At nearly two decades old, Politico's Playbook was an innovator in the now-familiar daily agenda-setting newsletter. Playbook is now more than a DC staple. It has editions in five countries with two more on the way. And it is looking to adopt a franchise model with multimedia and events extensions. Politico executive editor for Europe Kate Day joined the show to discuss the formula that makes Playbook work: the mix of exclusive reporting, service journalism, and a tone that feels like a letter from your smartest friend in politics. She talks about what stays consistent across cultures, what has to change, and why the Brussels political bubble turns out to be just as full of compelling characters as Capitol Hill. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome 00:47 TRB in Cannes 01:27 Beehiiv Spot 03:02 Conversation with Kate 06:07 Playbook Goes Global 10:17 Localizing the Formula 14:28 Axel Springer Integration 17:58 Brand and Hosts 25:21 Franchise Beyond Newsletter 28:01 Building The Pub 30:24 Breakfasts Vs Drinks 32:47 Designing Playbook Summits 35:06 Video And Streaming Push 37:52 Newsletter Saturation Limits 41:19 Choosing New Markets 45:29 AI In The Newsroom