Pilot of "20 by Seventy," a new podcast from Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia's independent nonpartisan advocate for better government.  News, discussion and commentary about our fascinating, frustrating city.

Episode 1: What to do when a guy just won't do the job he's elected to do

The latest podcast from Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia's civic watchdog.   We look at the "pain points" of living in Philly neighborhoods, and how Silicon Valley-style innovation might soothe them.  We hear from a bright young political star who was urged by the city's power brokers to stand down. And we ponder what Hamilton, the man and the musical, can teach our city.

Episode 2:  What Philly could learn from Uber, and how to keep a good man down

The "Election Hangover" episode of 20 by 70.   After what we just went through, why would anyone think of running for political office?  Well, listen to some of the 270 young Philadelphians who attended the recent Born To Run event because they are thinking of doing just that.   Hear 70's head honcho, David Thornburgh, lay out the ways Philly has to tighten up how it runs an election.  And listen to top political journalist Holly Otterbein (pictured) as she talks (with host Chris Satullo (her old boss)) about fake news, the need for media literacy and all the ways journalists screwed up coverage of Election 2016.

Episode 8: Were you born to run?  Most say no, baby, but a few give a resounding yes

On May 9, the Democratic candidates for the job of Philadelphia's fiscal watchdog met at a Center City co-working space to talk policy, talk finances and talk tough with each other.   Here's the audio from that debate, lightly edited to cut out a few moments of screechy feedback on the PA system in the room. Philadelphians vote on May 16; this forum gave them a clear picture of the two contenders for controller in the majority party primary.

Special Election Episode: In which the city controller's race gets intense

Six months ago, few could have predicted the results of the recent Philadelphia Democratic primary, which produced upset winners in the district attorney and controller races.  Both results suggest to some that the city Democratic organization may be tottering on the brink of collapse, a zombie party.   In this episode, we test that hypothesis with two savvy reporters, Jim Saksa of PlanPhilly/NewsWorks and Claudia Vargas of the Philadelphia Inquirer (pictured here with Seventy's CEO, David Thornburgh.)

Episode 15: In which we discuss election upsets, zombie parties and the Big Sort

Meet Amanda Holt, the Joan of Arc of Pennsylvania politics.  Hear about this Allentown-area piano teacher's stubborn, inspiring and victorious (well, partially) quest to stop her state's politicians from gerrymandering. Hear Ben Geffen of the Public Interest Law Center in Philadelphia make the case for the center's lawsuit against the state's notorious congressional map.   If, during this July Fourth week, you care about making democracy work again, take a moment listen to two people who are leading the way.

Episode 16: Our "slay the gerrymander" edition

Everybody complains about their local airport, but the Committee of Seventy decided to do something about it.  The good government group recruited a team of 18 wicked-smart Philadelphians to help Philadelphia International Airport tackle some of its customer service issues.  In this episode, we review this adventure in civic consulting, which was called "The Franklin Challenge: Project Runway." Two of the volunteer consultants, Lauren Hughes of the Arden Theatre and Stefan Frank of the Wharton School, talk about the experience and the ideas for improving PHL that emerged from it.

Episode 17: How to help an airport soar

Philadelphia is the rare "Rust Belt" city that's growing. That's thanks in part to success in hanging onto recent college graduates. But, as much as these Millennials might love the city, they aren't sure they can stay.  In this episode, three young professionals discuss the three main reasons why even some fans of Philly sometimes reluctantly decide to leave: schools, career prospects and a closed-off political system.  Host Chris Satullo interviews Jason Tucker (pictured), Jennifer Devor and Bekah Gable, all of whom have been active in Young Involved Philadelphia. Tucker and Devore are also newly minted Buchholz Fellows of the Committee of Seventy.

The "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" Episode (No. 18)

It’s time for the holidays.  Are you looking ahead to the table talk over the cranberries and turkey with anticipation or dread?  Or to put it another way: What to do about Uncle George, who, after that first glass of wine, always begins spouting opinions that make you crazy?   The Committee of Seventy is ready with your holiday “survival through civility” guide.  Two seasoned experts in civil dialogue – Dr. Harris Sokoloff of the Penn Project for Civic Engagement and Sharon Browning (pictured) of the JUSTListening – share practical wisdom on how to craft a conversation over the stuffing that’ll add light and understanding, not heat and ill feeling.  And Seventy CEO David Thornburgh adds some thoughts on how curiosity, humility and empathy make the holiday work out better for all.  For more tips, visit www.seventy.org.

Episode 19: How to survive holiday dinner (and Uncle George) in the age of Trump

Philadelphia's head wonk, Seventy CEO David Thornburgh, runs down his list of indispensable nonfiction books that you should consider buying for the serious readers on your Christmas list.  Along the way, he and host Chris Satullo discuss, among other things, gerrymandering, hopefulness,Robert Moses vs. Jane Jacobs, the Pittsburgh Penguins, purple skies, dead armadillos and what it's like to have your daughter turn you into a character in her novel.

Episode 20:  Our holiday book tips, or what to get the wonk on your list

The Committee of Seventy is Philadelphia's advocate for effective, ethical government, and fair, clean elections.

Episode 20: Our holiday book tips, or what to get the wonk on your list

Studio C70

Related tracks