The Deciders

Mike Catanzaro is CEO and co-founder of CGCN Group, one of Washington's leading all-Republican lobbying and public affairs firms. He argues the working-class voters who flipped 63 of the 100 poorest congressional districts to Republicans now define the party's base — and that corporate America can't lobby around them. He also makes the case for why CGCN turns away private equity, refuses to go bipartisan, and believes trust is the one asset that survives every political cycle.Become an insider: sign up for early access to every new episode of The Deciders before it's public at www.deciders.show/subscribeThis episode sponsored by:American Investment Council American Consumer & Investor Institute Defend Forgotten America Action

Jim VandeHei is co-founder and CEO of Axios, and before that he co-founded Politico — twice building some of the most influential media companies in Washington. In this episode, he argues AI backlash is quietly building into a real political fault line and walks through the simplification framework behind his new book, Simplify: Do 50% More with 50% Less.Become an insider: sign up for early access to every new episode of The Deciders before it's public at www.deciders.show/subscribeThis episode sponsored by:American Petroleum Institute American Investment CouncilAmerican Chemistry CouncilEdison Electric InstitutePhRMAConsumer Brands Association

Noah Theran runs communications for the Managed Funds Association, representing hedge funds and alternative asset managers in Washington. He says the traditional communications playbook has stopped working—and reveals what's replaced it and how leading organizations are adapting.Become an insider: sign up for early access to every new episode of The Deciders before it's public at www.deciders.show/subscribeThis episode sponsored by: Narrative: Solving today’s most demanding reputational and public affairs challenges at the convergence of business, media, and politics.​535.news: Streaming live from Capitol Hill every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Doug Thornell has spent his career helping candidates and corporations find their authentic story. The SKDK CEO argues that today, urgency is just as important — politicians and brands must move fast or get left behind. He details the campaign that took Wes Moore from 2% to the Governor’s mansion — and the blueprint it sets for Democrats who want to win.Become an insider: sign up for early access to every new episode of The Deciders before it's public at www.deciders.show/subscribeThis episode sponsored by:USA Facts: Turning public data into public knowledge.Consumer Brands Association: Makers of the products you choose and the brands you trust.

A Republican and a Democrat who served at the highest levels of Congress built one of Washington’s only independent bipartisan firms — and turned down the buyers. Ron Bonjean and Rodell Mollineau of ROKK Solutions on what bipartisan means in 2026, why they stayed independent, and how the rules of corporate advocacy are changing.Become an insider: sign up for early access to every new episode of The Deciders before it’s public at www.deciders.show/subscribe This episode sponsored by: Consumer Brands Association American Property Owners Alliance