In this latest podcast on Philadelphia issues and politics, writer Mark Dent of BillyPenn.com talks about what's been attracting Millennials in droves to Philadelphia, and what could drive them away in equal numbers.   And David Thornburgh and Chris Satullo of the Committee of Seventy talk about the hidden, hopeful message inside the recent cascade of political corruption cases coming out of Philly.

Episode 3: Philly's Millennial face-off - good living vs. bad schools

Donald Trump claims massive voter fraud will happen next week in Philadelphia in a bid to steal the election from him.  David Thornburgh, president and CEO of Philadelphia's chief civic watchdog, the Committee of Seventy, explains crisply and thoroughly why this claim is a bunch of hooey.   Also, in this episode, Seventy's guide to the new array of election apps that aim to help you make your choices at the polls.  Finally, to cleanse your palate from the bad taste of this election, a few words from new, immigrant voters who are just thrilled to be voting in an American election.

Episode 7:  The truth about voter fraud in Philly (plus, a word on 'Tinder for voters'!)

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

Thanks to the iconic film, the term "Groundhog Day" has become code for living the same lousy experience over and over again.  To figure out how to avoid Groundhog Day syndrome in policy and politics, the 20 by 70 podcast takes a rollicking tour through ... the wit and wisdom of Bill Murray, the South Park underpants gnomes, something called "logic models," a new play about John Lewis and the Selma bridge, the Women's Marches and Indivisible.   Oh, and how to plan a wedding, too.

Episode 10:  What Bill Murray, South Park and Selma tell us about today's headlines

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

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

Host Chris Satullo talks with David Daley, author of "Ratf**ked."  Daley literally wrote the book on gerrymandering, how it went nuclear in the digital age, and the damage it does to democracy.  And the first chapter in his book was about Pennsylvania.  It's a pretty grim read.  But all is not lost!  Today, Daley sees more than one glimmer of hope across the land that the people are rising up and saying, Enough with these goofy maps and their toxic effects. (And this interview was taped a couple of days before a court threw out Pa.'s notoriously gerrymandered congressional map.)

Episode 21: In which we glimpse the gerrymander on the run

David Thornburgh chats with Jeremy Nowak (at right in photo) and Bruce Katz, authors of a new book called "The New Localism."   Their thesis: Many American cities have more things going for them than they seem to realize - untapped wealth and assets that could enable them to address many of their challenges.  Those cities just have to stop behaving in 20th-century ways, including waiting for federal help that isn't coming anytime soon.  Nowak and Katz talk about cities on the rise - yeah, Pittsburgh, we're talking about you - that offer lessons in how to flip this switch.

Episode 22:  How cities can save themselves, because no one else is going to

For the first time in a very long time, Philadelphia's diverse 184th House District will be getting a new state representative.  Competing to replace the retiring Bill Keller are Nicholas DiDonato Jr., Elizabeth Fiedler and Tom Wyatt.  Each stopped by 20 by Seventy to chat with David Thornburgh about their credentials, their sense of the district, what they'd fight for in Harrisburg, and what they'd never support, no matter what.  David also chats with co-host Chris Satullo about the stakes in this year's state elections.  Listening to this lively conversation is a great way to prepare for going to the polls on May 15.

Episode 28: Mid-term election special - The contest in Pa.'s 184th House district

On his last day in office as a U.S. congressman - and as one of the last GOP moderates on Capitol Hill - Charles Dent (R., Pa.) sat down with Chris Satullo to talk about his time in office, the plague of hyper-partisanship, the fight over Obamacare and other adventures. The setting was the 10th anniversary celebration of the Penn Project for Civic Engagement in Philadelphia, so some of the talk was about the the quest for rational political dialogue and the negative impact of social media.   In this special bonus episode, listen in as one of Congress' most candid personalities gives you a peek inside the inner workings of Washington.

Episode 29: Swan song for the last of the GOP moderates

Pennsylvanians went to the polls on May 15.   Depending on where you sit, the results could be seen as a depressing show of apathy, a sign that 2018 will be the true "Year of the Woman" in politics,  or an indicator that the so-called "blue wave" is mostly hype.   In this episode, the dean of Harrisburg journalists,  columnist John Baer of the Inquirer and philly.com, talks it all over with Seventy CEO David Thornburgh.  Some of what this famously skeptical commentator has to say will surprise you.

Episode 30 - What was Pa.'s primary color: red, blue or gray? John Baer explains it all

The old Philadelphia Democratic machine is clearly wearing out.  But what might revive or supplant it?  In this podcast, David Thornburgh talks to Ali Perelman of Philadelphia 3.0 about efforts to bring fresh blood into the old party committee structure.  And Chris Satullo chats with Asian-American leader Andy Toy about what it might take to get the city's Asian and Hispanic minority populations to increase their impact at the polls.

Episode 31: The wheezing Philly Democratic machine ... repair or replace?

After years of waiting, Philadelphia has regained control of its school system and sworn in a new board of education.  One of its nine members, Lee Huang, talks in-depth with Chris Satullo about the boot-camp-like training and the energetic "listening tour" of the city that board members experienced to get ready.  Huang explains how he's thinking about addressing the challenges of a school system charged with educating the nation's poorest big city.

Episode 32: New era, but familiar challenges for Philly's schools

What's new in Maine and unheard-of in much of America is old hat in Ireland.   Ranked-choice voting lets voters express how they feel about multiple candidates, rather than just settling for the least-bad option. Here, it's just gaining a hard-won foothold in places like Maine and San Francisco.  But it's been the norm for decades in Ireland. In this episode, we talk to Philadelphian and Irish national Siobhan Lyons about why she loves, just loves, the system known in her native land as "single transferable vote."

Episode 33: Why Irish eyes are smiling on ranked-choice voting

And we're back! Committee of Seventy CEO David Thornburgh talks with two of our new Buchholz Fellows - Harper Seldin of @cozen_oconnor and Kalie Wertz of @UACoalition . David also chats with @YIPhilly 's Bekah Gable and Kate McGlinchey about the State of Young Philly #SOYP Conference. In our final segment, David and C70's Civic Engagement Consultant Chris Satullo talk about why Philadelphians should #ExpectMore from their city and join the #AntiShrug Movement, plus a note on how you can make a difference through #WeVote70 and @DrawtheLinesPA 

For more info, visit seventy.org

Episode 34: The State of Young Philadelphia

Join our CEO David Thornburgh and Civic Engagement Consultant Chris Satullo as they discuss what happened in the 2018 Elections and what it means for Pennsylvania. Plus, a consideration of our love/hate relationship with the "I Voted" sticker.

Episode 35: Special Edition: #Stickergate, Turnout & Takeaways from Election Day 2018

C70's CEO David Thornburgh and Civic Engagement Consultant Chris Satullo share their favorite non-fiction books of 2018. (These also happen to make perfect gifts for the politicos and policy wonks in your life.)
Michael Lewis, The Fifth Risk
https://know.freelibrary.org/Record/2424774

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Leadership in Turbulent Times
https://know.freelibrary.org/Record/2419545 

Ron Chernow, Grant
https://know.freelibrary.org/Record/2091768

Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny
https://know.freelibrary.org/Record/2072235

Episode 36: C70's Best Books of 2018

Hear from two rumored 2020 presidential candidates, former Governors John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and John Kasich (R-OH) who were the keynote speakers at Seventy’s 114th Anniversary Luncheon.  Their conversation was moderated by Marty Moss-Coane, host and executive producer of Radio Times.  CEO David Thornburgh and Civic Engagement Consultant Chris Satullo share their takeaways from the event which took place in November of 2018.

Episode 37 - Conversation between two rumored Presidential Candidates

Few in Philly have inspired more rumors - or fear - than legendary union boss John Dougherty.  Two top political journalists - Dave Davies of WHYY and David Gambacorta of philly.com - join us to talk through the twisty implications of the corruption indictment of one of the city's main power brokers.

Episode 38: What the sad tale of Johnny Doc means for Philly

Committee of Seventy CEO David Thornburgh and Policy Director Patrick Christmas tee up the issues, races and candidates on the ballot in the May 21st PA Primary. Subscribe to receive 9+ hours of bonus interviews with Philadelphia City Council, Commissioner and Register of Wills candidates.
Learn about the candidates, create and share your ballots and make a plan to vote at seventy.org/votesmart 
Download our WeVote app at seventy.org/wevote

Expect More and VOTE in the May 21st PA Primary Election

1:00: Drew Murray
19:45: David Oh
41:45: Adrian Rivera-Reyes

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Council At-Large Interviews with Drew Murray, David Oh, & Adrian Rivera-Reyes

1:00: Katherine Gilmore Richardson
15:00: Mark Ross
31:50: Eryn Santamoor

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Council At-Large - Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Mark Ross, & Eryn Santamoor

1:00: Isaiah Thomas
18:50: Fernando Trevino
35:40: Matt Wolfe

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Council At-Large Candidate Interviews with Isaiah Thomas, Fernando Trevino, & Matt Wolfe

1:00: Moira Bohannon
15:00: Luigi Borda
30:30: Carla Cain

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Commissioner Interviews with Moira Bohannon, & Luigi Borda, Carla Cain

1:00: Lisa Deeley
17:20: Jen Devor
33:00: Marwan Kreidie

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Commissioner Interviews with Lisa Deeley, Jen Devor, Marwan Kreidie

1:00: Dennis Lee
16:30: Omar Sabir
33:30: Kahlil Williams

Watch all the candidate interviews at https://www.youtube.com/user/pchristmas70/videos

Voter resources:
ballot.seventy.org
seventy.org/wevote
seventy.org/votesmart

Thanks to Thomas Skelton Harrison for their generous support that allows us to produce these interviews!

Bonus: City Commissioner Candidate Interview with Dennis Lee, Omar Sabir, & Kahlil Williams

This national election year is haunted by worries about polarization, voter fraud and suppression, toxic social media and disinformation campaigns. What can an individual voter do about all that?  Plenty. As part of its Campaign for Political Responsibility (CPR), the Committee of Seventy is promoting Five Habits of Highly Effective Citizens. Seventy's CEO David Thornburgh talks with journalist Chris Satullo about what those habits are, why they matter and what Seventy is doing to help people uphold them. Also, listen in as Fresh Air's Dave Davies interviews the two speakers at our annual luncheon, constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar and civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill.

Episode 39: CPR For Democracy & the Year of the Voter

PA's top election official, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar talks with C70 CEO David Thornburgh about the significant changes to how Pennsylvanians will vote in 2020. From the new option to vote by mail, to new registration deadlines, new machines in every county, and the challenges of ensuring every vote counts amid a global pandemic, this wide-ranging conversation is packed with information you need to vote smart this year.

Resources:
votespa.com
ballot.seventy.org
wevote.seventy.org

Episode 40: PA Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar Discusses Big Changes to PA Elections

How do we vote safely and securely in the middle of a pandemic? Committee of Seventy CEO David Thornburgh speaks with The National Vote at Home Institute's Amber McReynolds. 
www.voteathome.org

McReynolds is one of the country’s leading experts on election administration and policy, and co-author of the book “When Women Vote”. Amber is the CEO for the National Vote At Home Institute and Coalition and is the former Director of Elections for Denver, Colorado. During her time there, she transformed the elections division into a national and international award-winning office. She has proven that designing pro-voter policies, voter-centric processes, and implementing technical innovations will improve representation for all voters.

Vote at Home with Expert Amber McReynolds

The novel coronavirus disrupted college life in a big way. Amid the chaos of moving out of dorms and transitioning to online learning, college students were uncertain about how and where to vote. In light of the many questions we received, we decided to call in the experts: the PA Department of State's Tiffany Chang Lawson and All In Challenge Executive Director Jennifer Domagal-Goldman. 

They join C70 CEO David Thornburgh to discuss the All In Campus Democracy Challenge through Civic Nation and the DoS, and the challenges facing college students who want to vote amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

votespa.com
allinchallenge.org
wevote.seventy.org

Thanks to Tiffany Chang Lawson, Director of the Bureau of Campaign Finance & Civic Engagement in the PA Dept of State and
Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director, ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

votespa.com
allinchallenge.org
wevote.seventy.org

College Voting Challenge - and Challenges

Best-selling author Dave Daley joins C70 CEO David Thornburgh and Civic Engagement Consultant Chris Satullo to discuss his new book, Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy. Get inspired by civic movements taking shape across the nation, and discover the blueprint for action you can take to positively impact your community.

The name of Dave Daley's last book is Ratf@#ked and it gets mentioned a few times, hence the explicit warning.

Unrigged with Dave Daley

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

Popular tracks by Studio C70