The Friday Reporter

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

The next installment of Friday Reporter’s In the Lobby series features Kristi Rogers — a business leader, seasoned executive, and trusted advisor at the nexus of government, security, and the private sector.Kristi shares her remarkable journey from public service to the boardroom, offering candid insights on leadership, resilience, and bridging industries during times of change. She reflects on the lessons learned from navigating high-stakes challenges and the principles that continue to guide her work today.Join us for a thoughtful conversation that showcases why Kristi is one of Washington’s most respected voices — and a perfect guest for our In the Lobby spotlight. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, I sit down with Brian Athey — chief creative officer at Push Digital Group and a true campaign architect. Brian has built a career at the intersection of politics, marketing, and storytelling, helping campaigns and organizations break through with bold, creative strategies.In our conversation, Brian talks about his work at Push, his growing fractional CMO practice, and the lessons he’s learned guiding brands that need seasoned leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. We also dive into his podcast, The Creative Brief, where he brings sharp insight and candid perspective to the world of marketing and strategy.From the war room to the boardroom, Brian is a strategist who knows how to shape messages that move people — and this episode shows exactly why. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on In the Lobby with The Friday Reporter, Lisa is joined by Nat Wienecke, president of Conscience Point Consulting and longtime D.C. power player with a reputation for getting things done — and doing them the right way. From his years on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch to his leadership at a major trade association, Nat has built a career around trust, strategy, and service.Lisa and Nat dive into how the best advocacy starts with listening, how to build relationships that last beyond any one issue, and why Washington needs more people who understand both the policy and the politics. Plus, they explore Nat’s new chapter as a firm founder and thought leader — and how he's helping others step into the spotlight with purpose.Whether you're a policy wonk, a public affairs pro, or just curious about how Washington really works, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa welcomes Aaron Kwittken — founder and CEO of PRophet, a trailblazing AI-driven communications platform — for a dynamic conversation about the future of public relations, the power of predictive tech, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving media landscape.Aaron shares how his background as a seasoned agency leader led him to create PRophet, a tool that harnesses artificial intelligence to help communicators better predict media interest, craft smarter pitches, and measure impact more effectively. Together, they explore the implications of emerging technologies in the PR world, what it means for journalists and communicators alike, and why embracing innovation is no longer optional.From the intersection of tech and storytelling to the practical ways AI is shaping reputation management and media strategy, this episode offers a glimpse into where the industry is headed — and how the best communicators will lead the way.Tune in for insights on:* The founding story behind PRophet* How AI is revolutionizing media relations* Why human creativity still matters — maybe more than everWhether you're a PR pro, media strategist, or just AI-curious, you won’t want to miss this one. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa sits down with James Williams, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, Communications, and External Affairs at Arnold Ventures, for a wide-ranging conversation about how philanthropy and public policy intersect to drive meaningful reform. From criminal justice to health care and beyond, James shares how Arnold Ventures leverages data-driven advocacy and strategic communications to create lasting change.With deep roots in the nonprofit and policy world, James offers thoughtful insights into what makes advocacy work—and how staying focused on results can cut through the noise. Whether you’re in government, policy, or philanthropy, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa sits down for another robust conversation with with Madeline Fetterly, Founder and CEO of Be the Brand Collective — a firm that helps executives harness the power of thought leadership and presence, especially on LinkedIn.Madeline makes the case that LinkedIn isn't just a digital résumé or job board — it's the place where today’s most influential conversations are happening. She shares tips and insight about using the platform to show up authentically and consistently, turning your single post into a force multiplier for reputation, reach, and real-world opportunity.Tune in for a conversation about the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and visibility — and how the right executive presence online can drive real impact offline. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa is joined by veteran journalist and producer Mike Melia for a behind-the-scenes look at a remarkable career in news.Mike shares the story of how he got his start by simply following the advice to “just show up and ask for the job.” That bold move landed him a role at States News Service — and it launched a career that would eventually take him to PBS NewsHour, where he worked under the legendary Jim Lehrer, and later to CNN, producing for anchor Jake Tapper.In this episode, Mike reflects on the mentors who shaped his path, the evolving role of producers in today’s media landscape, and what it means to carry journalistic values into a fast-paced, digital-first world. Mike is out on his own with Melia Media, helping clients navigate the new frontier of news making. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about persistence, integrity, and the power of showing up. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa is joined by Jeff Berkowitz — co-founder and CEO of Delve — for a timely conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping public affairs.With a background in opposition research, campaign strategy, and political intelligence, Jeff shares how his team developed a new AI-powered tool designed specifically to support public affairs and government relations professionals. Built to cut through the noise and surface insights faster, the platform helps communicators anticipate risk, track narratives, and stay ahead of policy shifts.In this episode, Jeff explains how the tool works, what sets it apart from broader AI platforms, and why it’s a game-changer for those working at the intersection of policy, politics, and reputation.Tune in to hear how AI is becoming a powerful ally in the public affairs toolbox — and what it means for the future of influence in Washington and beyond. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Lisa welcomes Ben Klein and Katie Wise, co-founders of Red Blue Strategies. With deep lobbying and Capitol Hill experience, Ben and Katie bring a fresh approach to public affairs—trading the traditional big-firm model for a partner-driven practice that delivers strategic, bipartisan counsel. Specializing in healthcare, they share how their unique collaboration helps clients cut through the noise and navigate Washington with precision.Listen in today to a conversation with two dynamic advocates for their clients and the industry they deeply understand — and how they weave bipartisanship into their everyday approach to success. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa is joined by Tiffany Lumpkin — founder of Thuto Labs, creative entrepreneur, and powerhouse in the world of beauty, media, and content creation.Tiffany's path started in medicine, but a pivot into the world of TV and film makeup artistry unlocked a vibrant career that blends storytelling, influence, and innovation. Today, she’s building Thuto Labs to help others navigate their creative journey — drawing from her deep experience behind the scenes and in front of the camera.Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and energizing — with one of the most generous and authentic voices in the industry. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa is joined by Jonathan Collegio — a seasoned communicator who has transformed decades of advocacy and campaign experience into a thriving business model. Today, Jonathan leads a company focused on expanding access to mental health care, while also running a dynamic online platform that connects and empowers the next generation of communicators.In this conversation, he shares his journey from behind-the-scenes strategist to entrepreneur, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how he's building both a community and a mission — one that sharpens the craft of communication while expanding access to care. Get full access to Authentically Speaking at thefridayreporter.substack.com/subscribe