Center Maryland Presents: The Lobby Podcast artwork

Center Maryland Presents: The Lobby Podcast

93 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the atmosphere of Maryland politics, but state experts and lobbyists still know where the change happens- in the lobby. Join us for an inside look at Maryland politics from the experts that live it every day.

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Episodes

27. The People You Meet with Matt Sitter

March 03, 2022 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

In episode 27 of The Lobby, Damian sits down with Advantage Foundry Network's CEO and relationship guru Matt Sitter for a discussion about the ways that connections deepen our potential to innovate and expand. Listen to Sitter's personal journey to drive leaders toward new perspectives and strategies derived from unique relationships with leaders in other industries. Then, stick around for a look at Damian's own experiences building a network and utilizing the AFN method. We hope to see you...

26. Who Tells Your Story? with Melanie Miller

February 25, 2022 10:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

In episode 26 of The Lobby, settle in for a look at restarting during COVID-19. Melanie Miller's career has spanned from the Young Democrats to Comcast to, now, Miller Partnership Consultants. MPC works to connect clients, like Southland Energy, with county governments and communities to deepen their connection in Maryland. Then, stick around for a retelling of the legacy of Mike Miller from one of the people who knew him best, his daughter. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

25. Guiding Principles with Rob and Hannah Powers Garagiola

February 17, 2022 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

In episode 25 of The Lobby, Damian brings on one of the state’s most dynamic couples, Hannah Powers Garagiola and former State Senator Rob Garagiola to give us an inside perspective on their growing firm, Compass Advocacy, a multi-service public affairs, government relations, and law firm. Join us for a conversation on the challenges of the 2022 session, and growing a new business during the pandemic. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

24. All Local, All the Time

February 08, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

In episode 24 of The Lobby, following the 40th anniversary of MPT's State Circle, Damian dives in deep with host Jeff Salkin to reexamine his storied career, discuss the value of independent local journalism, and look at the future of news in Baltimore where the soon-to-be-launched Baltimore Banner is set to shake up the fourth estate.  We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

23. Microwave Justice with Jeremy Eldridge

January 25, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB

In episode 24 of The Lobby, buckle up for a wide-ranging discussion as Damian catches up with Jeremy Eldridge, Partner at Eldridge, Nachtman, & Crandell LLC. They cover everything from Howard County campaign finance to the Mosby indictment  and rising crime. Join us for Eldridge's insight on races around Maryland, and the realities of finding justice in different political environments. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

22. Persistence with Leslie Simmons & Brian Frazee

January 18, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

The 2022 Maryland legislative session has begun, and in episode 22 of The Lobby, Damian catches up with Leslie Simmons, COO of LifeBridge Health, and Brian Frazee, VP of Government Affairs with the Maryland Hospital Association to check-in on our frontline team as COVID-19 continues to rage. Together, they discuss the most critical issues facing healthcare workers, the pressing priorities of the 2022 legislative session, and talk reigniting the passion for careers in healthcare after the pan...

21. Look Around with Senator Malcolm Augustine

January 13, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

The 2022 Maryland legislative session has begun, and in episode 21 of The Lobby, Damian joins Senator Malcolm Augustine of Prince George's County to look around at the continued sacrifice of his community to battle the pandemic, and look ahead at the realities of another session affected by COVID-19. Join us for a conversation about Augustine's beginnings, delivering for your community, and recognizing the endless dedication and sacrifice of our frontline and medical communities. We hope to...

20. Dedicating Every Day with Senator Jeff Waldstreicher

November 19, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

In episode 20 of The Lobby, Damian joins with Senator Jeff Waldstreicher to examine the ways that family and fatherhood have shaped their careers. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at one of the General Assembly's biggest stars for a  look at his role as Vice-chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, recent events in Montgomery County, and the things that make his district (MD-18) unique in Maryland. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.

19. Recommendations in Reading with Senator Cory McCray and Delegate Marc Korman

October 05, 2021 11:05 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

In episode 19 of The Lobby, Damian reconnects with Senator Cory McCray and Delegate Marc Korman on their 2020 reading list, what has inspired them, and what it means to be an advocate. Check out this in-depth on how they've found time to make progress, the new perspectives they've found, and the inspiration they draw from each other. Then, listen in for an inside look at Books in Bloom 2021 this Sunday on October 10, free to attend at Color Burst Park in Columbia, MD. We hope to see you soo...

18. The World Was Wide Enough with Pastor John Heath

September 30, 2021 09:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MB

In episode 18 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes long-time friend Pastor John Heath, Co-Founder of The National Black Professional Lobbyist Association and Senior Government Relations and External Affairs Manager with Turo, for an awe-inspiring telling of his journey from homelessness to national success and leader to new generations of lobbyists across the country. Listen in for an inside view of how Heath's experience has informed his approach to championing diversity and allyship in his profes...

17. Hurricane with Bob Enten

September 14, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

In episode 17 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes the incomparable Bob Enten, recently named by Best Lawyers of America® as the 2022 Government Relations “Lawyer of the Year” in Baltimore for the second time, for an examination of the stories and qualities that have defined his career. Listen in for an inside view of Maryland's past Senators and Delegates, and the last-one-out mentality that has shaped Enten's success. Enten's decades of success representing healthcare companies, retailers, energy...

Ep. 16: Never Satisfied with Steve Silverman and Jonathon Rowland

September 02, 2021 11:09 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

In episode 16 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes Steve Silverman of SS Gov Relations and Jonathon Rowland of Rowland Strategies for a discussion about 'the big county.'  Listen in as they talk economic development in Montgomery County, how they pursued a reimagined County Council, as well as the Gubernatorial and County Executive primary campaigns. Then, stick around while they discuss the ways COVID-19 has shifted how referendum campaigns operate, as well as the personal influences that have dri...

16. Never Satisfied with Steve Silverman and Jonathon Rowland

September 02, 2021 11:09 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MB

In episode 16 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes Steve Silverman of SS Gov Relations and Jonathon Rowland of Rowland Strategies for a discussion about 'the big county.'  Listen in as they talk economic development in Montgomery County, how they pursued a reimagined County Council, as well as the Gubernatorial and County Executive primary campaigns. Then, stick around while they discuss the ways COVID-19 has shifted how referendum campaigns operate, as well as the personal influences that have dri...

15. Unprecedented Resiliency with Kevin Sowers and Dr. Mohan Suntha

August 24, 2021 10:33 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

In episode 15 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes President of Johns Hopkins Health System, Kevin Sowers, M.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N., and President and CEO of University of Maryland Medical System, Dr. Mohan Suntha to The Lobby. Listen in as they discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the toll it has taken on healthcare workers, and their unprecedented resiliency. Then, stick around while they discuss the undercurrent of vaccine hesitancy, the Delta variant, and their decisions to require employees to be vacc...

Ep. 15: Unprecedented Resiliency with Kevin Sowers and Dr. Mohan Suntha

August 24, 2021 10:33 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

In episode 15 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes President of Johns Hopkins Health System, Kevin Sowers, M.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N., and President and CEO of University of Maryland Medical System, Dr. Mohan Suntha to The Lobby. Listen in as they discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the toll it has taken on healthcare workers, and their unprecedented resiliency. Then, stick around while they discuss the undercurrent of vaccine hesitancy, the Delta variant, and their decisions to require employees to be vacc...

Ep. 14: Wait for It— A National Intern Day Special

July 29, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

In Episode 14 of The Lobby—a National Intern Day Special—, Damian is joined by Sara Walsh, Stephen Hook, and Julianne Blackman, interns at KO Public Affairs. They discuss working in a professional environment during a pandemic, what they have learned from their experiences with KO, and their career goals in the political sphere. Then, stick around to hear the interns’ favorite parts of working for the firm. Help us welcome the next generation of communicators in the lobby. We hope to see y...

14. Wait for It— A National Intern Day Special

July 29, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

In Episode 14 of The Lobby—a National Intern Day Special—, Damian is joined by Sara Walsh, Stephen Hook, and Julianne Blackman, interns at KO Public Affairs. They discuss working in a professional environment during a pandemic, what they have learned from their experiences with KO, and their career goals in the political sphere. Then, stick around to hear the interns’ favorite parts of working for the firm. Help us welcome the next generation of communicators in the lobby. We hope to see y...

13. You'll Be Back with Raymond Glendening

July 22, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

In episode 13 of The Lobby, Ray Glendening, Founder and CEO of Scarlet Oak Strategies joins Damian to talk about his career path, and the perspective it's given him on political races in Maryland and elsewhere. Glendening also talks us through the road to opening his own firm, and the niche they've found in research and polling. Then, stick around while Damian and Ray expand on the Maryland Gubernatorial campaign, and what it's going to take to win in 2022. We hope to see you soon in the Lo...

Ep. 13: You'll Be Back with Raymond Glendening

July 22, 2021 09:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

In episode 13 of The Lobby, Ray Glendening, Founder and CEO of Scarlet Oak Strategies joins Damian to talk about his career path, and the perspective it's given him on political races in Maryland and elsewhere. Glendening also talks us through the road to opening his own firm, and the niche they've found in research and polling. Then, stick around while Damian and Ray expand on the Maryland Gubernatorial campaign, and what it's going to take to win in 2022. We hope to see you soon in the Lo...

12. Non-Stop with Len Lucchi

July 13, 2021 10:16 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

On episode 12 of The Lobby, Len Lucchi of O'Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore joins Damian to give a perspective on his highly-impactful career. Lucchi talks about his time representing Prince George's County as a lobbyist, the relationships he's developed over the years, and his perspective on proposed state-wide solutions to transit and connectivity like the proposed Maglev train. Then, stick around while Damian and Len peel apart the Maryland Gubernatorial and Comptroller campaigns that are ...

Ep 12: Non-Stop with Len Lucchi

July 13, 2021 10:16 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MB

On episode 12 of The Lobby, Len Lucchi of O'Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore joins Damian to give a perspective on his highly-impactful career. Lucchi talks about his time representing Prince George's County as a lobbyist, the relationships he's developed over the years, and his perspective on proposed state-wide solutions to transit and connectivity like the proposed Maglev train. Then, stick around while Damian and Len peel apart the Maryland Gubernatorial and Comptroller campaigns that are ...

11. What Comes Next? with Delegate Bonnie Cullison

June 10, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 11 of The Lobby, we’re picking up where we left off with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1. We’ll talk with Delegate Bonnie Cullison (MD-19) about the successes of the 2021 session, the work of groups like NAMI Maryland and RALI Maryland to combat the increase in substan...

Ep. 11: What Comes Next? with Delegate Bonnie Cullison

June 10, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 11 of The Lobby, we’re picking up where we left off with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1. We’ll talk with Delegate Bonnie Cullison (MD-19) about the successes of the 2021 session, the work of groups like NAMI Maryland and RALI Maryland to combat the increase in substan...

Ep. 10: History Has Its Eyes on You with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew

May 28, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

The 2021 Legislative session is over and The Lobby is still packed. We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 10 of The Lobby, Damian reconnects with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1 about The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act, and the work to help Marylanders through COVID, the increase in overdoses, and 2-1-1 Maryland...

10. History Has Its Eyes on You with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew

May 28, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

The 2021 Legislative session is over and The Lobby is still packed. We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 10 of The Lobby, Damian reconnects with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1 about The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act, and the work to help Marylanders through COVID, the increase in overdoses, and 2-1-1 Maryland...

Ep. 9: Young, Scrappy, and Hungry with Gregory Snyder, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw, and Neal Karkhanis

April 13, 2021 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Session is over and we've heard from some of the most storied names in Annapolis. On episode 9 of The Lobby, Damian brings together the next generation of Annapolis operatives.  We are joined today by Gregory Snyder of Bellamy Genn, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw of the Maryland State Education Association, and Neal Karkhanis of Funk  & Bolton. Join us for a far-reaching conversation about what led them to where they are, the changing face of lobbying and the tools of the future, and the realities of net...

9. Young, Scrappy, and Hungry with Gregory Snyder, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw, and Neal Karkhanis

April 13, 2021 09:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Session is over and we've heard from some of the most storied names in Annapolis. On episode 9 of The Lobby, Damian brings together the next generation of Annapolis operatives.  We are joined today by Gregory Snyder of Bellamy Genn, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw of the Maryland State Education Association, and Neal Karkhanis of Funk  & Bolton. Join us for a far-reaching conversation about what led them to where they are, the changing face of lobbying and the tools of the future, and the realities of net...

Ep. 8: So, What Did I Miss? with Gerry Evans

March 17, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

On episode 8 of The Lobby, Gerry Evans of Evans & Associates joins us to go behind-the-scenes on a career spanning 45 years and still going. Evans talks about the major Maryland players from throughout his career, the friendships he’s formed, and the lessons he's  learned. Afterward, Damian and Gerry discuss the incomparable life of former Montgomery County Executive Charlie Gilchrist. Join us for a comprehensive telling of the Maryland political story for context on today’s biggest stories....

8. So, What Did I Miss? with Gerry Evans

March 17, 2021 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MB

On episode 8 of The Lobby, Gerry Evans of Evans & Associates joins us to go behind-the-scenes on a career spanning 45 years and still going. Evans talks about the major Maryland players from throughout his career, the friendships he’s formed, and the lessons he's  learned. Afterward, Damian and Gerry discuss the incomparable life of former Montgomery County Executive Charlie Gilchrist. Join us for a comprehensive telling of the Maryland political story for context on today’s biggest stories....

7. Advocating on the Front-Line with Nicole Stallings

March 08, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

On episode 7 of The Lobby, Nicole Stallings from the Maryland Hospital Association gives us the inside view of the year-long “grind” of front-line workers in the state, and how to best position themselves to help as they strive to protect health care heroes, advance telehealth, and address long-standing inequities.  Join us for a discussion on the effects of COVID-19 on health policy and advocacy in Annapolis, the sacrifice of Maryland's front-line workers, and the importance of mentorship....

Ep. 7: Advocating on the Front-Line with Nicole Stallings

March 08, 2021 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

On episode 7 of The Lobby, Nicole Stallings from the Maryland Hospital Association gives us the inside view of the year-long “grind” of front-line workers in the state, and how to best position themselves to help as they strive to protect health care heroes, advance telehealth, and address long-standing inequities.  Join us for a discussion on the effects of COVID-19 on health policy and advocacy in Annapolis, the sacrifice of Maryland's front-line workers, and the importance of mentorship....

6. From Anne Arundel to Prince George's with Steuart Pittman & Rushern Baker III

March 01, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

On episode six of The Lobby, Damian is joined by Anne Arundel County  Executive Steuart Pittman Jr. and former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III to discuss the intricacies of the Maryland state income tax, the power of the county budget, and a preview of the 2022 Governor's race. Join us for a conversation on the ins and outs of county government, and how they interplay with state-level politics. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.  

Ep. 6: From Anne Arundel to Prince George's with Steuart Pittman & Rushern Baker III

March 01, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MB

On episode six of The Lobby, Damian is joined by Anne Arundel County  Executive Steuart Pittman Jr. and former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III to discuss the intricacies of the Maryland state income tax, the power of the county budget, and a preview of the 2022 Governor's race. Join us for a conversation on the ins and outs of county government, and how they interplay with state-level politics. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby.  

Ep. 5: Passion for Service with Gene Ransom

February 24, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

On Episode 5 of The Lobby we're joined by the most organized advocate in Annapolis, Gene Ransom of MedChi. Join us for a deep dive into the most pressing health issues in the state, including torts and liability, telehealth, and the struggle of access. Afterward, Gene tells us how being a lifelong resident of Queen Anne's County grew his love for public service and the forms that has taken in his life. Then, stay tuned for a preview of the changes on the way to Annapolis in the coming years ...

5. Passion for Service with Gene Ransom

February 24, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MB

On Episode 5 of The Lobby we're joined by the most organized advocate in Annapolis, Gene Ransom of MedChi. Join us for a deep dive into the most pressing health issues in the state, including torts and liability, telehealth, and the struggle of access. Afterward, Gene tells us how being a lifelong resident of Queen Anne's County grew his love for public service and the forms that has taken in his life. Then, stay tuned for a preview of the changes on the way to Annapolis in the coming years ...

4. Glass Ceilings with Robin Shaivitz

February 16, 2021 05:05 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MB

On episode 4 of The Lobby, the undeniably groundbreaking Robin Shaivitz, Vice President & Senior Government Relations Advisor with Alexander & Cleaver, joins Damian for a new telling of her remarkably storied career as Annapolis' original female contract-lobbyist. Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation about fighting for what you believe in, finding success in chaos, and how to shatter glass ceilings. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby. 

Ep. 4: Glass Ceilings with Robin Shaivitz

February 16, 2021 05:05 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MB

On episode 4 of The Lobby, the undeniably groundbreaking Robin Shaivitz, Vice President & Senior Government Relations Advisor with Alexander & Cleaver, joins Damian for a new telling of her remarkably storied career as Annapolis' original female contract-lobbyist. Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation about fighting for what you believe in, finding success in chaos, and how to shatter glass ceilings. We hope to see you soon in the Lobby. 

3. Perspectives with Camile Fesche, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, & Josh Kurtz

February 08, 2021 03:05 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In episode 3 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by veteran non-profit journalist, Josh Kurtz, Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston, Camille Fesche, and Baltimore and Howard County Delegate Jessica Feldmark. Join us as we examine the variety of perspectives on Maryland politics- from inside, from outside, and from one of the state's most-trusted observers. We'll see you inside on the Lobby.

Ep. 3: Perspectives with Camile Fesche, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, & Josh Kurtz

February 08, 2021 03:05 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB

In episode 3 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by veteran non-profit journalist, Josh Kurtz, Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston, Camille Fesche, and Baltimore and Howard County Delegate Jessica Feldmark. Join us as we examine the variety of perspectives on Maryland politics- from inside, from outside, and from one of the state's most-trusted observers. We'll see you inside on the Lobby.

2. Changing Spaces with Len Foxwell, Sushant Sidh, & David Carroll

February 01, 2021 03:31 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

In episode 2 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by contemporaries Sushant Sidh and David Carroll, as well as long-time advisor for Comptroller Peter Franchot turned communications strategist, Len Foxwell. Join us for an inside look at how lobbying has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what it takes to build a multifaceted firm from the ground up, and the business of lobbying.  We hope to see you soon in the lobby.  

Ep. 2: Changing Spaces with Len Foxwell, Sushant Sidh, & David Carroll

February 01, 2021 03:31 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

In episode 2 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by contemporaries Sushant Sidh and David Carroll, as well as long-time advisor for Comptroller Peter Franchot turned communications strategist, Len Foxwell. Join us for an inside look at how lobbying has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what it takes to build a multifaceted firm from the ground up, and the business of lobbying.  We hope to see you soon in the lobby.  

Ep. 1: The Room Where It Happened with Delora Sanchez Ifekauche and Keiffer Mitchell Jr.

January 25, 2021 10:31 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

Join us for the inaugural edition of The Lobby- a recreation of the room where it all happens, suitable for today’s environment. For our first episode, we speak with Keiffer Jackson Mitchell Jr., Chief Legislative Officer for the Office of  Governor Larry Hogan, and Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs to get their sense of the state of play in Maryland politics, a reading on the legacy of Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, and the...

1. The Room Where It Happened with Delora Sanchez Ifekauche and Keiffer Mitchell Jr.

January 25, 2021 10:31 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

Join us for the inaugural edition of The Lobby- a recreation of the room where it all happens, suitable for today’s environment. For our first episode, we speak with Keiffer Jackson Mitchell Jr., Chief Legislative Officer for the Office of  Governor Larry Hogan, and Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs to get their sense of the state of play in Maryland politics, a reading on the legacy of Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, and the...

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