The Friday Reporter

What happens when you build one of the largest women-owned lobbying firms in the country — and then decide to rethink the entire model?This week, Lisa sits down with Jess Beeson Tocco, a seasoned strategist who helped grow one of the nation’s most successful women-owned lobbying firms before making the bold decision to sell the business and rethink what a modern lobbying practice could look like.In this conversation, Jess shares why she stepped away from the traditional retainer-driven model that has long defined the lobbying industry. Instead of keeping clients on indefinitely, she’s developing a different approach — helping industries navigate government, secure federal funding and new opportunities, and then sending them on their way once the work is done.It’s a results-driven model that reflects the evolving nature of lobbying today. While Washington remains central to the work, Jess’s approach serves clients across the country, connecting policy expertise with real economic opportunity for industries and communities far beyond the Beltway.Lisa and Jess also discuss what it takes to build and sell a successful firm, the importance of women leading in the lobbying profession and how the next generation of public affairs professionals should be thinking about influence in a changing policy landscape.🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about building, scaling and reinventing a lobbying firm that serves clients nationwide.Find us on YouTube —> Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

Elie Honig doesn’t talk like a television pundit.He talks like someone who has actually built cases.On this week’s Friday Reporter, the former Southern District of New York prosecutor drew a straight line between organized crime and modern political power. The tactics, he said, don’t really change.Create distance.Insulate the boss.Let other people take the fall.Stretch everything out.Sound familiar?We also talked about what the media consistently misunderstands about presidential investigations. These cases don’t move slowly because prosecutors are confused. They move slowly because the stakes are historic, the bar for evidence is high, and every decision reshapes the institution itself.That caution protects legitimacy, but it can also suffocate it. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Which led to the bigger question: does the Department of Justice truly return to being an independent institution — or has the last decade permanently shifted it closer to the presidency it is supposed to check?Elie didn’t hedge. Institutions don’t magically reset. They either reassert themselves or they evolve into something else.If you work anywhere near power — politics, media, corporate leadership — this is worth your time.Because accountability is about structure — and structure is what determines who actually gets touched — and who doesn’t.Link to the show is here —> Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Friday Reporter, I sit down with Bruce Mehlman — partner at Mehlman Consulting and the mind behind The Age of Disruption. Bruce has spent decades operating at the crossroads of technology, politics, public policy and business, and he brings a rare, genuinely bipartisan lens to how power and change actually work in Washington and beyond.We talk about why this moment feels so chaotic — and why it isn’t as unprecedented as it seems. Bruce makes the case that much of today’s tension comes from a simple problem: 20th-century institutions trying (and failing) to govern 21st-century realities. From AI and automation to geopolitical risk, culture wars and supply-chain vulnerability, he explains how history offers a surprisingly useful guide for navigating what comes next.In this conversation, we dig into:* Why today’s disruption echoes moments like the Gilded Age, the New Deal and the Reagan era* How AI, automation and social media are reshaping work, governance and risk* The difference between performative corporate politics and leadership that actually matters* How companies can think about political risk without turning themselves into partisan actors* What young professionals really need to understand about AI and the future of workBruce also shares how his once-quarterly strategy decks evolved into a must-read weekly Substack (Bruce Mehlman)— now shaping how policymakers, executives and journalists think about disruption in Washington and Silicon Valley. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

Chris Cillizza is asked often about his political takes — that’s not what this show is about. Instead, we’re talking independent journalism.Newsrooms are smaller. Trust is harder to earn. The incentives are louder, quicker, and more punishing than ever. And for many of the most recognizable voices in political media, the next chapter isn’t another beat — it’s independence.On this episode of The Friday Reporter, I sit with political analyst and longtime political journalist Chris Cillizza for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a career in media outside the machine — and why independent journalism isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming a necessity.Cillizza shares how the economics of the modern newsroom shape what gets covered (and what gets ignored), why “high traffic” doesn’t always equal “high value,” and what audiences even get into the corrosive nature of the words “fake media.”This conversation isn’t about the hottest take of the day. It’s about the infrastructure of political coverage — what’s working, what’s broken, and what comes next.In this episode, we discuss:* The incentives driving political coverage in 2026 — and what they reward* The difference between high-traffic stories and high-value journalism* The shift from newsroom journalist to independent voice — and what it costsFor communications leaders, this is the takeaway:If you want to earn attention and trust today, you have to understand the environment journalists are operating in — and how independence is reshaping the business, the tone, and the future of political media. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

The Friday Reporter opens 2026 with a conversation at the intersection of food, media and reinvention. Longtime Washington, D.C. restaurant critic Tom Sietsema joins the show to reflect on his departure from The Washington Post and the next chapter of his career.We look back at some of his most influential restaurant reviews, how food has evolved in Washington and what great dining looks like when the spotlight is off. Tom also shares what he’s cooking at home, where he eats when he wants a reliable local favorite and how he thinks about restaurants now that he’s no longer reviewing them for the paper. A thoughtful, behind-the-scenes conversation about taste, trust and life after one of the most recognizable roles in food journalism — and a smart way to start the year. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

For the final episode of the year, I’m joined by John Scofield, founder and partner of S3 Group—one of Washington’s most respected government affairs firms.John’s career arc mirrors the evolution of influence in Washington. He began as a highly regarded communicator on the House Appropriations Committee, where he learned firsthand how policy, process and power intersect. He later brought that experience to the private sector, building a government affairs practice that clients actively seek out— but because they get results.In our conversation, John and I talk about:* What separates effective government affairs shops from the rest* How Hill experience shapes credibility outside the institution* Why trust, preparation and institutional knowledge still matter in a rapidly changing town* And how the best lobbyists think less about access—and more about outcomesThis episode also marks an important moment for The Friday Reporter. As we close out the year, I’m announcing that In the Lobby and The Friday Reporter are officially merging into one unified show: The Friday Reporter—continuing to air, as always, on Fridays.This evolution creates room for new, exciting programming in 2026—while staying true to the original goal of the show: smart conversations with people who understand how influence really works.Thank you for listening this year. More to come. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, I’m joined by Dan Clifton, Partner and Head of Policy Research for Strategas Securities — one of the sharpest minds in Washington when it comes to understanding how policy moves markets.I learn something new every time I talk with Dan. He’s built a powerhouse research and insights operation that advises top corporate leaders, global investors, and even heads of state. His analysis sits at the intersection of policy, politics, and the economy — and he has an uncanny ability to explain complex trends with absolute clarity.We also talk about one of his most innovative creations: the Strategas Lobbying Index, a first-of-its-kind tool that measures stock-market performance through the lens of corporate engagement in Washington, D.C. It’s been remarkably successful, and it says a lot about how closely policy and markets are now intertwined.This conversation is smart, fast, and loaded with takeaways for anyone working in public affairs, government relations or the business side of D.C. Dan is the definition of a must-listen. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

Karina Lynch has built a career at the intersection of health care, law and public policy — but it’s not the path she originally imagined. In this episode, I’m joined by Karina of DLA Piper for a conversation that spans the Senate Special Committee on Aging, health policy on (and off) Capitol Hill, and the unexpected turns that shape a life in Washington.We talk about how she once planned to go to medical school, how that evolved into law school and ultimately a role advising lawmakers and staff on some of the most complex issues in health care. Karina shares the counsel she gives to early-career staffers when things don’t go according to plan, and why patience, curiosity and resilience matter more than having a perfect roadmap.And because this is Washington, we also get into relationships, trust and those early-morning runs — including training for and running marathons with Members of Congress. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, I’m joined by Stephanie Strategos Polis, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Plastics Industry Association.Stephanie and I cover a lot of ground in this conversation: what it’s like to raise young kids while managing a demanding public-affairs portfolio, how her time in the Bush administration shaped her approach to service, and why she finds real purpose in telling the story of an industry that faces its share of public scrutiny.It’s an honest, energizing look at modern communications in a town that never slows down — and a reminder that some of the most meaningful work happens when we’re willing to wade into the toughest conversations. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Colin Allen, executive director of the American Property Owners Alliance, for a conversation that moves effortlessly from campaign classrooms in Charlottesville to the frontline debates shaping housing policy today.Colin shares stories from his early days at UVA with Larry Sabato, the lessons that still guide his approach to politics and persuasion, and his time inside the U.S. Senate, where he learned how the institution really works — and sometimes doesn’t.We also talk about his years at the National Association of Realtors, the evolving housing landscape, and why affordability has become one of the defining economic and political challenges of our time. Colin walks through how regional differences shape the narrative, how local leaders can meet voters where they are, and why events outside Washington often tell us more than the ones inside the Beltway.It’s a smart and grounded conversation with someone who has lived the DC experience from multiple vantage points — and who’s now leading a national effort to give property owners a stronger voice. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

I’m joined by Mark Pfeifle, founder and president of Off The Record Strategies — and truly one of the best storytellers in the business.Mark brings the kind of lived experience you can’t fake: from his time on the ground in Iraq to his earliest days learning how to navigate people, pressure, and purpose. He walks through some of the most intense communications crises of his career, breaks down how he approaches leadership in the hardest moments, and shares the kinds of stories that make you stop, think… and laugh out loud.It’s lively, it’s insightful, and it’s wildly entertaining. Mark’s path through government, crisis comms, and strategic counsel is unmatched, and spending a half hour with him is like getting a masterclass from someone who has seen it all— and can tell it better than anyone.Give this one a listen. You’ll walk away with lessons, perspective, and more than a few great stories to carry into your own work. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s episode is pure joy — because I’m joined by the incomparable Meredith Klein, the brilliant voice behind the wildly popular Meredith and the Media Substack.If you’ve read her column, you already know:Meredith brings an irresistible blend of enthusiasm, wit, sharp media instincts, and genuine love for journalism that jumps off the page. In conversation, she’s even better.We talk about:The stories behind Meredith and the Media — and why her perspective resonates so deeply with journalists, PR pros, and media-obsessed readers everywhere.-How she approaches covering the industry with both affection and accountability-The passion, curiosity, and joy she brings to storytelling and to this community-Why the journalist-PR relationship doesn’t have to be adversarial — and how she navigates it with humor and humanityMeredith is not only one of my favorite follows on Substack — she’s one of the most delightful people to talk to about the world we both love.And good news: You’re going to get a chance to meet her in person soon! Meredith and I are planning a live event in Washington, D.C. later this year (or early next), so stay tuned here for details.This one will leave you smiling. Enjoy! Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This Week on The Friday Reporter Lisa welcomes Alex Conant, Founding Partner at Firehouse Strategies — a veteran communications strategist whose career has taken him from the halls of Capitol Hill to the highest levels of presidential politics.Alex shares insights from his years as Communications Director for Senator Marco Rubio and as National Press Secretary during Rubio’s presidential campaign, reflecting on how political communication has evolved in the modern media environment. From campaign war rooms to corporate boardrooms, Alex’s perspective bridges the gap between strategy, storytelling and the speed of today’s digital news cycle.Together, Lisa and Alex discuss how Washington’s communication playbook continues to change — and what it takes to break through the noise in a crowded, polarized media landscape.Tune in for a conversation that’s as sharp as it is timely — with one of the best minds in political and corporate communication. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I’m revisiting a favorite conversation with David Wildstein, the editor and founder of The New Jersey Globe.Long before political news went digital, David created PoliticsNJ — an insider’s must-read publication that reshaped how campaigns, consultants and journalists tracked Garden State politics. His background as a political operative and his encyclopedic knowledge of New Jersey’s political history make his reporting sharp, contextual, and impossible to ignore. In this episode, David and Lisa dig into how New Jersey’s political coverage has evolved since the late ’90s, what lessons from Election Day 2021 still resonate, and how the state’s politics often forecast national trends. With the November 4 gubernatorial race in New Jersey drawing near, this is your chance to hear from the journalist to watch as the story unfolds.A must-listen for anyone who loves politics, journalism and a good bit of Jersey grit. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

When Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi began their work as the Witches of Scotland, it was a campaign for justice; for a legal pardon, an apology and a memorial for the thousands of people — mostly women — that were convicted of witchcraft and executed between 1563 and 1736 in Scotland. In a significant milestone, on International Women’s Day 2022, a formal apology acknowledging the egregious historic injustice suffered by those accused of witchcraft was issued. Since then these two remarkable women have conducted dozens of interviews for their podcast, authored a book, “How to Kill a Witch,” and registered an official tartan as a living memorial. Claire and Zoe set off on their book tour in the United States in the coming days, and in advance of that trip, they’ve joined me for a conversation. Let this be a reminder that if we lose sight of history, we are doomed to repeat it. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

James Davis is the founder and president of Touchdown Strategies. His story is a remarkable one of resilience and perspective that is truly unmatched. He shares his origin story and reminds us that kindness and good work reward us — and it’s exactly how he got his start in this business.James’ career began in national defense, took him to the Gulf to manage one of the most significant crisis communications challenges of our time, and led him into an industry whose impact will be felt across the country for generations. Today, his firm serves clients with a wide range of communications needs — and he approaches every engagement with a remarkable talent for business development and a genuine ability to enrich everyone he meets.Join me today for a great conversation with my friend James Davis. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week, The Friday Reporter welcomes Pat Royal, President and Founder of PVR Communications, a veteran media strategist best known in Washington for his unmatched TV booking instincts. Pat built a reputation connecting top voices to the biggest platforms — and now he’s taken that same expertise to the world of sports.Fresh off his work with NBC Sports and a behind-the-scenes experience at the Ryder Cup, Pat shares how he’s parlayed his booking savvy into a growing business that bridges media, messaging, and the power of storytelling.In this conversation, we explore:* How decades of experience in political media translate seamlessly to sports and entertainment* What it takes to build trust with high-profile clients and producers* And why authenticity and relationships remain the real currency in communicationsIt’s a masterclass in adaptability — and a reminder that great communicators can find success in any arena. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week, In the Lobby welcomes Sam Geduldig, Managing Partner at CGCN Group, a powerhouse Republican firm that’s become one of the most recognized names in Washington.A seasoned strategist and trusted advisor, Sam shares how his path to success wasn’t just built on policy expertise or party alignment — it came from discovering his authentic voice and staying true to it. In this candid and insightful conversation, Sam and Lisa talk about the importance of honesty in client counsel, clarity in communication, and courage in leadership — even when the easy answer might be to tell people what they want to hear.From building one of the top GOP-aligned firms in D.C. to navigating today’s complex political environment, Sam offers a masterclass in reputation, relationships and real talk.🎧 Tune in to hear:* How authenticity fuels long-term influence in Washington* Why honest advice always wins (even when it’s hard to deliver)* The story behind CGCN’s growth and staying power* What Sam has learned about leadership and loyalty in this town Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan Allen—senior national politics reporter at NBC News and New York Times bestselling co-author of Shattered and Lucky—joins the show for a candid conversation about covering campaigns, Congress and the collisions between strategy and reality. He’s won the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award and the National Press Club’s Sandy Hume Award for distinguished reporting on Congress.We talk reporting discipline, sourcing without fear or favor, why narratives harden too early, how his award-winning work on Capitol Hill shaped his lens and lessons for communicators trying to break through in a fractious media environment.His latest book is Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House. Don’t miss his next great book (co-authored with previous Friday Reporter guest Amie Parnes!).If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who tracks campaigns, and drop a quick rating—helps more folks in public affairs and journalism find the show. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Friday Reporter, I reconnect with my longtime friend Lars Lichtenfeld — an author, creator, and educator with a talent for storytelling that stretches from the classroom to the ballpark.Lars shares stories from his time as a writer and performer, including his unforgettable experiences as a live-action character for minor league baseball franchises. We talk about the creativity, humor, and hustle that shaped his career, and how those lessons continue to influence his work today.It’s a conversation filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a reminder of the unique paths creativity can take. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe