Jeff Johnston
Peter Schorsch and Jeff Johnston take a deep dive into the streaming sports-related content available now in lieu of actual season game play. They dig into The Last Dance and give their takes on the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate. Peter compares lobbying in Tallahassee to the NBA, with fierce competition to get major lobbying contracts. He and Jeff agree that from the top five and the top 20 firms, there are excellent lobbyists in every one. Johnston talks about the dynamic of his firm and his work with his business partner Amanda Stewart. He says working in Tallahassee is still a bit of a boy’s club and he’s deeply impressed by all of the women he’s surrounded by. Peter talks about the many firsts still ahead for women in the legislature, but looks forward to the day when women like his daughter Ella no longer have to worry about the obstacles in their way. Johnston says coronavirus got real for him because of his family. His father, battling cancer, was highly immunocompromised and therefore susceptible to COVID-19. His daughter is a senior in high school, who had long been planning her senior cruise. Cancelling that cruise was the moment things began to get truly real for the Johnston family. Johnston’s father passed away three weeks ago, something he handles with grace and poise throughout the podcast. He explains that his father lived a good life and went out on his own terms. Finally, Johnston makes excellent book recommendations. He suggests a series by Jack Carr, a pen name for co-writers that include Keith Wood, a government affairs professional in The Process. The first book, The Terminal List, was just picked up for a movie contract, starring Chris Pratt. Special Guest: Jeff Johnston.