PODCAST · news
The Beltway & Beyond
by Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
If you’re looking for a political podcast that goes beyond the national headlines, tune in to The Beltway & Beyond. Each week, a bipartisan group of former federal, state, and local elected officials, senior administration appointees, legislative staff, campaign strategists, and lobbyists from across the East Coast and Midwest share boots-on-the-ground perspectives on the issues shaping Washington and communities nationwide. We don’t just analyze politics—we live it. The Beltway & Beyond delivers informed, practical conversations from both sides of the aisle that cut through the noise and connect national debates to local impact.
Episodes
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Episode 384 - The Midterm Sprint
With three weeks until Election Day, the battle for control of Congress is entering its final stretch. Our team examines the closely contested Senate races, competing interpretations of the polls, and why narrow margins could extend uncertainty beyond election night. They also explore what a…
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Episode 383 - From the Beltway to City Hall: The Expanding Reach of Government Investigations
Government investigations are no longer just a Washington story. From city councils to state attorneys general to Congress, oversight is becoming more interconnected, and organizations need to understand how local developments can quickly become national issues and vice versa. Featuring Public...
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The 2026 Midterms: A Battle for the Senate and Both Parties’ Futures
With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public...
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Budget Season Wrap-Up: What States Can Tell Us About Governing
Budget season offers a window into state priorities, policy choices, and the challenges lawmakers are working to address. As state negotiations wrap up in Illinois, New York, and Virginia, we explore the tradeoffs, areas of agreement, and key decisions that shaped this year's legislative…
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America 250: Can the American Experiment Endure?
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we step back from the daily headlines to examine the state of the American experiment. From the 2026 midterm outlook to global conflicts, AI, and the search for political leadership, the conversation explores the forces shaping the nation's...
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Episode 379 - In-Conversation: Judd Kessler on Hidden Markets, Incentives & the Systems Shaping Society
Judd Kessler—author of Lucky by Design, professor at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, and a leading voice in behavioral economics—joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on the “hidden markets” and incentives shaping modern...
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Episode 378 - Inside Cities’ World Cup Preparations
As New York and Philadelphia prepare to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local leaders are treating the tournament as more than a sporting event. From transit coordination and public safety planning to tourism strategy and economic development, cities are using the World Cup to test…
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Episode 377 - New Jersey’s Energy & Affordability Crisis
Rising utility costs and affordability concerns are reshaping the political conversation in New Jersey. As residents grapple with higher energy bills, housing costs, and property taxes, Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration is pursuing an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy aimed at balancing...
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Episode 376 - In-Conversation: Susan Eisenhower on Ike from D-Day to the White House
What does it actually take to lead at the highest stakes moments in history — and what can that teach us about leadership today? Susan Eisenhower, founder of The Eisenhower Group and granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen…
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Episode 375 - The Road to 2028 Starts Now
With 36 gubernatorial seats up for grabs, the 2026 elections will shape policy outcomes and political momentum heading into 2028. Key battlegrounds like Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Kansas highlight how issues such as affordability, energy costs, and economic conditions are likely to drive...
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Episode 374 - In-Conversation: Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh on Bridging Divides in a Fragmented World
Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh—the first Druze woman elected to the Israeli Knesset and the first non-Jewish anchorwoman to broadcast Israel’s main evening news in Hebrew and Arabic—joins Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on cross-cultural leadership and shared...
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Episode 373 - Tax Policy in 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Know
With Tax Day approaching, Sean Clerget, former chief tax counsel to the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee and a recent addition to DC Public Strategies, breaks down Washington’s tax agenda. They discuss the Trump administration’s policy priorities, key provisions businesses should watch, and the...
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Episode 372 - In-Conversation: Michael Gips on Navigating Risk in a Polycrisis Era
Security and risk expert and author Michael Gips joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on risk assessment, decision-making, and leadership when certainty is not an option. While most leaders are focused on the immediate pressures…
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Episode 371 - Priced Out: Inside America’s Housing Crisis
America is facing an affordable housing reckoning. With home prices and rents still elevated nationwide, states and cities like New York and Philadelphia are pursuing new construction, preservation, and policy reforms to close widening affordability gaps. But “affordable” means different things…
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Episode 370 - In-Conversation: Kathryn Lowell on Leadership & Presence in Turbulent Times
Executive coach, image consultant, and author Kathryn Lowell joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on leading with presence and trust in moments of uncertainty. Kathryn explores how trust is built by “going first,” what it means…
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Episode 369 - Spanberger’s Virginia: Can the Moderate Line Hold?
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, the first woman to hold the office, is just weeks into her first term and already facing a high-velocity legislative session under unified Democratic control. As lawmakers move quickly on long-standing priorities, can the self-described moderate governor hold...
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Episode 368 - Mamdani First 30 Days & Key NY Congressional Races
30 days into the Mamdani administration, New York City finds itself blanketed in snow and ice as early signals from City Hall begin to take shape. The New York Public Strategies team examines key appointments, executive actions, and evolving relationships with Washington, while previewing the…
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Episode 367 - In-Conversation: Jamie Metzl on the Superconvergence of the AI, Biotech & Genetics Revolutions
Technology and health care futurist Jamie Metzl joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a wide-ranging conversation on the amazing technological revolutions defining our era. As artificial intelligence, genetics, and biotechnology converge at...
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Episode 366 - ‘Twas the Night Before 2026
In this holiday special, our hosts look back on the 2025 federal landscape the only way that feels appropriate, through seasonal song parodies paired with real-world anecdotes spanning the White House and Capitol Hill. From unpacking the first year of Trump 2.0 to navigating the longest…
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Episode 365 - In-Conversation: Annie Duke on the Science of Better Decisions
Bestselling author, decision strategist, and former professional poker player Annie Duke joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on how leaders can improve the quality of their decisions to increase the probability of achieving…
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Episode 364 - Federal Power vs. City Streets: A Constitutional Showdown
From Chicago to Portland to Charlotte, President Trump’s deployment of immigration agents to Democratic-led cities has sparked a nationwide debate over the limits of federal authority and local control. Chicago’s showdown with the White House exemplifies the growing tension between Washington and...
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Episode 363 - In-Conversation: Steve Kornacki on Data, Democracy, and Decoding America’s Elections
Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst of NBC News, joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive officer of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation about how data shapes America’s understanding of politics—and even sports. From the Democratic sweep in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York to...
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Episode 362 - Off-Year Election Readout
From Virginia and New Jersey to New York City and beyond, the 2025 off-year elections offered a glimpse into the political landscape heading toward 2026. What voter dynamics stood out most, and what trends could define the next midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Michael…
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Episode 361 - Virginia’s Election & the Road to 2026
All eyes are on Virginia. As the election nears, our political insiders unpack the campaigns, candidates, and key issues driving the race—and what these contests could reveal about the nation’s political trajectory heading into 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Julia Hammond,...
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Episode 360 - In-Conversation with Kathy Wylde on NYC Business & Government
Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on her decades leading one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Together, they explore how New York’s fabric is defined by its bottom-up composition—diverse voices...
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Episode 359 - Trump’s Global Footprint & America’s Shutdown
From hostage negotiations in the Middle East and peace talks in Ukraine to strikes on suspected cartel vessels off Venezuela’s coast, President Trump appears active on virtually every major global front. Yet as the government shutdown grinds on at home, the question remains: when will he weigh in...
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Episode 358 - Peace Abroad, Tensions at Home
From a breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy to the deployment of troops in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s recent moves highlight the complexities of governing at home and abroad. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and John Dunn.
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Episode 357 - From Washington Gridlock to New York’s Mayoral Shake-Up
With the 24 hours of the government shutdown underway, Washington is on edge—but is the rest of the country paying attention? In New York, Mayor Adams’s sudden exit from November’s race has upended the political landscape, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Democratic socialist...
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Episode 356 - On the Frontlines of Shutdown Politics
How will shutdown politics shape Virginia’s elections? Will the state serve as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms? Can Democratic messaging around threatened health care subsidies break through to voters? And how much will candidates themselves matter—versus the weight of national politics?...
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Episode 355 - Politics, Power, and the Price of Speech
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has reignited debates over free speech, cancel culture, and political power. The episode breaks down all things Jimmy Kimmel—what his case reveals about hypocrisy on both sides, the role of government pressure, and what it means for the future of public discourse....
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Episode 354 - Two Realities, One Nation
America faces unprecedented division. With citizens operating from two incompatible sets of facts and losing any sense of common ground, the dehumanization of both parties is pushing the nation toward a dangerous tipping point in political violence. How can today’s leaders rise to meet this…
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Episode 353 - Landing the Economic Plane
Eight months into Trump’s presidency, Washington faces shutdown politics, shaky economic signals, and questions about his legacy. As recession fears grow and populism surges, the GOP’s midterm prospects may rest on how Trump lands the economic plane. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard…
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Episode 352 - In-Conversation with Media and Tech Exec. Peter Cherukuri
Veteran media and technology executive Peter Cherukuri joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on his career at the intersection of media, policy, and technology—building platforms that shape how we consume news and leadership insights. Together, they explore how executives, policymakers, and...
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Episode 351 - In-Conversation with RealClearMarkets Editor John Tamny
RealClearMarkets editor John Tamny joins host Howard Schweitzer to share his counter-conventional thinking on today’s most pressing economic debates. From fiscal policy to the national debt, Tamny challenges widely held assumptions and urges business and political leaders to think differently....
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Episode 350 - The State of the Governors in Trump’s America
Today, Public Strategies takes the Beltway Briefing outside the Beltway to explore Democratic and Republican governors' relationships with the second Trump administration. How do policies and messages vary from state to state? What impact is the administration having on the balance of power…
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Episode 349 - Summer Snapshot: Epstein, AI and Public Trust
What’s top of mind for voters this summer? While the Epstein files dominate airwaves, pocketbook issues remain center stage. How are leaders leveraging infrastructure investments—especially in artificial intelligence—to spur economic growth? And how does voter trust vary across levels of…
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Episode 348 - The Trump Agenda Six Months In
Episode 348 - The Trump Agenda Six Months In by Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
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Episode 347 - Political Upheaval in the Capital of Capitalism
New York Democrats nominated a Democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for mayor, sparking national debate over the future of the Democratic Party, its ideological direction, and the role of moderates. What does this mean for New York City, New York State, and national politics? Meanwhile,...
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Episode 346 - In-Conversation with the Wall Street Journal's Gregory Zuckerman
Award-winning Wall Street Journal writer Gregory Zuckerman joins host Howard Schweitzer to explore how today’s political landscape is shaping global markets. Drawing on nearly 30 years of reporting, Zuckerman offers sharp insights into the intersection of markets, politics, policy, and culture....
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Episode 345 - The NYC Political Season Heats Up
With New York City’s primaries just weeks away, the political season is heating up. Who are the key candidates in the mayoral, comptroller, and city council races? What dynamics and strategic alliances are emerging? What role will federal decision-making play in shaping the city's future—and how...
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Episode 344 - Middle East Deals, Reconciliation, and Birthright Citizenship
As Republicans continue negotiations to finalize the reconciliation package and the Supreme Court takes up oral arguments on birthright citizenship, Trump heads to the Middle East to pursue a series of economic deals—from AI chips to a Qatari jet. Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin…
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Episode 343 - From DC to City Hall to the Vatican
The Public Strategies team breaks down New York’s response to the federal landscape—from congestion pricing and the SALT cap to the high-stakes mayoral race. Plus, a look at the global stage: what the appointment of the new American Pope means for U.S. influence in the Vatican and beyond.…
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Episode 342 - An unprecedented beginning
Back in office with the energy of a first term and unburdened by the political considerations of a second, Trump has acted with urgency to do what he said he was going to do on the campaign trail, deploying a high-stakes tariff strategy, shrinking the federal government, and enforcing strict...
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Episode 341 - The State of Play on Tariffs and Taxes
President Trump is leveraging bold strategies to pursue his economic and fiscal agenda. With Republican control of the executive and legislative branches, the party is pursuing symbiotic priorities: tariffs and tax cuts. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Kyle...
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Episode 340 - US Tariffs Spark Global Backlash, Economic Uncertainty
Trump’s tariff announcement disrupted global markets, catching international leaders and the business community off guard and fueling economic anxiety. Why the surprise? How can they still engage the administration productively? The news of the tariffs, along with elections in Wisconsin and…
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Episode 339 - The Shutdown That Wasn’t
The first quarter of 2025 has been a wild ride in Washington, from the government shutdown that wasn’t to a shifting political battleground between the executive branch and the courts. Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.
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Episode 338 - Fast and Furious Tariffs
Both the Republican and Democratic parties have consistently failed to meaningfully address the growing national debt and deficit across multiple administrations. Has this ongoing fiscal neglect paved the way for movements like MAGA to present alternative solutions aimed at restoring economic...
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Episode 337 - The (Not-So) State of the Union?
Between Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress, his fluctuating trade and tariff policies, and the threat of a government shutdown, politicos question whether the president’s actions are more performance than policy. With no clear leader or unified message, how much longer will Democrats...
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Episode 336- The Cost of Musk’s Efficiency Revolution
Most Americans agree the federal government overspends and our debt is unsustainable. But Elon Musk’s approach at the Department of Government Efficiency is challenging assumptions—not about the problem, but the execution. Instead of the usual bureaucratic reshuffle, he’s taking unprecedented...
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Episode 335 - Where are the Democrats?
President Trump appears to be following through on his promises, while the Democratic Party seems unprepared to effectively counter his actions. The question arises: who will step forward as the leader to challenge this trajectory? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you’re looking for a political podcast that goes beyond the national headlines, tune in to The Beltway & Beyond. Each week, a bipartisan group of former federal, state, and local elected officials, senior administration appointees, legislative staff, campaign strategists, and lobbyists from across the East Coast and Midwest share boots-on-the-ground perspectives on the issues shaping Washington and communities nationwide. We don’t just analyze politics—we live it. The Beltway & Beyond delivers informed, practical conversations from both sides of the aisle that cut through the noise and connect national debates to local impact.
HOSTED BY
Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Beltway & Beyond have?
The Beltway & Beyond currently has 336 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Beltway & Beyond about?
If you’re looking for a political podcast that goes beyond the national headlines, tune in to The Beltway & Beyond. Each week, a bipartisan group of former federal, state, and local elected officials, senior administration appointees, legislative staff, campaign strategists, and lobbyists from...
How often does The Beltway & Beyond release new episodes?
The Beltway & Beyond publishes regularly with 336 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Beltway & Beyond?
You can listen to The Beltway & Beyond on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Beltway & Beyond?
The Beltway & Beyond is created and hosted by Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies.
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