The Beltway & Beyond

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
  • 5.0 (31)
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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.

  1. Episode 374 - In-Conversation: Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh on Bridging Divides in a Fragmented World

    APR 13

    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 humanity in a divided world. Drawing on her experience across government and global platforms like the World Economic Forum and Munich Security Conference, she reflects on what it means to lead across cultural, political, and societal divides. Together, they explore geopolitics, the current conflict in the Middle East, rising global polarization, and the leadership traits required to build trust, foster dialogue, and drive progress across communities.

    55 min
  2. Episode 373 - Tax Policy in 2026: What Business Leaders Need to Know

    MAR 30

    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 tax debates likely to shape the rest of 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC) and Sean Clerget (DC).

    28 min
  3. Episode 372 - In-Conversation: Michael Gips on Navigating Risk in a Polycrisis Era

    MAR 16

    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 of the moment, security and risk professionals are scanning the horizon, identifying fractures in the foundation of institutions before they become crises. From AI-driven disruption to politically fueled threats, they operate where ambiguity is constant and the stakes are high. Together, they explore how these professionals stay grounded and persuade leaders to prepare for risks they cannot yet see, and why that mindset is increasingly essential across every sector.

    46 min
  4. Episode 371 - Priced Out: Inside America’s Housing Crisis

    MAR 2

    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 to different communities — from those experiencing homelessness to middle-income families struggling to stay put. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Katrell Lewis (NY), and Brianna Westbrooks (PA).

    42 min
  5. Episode 370 - In-Conversation: Kathryn Lowell on Leadership & Presence in Turbulent Times

    FEB 16

    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 to project presence without proximity, and why human skills like listening and intuition matter more than ever in today’s workplace. Together, they examine how leaders can serve as a steadying force for their teams, balancing authenticity and authority in a world shaped by simultaneous technological, economic, and political disruption.

    59 min
  6. Episode 369 - Spanberger’s Virginia: Can the Moderate Line Hold?

    FEB 9

    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 Virginia’s political “purple” center, or will progressives pull the state left? As the 2026 midterms approach, could Virginia offer an early preview of how governing realities collide with electoral politics? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Julia Hammond (VA), and Heidi Hertz (VA).

    23 min
  7. Episode 368 - Mamdani First 30 Days & Key NY Congressional Races

    JAN 26

    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 state and federal races to watch ahead of 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman (DC), Jamie Ansorge (NY), and Rose Christ (NY).

    27 min
  8. Episode 367 - In-Conversation: Jamie Metzl on the Superconvergence of the AI, Biotech & Genetics Revolutions

    JAN 19

    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 unprecedented speed, the time between transformative revolutions—from fire and agriculture to industrialization and now AI—continues to shrink. Together, they explore what this superconvergence means for humanity, why innovation is accelerating faster than our institutions, and how the choices made today will shape the future of civilization.

    49 min
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

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 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Beltway & Beyond

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