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