In this episode of the Friday Reporter, I reconnect with my longtime friend Lars Lichtenfeld — an author, creator, and educator with a talent for storytelling that stretches from the classroom to the ballpark.

Lars shares stories from his time as a writer and performer, including his unforgettable experiences as a live-action character for minor league baseball franchises. We talk about the creativity, humor, and hustle that shaped his career, and how those lessons continue to influence his work today.

It’s a conversation filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a reminder of the unique paths creativity can take.

The next installment of Friday Reporter’s In the Lobby series features Kristi Rogers — a business leader, seasoned executive, and trusted advisor at the nexus of government, security, and the private sector.

Kristi shares her remarkable journey from public service to the boardroom, offering candid insights on leadership, resilience, and bridging industries during times of change. She reflects on the lessons learned from navigating high-stakes challenges and the principles that continue to guide her work today.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation that showcases why Kristi is one of Washington’s most respected voices — and a perfect guest for our In the Lobby spotlight.

This week on The Friday Reporter, I sit down with Brian Athey — chief creative officer at Push Digital Group and a true campaign architect. Brian has built a career at the intersection of politics, marketing, and storytelling, helping campaigns and organizations break through with bold, creative strategies.

In our conversation, Brian talks about his work at Push, his growing fractional CMO practice, and the lessons he’s learned guiding brands that need seasoned leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. We also dive into his podcast, The Creative Brief, where he brings sharp insight and candid perspective to the world of marketing and strategy.

From the war room to the boardroom, Brian is a strategist who knows how to shape messages that move people — and this episode shows exactly why.