Show notes
What if lobbying isn’t the problem… but the solution?In this episode of Policy Prescriptions, Gary Jacobs sits down with healthcare policy leaders Andrew MacPherson and Tom Koutsoumpas to break down what lobbying actually is, how it works, and why most people misunderstand it.They explain how lobbying shapes healthcare, influences legislation, and impacts millions of lives. From the Medicare hospice benefit to modern health policy strategy, this conversation reveals how real change happens behind the scenes.You’ll also learn:Why lobbying is a core part of democracyHow policy decisions are influenced before meetings even happenThe role of storytelling, data, and trust in shaping legislationWhy access alone doesn’t drive resultsHow everyday Americans influence policy more than they thinkThis episode challenges the narrative around lobbying and shows how education, advocacy, and engagement drive real outcomes.If you care about healthcare, policy, or how decisions get made in Washington, this is a must-watch.Connect with Gary at garymjacobs.com and find our more about Tom and Andrew's work at healthsperien.com.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 What Is Lobbying Really?01:45 Why Lobbying Gets a Bad Reputation03:30 The Role of Advocacy in Democracy06:00 Education vs Influence in Policy08:00 What “Democratizing Lobbying” Means11:00 Why Most People Don’t Understand Civics13:00 The Real Cost of Lobbying Access16:00 Access vs Expertise Debate18:00 Why Storytelling Wins in Policy21:00 The Power of Personal Stories24:00 Do Former Politicians Have an Advantage?26:00 What Makes an Effective Lobbyist29:00 The Future of Lobbying and Technology31:00 Final Lessons: Passion, Data, and Trust