Best Capitol Dispatch Podcasts (2025)

1
Shontell reflects on the Cuomo mayoral primary campaign - Part 2 29:14

1d ago29:14

29:14

The race to be the Democratic mayoral nominee in New York City is in the rear view mirror, so Shontell Smith is making good on her promise this spring to peel back the curtain on her work for Andrew Cuomo's unsuccesful primary bid. In the second part of our conversation, the Tusk Strategies partner reveals that progressives wanted to work behind th…

1
Shontell reflects on the Cuomo mayoral primary campaign - Part 1 29:48

4d ago29:48

29:48

The race to be the Democratic mayoral nominee in New York City is in the rear view mirror, so Shontell Smith is making good on her promise this spring to peel back the curtain on her work for Andrew Cuomo's unsuccesful primary bid. The Tusk Strategies partner explains what she did as political director for the Cuomo campaign, addresses possible mis…

1
A western NY perspective on Zohran Mamdani's meteoric rise 27:37

8d ago27:37

27:37

Assemblyman Pat Burke thinks everyone needs to calm down about his Queens colleague, who may be the next mayor of New York City. The western New York Democrat is responding to what he feels are misplaced fears about Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani's personal beliefs and agenda, as well as the Democratic politicians falling all over themselves to denounc…

1
Radical transparency and progressive politics at core of new polling firm 33:59

15d ago33:59

33:59

After more than a decade of working for other people, political pollster Adam Carlson is ready to work for himself and has launched a new polling and research firm. He joins the show to discuss his business model and how he hopes to drum up business, before wading into the New York City mayoral polling, Gov. Kathy Hochul's reluctance to embrace Ass…

1
Where does the NYC DSA go from here? 32:16

22d ago32:16

32:16

A commanding victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary this summer by Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist from Queens, raises new possibilities and challenges for the New York City Democratic Socialists of America. We discuss the NYC DSA's role in uplifting Mamdani's campaign and how they'll support his agenda moving f…

1
The uphill battle of lobbying for kids and families 28:55

29d ago28:55

28:55

Politicians on both sides of the aisle talk about their support for families, so why is it so hard to get major policy and spending initiatives enacted in Planet Albany that demonstrably improve their lives? Universal child care is still years away at best. The effort to reduce child poverty in half is going in slow motion. And the health care syst…

1
Assembly Republicans have joined the drafting!!! 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

We're drafting again at the urging of Assembly members Josh Jensen and Ed Ra. The Assembly Republicans join Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, Raga Justin, a Capitol reporter for the Times Union, and David Lombardo, the host with most, to pick Planet Albany's best dressed, funniest, and best talker, as well as the Capitol rep…

1
The 1st Annual Dispatches Awards! 50:51

1M ago50:51

50:51

We're handing out "The Dispatches" awards for the 2025 legislative session! Host David Lombardo, Times Union Capitol reporter Raga Justin, and Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark recognize the environmental movement, smartphone restrictions in school, Medical Aid in Dying, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, "affordability," Sen. James Skoufis and man…

1
In the Albany lobbying trenches with Shontell Smith 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

The lobbying restrictions were off Shontell Smith this past legislative session, so we talked with the Tusk Strategies partner about her efforts this year to move bills through the state Assembly and Senate. We discuss a controversial measure paving the way to a casino in Queens, the stress of last-minute bill amendments, asking for meetings with s…

1
Antonio Delgado's path to the executive mansion - Part 2 20:27

2M ago20:27

20:27

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has embarked on a longshot bid to be the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2026, so we wanted to explore what the path looks like to beating Gov. Kathy Hochul next June. Mapping out this course is Rebecca Garrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, which is playing footsie with Delgado. In the second par…

1
Antonio Delgado's path to the executive mansion - Part 1 32:34

2M ago32:34

32:34

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has embarked on a longshot bid to be the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2026, so we wanted to explore what the path looks like to beating Gov. Kathy Hochul next June. Mapping out this course is Rebecca Garrrard, co-executive director of Citizen Action of New York, which is playing footsie with Delgado. In the first par…

1
Navigating the chaos of the cannabis industry 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

The passage of four years since the legalization of marijuana has done little to calm these rocky waters and bring stability to this chaotic industry. To discuss how the wind is currently blowing in the cannabis landscape, we checked in with Katie Neer, who is of counsel with Dickinson & Avella. Katie and host David Lombardo talked about an anonymo…

1
Beating the end of session blahs with Ken Zebrowski 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

There are two weeks left on the legislative calendar and staff, lobbyists and state lawmakers are already feeling the crunch. So we explore what it's like navigating this stressful time period and whether anything big will get done down the stretch this session with former Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, a lobbyist with Brown & Weinraub. Host David Lomb…

1
Drafting political movies 1:08:00

3M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

We're drafting again and this time we've got a new cast of characters selecting their favorite political movies. Host David Lombardo is joined by Amanda Henning Santiago, of The Parkside Group, and Sam Alberti, formerly of the executive chamber. We're picking six different categories of films, exploring what constitutes a political movie, and debat…

1
Hate in schools and session updates 14:49

3M ago14:49

14:49

Idaho makes a teacher take down an "Everyone is Welcome" sign, because they either don't want everyone to feel welcome, or they just hate millennials. Also, Henry has some updates from the state Senate session.By Capitol Dispatch

1
CT House GOP budget cuts programs CT relies on 12:46

3M ago12:46

12:46

CT House GOP budget cuts programs CT relies on and updates from the Pratt and Whitney strike, NAACP Day at the Capitol and the impact of Republican Medicaid cuts to CT.By Capitol Dispatch

1
The budget goes out with a whimper 32:53

3M ago32:53

32:53

The state budget is in the rear view mirror, so we pick through some of the leftover crumbs and consider what tasty stories are left for the rest of session with Shontell Smith, a partner with Tusk Strategies. We also explore the budget dynamics between the state legislature and governor with former state Budget Director Bob Megna, who also reveals…

1
How "Medical Aid in Dying" got an Assembly vote 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

Controversial legislation allowing terminally ill New Yorkers to end their lives with the help of a doctor received a vote in the Assembly this spring, surprising Capitol observers because the measure divided important constituencies in the Assembly majority, has no guarantee of getting a vote in the Senate and might be dead on arrival if it gets t…

1
Classroom Blues, Trust Act and session update 13:30

3M ago13:30

13:30

The Trump administration has no problem with racism in schools; CT democrats call for a stronger Trust Act and what bills did the senate pass last week? Henry has more.By Capitol Dispatch

1
Where's the budget? 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith and Capitol Pressroom host David Lombardo try to explain why "Medical Aid in Dying" legislation got a vote in the Assembly this week. Then they talk about the state of the budget (which we still haven't seen) and whether any of the highlights championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul will resonate with voters. Along the…

1
Moving South and Narcan Training 9:30

3M ago9:30

9:30

Folks movin' south are finding Republican policies kinda make life suck, and an important Narcan training at the capitol. Henry has more.By Capitol Dispatch

1
Contenders, pretenders, and ascenders in the GOP gubernatorial field 27:40

4M ago27:40

27:40

The field of Republican candidates for governor in 2026 is starting to take shape, so we wanted to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the big names who are out there and consider what it will take for the GOP to win back the executive mansion in next year. Our guest is Chapin Fay, a conservative communications and political strategist, who is f…

1
Republican Abortion Bans Backfire and Protecting the Autism Community 8:56

4M ago8:56

8:56

In this episode, Henry takes a look at the poor results of Republican-led abortion bans and a new proposed law that would make interactions with cops and those who are autistic much safer.By Capitol Dispatch

1
Shontell's revenge 28:01

4M ago28:01

28:01

Tusk Strategies partner Shontell Smith brings the fury and wrath of a vengeful god to this episode, as she responds to last week's political draft on the podcast, when her firm was not selected in the "Most Powerful Lobbying Firm" category. She addresses this omission and other categories from the draft, before discussing state budget negotiations …

1
Trump Cuts Heating Assistance Staff and the Legal Community Sounds Alarm 13:53

4M ago13:53

13:53

Trump Cuts Heating Assistance Staff and the Legal Community Sounds AlarmBy Capitol Dispatch

1
We're drafting again!!! 45:56

4M ago45:56

45:56

Based on the success of our first Dispatches from Planet Albany draft, we're going back to the well and drafting new categories. We're drafting most powerful interest groups, most effective PR consultants, best LG choice for Governor Hochul in 2026, and much more. Teams are being assembled by Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter…

1
Critical Thinking and More Trump Cuts 9:38

4M ago9:38

9:38

The party of freedoms just banned critical thinking in college and the Trump administration keeps on cutting. Henry has more.By Capitol Dispatch

1
So you've died and gone to budget purgatory 39:38

4M ago39:38

39:38

At this point in the state budget process, a few days into the new fiscal year and high-level negotiations still hammering out major sticking points, there isn't much for rank-and-file state lawmakers to do when they're at the Capitol. We talked with Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, a Brooklyn Democrat, now working on her fifth budget, about how she…

1
Republican Policies Lead to Measles Outbreaks...So Yeah That Stinks 13:09

4M ago13:09

13:09

CT Democrats urge vaccination as Republicans push policies that led to a measles outbreak. And Connecticut's first tech-focused caucus is formed.By Capitol Dispatch

1
Skoufis on failed DNC bid, 2026, and New York Dems 32:45

4M ago32:45

32:45

State Sen. James Skoufis may not have gotten to lead the DNC, but he did get the next best thing: an invite to this podcast. We talked with the Orange County Democrat about his unsuccessful national leadership bid, his political ambition in New York, the 2026 race for governor, and reforming the Democratic state party.…

1
Democrats Look to Make CT Affordable ... Republicans Don't Wanna 14:58

4M ago14:58

14:58

Henry breaks down why Democrats look to make CT affordable ... aaaand Republicans don't wanna. Also, CT residents are NOT Happy with Trump and looking to protect Medicaid and social securityBy Capitol Dispatch

1
Held for consideration 34:45

5M ago34:45

34:45

This week's Dispatches from Planet Albany episode features content that couldn't fit on the radio, but is perfect for political nerds looking for inside baseball conversations. We peppered state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about his political ambitions, who he's backing for governor in 2026, the debate over aging elected officials, and how he'll appro…

1
So...what's going on with Medicaid? 13:57

5M ago13:57

13:57

So... what's going on with Medicaid? Henry Chisholm breaks down the uncertainty and what cuts could mean for CT. Also, in a special report CT Dems agree to provide millions in funding for non-profits as federal funding hangs in the balance.By Capitol Dispatch

1
100% chance we're talking election betting 45:58

5M ago45:58

45:58

Did you know you can legally bet on political outcomes in America? And not just big elections, but obscure political races in New York City or the fate of Gov. Kathy Hochul's rebate check proposal. In light of host David Lombardo jumping into this world with both feet, we explore the odds behind some of the most hotly discussed elections in Planet …

1
Child Tax Credit and the Anti-Trump Rally in Hartford 10:15

5M ago10:15

10:15

Bringing Back the Child Tax Credit, and CT residents rally against TrumpBy Capitol Dispatch

1
The politics of the prison strike 29:15

5M ago29:15

29:15

We explore what contributed to the wildcat strike by prison guards around New York and whether there is a long-term solution to the underlying tension in the state corrections system. Our guest is Chris Gelardi, a reporter with New York Focus.

1
Yankee Institute and DOE attacks 12:08

5M ago12:08

12:08

The Yankee Institute isn't what you may think, and they just cited a report from a well-known hate group. Also, a special report on the impact of GOP cuts to public education.By Capitol Dispatch

1
So you're telling me there's a chance 46:21

5M ago46:21

46:21

For our banter with Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith, we discuss the conscious decoupling between Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Then we reflect on the governor's underwhelming effort to put so-called guardrails on the powers of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Our deep dive this show is into the 21st Congressional District an…

1
Delgado splits from Hochul 16:11

6M ago16:11

16:11

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado formally detached his political future from Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, announcing he would not be running for re-election in 2026. In light of this shakeup in the political landscape, we had to do a bonus episode of the podcast and we turned to Rich Azzopardi, a veteran of years of gubernatorial drama and now the founder …

1
Fantasy Lawmaker Draft 50:04

6M ago50:04

50:04

We're breaking new ground on the podcast and holding our first ever fantasy draft, where we choose elected officials for six different categories. Our teams will be assembled by Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter for the Times Union, Raga Justin, a Capitol reporter for the Times Union, and David Lombardo, home cook. After you …

1
Public Health and Black History Month 18:39

6M ago18:39

18:39

On this week’s episode of Capitol Dispatch, we take a deeper dive into far-right attacks #publichealth in America. Plus, we sit down with State Senator Douglas McCrory. Listen on SoundCloud and YouTube @capitol-dispatch!By Capitol Dispatch

1
It's Caucus Weekend in Albany 37:56

6M ago37:56

37:56

This weekend is one of the biggest celebrations in Planet Albany, as the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators hosts its 54th Annual Conference. We talk about the glitz and glamour, the workshops, overhauling the association's scholarships, and the code of conduct with Charlene Gayle, the organization's exe…

1
Is the gravitational pull of Planet Albany weakening? 36:02

6M ago36:02

36:02

Democratic consultant Bradley Honan, president and CEO of the Honan Strategy Group, is making the case that power in state government has become more diffuse (while still acknowledging that the legislative leaders and governor still call the shots). We also get our first "Delgado Watch" update from Jason Beeferman, author of the Politico New York P…

1
Minimum wage and a look back at January 10:50

6M ago10:50

10:50

Minimum wage and a look back at January by Capitol DispatchBy Capitol Dispatch

1
NYC polling and election calendar maneuvering 27:36

6M ago27:36

27:36

On this bonus episode, we're joined by Democratic political operative Bradley Honan, CEO & President of the Honan Strategy Group. Up first, we discuss the potential fallout for Democrats in New York if they adjust the election calendar to extend the vacancy of a GOP congressional seat. Then we learn why Honan is polling the New York City Democratic…

1
Not much energy in environmental conservation at the Capitol 29:14

6M ago29:14

29:14

Politico New York reporter Marie French explains the latest delays in implementing cap-and-invest, considers the ramifications of the governor's likely pick to lead the DEC, and reveals the New Zealand snack that fueled her budget hearing consumption. And we also check in with Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith, who gabs about "widely attended …

1
Busting Crime Rate Myths; Introducing Sen. Paul Honig! 13:21

6M ago13:21

13:21

On this week's episode of the Capitol Dispatch podcast, we're busting myths about violent crime rates in #CT and across the country.By Capitol Dispatch

1
Shontell's how-to guide to being a lobbyist and digesting the budget 27:17

7M ago27:17

27:17

Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith is back on the podcast to answer a listener question about her favorite lobbyist, explain how she digests the budget (compared to her time in the Senate), and address the challenges standing in the way of a final budget deal this year.

1
A uniquely Hochul state of the state 30:15

7M ago30:15

30:15

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered a State of the State address that was emblematic of her policy priorities and rhetorical style, as she offered homespun pearls of wisdoms and western New York anecdotes to pitch her affordability and safety agenda to policymakers, interested stakeholders, and the press. We break down the big day and what could happen nex…

1
Assembly Dems identify committee chairs and some 2025 priorities 26:12

7M ago26:12

26:12

This past week marked the return to Albany by state lawmakers, staff, and lobbyists, as both houses had their opening days of session. And amid the pomp and free food, there was also some news, with legislative leaders (vaguely) identifying their session priorities and tapping committee chairs. We're exploring what to expect from the people's house…

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