In this special local government edition of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Jack Gombach, Managing Director of the City of Reading, Pennsylvania. From government affairs pro to city hall COO, Jack shares his journey and his relentless optimism for what's ahead. With insights into urban revitalization, reducing crime, streamlining bureaucracy, and positioning Reading for growth, Jack delivers an engaging look at how local leadership can drive lasting change. If you've ever wondered how cities like Reading move from potential to progress, this episode is for you.

About Jack:

Jack Gombach serves as the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, where he is leading efforts to modernize city government and accelerate economic growth. Known for his relentless optimism and results-driven leadership, Jack brings clarity, urgency, and a collaborative spirit to complex challenges. His experience spans politics, government affairs, and executive roles in higher education and healthcare. He believes cities thrive when purpose drives performance and leaders stay focused on impact, equity, and service.

In this episode of the Back in Session Podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome Massachusetts State Senator Brendan Crighton. The discussion dives into Crighton’s journey from a civic-minded college student to a state senator, his work as chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, and the pressing issues facing Massachusetts, including budget uncertainties and transportation challenges. From passing the Working Families Mobility Act to addressing MBTA deficits and coastal community concerns, Crighton shares insights on legislative priorities and coalition-building. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted take on the Boston Celtics’ playoff prospects and the Red Sox’s season outlook.

In this episode of the Back in Session podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Andrew O'Connor from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) to explore the advocacy efforts shaping the video game industry. Andrew discusses critical policy challenges like artificial intelligence (AI) and online safety, debunking myths about gamers and highlighting how states like Texas and New York bolster the industry with tax incentives. The hosts also share lighthearted personal stories, from moving woes to nostalgic gaming memories featuring classics like MLB The Show, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Halo. Whether you’re a gamer or just curious about the industry’s impact, this episode offers a fun and insightful look behind the scenes.

Learn more about the Entertainment Software Association:

https://www.theesa.com/about-esa/

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper steps up to the plate on this episode of Back in Session to talk about PA's economy, energy policy, and the GOP’s 2025 legislative game plan. He breaks down Governor Shapiro’s budget, discusses the future of election integrity, and even calls out MLB’s robot umpires. Also tune in to find out Leader Topper's predictions for the Pirates baseball season and who he thinks will be the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback in 2025!

Learn more about PA State Rep. Jesse Topper:

https://www.reptopper.com/about

What’s it like to govern in one of the most politically divided states? PA State Rep. Mike Schlossberg joins Back in Session to discuss mental health reform, education funding, and bipartisan challenges in Harrisburg. Plus, he shares insights into Governor Shapiro’s budget, reflects on his path to politics, and settles the debate about Billy Joel’s “Allentown.” Tune in for a lively discussion on Pennsylvania’s legislative landscape!

Learn more about Representative Schlossberg: https://www.pahouse.com/Schlossberg/About/Biography

The Back in Session podcast kicks off 2025 with a deep dive into multi-state lobbying and government affairs. Hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Kristen Casimir, a government affairs professional covering the southeastern U.S., to discuss the complexities of advocating across different state legislatures. Kristen shares her journey from campaign work to in-house government affairs, offering insights into relationship-building, navigating diverse political landscapes, and staying ahead of policy trends.

In this episode of The Back in Session Podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara are joined by Brendan Williams from PBF Energy. They delve into the state of energy policy, the refining sector, and the challenges posed by electric vehicle mandates and renewable energy transitions. Brendan offers insights into his career, the pivotal role of refiners, and how energy policies impact consumers.

About PBF Energy:

They are one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants, and other petroleum products in the United States. They sell their products throughout the Northeast, Midwest, Gulf Coast, and West Coast of the United States, as well as in other regions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and are able to ship products to other international destinations. They own and operate six domestic oil refineries and related assets. Their refineries have a combined processing capacity, known as throughput, of approximately 1,000,000 barrels per day (“bpd”), and a weighted-average Nelson Complexity Index of 12.7 based on current operating conditions. The complexity and throughput capacity of their refineries are subject to change depending on configuration changes made to respond to market conditions, as well as investments aimed at improving their facilities and maintaining compliance with environmental and governmental regulations.

They operate in two reportable business segments: Refining and Logistics. Their six oil refineries are all engaged in the refining of crude oil and other feedstocks into petroleum products, representing the Refining segment. PBFX operates certain logistical assets, such as crude oil and refined products terminals, pipelines, and storage facilities, which represent the Logistics segment.

Their six refineries are located in Delaware City, Delaware; Paulsboro, New Jersey; Toledo, Ohio; Chalmette, Louisiana; Torrance, California; and Martinez, California.

In this episode of the Back in Session podcast, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Michigan State Representative Bryan Posthumus to explore the key issues shaping Michigan’s political and legislative landscape. Posthumus, the GOP Floor Leader, shares his experiences running for office during COVID-19, highlights the "Mission for Michigan" policy platform, and outlines his vision for making Michigan more affordable, improving education, and enhancing energy production. The discussion also covers the balance between environmental protection and economic growth, the importance of vocational education, and the state's approach to combating the opioid epidemic. A must-listen for anyone following Michigan’s pivotal role in national politics.

About Rep. Bryan Posthumus:

Elected in 2020, Representative Posthumus serves the citizens of Michigan’s 90th House District, which encompasses much of Northeast Kent County. The district is comprised of the townships of Sparta, Alpine, Algoma, Courtland, Cannon, Grattan, Vergennes and parts of Tyrone and Plainfield, as well as the City of Rockford.

Bryan graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Agricultural Business Management.

As a fifth-generation farmer, Bryan knows the value of hard work and commitment. Over the past ten years, he has built his farm from a start up to the largest farmer-owned hop grower in the state, and he brings that work ethic and experience to Lansing as a representative.

About Mission for Michigan:

https://missionformichigan.com/