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 outcomes

This 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 humanity

Meredith 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!

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.