Data center demand is no longer theoretical. It is reshaping grid planning, infrastructure investment, and energy policy across the country.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford speaks with former Texas Public Utility Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty — founder of the Office of Electricity at the U.S. Department of Energy and a leader in transmission expansion and grid reliability.

They discuss:

• The difference between cloud data centers and AI training loads
• Why ERCOT could see tens of gigawatts of new demand by 2030
• How battery storage is changing reliability dynamics
• Whether nuclear can meet near-term demand
• The reality of supply chain constraints in gas and nuclear technologies
• Affordability pressures and what consumers should expect
• Why Texas remains committed to grid independence

As AI-driven load growth accelerates and markets debate reliability, transmission, and permitting reform, this conversation offers a grounded look at what is realistic — and what is not — for the next phase of American energy development.

The podcast episode features a conversation between John Ashford and Chris Wilson, CEO of Eyes Over, discussing social media monitoring, artificial intelligence, and its impact on politics and corporate decision-making.

Takeaways

• Social media monitoring provides real-time opinion-based analysis, capturing dynamics and momentum rather than just attitudes.
• AI-driven conversational persuasion outperforms traditional political advertising, focusing on relatability and emotional mirroring.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Across the Isle Podcast
• 06:07 Advantages of Social Monitoring
• 12:21 Process of Social Media Monitoring
• 18:50 Impact of AI on Politics
• 24:35 Recent Findings and Surprises

Looking more internationally than our usual domestic political junkies’ views, this episode wraps up 2025 and looks – however dimly – into 2026 with one of the genuine experts on international relations, China and Russia.

Graham Allison, Ph.D., is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard University where for years he was Dean of the Kennedy School of Government, with time off to serve as Assistant Secretary of State. Author of the seminal work on presidential decision making, Essence of a Decision, he has more recently authored – and briefed the Premier of China and the President of the United States – Destined for War, analyzing the threat of an emerging power to an established and dominant power.

In this episode, we talk about China and Russia, as well as everything from the prospects of war in Venezuela to the prospects of peace in Gaza.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Political Uncertainty

03:08 International Developments and Their Impact

05:54 The Situation in Venezuela and Potential Conflict

09:02 The Role of Congress in Foreign Policy

12:10 Reassessing U.S.-China Relations

14:51 Trump's Approach to China and Global Dynamics

18:05 The Complexity of U.S.-China Rivalry

20:59 The Ukraine Conflict and Diplomatic Challenges

24:00 Final Thoughts on Global Security and Future Prospects

In this conversation, John sits down with Charlie Cook to discuss the current political landscape following the recent elections, focusing on the implications of redistricting, the challenges faced by political leaders like Chuck Schumer, and the importance of candidate quality in swing states. They explore the identity crisis within the Democratic Party and the role of independents in shaping election outcomes, while also looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 and 2028 elections.

Welcome to Across the Aisle, a podcast from The Hawthorn Group, where politics and business meet in conversation. Hosted by Hawthorn Founder & CEO John Ashford, each episode explores how elections, policy decisions, and regulatory shifts shape the industries that power America — and how those same industries influence political outcomes at every level of government.

Joined by Hawthorn’ staff and a rotating roster of thought leaders from both sides of the aisle, John takes listeners inside the rooms where strategy, regulation, and leadership intersect. Expect smart, civil, and deeply informed discussions about the real-world forces driving outcomes in energy, infrastructure, technology, and public affairs.

Episode 1: What the 2026 Elections Mean for Business and Industry

The premiere episode unpacks the 2025 election results — from Democratic gains in New Jersey and Virginia to historic upsets in Georgia’s Public Service Commission races.

Guests Skip Cimino and Craig Lesser join to discuss what these results mean for energy policy, economic development, and the future of bipartisan cooperation.

Subscribe to stay informed — and join us as we cross divides, connect perspectives, and explore the ever-evolving relationship between politics, business, and the public interest.

Learn more at hawthorngroup.com