The Lobby Shop: Recent Episodes
Bracewell
The Lobby Shop lets listeners tune in to conversations between Washington insiders who are directly involved in the biggest political and policy issues of our day. Hosted by Josh Zive, Liam Donovan, Paul Nathanson, Caitlin Sickles, and Dylan Pasiuk of Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group in Washington DC, this weekly podcast dives into the most recent news from Capitol Hill and beyond with input from foremost experts in their respective fields.
Have a topic you'd like to hear discussed on the show? We'd love to hear from you! Send your feedback, thoughts, and suggestions to thelobbyshop@policyres.com.
Co-hosts Josh Zive, Dylan Pasiuk, and Paul Nathanson welcome back Liam Donovan—fresh off his appearance on Ezra Klein’s podcast—to break down the 2026 midterm landscape. The discussion includes each party’s path to a majority with a spotlight on key races, the importance of candidate quality, President Trump’s approach to endorsements, and what it all could mean for the legislative agenda in the final stretch of the current Congress.
On this episode of The Lobby Shop, hosts Caitlin Sickles, Paul Nathanson, and Dylan Pasiuk are joined by Glenda Crookes, Executive Director of the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC), a Massachusetts-based program founded in 1971 that serves approximately 300 children and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and severe behavioral challenges, many of whom have been unsuccessful in other treatment settings. Crookes discusses JRC’s history, mission, and individualized treatment model, including the center’s continued advocacy for court‑approved access to electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) as a treatment of last resort for a small number of individuals with life‑threatening self‑injurious and aggressive behaviors for whom all other interventions have failed.
In this episode of The Lobby Shop, hosts Caitlin Sickles, Paul Nathanson, Dane Pedersen and Omar Nashashibi, are joined by Learning Resources CEO Rick Woldenberg following the Supreme Court’s decision in Learning Resources v. United States, striking down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Woldenberg discusses why he stepped forward as the lead plaintiff, the stakes behind the case, and what the ruling means for companies seeking tariff refunds. The conversation also explores how the administration may recalibrate its trade strategy—and what comes next for businesses navigating an uncertain tariff environment. This is a joint episode with the Talking with One Voice podcast.
Politico’s Jonathan Martin joins The Lobby Shop hosts Josh Zive and Liam Donovan to unpack the first contests of the 2026 election cycle. They break down key races in Texas, as well as North Carolina and Arkansas and what the early results could mean for the fight for Congress.
The Supreme Court just upended a core piece of the administration’s tariff strategy. Co-hosts Josh Zive and Paul Nathanson break down what the 6-3 Court ruling means, which tariffs are affected, how the President is responding, the other trade tools still on the table. What should companies be doing now as the next phase of tariff policy takes shape? Tune in!
Kicking off the first The Lobby Shop episode of 2026, hosts Josh Zive, Caitlin Sickles, Dylan Pasiuk, and Liam Donovan take stock of the political forces already shaping the year ahead. The conversation spans looming Supreme Court decisions on IEEPA tariffs, the communications challenges facing parties heading into a midterm year, and what recent elections signal for House and Senate control. The group also examines government funding deadlines, legislative strategy in an election year, and why expectation management may matter as much as policy outcomes in the months to come.
In this crossover episode of The Lobby Shop and Talking with One Voice podcasts, The Lobby Shop team is joined by Omar Nashashibi to talk with Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources and hand2mind, who is the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case challenging tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), scheduled for argument in November. Rick discusses his company, the impact of the tariffs, and why manufacturing all his products in the United States isn’t feasible. He also shares why he chose to pursue the case when larger companies and trade associations declined—and what it’s like to be in the media spotlight during such high-stakes litigation.
The Lobby Shop team breaks down Washington’s latest shutdown, what sparked it, and how long it might last. From Chuck Schumer’s political calculus to Donald Trump’s influence on negotiations, the team explores the pressure points that could end the standoff – and make a few bold predictions along the way.
The Lobby Shop returns as Congress faces make-or-break funding deadlines. Caitlin, Paul, Dylan, Josh, and Liam explore government shutdown brinkmanship and the newest moves on trade and tariffs, including the tariff court fight that is headed to the Supreme Court that could redefine U.S. trade policy.
This week on The Lobby Shop, the team dives into the storm brewing in Washington as Congress heads into August recess. Josh Zive and Paul Nathanson dissect President Trump’s latest tariff moves and their ripple effects on American manufacturers already navigating a volatile trade landscape. Meanwhile, Liam Donovan and Dylan Pasiuk forecast the high-stakes battle over government funding, with a shutdown threat looming large. From economic jitters to political brinkmanship, this episode delivers the insights you need to stay ahead of the curve—don’t miss it.
In this special episode of The Lobby Shop podcast, guest hosts Scott Segal, partner and co-head at the Policy Resolution Group (PRG), and Kyle Spencer, principal at PRG, sit down with Brittany Kelm, Senior Policy Advisor for the White House on the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). The three of them dive into the mission of the NEDC, the day-to-day role of the Council, and how the NEDC tackles regulatory challenges in advancing U.S. energy production. Brittany also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and NEDC’s coordination with other agencies. Don’t miss this inside look at energy policy from the front lines of the White House.
This week on The Lobby Shop, hosts Josh Zive, Caitlin Sickles, Liam Donovan, and Dylan Pasiuk unpack the July 4th signing of “The One Big Beautiful Bill,” a major political win for the GOP and President Trump. The team breaks down how the reconciliation bill made it through Congress, the differing strategies between House and Senate Republicans, and how Democrats may use key provisions like Medicaid changes and tax cuts as future campaign ammunition. With government funding set to expire on September 30th, they also look ahead to what’s next on Capitol Hill and how this bill shapes the legislative landscape moving forward. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of The Lobby Shop, the team welcomes back Axios national political correspondent Alex Thompson, co-author (with CNN’s Jake Tapper) of the explosive New York Times bestseller Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. Thompson shares the inside story of how he and Tapper uncovered internal divisions, strategic missteps, and high-stakes decision-making inside the Biden White House. Hear why Thompson believes this story goes beyond just one election—and why the questions it raises still demand attention. Whether you’re deep in the weeds of politics or just trying to understand how we got here, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of The Lobby Shop, Liam Donovan provides an update on the budget reconciliation process in Congress, and the team dives into the proposed House cuts to energy programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, proposed Medicaid reductions, and the ongoing debate over SALT deductions—along with the challenges the legislation faces in the Senate and a tight legislative timeline. Josh and Paul also examine the current state of the Trump Administration’s tariffs, including the temporary easing of the U.S.–China trade war, multiple Section 232 investigations, and the complex policy landscape companies must navigate amid evolving tariff rules.
The Lobby Shop team turns their focus on the ongoing budget reconciliation process in Congress that will shape the Trump administration’s economic agenda. Hosts Josh Zive, Paul Nathanson, and Liam Donovan provide a quick update on the latest tariff developments before diving into the reconciliation process and the shifting legislative dynamics between the House and the Senate. Then, Liam does a deep dive on how economic pressures are reshaping political strategy, and what it all means for government funding timelines and the looming debt ceiling. Tune in for a Liam-style breakdown of the often confusing reconciliation process in the next couple of weeks.
CATO’s Scott Lincicome—one of the most informed and outspoken voices on trade and tariffs—returns to The Lobby Shop to unpack the Trump Administration’s recent wave of tariff announcements. The group dives into the effectiveness of tariffs as a tool for reshoring manufacturing and addressing trade deficits, as well as the business community’s relatively muted response. Listen for an entertaining and insightful conversation with the always engaging Scott Lincicome!
In the aftermath of President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, the Lobby Shop team breaks down the philosophy behind President Trump's new tariffs and the real world ramifications for both domestic and foreign policy. The team also examines reactions from the private sector and Congress, including the potential impact on the timing for the Republicans' plan to move forward on a tax package. With a multitude of scenarios playing out at once, the Lobby Shop team discusses the one question on many Americans minds: where do we go from here?
The Lobby Shop team is back and talking tariffs! Caitlin Sickles, Josh Zive, Paul Nathanson, Liam Donovan, and Dylan Pasiuk break down the latest developments in the ongoing tariff rollercoaster—separating the tariffs that have actually been imposed from those still being threatened, along with the retaliation from U.S. trading partners. They explore President Trump’s rationale for using tariffs and threats of tariffs, highlighting key differences between those imposed during his first term versus his second. The team also examines the impact of these trade policies on various sectors, including potential conflicts between the Administration’s tariff strategy and its energy agenda, as well as the challenges companies face with sudden cost increases disrupting their supply chains.
In the Lobby Shop’s first episode of 2025, co-hosts Liam Donovan, Caitlin Sickles, and Dylan Pasiuk convene to analyze the political environment ahead of President-elect Trump’s second inauguration. The group explores the challenges facing Speaker Johnson in a very narrowly divided Congress, the enduring influence of Trump on the Republican Party, and the Democrats' growing sense of resignation in legislative struggles. The discussion also highlights the ongoing confirmation hearings and the outsized role of figures like Elon Musk in shaping party dynamics. As they look ahead to the next administration, the hosts wonder what these developments mean for Republicans’ leadership and direction.
In this episode of the Lobby Shop, hosts Liam Donovan and Josh Zive welcome Capitol Hill veteran Emily Domenech, Senior Vice President of Boundary Stone Partners and co-host of the Political Climate podcast. The crew delves into the intricacies of permitting reform, what the future of the Inflation Reduction Act looks like, and the new opportunities and challenges House Republicans face. Emily also emphasizes the pivotal role of NEPA reform in accelerating infrastructure development and the need for bipartisan cooperation to achieve meaningful reforms in the upcoming congress. Want to hear more from the lobby shop team and a veteran Capitol Hill expert? Then tune in!
The Lobby Shop hosts Josh Zive, Paul Nathanson, and Caitlin Sickles are joined by veteran Wall Street Journal manufacturing reporter Bob Tita to explore the potential impact of new tariffs on U.S. manufacturers under the incoming Trump administration. They also discuss the range of views among manufacturers on tariffs, the state of the U.S. steel industry after six years of Section 232 tariff protection, and the impact of tariffs on jobs. They also delve into the potential conflicts between the president-elect’s trade policies and his energy independence agenda. Tune in now!
The Lobby Shop team comes back together to analyze the recent election results and discuss what Trump’s victory, along with a Republican trifecta, mean for the future of the party. With Trump securing decisive wins in all the key swing states and the popular vote, hosts Josh Zive, Liam Donovan, and Dylan Pasiuk break down shifting voter demographics and explore what a potential legislative agenda could look like in the upcoming term. Curious about the challenges and opportunities the GOP may face in Congress over the next two years? Then tune in!
This episode is a part of the 2024 PRG Pulse campaign, an up-to-the-minute source on the issues that matter most for elections. For more information, visit https://www.policyresolutiongroup.com/prg-pulse/
In this pre-election episode of The Lobby Shop, co-hosts Liam Donovan, Josh Zive, Caitlin Sickles, and Dylan Pasiuk sit down with Justin Slaughter, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at venture capital firm Paradigm, for an in-depth discussion at the intersection of technology, financial markets, and policy. Paradigm focuses on investments in the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and decentralized finance (DeFi) sectors and Justin brings a wealth of experience from his time in the fintech space as well as at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and in the U.S. Senate.
The group explores the evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies, and how Washington – and the 2024 presidential candidates – are addressing the rapid rise of new technologies. Justin shares some of Paradigm’s research and insights into how policy discussions are shaping both traditional finance and emerging digital markets.
On the latest episode, the Lobby Shop team breaks down the Vice-Presidential debate and its implications for the November election. Tune in for a discussion of key moments from the debate, the civility shown by both JD Vance and Tim Walz, and how public perception shaped the impact of the debate. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.
The Lobby Shop Team analyzes the Trump v Harris debate including the high and low points for each candidate. They also delve into the debate strategies employed, such as one candidate’s social media-savvy expressions. The discussion covers the main topics debated, including how tariffs became a central focus and the reasons behind manufacturers hiring refugees. Finally, the team examines how each candidate’s performance could shape the trajectory of their campaigns.
The Lobby Shop returns with guest Dee Martin, co-head of the Policy Resolution Group and host of sister podcast Madam Policy. Coming back from attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Dee discusses the energy inside the arena, the top takeaways from the convention, and the policies that the Harris team will highlight in the post-Labor Day final stretch of the campaign. The team then talks about the role women voters will play and how abortion measures on several state ballots will drive turnout. Liam Donovan also provides a quick analysis on the impact of Harris’ ascension on down-ballot races.
The Lobby Shop team discusses Kamala Harris choosing MN Gov Tim Walz to be her running mate. Liam takes a (humble) victory lap for being one of the first to flag Walz as a possible pick and talks about what Walz brings -and doesn’t bring- to the ticket. The discussion then turns to how the GOP is going to try and define Walz and the difference in messaging (and energy) for Democrats with the change from Biden to Harris.
In this ~ emergency ~ episode of The Lobby Shop, show co-hosts Josh Zive, Liam Donovan, Paul Nathanson, and Caitlin Sickles discuss President Biden’s unprecedented decision to leave the race just 105 days out from the election. Biden has thrown his weight behind his VP, Kamala Harris, as his successor. Influential Democrats are showing enthusiasm for Harris at the top of the ticket, and the campaign cash is rolling in. But how long will the high last? The group discusses the challenges and opportunities that a Harris candidacy brings, and they speculate on who Harris might choose as a running mate. The co-hosts also cover how running against Harris is different than running against Biden for Team Trump and how the Republicans might reconsider their messaging in what is now a whole new race for the White House.
For the last few weeks, all eyes have been on President Biden and the will he, won’t he of his reelection bid. But, as Republicans prepare for their nominating convention, starting on Monday, July 15th, attention will soon turn to former President Trump and his selection for a vice presidential candidate. Who will it be? In this PRG Pulse minisode, Caitlin talks to Liam about former President Trump's vice presidential search, what makes this election different than most, and how he is handicapping the field.
PRG Pulse is your source for election coverage and analysis from Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group policy pros.
Axios National Political Correspondent Alex Thompson joins The Lobby Shop crew for a conversation about what comes next for Team Biden and the Democratic party four months out from the 2024 election. Alarm bells continue to ring weeks after Biden's disastrous first presidential debate. With calls for Biden to step aside echoing from Capitol Hill to Hollywood, TLS cohosts Liam Donovan, Josh Zive, Caitlin Sickles, and Paul Nathanson ask Alex if and how Biden and his team can tamp down panic. Alex, who has reported consistently on questions of Biden's age and fitness, brings a valuable perspective on the mood inside Biden world (hint: disillusioned and demoralized) and whether a plan B is even possible.
Paul and Liam break down the fallout from President Biden's rough debate performance, what Biden must do to turn things around, and whether ongoing panic among Democrats will lead to a new nominee.
On the Lobby Shop’s latest episode, hosts Liam Donovan, Caitlin Sickles, Paul Nathanson, Josh Zive, and Dylan Pasiuk welcome Adam Carlson, former Democratic pollster, to the show. They discuss the state of polling in the United States, including how much Dems should be worried about President Biden's poll numbers and the impact of third-party candidates. They also touch on how difficult polling is to conduct in battleground states like Nevada and whether voters should pay so much attention to polls this far out from November. Make sure to tune in!
The Lobby Shop team breaks down the state of the presidential race in advance of the highly anticipated Manhattan trial verdict. Paul, Caitlin, Dylan, and Liam discuss the 2024 election, what variables remain, and the risk and opportunity facing both sides in the home stretch of the campaign. (Episode Recorded on 5/29)
With the election season heating up, the Lobby Shop team is joined by Pat Dennis, President of the Democratic Super PAC American Bridge 21st Century, to discuss the role of opposition research in campaigns, and what his group is doing to help Democrats win up and down the ticket. Hosts Liam Donovan, Paul Nathanson, Dylan Pasiuk, Caitlin Sickles, and Josh Zive sit down with Pat to unpack the “dark arts” of politics, the evolution of negative campaigning, and what we should be watching for in the home stretch of the campaign.
Hot off the Commerce Department release of the first quarter GDP report, AP economics writer Paul Wiseman joins the Lobby Shop team to discuss the state of the US and global economies. Hosts Liam Donovan, Paul Nathanson, Josh Zive, and Dylan Pasiuk sit down with Paul W to discuss the health of the economy perceived and actual inflation and his recent story on how immigration has impacted the US labor market.
Tune in to this special edition of The Lobby Shop which features an episode of Bracewell LLP’s Environmental Law Monitor podcast, as they interview our own Liam Donovan and Joe Brazauskas. In a special crossover episode between The Lobby Shop and the Environmental Law Monitor, Bracewell associates Daniel Pope and Taylor Stuart sit down with PRG’s Liam Donovan and Joe Brazauskas to do a deep dive on the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a powerful tool that has the Biden administration scrambling to finalize its regulatory proposals ahead of electoral uncertainty.
Lobby Shop hosts Josh Zive, Liam Donovan, and Dylan Pasiuk discuss the state of play in Congress, shifting dynamics within the House of Representatives, and what’s left of the legislative agenda before campaign season takes over. Tune in to hear a peak into what is coming up next for both Congress and The Lobby Shop.
On this episode of The Lobby Shop, co-host Paul Nathanson moderates a conversation with co-hosts Liam Donovan and Dylan Pasiuk. They discuss initial reactions to President Biden's final State of the Union prior to the November Presidential election, Biden's decision to open the speech with foreign policy, and how President Biden used this opportunity to both energize Democratic voters and spar with Republicans in the House Chamber. The group then turns to policy implications in the speech for the business community.
On this episode of The Lobby Shop, co-host Caitlin Sickles moderates a quick conversation with co-hosts Liam Donovan and Josh Zive. The trio tackle the important policy issues from appropriations to national security currently tied up in the legislative morass. But when compromise is a political killer, how do Members find common ground? Then, the group turns their attention to South Carolina where Nikki Haley hopes for a strong performance against Former President Trump and possibly looks to a post-Trump future.
We welcome an old friend and a new co-host to the podcast this week! Former Bracewell colleague John Lee, now Chief of Staff to Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), joins the team to discuss his path from Bracewell/PRG to leading a Congressional staff, what it’s like to be lobbied now that he sits on the other side of the table (including the dos and don’ts), and his advice to young professionals moving from the private sector to Capitol Hill. John also provides an insider’s view of recent dramatic votes in the House. The episode also marks the debut of a new Lobby Shop co-host, PRG Principal Dylan Pasiuk. Welcome Dylan!
The group is seeing double this week when another tax policy expert joins the studio to talk about the tax bill that’s on everyone’s mind in Washington. Omar Nashashibi, lobbyist and founding partner of The Franklin Partnership, joins The Lobby Shop’s Liam Donovan to swap insights and analysis of the bicameral tax framework and share speculation about what comes next. This episode is also a worlds collide moment for TLS hosts Caitlin Sickles and Paul Nathanson who also co-host a biweekly podcast, Talking with One Voice (supported by the National Tooling and Machining Association and the Precision Metalforming Association) with Omar and his colleague John Guzik. Caitlin, Paul, and Josh ask Omar questions about the tax framework’s implications for manufacturers and talk about advocating for small business in a crowded Washington policy landscape.
On the first episode of 2024, hosts Liam Donovan, Caitlin Sickles, and Paul Nathanson welcome back President & Executive Director of bipartisan political organization FWD.US, Todd Schulte, five years since his first appearance on the show. They discuss the border crisis, the status of ongoing Congressional negotiations, and the complicated political dynamics at play. They also touch on the impact of worker shortages on the business community, and how immigration policy stands to factor into the upcoming presidential election. Make sure to tune in to this first episode of 2024!
With the calendar year coming to an end, Paul Nathanson and Liam Donovan get together to discuss the state of play of Congress and the legislative challenges that will be dealt with before the year ends and which will be left to deal with in the new year. They start with the never-ending appropriations negotiations, the role of the Speaker in these talks, and whether or not he is making an impact. They then question if any bills are going to make it through to a vote before the holiday recess and if the lack of a hard December deadline has anything to do with the tense gridlock. Finally, with the Iowa Caucus less than a month away, they chat about the upcoming presidential election and prepare for the chokehold it is going to have on most of the political focus for 2024.
RCP's Sean Trende is back to discuss his latest piece, a reminder that the former President is better positioned to win not just this cycle, but ever. The gang breaks down what it means to say "Trump can win," and why it draws such a heated response.
Josh, Paul, and Liam break down Tuesday's election results with Split Ticket partner Lakshya Jain. They gang discuss the process that yielded that site's deadeye accuracy, Lakshya's takeaways from the off-year campaign, and what these results can tell us about the 2024 election.
Josh, Paul, Caitlin, and Liam sit down with Mike Warren, Senior Editor of The Dispatch, to discuss Speaker Mike Johnson’s first two weeks, the return of Steve Bannon as a MAGA svengali, and the struggles of GOP primary challengers to break through against former President Trump.
Liam and Josh are once again joined by PRG Senior Counsel and Capitol Hill expert Joe Brazauskas to close out the democracy-induced chaos that was the process of electing a new Speaker of the House. They chat about how we came to the Johnson conclusion and what this new leader of the House should be looking out for in the short and long term.
Paul and Liam are joined by PRG Senior Counsel and Capitol Hill veteran Joe Brazauskas to discuss the ongoing dysfunction in the House as Republicans seek a path forward to elect a Speaker.
We tracked Liam down between media interviews to get his take on the historic vote last night that ousted Speaker McCarthy. Liam, Josh, and Paul discuss the tensions within the GOP and with Democrats leading up to the vote, who has put their hat in the ring to be the next Speaker, and what this all means for issues such as funding for Ukraine.
Josh Zive and Caitlin Sickles sit down with Lobby Shop co-host, Republican strategist, and political insider Liam Donovan to talk about how Congress narrowly avoided a shutdown disaster … for now. Liam previews what will happen next as Speaker McCarthy faces challenges to his leadership from his own party. And the group considers how the whole cycle is set to repeat when government funding is slated to run out again … in just 45 days.
With vacations coming to an end and kids going back to school, Paul Nathanson, Joe Brazauskas, and Liam Donovan take a look at what's on the House and Senate to do list when Congress returns from its summer recess. Issue one will be trying to avoid a government shut down, and the team discusses the ongoing appropriations battles and House Freedom Caucus demands. Tune in to also hear some initial thoughts on the state of the 2024 race for the GOP presidential nomination.
It's our most popular episode of the year- catching up with our PRG Summer interns! Paul, Caitlin, and Josh, chat with our five amazing interns Anum, Emma, Margaret, Maxim, and Rio about their experiences in the PRG offices this summer. Great insights and tips about how to maximize Washington, DC internships and we also learn what the group really talked about in the internal intern chat 😮. Tune in now!
The Lobby Shop team is joined by guest David Lynch, Global Economics Correspondent for the Washington Post, who is just back from China where he covered US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin’s meetings with China’s new economic leaders. The team first discusses with David his reporting on new indicators about the state of the global economy and then turn to Yellin’s meetings in Beijing and if the visit met even the modest goals set by the Biden Administration. The conversation then turns to the view from Capitol Hill on US-China relations and the state of President Biden’s efforts to secure supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing. Plus, the team couldn’t let David get away without his take on baseball’s new pitch clock.
Paul and Caitlin are joined by friend of the podcast and third time guest, Alexander Kravtsov, a strategic communications consultant and founder of the public affairs firm Nexus Eurasia. Alexander, a Russian native now residing in Europe and the United States, gives his perspective on the 24-hour coup led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, and his private military company, the Wagner Group. The team discusses Prigozhin’s past, the reasons he rebelled and why it was resolved quickly, and the implications for Russia… and Ukraine.
Josh, Caitlin, Paul, and Liam discuss the latest on the high stakes negotiations on raising the debt ceiling. We then replay our earlier conversation with Rep. McCarthy's new Chief of Staff, Machalagh Carr.
The Lobby Shop team is joined by special guest Machalagh Carr, General Counsel to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. Bracewell guest host Joseph Brazauskas joins as we discuss with Machalagh the Speaker's views of, and priorities for, congressional oversight and changes on how investigations are conducted under the new House leadership, the role and purpose of new House committees and other topics (including Joe's collection of Wendell Wilkie pins!).
The Lobby Shop team is joined by friend the pod Haley Byrd Wilt from The Dispatch who helps break down what to expect from the newly organized 118th Congress. The gang discusses Haley’s reporting on the powerful Rules Committee, the new Select Committee on China Competition, and Liam and Haley’s conversation with the New York Times’ Ross Douthat on the simmering debt limit fight.
We welcome back to the podcast Myron Wasylyk, a Ukraine-based energy advisor and communication expert who we last interviewed just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On the first day of the war, Myron, a Ukrainian-American who has lived in Kyiv for three decades, evacuated his family to Western Ukraine. Myron and his family recently moved back to Kyiv. We spoke to him about what it’s like living in a city under attack by drones and missiles, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, Ukraine perception of the Beltway debates on continued US military aid, the energy supply situation in Ukraine and the prospects for an end of the war in the coming year.
Josh and Liam break down the ongoing stalemate over the election of the next Speaker of the House, and the delayed start to the 118th Congress.
Now that the mid-terms are officially over with the Georgia run-off, The Lobby Shop team gathers to get inside Liam Donovan’s brain. We discuss with the Professor of Punditry why there was no red wave, the implications of a GOP-controlled House and the Dems controlling the Senate, the impact of a certain former President, and how the results impact the current lame duck session of Congress and the Biden agenda.
A special Election Day edition of The Lobby Shop! Host Liam Donovan brings you one final PRG Pulse Check for the midterms, as he breaks down the state of play as Americans head to the polls. Liam explores the GOP leaning House, the Senate teetering on a knife's edge, and the bellwethers to watch in what is sure to be a drawn out aftermath. Finally, make sure to tune into PRG's post-election webinar tomorrow at 1130am ET to see what it all means for the policy landscape.
In the latest edition of PRG’s Pulse coverage of the midterm battlegrounds, former Toomey for Senate campaign manager Peter Towey of GOP consulting firm Targeted Victory joins The Lobby Shop team for a Pulse Check on a state both parties have homed in on as the tipping point of the Senate majority. Towey breaks down the state of the race, explains the late resurgence of Dr. Oz, and tracks Pennsylvania's shift from Blue Wall stalwart to pure bellwether. The gang talks debate expectations, ticket splitting, and pinning down undecided voters with a seasoned pro who has run and won federal races throughout PA for more than a decade.
This week’s episode is part of PRG’s Pulse election coverage. Friend of the pod and veteran political journalist Jon Ralston of The Nevada Independent joins The Lobby Shop team for a Pulse Check on what is arguably the most pivotal Senate race in the country. The gang discuss the candidates, political dynamics, demographics, electoral history and more to shed light on why Jon's #wematter hashtag is more apt than ever.
PRG Pulse, PRG’s award-winning election analysis series, is back for the 2022 Midterms! The Lobby Shop team chats about the Midterms – what to watch and what’s at stake – in this episode. Listen for Liam Donovan’s assessment of why this year’s election may buck historic trends. Look for regular Pulse Checks in coming weeks.
This week, the Lobby Shop team is joined by policy analyst Pavan Venkatakrishnan to discuss the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, what’s next for Congress, and what it’s like to cut your teeth lobbying on a once-a-generation climate package. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
On this episode, the Lobby Shop team is joined by very special guest, PRG Senior Principal Yasmin Nelson! Tune in to hear about Yasmin’s transition from working in the Senate, where she met with advocates who wanted to bring awareness to their issues, to her work now at Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, where she is on the other side advocating policy issues by connecting with staffers, members of Congress, and members of the administration. Yasmin also shares details about some of the important work that she is currently doing with Mothering Justice, including the historic launch of the Mamas’ Caucus. The newly formed congressional caucus advocates for mothers of color and their families and empowers them to be engaged and hold those in charge accountable to make the changes they want to see. This is an episode that you won’t want to miss!
Visit https://www.motheringjustice.org/ to learn more about Mothering Justice.
This week, the Lobby Shop team breaks down the reconciliation bill that surprised Washington insiders. Tune in to learn more about the climate provisions that many thought were off the table, what to expect with the Byrd Rule and Vote-a-Rama, and how Republicans may still have the opportunity to leverage their power.
This week, the Lobby Shop team is joined by Michael Gottlieb, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP focusing on crisis management, media, and freedom of speech. He shares his experience representing election workers who testified before the January 6 committee, analyzes how the Supreme Court has changed since the days when he clerked there, and explains how skills that he learned during his high school debate days are still relevant in his current work.
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state bans on gay marriage were unconstitutional, making same-sex marriage legal across the United States. Sasha Issenberg, author of “The Engagement: America’s Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-sex Marriage”, joined the Lobby Shop team to discuss the political road that led to the decision. Tune in to hear Sasha’s analysis of what caused the cultural and political shift in opinion and Sasha’s insights on civil unions, incrementalism as a political strategy, and same-sex marriage campaigns in general.
This week, The Lobby Shop team is joined by returning guest Sean Trende, a Senior Elections Analyst for RealClearPolitics, to talk about the 2022 midterm elections. Tune in as the group offers keen insight into what factors, such as the leaked draft decision from the Supreme Court and Biden’s falling approval ratings, will impact the results.
This week, The Lobby Shop team is joined by the highly acclaimed Ahilan Arulanatham, who is a Professor from Practice and Co-Director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law. This episode’s discussion covers everything from competitive debate and populism to the ongoing debate surrounding Title 42, a health order which has significant immigration implications. Tune in to gain in-depth insight into the complex world of immigration.
This week, we are joined by returning guest Jim Lucier, who serves as the Managing Director for Capital Alpha Partners where he leads the energy, environmental, and tax practices. In this episode, Jim gives the team an insightful analysis on his predictions for the upcoming midterms, how Congress will look in the next couple of years, and what’s on the radar after Biden’s first term.
On March 11, 2022, Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group hosted a fierce, but friendly faceoff between Senior Principal and Former Senior Policy Advisor to then-Senator Kamala Harris Yasmin Nelson and PRG Principal, pundit and former Republican strategist Liam Donovan! The one-hour conversation, moderated by PRG Co-Head Scott Segal, provided a political temperature check on some of the hottest political issues, including an analysis of the Biden administration’s first year in office and predictions for the 2022 Midterm elections.
The Lobby Shop team is joined by Bracewell Partner, Londoner, and returning guest Olivia Caddy to discuss the latest news out of the UK. Tune in for a discussion that includes the European viewpoint on the war between Russia and Ukraine— including its impact on the economy, what Covid restrictions look like in the UK, and details about Olivia’s recent work involving the energy sector in Africa. Also, Olivia last joined The Lobby Shop in April 2019—pre-Brexit, she gives listeners an update of what it’s like living in the post-Brexit UK as a French national in London.
This week The Lobby Shop is joined by Paul Elliott Johnson, Assistant Professor of Communications at the University of Pittsburgh. His recent book "I The People: The Rhetoric of Conservative Populism in the United States," details the roots of different conservative populist movements and how they have played a part in American history. Tune in for a lively discussion covering American politics, the impact of media on politics, and the 2022 midterm elections.
With the threat of war between Russia and Ukraine making global headlines, the team speaks with Myron Wasylyk, an American who has lived in Kyiv, Ukraine for almost 30 years. Myron, an Advisor to the CEO of Naftogaz, Ukraine, joins us to offer his analysis of the tense situation in Ukraine. Tune in for a discussion that includes how Ukrainians are dealing with the looming threat of war, the suspension of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and other sanctions on Russia, and how the conflict is impacting Naftogaz, Ukraine’s largest state-owned oil and gas company. Myron also shares what westerners should be looking out for over the coming days as the situation continues to develop in eastern Ukraine. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
This week on The Lobby Shop, we discuss trade policy with returning guest Scott Lincicome, the general economics and trade director at the Cato Institute. Topics include trade tariffs, changes to trade during President Biden's first year in office, and covid-19 testing.
Alexander "Sasha" Kravtsov, founder and principal at public affairs firm Nexus Eurasia based in Russia, joins The Lobby Shop this week to discuss the Russian perspective on some of the current foreign policy issues facing the U.S. and Russia. Topics include Russian troops on the Ukraine boarder, negotiations with NATO, potential sanctions on Russia, and more.
Ahead of the first BLS jobs report of 2022, hosts Paul and Caitlin are joined by AP economics reporter Chris Rugaber to break down what's happening in the labor market. Tune in to hear about how Americans should be evaluating the report, the "Great Resignation" and its impact on the job market, vaccine mandates and more!
Political reporter David Drucker joined hosts Josh and Liam to discuss the race to 2024 and the future of the Republican party. This episode covers details from David's new book In Trump's Shadow: The Battle for 2024 and the Future of the GOP including lessons that republicans who want to run for president should have learned from the former president, issues that will matter in 2024 for the Republican party and what's next for the party.
Following the Election Day whirlwind, Josh, Paul and Liam met with veteran political reporter Ben Jacobs to discuss the implications of the results and what they can potentially mean for next year's midterms. Tune in to this week’s episode for an analysis of emerging campaign strategies, and to hear how infrastructure passage, foreign policy and other legislative areas can shape politics and electoral outcomes in the 2022 midterms.
On the eve of election day, Liam spoke Kyle Kondik, Managing Editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball at UVA Center for Politics, about the tight Virginia governor's race, what we can expect to see tomorrow as people head to the polls, and what the results mean for the future of politics.
As the Build Back Better bill continues to work its way through Congress, tax policy has quickly taken center stage in the conversation. Hosts Josh and Liam are joined by special guest Bernie Becker, a tax reporter for POLITICO Pro, for a deep dive into the important role that tax policy plays in the legislation.
This week, Josh, Liam, and Paul recap key pieces of legislation currently under consideration and speculate on what could come next for the bipartisan infrastructure bill and controversial reconciliation package working their way through Congress. Tune in to find out what factors could affect the trajectory of these bills.
Liam and Josh wade through the context around and latest news on the infrastructure deal, something we didn't expect to still be discussing in late July. Tune in for a breakdown of where the major players stand and how this could move forward realistically.
The Lobby Shop is proud to introduce our new sistershow, the Bracewell Sidebar.
This new podcast, hosted by Phil Bezanson and Matthew Nielsen, is a podcast devoted to developments related to government enforcement and investigations, with a particular focus on white-collar criminal defense. In this episode Phil and Matthew are joined by guest Josh Zive for a look at some of the topics that will be explored on the podcasts, from environmental, social and governance (ESG) to the current administration at the US Department of Justice.
Josh is joined this week by Bracewell's DC Office summer associates: Ivan Wohner, Stephen Wald, and Tim Scully. They dive into the virtual law school experience during a pandemic, their takeaways from working in the legal world of Washington, advice for people considering law school, and more.
This week, Josh is joined by PRG co-head and Madam Policy host Dee Martin for an interview with Seamus Hughes, Deputy Director of GWU's Program on Extremism. Last week, the Biden Administration released the first ever National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism, and we're here to explore what that means, the argument for a federal penalty for domestic terrorism, and more.
The Lobby Shop is proud to introduce our new sister show, Madam Policy. Madam Policy is a podcast by, about and for women shaping policy and creating history. Tune in to this trailer to meet show host Dee Martin, a life-long organizer and advocate, and an all-women powerhouse team of Dee’s co-hosts and colleagues in Bracewell LLP’s Washington, DC-based Policy Resolution Group. The group discusses the vision for the show and the extraordinary women making change who will join as guests.
Subscribe to Madam Policy now so you never miss an episode! To learn more about the show and send suggestions for future topics and guests, follow the show on Twitter: @MadamPolicy
Our first 3-time guest, Haley Byrd Wilt joins us for a discussion of her work at The Dispatch, their Congressional newsletter "Uphill," and particularly her work covering January 6th Commission discussions.
This week's guest is Elaina Plott, National Political Reporter at the New York Times, who joins us to discuss her work covering Texas in the wake of the 2020 election and where things stand there and beyond for the GOP.
On May 6, Bracewell hosted a special one-on-one conversation with Yasmin Nelson, the newest member of Bracewell’s Washington, DC-based Policy Resolution Group (PRG). Yasmin, who joined the firm as a senior principal in April 2021, is a former senior policy advisor to then-Senator Kamala D. Harris.
In this one-hour event, Yasmin discusses the Biden administration’s first 100 days and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Topics include finance and tax, trade, technology and environmental justice.
Co-hosts are Scott Segal and Dee Martin, co-heads of the Policy Resolution Group.
This week, our team met up for a conversation with Greg Sargent, author of The Washington Post's Plum Line blog. We cover Biden's first 100 days, what's left to tackle and some crystal ball predictions about those items, the current behaviors and priorities of political bases, and other trends that will likely shape the decade's politics and policies.
Liam leads us this week with a great conversation with Adam Jentleson, author of the new book Kill Switch: The Rise of the Modern Senate. Adam and Liam discuss Biden's first 100 days, the role of the filibuster and its impact on the modern Senate, the history of the Senate and what our founding fathers intended for it, and much more.
This week on The Lobby Shop, Dee Martin and Caitlin Sickles spoke with Skye Perryman, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The discussion covers ACOG's work, a battle over the drug mifepristone that went to the Supreme Court, the importance of collaborations, and how effective reproductive health care advocacy is done in the modern age.
We're joined this week by Jim Lucier, a Managing Director at Capital Alpha Partners. Jim graces us with his predictive, insightful analysis of trends in Washington as we cover government spending, Biden's infrastructure plan, and more.
The newest member of PRG's partnership, Yasmin (Rigney) Nelson, joins us this week to discuss her most recent role as Senior Policy Advisor to then-Senator Kamala Harris, her extensive policy background, and a few thoughts on the latest happenings on Capitol Hill.
Recent Capitol Hill coverage has been spending a lot of time on earmarks, a system once used by Congress that is now back with some new rules. PRG's John Lee is here to break down how earmarks function, their impact on the appropriations process, and how this new system will work.
We've got a COVID relief passage post-mortem this week with Liam, Josh, and Paul covering what happened, what we can learn from how the Administration and Congress worked together, and potential implications for upcoming infrastructure talks.
Welcome to the latest installment of the Clean Energy Transition Series. Part 7 of this series covers current events in the Biden Administration and the actions agencies are taking in the wake of the Biden Environmental Executive Orders. Other topics include reactions from the Hill, impact on confirmation process, expectations for future White House action, and more.
Bracewell partner Ann Navaro moderates this discussion with PRG co-head Scott Segal, PRG partner Christine Wyman, and Bracewell associate Brittany Pemberton.
Welcome to the latest installment of the Clean Energy Transition Series. Part 6 of this series covers the latest in solar power technology, including prospects under the Biden Administration, how solar can grow in the market, how it can be integrated with other renewable sources, and much more.
Scott Segal, co-head of PRG, and Frank Maisano, PRG partner, facilitate this conversation with guest Abby Hopper, the president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA).
Welcome to the latest installment of our new series within The Lobby Shop: Clean Energy Transition. Part 5 of this series covers the latest in hydrogen energy technology, including the current and potential applications of hydrogen power, storage options, how the US can effectively fund and implement this technology, and much more.
Scott Segal, co-head of PRG, facilitates this conversation with guest speakers Andy Marsh, President and CEO of Plug Power, a provider of clean hydrogen and zero-emission fuel cell technology, and Tim Urban, PRG Partner and leader in clean energy tax policy.
Jeff Stein, White House economics reporter for The Washington Post, joins The Lobby Shop this week to discuss the latest information on coming COVID relief legislation.
Welcome to the latest installment of our new series within The Lobby Shop: Clean Energy Transition. Part 4 of this series covers the latest in CCUS including the recently finalized 45Q regulations which provides important tax incentives for CCUS projects and a number of other policy actions enacted – or expected to be enacted – by the new Biden Administration and the new Congress.
Caitlin Sickles, PRG Principal and regular host of The Lobby Shop, facilitates this conversation with guest speakers Liz McGinley, a Bracewell Partner and chair of Bracewell's tax department, and Christine Wyman, a Senior Principal and energy regulatory attorney.
Welcome to Part 3 of our series within The Lobby Shop: Clean Energy Transition. In this episode, PRG team members Paul Nathanson and George Felcyn interview Stephanie McClellan, Founder of the Special Initiative on Offshore Wind (SIOW). This conversation breaks down the differences between onshore and offshore wind, how federal and state jurisdictions impact developments offshore, and how offshore wind fits into the future of American clean energy production. Learn more about SIOW on their website, here: https://sites.udel.edu/ceoe-siow/.
Welcome to the second installment of our new series within The Lobby Shop: Clean Energy Transition. Part 2 of this series is here to explore the history of new energy funding, the Biden administration's ambitions for this endeavor, and how energy tax credits come into play.
Today's expert panel is hosted by Scott Segal, Co-Head of the Policy Resolution Group, and features:
Gregory Wetstone, President and CEO of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
Martha Kammoun, Partner at Bracewell LLP with a robust practice in energy finance
Tim Urban, Senior Principal at Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group with expertise in energy tax policy
Welcome to the first installment of our new series within The Lobby Shop: Clean Energy Transition. Part 1 of this series is here to set the stage and provide a concept of the key players in clean energy transition, fill in relevant context from clean energy history, and explore how the various policy processes in play work.
Today's expert panel is hosted by Dee Martin, Co-Head of the Policy Resolution Group, and features:
Collin O'Mara, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Federation and member of Biden Transition Team
Scott Segal, Co-Head of the Policy Resolution Group
Eric Washburn, President of Windward Strategies
Welcome to the world of 46! The team gathered this morning to chat about Joe Biden's inauguration, what a 50/50 Congress will do for policymaking, Biden's call for unity and how that works in practice after the events at the Capitol just weeks ago, and much more.
Happy New Year! What a week - our team met up this morning to discuss the results of the Georgia runoff, what these numbers mean for the future of the GOP, how the Democratic candidates and organizers pulled it off, and we wrap by indulging Liam and Josh with a discussion of the latest season of Cobra Kai.
Today we're joined by Dr. Lindsey Cormack, Assistant Professor of Political and Social Sciences at Stevens Institute of Technology. We discuss her work with DC Inbox, a project analyzing all newsletters sent by members of Congress, and the book she published on a major element of that data, Congress and U.S. Veterans: From the GI Bill to the VA Crisis. Additionally, we talk in depth about her new project, a book she's working on about raising children who are civically savvy and engaged by the time they are old enough to participate in politics.
Tune in for the audio from PRG's 2020 Post-Election Analysis Webinar, recorded at 10 am EST on Wednesday morning, November 4th.
This webinar featured PRG's team of lobbyists, attorneys and strategic communications professionals as well as several guests: Michael Gottlieb, Former Counsel to President Obama and Senior Advisor on political-military affairs; Ron Minsk, Former Special Assistant to President Obama on energy and environmental affairs at the White House National Economic Council; and Jeff Stein, White House Economics Reporter at The Washington Post.
We have a two-parter for you before election day: first, a quick take from Liam on his final thoughts before we head into November 3rd. Second, Caitlin and Josh held a conversation with a group of politically-minded Gen Zers: PRG's fall intern class. Lindsey Dixon, Cade Shore, and Dillon LaViale help us explore how their generation's experiences have shaped their activism and politics, how pandemic-limited education has changed their priorities and expectations of decisionmakers, and more.
With Election Day literally around the corner, we were honored to get a moment to chat with Decision Desk HQ President Drew McCoy. Drew and the team explore what a pandemic election day could look like, advice for savvily reading results as they come in, the potential for a toss-up Texas, and much more.
With the election so close and the final presidential debate complete, there are a lot of articles and hot takes going around comparing the happenings of today to where we were at this time 4 years ago. Tune in for a great discussion with the Lobby Shop team about how what we know now about 2016 gives perspective on what's happening now.
We have a great interview with POLITICO Senate Campaigns Reporter James Arkin. Topics include: deep dives into the most watched Senate races of 2020, 2016 reflections and what they teach, young voters' perspective on the importance of voting, and more.
This week's discussion features a stab at each of the many major political developments that have happened in the past week, and there's a lot! Hits include: memorable moments from the VP debate and contrasting it with the Presidential debate, if COVID relief talks are back on track, and what the candidates must do to pull it off in the final weeks before election day.
In preparation for tonight's Presidential Debate, we've brought on PRG Co-Head and renowned debater Scott Segal as a special panelist for a breakdown of what to watch for, expect, and be surprised by in tonight's debate. Caitlin moderates as Scott, Josh, and Liam each weigh in with their intel and analysis on how each campaign is preparing for tonight, what American voters are watching for, and how to know who "wins."
We're joined this week by Kristen Soltis Anderson, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of The Selfie Vote, to discuss the ins and outs of polling in 2020, demographic data on young voters, and what her research and insight can tell us about what to expect from election day in a few short weeks.
We have a return guest this week: Sean Trende, Senior Elections Analyst at RealClearPolitics, joins us in the virtual studio to dive into all things election data. We talk the most recent polls, how the pandemic has changed polling tactics, best and worst case scenarios for a heavy mail-in election day, and much more.
It's been quite a week in American politics, and we're joined for two perspectives on Senator Kamala Harris' VP nomination: first, Amanda Golden, NBC News 2020 Campaign reporter, joins us after coming back to DC from her time on the road to discuss her VP pick insights from the campaign trail; and second, we're joined by Dee Martin, PRG co-head, to chat about her inside-the-beltway insight on this historic nomination.
Today's episode is a quick team update on the latest from Washington on COVID-19 relief as Congress prepares for August Recess.
The whole gang's back together this week to discuss some of the top recurring topics of 2020: federal pandemic relief, November's election, and the responsibility of social media platforms to manage misinformation. Tune in for a great breakdown of the latest breaking news in these areas.
Liam chats with Ron Brownstein, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and Senior Political Analyst for CNN, about his extensive knowledge and experience in tracking the realignment of American politics and changing demographics of the electorate. Liam and Ron dive deep into the very broad question "How will America vote in November?"
This week we are joined by Molly Ball, TIME National Political Correspondent, CNN Political Analyst, and author of NYT bestseller Pelosi, released this May. Liam and Josh host a discussion about Nancy Pelosi's influence over key political moments in her House career and her ever-evolving role in American politics, as well as a lengthy dive into Molly's recent reporting on the politicization of reopening schools amidst the continued COVID-19 crisis.
Liam hosts a discussion on politics and elections with Josh Kraushaar, National Journal's Senior National Political Columnist and hosts the weekly "Against the Grain" podcast. Liam and Josh dive into interpreting recent polls, how current events are/are not impacting various candidates, who Biden could pick for VP, and much more.
Follow Josh on Twitter: @HotlineJosh
Josh, Liam, and Paul take a moment to cover the latest in COVID-19 legislation as we approach the end of nearly an entire season under pandemic lockdown. We cover the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the status of the Main Street Lending Program, and more.
The 2016 election raised questions regarding hacking, bots, foreign influence, and other interfering factors in the American electoral system. Enter The Media Trust and its Co-Founder and CEO, Chris Olson. The Media Trust, a technology company working to build better digital ecosystems and minimize data risk, recently released a telling report: an analysis of 11 presidential candidate sites (the incumbent and top 10 contenders at the time of data collection) for any security and data protection risks those sites present to consumers. We discuss the report's findings, their implications on this and future elections, and more.
Read the report here: https://mediatrust.com/blog/us-presidential-election-2020
In the first of what we predict will be several updates on the topic, today's episode covers the latest developments at the intersection of social media, politics, and policy. Caitlin and Liam take the lead to lay out what we know, what it means, and the further context into which this discussion fits.
Christine and Emily are back to discuss a recent and unusual development in how Federal agencies respond to implementation queries. As companies submit their questions regarding COVID-19 programs, many agencies have adjusted their processes in order to respond and publish answers on a quicker timeline than before. Tune in for a great conversation about this development and more.
Jeb Ory, Founder and CEO of Phone2Action, a grassroots advocacy and public affairs technology company, joins Caitlin and Paul for an in-depth discussion of how trade associations, companies, and citizens can influence policy and get through to their representatives in Washington when they cannot travel to DC for Hill meetings.
PRG Pulse, our election 2020 hub, is back after an unexpected hiatus due to COVID-19 coverage. Despite the tumult, there are still presidential, Congressional, and local elections being held later this year, so let's get into it! Josh and Liam discuss how Federal and local governments' COVID responses have impacted standings in various races, their top races to watch as of now, and more.
Welcome to the new isolation-specific format of The Lobby Shop! To adjust to the need for briefer bites of podcast content, we are launching a new system of quick updates on specific issues each week. First up is Reg Watch, a weekly dive into the latest news from Federal agencies regarding their response actions to COVID-19, featuring PRG Partner Christine Wyman and Government Relations Administrator Emily Schmidlin.
We're all together in our little Zoom boxes to bring you another episode covering the latest out of Congress and the White House on COVID-19 relief packages, how they will be funded, and what companies are doing to communicate with employees effectively.
It's a holiday weekend to wrap up another crazy week covering the government's legislative responses to COVID-19. We cover some of the many things that have happened since last week's episode: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) updates, implementation snags, and what we forecast for the future of legislative responses.
This week's episode delves into the implementation of the Phase Three relief programs, the beginning of the Phase Four legislative efforts, and that pesky little thing we like to call the 2020 Presidential Election.
The Lobby Shop host team met up via video conference to record a rundown of how the federal government, state governments, and various industries are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in for an in-depth discussion and visit our online resources:
PRG's Daily COVID-19 Legislative Updates: https://www.policyresolutiongroup.com/media-hub/
How Federal Agencies Are Responding to COVID-19: https://www.policyresolutiongroup.com/media-hub/how-federal-agencies-are-responding-to-covid-19/
Follow PRG for additional updates on Twitter: @PolicyRez
Liam, Josh, and Caitlin connect to take a look at the surprising shakeout of Super Tuesday and Warren’s decision to step down. Now that we're in a two-man race, what can we expect as primaries continue?
As we prepare for Super Tuesday, we were lucky enough to get NY Times National Political Correspondent Jonathan Martin on the phone for a few minutes to pick his brain about the dwindling candidate pool, Biden's big win in South Carolina, and some of the unsung Congressional races going on simultaneously.
On Twitter: @jmartNYT
Liam and Caitlin discuss what we saw coming out of South Carolina this weekend and give a little perspective on what's coming up for Super Tuesday.
*Note: As our producer Anya mentions at the end of the episode, the news of Mayor Pete dropping out came as we were recording, so we don't discuss it here. Tune in to our pre-Super Tuesday episode coming out on Monday to catch our discussion of that development.
We're joined this week by Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.), who was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole when it came under a suicide terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen. Commander Lippold discusses the Cole attack, his take on the Democratic presidential hopefuls' stances on national security, and the airstrike on Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani.
This week, we're joined by Jon Ralston, editor of The Nevada Independent and one of the moderators at last week's democratic debate. We check in with Jon about his experience moderating the debate, how he's analyzing the results of the Nevada caucuses, and what he believes we've learned about the future of the presidential race.
On Twitter: @RalstonReports, @TheNVIndy
PRG Co-Head Dee Martin sits down with Ellie Smeal, President and Co-Founder of the Feminist Majority and one of the major leaders of the modern-day American feminist movement. Dee and Ellie discuss the democratic presidential candidates and how two female hopefuls have changed many conversations, the House's joint resolution to remove the original time limit assigned to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), and the latest news on Afghanistan and their fight for gender equality.
It's a Valentine's Day special from The Lobby Shop, and the special part is that we never mention Valentine's Day. Caitlin, Josh, and Liam discuss what we've learned from the New Hampshire primary, how candidates have exceeded or failed to meet expectations, and what that means going into South Carolina and Nevada.
In this PRG Pulse update, Caitlin Sickles and John Lee are joined by NBC political reporter Amanda Golden who is on the ground in New Hampshire ahead of the Democratic primary on Tuesday, February 11. Get a unique perspective about the life of an embedded reporter and hear what Amanda sees happening in the first-in-the-country-primary state.
This week, Soumaya Keynes, trade and globalization editor at the Economist and co-host of the Trade Talks podcast, joins us in the studio to discuss her work covering international trade, what she foresees for 2020, and much more.
It's just after midnight on February 4th and we're here to dissect what happened in Iowa while we await final reports from the caucuses. Tune in for an exploration of what the Iowa Democratic Party's results snafu means for the candidates, what history can tell us, and what we can expect to happen next.
Welcome to the first episode of our special 2020 series, PRG Pulse! PRG Pulse is a multi-platform election analysis project from your team here at the Policy Resolution Group. Throughout the year, you'll find supplemental episodes exclusively focused on the 2020 election among the standard Lobby Shop content. For additional 2020 insights from the team, visit policyresolutiongroup.com/pulse for blog posts, infographics, audio content, and more as we progress through 2020.
For our inaugural PRG Pulse episode, we're joined by David Drucker, Senior Political Correspondent at the Washington Examiner. David chats with Josh and Liam about the final days of the impeachment trial before launching into Iowa caucus thoughts and other 2020 discussions.
PRG co-head Scott Segal sits down with Dave Banks, who serves as chief strategist for the minority on the Climate Select Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Scott and Dave dive into the Committee's anticipated report and white papers on climate legislative topics slated to be released in March.
This week, we're joined by Tim Urban, the newest PRG team member and a veteran tax lobbyist with over 20 years of experience in DC. Liam and Tim discuss the outlook for 2020's tax agenda, how the election could impact tax policy, and much more.
Friend of the pod from Russia, Alexander Kravtsov, returns to The Lobby Shop to update listeners on the Russian perspective of trade wars, sanctions, U.S. politics including the impeachment proceedings, and President Trump’s Twitter activity.
It's been a jam-packed week in Washington, so we're here to break down everything major (besides impeachment) that's hit the Beltway, from USMCA to China trade agreements to the federal spending deal.
There's a lot to talk about this week in the world of trade, so we're dropping two episodes this week. First up is a great chat with Bloomberg WTO and Trade reporter Bryce Baschuk, who called in to the pod from Geneva, Switzerland. If you need a crash course on what the WTO is, does, and what changed this week, tune in to this great rundown.
Today's episode features Steve Pavlick, Head of Policy at Renaissance Macro Research and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the Treasury Department. We chat with Steve about USMCA, trade and China, and much more.
Tom LoBianco, former CNN Politics reporter, is the author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. Tom has covered VP Mike Pence since his days in the Indiana Statehouse to today. We chat with Tom about his book, his reporting work, and much more.
This week, the team caught up with J. Miles Coleman, the Associate Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a comprehensive, nonpartisan political analysis and handicapping newsletter run by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Miles chats with us about last week's election results and what they mean for the impending ramp up of the presidential election.
Sam Brinton, head of advocacy at LGBTQ suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project, joins to podcast to discuss their work in advocacy, how PRG's Dee Martin and John Lee have been working to further Trevor's policy goals, and how Sam's other career as a nuclear scientist fits into this big picture.
Josh, Liam, and Paul discuss the latest goings-on in DC, from new Trade War drama to how America received the recent Democratic debate to the World Series-bound Washington Nationals.
PRG Co-Head Scott Segal joins us to discuss the Renewable Fuels Standard and the latest announcement on the RFS from EPA and the Department of Agriculture.
This week, 3/4 of the team discusses the tumultuous week we've had in DC and what that means for the still-necessary lawmaking work that needs to get done before 2020 begins.
This week, we're joined by Matt Mackowiak, Republican political consultant with a finger to the pulse of Texas politics in particular, to discuss a variety of Texas-centric political topics, including Texodus, #TXSEN, Beto, and 2020 chatter. Tune in for an excellent discussion on the ever-changing world of Lone Star State politics.
Happy 100th episode! We're pleased to open this ep with a brief interview with Greg Bopp, Bracewell's Managing Partner and Lobby Shop fan. After that, the team dives into what's foremost on their minds as we prepare for Congress' return to work after August Recess on Monday.
This week, Caitlin and Paul interview our departing summer interns: Cameron Crain, Cameron Dietz, Carolyn Spector, and Sarah Brabson. These four young professionals chat about what it was like to work and live in the heart of DC, what they learned from their experiences, and what they hope future PRG and DC interns keep in mind before they start their positions.
We're thrilled to announce the newest co-host of The Lobby Shop, Caitlin Sickles! You're likely familiar with her from past episodes, but here's a refresher: Caitlin is a Principal in PRG's strategic communications team and heads up our digital media practice.
In addition to this announcement, Josh gives a crash-course on domestic terrorism, its current lack of status as a federal crime, and what that means in the wake of the latest mass shootings in America.
PRG Communications Principal Caitlin Sickles joins as a guest host today for a great interview with Steve Alexander, President of the Association of Plastic Recyclers. We discuss the misconceptions about the recycling process, the need for demand for both recyclable and recycled materials, how brands can meet sustainability goals, and what individuals can do to ensure the recycling chain flows effectively.
In the midst of Mueller Mania, Congress was busily approving a 2-year budget deal. Today, we're joined by Jack Fitzpatrick, Bloomberg Government reporter covering Congress, to talk about what's included in that deal and what it means for government spending in 2020 and 2021. Special guest-host this week is PRG Principal John Lee.
Today we're joined by Matthew Nielsen, Bracewell Partner in the firm's White Collar Defense practice, to talk about his work and what it means in the world of corporate law. Also, for photos from our intro's unboxing segment, check out our Twitter page: @TheLobbyShopPod.
We're joined this week by Asha Rangappa, former FBI Special Agent, frequent CNN counter-intelligence contributor, and Director of Admissions and Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Asha lends us her expertise in counter-intel as it applies to the Russia investigation, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's upcoming testimonies before Congress, and much more.
Scott Segal, co-head of the Policy Resolution Group, joins us this week to talk about the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, this Administration's replacement for the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. We cover the differences and similarities between ACE and CPP, the historical context for these rules, and what they mean for climate change.
On Tuesday, comedian Jon Stewart was in DC to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, and his impassioned lecture to Members went viral in a matter of hours. Here to talk about the subject of his testimony, the reauthorization of the Sept. 11th Victim Compensation Fund, is Tom O'Connor, President of the FBI Agents Association and current FBI Special Agent. We cover the prolonged health issues from first responders in NYC, DC, and Shanksville, PA; the importance of the CDC's World Trade Center Health Program; and the need for permanent reauthorization of the Sept. 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
This week, Liam and Paul take the wheel and interview our resident trade expert, the one and only Josh Zive. Right after our interview last week with CNN's Haley Byrd, the news broke that the President aims to place tariffs on all imports from Mexico. Tune in for a discussion on the logistical nightmare of this scenario, what it would mean for American consumers and businesses, and the impacts it would have on future business practice in the US.
It's time for our first return guest and we couldn't have picked better: Haley Byrd, now with CNN covering Congress, trade, and economic policy, joins us to talk about the latest developments in her areas of expertise since her last episode. We discuss her coverage of Michigan's Congressman Amash, the top issues going on in the Trade War, and much more. Follow Haley on Twitter at @byrdinator.
David Byler, Data Analyst and Political Columnist at the Washington Post, came by the studio this week to discuss the trends, twists, and turns coming from the latest political surveys. We cover Democratic Presidential hopefuls, state voting trends, how recent events have impacted (or not) perception of the President, and much more.
Follow David on Twitter at @databyler.
Colin Wilhelm, Economic Policy Reporter at the Washington Examiner, joins us for a discussion of all things national money: the results of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's first year, trade policy and comparing NAFTA and the USMCA, and how economic policy could look under some of the Democratic contenders for the Presidential nomination.
As the Spring Semester comes to a close, our excellent interns approach their final days with us here at PRG. Josh and Liam interview Aashka, Julia, Lily, and Wei Li to learn about their experiences in DC, the work they did with our team, and what advice they have for students looking for work experience in the worlds of government relations and strategic communications.
Luke Thompson, political consultant and co-host of the National Review podcast Constitutionally Speaking, joins us for a discussion of the world of consulting in politics, the 2020 presidential, and what Constitutional history can show us about modern politics.
Wondering what the latest news out of the U.K. really means? Bracewell Partner and Londoner Olivia Caddy chats with the Lobby Shop team about the political climate across the pond, what Brexit means for international trade arrangements, and what it's been like living through Brexit as a French national in London.