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. APR 21

    From Isolation to Connection: Neil Giraldo on Music, Mental Health, and Policy

    What role does music play in mental health and loneliness? In this episode of Policy Prescriptions, Gary Jacobs sits down with legendary musician Neil Giraldo and policy leader Andrew MacPherson to explore how social isolation is shaping public health and what we can do about it. Recorded at SXSW, this conversation connects music, policy, and human connection in a way that goes beyond headlines. Neil shares his personal story of growing up with anxiety and isolation, and how music became his way out. Andrew breaks down how loneliness impacts the brain, why policymakers are finally paying attention, and what real solutions look like at the national level. You’ll learn: Why loneliness is now a public health crisisHow music creates real emotional and biological changeThe role of storytelling in influencing policyWhy “social connection” belongs in healthcareWhat needs to change in Washington right now If you care about mental health, leadership, or the future of public policy, this conversation will shift how you see connection. ⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro: Policy, loneliness, and SXSW 1:20 The social connection crisis explained 3:30 Neil Giraldo’s story of isolation and anxiety 6:40 How music became his escape 9:30 Spirituality, identity, and mental health 13:00 Why storytelling drives policy change 16:00 Music as part of the healthcare system 18:30 The science: endorphins, serotonin, and healing 20:00 What it feels like to connect with 20,000 people 22:30 Music saving lives: real fan stories 24:00 Policy solutions and funding for connection 26:00 Final thoughts: empathy, suffering, and healing

    29 min

  2. APR 2

    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
  • 2 Episodes

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Gary Jacobs
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Forbes Books
  • Show Website
    Policy Prescriptions