Generally Assembled

By Jason Gottesman

Government & Organizations Regional

What's Generally Assembled about?

Interviews with lawmakers on legislation and current news

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LAST EPISODE

We Have to Accomplish Somet...

09.28.2023

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.

Generally Assembled episodes:

09.28.2023 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.
07.20.2023 Update from the Bunker - Generally Assembled – 7-20-23 Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub cover the latest in the PA budget stalemate, and how House Democrats are prioritizing political positioning over ensuring the future of our schools and state operations.
06.23.2023 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.
06.15.2023 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.
06.08.2023 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.
05.25.2023 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.
05.12.2023 Keystone Commitment to the People of PA - Generally Assembled – 5-12-23 Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub discuss a blueprint for the future of the Commonwealth – the Keystone Commitment. Tackling issues that matter to the people of PA.
04.28.2023 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.”
03.31.2023 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.
03.22.2023 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.
03.16.2023 Resignation, Budget, Banks, and a Lost Chicken - Generally Assembled – 3-16-23 Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub review the week’s events, including a member’s resignation; a closer look at the Governor’s budget proposal, banks under duress, and a story about a lost chicken.
03.09.2023 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 ...
03.07.2023 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.
02.23.2023 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.
02.17.2023 Education Funding, Rozzi Rules - Generally Assembled – 2-17-23 Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub are back to discuss how a recent court decision affects education funding in PA, the House’s lack of action under Speaker Rozzi, and what really matters to the people of the Commonwealth.
01.26.2023 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.
01.19.2023 Next-Gen Governor - Generally Assembled – 1-19-23 Jason Gottesman and co-host Mike Straub discuss the inauguration of a new Governor in PA, and what to expect from a new chief executive who is well-experienced in government, but significantly younger than his predecessor.
01.13.2023 Razor-Thin Margins - Generally Assembled – 1-13-23 Jason Gottesman and co-host Mike Straub talk about the challenges facing the State House when operating with the parties so evenly matched; Also, Coffee and Doomscrolling Twitter Feeds – or how to stay sane during Special Session.
01.06.2023 Plot Twist! - Generally Assembled – 1-6-23 Jason Gottesman and co-host Mike Straub discuss the election of an independent speaker, and what that means for the next two years in Harrisburg… Also, fever-dreams of Hawaiian golf vacations.
12.22.2022 Game Mismanagement - Generally Assembled – 12-22-22 Jason Gottesman and co-host Mike Straub deliver an update to the December Democrat Power Play, outline the normal procedure for special elections, and discuss holiday traditions.
12.15.2022 An Advent Calendar of Legislative Minutiae - Generally Assembled – 12-15-22 Jason Gottesman and new co-host Mike Straub discuss December drama including fuzzy Democrat math, an attempt at redefining what party has majority power, and World Cup predictions.
11.17.2022 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 ...
11.03.2022 PA Supreme Court: Election Laws Count - Generally Assembled – 11-3-22 Jason Gottesman and Mike Straub hit the studio to discuss the World Series, and how the PA Supreme Court has shown its support for election law as written, when it comes to mail-in ballots.
10.31.2022 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.
10.21.2022 Krasner Being Krasner - Generally Assembled – 10-21-22 Jason Gottesman is joined by guest-host Anthony Tezak to discuss how the latest developments in the Larry Krasner Philly Crime Saga; also, what is canon in the Alien universe?.
10.14.2022 Election Confusion, Farewell to Neal - Generally Assembled – 10-14-22 Jason Gottesman is joined by guest-host Greg Gross to discuss how the US Supreme Court’s recent election decision affects the Commonwealth, and a fond farewell to co-host Neal Lesher.
09.22.2022 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.
09.15.2022 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.
09.01.2022 Get Out of Jail Free, Collect $2000 - Generally Assembled – 9-1-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher discuss the Wolf administration’s push for more free money, and their ongoing efforts to let more criminals out of prison.
08.26.2022 DA Ignores Subpoena, Dog Yeets Cat - Generally Assembled – 8-26-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher discuss Larry Krasner’s stance on following the law, Pennsylvania’s beautiful places and people, and the craziness that you see on Team and Zoom meetings.
08.19.2022 $20,000 Trash Can Pyramid - Generally Assembled – 8-19-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher discuss San Francisco’s garbage solution, crime and safety issues in our cities, how many doo doo’s are in baby shark – and yes – this is a state government podcast.
08.11.2022 Apples and Oranges, Tuition Increases - Generally Assembled – 8-11-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher examine the phenomenon of mysteriously shrinking shirts during budget season, calls to freeze tuition increases at state-related universities, and the latest shenanigans at our department of state.
07.28.2022 Treasurer Stacy Garrity - Generally Assembled – 7-28-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher are joined by special guest - Treasurer of the Commonwealth Stacy Garrity – to discuss the rainy day fund, inflationary effects on the price of Sheetz and Wawa, fraud protection, and a game of PA ...
07.21.2022 Reviewing the Budget - Generally Assembled – 7-21-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher return to discuss the ups and downs of this year’s budget process, and the highlights that this historic spending plan provides for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
06.29.2022 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.
06.24.2022 Budget Mad Libs, Going Topperless - Generally Assembled – 6-24-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher return to discuss the budget experience when you have a front-row seat, and the sad state of our cities where crime is almost encouraged; also – Jason’s continued fashion advice.
06.15.2022 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 ...
06.09.2022 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.
05.26.2022 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.
05.12.2022 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 ...
05.06.2022 When Did “Rainy Day Fund” Become a Dirty Word? - Generally Assembled – 5-6-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher discuss SCOTUS leaks, revenue projections and the state budget – and for the insomniacs, Jason goes into a deep explanation of the interplay between Star Wars movies, books, and TV shows.
04.28.2022 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.
04.21.2022 Public Education and Alternatives - Generally Assembled – 4-21-22 State Rep. Greg Rothman returns to GA with Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher to discuss school choice and how the pandemic has exacerbated the education situation, the beginning of baseball season, and praise for the dramatic works of Marky Mark ...
04.14.2022 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, ...
04.07.2022 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
03.31.2022 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.
03.24.2022 It’s Just a Mess - Generally Assembled – 3-24-22 Jason Gottesman and Neal Lesher (aka the Flying Duo) discuss March Madness, Inflation, and PA’s role in reducing energy costs.
03.17.2022 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.
03.10.2022 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.
03.04.2022 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.

Older episodes

Generally Assembled

What's Generally Assembled about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Generally Assembled episodes:

We Have to Accomplish Something – Generally Assembled – 9-28-23

Update from the Bunker - Generally Assembled – 7-20-23

More than a Podcast - Generally Assembled – 6-23-23

The Pendulum Will Swing - Generally Assembled – 6-15-23

Spending Like There’s No Tomorrow - Generally Assembled – 6-8-23

Getting Down to Business - Generally Assembled – 5-25-23

Keystone Commitment to the People of PA - Generally Assembled – 5-12-23

Was There A Dunkin Discount? - Generally Assembled – 4-28-23

The North Star of Education - Generally Assembled – 3-31-23

Chasing the Game - Generally Assembled – 3-22-23

Resignation, Budget, Banks, and a Lost Chicken - Generally Assembled – 3-16-23

Should’ve Taken the Over - Generally Assembled – 3-9-23

Budget Address Pregame - Generally Assembled – 3-7-23

Focus on Education - Generally Assembled – 2-23-23

Education Funding, Rozzi Rules - Generally Assembled – 2-17-23

By The Way… Did You Know… It’s Generally Assembled – 1-26-23

Next-Gen Governor - Generally Assembled – 1-19-23

Razor-Thin Margins - Generally Assembled – 1-13-23

Plot Twist! - Generally Assembled – 1-6-23

Game Mismanagement - Generally Assembled – 12-22-22

An Advent Calendar of Legislative Minutiae - Generally Assembled – 12-15-22

Chastity Belt Approach to Governing - Generally Assembled – 11-17-22

PA Supreme Court: Election Laws Count - Generally Assembled – 11-3-22

Acting to Fix Philly’s Crime Problem - Generally Assembled – 10-31-22

Krasner Being Krasner - Generally Assembled – 10-21-22

Election Confusion, Farewell to Neal - Generally Assembled – 10-14-22

Deregulating PA, Jason v. Benedictine Monks - Generally Assembled – 9-22-22

Impossible Whopper, Krasner Ignores Subpoena - Generally Assembled – 9-15-22

Get Out of Jail Free, Collect $2000 - Generally Assembled – 9-1-22

DA Ignores Subpoena, Dog Yeets Cat - Generally Assembled – 8-26-22

$20,000 Trash Can Pyramid - Generally Assembled – 8-19-22

Apples and Oranges, Tuition Increases - Generally Assembled – 8-11-22

Treasurer Stacy Garrity - Generally Assembled – 7-28-22

Reviewing the Budget - Generally Assembled – 7-21-22

Budget Update, Fashion Sense, Movie Quotes - Generally Assembled – 6-29-22

Budget Mad Libs, Going Topperless - Generally Assembled – 6-24-22

Inflation, Krasner, Fashion Advice - Generally Assembled – 6-15-22

Larry Krasner is the O.G. Chesa Boudin - Generally Assembled – 6-9-22

Burning a Hole in Their Pockets – Budget History - Generally Assembled – 5-26-22

Roe v. Wade – There Must Be Rules - Generally Assembled – 5-12-22

When Did “Rainy Day Fund” Become a Dirty Word? - Generally Assembled – 5-6-22

Tom Wolf Hates Transparency - Generally Assembled – 4-28-22

Public Education and Alternatives - Generally Assembled – 4-21-22

Civility in Public Discourse - Generally Assembled – 4-14-22

Participation Trophy Liberals - Generally Assembled – 4-7-22

We Can’t be Everybody’s Santa Claus - Generally Assembled – 3-31-22

It’s Just a Mess - Generally Assembled – 3-24-22

Education Options, Movie Reviews - Generally Assembled – 3-17-22

PA: The Ben Simmons of Natural Gas - Generally Assembled – 3-10-22

Origins of Unemployment Issues, Neal an Alien? - Generally Assembled – 3-4-22