Erik Smith, founder and CEO of Seven Letter, outlined the firm’s origins and the strategic rationale for building a senior, bipartisan team equipped to guide clients through complex communications environments.

He emphasized the continued evolution in how organizations engage policymakers, noting that success increasingly depends on anticipating shifts in a fast-moving media landscape. In addition to traditional outlets, he pointed to the rising influence of ideological platforms and digital opinion leaders in shaping public sentiment.

Smith also highlighted the distinctive strengths of former Capitol Hill professionals—their strategic acumen, operational discipline, and deep understanding of government processes—and underscored the long-term value of investing in strong mentorship networks. On a lighter note, reflecting on rising prospect Roman Anthony and his potential impact on the Boston Red Sox outfield as the season begins.

Kevin is a huge supporter of the University of Florida and runs one of the largest grassroots organizations in the country.

He has operations in all 50 states – and in 435 congressional districts. That means when his industry needs something, he usually has a member with a personal relationship with someone who can help.

“Life is short – you have to have fun along the way,” Kevin tells us. “You can’t take it with you.”

Anna talks with us about how she rose from the farms of North Dakota to being the modern-day Katharine Graham of Capitol Hill publishing at Punchbowl News.

Punchbowl has become essential reading inside Washington, spotlighting the personalities and power dynamics shaping Capitol Hill. In our conversation, Anna shares who’s reading Punchbowl, how to make the most of their insider events, and what it really takes to build a successful media startup in a changing landscape.

She also drops some candid insights on the future of journalism — and yes, she’s always open to great restaurant recommendations.

Jonathan takes us inside one of the world’s most iconic technology companies—now 113 years strong—to explore how his team unified marketing and communications around a single, powerful IBM brand.

We discuss what it takes to prepare a CEO versus an elected official for high-stakes moments, how corporate priorities are set and teams evolve globally, and how models and decision-making frameworks are shaped at scale.

Plus, Jonathan shares IBM’s unique connection to sports and technology—and why the company delivers a customized internal newsletter to nearly 280,000 employees every week.

Marc also reveals whether he’s happier with a Pope from his alma mater of Villanova University – or having three Wildcats playing for the New York Knicks.

We dig into how the association is evolving to keep pace with rapid shifts in technology, what it really means to “connect the connectors,” and how his team stays quick, nimble, and focused on helping people stay connected.

We also talk about what it takes to operate effectively in a constantly changing legislative and policy landscape—and what that means for the future of connectivity.

Torie tells us about what she learned working inside the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 – and how those lessons apply to corporate strategy.

She also talks about the importance of building a clear strategy, making sure every team member understands their role, and maintaining transparency when delivering tough messages.

And she tells us how Sean Penn taught her that life is just a blip.

Faryar talks about his journey from working for his parents' small Iranian sandwich shop to working for the Senate Finance Committee, Goldman Sachs and now Coinbase.

He also discusses why crypto companies became one of the first industries to form their own super PAC – and how the industry supplements its super PAC with something just as valuable: a grassroots army of 1.3 million Americans.

Linda shares how she went from working in Democratic politics to leading what Wired magazine calls "tech's most powerful advocacy group," sitting right at the intersection of business, policy and politics.

We dig into how she helps ensure the U.S. continues to lead in the next era of innovation—and what it really takes to win on tech policy today.

After working for the Treasury Department under President George W. Bush, Stang went to work for the same industry that helped his family sustain their family business for generations.

At a time when populism is taking root in Washington and across the country, Stang talks about how he is positioning his association of Main Street businesses to take on the larger players on  K Street.  

Hosts: David Castagnetti & Brody Mullins

Producer: Regina Anderson

Hosts: David Castagnetti & Brody Mullins

Producer: Regina Anderson

Hosts: David Castagnetti & Brody Mullins

Producer: Regina Anderson