From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell

This podcast features a behind-the-scenes look at politics and government from New York State to Washington, DC with Jack O’Donnell, an Albany insider and Managing Partner of O’Donnell and from the lobby podcast with Jack O'Donnell ogo Associates, a top lobbying firm that helps clients all over the country cut through government red tape.

Don’t be stuck on the sidelines. Get a front-row seat to what’s happening in politics with Jack! From the issues that affect taxpayers and business owners to the history of the budget process in New York, Jack has the knowledge and depth of experience to cut through the rhetoric and tell you what’s really going on.

You can find our podcast on three platforms: Apple, Anchor, and Spotify. You can also listen to the latest episode below.

For weekly updates on what is happening in NY and Washington, D.C, sign up for our weekly newsletter, Monday Morning Memo, sent to your inbox each week, here.

Previous Episodes

Rebecca Fischer, NYAGV Executive Director champions community-driven gun violence prevention

Hi, everyone. Welcome to From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, a podcast that gives listeners an inside look at state and federal politics with Jack, managing partner of O'Donnell & Associates, a top New York lobbying and public affairs firm. I'm Joanna Pasceri,...

Brighton’s Nate Salzman Talks Climate Action, Local Politics, and Life as a Young Councilman

In this episode, Alec Lewis interviews Nate Salzman, a young councilman from Brighton, New York, who shares his journey in politics, his commitment to climate action, and the challenges of balancing family life with public service. They discuss the importance of...

Monday Morning Minute: Albany Budget Negotiations Public Safety MTA Funding and Midterm Elections

Our Jack O'Donnell is in Albany with the latest on NY budget talks as we enter the final few days before the deadline to approve a state spending plan.

He's joins us 'From the Lobby' to talk:

---> Vibe in Albany

---> Challenges to Governor's public safety reforms

---> Fate of cell phones in schools

---> DC Dems in disarray & midterm woes

---> Will NY's budget be on-time?

Give it a listen!!

Monday Morning Minute: One House Budget Proposals Criminal Justice Reforms and Tariff Impact

Albany is in the thick of budget talks after the NY Senate and Assembly have approved their One-House budgets.

Jack unpacks the spending proposals and talks about where legislators stand on criminal justice reforms, inflation rebate checks, and the cell phone ban in schools.

Also, the impact of Canadian tariffs on NY and can Democrats in D.C. get along?

Worth a listen!

Monday Morning Minute: Albany Tensions Rise as Budget Deadlines and D.C. Drama Collide

Jack is in Albany as he joins us "From the Lobby" with an update on the budget process. Call it March Madness... politics style!

What can we expect from the Senate and Assembly versions of the budget?

Which issues from the Governor's budget will they push back on, and can everyone agree on a final deal by the April 1st deadline?

Plus, where do federal budget talks stand just days away from a possible shutdown?

Check it out!

Monday Morning Minute: How NIL Is Reshaping College Athletics and Student Athlete Opportunity

Our own Alec Lewis is back at the mic as he goes 'From the Lobby' with Christopher Wyatt, former captain of the University at Albany basketball team and founder of Danes of Greatness, a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective launched to support the UAlbany men's basketball program.

Listen as they talk about the role of collectives in college athletics, community and corporate partnerships, the changing landscape of college sports recruitment, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond college.

Check it out!

Monday Morning Minute: Mayor Adams on Thin Ice, MTA Crunch, and Washington Budget Battles

In this week's Monday Morning Minute, Jack unpacks the unfolding legal drama surrounding NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Will a judge allow the charges against him to be dropped and what's next if he resigns or is removed from office?

Plus, it is NY v. DC over congestion pricing. Who wins, and what's the potential impact on the MTA?

Jack also weighs in on the corrections officer strike and discusses the political tensions on Capitol Hill over the federal budget as a government shutdown looms large.

Give it a listen!

Sonya Smith on NY Small Business Growth, Advocacy & Economic Impact

Our Alec Lewis is at the mic as he continues our series profiling New York's business community with Sonya Smith, State Director of the NY Small Business Development Center.

Listen as they discuss:

--> The demographics of NY's small business owners

--> Impact of the incoming Trump Administration on NY's small businesses

--> Empowering diverse entrepreneurs for economic growth

Jack O’Donnell on Trump’s Victory, GOP Agenda & NY Political Shift

We're back in the new year with a comprehensive look at the politics and policies in play for New York State and Washington, D.C.

Our 2025 Albany Preview is out!

Listen as our Jack O'Donnell breaks down the busy legislative season ahead:

--> NY/DC relationship under Trump

-->Most contentious budget issues in NY

-->Fiscal health of the Empire State

-->Governor Hochul's image and upcoming reelection campaign

-->Hottest election in 2025 is here in NY!

Monday Morning Minute-Housing Boom: 12-9-2024

In the conversation, Joanna Pasceri and Jack O’Donnell discuss the New York City’s ambitious $5 billion housing program aimed at creating 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years, with $1 billion from New York state.