The Friday Reporter

This week on The Friday Reporter , Lisa welcomes Kristin Wilson of ROKK Solutions — a veteran journalist turned strategic communicator with a knack for telling it like it is. Kristin shares behind-the-scenes stories from her years as a producer and correspondent, including what it’s really like to chase news on Capitol Hill, why great writing is non-negotiable in media, and how producers shape the...

This week, we step In The Lobby with Brenda Becker, Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Boston Scientific. With a career that spans state government, the private sector and the White House, Brenda brings a wealth of experience—and a heart rooted in Midwest values. In this conversation, Brenda reflects on the power of mentorship, something she’s keenly known for across this town a...

This week on The Friday Reporter , I’m joined by Frank Maisano—seasoned communicator, energy policy expert, and Senior Principal at Bracewell LLP. Frank is widely known for his must-read weekly email newsletter, which he’s been publishing for decades—delivering sharp insights and updates that anyone in the energy space can’t afford to miss. In our conversation, we dive into: * How energy and envir...

In this special live episode of The Friday Reporter , I’m joined by two powerhouse communicators from ROKK Solutions — Annie Clark and Kristin Hawn — for a dynamic, bipartisan conversation about the world of political communications. We dive into the unique paths that led them to ROKK, reflect on the growing influence of women in the field, and share some laughs over the early days on Capitol Hill...

In this episode of The Friday Reporter , I sit down with Katie Harbath, founder of Anchor Change and a leading voice in the intersection of tech, policy, and democracy. With extensive experience at Facebook and a deep understanding of global electoral processes, Katie shares insights into the evolving role of social media in political discourse and what it means for democracy around the world. Fro...

In this episode of The Friday Reporter’s In the Lobby , I sit down with Vanessa Le and Michael Sorensen of DLA Piper to discuss their journeys from serving as U.S. Senate staffers to successful careers in lobbying. Vanessa and Michael share insights into the unique skill sets that Senate staffers develop, including deep policy expertise, strategic communication skills, and the ability to navigate...

In this episode of The Friday Reporter , I sit down with my friend Rana Abtar, a distinguished journalist with Asharq News . With a rich background in political reporting and a unique lens on international affairs, Rana brings invaluable insights into the world of journalism, diplomacy, and cross-cultural storytelling. We discuss Rana's path to becoming a prominent voice in media, her experiences...

On the eve of International Women’s Day, The Friday Reporter welcomes Dr. Kathleen McInnis, a leading voice in global security and the director of CSIS’s Smart Women, Smart Power initiative. As a seasoned expert in international security and defense policy, Dr. McInnis brings a unique perspective to the conversation—one that highlights not only the biggest challenges in global affairs but also the...

Roger Fisk is a global communications and marketing strategist who brings the hard-earned lessons of the Obama and Biden campaigns to private sector challenges around the world. Today, he joins Lisa for a conversation about how a simple volunteer role on a campaign evolved into a distinguished career in politics. As a frequent counterpoint to Lisa’s perspective, these two former staffers swap stor...

In this episode of In the Lobby , I sit down with David Castagnetti , a seasoned lobbyist and now advisor for DGA Group with deep expertise in navigating the complexities of government relations and advocacy. David shares his journey into lobbying, the strategies that have helped him succeed and how the industry continues to evolve. We discuss his path to becoming a lobbyist and lessons learned al...

Today’s guest is Garrett Bess, president and CEO for Two River Pictures. His passion for television and creative has been fueled steadily since his early days of high school. He’s the host and executive producer of, “Bikes to Bites,” a wildly-successful food and travel show — among so many other creative and successful projects in the NY / NJ Metropolitan area and across the globe. Garrett shares...

Jonathan Zaback (with his business partner and best friend, Jay Kolbe) was told that building a public relations practice that would include family office clients could not be done. They’re pleased to have proven the critics wrong. Jonathan credits their experience in the traditional public relations space for seeing an opportunity and building a “best in class” business around it. He’s also highl...

As Washington, D.C., gears up for a busy inaugural weekend, I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Anita McBride of American University. Throughout her remarkable career, Anita has served three U.S. Presidents in key personnel and management roles, including as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush. In our discussion, she shares her journey from campaign work to senior leadership, reflecting...

Missy Edwards is one of a few Washington, D.C. locals, brought to town because her dad was also a lobbyist. Influence runs in the family. She credits good fortune for her first job on Capitol Hill, but those that know her know it’s her hard work and good nature that has brought her success. This Senate creature by nature, shares how she frequently “cuts through the noise,” for her clients in polic...

Mark Preston is Vice President of Political & Special Events and Senior Political Analyst for CNN — but that doesn’t even begin to describe his role at the network. He cut his teeth covering the Jon Benet Ramsay case, the Olympic bombing and then decided he needed more excitement — so he came to Washington, D.C. For as good as he is at his work, he spends half of today’s conversation giving credit...

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 advis...

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. Th...

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 t...

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 f...

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...

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 med...

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 r...

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...

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...

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. jo...