Hawthorn's Across the Aisle Podcast

The Hawthorn Group
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Business

Hawthorn Chairman and CEO, John Ashford and guests from both sides of the aisle explore how elections, policy, and regulation shape America’s most heavily regulated industries — and how those industries influence political outcomes in return.

Episodes

  1. Aug 21

    Fewer Allies, More Fights: Politics, AI, and the Data Center Backlash w/Jeff Berkowitz

    In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford is joined by Jeff Berkowitz, founder and CEO of Delve Research, for a timely conversation on the political, policy, and business risks shaping the 2026 midterms. Berkowitz offers a clear-eyed view of the current political environment, including competitive Senate races, the battle for the House, anti-incumbent energy, the rise of populist and progressive forces, and the increasingly narrow margins that will define control of Washington and state capitals. The conversation then turns to one of the most important emerging public affairs challenges in the country: data centers. Ashford and Berkowitz discuss why these projects are becoming flashpoints for voter anxiety around AI, affordability, energy demand, land use, economic development, and trust in institutions. They also explore how AI is changing political and policy research, including how new tools can help organizations move faster, monitor issues more effectively, and spend more time on judgment, strategy, and action. For business leaders, public affairs professionals, policy watchers, and anyone trying to understand the connection between politics, technology, infrastructure, and public trust, this episode offers a practical look at the risks and opportunities ahead.

  2. Aug 1

    The Midterms, AI, and the Fight for Local Trust w/Michael Meyers

    In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford is joined by Michael Meyers, Executive Vice President at Tunnl Data and partner at Deep Root Analytics, for a wide-ranging conversation on the political and public affairs landscape heading into the 2026 midterms. Meyers offers his assessment of key Senate and gubernatorial races, including Michigan, Maine, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Iowa, and Alaska, while examining the turnout questions and coalition challenges shaping both parties. He also discusses the Trump effect in Republican politics, the uncertainty surrounding the House, and the early contours of the 2028 presidential race. The conversation then turns to one of the fastest-growing public affairs challenges in the country: data centers. Ashford and Meyers explore why community opposition is rising, how concerns over land use, water, energy demand, and AI are shaping local debates, and what developers must do to better explain the value of these projects. Finally, Meyers reflects on the role of AI in polling, research, and audience targeting—where it can speed analysis and improve engagement, and where original research with real people in real places remains essential. For public affairs professionals, political observers, business leaders, and anyone watching the intersection of politics, infrastructure, technology, and voter sentiment, this episode offers a timely look at the forces shaping the months ahead.

  3. Jul 12

    Across the Pond: Politics, Populism, and Public Trust

    In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford reaches across the pond for a conversation with Sir Robert Buckland, former Lord Chancellor of the United Kingdom, former Secretary of State for Wales, and longtime Member of Parliament. Together, they examine a turbulent moment in British politics and what it may reveal about broader challenges facing democracies on both sides of the Atlantic. Their conversation covers political instability in the UK, the rise of populism, voter frustration, energy costs, migration, AI, and the growing strain on public institutions and the rules-based international order. For public affairs professionals, business leaders, and anyone watching the relationship between politics, markets, and public trust, this episode offers a timely look at where British politics stands — and what lessons Americans may want to consider.

  4. Jul 2

    Reading the Political Risk Landscape w/Doug Sosnik

    In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford is joined by Doug Sosnik, longtime political strategist, senior adviser to President Bill Clinton, and one of the country’s most respected analysts of American political trends. Sosnik offers a wide-ranging look at the forces reshaping American politics: the rise of populism in both parties, the growing divide between economic winners and those struggling in a changing economy, the weakening role of traditional party institutions, and the structural realities that will shape the 2026 midterms. The conversation moves beyond the usual election-year horse race to examine what these changes mean for public affairs, advocacy, reputation, and influence. From the increasingly polarized map of American counties and states to the challenges facing candidates in competitive House and Senate races, Sosnik explains why political strategy now requires a deeper understanding of economic anxiety, voter anger, and institutional distrust. Looking ahead to 2028, Ashford and Sosnik also discuss how the old rules of presidential politics may be giving way to a more unpredictable era—one where nontraditional candidates, populist movements, and shifting coalitions could redefine both parties. For public affairs professionals, business leaders, policy watchers, and anyone trying to understand where American politics is headed, this episode offers a clear-eyed assessment of the new landscape.

  5. Jun 13

    Inside California's Political Tremors w/Kelly Calkin

    California is often viewed as politically unique, but its elections can reveal trends that eventually reach the rest of the country. In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford is joined by veteran California political strategist and public affairs expert Kelly Calkin to unpack one of the most unpredictable and consequential California primaries in recent memory. From the emergence of Javier Becerra as the Democratic frontrunner to the collapse of several high-profile campaigns, they explore how a chaotic election season reshaped the race for governor and what it may signal for the future of politics in the nation's most populous state. The conversation examines California's deep Democratic advantage, voter turnout challenges, the rise and fall of major candidates, the increasingly anti-establishment mood among voters, and the battles that will define November's elections. Along the way, Ashford and Calkin discuss Los Angeles politics, the influence of Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom's national ambitions, and why political observers across the country should be paying close attention to California. Whether you're a political professional, policy watcher, or simply interested in understanding where American politics may be headed next, this episode provides an insider's look at the forces shaping the Golden State. Topics discussed: California's 2026 gubernatorial raceJavier Becerra vs. Steve HiltonThe collapse of several major Democratic campaignsVoter turnout and enthusiasm trendsLos Angeles mayoral politicsThe future of Gavin Newsom and national Democratic politicsWhat California's elections may tell us about the country Across the Aisle is produced by The Hawthorn Group and features conversations with policymakers, strategists, journalists, and thought leaders examining the issues shaping public affairs and American politics.

  6. Apr 22

    Small Margins, Big Consequences w/Charlie Cook

    Charlie Cook returns to Across the Aisle to cut through the daily headlines and focus on the political fundamentals shaping the road to 2026. One of the nation’s most respected nonpartisan election analysts and founder of the Cook Political Report, Charlie joins John Ashford for a wide-ranging conversation on today’s closely divided electorate, the growing role of turnout over persuasion, and why many of the stories dominating the news cycle may matter less than they appear. The discussion explores the structural realities facing both parties in the House and Senate, how changes in media consumption are influencing public opinion, and why small shifts among a narrow band of voters can have outsized consequences in modern elections. Grounded in data, history, and decades of experience, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where American politics stands—and where it may be headed next.

  7. Feb 25

    The Big D: Data Centers and America’s Power Challenge w/Jimmy Glotfelty

    Data center demand is no longer theoretical. It is reshaping grid planning, infrastructure investment, and energy policy across the country. In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford speaks with former Texas Public Utility Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty — founder of the Office of Electricity at the U.S. Department of Energy and a leader in transmission expansion and grid reliability. They discuss: • The difference between cloud data centers and AI training loads • Why ERCOT could see tens of gigawatts of new demand by 2030 • How battery storage is changing reliability dynamics • Whether nuclear can meet near-term demand • The reality of supply chain constraints in gas and nuclear technologies • Affordability pressures and what consumers should expect • Why Texas remains committed to grid independence As AI-driven load growth accelerates and markets debate reliability, transmission, and permitting reform, this conversation offers a grounded look at what is realistic — and what is not — for the next phase of American energy development.

  8. Jan 2

    Polling 2.0 - The Evolution of Political Intelligence w/Christopher S. Wilson

    The podcast episode features a conversation between John Ashford and Chris Wilson, CEO of Eyes Over, discussing social media monitoring, artificial intelligence, and its impact on politics and corporate decision-making. Takeaways Social media monitoring provides real-time opinion-based analysis, capturing dynamics and momentum rather than just attitudes.AI-driven conversational persuasion outperforms traditional political advertising, focusing on relatability and emotional mirroring. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Across the Isle Podcast06:07 Advantages of Social Monitoring12:21 Process of Social Media Monitoring18:50 Impact of AI on Politics24:35 Recent Findings and Surprises

  9. 12/19/2025

    Geopolitical Risk, Rivalry, and Restraint w/Graham Allison, Ph.D.

    Looking more internationally than our usual domestic political junkies’ views, this episode wraps up 2025 and looks – however dimly – into 2026 with one of the genuine experts on international relations, China and Russia. Graham Allison, Ph.D., is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard University where for years he was Dean of the Kennedy School of Government, with time off to serve as Assistant Secretary of State. Author of the seminal work on presidential decision making, Essence of a Decision, he has more recently authored – and briefed the Premier of China and the President of the United States – Destined for War, analyzing the threat of an emerging power to an established and dominant power. In this episode, we talk about China and Russia, as well as everything from the prospects of war in Venezuela to the prospects of peace in Gaza. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Political Uncertainty 03:08 International Developments and Their Impact 05:54 The Situation in Venezuela and Potential Conflict 09:02 The Role of Congress in Foreign Policy 12:10 Reassessing U.S.-China Relations 14:51 Trump's Approach to China and Global Dynamics 18:05 The Complexity of U.S.-China Rivalry 20:59 The Ukraine Conflict and Diplomatic Challenges 24:00 Final Thoughts on Global Security and Future Prospects

  10. 11/24/2025

    How Did We Get Here and Where Do We Go Next w/Charlie Cook

    In this conversation, John sits down with Charlie Cook to discuss the current political landscape following the recent elections, focusing on the implications of redistricting, the challenges faced by political leaders like Chuck Schumer, and the importance of candidate quality in swing states. They explore the identity crisis within the Democratic Party and the role of independents in shaping election outcomes, while also looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 and 2028 elections.

  11. 11/17/2025

    What the 2025 Elections Mean for Business and Industry

    Welcome to Across the Aisle, a podcast from The Hawthorn Group, where politics and business meet in conversation. Hosted by Hawthorn Founder & CEO John Ashford, each episode explores how elections, policy decisions, and regulatory shifts shape the industries that power America — and how those same industries influence political outcomes at every level of government. Joined by Hawthorn’ staff and a rotating roster of thought leaders from both sides of the aisle, John takes listeners inside the rooms where strategy, regulation, and leadership intersect. Expect smart, civil, and deeply informed discussions about the real-world forces driving outcomes in energy, infrastructure, technology, and public affairs. Episode 1: What the 2026 Elections Mean for Business and Industry The premiere episode unpacks the 2025 election results — from Democratic gains in New Jersey and Virginia to historic upsets in Georgia’s Public Service Commission races. Guests Skip Cimino and Craig Lesser join to discuss what these results mean for energy policy, economic development, and the future of bipartisan cooperation. Subscribe to stay informed — and join us as we cross divides, connect perspectives, and explore the ever-evolving relationship between politics, business, and the public interest. Learn more at hawthorngroup.com

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Hawthorn Chairman and CEO, John Ashford and guests from both sides of the aisle explore how elections, policy, and regulation shape America’s most heavily regulated industries — and how those industries influence political outcomes in return.

Information

  • Creator
    The Hawthorn Group
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Hawthorn Group

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