Stay On Your Mat – and Get Ready for America250! | Episode 79

20:04So they said, listen, we want you to engage with our fans in San Fran. So my team is there all week at the Super Bowl Experience at the Moscone Center. So fans can come and interact with us, share their American story. So one of our big programs that kicked off in July here in D.C. with Mayor Bowser was this concept of sharing your American story. What does America mean to you? capturing these stories, like, you know, what we're doing together and keeping it in the Library of Congress, hopefully for the next 250 years. Oh my goodness. Yeah. And so we kicked off in DC with like one of the World War II veterans story and one of the founders of GoGo Music.

20:40And we've taken this Airstream, one of our partners Airstream branded America 250, turned it into a recording booth. It's pulled by our, our Ram branded truck. And we brought the Airstream to the, to the Super And so people are going to be able to record their story, which is amazing.

20:55Shelley:That's amazing. So, like, do people line up and you just say, anybody want to talk about your story? Absolutely. And so, you know, people come and we've got lots of fun things, rally towels and ways to just share about what this is. Because people have seen us during the playoffs and they're like, what is America 250? What is this? And so we get this opportunity to share and then capture their stories. And these stories, I mean, when you really get into who Americans are and the story of who they are and their families and where they came from, It's one of the most beautiful things it is. So we'll be there all week.

21:24I'll be there this weekend capturing stories on Saturday and the game day experience before the game in the parking lot. So we're just thrilled and grateful to the NFL to be able to be a part of this storytelling with us. That is so darn exciting. So cool.

21:37Shelley:So do you have like your own suite or are you in like a... No, we're just like, you know, on the ground. Stop. No, but still. It's amazing. So I could share at the game. Yeah. What's going to happen is that during the pregame, the America 250 flag will be on the field for America the Beautiful being sung, which is just incredible. And then there's going to be a surprise in the stands I can share. I bet. That people will see the stands will turn into like an America 250 tribute. So really leaning in heavily to this moment of really unifying, which I think is awesome. I wanted to ask, so with you putting in the narrative for Gen Z and Gen Alpha to kind of have that patriotism, what have you seen with your own initiatives that's kind of been that spark amongst the younger generation that you can kind of maybe see the patriotism that you once knew?

22:31Shelley:Oh, that's good. It's a great question. Music, maybe. So I think it's twofold. So we have been focused for the last, since I've been here four years, we have been focused on values-based programming to really gain awareness. We knew most Americans had no idea that 2026 was the 250th anniversary. So a lot of what we were doing was through, you know, we had a kickoff America's Invitation with MLB, again, sports. Nice. At a purple state, you know, in Wisconsin doing, it was a Cubs-Brewers game on July 4th and said this anniversary is coming. It doesn't get much more Americana than that, right? And so we, through sports, realized, like, oh, this is a way that we can unify people.

23:12And then as the programming kept getting built out, we realized that there were various ways that we could focus on children first. And one was through America's field trip. So our chair, Rosie Rios, the former treasurer of the United States, and many of our commissioners who are members of Congress and private citizens, they kept getting these, like, once-in-a-lifetime backstage experiences. And people would say, oh, well, you only got this because you were treasurer of the United States. and they said well why couldn't we make this accessible to kids and so we started working with the national park service and many of our other both federal and private partners to give these once in a lifetime field trips to students so kids grades grades three through 12 can do an art or an essay to say what does america mean to you we have this incredible panel of judges of teachers from around the country who judge and then they get to pick an all-expense pay trip for them and a parent or guardian to take a field trip of their choice these are two i went on the one to new york city this year and it was national park service doing a whole tour of alexander hamilton's life in new york city amazing and then we went to our one of our sponsors bny who was alexander hamilton founded we're a bank of new york and they have these artifacts of like pictures of him like the first bank note all of these alexander hamilton artifacts the kids got to have lunch with the CEO of BNY.

24:29I mean, these were cool experiences. Does it end with them seeing Hamilton, though? I mean, Shelly, you can't do that without going. And not only did they see it, they went backstage. They got to be on stage. They got to meet the cast. And so these are the type of experiences and how you get kids to say, oh, I'm a part of it. And we're also, two of our other quick initiatives are America Gives. We're seeing that. Americans, especially the ones that say, I may not fly my flag during a parade. especially these Gen Z college students, but I want to give back in my local community. And so we did this on New Year's Eve.

25:02And one time, Square, during the ball drop, it turned into America 250 logo, which was so cool with Ryan Seacrest. And our chair announced America Gifts. So it's the largest year of giving ever. So she said, you know, she was in Montgomery County with her high school kids. They had to give service hours to graduate. She said, why don't we make this an opportunity for families to give back in their local communities? We partnered with all these national organizations, veterans organizations, points of light, Girl Scouts, you name them, where people can say, I'm going to log hours in commemoration of the 250th so that when we get to New Year's Eve this year, we can look back and say it was the largest year of giving ever in American history.

25:40Wow. And that is how we realize these people who may feel like, I don't know how I feel about this. Right. They'll give back. Yeah. And they'll look back 50 years from now and say, you know what? I did do my patriotic duty. I gave back my local soup kitchen or whatever that may be.

25:52Shelley:Giving back, I think, is a terrific touchstone because I do think that kids, I mean, they're forced to do it, but giving back or volunteering is a big part of curriculum now. Great. So however it manifests. It's fantastic. As long as it's somewhat affiliated, you know, with a love of country, it's great. Absolutely. Even if it's not directly. But wait, so you started at the very, very beginning. So you came from where to go to America 250? So I was with Oracle Cerner working on that Veterans Affairs contract. Never thought I would leave. I love the work with Veterans Affairs. I love leading this massive contract.

26:33I'm good at creating teams to say we're kind of all siloed. How do we bring together on a single project? And then I saw the opportunity with America 250 come up, and I had to throw my hat in the ring. They were just building their team. It was probably a year into really building the team. Who built it? So, originally, the commission was chaired by Dan DiLella, and he brought in an original executive director, Frank Giordano. And then there was a COO, Scott Homel, who hired me. And he came from Zinke, from Ryan Zinke, who was the secretary for the interior. Right. Because we're out of interior.

27:08Right. Oh, you are? Yes. And so they started building out the team. They hired me, and here I am four years later. Yeah.

27:16Shelley:But like super, super early. Super early. So did you, I mean, has it grown so much or did you already, did you always know it was going to be so enormous? No, no. My gosh. If you look at the early days of the commission, there was a lot of turmoil. There was a lot of overturn. There was a lot of staff overturned and a lot of leadership overturned. And at that time, many, you know, we got minimal appropriations and we needed funding to be able to do this. And many corporations were like, it seems far away. We're not sure about this. And it was a struggle in this early days. And then I think as we started building out this programming, and they realized that this is not political, that there's an opportunity for everyone.

28:00And like you said, Shelly, who doesn't want to celebrate a birthday party? Yeah, right. And so we got the amazing partners. I mean, early on, the folks that gave us a chance, the Walmarts, the Coca-Colas, they came on early and said, we believe in this and we want to be a part of this. And because of that, so many more organizations. And it's now just been this incredible momentum continues to build.

28:23Shelley:And last year must have been insane. But this year, like, so this is the moment. Okay, so what then are the other groups that also have a similar name? Like, what's that get? Yes, I'm asked this question often. And I'll keep it brief. I'll keep it, you know, long story short. So when our president, when President Trump was elected last November, for all the things that are fantastic about our public law, our chair had recognized that in order for us to be successful, every federal agency needed to be a part of it. Right. And in our legislation, not to get too wonky on you, we only have 12 federal agencies listed.

29:09So NASA, Treasury, I mean, our chair is the former Treasury of the United States. They are not a part of our legislation. And she wrote a recommendations memo to the president saying, hey, we need the support of all the agencies. They need you to either come out with an EO or something else to get them permission to do so.

29:26Shelley:Okay. Ten days in the office, our president said, this is so important to me. I am going to create an executive order, and it established Task Force 250. Oh, okay. Thank you. Yes. Okay. Came out domestic policy, and they have been focused. Out of DBC and the White House? Yes, exactly. Okay. And they have been focused and incredible partners on ensuring that, like, all of the priorities are met. And we as a commission approved our playbook of programming really in March of last year. Yeah. Saying this is our budget. This is what our programming look like. And these are what the moments, like the big moments this summer, which I'll get to.

30:02Very exciting. And this is what we're doing. Well, our president is amazing and was like, but I have other ideas too. And so in very close communication with the White House and how do we do this? They said, you know what, we are going to create a funding mechanism from Task Force 250 that will be able to focus on the priority projects of the president. In addition to his priorities that you're working on. Exactly, because we represent all three branches of government at America 250, which is incredible. And so we work very closely with the White House. Those who were in the White House saw the East Room at Christmas was the America 250 logos on the tree skirts.

30:37We'll be at the egg roll, which is so exciting. Oh, that's great. We have a wonderful working relationship, and we also work very closely to Task Force 250, Freedom 250. But they are able to ensure that, as we say, all priorities are met. That they're going to be doing the UFC fight, the Indy car race. They are doing the Day of Prayer. Like different things that are happening that were priorities of the president they are focusing on. And then we kind of are focused on everything that's in our legislation that says we need to focus at the international, national, state, and local level. So we established 56 state and territory commissions to ensure it's super grassroots.

31:12We're signing MOUs with our friends abroad because eyes of the world are going to be on us this year with FIFA World Cup. Right. One of our partners and two years short years later with L.A. 28. So we are kind of making sure that it's a fully comprehensive opportunity for folks to get involved and that there's something for everyone. So we're actually really grateful that Freedom 250 and Task Force 250, they've been amazing partners that they were established.

31:36Shelley:Well, are Freedom 250 and Task 250 separate or the same? Yeah, so Task Force 250 was created out of the executive order of the president. And so they're kind of that government arm, similar, analogous to how we are. We have the United States Semi-Quincentennial Commission. That's my government arm. And then I lead as the chief executive of the sole supporting nonprofit in the legislation to the commission. So I have the personnel, the procurement, the sponsorships, the partnerships. Everything's under me. It's very similar for Freedom 250. They are that nonprofit arm, the fundraising, procurement, all of that for Task Force 250.

32:11Oh. So very analogous in terms of how we're set up.

32:14Shelley:That's so interesting and really clarifying. Thank you. Yes. For a minute. Yes, yes, yes. You're listening to Lunch with Shelly. Well, I mean, everything that the president gets involved in is so big and so fun. But do you feel that, I guess it's a, well, it's not the right way to say it. I mean, do you feel like the message has gotten confused or do you just feel like, you know, everything is there's just so much that there's room for so much? It's a good question, I think. And I'll say it again, if we're going to reach 350 million Americans, like it's going to take all of these things to do that.

32:54And I think sometimes and I'm somebody who's worked in public affairs most of my career here in some form or fashion. I think sometimes it's an easy, it's easy to try to be divisive through the media, through whatever, for people to hang on to one thing and go through that. And so, I mean, when you're in this town long enough, a lot of it becomes white noise and you just have to stay focused on the work you're doing. I believe so deeply in this mission. And honestly, like once you have these conversations and explain it, then people are like, oh, that makes perfect sense. Like this is actually not controversial or, you know, as salacious as people want it to be.

33:31It's like, no, we're all working together to ensure that the priorities are met and the work continues. And so for me, it really becomes white noise. I have the conversations. Once you explain it, people are like, I love it. That makes sense. How great. We work so closely together. And they're all wonderful people that are working on this. I mean, you're not committed to this unless you are someone who believes so deeply in the work that we do. It's not for the faint of heart, as you can imagine. every way, shape or form. It's 25 hours, eight days a week. And honestly, like, I just believe that when we look back, obviously there'll be critiques.

34:06There's things we could do better. I mean, it's going to be run by humans. We know that. Right. And so, but for me, I hope that it's worthy of the American people and that if we just stay focused on the mission and doing the good work, like time's on our side, we have 149 days. Like I, I, there's no room for distraction.

34:21Shelley:It is not on your side. It is. Time is not on our side. Not on your side. Yeah. Although, you know, nothing like a horrible, horrible deadline. There's no extension, as I said. July 4th comes whether we like it or not. That's hilarious. But did people want to make it salacious? Like, I thought that there was confusion, but I didn't think that it was. Maybe I'm too close to it. Maybe I'm too close to it. I think I would say the majority of you're going to get the 10 % on every side, on either side. that are just like, this is what it is. But the majority of Americans want this. We have done research for years.

35:01They want this. They want it. They want it for different reasons. They see different ways they want to get involved, but they want it. They're excited about it. And we see that through our partnerships. We see it with the sporting leagues. We see it through everything that folks are saying. We need to be a part of this in some way, shape, or form. And we saw it with the Bicentennial. I mean, people often say, like, oh, gosh, like, things are so divisive right now. But when you look at the bicentennial, what we were coming out of, I mean, my gosh, it was 1976.

35:27Shelley:I know. I don't remember it. Which is a marvelous thing to say. I'm so happy I can say that because I remember so much. But really, I mean, if you look at where our nation was in that time and what we were coming out of from the Vietnam War and Watergate and all these things. And people look back at the bicentennial and they were like, what a joyful, unifying time. And I'm hopeful that 50 years from now, you know, my grandkids will look back and say. Oh, I'm sure. Right? And they'll have the coolest stuff from you. This is what I'm doing. I'm literally being very good about saving everything. Because it really is.

36:00When I meet people from the Bicentennial, they are like, oh, wait, let me go grab something. And they saved it. And so I'm excited for that, that people will have opportunities to buy things that are America 250 branded so that they feel like they have that piece of history.

36:13Shelley:Well, so, like, what is really good swag? What should we be getting now? So we have a ton. I mean, we work with hundreds of licensees that now have America 250 swag. So everything from, like, Bergdorf's to, like, your gas station. Your Bergdorf's has stuff? Everything. Everything. No way. What are they selling? I mean, they have, like, Brightling Watches are one of our licensees. You're kidding. That's the America 250? Yeah. So there's really incredible products for everyone. And wherever price point and whatever you want to have. I mean, obviously, people love the T-shirts and their hats. Right.

36:47We're at the Super Bowl.

36:48Shelley:No, but I'm interested in an upgrade. A brightening watch is exciting. Absolutely. Do they have, does Swatch have an option? So, maybe after this they will. They should, yeah, right. But we're excited. I mean, I'm a golfer, so I'm excited about like Vineyard Vines and Roback and a lot of the good stuff, fun things. Oh, that's awesome, yeah. So, there's kind of something for everybody. So. And probably baseballs and footballs and bats. All of that. Yeah. And something from kids to your grandparents, we'll have something for them. Now, do you have something going on at the Olympics or is that completely separate?

37:20So we're thrilled that we have a partnership with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committees. We are very focused. Obviously, this year it's amazing and we're so excited to get that patriotism going. I mean, nothing feels more patriotic than the Olympics. Yeah, right. You know, and we just signed an MOU with Italy and we're just thrilled about that partnership. So we're so excited about the Winter Olympics. But for us, one of our biggest events this summer is on July 4th. Well, we're very excited about the 3rd. For the first time ever, New York City is doing a ball drop outside of New York City.

37:49Oh, wow. First time in their history. So July 3rd, it's going to be at midnight, ushering in the semi-quincentennial New York City. How fun is that? So like a big broadcast concert experience. Who's making the ball? So we're working on that right now. Okay. Which is very exciting. So those crystals, you can imagine, will be quite commemorative. Right. Right. And then that next day is America's ultimate block party. So we're going to have these big concerts, these block parties around the country. But the main one is going to be in L.A. And the reason for that, not only our mandate. Because it will be on the big kickoff.

38:20Exactly, Shelly. Not only is it like sea to shining sea and everything in between, but that it will be that baton, no pun intended, passing into L.A. 28.

38:27Shelley:And so July 4th, here, what will happen? It'll just be normal July 4th. No, I think it's going to be huge. Our president is focused on. Oh, right. And that would be Freedom 250. Exactly. I get it. In our legislation, we have four leading cities, Charleston, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Yay. Wow. So we are doing lots around that for those kind of five days, July 1st to the 5th. But D.C. will be the president's parade and all of those big fireworks, which will be so exciting. I really liked when you were talking about it, Karan, about the Army's birthday. Yes. I really liked that parade, and I was surprised because I turned it on just sort of at a lark.

39:09Shelley:I think that it was sort of like before my husband and I were going to dinner or something. And I turned it on, and I couldn't turn it off. Like, I loved seeing the costumes and the military go by. Like, it was so much better than I thought it was going to be. So I'm very excited about seeing that again this year. Oh, I love hearing that. Yeah. I love hearing it. It was wonderful to be able to kick it off with our military birthdays. So we had Army, we had the Marines and Navy in 2025. And some big celebrations around that. And that kind of got most Americans to be like, oh, I've got to look forward to this.

39:43Shelley:Everyone thought it was going to be so awful and it was going to ruin the roads. And it was fine. It was fine. It was wonderful. Right. But you know what? And also that just makes so much sense for you because you're right. Like in the best case scenario, since you're collaborating and working well together, It's so big that it's great that the president will do D.C. And then you guys are free to do L.A. And we are so grateful. And we're so grateful that we have a president who cares so much and has made the 250th so important. Right. You know, and so to have that support. He's enormously patriotic.

40:18Shelley:Oh, and we see that. We see that in all of his support from day one of the work, of the programming, of the commission. And our first lady has just been amazing. And so she was the one who designed the East Room and asked America 250 to be a part of that. Oh, wow. The egg roll this year. I don't want to see. Oh, I'm so excited about that. But she's very focused on that, having a very 250 theme. We were invited to join the USO for the 4th of July for the First Lady's Picnic on the lawn of the White House. Oh, wow. So she's just been amazing in terms of really ensuring that every aspect of this year has America 250 in this patriotic field.

40:55all the events that have been a part of White House history since day one. That's so interesting. Even the ornament. The ornament is America 250, the official White House ornament. So we're just really grateful for their support and partnership.

41:07Shelley:So 149 days. I mean, that's crazy. Do you have like a calendar? Oh, yes. That changes you every day. It's every hour at this point. An actual calendar. Oh, yeah. And it's like every day. I mean, I told my husband, I was like, I'll see you in 2027. So what are you most excited about? Are you most excited about LA?

41:29Honestly, the thing I am most excited about, A, that week is going to just be amazing. July 1st through 5th is going to be incredible. I think what I'm most excited about is actually seeing, and I say this all the time when I talk to partners and sponsors, I think the majority of Americans are going to engage with the 250th through the products, through the brands, through the activations of things they know they love, NFL, right? Great example. but there's so much that our sponsors are doing that are going to be like wow that i think i'm most excited to see that come to life so the coke's got lots of special things that are going to happen this summer yes and you know we've already seen a little bit of like the chrysler dodge jeep and ram commercials and scott's miracle grows doing lots of different activations and walmart and starbucks i mean the list goes on they're all coming to fruition and i think the american and people are just going to be so excited that wherever they are in their little corner of America or the world, they'll have something.

42:28And to see that all come to life. It's been so many years in the making. I'm just so excited. It's even like this weekend with the Super Bowl. I'm so excited. The Super Bowl is going to be amazing.

42:37Shelley:Oh, I'm just so happy for you. Thanks, Shelley. So do you think with all the Walmart and the Starbucks and all that stuff, will it be Memorial Day or before that? Oh, a lot of, I mean, many of our partners have been doing this for a year. You know, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, good example of that. Others, it's going to be really starting maybe even March Madness Memorial Day on. And we're going to see that a lot with licensees, like the products, the clothing. Everything's really going to be like that May on time frame, which is so exciting. And this is probably the most important question I'm going to ask you, but how can people get involved?

43:11Shelley:Like, I guess if they want to get involved with the president side, then they would reach out to whom? But I guess more to the point, if they want to be part of a bipartisan, bigger celebration, does everybody call you? Oh, I love that. I think they call us both, right? So as I said, we represent all three branches of government. We're doing so many amazing things with the White House and with our commission. And we are so fortunate for those relationships with them. So, I mean, it's not really an either or. It's like a together. It's just like there's going to be something for everyone. Also, our state, so to answer your question, things to get involved.

43:53There's Freedom 250. They're going to have amazing things here in D.C. and other parts of the country. Patriot Games, so exciting. And then there's going to be things at really the international level with our MOU signings. Oh, right, right, right. They did so many big things during the bicentennial. Oh, that's so fun. So fun. And then all the way down to our state commissions. So we've got these 56 state and territory commissions, and they have their own programming as well. So people can go to our website at America250.org, and they can see a map and master calendar. And that's one way. If they're saying, how can I get involved?

44:25On there, they'll see lots of different opportunities. Have your children submit to America's field trip. It goes now through March, so they can still do, which is super exciting. It's not too late. Not too late to take a trip this summer of their choice. They can also go and see where the Our American Story Tour is going to be. We have America Innovates launching, which is tech hubs throughout the country where they can bring their families and interact with innovation from the last 250 years, the next 250. And then also all of the celebrations, the concerts this summer. That's going to be on our website as well as what's happening in their backyard.

44:56So in local Cracker Barrel parking lot block parties and Walmart block parties to their state commission parades. So it's all going to be on that website so they can see if they're taking a road trip around the country or they're staying in their hometown. there's going to be something for them to celebrate and do between now and the 4th. And how about volunteering? Yeah, so we're so grateful for Through America Gives, the partners that have come on board. And so Points of Light has really just been our national resource partner. They've been incredible.

45:23Shelley:How big are they now? Oh, they're huge. They're huge. I mean, I remember when it was established. I know. Yeah. I know. But, I mean, then I didn't know what happened. So who runs? Jennifer does right now. their CEO, Charangelo, and she's amazing. Yes. And she's just the best. And her team really ensures that people have this sense of service in their everyday life. And they're helping us think really, you know, I'm not the expert on this. You know, I'm great about giving it to my local nonprofits, but they really know how to do this at a national level. And they make sure that all of these other nonprofits that come to us are able to be a part of it by aggregating and counting their hours.

46:02And so people can say, okay, they can look online and find opportunities through America Gives and see, oh, these are different organizations that are in my hometown and I can submit my hours so that their hours can count to this largest year of giving ever, which is so cool. Oh, and how are the governors? Everybody's so into it. It is amazing. It's kind of like how we have, we now have the largest caucus in Capitol Hill history. We have over 360 members of Congress and it's right down the middle for the America 250 caucus. And I think it's because similar to the governors, they see that they have this once in a generation opportunity to really say, let's celebrate together.

46:36Let's create this kind of core memories so people can say 50 years ago, you know, 50 years from now, this is where I was 50 years ago. And so governors have been amazing. I mean, we needed them all to either work with their state legislature or through an executive order, establish an official America 250 commission. And we did it. That was the hardest work early on.

46:54Shelley:All 50 states. Yes. Florida was the last in December of 24. 24. Yeah. December of 24 was the last. They were the last one to sign on. And so they've been incredible and they've established their commissions to have the local programming working closely with us. And then obviously having the caucus really ensures that every district is represented and that they're working with the members of Congress to really ensure their constituents are a part of this. Well, keep eating. But I will ask you, as far as gratitude, that I think it is fantastic that you are a yoga instructor or you could be a yoga instructor.

47:31Shelley:So how helpful is that to you And how did you get into that practice Oh gosh I mean I like to say you know I moved here to D.C. I never did yoga prior to being a Washingtonian And it like saved me It kept me sane Well I do Pilates I do too because it's a little bit more active But I'm thinking of switching to yoga Just because Or not switching but adding yoga Because I don't know it's something new It's something new I'm going to give them a shout out I love bar three which is like bar Pilates and yoga. It's super hard. So you get a little bit of it all. Right. It's always fine because Dr. Biden, our former first lady, she'll be in class sometimes.

48:10So then I'm like, if she can do it, and she, I'm dying, and she's like, keep me kicking everyone's butt in it. And I'm like, okay, she's my motivation.

48:17Shelley:Do you do that up in Colorado? No, actually in Alexandria. Oh, my dear Virginia. Yeah, in Old Town Alexandria. So it's nice to have early classes I can do on the way to work, shower and get into the office after dropping my kids off. And so I found yoga, gosh, early, early, and took classes and then loved it so much that I was like, I want to deepen my practice and do my teacher training. And then I became a teacher. Oh, you did actually teach? Who did you teach with? I taught at 532 in Old Town Alexandria, Local Motion, Radiance Yoga, a few of those Old Town Alexandria locations. And then I realized my life got too crazy that I needed to practice and not teach.

48:54And you often hear that with yogis, that they're like, okay, I was good teaching, and now I just need to focus on my own practice. But yoga is, yoga keeps me on my mat, and that's a good mentality for life. Just stay on your mat. Stop comparing yourself to everyone. Stop focused on what's next. Yoga makes it so you can't think about anything but the here and now. You have to focus on that.

49:18Shelley:That's so incredible. You're the first person that's ever told me that phrase, stay on your mat. Stay on your mat. I mean, it's a good life. Such good advice. It's such a good thing in life. Just focus on you. Stay on your mat. Don't look around. And then you don't get distracted, swayed, fall into that comparison that can happen in D.C. Oh, my goodness. That's so helpful for me exactly today. I love that. Stay on your mat. So tell me, what do you think you'll do after? Is that like the worst question ever? No, it's the question I get. Besides, I get this now because everyone's like, well, what next?

49:49What next? So, you know, this was my little girl dream. It's how I started this conversation of like I tore out that Reader's Digest and just wanted to be in D.C. doing policy work. And I think I mean, I still pinch myself. You know, I was on Capitol Hill today and it never gets old. The day gets old. I was thinking the same thing.

50:07Shelley:Like, I think Tom Emmer is great. I think it's so exciting to meet with, you know, the members and tell them what's going on. They're so supportive of this. And Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, they've been an incredible part. Everyone's been across the aisles, have been incredible partners to us. But the day I don't walk into that building and still get chills is the day I should leave this town. And I know this was the work I was created to do. And so I'm just so excited to be able to do it next. And I think one day at a time, stay on your mat. Exactly. Stay on your mat. I'm not there yet, but I'm excited.

50:42I'm now in the point where I'm excited to see what will be next. And I've formed such wonderful relationships all over. It's all over. I'm so blessed to meet some of the most amazing, interesting people, not even just in this town, but around the world. And so I'm excited, you know, to see what will be after this.

50:58Shelley:Well, maybe it'll morph into the Olympics, which would make a lot of sense. That would make sense, right? And the Olympics are so exciting. So exciting. I mean, and what another beautiful, you know, kind of, you know, symbol of unity for us. Yeah. But here's my final question, and then we'll have to go. God, this flew by. Flew by, Shelly. Okay. So much fun. The most important question, as it always is, if you were going to have lunch anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you be with? Oh, my goodness. What would you be eating? So there is this tiny place in Castellina di Chianti that I went with my children and my husband.

51:36And I would go back there in a heartbeat and eat bucatini with summer truffles and a gorgeous glass of Chianti. And I would go back there in a heartbeat with them.

51:45Shelley:Well, that sounds enormously chic. Oh, my God, Jen. This flew by so quickly. You are so lovely and so infectiously enthusiastic. Same, Shelly. And I am so excited for America 250. Everybody has to check out America250.org. Volunteer. Find out all about it. If you're working for a corporation, an association, which probably everyone who's listening is working with something like that, call Jennifer Condon or get online and be a part of this. We want everyone to be a part of this. It's a once in a generational thing. And for us, it's really once in a lifetime. Unless we can live to the 300th. I told my children, I won't be alive for that.

52:29Shelley:I'd be pushing it. You might have to be working on it. Thank you, Shelly. Or they'll be using all of your notes. Jennifer, you are a delight. Well, thank you for being a new dear friend. This was fun. That's how I feel. Way too fun. Everyone, thank you for listening. definitely get involved with America 250 thank you Karan for being so marvelous thank you to the Palm for our great booth and to John my favorite waiter here everyone again thank you for listening to this episode and check out other episodes at www.lunchwithshelly.com or wherever you get your favorite podcast and in the meantime and as always peace love and lunch

53:12you