80-Proof Politics

In episode 9 of 80-Proof Politics, I’m joined by Shane Tews - President of Logan Circle Strategies at one of the consistently top-rated restaurants in DC, Equinox.  Shane shares her experiences in campaign work, representing the distilled spirits trade association, and her two decades as “The Queen of Internet Policy.”

In episode 8 of 80-Proof Politics, Jim Smith - President of Potomac Policy Group - joins me at the heart of Irish hospitality, The Dubliner.  He talks about the enormity and depth of the healthcare policy world in Washington, working in political campaigns, being a Congressional Chief of Staff, and how alligator wrestling got him his first DC job.

Tom Sheridan, CEO and Founder of The Sheridan Group, discusses his new book, "Helping the Good Do Better," in which he distills the art of social advocacy, explains how to build a coalition of social cause groups and keep them from undermining their own efforts, and how to teach U2's Bono who is the Elvis in DC. Recorded at the wonderful Georgian restaurant, Supra at 11th and M, NW.

Distilling the Art of Agency Advocacy, mixed with a bit of Capitol Hill lobbying. Sean Todd talks with us about catching the green bug in L.A., the value of putting yourself in position to raise your hand and say, "I can do that", having the risk appetite to strike out on your own, and being the oldest married Congressional intern on record.

Nadeam Elshami, Policy Director - Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schrek, and one of Politico's "30 Most Powerful People in Trump's DC," talks about lessons learned during his lengthy career serving top Democrats in both the House and the Senate and how those lessons help him serve clients trying to find their way around Washington.

Ron Hutcheson, Managing Director - H+K Strategies, talks about the importance of the policy value proposition, representing the International Olympic Committee and Princess Haya of Jordan, and why creating a surround sound for a lobbying campaign is key to global public affairs.

Sarah Spreitzer, Director of Government and Public Affairs for the American Council on Education, talks about representing the presidents of 1,700+ colleges and universities with a staff of six, and why a graduate degree in Medieval Architecture is the perfect training for becoming a lobbyist. 

Our Guestpert on this week's 80-Proof Politics is Glenn Lemunyon, Founder and President of The LeMunyon Group, LLC.  Glenn talks to us about representing clients, lobbying budget issues and appropriations, and how not to order beer at the Tune Inn.

The inaugural episode of 80-Proof Politics features Craig Purser, CEO and President of the National Beer Wholesalers Association who shares with us how one of the top trade associations in DC translates the operations of 1700+ beer wholesalers into federal policy and why the beer industry is interested in marijuana.