Twenty-five years ago, Jack O'Donnell took a leap and founded O'Donnell & Associates with one goal: build a public affairs firm focused on solving problems.

Did he ever imagine it would grow into what it is today?

In this candid conversation, Jack reflects on the moments that shaped him—both professionally and personally—and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Inside this episode:

• Why he decided to start his own lobbying firm
• How growing up in a family devoted to public service shaped his career
• The life-changing health scare that gave him a different perspective on leadership and success
• What he's most proud of after 25 years
• And what's next for O'Donnell & Associates

Whether you've known Jack for years or are meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers a look behind the title—and the story behind the firm. Give it a listen!

The campaign trail is getting busier. The policy debates are getting louder. And with the midterms fast approaching, the political stakes are only getting higher.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we discuss:

• What's behind Governor Hochul's statewide tour defending her data center moratorium?
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also hits the road to shore up votes for Democrats in the midterms.
• Can NY Democrats regain a veto-proof majority in the State Senate?
• How NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plans to address his next budget challenge.

• A new poll and wild accusations shake up the race for NY governor.
• What's next for Upstate New York? Jack shares his outlook on the region's economy & opportunities ahead.

Give it a listen!

What does a lobbyist actually do?

It's one of the questions we hear most, and in this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we're answering it.

This week, we turn the spotlight on the profession itself, taking you inside the world of government affairs and separating fact from fiction.

Listen in as we discuss:

• How Jack got into the lobbying profession after years in politics and government.

• What lobbyists really do, and why the work is often misunderstood.

• How government affairs helps organizations navigate policy and connect with decision-makers.

• When businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations should consider hiring a lobbying firm.

• The biggest misconceptions about lobbying—and what people often get wrong.

🎧 Whether you're curious about the profession or wondering if government affairs could help your organization, this episode offers an inside look at how lobbying really works!

Big decisions. Big questions. And another busy week in New York politics.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the headlines and what to watch next.

Listen in as we discuss:

• ​Why Governor Hochul paused new data center projects, and why some are saying it’s a mistake.

• ​Bruce Blakeman's campaign cash claims. Why are there conflicting fundraising numbers?

• ​A new warning from the state comptroller raises questions about New York's financial future. Is the budget built to last?

• ​The search for Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes' successor and what it could mean for Albany.

• ​A key U.S. Senate seat suddenly opens. How could it reshape the political landscape?

• ​The World Cup brought global attention to the region & the country. What was the impact beyond the economic boost?

Got 15 minutes? Worth a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack goes behind the headlines to explain what's driving the latest political shifts, and what they could mean for voters, lawmakers, and business leaders.

In this episode:

• Why two new polls tell completely different stories about Governor Hochul's reelection chances.

• Would Congresswoman Elise Stefanik have been Hochul's toughest Republican challenger? Jack reveals his pick.

• Progressives are winning across New York, so why has Hochul avoided a serious challenge from the left?

• Jack's take on the governor's AI-powered review of state regulations.

• Should New York City Council members vote themselves an 18% pay raise?

• Despite political uncertainty, why are banks, law firms, and AI companies pouring billions into New York City?

Let Jack help you make sense of this week's biggest stories! Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the latest political shakeups, policy battles, and what they could mean as attention turns toward the midterms.

Listen in as we discuss:

• A surprise Democratic primary upset in Syracuse. Is the progressive movement gaining ground Upstate?

• Is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries vulnerable? And can he help Democrats regain control of the House?

• New York City's new budget. Is it a real solution—or just a temporary fix?

• A major court ruling clears the way for New York's all-electric buildings law. What's next?

• A new Siena poll gives Governor Hochul a boost, but voters aren't buying one of Albany's biggest proposals.

• As America approaches its 250th birthday, Jack reflects on this milestone, what the future holds, and why he is proud to be an American!

Give it a listen!

The votes are in—now the real impact begins. This week on 'From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell,' we unpack a primary election that is reshaping the political conversation across New York.

In this episode:

• How much political muscle does Mayor Zohran Mamdani really have?
• Why incumbents suddenly look a lot more vulnerable
• Can progressive candidates deliver on the promises driving their support?
• What Anthony Constantino's Trump-backed victory says about the NY GOP
• The upset in Erie County that could shake up local Democratic politics
• And some takeaways from Election Night that everyone should be paying attention to

Listen now to 'From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell!'

Primary Day is around the corner, and while turnout may be low, the political stakes are anything but!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we look at the races that could reveal where New York Democrats and perhaps the country is headed next.

In this episode:

• ​How will progressive Democrats fare?
• ​What the primary results could mean for Congress in November
• ​The multi-billion-dollar budget gaps looming over Albany
• ​Is New York doing enough to keep residents from leaving?
• ​Why the debate over taxing the wealthy isn't going away anytime soon
• ​And Jack shares highlights from his trip to the World Cup

Politics, policy, and a few stories you won't find in the headlines.

Listen now to From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell!

The budget was late. The session was a blur. And now legislative leaders in Albany are calling these past two months productive.

This week on From the Lobby, Jack O'Donnell breaks down the wins, the loose ends, and the political consequences of one of the strangest legislative sessions in recent memory.

Inside this episode:

• ​The budget is done. The session is over. Can lawmakers campaign on what was accomplished?
• ​Why did the state budget grow by another $8 billion?
• ​How will the major leadership shakeups coming next year to Albany impact the power structure?
• ​A redistricting proposal could be decided by voters—can it pass?
• ​Does Governor Hochul put her signature on New York's controversial data center moratorium?
• ​And in Washington, Republicans unite behind new ICE and Border Patrol funding. What does it say about President Trump's grip on Congress?

Give it a listen!

Lawmakers are heading out the door in Albany. Whichpriorities made the cut... and which ones quietly ran out of time?

In this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell,Jack takes you inside the final sprint, where deals happen fast, tensions rise, and every vote counts.

Inside this episode:

• Jack’s thoughts on the marathon finish and the session overall
• A controversial push to make redistricting easier—smart strategy or political escalation?
• New York’s AI dilemma: can the state regulate data centers without driving away the future?
• Why a major packaging and recycling bill stalled out
• How far do protections go to stop companies from changing prices based on your personal data?
• What some hot primary races will say about the direction of political parties

Give it a listen!