Episodes
Jeff Nelligan is a senior exec at the U.S. FDA, but that's not nearly all that keeps him busy. He's the proud author of two great books -- "Four Lessons from My Three Sons, How to Raise Resilient Kids" & "Your Kid's Rebound from Pandemic Lockdowns." With a 7 year old start at politics, donning a clip-on bowtie to campaign for his mom, Jeff prides himself on his careful and considerate approach to parenting and all things political communications. He had an early stint at journalism...
Published 11/03/23
Brad Todd is the co-founder of On Message and co-author of The Great Revolt, but he confessed today that he's also a recovering journalist. Heard weekly on TV and radio, he's offering keen insight into political mindset and voter dispositions. Brad's point of view is sought from both elected and private sector clients alike. He shares his projections on '24, the challenges facing traditional polling and how to make an impact outside of politics -- through philanthropy. His Coach to Cure MD...
Published 10/27/23
This week's guest is podcast host and superstar Corey Nathan -- host of Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killing Each Other. At a time when polarization is at an all-time high, Corey launched and continues to host a super successful podcast with some of the most intriguing and compelling hosts in the U.S. today. His own amazing personal story inspired the concept and it's grown exponentially since then. Tune in to get some great insight about how to talk these tough topics with friends...
Published 10/20/23
Brooke lee Smith is a beauty creative and makeup artist in the D.C. area, but that doesn't confine her to one coast. Brooke's remarkable work can be seen on the faces of so many media hosts, politicians and D.C. elite -- but also has earned her credits on some of the best known entertainment spaces, as well. Today's conversation focuses on the importance of makeup for public appearances, but homes in on the origins of the craft and why it is imperative. If for no other reason, to avoid...
Published 10/13/23
Wendy Benjaminson is senior editor at Bloomberg News and shares that journalism is truly a family business. With an impressive pedigree from University of Maryland, Wendy's career has taken her to so many remarkable and interesting news outlets. She shares some of the favorite stories she's covered, the infrastructure of Bloomberg News in D.C., the changes that have come to the newsroom and what it's like to write "the first draft of history." Don't miss this fun episode with a remarkable...
Published 10/06/23
Margo Lilly is a D.C.-based stylist with a clientele that spans the globe. Her childhood love of dressing-up has become a booming business of styling her clients. After three years of joggers and slippers the business world is struggling to figure what it is we should wear. Margo goes through the new rules for women and men (minute 14) so that we can more easily get up and out daily. With a world that is so dominated by images and online personas, it's good to get some insight from someone...
Published 09/22/23
Friday Reporter by the Numbers 125 episodes 12K downloads Partnered with PR Daily Part of The Big Whig Podcast Network So many new pitches in, guests will continue to be journalists, the news-adjacent and other newsmakers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 09/15/23
Today's guest is a journalist that has been a pioneer in the reporting of climate in America and across the globe. Coral Davenport is the energy and environment policy correspondent for the New York Times and over her career she has seen and advocated for the expansion of this important news coverage. She shares her early interest in journalism -- from travel to possibly foreign correspondent -- to several well-known D.C. publications -- and finally landing at the New York Times. She was once...
Published 09/08/23
Some deals get made on the golf course, while lots of others get made over a great meal. My public affairs pro friend and colleague Shelley Hymes has seized on the concept and has turned lunch into a podcast. How delicious! With a long and robust career in politics and public affairs, Shelley Hymes delights her podcast guests with a thoughtful set of questions, while also enjoying some of the most amazing meals in Washington, D.C. Hosting a successful podcast of her own, we decided it would...
Published 09/01/23
If you've been around me in the last few weeks, you know I'm helping my first kid with college applications. And by help, I mean recruit every single friend and resource I can to figure this out. It's not like when we did this all those years ago. So today is a special edition -- back to school style -- with my friend and counselor Chris Hammer. As the CEO, President and Chief of CMH Tutoring and Consulting, Chris Hammer preps his clients for the SAT, helps them write a killer essay, and (if...
Published 08/25/23
Jennifer Johnson joins Lisa today for a fresh conversation about lobbying, Capitol Hill and the importance of spelling and grammar - above all else. Jennifer's remarkable dedication to her clients and her causes has delivered a rare legislative win in a divided government - and a tumultuous political environment - and she counts her good reputation and her best practices for that victory. Listen in today to hear more about the behind the scenes of a lobbyist's work and why loyalty to your...
Published 07/14/23
Chris Brennan is a political writer and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, authoring his gossipy-style Clout newsletter and breaking down all the news from the Commonwealth. Hat tip to Jonathan Tamari for nominating him! With a long family lineage that heralds from the City of Brotherly Love, Chris Brennan breaks down the nuances of Pennsylvania politics with Lisa for today's episode. With all reports that the road to the White House will run through his state, this political journalism...
Published 07/07/23
Quite possibly my favorite podcast host, creator and journalist is out with another "must listen" show. The Washington Post's Lillian Cunningham has hosted Presidential (44 episodes a week about each of the U.S. Presidents); Constitutional (timely because we all needed a reminder), Moonrise (about the race to the moon) and now Field Trip (about the National Parks). With 13 years at the Washington Post, Lillian pitched her first show at a time when audio was not nearly as prevalent (making her...
Published 06/30/23
Joe Ruffolo is the senior vice president and general manager for The Hill and NewsNation and after a whole month of meeting his team, our conversation reflects on his vision for their future. With a remarkable career in the news and media business, Joe is focused on the audience and the value their content delivers. Join in today to hear more about his background, his vision for the future and his commitment to this great team of journalists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Published 06/30/23
Mychael Schnell is a Congressional staff writer for The Hill -- and the fourth episode of the monthly Hill / NewsNation takeover. With just a year under her belt at the publication, Mychael reports that access to sources is "unmatched" on Capitol Hill. From the coverage of the overturning of Roe v Wade to the Speaker election to the debate on the debt ceiling - Mychael Schnell has had a front row seat to history in just a short period of time. With an early interest in journalism, she...
Published 06/23/23
Ali Bradley is the National Correspondent for NewsNation reporting everyday from the southern border of the U.S. Her early career story is not dissimilar to others in the broadcast space, but the strength she draws from her faith is what guides and grounds her in likely one of the most challenging in the continental U.S. Ali shares the perspective of a border wall -- as a beacon of hope for those coming -- and a symbol of trespass for those guarding. It's a fun and lively conversation with a...
Published 06/16/23
Brian Entin is NewsNation's senior congressional correspondent -- and to hear him tell his story, it's an incredibly busy and meaningful experience. Brian spends much of his weeks traveling from city to city and covering some of the biggest stories in the news. He prides himself on following up on stories after they've broken to continue to follow the impacts. From the murders in Iowa, to the Surfside residential building collapse, to hurricanes and mass shootings -- Brian Entin is covering...
Published 06/09/23
Robby Soave and Briahna Joy Gray are the hosts of The Hill TV: Rising. Featuring views from a libertarian and left point of view, these two star political commentators break down the news daily and bring analysis to current events for their viewers. Join me today for the first in a June take-over of The Friday Reporter podcast with Robby and Briahna, learn more about their backgrounds and how they produce this dynamic programming for their viewers everyday. Learn more about your ad choices....
Published 06/02/23
Alex Rosenwald is the Senior Director of Communications for The Hill Newspaper at a time when the publication is building a media empire. With their Nexstar ownership, they find themselves in a unique place of being omnipresent both on Capitol Hill and across the country. Both in print and on the airwaves. Alex started his career in the radio producing business -- working amongst the strongest brands in the business -- and made his way into the publishing world at an exciting time for media...
Published 05/26/23
Johanna Maska is the CEO of Global Situation Room -- a multi-coast public affairs agency -- she's also the host of a new podcast called Press Advance and contributor for NewsNation. With a background in journalism and politics, Johanna has spent much of her career advocating for elected officials and those in the journalism space. She finds herself in a position to not only speak into the issues, but also encourage conversations that help to cut through the traditional noise of politics. With...
Published 05/19/23
Hoppy Kercheval is the best-known broadcaster in all of West Virginia - and to think he started his career wanting to be a disc jockey! Respect for this remarkable journalist is widely-held and that is why so many heads of state, political candidates, and other newsmakers join Hoppy for his two-hour show. His love and respect for his home state is palpable in his coverage and he treats every guest with the highest level of respect. In fact, Hoppy offers that almost anyone can be interesting,...
Published 05/12/23
Rich Zeoli hosts a wildly popular, four hour radio show every weekday in Philadelphia -- and he's great at it. With a small team, Rich and his crew have figured out how to make topics easy to digest - both intellectually and literally -- through the use of traditional radio and internet means, along with many other smart tactics. Rich shares his journey to becoming a broadcast star and celebrated author (The Seven Principles of Public Speaking: Proven Methods from a PR Professional) --...
Published 05/05/23
Everyone need a palate cleanser from time to time and that's exactly what today brings us. Dave Sandrowitz is a music lover and a friend -- he's also the DJ and host of Gorgeous Dave's Radio Hour on Fairfax County (Va) public radio. With a lifelong career in tech, Dave is exercising his creative side with the creation of a brand new show (one month new!) Listen in today to a conversation about great music of the 80s and 90s -- and today -- the translation of creating into everyday life and...
Published 04/28/23
Dave Wasserman is the senior editor, U.S. House of Representatives for Cook Political Report.  If only his young self could see him now... Dave reports that even as a young guy he loved maps and enjoyed drawing them and sharing them with others.  He shares a story of how he once asked for a subscription for the Cook Political Report -- only to learn that it was far more than was in the budget.  Fast forward to today, Dave is truly in his dream job -- analyzing data and sharing wisdom about...
Published 04/21/23
Everyone needs a palate cleanser from time to time and that's exactly what today brings us.  Dave Sandrowitz is a music lover and a friend -- he's also the DJ and host of Gorgeous Dave's Radio Hour on Fairfax County (Va) public radio. With a lifelong career in tech, Dave is exercising his creative side with the creation of a brand new show (one month new!). Listen in today to a conversation about great music of the 80s and 90s -- and today -- the translation of creating into everyday life...
Published 04/14/23