It's been a jam-packed week in Washington, so we're here to break down everything major (besides impeachment) that's hit the Beltway, from USMCA to China trade agreements to the federal spending deal.

There's a lot to talk about this week in the world of trade, so we're dropping two episodes this week. First up is a great chat with Bloomberg WTO and Trade reporter Bryce Baschuk, who called in to the pod from Geneva, Switzerland. If you need a crash course on what the WTO is, does, and what changed this week, tune in to this great rundown.

Today's episode features Steve Pavlick, Head of Policy at Renaissance Macro Research and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Legislative Affairs at the Treasury Department.  We chat with Steve about USMCA, trade and China, and much more.

Tom LoBianco, former CNN Politics reporter, is the author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. Tom has covered VP Mike Pence since his days in the Indiana Statehouse to today. We chat with Tom about his book, his reporting work, and much more.

This week, the team caught up with J. Miles Coleman, the Associate Editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a comprehensive, nonpartisan political analysis and handicapping newsletter run by the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Miles chats with us about last week's election results and what they mean for the impending ramp up of the presidential election. 

Sam Brinton, head of advocacy at LGBTQ suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project, joins to podcast to discuss their work in advocacy, how PRG's Dee Martin and John Lee have been working to further Trevor's policy goals, and how Sam's other career as a nuclear scientist fits into this big picture.

Josh, Liam, and Paul discuss the latest goings-on in DC, from new Trade War drama to how America received the recent Democratic debate to the World Series-bound Washington Nationals.

PRG Co-Head Scott Segal joins us to discuss the Renewable Fuels Standard and the latest announcement on the RFS from EPA and the Department of Agriculture.

This week, 3/4 of the team discusses the tumultuous week we've had in DC and what that means for the still-necessary lawmaking work that needs to get done before 2020 begins.

This week, we're joined by Matt Mackowiak, Republican political consultant with a finger to the pulse of Texas politics in particular, to discuss a variety of Texas-centric political topics, including Texodus, #TXSEN, Beto, and 2020 chatter. Tune in for an excellent discussion on the ever-changing world of Lone Star State politics.

Happy 100th episode! We're pleased to open this ep with a brief interview with Greg Bopp, Bracewell's Managing Partner and Lobby Shop fan. After that, the team dives into what's foremost on their minds as we prepare for Congress' return to work after August Recess on Monday.

This week, Caitlin and Paul interview our departing summer interns: Cameron Crain, Cameron Dietz, Carolyn Spector, and Sarah Brabson. These four young professionals chat about what it was like to work and live in the heart of DC, what they learned from their experiences, and what they hope future PRG and DC interns keep in mind before they start their positions.

We're thrilled to announce the newest co-host of The Lobby Shop, Caitlin Sickles! You're likely familiar with her from past episodes, but here's a refresher: Caitlin is a Principal in PRG's strategic communications team and heads up our digital media practice.

In addition to this announcement, Josh gives a crash-course on domestic terrorism, its current lack of status as a federal crime, and what that means in the wake of the latest mass shootings in America.

PRG Communications Principal Caitlin Sickles joins as a guest host today for a great interview with Steve Alexander, President of the Association of Plastic Recyclers. We discuss the misconceptions about the recycling process, the need for demand for both recyclable and recycled materials, how brands can meet sustainability goals, and what individuals can do to ensure the recycling chain flows effectively.

In the midst of Mueller Mania, Congress was busily approving a 2-year budget deal. Today, we're joined by Jack Fitzpatrick, Bloomberg Government reporter covering Congress, to talk about what's included in that deal and what it means for government spending in 2020 and 2021. Special guest-host this week is PRG Principal John Lee.

Today we're joined by Matthew Nielsen, Bracewell Partner in the firm's White Collar Defense practice, to talk about his work and what it means in the world of corporate law. Also, for photos from our intro's unboxing segment, check out our Twitter page: @TheLobbyShopPod.

We're joined this week by Asha Rangappa, former FBI Special Agent, frequent CNN counter-intelligence contributor, and Director of Admissions and Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Asha lends us her expertise in counter-intel as it applies to the Russia investigation, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's upcoming testimonies before Congress, and much more.

Scott Segal, co-head of the Policy Resolution Group, joins us this week to talk about the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, this Administration's replacement for the Obama-era Clean Power Plan. We cover the differences and similarities between ACE and CPP, the historical context for these rules, and what they mean for climate change.

On Tuesday, comedian Jon Stewart was in DC to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, and his impassioned lecture to Members went viral in a matter of hours. Here to talk about the subject of his testimony, the reauthorization of the Sept. 11th Victim Compensation Fund, is Tom O'Connor, President of the FBI Agents Association and current FBI Special Agent. We cover the prolonged health issues from first responders in NYC, DC, and Shanksville, PA; the importance of the CDC's World Trade Center Health Program; and the need for permanent reauthorization of the Sept. 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

This week, Liam and Paul take the wheel and interview our resident trade expert, the one and only Josh Zive. Right after our interview last week with CNN's Haley Byrd, the news broke that the President aims to place tariffs on all imports from Mexico. Tune in for a discussion on the logistical nightmare of this scenario, what it would mean for American consumers and businesses, and the impacts it would have on future business practice in the US.

It's time for our first return guest and we couldn't have picked better: Haley Byrd, now with CNN covering Congress, trade, and economic policy, joins us to talk about the latest developments in her areas of expertise since her last episode. We discuss her coverage of Michigan's Congressman Amash, the top issues going on in the Trade War, and much more. Follow Haley on Twitter at @byrdinator.

David Byler, Data Analyst and Political Columnist at the Washington Post, came by the studio this week to discuss the trends, twists, and turns coming from the latest political surveys. We cover Democratic Presidential hopefuls, state voting trends, how recent events have impacted (or not) perception of the President, and much more.

Follow David on Twitter at @databyler.

Colin Wilhelm, Economic Policy Reporter at the Washington Examiner, joins us for a discussion of all things national money: the results of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's first year, trade policy and comparing NAFTA and the USMCA, and how economic policy could look under some of the Democratic contenders for the Presidential nomination.

As the Spring Semester comes to a close, our excellent interns approach their final days with us here at PRG. Josh and Liam interview Aashka, Julia, Lily, and Wei Li to learn about their experiences in DC, the work they did with our team, and what advice they have for students looking for work experience in the worlds of government relations and strategic communications.

Luke Thompson, political consultant and co-host of the National Review podcast Constitutionally Speaking, joins us for a discussion of the world of consulting in politics, the 2020 presidential, and what Constitutional history can show us about modern politics.