The Friday Reporter

This week’s Friday Reporter guest is someone who has deeply influenced my appreciation for journalists, the concept behind this podcast, and even my own career. Ron Bonjean, my friend for over 20 years, joins me for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and some incredible stories.Ron’s career spans Capitol Hill, where he worked at the highest levels in both the House and the Senate, to advising a cabinet secretary and eventually becoming a successful businessman. Along the way, he earned a reputation in D.C. as the host of a legendary holiday party. In this episode, Ron shares the story behind that iconic event, how it evolved from a frat-style bash to a professional networking phenomenon, and his encounters with some unforgettable B-list celebrities.We also dive into Ron’s insights on success in public affairs, the value of treating others with respect, and—wait for it—his time as the announcer for the Wisconsin County Zoo’s Dolphin Show.Tune in for an inspiring and entertaining episode with one of the best in the business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Four years ago I called two reporter colleagues and asked, “if I start a podcast about journalists, would you be a guest?” They said yes and the rest is history.Today I’ve got 175 episodes of conversations with some of the brightest journalists, content creators, authors, communications experts and so many other brilliant guests. Each of which trusted me to ask them questions about themselves. This week, University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism’s Caley Fox Shannon interviews me. And she doesn’t go easy. Thanks for listening to my show and thanks for being a part of the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Shawna Thomas is executive producer for CBS Mornings, an award winning journo and a media superstar. She's also been nominated by dozens to do the Friday Reporter, so this one has been a long time coming. Shawna shares her remarkable stories about breaking into the media herself, her DC-NYC intersections and the grueling and rewarding side of morning television. Tune in today to learn more about this dynamic media pro who firmly believes that, "if the storytelling is good, the people will watch."Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Madeline Fetterly is the CEO and Founder of Be the Brand Collective. A DC-based, worldwide company that is partnering with individuals who are ready to take their professional and personal brand and translate it online. To make themselves more visible, to raise their credibility and to open new doors to opportunity. At a time when we're all trying to build and grow and expand our reach, learning from a seasoned professional Madeline and her team is critical to your own personal success. Tune in!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Trust relations is not only a concept April White has embraced in her many columns and high profile speeches -- it's also the name of her own innovative firm built of former journalists with over 300 years experience. She shares the erosion of trust in media, along with the challenges inside of public relations that encouraged her to forge this tremendous alliance of experts. At a time when trust in nearly every pillar of society is being challenged, this is a conversation that felt so needed and appreciated. Thanks to my friend April for coming on the show!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Traci Scott is the author of, "Take off your Hoop Earrings Before Putting on your Gas Mask." It's a story of how a civilian public affairs pro found herself in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As an aspiring journalist, Traci was encouraged to reach for the highest goals in her career. It may have come from her own family heritage of service or her own instincts in the competitive field of media, but her desire to serve was one that was insatiable. It's this experience, her remarkable story and her tenacity that has her in a key role in corporate America today. It's her story of resilience that will bring you to the front lines and keep you engaged from start to finish in her remarkable book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Katie Cochran is the founder and host of a new podcast miniseries, "This Election," where she takes on the trauma response we're all having. With guests in the field of psychology, mindfulness, musical therapy and others, each episode gives you a takeaway -- a way to help yourself heal from the trauma that elections and politics have caused. Katie's guests help us understand why we're having the reactions we are having, and gives us some tools to use so we can begin to heal. This Election is a bit of a family affair, in that Katie's own son composed the music for the show. Join me in listening in and easing a bit of the burden that 2024 (and the years leading up to it) have laid on all of our shoulders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Wendy Rabin is Founder and CEO and fashion director at Wrabyn. This beautifully curated business tailors their clients' services to their own unique style and brand -- and they're empowering their clients everyday.Wendy shares her background in strategic communications, her evolution to empowerment through style and her own researching instincts behind her empire. She talks us through the concept of empowered cognition -- the "white coat theory" -- and a dozen other ways to make getting up and out there a breeze.Listen in today to learn more about Wendy and the science behind looking and feeling terrific.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

John Booty's pathway to the NFL was by no means direct. He joins the Friday Reporter today to talk about his own unlikely path and his mother's unwavering belief in his abilities.Fast forward to today, John is coach and player for the Congressional Football Game -- wrangling members of Congress in a game of skill against the U.S. Capitol Police. The game is scheduled this year for September 18th at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Get your tickets today to support this amazing cause!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Dropping in the week of Labor Day to talk with Misty Chally, executive director of the Critical Labor Coalition. With years of Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C. experience, Misty has built an alliance of employers and organizations to advance the importance of labor issues.She shares the importance of bipartisan efforts, the obstacles of political messaging and the power of harnessing the U.S. job market. As a small business owner herself, Misty has built this powerful organization with her own smart and intuitive nature -- one that will only grow this effort even more over time.Drop in today to meet Misty and hear more about where the workers are!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Eleanor Hawkins is communications strategist and writer for Axios after starting her career in politics and communications. It's her early career experience that has delivered her to a place in journalism that reports on the trends and moves inside the world of public relations.As the weekly author of Axios Communicators newsletter, she spends a great deal of time connecting with leaders, brands and employers to demonstrate the impacts of their communications strategies.Dig in today with Lisa to find out more about Eleanor and her must-read newsletter for communicators.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

If you've ever been to Capitol Hill, you've likely met today's guest. Mike Johnson got his start as a journalist in a small corner of Illinois, but quickly was recognized as an excellent communicator -- and his D.C. story began.From the White House to Capitol Hill and ultimately K Street, Mike Johnson's experience and understanding of the halls of Congress is unmatched. It's in his newest book, Fixing Congress - Restoring Power to the People -- that he outlines some of what could be restored and what needs to be revamped.Tune in today to hear more about the importance of teaching civics and giving power back to the people.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Wendy Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author of multiple books, including her newest -- Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age. She shares the moment she realized she wanted to make a change in her life, the thrill of being an adventure racer and the impact that change had on her new career trajectory.Wendy and Lisa have a fun conversation about aging, exercise and the balance that both together can mean for longevity. With the dialogue around the Olympics being centered on remarkable athletes, we discuss how some are advanced ages for their sport! Keep an eye on this guest, because Wendy is going to be on a podium near you soon -- for Spartan racing among other amazing achievements.Buy a copy of her book and join me in a future Spartan race -- your purchase gets you a free entry!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

In a rare and exclusive interview -- today is the day that Christine Gunderson's first published novel -- Friends with Secrets -- is available for purchase!This brand new -- AMAZON FIRST READS choice -- author shares her tales from the carpool line that have now hit the bookshelves with a resounding roar. Christine Gunderson is a former journalist turned flack tells Lisa about her journey to full-fledged published author in today's special episode.Tune in and get your copy today!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Allison Taylor Levine is the founder and CEO of the Local Journalism Initiative and Spotlight Delaware. She has dedicated herself to reinventing local journalism in Delaware, and other states are taking note.Allison talks about local news and information -- as opposed to just news -- because what Spotlight Delaware is committed to getting both news and critical information to their residents. Her point of view is that local news and information is the backbone is democracy and community -- and I agree with her 100%.Learn more about and support Allison's work here -- and tune in today to hear more about non-profit news that's making a huge impact.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Holly Harris is Founder and President of the Network, and oversees all operations, activities, and personnel at the organization.Through the Network, she connects lawmakers to America’s premiere policy experts, fosters bipartisan cooperation on evidence-based solutions, and works with top philanthropists and advocates to create platforms that lift up bold leaders working together on big ideas.Tune in today to hear more about Holly's work and the remarkable leaders she and her organization have identified across the country!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Jodi Schneider went off to college with a law degree in her sights -- but after just one journalism class, her mind was forever changed. Today she is the political news director for Bloomberg TV and Radio -- and she's loving it. From her college years in Madison, WI to Washington, D.C. today - Jodi has been in news markets all across the globe and she's been in every medium that news is made. She says she's had to reinvent herself many times because the news business has changed so much since she got her start. Catch up with Jodi and I as she heads back to the midwest to cover the political convention in Milwaukee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Kim Borchers is the President of Bird Dog Recruiting and Consulting. As she tells her story, it was from her own exit ramp in her career that led her down an unexpected path to public service.She served in two prominent roles in Kansas Governor Sam Brownback's administration and credits that experience to owning her own brilliant placement firm. Her expertise is in identifying and placing high ranking c-level executives in cabinet and senior level posts in Governor's offices.Kim also serves as associate director of civic engagement for the Policy Circle Team and shares the remarkable work of this organization in today's episode. Tune in today to enjoy a mutual appreciation session on state government, public service and home state pride.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Today's guest is a known powerhouse in the public affairs industry and the founder of the Women's Leader Series. Emily Lampkin has been at this for a minute and she's been taking notes.Emily is keenly in tune with the power of the female leader and is proud to have helped elect dozens of females to elected office. It's from this experience that the WLS was born. Emily walks us through the contours of the WLS -- From selling You, to the power of your network. to "going now," Emily shares wisdom and guidance that is otherwise intuitive, but absolutely brilliant.Tune in today to meet Emily and hear more about how her series is building leaders in the United States and across the globe.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com

Byron Tau joins me today to talk about his new book, Means of Control, and how he evolved from political and influence writer to privacy and data expert. He shares that it's this part of journalism - the ability to be a quick study of a new topic --that is his favorite.With a generous break from journalism and an awareness of distractions, Byron found himself a cabin in upstate New York and dove deep into this writing process. While he was still reporting while authoring this deep dive into data privacy, Bryon says getting away was the best way for him to create. Tune in today to learn more about Byron Tau, his new book, his reporting for NOTUS and his pride in the work being conducted by the Allbritton Journalism Institute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thefridayreporter.substack.com