Smoke Filled Room - Catherine Wallen
Catherine Wallen enters the Smoke Filled Room
Caucus Podcasts
The Smoke Filled Room
Where we cut through the haze of Harrisburg politics and get to examine the laws and lawmakers that really drive the discussion
Episodes (69)
Smoke Filled Room - Chad Reichard
Rep. Chad Reichard enters the Smoke Filled Room
Smoke Filled Room – Rotor Blades and Wind Turbines
Rep. Zach Mako enters the Smoke Filled Room to discuss his history as a Chinook Pilot, how that shapes his perspective as a State Representative, and inspired safety legislation.
Smoke Filled Room – Fighting for PA’s Energy Future
Rep. Tom Mehaffie enters the Smoke Filled Room to discuss energy in PA and how Nuclear Power fits into the picture, as well as how he chooses to vote when party positions aren’t what’s best for the people of his district.
Smoke Filled Room – Stronger than the Forces of Nature
Rep. Sheryl Delozier enters the Smoke Filled Room – Through fire, tornados and sinkholes, Sheryl Delozier keeps fighting for her district, and remains a champion for abused women.
Smoke Filled Room – Pastor, Legislator, Chinese Operative?
Rep. Scott Barger enters the Smoke Filled Room – How does a pastor consider Judeo-Christian ethics in becoming a lawmaker?
Smoke Filled Room – SEAL, Musician, Lawmaker – Jake Banta
Rep. Jake Banta enters the Smoke Filled Room – What he thinks of celebrity SEALS, who are the really great blues guitarists? – and what drove him to serve in the PA House.
Smoke Filled Room - Natalie Mihalek
Rep. Natalie Mihalek Enters the Smoke Filled Room
Smoke Filled Room – A Warrior for Women’s Sports
Rep. Barb Gleim enters the Smoke Filled Room – Her community helped her family overcome tragedy. How this led her to be a warrior for women in the athletic community.
Smoke Filled Room – Adjusting to a Tech-Driven World
Rep. Doyle Heffley enters the Smoke Filled Room – How technology is changing the world we live in and how that affects the industries that make Pennsylvania and our Nation work.
Smoke Filled Room – Strength Through Clean Living
Rep. Jamie Barton enters the Smoke Filled Room – How a life lived serving the public lead to a career as a public servant in the State House.
Smoke Filled Room – Gators, Guns, Greenery
Rep. Abby Major enters the Smoke Filled Room – Why some non-native wildlife is spurring conversation, along with Cannabis legalization, and 2nd Amendment issues.
Smoke Filled Room Ep.1 - From Educating to Legislating
Rep. Marc Anderson sits down with Host Anders Thoman to discuss his perspective on Teachers’ Unions, Education, Military Service and becoming a lawmaker.
Helping the Service Industry – Generally Assembled – 10-10-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the struggles facing the service industry in PA; Also, bucket list concerts and backhanded compliments.
Career Education, Halloween Candy, and National Pride – Generally Assembled – 10-3-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss career and technical education, favorite Halloween candy, and their faith in the dominance of American golf.
Missed Opportunities – Generally Assembled – 9-17-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the unfinished business still before the House as we approach the final session weeks of the year.
The Cool Side of the Pillow – Generally Assembled – 7-5-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss late budgets – who is impacted and how this affects negotiations moving forward.
Like Planning a Family Vacation – Generally Assembled – 6-28-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper compare the budget process to family vacation planning, debate the power of milkshakes, and suggest some relaxation techniques.
Budgeting for a Diverse Commonwealth – Generally Assembled – 6-21-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the process as we dive into the final week before the state budget deadline.
Transforming PA’s Education System – Generally Assembled – 6-13-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the shortfalls of House Democrats’ latest education funding proposal and get everyone in the spirit of summer for Father’s Day.
Not a Continental Divide, A Political One – Generally Assembled – 6-6-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the events and natural wonders of PA, and also talk Education funding and the State Budget.
House Back to Full Strength – Generally Assembled – 5-23-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper talk about the PA House returning to its full complement, Topper describes the experience of a first-time member; Golf and law enforcement controversy.
As Optimistic as a Pirates’ Fan – Generally Assembled – 5-9-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss how Pennsylvania should deal with a budget surplus, umpiring technique, and entertainment reviews.
Spending Other Peoples’ Money – Generally Assembled – 5-2-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the upcoming budget negotiations, including how government should treat taxpayer dollars; also, umpiring philosophy.
A Great Career in Saying Development – Generally Assembled – 4-18-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the origin of iconic phrases, the goals for higher education in PA, and a quite thorough Master’s recap.
Making Higher Ed. Work for Pennsylvania – Generally Assembled – 4-11-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss higher education policy in PA, the Pirates’ hot start, and Master’s predictions.
Voter ID and Energy Policy – Generally Assembled – 3-28-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss election security and Voter ID, as well as the difference between wishful thinking and sound energy policy in PA.
90 Day Fiancé Budget – Generally Assembled – 3-22-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss Gov. Shapiro’s energy policies, next steps in state budget negotiations, and some love for Scottie Scheffler.
Education Funding, Golf Aspirations – Generally Assembled – 3-7-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings in Harrisburg, and how the Commonwealth funds Education. Also, spring golf fever, and some discussion of “NASCAR Vehicles.”
School Choice in PA – Generally Assembled – 1-24-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper return to discuss School Choice in PA – how we must balance support for public schools with the need to provide quality education options to those in struggling districts. Also, Jason manifests a good day, and a rare golf achievement.
Too Many Farm Show Milkshakes? – Generally Assembled – 1-10-24
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper return from the holiday season to discuss the wonders of the PA Farm Show – including the milkshakes – how to address issues with public faith in higher education, and the end of an era for Nike Golf.
No Get Out of Jail Free Card – Generally Assembled – 12-15-23
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss a House Democrat proposal to let convicted criminals out of prison early, urgency to complete legislative priorities before a 3 month recess, and a tax increase under the guise of a family medical leave program.
Another Brick in the Wall – Generally Assembled – 11-16-23
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper are back to discuss education issues – Successfully funding higher education, Issues remain on educational tax credits and the school code.
House Republicans Making Higher Ed More Affordable – Generally Assembled – 11-2-23
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper return to action – Discussion includes House passage of funding for State Related Universities, along with transparency and tuition freeze provisions.
We Have to Accomplish Something – Generally Assembled – 9-28-23
Jason Gottesman and State Rep. Jesse Topper are back to discuss the legislation that has been achieved (or not) this year, the debate over education funding in PA, and Ryder Cup predictions.
More than a Podcast - Generally Assembled – 6-23-23
Jason Gottesman and Jesse Topper discuss budget negotiations, the results of loose fiscal policy, and how Democrat planning has put the Commonwealth behind the 8-ball when it comes to passing a spending plan on time.
The Pendulum Will Swing - Generally Assembled – 6-15-23
Jason Gottesman and Jesse Topper talk about the difference between governing for show and taking responsibility for the Commonwealth’s finances and the prudence of acting for the present at the expense of the future; Also I-95 and transportation infrastructure.
Spending Like There’s No Tomorrow - Generally Assembled – 6-8-23
Jason Gottesman, Mike Straub and Jesse Topper talk about the Budget passed by House Democrats that would spell fiscal disaster for the Commonwealth, what should be done to address a shortage of teachers in PA, and golf merger news.
Getting Down to Business - Generally Assembled – 5-25-23
Jason Gottesman, Mike Straub and Jesse Topper talk about the politicization of House proceedings, and the upcoming responsibilities that lawmakers must concentrate on in the coming months. Also, hot golf takes.
Was There A Dunkin Discount? - Generally Assembled – 4-28-23
Jason Gottesman and Jesse Topper discuss how the Democrat-run House’s slow start is already exerting budget pressure, how the pandemic response has affected the labor market, and Jesse’s first “senior moment.”
The North Star of Education - Generally Assembled – 3-31-23
Jason Gottesman, Mike Straub, and Jesse Topper discuss how the Commonwealth must re-imagine our public education system to better serve students, and how this will affect budget negotiations; also – stories of learning to drive and baseball’s opening day.
Chasing the Game - Generally Assembled – 3-22-23
Jason Gottesman and Jesse Topper discuss the Education budget, what our priorities should be when it comes to schools, the World Baseball Classic and March Madness.
Should’ve Taken the Over - Generally Assembled – 3-9-23
Jesse Topper and Jason Gottesman discuss the Governor’s long-winded budget proposal – some good ideas like regulatory reform, some bad ideas like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and some trickery in shifting some spending away from public scrutiny – also - sneaker shopping wisdom.
Budget Address Pregame - Generally Assembled – 3-7-23
Jesse Topper and Jason Gottesman speculate about the Governor’s inaugural budget address, examine the tactics being employed to stifle economic growth, and discuss how crime is hurting Philadelphia and the Commonwealth as a whole.
Focus on Education - Generally Assembled – 2-23-23
Jesse Topper rejoins Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub for discussion on how the debate on education should be focused on students rather than simply dollars and cents, unprecedented special session House Rules, and a little sports and entertainment.
By The Way… Did You Know… It’s Generally Assembled – 1-26-23
Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub join Rep. Torren Ecker from BTWDYK, and Rep. Thomas Kutz for a discussion on Voter ID, citizen confidence in our voting system, and Jason’s take on Chicago based TV dramas.
Chastity Belt Approach to Governing - Generally Assembled – 11-17-22
Jason Gottesman, Jesse Topper, and Jordan Frei look back at the last 8 years of the Wolf administration and debate the proper role of government in the lives of citizens as our world moves toward the future; also – a theory on the origin of the beard.
Acting to Fix Philly’s Crime Problem - Generally Assembled – 10-31-22
Rep. Jesse Topper returns to join Jason Gottesman for another lively discussion of the latest developments in the Larry Krasner Saga; Also, diet and fashion for the bow-tie set.
Deregulating PA, Jason v. Benedictine Monks - Generally Assembled – 9-22-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher are joined by Rep. Jesse Topper to talk about efforts to improve the business climate in PA by reducing and eliminating burdensome regulations. Also, Jason’s voice offends a Monastery.
Impossible Whopper, Krasner Ignores Subpoena - Generally Assembled – 9-15-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher are joined by Reps Jesse Topper and Torren Ecker for discussion on Larry Krasner, and the awarding of the annual Generally Assembled golf trophies, and the ignominious consumption of Impossible Whoppers.
Budget Update, Fashion Sense, Movie Quotes - Generally Assembled – 6-29-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher accompany Reps. Jesse Topper and Torren Ecker on auditory expedition through the Marvel Universe and beyond; and do their best to look fashionable, when no one is there to take pictures.
Inflation, Krasner, Fashion Advice - Generally Assembled – 6-15-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher are back with State Rep. Jesse Topper to discuss efforts to impeach Larry Krasner, hearings on inflation in PA, and what can be done at the state level, Happy the Elephant, and fashion advice, unofficially sponsored by Haggar.
Larry Krasner is the O.G. Chesa Boudin - Generally Assembled – 6-9-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher are back with State Rep. Jesse Topper to discuss budget sustainability, Major League Baseball, and the abject failure of soft-on-crime policies in our cities.
Burning a Hole in Their Pockets – Budget History - Generally Assembled – 5-26-22
Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher host Reps. Jesse Topper and Joe Kerwin for discussion on the tragedy in Texas, an honest look at budgetary spending, and a culinary review that is a carnivore’s dream.
Roe v. Wade – There Must Be Rules - Generally Assembled – 5-12-22
Jesse Topper is back to join Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher in their discussion on how PA should prepare for the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe, how PA democrats have found 6 billion ways to spend 2 billion dollars, and an update on the Marvel Universe.
Tom Wolf Hates Transparency - Generally Assembled – 4-28-22
State Rep. Kate Klunk makes her debut on GA with Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher - They discuss the stone wall impeding those who want to get information about Covid response, smart justice, and play PA Dems or San Francisco.
Civility in Public Discourse - Generally Assembled – 4-14-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper is back with Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss how people of differing opinions can work together to achieve good things for the Commonwealth of PA. Also, dirty (but effective) tactics by the MLB network, and the PA House moves legislation to aid the dairy industry.
Participation Trophy Liberals - Generally Assembled – 4-7-22
State Rep. Sheryl Delozier joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss entertainment news, the opening of baseball season, Rte. 83 tolling, efforts to circumvent the legislative process, and a game of PA Dems or San Francisco
We Can’t be Everybody’s Santa Claus - Generally Assembled – 3-31-22
Jason Gottesman, Neal Lesher, and State Rep. Jesse Topper discuss March Madness, Will Smith’s efforts to draw attention away from the masterpiece that is Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, and what conservatives must do to stand against out-of-control government spending.
Education Options, Movie Reviews - Generally Assembled – 3-17-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss charter schools, and our priorities when it comes to education; also, movie and entertainment reviews – The Batman, Adam Project, Dune.
PA: The Ben Simmons of Natural Gas - Generally Assembled – 3-10-22
State Reps. Jesse Topper and Clint Owlett join Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss Star Wars news, budget hearings, and how the Commonwealth is blessed with available energy, but lacks the will to use it.
Origins of Unemployment Issues, Neal an Alien? - Generally Assembled – 3-4-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper re-joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss the latest developments at budget hearings, the State of the Union, and why Jason needs a nightlight.
Ukraine, Budget Pain, and Presidential Trivia - Generally Assembled – 2-25-22
State Rep. Seth (The Architect) Grove joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss the latest news including war in Ukraine, the Wolf budget plan, and our favorite presidents.
Voodoo Math - Generally Assembled – 2-17-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss the first week of Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings, how mysterious the Governor’s budget proposal was to his own department secretaries, and Chad Weaver’s Culinary Corner.
Impossible Whopper - Generally Assembled – 2-10-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss the Governor’s budget address, and just how unreasonable his requests are.
Ready, Fire, Aim… Avengers BudgetGame - Generally Assembled – 1-31-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher for a budget preview as well as a look at some Stupid Tweets.
Can You do a Keto Diet at the Farm Show?... No. - Generally Assembled – 1-13-22
State Rep. Jesse Topper joins Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss Farm Show Food, gerrymandered State House district maps, and a unanimous decision by the State Supreme Court.
Did They Even Read the Bill? - Generally Assembled – 11-18-21
House Majority Caucus Spokesman Jason Gottesman, Appropriations Committee Communications Director Neal Lesher, and Rep. Jesse Topper discuss the debate on Constitutional Carry legislation, bridge tolling, and honor a young man dedicated to charitable work.
Gov’s Election Gaffe Highlights Need for Reform- Generally Assembled – 11-10-21
House Majority Caucus Spokesman Jason Gottesman, Appropriations Committee Communications Director Neal Lesher, and Rep. Jesse Topper discuss election law issues, the overreach of the executive branch and Beford Bisons football.