Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics

Latino GOTV w/ Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk Oct 28, 2024

We sit down with Mayor Matt Tuerk, the first Latino Mayor in Allentown. Our in- depth conversation comes right after the Latino community hosted Gov. Tim Walz and on the eve of the city preparing to host former President Donald Trump.

Final Sprint w/ Sen. Maria Collett Oct 23, 2024

State Senator Maria Collett represents diverse neighborhoods across vote rich suburban Montgomery County. The discussion explores suburban GOTV and also which State Senate seats across the Commonwealth she is most closely working to help flip.

Why Erin McClelland is Running for State Treasurer Oct 21, 2024

Sit down with the Democratic nominee for State Treasurer. Erin shares why she got into electoral politics, what she is hearing on the trail and her vision for the office that manages over $163 Billion.

Polling the Lehigh Valley Oct 14, 2024

Sit down with Prof. Chris Borick of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. We discuss his latest poll of likely voters in the very purple 7th Congressional District held by Congresswoman Susan Wild.

Constitution Day Sep 17, 2024

Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution - in Philadelphia in 1787. Our guest talks about his bipartisan efforts in Harrisburg to amend the Constitution.

Allies for Democracy Sep 04, 2024

Each weekend, dozens of Marylanders are knocking doors across York, Cumberland and Dauphin counties. Learn more about this grassroots effort and what's happening in the hottest State House, State Senate and Congressional races across the Mason Dixon Line.

Eugene DePasquale is Running Aug 29, 2024

Diet, exercise, politics and policy with Attorney General candidate Eugene DePasquale. Hear how this marathoner is running his toughest race yet.

Walzing w/ Conor Lamb Aug 12, 2024

Former Congressman Conor Lamb shares personal anecdotes about working with Tim Walz. He also provides unique insights on how national Democrats can best communicate about the natural gas industry.

Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel Aug 04, 2024

Three weeks after the assassination attempt, sit down with Commissioner Boozel to hear how his community is doing and his predictions for the fall campaign trail. He also shares unique perspective on Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Catching Up w/ Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams Jul 30, 2024

On the eve of former President Donald Trump visiting Harrisburg, we sit down with the Mayor. She shares what's on the mind of her constituents and unique perspective on Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Larry Miller and the Philadelphia Black Vote Jul 12, 2024

We sit down with Larry Miller who spent many years as a journalist with the Philadelphia Tribune, one of the nation's oldest daily newspapers serving the African-American community. The discussion is on the state of the presidential race, the potential shift in Black voters toward the Trump ticket and the impact of crime and the fight over school choice.

Congressional Fundraising w/ Cat McParland Jul 07, 2024

We welcome back Cat McParland, top Democratic fundraiser. With her unique perspective, she provides an overview of the money fueling the hottest Congressional races in the Commonwealth.

FLOTUS in the Lehigh Valley Jul 03, 2024

The day after Dr. Jill Biden visited Allentown, we sit down with Tom Shortell from LehighValleyNews.com. He provides unique perspective on the visit, organizing efforts in the Latino community and more.

Philadelphia Pride w/ Councilmember Rue Landau Jun 25, 2024

June is a time to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ community. We sit down with the first openly gay member of Philadelphia City Council for a unique perspective on what she is hearing across the city in the final 130 days of this historic election cycle.

Summer Reading w/ Dennis Powell Jun 23, 2024

Whether at the Jersey Shore, the Poconos, Laurel Highlands or Presque Isle, spend a weekend reading Leading from the Top: Presidential Lessons in Issues Management. This Pennsylvania author and expert walks us through a great read during this thought provoking discussion.

Five Months to Go - Polling Pennsylvania Jun 10, 2024

Sit down with Professor Chris Borick for an in-depth discussion on best practices for polling Pennsylvania and analysis of the latest data.

Auditor General Tim DeFoor Apr 15, 2024

Sit down with Tim DeFoor, Pennsylvania's 50th Auditor General. Join an in-depth conversation about his proudest achievements during his first term and hear his strategy to win a second term this November.

The Streets of Philadelphia w/ Congressman Brendan Boyle Apr 04, 2024

Representing diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Congressman Boyle shares his unique perspective on the drama of the federal budget, prospects for Dems flipping the House, enthusiasm amongst his constituents for the President's reelection and more.

Meet the Candidates: Maria Montero Apr 01, 2024

PA-7 is one of the most hotly contested Congressional districts in the country. Sit down with Maria Montero to hear about her family, her reasons for running, plans to win a tightly contested Republican primary and her priorities if she is elected to Congress.

Catching up w/ Malcolm Kenyatta Mar 27, 2024

Sit down with State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta for a discussion on his run for Auditor General, trends in Philadelphia turnout, enthusiasm amongst Black voters and his travel outside of PA on behalf of the Biden-Harris campaign.

And We're Back... Mar 20, 2024

With less than 230 days to go in this historic election cycle, we are back! In this mini-episode get to know our new co-host, Kyle Sammin, Managing Editor of Broad + Liberty, and hear about our new partnership with PoliticsPA.com.

East Penn School Board Oct 19, 2023

School board races across Pennsylvania are more expensive and contentious than ever before. We sit down with Joshua Levinson of the East Penn School District in Lehigh County. He shares what he is hearing in the final days of this historic campaign and what it might mean for next November.

Judge Dan McCaffery's Fight for Justice Oct 08, 2023

We sit down with Superior Court Judge Dan McCaffery. This proud son of Irish immigrants shares his passion for fighting for justice and why he wants a seat on Pennsylvania's Supreme Court.

Rachael Heisler - Pittsburgh's Next City Controller Oct 01, 2023

We sit down with the Deputy Controller who is running unopposed this November for Controller. She provides a granular discussion not just about city finances, but also unique insight on Democratic organizing in and around Pittsburgh.

Making History in Bucks County Sep 18, 2023

The Bucks County Commissioners are on the ballot and the race is attracting national attention. A victory by the Democrats will be historic. We sit down with Kunal Atit - the campaign manager for the Democratic incumbents. He talks GOTV plans for this November and what this campaign means for next November.

November Elections Overview Sep 13, 2023

This season, we talk with the candidates and operatives focused on this November and what results might mean for next November. Join Harrison Cann, senior reporter for City and State PA, for an introductory overview.

Q2 Finance Reports w/ Cat McParland Jul 22, 2023

Join a Pennsylvania fundraising expert for her analysis of Federal Election Commission reports from across the Congressional delegation. The money map provides important insight at this early stage of the 2024 cycle.

Summer Read: American Ramble w/ Neil King Jr. Jul 02, 2023

This Independence Day, we sit down with award winning journalist, Neil King Jr. His book, American Ramble, chronicles a 330 mile walk from Washington, DC to NYC. Much of this journey traverses Pennsylvania. Neil provides us unique perspective from diverse Pennsylvanians and unforgettable history lessons from corners of the Commonwealth too often overlooked.

Tuesday Night Recap w/ Councilman Isaiah Thomas May 22, 2023

We do a deep dive into what happened Tuesday night in Philadelphia with the top vote getter on City Council. Councilman Thomas also shares perspective on the new city budget, priorities for next year, the race to be Council President and who should be the next coach of the Sixers.

Tuesday Night Recap w/ Majority Whip Dan Miller May 20, 2023

We do a deep dive into what happened Tuesday night in Allegheny County with the Majority Whip of the State House Dan Miller. We discuss the County Executive and District Attorney races as well as his dynamic podcast, At the Table.

Get to Know the Candidates: Dave Fawcett Apr 18, 2023

We conclude our in-depth conversations with the candidates for Allegheny County Executive. Dave Fawcett has taken on big challenges in the courtroom. He reflects on his time years ago in Allegheny County government and lays out his vision for the next four years.

Get to Know the Candidates: John Weinstein Apr 10, 2023

We continue our in-depth conversations with the candidates for Allegheny County Executive. John Weinstein has served as County Treasurer since 1999. He has been endorsed by the County Democratic Party and the Central Labor Council.

Get to Know the Candidates: Michael Lamb Apr 02, 2023

We sit down with the candidates for Allegheny County Executive. Michael Lamb discusses lessons learned from his years as Pittsburgh City Controller and vision for running Pennsylvania's second largest county. This includes his background of innovative policymaking "from press conference to practice".

Get to Know the Candidates: Sara Innamorato Mar 28, 2023

In this new season, we sit down with the candidates for Allegheny County Executive. State Rep. Sara Innamorato shares with us her background, reflects on her first run for office, what she is hearing at the doors and previews key policy initiatives she hopes to tackle if elected.

The Inquirer's Daniel Pearson Mar 01, 2023

Daniel Pearson is a lifelong Philadephian. He is member of the Inquirer's editorial team. He walks us through developing coalitions, turnout models and more in advance of the May primary.

Philadelphia 3.0 Feb 23, 2023

With 12 weeks to go to a historic citywide election, we sit down with Ali Perelman and Jon Geeting. These Philadelphia civic leaders are from different neighborhoods and backgrounds. They share their nuanced perspective on the race for Mayor and Council. They run an innovative organization - Philadelphia 3.0 - which aims to make the city more competitive through a government that works for residents and businesses.

Black History Month w/ Rep. Donna Bullock Feb 15, 2023

We sit down with the Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. State Representative Donna Bullock shares her personal thoughts on the historic diversity in the new legislature. With an eye to May's elections, she provides insight on what she is hearing from across different Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Season Launch: Philly Politics w/ Jared Solomon Feb 07, 2023

In this new season, we explore the May primary race for Mayor, Controller and City Council in Philadelphia. State Representative Jared Solomon isn't afraid to speak his mind. He shares what he's hearing from his diverse constituents in Northeast Philly. He also previews the 2024 election.

The State House Majority Maker Dec 16, 2022

The Montgomery County race between Todd Stephens and Missy Cerrato was the closest contest in Pennsylvania. Planned Parenthood Advocates played a critical role in the Cerrato victory which ultimately flipped the State House. Executive Director Signe Espinoza takes us behind the scenes.

One Month Later w/ Congresswoman Susan Wild Dec 06, 2022

In the most purple district in the Commonwealth, the newly reelected Congresswoman discusses what went into her victory. She talks in detail about meeting new Carbon County voters, engaging naturalized citizens, sky-high student turnout and more.

Dr. Arvind Venkat's Rx for the North Hills Dec 01, 2022

Ben Forstate, campaign manager for Dr. Arvind Venkat's historic State House campaign, explains recent Democratic inroads in the North Hills. He discusses how the campaign raised record sums and flipped the seat. Ben also predicts what all this means for the open County Executive race next year.

Inside Congressman Cartwright's Reelection Nov 28, 2022

We sit down with Kunal Atit who served as Congressman Matt Cartwright's campaign manager. He takes us behind the scenes going county by county of NEPA and department by department of the campaign.

One Week Later: Unboxing w/ Micek & Sweitzer Nov 15, 2022

As the dust all but settles from last Tuesday, two ace Harrisburg reporters go region by region discussing hot races and turnout. John Micek and Justin Sweitzer also share perspective on what results could mean for future PA elections.

SEPA GOTV w/ Congresswoman Scanlon Nov 04, 2022

In our last episode before Election Day, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon talks turnout. We discuss the Phillies, 2018 vs. 2022 and preview the 2023 House Judiciary Committee.

Final Mini Episode Nov 02, 2022

Less than a week out from this historic election, we recap the key developments in the Keystone State.

State House GOTV w/ Jamie Perrapato Nov 01, 2022

One week out from Election Day, we go race by race reviewing the hottest State House contests. We sit down with the co-founder of Turn PA Blue to discuss the GOTV plans of their grassroots army and what to look for on Election Night.

Two Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Oct 27, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State two weeks out from this historic election.

Polling Analysis w/ Prof. Chris Borick Oct 24, 2022

We unpackage the flurry of statewide polls with Professor Chris Borick who spearheads the Muhlenberg Institute of Public Opinion. He also walks us through their latest survey on the Wild-Scheller race and previews their latest survey in the field now.

Bucks County Deep Dive Oct 24, 2022

We unpackage the dynamics in Bucks County in the final few days of this historic cycle. Our discussion in this purple county explores Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick's reelection prospects and the hottest State House races in the Commonwealth

Three Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Oct 20, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State three weeks out from this historic election.

Four Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Oct 13, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State four weeks out from this historic election.

Rep. Matt Cartwright vs. Jim Bognet Oct 12, 2022

Daniel Marans is the senior politics reporter at the Huffington Post. He recently traveled throughout NEPA to report on Congressman Matt Cartwright's contentious reelection race. Daniel takes us behind the scenes from Honesdale to Pittston.

Five Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Oct 07, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State five weeks out from this historic election.

The Labor Vote w/ Darrin Kelly Oct 06, 2022

In the final sprint of this historic campaign, organized labor in and around Pittsburgh is busy. Darrin has served our country in the Navy and serves Pittsburgh as a fire fighter. He is the President of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council since 2018 and takes us through labor's GOTV plans.

Road Miles w/ Malcolm Kenyatta Sep 30, 2022

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta came up short in the US Senate primary, but he has not slowed down. He takes a break from long days and late nights crisscrossing the Commonwealth to share what he is hearing and what he is planning for the weeks ahead.

Six Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Sep 28, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State six weeks out from this historic election.

Seven Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Sep 21, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State seven weeks out from this historic election.

Rx for Montgomery County w/ Dr. Val Arkoosh Sep 18, 2022

The conversation with Chair of the County Commissioners and former Senate candidate, Dr. Val Arkoosh, ranges from infrastructure spending to grassroots political organizing. We go behind the scenes at the Women for Fetterman rally and hear her thoughts on two county residents running for statewide office.

Eight Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Sep 14, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State eight weeks out from this historic election.

The Hottest State House Races w/ Forward Majority Sep 12, 2022

Largely under the radar, the independent expenditure Forward Majority is investing heavily in several Pennsylvania State House races. They have one goal - to flip the chamber from red to blue. From Erie to Bucks County and points in between, we get granular on the state of play in each race.

Back to School! Sep 08, 2022

As tens of thousands of Pennsylvania children go back to school, we sit down with two former teachers. They are spearheading an innovative non-partisan effort to raise awareness amongst candidates for the State House and State Senate.

Nine Weeks Out: Mini-Episode Sep 06, 2022

We review the key political developments in the Keystone State nine weeks out from this historical election.

Hot Harrisburg Summer w/ Joanna McClinton Aug 23, 2022

State House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton takes us behind the scenes as this historically "hot" summer began. She gives her perspective on two of her colleagues and this November. As she celebrates her birthday, she shares a wish for the future.

Polling Pennsylvania w/ Prof. Chris Borick Aug 16, 2022

Each week, new polls are coming out that provide perspective on the state of the marquis races in Pennsylvania. We sit down with Professor Chris Borick of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. Our discussion focuses on the methodology that differentiates a good poll from a great poll...and how to spot the many bad polls.

"Allies for Democracy" Aug 09, 2022

Every weekend, dozens of Marylanders visit the doors of Pennsylvania voters. These grassroots volunteers call themselves Allies for Democracy. We sit down with them to learn about their plans for the final three months of this historic election.

"On a Mission from God" Jul 29, 2022

We sit down with Frederick Clarkson who wrote a lengthy piece in Salon Magazine about the history of State Senator Mastriano's religious faith.

Campaign Finance Breakdown w/ Cat McParland Jul 18, 2022

We unpackage the Federal Election Commission filings and discuss the record fundraising across Pennsylvania this cycle.

Grassroots Jewish Organizing Jul 13, 2022

Dating to before 1776, there has been a thriving Jewish community in Pennsylvania. In November, Pennsylvania could very well elect a Jewish Governor. We sit down with the leadership of DJOP, a grassroots statewide organization, for an in-depth overview of their efforts in the final 115 days of this historic campaign.

"Comes Across as a Cult Guy" Jul 08, 2022

Over Memorial Day weekend, David Siders from Politico visited rural Franklin County. He wanted to see the community where State Senator Doug Mastriano lives. We go in depth with David about his extensive reporting from that trip.

Pennsylvania Post-Roe Jun 29, 2022

We sit down with three elected leaders in Harrisburg to discuss the policy and political landscape ahead. They each flipped seats in the Philadelphia suburbs in 2018 and reflect on the campaign trail then versus now.

Pennsylvania and Guns Jun 27, 2022

We sit down with CeasefirePA - the Commonwealth’s leader advocating for an end to gun violence. We talk about the latest debates over gun violence prevention in Harrisburg, the Supreme Court decision and the first federal legislation in a generation.

One Month Later - A View From SWPA + SEPA Jun 23, 2022

One month after the primary, we sit down with Christina Proctor from Washington County and Dan Muroff from Delaware County. They discuss party unity, overall enthusiasm and issues on the minds of voters.

Primary Postmortem w/ Micek & Sweitzer May 18, 2022

We go region by region analyzing underreported races with two all-star Harrisburg reporters. Learn more about surprises in State House, State Senate and Congressional races and what they mean for November.

Pre-Primary Preview w/ Jordan Harris May 08, 2022

We sit down with the State House Democratic Whip for speecial perspective on the new State House lines. We also get a chance to hear both what's on the mind of his constituents as well as his colleagues.

Open Congressional Seats in Allegheny County May 01, 2022

We talk broadly about the politics of Allegheny County and also get granular about the candidates running to replace Congressmen Mike Doyle and Conor Lamb. Erin McClelland goes neighborhood by neighborhood giving us a sense of how diverse the county is and what's on the minds of voters three weeks out from the primary.

Center City, Philadelphia w/ Ben Waxman Apr 24, 2022

As he knocks on thousands of doors, Ben Waxman shares what's on the minds of voters in Pennsylvania's most progressive neighborhoods. For Democrats to win statewide in November, Center City turnout will be critical. Ben talks about effective grassroots organizing and more.

Legislative Line Changes w/ Kate Huangpu Apr 18, 2022

After a protracted battle, State House and State Senate districts will look very different as voters go to the polls on May 17th. We break down the saga over these changes with Spotlight PA's ace reporter Kate Huangpu.

The Senate Primary Final Sprint w/ Terruso and Tamari Apr 10, 2022

As the US Senate primary enters the final sprint, we sit down with Julia Terruso and Jonathan Tamari from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Julia shares behind the scenes perspective on the debate at Muhlenberg College. Jonathan shares what he found in Franklin County with LG John Fetterman. They preview their upcoming D and R debates at Dickinson College.

Debate Day in the Lehigh Valley Apr 03, 2022

As national journalists, Democratic primary voters and the Senate campaigns focus on the debate stage in Allentown, we sit down with two veteran Lehigh Valley journalists. They provide historical perspective and granular context on what statewide candidates should consider when getting out the vote in the Lehigh Valley.

"We did our homework...We endorsed Conor Lamb." Mar 27, 2022

In our final episode chatting with prominent leaders who have endorsed the Senate candidates, we sit down with Dr. Nina Ahmad. She shares her incredible life journey from war torn Bangladesh to Philadelphia to being fully immersed in Pennsylvania politics. She provides listeners an in-depth perspective on why the National Organization for Women has endorsed Conor Lamb.

My Friend Malcolm Mar 20, 2022

As we prepare for the first Democratic Senate debate, we sit down with the youngest Philadelphia City Councilman Isaiah Thomas. He shares why he endorsed his friend, State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. Councilman Thomas provides unique perspective on the politics of today's Philadelphia and his remarkable journey.

Why I Endorsed John Fetterman Mar 13, 2022

As we count down to the Senate debate we are co-hosting on Sunday, April 3rd, we sit down with Adams County Commissioner Marty Qually. He shares why he came out early for Lt. Governor Fetterman's campaign. He also provides nuanced perspective on demographic changes in south central Pennsylvania and progressive organizing in a red county.

All About Nomination Petitions Mar 07, 2022

Across Pennsylvania, candidates, their families, their staff and volunteers are circulating nominating petitions. A campaign bank account, website and ads mean nothing if a candidate cannot get on the ballot. We explore everything about the petition process with Adam Erickson, a Philadelphia-based campaign consultant, who takes time away from circulating petitions to answer all your questions.

MontCo Deep Dive w. Rep. Tim Briggs Feb 27, 2022

Montgomery County is Pennsylvania's third largest. The 2020 turnout numbers for the Biden-Harris ticket were unprecedented. We go in depth with State Representative Tim Briggs to learn about changes in the county, what's on the mind of voters and what it will take for a strong Democratic turnout this November.

What's on Bob Brady's Mind? Feb 20, 2022

Winning in Pennsylvania means having a plan for engaging Philadelphia voters. No one knows the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia better than Bob Brady. He served as a congressman for two decades, has been a ward leader for longer and chairs the Democratic City Committee. He provides us an in-depth perspective on the Democratic Senate primary and much more.

J.J. Abbott's 2022 Crystal Ball Feb 13, 2022

We kick off the fourth season with an in-depth overview of the themes that will dominate the 2022 landscape in Pennsylvania. J.J. Abbott served over five years on the senior staff of Governor Tom Wolf. He provides a unique perspective on what candidates, their campaign teams and everyday voters can expect over the next 270 days.

Redistricting w/ Jason Altmire Dec 22, 2021

In our final episode of Season 3, we get unique perspective from former Congressman Jason Altmire. He shares his mindset from ten years ago this month and what it was like to compete against a fellow Democratic Congressman.

Congressional Redistricting w/ Charlie Dent Dec 17, 2021

Ten years ago, Congressman Charlie Dent's district lines changed dramatically. His Allentown-based district extended all the way to the Harrisburg suburbs. As we wait on the new lines, he provides us a unique perspective on what is going through the minds of every Congressional office in the delegation.

Drawing the Lines w/ the Baldwin School Dec 12, 2021

This week, Harrisburg politicians have finally released draft Congressional maps. We do a deep dive with a teacher and one of his students on how they built their own Congressional map earlier this summer. The curriculum adopted by the Baldwin School has taught students on the Main Line about every corner of every county of the Commonwealth.

Delivering Democracy w/ David Thornburgh Dec 05, 2021

As he prepares to step down from the helm of the Committee of 70, David Thornburgh provides us a nuanced perspective on redistricting. David's team has empowered thousands of Pennsylvanians through a hands-on citizen mapping initiative. This non-partisan Philadelphia non-profit is the most comprehensive good government group in Pennsylvania with century long track record.

Season 3 Kickoff w/ Carol Kuniholm Nov 28, 2021

As we await the new lines, Season 3 will focus intensively on redistricting. Carol Kuniholm leads a volunteer army of Pennsylvanians. Carol and her diverse coalition believe that our government must be of, by, and for the people and this all begins with how the lines are drawn. She provides a nonpartisan perspective on the grassroots work of the last few years to build a redistricting process that is transparent, impartial, and fair.

Six Figure Spending in Manheim Township Oct 31, 2021

Happy Halloween! Two days out from Election Day, we conclude Season 2 in Lancaster County. The race for Manheim Township Board of Commissioners features unprecedented spending and an intense debate about development and farmland preservation. Stella Sexton, who has lived in the county her whole life, discusses why Manheim Township has trended blue and spooky moves by other candidates.

The Most Heated School Board Race Oct 24, 2021

Passions are high in Central York School District. We sit down with two candidates - everyday Pennsylvanians running for office for the first time - to get perspective on an incredibly heated year in York County.

How to Win Big in Allentown w/ Matt Tuerk Oct 17, 2021

We sit down with the presumptive next Mayor of Allentown. A marathon runner and first time candidate, Matt Tuerk shares how he won a contested primary and what his vision is for the city and the region. Matt speaks to how he has engaged the large and growing Latino community. He offers sage advice to statewide candidates who hope to win big in Allentown.

Dauphin County Controller's Race w/ Eric Epstein Oct 10, 2021

Next month, the hottest race on the ballot in Dauphin County is the open seat for Controller. This position oversees every dime of a $258M+ annual budget. For a generation, Eric Epstein has been a good government watchdog and an environmental activist. He is a member of the Central Dauphin School Board. We sit down for a unique perspective on how Dauphin County has changed significantly over his lifetime and his vision for the role of Controller.

Season 2 Kickoff w/ Max Conway Oct 03, 2021

Welcome back for Season 2 where you'll meet unique candidates on the ballot this November with important messages for statewide candidates next year. Max Conway from Dunmore, Lackawanna, County, has only been eligible to vote for about a decade. Yet, he is poised to be Mayor in January. He discusses his impressive grassroots social media-driven campaign and a heated public policy debate in Lackawanna County.

Remembering 9/11 with Gov. Mark Schweiker Sep 10, 2021

Twenty years after the darkest day in American history, we sit down with Governor Mark Schweiker. He reflects on the historic transition from Lt. Governor to Governor just three weeks after the attacks. He elaborates on the unprecedented collaboration Harrisburg had with Washington. We end with a discussion of the importance of bipartisanship.

One Year Ago This Week in Old Forge, Lackawanna County Aug 15, 2021

In our final episode of Season 1, we sit down with Joe and Marygrace Vadala. Joe is a teacher and Marygrace is a nurse. Lifelong residents of Lackawanna County, they share in very personal terms memories from President Trump campaigning on their street.

NEPA 2016 vs. NEPA 2020 w/ John Richter Aug 08, 2021

Last November, all eyes were on President Biden's hometown. We end our first season examining this uniquely purple region. John Richter is also originally from Scranton. He worked in the trenches both in 2016 and 2020. He provides us a granular breakdown on how voter sentiment changed across the region and shares war stories from virtual grassroots organizing and planning a "car rally".

Engaging Red Counties w/ Kristy Gnibus Aug 01, 2021

In her Congressional campaign last year, Kristy Gnibus built a diverse coalition across Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Crawford and Erie counties. She reflects on finding and energizing Democratic voters in rural and red counties. For first time candidates eyeing up 2022 and for statewide candidates preparing to campaign in NWPA, she has a unique perspective and sage advice.

Field Organizing in Erie w/ EJay Fyke Jul 25, 2021

The Biden-Harris ticket found roughly 10,000 additional votes in Erie County that Clinton-Kaine could not. Erie was one of three pivot counties across Pennsylvania. Last November, it flipped back to the Democrats. EJay Fyke knows every precinct in the county and provides an in depth perspective on how to successfully turn out the vote in Erie.

Erie Overview w/ County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper Jul 18, 2021

We start our Northwest PA series with an in-depth conversation with Kathy Dahlkemper. Having represented the region in Congress as well as eight years as County Executive, her insight is second to none. She provides perspective into the most pressing policy and political issues in Erie County. As one of three 'pivot' counties in the Commonwealth, we explore why Erie is so purple.

State Rep. Pam Snyder on Greene County Jul 11, 2021

We conclude our SWPA series with a thought provoking discussion with State Representative Pam Snyder. Having worked in federal, county and now state government, she provides a unique perspective on the changes of the last two decades in the region. When the Trump-Pence ticket overwhelmingly won Greene County, as a Democrat she also pulled off a win.

SPECIAL EDITION: Pride Month w/Anne Wakabayashi Jun 27, 2021

June is Pride Month. We sit down with the Chair of Governor Wolf's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs. Anne shares her background in grassroots organizing and the work of this first in the nation commission.

Christina Proctor on Washington County Jun 20, 2021

Christina Proctor is the new Chairwoman of the Washington County Democrats. Four years ago, she wasn't even active in politics. She shares her on-the-ground perspective on the March 2018 Conor Lamb special election and how the Biden-Harris ticket built on that grassroots energy.

Mayor Dwan Walker of Aliquippa Jun 13, 2021

We sit down with Mayor Dwan Walker of Aliquippa, Beaver County. This iconic Pennsylvania community along the Ohio River has changed tremendously over his lifetime. The Mayor walks us through these changes starting with the closure of the steel mill when he was nine and how that still affects voting behavior more than three decades later.

Pittsburgh Post Primary w/ Silas Russell of SEIU Healthcare Jun 06, 2021

On May 18th, State Rep. Ed Gainey made history. Silas Russell was an integral part of this historic Mayor's race. He gives us an in depth perspective on the endorsement process, GOTV operations, key policy concerns and what to expect in 2022.

SPECIAL EDITION: AAPI Heritage Month w/ Koh Chiba May 26, 2021

May is Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month. As we celebrate and recognize the role of the AAPI community across Pennsylvania, we sit down with Koh Chiba, longtime senior adviser to Congresswoman Madeleine Dean. Koh has worked with her in Montgomery County, Harrisburg and Washington. He reflects on the last decade sharing his unique journey to the highest levels of Pennsylvania politics.

Pittsburgh Post Primary w/ Councilwoman Erika Strassburger May 23, 2021

For Part 1 of our Pittsburgh Mayoral Primary post-mortem, hear from a City Councilwoman who has been a close ally of Mayor Bill Peduto. We discuss her switch from grassroots advocacy to government service and her specific thoughts on what happened in this historic election.

SPECIAL EDITION: AAPI Heritage Month w/ Rep. Patty Kim May 20, 2021

Patty Kim, the State Representative from the city of Harrisburg, made history as the first Asian American in the State House. She shares with us her untraditional yet inspirational story of how she ended up in Harrisburg politics, some of the most pressing issues facing the embattled City, and what it means for her to be an Asian American in Pennsylvania politics.

Inside Peduto HQ w/ Schuyler Sheaffer May 16, 2021

Tuesday is primary day. We sit down with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's campaign manager, Schuyler Sheaffer. We discuss his unique trajectory into politics and the Mayor's strategy to win reelection.

SPECIAL EDITION: The Beau Biden Foundation May 12, 2021

We take a break from Pennsylvania politics for an important and timely discussion with Patty Lewis, Esq. She serves as Executive Director of the Beau Biden Foundation and previously ran the Family Division at the Attorney General's office in Delaware. She has an important message - especially for our listeners in Harrisburg.

Inside Gainey HQ w/ Moses Nelson May 09, 2021

We sit down with State Rep. Ed Gainey's campaign manager, Moses Nelson. He shares his journey from New Haven, CT to Pittsburgh, building a finance plan $100 at a time, what neighborhoods the campaign is particularly targeting and much more.

Pittsburgh Political Primer w/ Julian Routh Apr 30, 2021

The first guest of our series on the Steel City is Julian Routh. He covers local, state and federal politics for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. He provides us with both broad and laser-focused views on the Biden campaign's success in the region, emerging progressive movements and the increasingly heated Mayoral primary.

Primary Preview w/ David Thornburgh Apr 26, 2021

David Thornburgh provides us a non-partisan lens of what's at stake in the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday, May 18th. David is the son of the late Governor Dick Thornburgh. He hails from Western PA, knows Harrisburg intimately well and has lived in Philadelphia for the last 25 years. He runs the Committee of Seventy, a non-profit focused on civic leadership. Their work advances representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania through citizen engagement.

Engaging Latino Voters w/ Councilwoman Janet Diaz Apr 18, 2021

Pennsylvania is home to over 1M Latinos. In cities like Lancaster, they make up 40% of the population. Councilwoman Janet Diaz is a history making trailblazer. She shares why she first ran for office, provides an overview of the broader landscape of the Puerto Rican community in Pennsylvania and gives helpful advice to candidates hoping to most effectively engage the community.

Battlefield Assessment w/ Lt. Col. George Scott Apr 11, 2021

As a retired Army Lt. Colonel, Lutheran Pastor and candidate for Congress and State Senate, George Scott has some stories to tell. In this episode, he'll reflect on a life of service and give us an in-depth look at the shifting demographics and political winds in Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Sharing lessons learned from the last four years, he previews plans for the year ahead and efforts to turn this region permanently blue.

Rep. Jennifer O'Mara Explains How to Flip a District Apr 03, 2021

First elected to the State House in 2018, Jennifer O'Mara made history not only as the first Democrat to represent her district, but also the youngest Democratic woman in Harrisburg. She provides unique insight on how she flipped the seat and then held onto it 2020.

Senator Katie Muth on Montgomery County (and much more) Mar 28, 2021

In 2018, Katie Muth made history as one of the youngest women ever to be elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate. In her first foray into electoral politics, she beat an incumbent first elected in 2003. She shares with us what motivated her to run in 2017, how she built a grassroots army that knocked on over 100,000 doors in 2018 and what it will take to keep the momentum going in 2022.

How PA Turned Back to Blue: A Tale of Two Activists Mar 21, 2021

Today, we're sitting down with two all star activists. First, we welcome Jack DiPrimio, a senior at Upper Darby High School who served as a team leader and top phone banker for the Biden campaign. We then sit down with Jamie Perrapato, the Executive Director of Turn PA Blue which has knocked on 200,000 doors, written a million postcards, made 4 million phone calls and raised $1.5M. Everyday activists like these two are a large part of why PA flipped back to Dems in 2020 and we know you will enjoy their perspective on 2022.

SPECIAL EDITION: A Story of Darkness and Sunshine Mar 17, 2021

In this special edition episode, we are taking a break from electoral politics and talking to Stephanie Zarecky from the South Hills of Pittsburgh. She set up Senator Bob Casey's press shop in his first term and is now a mom, an advocate, and an avid listener of the podcast. Recently, she got to know Senator Casey and her former colleagues in a very different context. Learn more about Stephanie's courage by visiting SUDC.org.

Delaware County: The Transformation Mar 14, 2021

Colleen Guiney and Dan Muroff, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Delaware County Democratic Committee, join us. In this episode, they discuss how they rebuilt the county party aiming to win races up and down the ballot rivaling the organized GOP machine.
We explore the diversity of the county, the process of unifying after the Presidential primary and how the county ultimately had nearly 80% turnout. We’re incredibly excited to welcome Colleen and Dan to our kitchen table.

The most Purple County in PA: Chatting with Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure Mar 06, 2021

On our last Lehigh Valley episode, we're chatting with the Northampton County Executive. We discuss the political landscape of the county and do a geographic and demographic deep dive into this perpetually purple region as we try to figure out why it flipped from Obama to Trump to Biden--and what lies in store for this crucial county.

Paul Anthony - IBEW Local 375 and Election 2020 Feb 25, 2021

On episode five, we’re joined by Paul Anthony, the business manager and financial secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 375. IBEW was the first labor union to endorse President Joe Biden during his run for the US Senate in 1972, and has consistently supported him throughout the entirety of his political career. In this episode, Ari and Paul discuss union membership in 2020 and how this has changed over the years as well as the role Paul and his brothers played in this election.

Winning the Lehigh Valley: A Conversation with Katie Gladstone Feb 10, 2021

On episode four, we're chatting with Katie Gladstone, the campaign manager for Congresswoman Susan Wild's successful 2020 campaign. She'll break down the political divides of the Lehigh Valley and explain what it was like to recruit, train and manage a team during the pandemic in a D+1 district.

Eliza Griswold Takes Us Beneath the Surface of PA's Fracking Debate Feb 08, 2021

On episode two, Pulitzer Prize winning author and New Yorker contributing writer Eliza Griswold discusses her unique trajectory as a journalist from war zones to Washington County, PA. An expert on reporting from rural America and the development of the Marcellus Shale, Griswold breaks down the role the debate over fracking and PA’s growing rural-urban divide.

Reporting Live From PA: A Conversation with the Inquirer's Jonathan Tamari Feb 05, 2021

On episode three, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tamari sheds light on the 2020 election and where he thinks the Commonwealth is headed in 2022. Tamari interviewed over 100 different Pennsylvanians across diverse counties for his piece fittingly titled “The Divided States of Pennsylvania.” In today’s episode, he shares what made this the most intense year of his career and how the growing ideological tension across the Commonwealth contributes to Pennsylvania’s notoriously purple electoral map.

Political Polling in Pennsylvania: A Conversation with Chris Borick Feb 04, 2021

On this inaugural episode of Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics our host, Ari Mittleman, sits down with top Pennsylvania pollster Professor Chris Borick. The Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion that he runs is the Commonwealth’s most respected non-partisan polling outfit. Prof. Borick will help us understand how the polls were so wrong in November. In addition, we’ll dive into what this means for the upcoming races in 2022 and the future of political polling.

Welcome to PA Kitchen Table Politics Feb 02, 2021

Listen to our trailer to get a sense of the topics we'll be tackling on this season of Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics!

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