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.

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.

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.