Just a Couple Kids
74 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsA couple kids from Pittsburgh, Tony Griffith & Ryan Herbinko, chatting about all things political in the region...but deviating from time to time.
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Episodes
Jill Beck, Democratic Nominee for PA Superior Court
October 27, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBThe Kids have expanded their horizons and are going statewide on this episode. Representing Allegheny County, we have the well-versed and experienced Jill Beck to chat about her background, as well as what goes on in Harrisburg with the Superior Court and how it affects all Pennsylvanians.
Matt Dugan, Democratic Nominee for District Attorney
October 19, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBProbably the most prolific guest of the pod, the man who has polarized the District Attorney race, Matt Dugan talks shop with the Kids. We chat about his upbringing and the very influential time he spent in Allegheny County rising the ranks of the Public Defender's Office. Dugan describes the very bright future for both Allegheny County and the chief law enforcement of office of the County.
Erica Rocchi Brusselars, Democratic Nominee for County Treasurer
October 12, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBThe Kids come at you with a brand new guest, our Democratic Nominee for Treasurer, Erica Rocchi Brusselars. From her upbringing in California to her collegiate time in Oakland, then off to Mississippi for teaching, and then back to Pittsburgh to settle in the Northside, the Kids get the full bio of Erica. As well as her dedication to the Democratic Party over her adult life. And of course, she clarifies that an actuary has nothing to do with birds or surveying.
Patrick Sweeney, Democratic Nominee for Court of Common Pleas
October 04, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBWe need a few big wins this fall, so we're back to give you all the deets about the Democratic Candidates for the 2023 General Election. First stop is with a friendly face, who's making his return to the podcast, Mr. Patrick Sweeney. We chat about his campaigning history, as well as his secret weapon this time around, Campaign Manager, Alex Rose.
The WAYYY Post-Primary Recap
June 30, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBRyan pulled his weight for once and reeled in two great guests to discuss the aftermath of the May Primary. The Kids are joined by the Northside Cowboy, himself, Chris Rosselot and All-Things-Politics, political strategist Miss Erin Wise. In addition to recapping the election, the conversation also discusses what we have to look forward to this fall in the General Election.
Primary Election Day '23
May 16, 2023 04:00 - 2 hours - 85.2 MBSurprise, we made it just in time with your Primary Election Preview Episode. We discuss 'em all, front to back and side to side. Whoever you vote for, just make sure you show up and vote!
Primary Updates & News with Mr. Darren Johnson
April 19, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 87.2 MBOn The Kids' latest podcast, Darren Johnson, their professional associate joins to discuss county-wide politics, as well as gun reform and twice impeached and once indicted former president, Donald J. Trump. What makes this discussion unique is that Darren brings a fresh perspective to the table, having grown up in a different part of the country. Believe it or not, the conversation is actually rather insightful and thought-provoking.
Post-ACDC Endorsements
March 22, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBThe Kids break down all of the countywide endorsement results, as well as the variables for every candidate to cross the finish line first in May. Disclaimer: I know, we're late and news has happened since. However, Tony's busy during campaign SZN & Ryan can't even turn on a computer. Sorry, we'll do better next time!
County Endorsement Predictions
February 13, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBWith the Allegheny County Democratic Endorsement Candidate List locked in, the Kids discuss the field and who they believe will capture the endorsement next month.
'22 General Election Recap feat. Chris Rosselot, the Northside Cowboy
November 28, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBThe Kids are joined by their good friend from across the river to discuss all of the general election happenings.
2022 General Election Special
November 08, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBBecause we're not Beyonce or Taylor Swift, the dramatic, cloaked in darkness, early morning drop won't get as much attention as we'd like. It's all good, we hope we made your day (for the 17 of you who do listen). Now, go vote!
Ben Bright
March 28, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBFormer Washington County Democratic Chairman and Candidate for County Controller, Ben Bright brings an insight to the pod that we haven't seen. His experience and travel up and down the western side of Pennsylvania shows a perspective of what is going in rural PA and what we can do to expand the Dem presence outside of metropolitan areas.
Mayor Rob Falce
March 07, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBThe Kids go into no man's land and reeled in one of Ryan's neighbors from Munhall, Mayor Rob Falce. Great conversation about local government and Falce's career in both Allegheny County and in his own neighborhood.
Councilwoman Mandy Steele
February 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBThis week the Kids have a candidate spotlight with Democratic Candidate for District 33 State Representative, Mandy Steele. She brings a very diverse background to the forum where the kids talk about stormwater management, farming, and climate change issues.
Mayor Ryan O'Donnell
February 21, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBSmall town mayor with big-time plans and accomplishments! The Kids have Mayor O'Donnell on the show this week to discuss political rivals, Android phones, daily life, and much more!
Patrick Sweeney
February 14, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 54.7 MBA lifelong community advocate and incredible public defender, Patrick Sweeney is the epitome of what we look for in leadership. Pat discusses his roots crisscrossing the Commonwealth, but finally returning to the Burgh. We also delve into his relationship with the Irish community and his future in Allegheny County.
Just the Kids... Thanks Ryan
January 31, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBThe Kids have a full lineup of news for you from local to state and even some Federal talk. We discuss the pay raises on city council, along with the upcoming state house races and redistricting. Additionally, the Kids chat about taxes, Supreme Court and more.
The Kids are Back
January 18, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBInvigorated after some time off from the pod (and one another) the Kids have laid out the landscape for the 2022 election cycle from local to state and back. Plus, some insight on how szn 2 is panning out!
SZN 1 Wrap Up
December 13, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBThe Kids take a trip down memory lane on the last episode of Season 1. A lot of chatting between Tony & Ryan regarding guests, moments, and the strenuous relationship of making a podcast.
Deep Breakdown of the General Election
November 22, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBThe Kids brought the Senior Advisor, Sean Harrington back to the show to break everything down statewide and local. Giving us some much-needed answers as to how everything panned out a few weeks ago.
Post-Election Summary
November 15, 2021 05:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBSo the Kids took an unplanned, extended vaca after the election, but we're back to fill you in on everything that happened from a local, regional, and statewide perspective. Also, they discuss the future of the region after the results of November 2nd.
Magistrate Madness feat. Hilary Wheatley Taylor, Leah Williams-Duncan & Nick Martini
October 27, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBThe Kids wanted to make sure to keep it local and that's what they did with three candidates for the first rung of the judicial system in Allegheny County, district magistrate. Although there are many MDJ races going on throughout the region, the Kids chose three highly contested races. Hilary Wheatley Taylor, an attorney, is repping the south with Dormont and Tony's hometown, Mt. Lebanon. Leah Williams-Duncan, a domestic relations officer, hails from the Northside of Pittsburgh, Wards 26...
Judge Bruce Beemer
October 26, 2021 04:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBQuiet and unassuming, but dedicated to justice and excellent at every stop in his career- there is a reason why refer to Judge Bruce Beemer the Tim Duncan of the judicial slate. Not to mention, a low post game and 20 ft bank shot can't be stopped. Find out how his approach to leadership helped him navigate a tumultuous time in the Commonwealth and a challenging docket on the bench. DISCLAIMER: This episode was to be published on 10/20/21, so there are some timely errors in the synchronizat...
Judge Lori Dumas
October 25, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBA perennial student of her craft, Judge Lori Dumas looks to bring her incredible resume from the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia to the Commonwealth Court. Additionally, she explained how the Commonwealth Court works, what it does, and how it affects the normal everyday person. As a woman of the people, Judge Dumas brings a different perspective to this infamous judicial tier.
Jessel Costa
October 22, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBA product of Fifth Avenue, Jessel Costa has been doing legal work since his career started fresh out of Duquesne Law School. With a diverse background, both as a public defender and attorney general, Costa shows that age is nothing but a number because he's as ready as anyone to take the bench this fall.
Lisa Middleman
October 21, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBFrom taking the District Attorney's race of 2019 by storm, Lisa Middleman has been in the spotlight in the Pittsburgh political scene. However, she didn't just appear out of nowhere. Tireless and selfless years at the Public Defender's Office readied her for the current run at the bench.
Controller Chelsa Wagner
October 19, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBThe Kids were so excited to have the Queen of Allegheny County, also referred to as Controller Chelsa Wagner back on the show. This time the focus is on the bench, as in why Chelsa opted to run for this position, how it felt to be the top Dem vote-getter, and how she envisions the judicial system looking with herself and slate on it.
Judge David Spurgeon
October 18, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 54.1 MBAllegheny County's own, Judge David Spurgeon is everything you'd expect from a blue-collar guy from the Mon-Valley. The Kids chat about his early years, rise to the bench, and statewide campaign. Not to mention, he's one cool dude.
Judge Tom Caulfield
October 14, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 62.5 MBAs one of the most experienced judicial candidates on the slate, Judge Tom Caulfield explains how his time at the Public Defender's Office, a State Representative's office, and his magisterial tenure bring different ideas to the bench downtown. The Kids chat about Caulfield's shortcoming in the primary, reemergence into the general and of course, baseball... lots of baseball.
Wrenna Watson
October 12, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MBWith years of experience in the courtroom and a vast amount of knowledge about the judicial system, Wrenna Watson has everything you would want in a judge. The Kids discuss her upbringing, being the daughter of a judge, of course, her law school alma mater (thanks to Ryan), and experiences in the courts that fueled her to continue to fight for her community as an attorney and as a judge.
Judge Timika Lane
October 11, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 51.3 MBFrom cheeseburgers on the bench to selling her car for campaign funds to tossing a child on her hip during court, the lived experiences this woman has is everything you'd want in a judicial candidate. West Philly's own, Judge Timika Lane discusses her background and why she's the right candidate for Superior Court.
Sabrina Korbel
October 08, 2021 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBKeeping things moving on the Judge-A-Rama train a trailblazer protecting women's rights over the course of her career. The Kids discuss Sabrina Korbel's background, the grind of the campaign, her vision of the bench, and plenty of off-the-topic chatter.
Judge Elliot Howsie
October 06, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBNo better way to start off the Judge-A-Rama series than with sitting judge, the Honorable Elliot Howsie. The Kids discuss the campaign process, the slate of ten, Howsie's accomplishments in and out of the courtroom, as well as his expectations for the future.
Judge Maria McLaughlin
October 04, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBThe cheerleader of the Democratic ticket is spunkier than a porcupine drinking a Red Bull. The Kids discuss the Judge's resume and her campaign trail, which has lead her across the Commonwealth.
Councilman Corey O'Connor
September 27, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBThe Kids are back and excited to get into the mix with a young, accomplished public servant, City of Pgh Councilman, Corey O'Connor. The Kids preface their convo with the campaign SZN lineup for the next couple of months. Then they chop it up with the Councilman discussing his transition into politics, golf coaching, Fireball, constituent services, neighborhoods, and more on this episode.
Campaign SZN
September 20, 2021 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBThe Kids made it back from Jamaica unscathed and are ready for campaign season to get going. They discuss their travel stories, St fake-Paddy's Day, and the GOP nominees for judge.
Jamaica
September 14, 2021 17:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBMom & Dad had a travel issue that pushed back this week's episode, but we made it. Hear all about the travel, the resort, and of course, Pittsburgh politics!
Back to Business
September 06, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBWith the extended absence of the Senior Advisor, it was time for Ryan to pull his weight and figure out where the future of the pod was headed. Thankfully, he pulled a rabbit out of his hat and Tony didn't fire him. Take a listen to hear about new members of the Kids and an in-depth breakdown of the paths for the city, county, and state candidates this fall.
News & Brunch
August 30, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBThe Kids hop on this week solo to discuss local and national news, due to a mishap in scheduling. But we'll be back with guests next week and for the forseeable future.
Demstock
August 23, 2021 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBThe Kids travel northeast to beautiful Elk County for the Demstock event.
State Representative Nick Pisciottano
August 16, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBThe Kids got themselves an incredible, young State Rep in Nick Pisciottano from the southwestern neighborhoods of Allegheny County to chat about his first term in office and generalities about local and statewide politics.
Mayor Emily Marburger
August 09, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBA dynamic young mayor, Emily Marburger chats with the Kids about her background, her climb to mayorship, and the future of the party.
News & Booze Pt Deux
August 02, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 76.4 MBRyan said 'whatever, let's just have our friends on'. So the Kids are joined by political operatives, Nichole Remmert & Chris Rosselot to discuss the current affairs of Western PA politics.
Joe Kleppick
July 26, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBEast McKeesport Chair, Joe Kleppick brings a diverse background including advocacy, politics, and public service to the show. Have a listen to Kids and Joe discuss his background and autism awareness.
Mayor Matt Rudzki
July 19, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBThe Kids continue to branch out and on this episode, they take a trip up Route 28 to chat with Sharpsburg Mayor and Magisterial District Judge Democratic Nominee, Matt Rudzki.
School Director, Braxton White
July 12, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBThe Kids & the Special Advisor brought in rural Dem leader and School Director, Braxton White all the way from Clarion County to give a different perspective on the typical discussion of city politics.
Pgh City Council Chiefs of Staff, Curt Conrad & Blake Plavchak
July 05, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 70.5 MBRyan & Tony go at it in every episode, but this time, they're taking the wrestling match to a tag team. Their respective CoS's Curt & Blake go head to head in a city episode of JACKS.
Patrick Joyal & Nichole Remmert
June 28, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBWe initially were going to explain aspects of the county makeup and things just went every which way, but it was a ride you definitely want to take with the Kids, the senior advisor, and the lowercase q.
News & Booze
June 21, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 62 MBThe Kids got their boy back, P$ to discuss some local and statewide news. Ryan brought in former colleague, Aliza Legg for some perspective for the Kids, errr... nerds. This episode is all over the place... an hour and a half you won't get back, but damn, it's entertaining!
Bill Gallagher
June 14, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBThe Kids reeled in a big one here in Pittsburgh Public School's Director, Bill Gallagher. The discussion is all over the place, but we do delve into some sports talk, chat about Bill's life experience as a coach and teacher, as well as the current state of the school board.