Just a Couple Kids

A 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.

From 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.

The 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.

Allegheny 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.

From the candidate that no one knew to one of the all-stars of the slate of 10, Tiffany Sizemore's experience, both lived and professional makes her one of the most interesting candidates on this ticket. In addition to her experience in the DC and the Allegheny County Public Defender's Offices, she created the Youth Advocacy Clinic at Duquesne University School of Law. This unique backgr...

As 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.

You knew Tony would be excited for this one and she did not disappoint. Nicola Henry-Taylor is everything anyone would want in a judge. The Kids discuss the primary, the county committee, how campaigning is going with the slate, and much more. For Tony's sake, give this a listen and make sure you show up for her in November.

With 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.

From 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.

Keeping 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.

No 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.

The 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. 

The 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.

The 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. 

Mom & 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!

With 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.

The 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.

The Kids travel northeast to beautiful Elk County for the Demstock event.

The 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.

A dynamic young mayor, Emily Marburger chats with the Kids about her background, her climb to mayorship, and the future of the party.  

Ryan 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.

East 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Ryan & 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.