The Zekely Podcast

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke welcomes Christopher Thomas, who served as the executive director of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee for the last three years. Now, he is running for State Senator in Pennsylvania to help get the trifecta - Democratic Governor, Democratically controlled State House of Representatives and State Senate. The conversation dives into C...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Allen Kukovich, a former Pennsylvania state legislator with over three decades of public service. They discuss Kukovich's impactful work, including the creation of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), his views on democracy, empathy in politics, and the importance of mentoring future leaders. Kukovich reflects on his ex...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Joanna McClinton, the first Black woman to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania. They discuss her journey in politics, the significance of the Crown Act, and the importance of equity and inclusion in Harrisburg. Joanna shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of...

Summary In this year-end episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke reflects on the journey of producing 52 episodes throughout 2025, highlighting the importance of Democratic messaging in Pennsylvania. He shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of podcasting, the impact of his work on the community, and expresses gratitude to those who supported him along the way. Zeke emphasizes the signifi...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Jill Zipin , the founder and chair of Democratic Jewish Outreach Pennsylvania (DJOP). They discuss Jill's journey in political activism, the founding of DJOP, and the importance of grassroots organizing. Jill shares personal stories, her upbringing, and how her experiences in civil litigation shaped her views on gender issues. The...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Pennsylvania State Representative Matthew Bradford, who discusses his journey to becoming the Majority Leader of the PA State House. They explore the challenges and triumphs of Democratic leadership, the importance of constituent services, and the role of education in shaping political perspectives. Bradford shares insights on bip...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Dylan Altemara, a candidate for state representative in Pennsylvania's HD 39. Dylan discusses his motivations for running, the challenges he has faced, and his accomplishments as chair of the Elizabeth Township Democratic Committee. The conversation covers critical issues such as gun control, healthcare access, the importance of u...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Alex Pearlman, a Pennsylvania native and comedian, who shares his journey in blending comedy with political activism. They discuss the importance of local identity, navigating political conversations during family gatherings, and the significance of community engagement. Alex reflects on recent elections, the influence of his upbr...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke speaks with Michelle Milan-McFall to discuss her journey from being a high school English teacher to becoming the Chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Committee. They explore the challenges and triumphs of grassroots organizing, the importance of local elections, and the personal stories that shape political identities. Michelle share...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke speaks with Gigi Tevlin-Moffat, the director of the Narberth Community Food Bank, about the pressing issue of food insecurity in Pennsylvania. They discuss the impact of government policies on food assistance, the reality of food insecurity even in wealthy areas, and the importance of community support and volunteerism. Gigi shares personal...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, Zeke interviews Representative Izzy Smith-Wade-El, the first black and non-binary state representative in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They discuss the importance of representation, the challenges of local governance, and the need for community engagement. Izzy shares personal stories about identity, mental health advocacy, and innovative solutions...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Gibson O'Mealy, the chair of the Pennsylvania High School Democrats. They discuss Gibson's journey into politics, the importance of youth engagement, and the challenges facing his generation, including student loans, mental health, and political identity. Gibson shares his aspirations for the future, the significance of upcoming e...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Eugene DePasquale, the Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. They discuss Eugene's journey in public service, his commitment to civil rights, and the importance of engaging younger voters in the political process. Eugene shares a personal story about intervening in a scuffle at a football game, highlighting his instinct to p...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, Zeke interviews Elizabeth Moro, a small business owner and civic leader running for State Representative in Pennsylvania. They discuss her motivations for running, the importance of community engagement, reproductive rights, gun control, and the power of voting. Elizabeth shares personal stories about her family and her cafe, emphasizing the need for...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Craig Timberlake, a candidate for Commissioner in Lower Merion. They discuss the importance of civic engagement, the motivations behind Craig's decision to run, and the key issues facing the community, including pedestrian safety and accessibility. Craig shares his vision for improving public spaces and fostering community connect...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. They discuss the significance of the upcoming retention elections, the role of the Supreme Court in protecting rights and democracy, and the personal experiences that shape their judicial philosophies. The justices share insights into t...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Joe Khan, a candidate for District Attorney in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Joe shares his motivations for running, emphasizing the need for change in the current political landscape. He discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in law, his personal background, and the significance of voting rights. Joe also reflects on h...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Sean Kitchen, a political correspondent for the Keystone Newsroom. They discuss the current media landscape, the importance of ethical journalism, and the role of headlines in shaping public perception. Sean shares his journey into journalism, the significance of civic education, and his new initiatives focusing on labor reporting...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Christina Vogel, a candidate for Erie County Executive. Christina shares her journey from a rural upbringing in Illinois to her current political aspirations, emphasizing the importance of community, education, and hard work. She discusses her motivations for running for office, her experiences as a business owner, and her commitm...

Summary In this episode of The Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Dawn Burke, a candidate for the Court of Common Pleas in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Dawn shares her personal journey, motivations for running, and her extensive legal experience, including her work with marginalized communities. The conversation explores the role of a judge, the importance of empathy in the judiciary, and the imp...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke engages with Jack Inacker, a political organizer and veteran, discussing a range of topics from political perspectives and critiques of political figures to the importance of housing as a form of preventative medicine. They explore the role of the Democratic Party, the impact of education, and the initiatives of FUBAR PAC. The conversation e...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Danny Ceisler, a decorated veteran and attorney running for sheriff in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. They discuss Ceisler's motivations for running, his experiences in the military, and his vision for community safety and justice. The conversation also touches on his involvement with Naked Brewing Company, his fitness journey, and h...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Mitch Kates, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Kates shares his journey from a professional wrestling career to a prominent role in politics. He discusses the importance of grassroots activism, the significance of judicial elections, and the need for empathy and leadership within the Democratic Party. Ka...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Bob Harvie, a lifelong resident of Bucks County and a Democratic candidate for Congress. They discuss Harvie's journey from being a high school social studies teacher to running for office, his commitment to community service, and his views on key issues such as election integrity, gun violence, and the importance of education. Ha...

Summary In this episode of the Zekely Podcast, host Zeke interviews Judge Alice Beck Dubow, a candidate for retention on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. They discuss her decade-long experience as a judge, the types of cases she handles, and the importance of mental health in the judicial system. Judge Dubow shares impactful stories from her career, her views on political influences in the judicia...