made the policy-realm feel less daunting and more accessible.
Eager for a deeper dive, I began listening to older Policy 360 episodes retrospectively. One episode decided my Master of Public Policy’s concentration. Former Dean Judith Kelley interviewed Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the former president of the World Bank. The conversation opened my perspective to development. I promised myself: if I receive my acceptance to Sanford, I will concentrate in international development. And so that I did.
Joining the Policy 360 Team
Upon orientation, I had the opportunity to meet Carol Jackson, the producer of Policy 360. Soon after, I began volunteering for my favorite podcast.
I had formerly worked in film and television media, but never podcasting. While there were certainly similarities, the idea of capturing audiences solely through audio interviews was a new concept to me.
Each conversation entailed questions, scripting, and identifying key background on our interviewees. From the get-go, we covered gerrymandering and the contested redistricting battles. We discussed “Reforming Criminal Reform” with new faculty member CJ Appleton. We moved into the tech policy world, addressing social media verification processes like the famous/infamous “blue check mark,” and the concern surrounding "deep fakes."
Policy 360 covers policy on a broad range of topics. Curious about the relationship between the future of sustainability and the data center next door? Policy 360 reports. Concerned about A.I. policy? Policy 360 has a conversation for you.
Policy 360 as a Learning Opportunity
Every discussion introduces new learning opportunities. Actively participating in the preparation of each podcast has advanced my expertise in topics I would have not otherwise explored. Policy 360 became a powerful tool for my education. I’ve had the opportunity to explore clean energy mobilization, the impacts of A.I. on our environment, as well as the future our digital security on social media.
In accompaniment with my learning, Policy 360 has taught me that policy is not unidimensional. Policy often requires multisectoral collaborations and partnerships. As future policymakers, we may need to bridge knowledge from a variety of sources to make informed decisions. Policy 360 has made me more capable of investigating a diverse array of policy problems that require expertise from more than one field.
Favorite Episode
The last episode of 2025 featured my very own microeconomics professor, Matt Johnson. The conversation, led by Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan, highlighted the economic mobility impacts behind non-compete agreements. Should non-competes be enforced? Do non-competes affect some workers more than others? There were many questions I wanted to unravel in this discussion. The interview tied closely with the discussions in our class.
The learning was complementary. In our class, Microeconomics and Public Policy Making, we had explored various inequalities and considerations that concern economic mobility. We studied reservation options, next best alternatives, and bargaining power. My efforts on this episode were companionate and timely to my economics studies. I was able to exemplify my learning to a current, real-world example, while discussing insights with the research’s author.
Right off the bat, I went from a Sanford podcast fan straight to “behind the scenes.” So, whether you are a student or an aspiring student, I encourage you to check out Policy 360. You never know where you will find inspiration next.
Robert Ganzert MPP’27 is a former producer for nonprofit advocacy, committed to international development policy. His commitment to public policy began three years ago, as an associate producer for the award-winning wildlife documentary, Escape From Extinction Rewilding. At the Sanford School of Public Policy and beyond, he hopes to carve out microeconomic solutions for communities. Aside from his Master of Public Policy studies, Robert enjoys learning new languages, nature walks, and a cup of coffee at Cocoa Cinnamon.