The Prep Session

The Prep Session with Maria Cardona & Karen Finney is the conversation before the conversation, where two seasoned political communicators break down the forces shaping politics, media, and culture with clarity, candor, and real-world insight. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of power, Karen and Maria go beyond the headlines to unpack how narratives are built, how strategy works, and how to cut through the spin and noise we’re bombarded with every day, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes view into how professionals actually prepare. Each episode blends sharp analysis, cultural context, and a signature “review the tape” segment that examines what worked, what didn’t, and why it matters, creating a calm, values-driven space to make sense of the noise before it all hits.