Founded by Brian Ballard in 1998 and now one of the world’s leading public affairs firms, Ballard Partners has taken on a wide variety of clients. From Fortune 500 retail firms to nonprofit medical providers and from professional sports leagues to local tourism boards, organizations come to the firm to access its connections across federal, state, and local government.
Under Brian Ballard’s leadership, Ballard Partners has established a foothold in the world of podcasting with 13th & Park. Hosted by Adam Goodman, the popular podcast has compiled a guest lineup that’s as diverse as the firm’s client list. Politicians, athletes, entertainers, business leaders—the show has welcomed all of these influential figures and more for engaging conversations about their lives, careers, and the news of the day. It’s no wonder 13th & Park has more than 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube.
Recent guests of 13th & Park have included a wealth management executive, a partner at the public affairs firm, and a congresswoman. Let’s learn more about each of these fascinating guests.
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Paul Auslander
Paul Auslander has spent more than three decades helping people build bright financial futures. He currently serves as president of SeaBridge Private Wealth, a division of SeaBridge Investment Advisors. In his leadership role, which he assumed in 2025, he oversees all the division’s services—including financial planning, investment management, and business valuations—for high-net-worth clients.
Auslander previously served as director of financial planning at ProVise Management Group. He was also appointed by Florida’s CFO to a position on the state’s first Financial Literacy Council. A certified financial planner who holds degrees from Columbia University and the University of Kentucky, he has shared his financial insights with viewers of CNBC and Bloomberg.
Auslander came to 13th & Park in October to share his financial insights with viewers and listeners, joining Goodman for a conversation about all things wealth: creating it, maintaining it, and passing it on to future generations. The discussion focused specifically on financial literacy, personal responsibility in investing, and how to avoid being driven by emotions when making financial decisions.
Robert Wexler
In the wake of the signing of the Gaza Peace Pact, there were fewer people with the background and expertise to put the historic moment in context better than Robert Wexler. A partner at Ballard Partners, Wexler is a former Florida congressman who now serves as the president of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace.
In his conversation with Goodman, Wexler discussed President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, which succeeded in bringing all parties to the table and setting the stage for a more lasting peace. He also discussed how the new Arab–Western alliance leaves Iran in a weakened position and how he, as a lifelong Democrat, believes President Trump should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Wexler’s career in Democratic politics saw him elected to seven terms in Congress. During this time, he developed a reputation as a staunch advocate for Israel and an ardent supporter of peace in the Middle East.
Terri Sewell
Terri Sewell has represented the people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District for nearly 15 years. Her district includes her native Selma, a city that was central to the Civil Rights movement.
In her October appearance on 13th & Park, Congresswoman Sewell discussed the past and present of the Civil Rights struggle, from the legacy of John Lewis to her mission to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965. She also put the Civil Rights movement in a personal context, discussing her journey from growing up in Selma to becoming the first Black woman to represent Alabama in Congress.
Congressman Sewell’s representation of Alabama has seen her rise to membership on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Also a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight, she is the first Black woman to hold a leadership role on that subcommittee in its more than 230-year history.
