Light Bulb Moments: It's All About The Energy

Rhod Shaw: Inside the Real Power of Lobbying, Policy, and Perspective

Step inside Washington with a veteran lobbyist who’s spent 30 years translating between business and policy and challenging how we see politics, power, and our own biases. In this episode, you’ll learn why understanding the why behind DC is the real competitive advantage, in business and in life. In this episode, Philip and Rhod discuss:  * Purpose and origin of the consortium and cross‑pollinating insight * What lobbyists actually do and how effective lobbying really works * Trust, timing, and choosing the right clients and issues * How political power and Washington’s operating rules have evolved * Energy policy, AI/data centers, and the future of U.S. decision-making Lightbulb Moments: * Policy makers are overwhelmed by the sheer volume and diversity of issues, so the real currency in DC is trusted, concise, reality‑based information. * Effective advocacy starts with understanding both sides of an issue, plus the “why now” of timing and legislative vehicles, not just demanding a result. * Building durable influence requires serving two masters simultaneously: the paying client and the public officials you must never mislead. * Political and policy environments are increasingly unstable, so businesses desperately need more predictability and a clearer sense of where the “puck” is going. * Reducing personal and political bias—by deliberately consuming views you disagree with creates better decisions, better conversations, and less anger. “You only get one chance to be an idiot, because the day you show up and say, ‘I want you to take your scarce time, which we just talked about, and I would like to talk to you about a topic I haven't thought through…’ Do you think when they're that busy, they want to talk to you again in six months?” - Rhod Shaw Rhod Shaw brings more than 35 years of high-level government experience to the Alpine Group, where he has represented Fortune 500 companies, international trade associations, state and local governments, and industry leaders on legislative and executive branch matters. Known as one of Washington’s elite consultants, he combines deep policy expertise, strategic political insight, and bipartisan relationships across both the House and Senate to help clients navigate complex issues and drive successful legislative and grassroots initiatives. His policy work spans major industries, including telecommunications, energy, automotive, technology, financial services, and intellectual property, while his leadership roles with organizations such as FIPRA International have expanded the firm’s global reach and access to expertise across major economic markets worldwide. In addition, he advises several start-up companies in the technology, energy, sports, and entertainment sectors. Connect with Rhod Shaw:  Website: https://alpinegroup.com/ [https://alpinegroup.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhod-shaw-36652414/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhod-shaw-36652414/]  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it. Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

LBM Flash Moments: Why You Must Stress Test Your Ideas with Opposite Personalities

Phil Fornaro discusses the importance of perspective in understanding introverts and extroverts. Phil emphasizes the need for stress testing in various contexts, including legal documents and website development, to ensure inclusivity. The episode underscores the value of diverse feedback and continuous learning. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

Mathew Kerbis: How Subscription Models and AI Are Rewiring Legal Practice

What happens when you stop billing for time and start charging for value while letting AI do the heavy lifting? In this episode, discover how the subscription model and purpose-built AI tools are transforming how lawyers work, get paid, and show up for their clients and families. In this episode, Philip and Mathew Kerbis discuss:  * Breaking free from the billable hour and valuing personal time * The subscription-based law firm model and lifetime client value * Using AI as a “legal thought partner” and specialist tool stack * Practical workflows with tools like Paxton, Perplexity, and NotebookLM * Scaling a modern law practice and changing attorney mindsets Lightbulb Moments: * Detaching revenue from hours worked opens the door to valuing both client outcomes and personal or family time in a healthier, more sustainable way.  * Subscription-based legal services shift the focus from one-off transactions to lifetime value, turning each client into an ongoing relationship instead of a single “big bite of the apple.”  * Purpose-built AI tools can dramatically reduce the time needed to produce high-quality legal work, making it more valuable for both the client (faster results) and the lawyer (better margins).  * Transitioning away from the billable hour is more of a mindset and behavior change than a technology problem: many firms need a “cold turkey” moment to truly commit. * Context and curation are becoming core professional skills: those who can frame the right questions, choose the right tools, and assemble the right sources will deliver the best outcomes. “Once you divorce time value from money and what actual clients are interested in paying for, you start to realize that the faster and higher quality you can get it back to the client… the more valuable it is.” - Mathew Kerbis Mathew Kerbis is The Subscription Attorney and CEO of Practi. He’s on a mission to affordably serve clients at scale via the subscription model and help attorneys to abandon the billable hour. Kerbis uses AI as a law firm owner, legal podcast host and producer, and founder of a legal technology company. He started Practi to help law firms trade billing time for predictable revenue.  Connect with Mathew Kerbis:  Website: https://www.practi.ai/ [https://www.practi.ai/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiai/]  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

LBM Flash Moments: Passion, Relationship Capital, and the Future of LBM

In this Flash Moment, Phil reflects on explosive podcast growth, unexpected setbacks, and the power of perspective shifts. He shares how passion, community, and relationship capital are driving Light Bulb Moments and the Bright Community forward in an age increasingly shaped by AI. Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]

Dr. Jake Teeny: Emotion, AI, and the New Rules of Influence

What happens when a persuasion scientist looks at AI, political polarization, and modern marketing through the lens of psychology? In this episode, we dive into how emotion, personalization, and intelligent machines are reshaping everything from our ads to our anxiety—and what to do about it. In this episode, Philip and Dr. Jake Teeny discuss:  * Political polarization, conversation, and democracy * AI’s role in persuasion, personalization, and social media * Marketing, advertising, creativity, and hyper‑personalization * Emotion regulation, anxiety, and reframing negative feelings * Storytelling, emotional intelligence, and the power of psychology in business Lightbulb Moments: * Political polarization is amplified by social media and smartphones, but many people’s beliefs are much closer to the middle than the extreme caricatures we hold in our heads. * AI is currently strongest at analytics and targeting, while human creativity still leads in complex, compelling advertising and storytelling. * Personalization works through self‑relevance, fluency, and deeper thinking—but when it crosses into surveillance or touches stigmatized identities, it quickly backfires. * Emotion regulation strategies like reappraisal—shifting from “what if” to “even if”—can transform anxiety and stress into more manageable, even motivating, experiences. * Emotional intelligence and an understanding of psychology often predict real‑world performance better than raw IQ, influencing everything from procrastination to leadership and team dynamics. “Good marketing is good storytelling.” - Dr. Jake Teeny Jake Teeny holds a B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy from Santa Clara University and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from The Ohio State University. He is currently an Associate Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where his research focuses on the science of social influence, exploring what makes messages more persuasive, why people share ideas, and how AI can personalize content to drive engagement. His work has been published in leading psychology and marketing journals, and he has contributed widely cited theoretical frameworks on influence. Beyond academia, Jake shares behavioral insights through his blog, Everyday Psych, and teaches MBA students, executives, and corporate audiences on topics such as persuasion, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. He is also an accomplished creative writer, with numerous short stories and screenplays featured in literary magazines and national competitions, continually bringing imaginative narratives to life across genres. Connect with Dr. Jake Teeny:  Website: https://everydaypsych.com/ [https://everydaypsych.com/]  Connect with Philip:  Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ [https://www.fornarolaw.com/]  Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ [https://lbmpodcast.com/]  "X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw [https://x.com/FornaroLaw]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ [https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 [https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ [https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw [https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw]  https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ [https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/]  Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ [https://turnkeypodcast.com/] or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com [Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com] or call 410-340-6861.  You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.  Horton’s Home Lighting Lighting isn’t just about seeing – it’s about how a space feels. Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Real impact. https://www.hortonshome.com/ [https://www.hortonshome.com/]