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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week on The Friday Reporter, Washington Post congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor joins the show to share insights from the frontlines of Capitol Hill. With a keen eye for nuance and a deep understanding of political personalities, Marianna discusses what it's like to cover the most powerful — and unpredictable — branch of government. From leadership showdowns to behind-the-scenes dynamics, she breaks down how the Hill really works, how she approaches sourcing and the durability of her stories over time.

Tune in for a smart, behind-the-curtain conversation with one of the Hill’s most trusted voices.

This week on The Friday Reporter, I'm joined by Laura Vanderkam — author, speaker, and expert on time management and productivity. Laura has built a career helping people rethink how they spend their hours, showing that even the busiest among us have more time than we think.

In our conversation, Laura shares insights from her bestselling books, lessons from her research on how high achievers structure their days and practical tips we can all use to reclaim time for what matters most. We also dive into the rhythms of creative work, why tracking your time is a game-changer and how small shifts can lead to big results.

If you're feeling stretched thin or looking for new ways to find focus in a busy world, this episode is for you.

Listen in for strategies to not just survive the week — but truly thrive.

This week on In the Lobby, I’m joined by Cori Kramer, Executive Director of Center Forward — an organization dedicated to bringing people together across the political spectrum to find common-sense solutions.

Cori shares her perspective on why the political middle matters now more than ever, how Center Forward works to build coalitions around practical policy goals, and what it’s like to navigate an increasingly polarized environment.

We also talk about her path to leadership, the lessons she's learned from Capitol Hill to coalition-building, and the role of patience, persistence, and pragmatism in public affairs today.

It’s a refreshing and insightful conversation about the power of finding common ground — and why the center still has a vital role to play in Washington.

🎧 Tune in to hear more about Cori’s work and the importance of pragmatic leadership in today’s political climate.

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