Policy Prescriptions

Gary Jacobs

Policy Prescriptions brings you inside the conversations shaping tomorrow’s policy agenda today. Hosted by Gary Jacobs, author of The Zen Lobbyist, this show breaks down what’s happening on Capitol Hill and what it means for healthcare leaders, innovators, and decision makers. Each episode features sharp insights, real-world perspectives, and practical context around legislation, regulation, and the forces influencing public policy. Powered by Healthsperien, Policy Prescriptions connects policy to impact, so you stay informed, ahead, and prepared for what’s coming next.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    The Truth About Lobbying in Washington | Policy Prescriptions Episode 1

    What if lobbying isn’t the problem… but the solution? In this episode of Policy Prescriptions, Gary Jacobs sits down with healthcare policy leaders Andrew MacPherson and Tom Koutsoumpas to break down what lobbying actually is, how it works, and why most people misunderstand it. They explain how lobbying shapes healthcare, influences legislation, and impacts millions of lives. From the Medicare hospice benefit to modern health policy strategy, this conversation reveals how real change happens behind the scenes. You’ll also learn: Why lobbying is a core part of democracyHow policy decisions are influenced before meetings even happenThe role of storytelling, data, and trust in shaping legislationWhy access alone doesn’t drive resultsHow everyday Americans influence policy more than they thinkThis episode challenges the narrative around lobbying and shows how education, advocacy, and engagement drive real outcomes.If you care about healthcare, policy, or how decisions get made in Washington, this is a must-watch. Connect with Gary at garymjacobs.com and find our more about Tom and Andrew's work at healthsperien.com. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 What Is Lobbying Really? 01:45 Why Lobbying Gets a Bad Reputation 03:30 The Role of Advocacy in Democracy 06:00 Education vs Influence in Policy 08:00 What “Democratizing Lobbying” Means 11:00 Why Most People Don’t Understand Civics 13:00 The Real Cost of Lobbying Access 16:00 Access vs Expertise Debate 18:00 Why Storytelling Wins in Policy 21:00 The Power of Personal Stories 24:00 Do Former Politicians Have an Advantage? 26:00 What Makes an Effective Lobbyist 29:00 The Future of Lobbying and Technology 31:00 Final Lessons: Passion, Data, and Trust

    37 min

About

Policy Prescriptions brings you inside the conversations shaping tomorrow’s policy agenda today. Hosted by Gary Jacobs, author of The Zen Lobbyist, this show breaks down what’s happening on Capitol Hill and what it means for healthcare leaders, innovators, and decision makers. Each episode features sharp insights, real-world perspectives, and practical context around legislation, regulation, and the forces influencing public policy. Powered by Healthsperien, Policy Prescriptions connects policy to impact, so you stay informed, ahead, and prepared for what’s coming next.