JSGC Podcast

Online Gambling and Sports Betting

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew sit down with staff analyst Abigail Gilson to talk about online gambling and sports betting. Topics of discussion include problem gambling, marketing practices, the PA Gambling Addiction Hotline, gaming operator responses, and recommendations from the JSGC report. We also discuss proposed regulations from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board relating to sports betting. The content of this episode is based on “Sports Betting and Related Interactive Gambling in Pennsylvania.” Both the full report and a summary are available on the JSGC website. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, visit https://responsibleplay.pa.gov/ or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew sits down with project manager Yvonne Hursh, along with staff analysts Allison Kobzowicz and Abigail Gilson to discuss law enforcement recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania. The conversation covers issues common to several types of law enforcement agencies, as well as specific challenges faced by police, corrections officers, and prosecutors. The content of this episode is based on “Recruitment and Retention Challenges for Pennsylvania Police, Corrections, and Prosecutors.” The full report as well as a one-page summary are available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Public Utility Commission

In this episode the JSGC podcast crew sits down to with Jennifer Berrier, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to learn about the many duties of this agency. Topics discussed include which utilities are regulated by the PUC, how rates are determined, and the role public feedback and complaints have in shaping the agency's decisions. We also discuss how the organization has changed to adapt to new technologies and challenges since its inception. Learn more at https://www.puc.pa.gov/ Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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AI: Cyber Security, Agents, and the Future

In our final episode in this series on AI, Bryan sits down with former COPA-STEP Fellow Dr. Jae Wan Ahn to discuss AI's impact on cybersecurity, the emerging field of AI Agents, and hypothetical concepts that could one day shape the future of Artificial Intelligence. The content for this episode is based on the full report Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania, available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Data Centers

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew continues our exploration of topics from our AI report, this time turning our attention to data centers. Project manager of the JSGC report on AI Yvonne Hursh and former COPA-STEP AI Fellow Dr. Jae Wan Ahn return to answer questions about what data centers are, where they are sited, and the impacts they might have on local economies as well their effects on energy and water usage. For more information on data centers please visit the JSGC website to access our full report. As a disclaimer for our listeners, this episode was recorded in March of 2026 and the development and policy discussions surrounding data centers are progressing rapidly. This episode represents the issue at a snapshot in time. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Financial Conflicts of Interest & Disclosure

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interviews Mary Fox, the executive director of the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission. In addition to learning about Mary’s background, we discuss the duties and responsibilities of the Ethics Commission, the difference between the Ethics Act and gift bans, and what type of disclosure is required of public officials, employees, and lobbyists. We also discuss what happens during the investigation process if there has been an ethical violation by public officials or employees. For more information or to learn about upcoming training opportunities, please visit the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission’s website. As an extra reminder to state public officials and employees, your annual statement of financial interest forms are due May 1st! Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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AI: Education & Criminal Justice

In this episode, Bryan DeWalt interviews Allison Kobzowicz and Dr. Jae Wan Ahn to continue our series exploring AI. This time, we focus on its impact on education and criminal justice fields. For education, we discuss beneficial uses of generative AI in the classroom and proposed guidelines for its effective use. For criminal justice, we talk about how algorithm based tools like predictive policing and computer vision have shaped law enforcement for decades. This episode also addresses transparency and accountability measures to encourage the ethical development of generative AI. The content for this episode is based on the full report Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania, available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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AI: Agriculture and Transportation

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew continues our exploration of AI by focusing on its impact on two of Pennsylvania’s most important industries: agriculture and transportation. For agriculture, we discuss uses of precision agriculture, and rates of farmer adoption of technology within Pennsylvania. For transportation, we talk about self-driving vehicles as well as ways in which AI is helping to make transportation safer and more efficient. The content for this episode is based on the full report Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania, available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Adoption and Use of AI

In this episode, Glenn and Susan interview Yvonne Hursh, project manager of JSGC’s recently released report on AI. Among the topics discussed are an explanation of what AI is, aspects of AI that show promise or concern, how our Advisory Committee shaped our findings, federal and state attitudes on the regulation of AI, as well as AI applications in the field of health care field. The full report, Artificial Intelligence: Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Adoption and Use of AI in Pennsylvania, is available on the JSGC website. This episode is the first in a series exploring elements of our report on AI. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellowship

In this episode Glenn and Susan discuss the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy Program (COPA-STEP) with Patricia Gruver-Barr, the director of the program. We are also joined by Dr. Jae Wan Ahn, COPA-STEP’s inaugural fellow, who we are proud to announce was assigned to research here at JSGC! Together, we discuss how COPA-STEP is working to bring the science community and policy makers closer together, learn more about the origins and objectives behind the program, and how COPA-STEP will expand in the future. To learn more about the program, visit COPA-STEP’s Website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

In recognition of October being American Archives Month, this episode features a discussion between the JSGC podcast crew and Taylor Mason, the Outreach Archivist from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives. Together, we discuss the background of the PA House Archives and how the history and files of the House are preserved. Other topics include the types of materials stored within the archives, research services, recent exhibits, and how archiving is changing in the digital age. Please visit the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives website to explore digital exhibits, historical biographies, and digital collections. For video content mentioned in this episode, visit the PA House Archives YouTube Channel for oral histories from Pennsylvania House of Representatives members, preservation tips, and spotlights on archived materials. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Geothermal Energy Bonus Episode

In this episode Bryan discusses geothermal energy applications with Lydia Ring, a policy intern for JSGC during the Summer of 2025. Among the topics discussed are the similarities between oil and gas extraction and geothermal electricity, cities creating thermal energy networks, and using geothermal heat pumps to cool data centers. This episode is based on "Unearthing the Potential for Geothermal Energy Systems in Pennsylvania," the full report and 1-page summary are available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Geothermal Energy

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interviewed Bryan DeWalt about geothermal energy opportunities within Pennsylvania. Topics covered include geothermal power plants, ground source heat pumps, and how the Commonwealth may be uniquely situated to benefit from our heritage as a coal mining state. This episode is based on “Unearthing the Potential of Geothermal Energy Systems in Pennsylvania” released in August of 2025. The full report and a summary can be accessed on the JSGC website. To learn more about this topic we recommend “The Future of Geothermal Energy in Pennsylvania” created in a partnership between Project Innerspace and universities throughout the state. The JSGC would like to thank Swarthmore College, Kevin Sunday, Mike Korb, and Gale Blackmer for their assistance researching this report. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

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Urban Search and Rescue in Pennsylvania

In this episode the JSGC podcast crew interviewed project manager Allison Kobzowicz and legal analyst John Brettler about Pennsylvania’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) resources. Topics covered in this episode include how many of USAR teams are present in Pennsylvania, what elements comprise them, their history, how they are funded, and recommendations for how this system might be improved. The content of this episode is based on “Assessment of the Commonwealth's Urban Search and Rescue Capabilities,” released in July of 2025. The full report and a summary are available on our website. JSGC would also like to thank the first responders working to keep Pennsylvania safe. Acronyms appearing in this episode FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency PEMA – Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency CBRNE – Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive CERF-P – CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package UASI – Urban Area Security Initiative SHSP – State Homeland Security Program Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Independent Regulatory Review Commission

This episode focuses on one of our fellow state agencies, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). The JSGC podcast crew interviewed two guests from IRRC, Chairman George Bedwick and Executive Director David Sumner to learn more about them and to spotlight the important work done by this agency. Among the topics discussed are IRRC’s role in the lawmaking process, the history of the agency, the process of holding public meetings, and the importance of gathering feedback to shape regulations. More information about IRRC can be found on their website. https://www.irrc.state.pa.us/ Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Agrivoltaics: Balancing Energy and Agriculture

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interview project manager Yvonne Hursh and policy analyst Bryan DeWalt about the emerging practice of agrivoltaics, sometimes called dual-use solar. We discuss how solar panels can be combined with agricultural practices to protect Pennsylvania’s farmland, while increasing its productivity. The contents of this episode are based on "Agrivoltaic Farming in Pennsylvania," released in May of 2025. The full report and summary are available on the JSGC website. Below are a list of resources to learn more about agrivoltaics: To learn more, visit this overview from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and discover best practices with the 5 Cs of agrivoltaics. More information about grazing animals under solar panels can be found at the American Solar Grazing Association's website. More about Pennsylvania-based research to grow plants under solar panels can be found at the Temple University’s Ambler Campus. We also recommend “Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Solar Development on Pennsylvania Farmland” by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Short-term Rentals

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interview project manager Yvonne Hursh about short-term rentals. We discuss what makes short-term rentals different from other types of housing, how they are affecting our communities, and the response of local governments within the Commonwealth. The content of this episode is based on The Short-term Rental Industry in Pennsylvania. A full report and summary are available on the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Police Use of Body-worn Cameras

In today’s episode, Susan and Glenn focus on police body-worn cameras. They discuss the many perceived benefits of their use for both civilians and law enforcement officers, as well as the current challenges of measuring the effectiveness of this technology. Staff Analyst Allison Kobzowicz joins us to speak on her experience creating and interpreting a survey on body-worn camera use and cost within Pennsylvania police departments. The content of this episode is based on Body-Worn Camera Footage Outcomes for Law Enforcement Officers and Civilians released in December of 2024. For a 1-page summary and full report, visit the JSGC website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Police Academy Training Standards

In this episode, the JSGC podcast crew interview project manager Steve Kramer to discuss entry rates into Pennsylvania police academies, minimum training standards, and changes made to police recruitment in Philadelphia by Act 37 of 2023. The content of this episode is based on Minimum Eligibility Standards for Police Officer Training and Graduation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, released in December of 2024, which is available on the JSGC website. More information about MPOETC and their Training Standards can be found on their agency page on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's website. Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/

Women Veterans Healthcare

Women have played a vital role in the U.S. military forces since its inception, but efforts to provide our female veterans quality healthcare from veterans affairs organizations has historically fallen short when compared their male counterparts. In recent decades, there have been federal and state efforts to improve the standards of health care for women veterans. In this episode Susan sits down with Alli, project manager of our Women Veterans Health Care report to discuss barriers, available services, eligibility requirements, how to sign up, as well as how non-veteran healthcare organizations can improve the care of women veterans in Pennsylvania. For more information read our full report, containing policy recommendations informed by data collected on Pennsylvania veterans, available on the JGSC website. If you are a woman who served our country, please visit the links below to learn more about VA healthcare: How to find out if you are eligible for VA care https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/ How to apply for VA health care By phone at 877-222-8387 from M-F, 8am to 8pm By mail with an application for health benefits to Health Eligibility Center PO Box 5207 Janesville, WI 53547-5207 Online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/introduction How to look up your local VA facility’s performance https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/FacilityPerformanceData How to be notified on resources available to PA veterans through the DMVA https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/pages/outreach-and-reintegration/pennsylvaniaveteransregistry.aspx Directory of PA County Directors of Veterans Affairs https://dmvapa.service-now.com/csp?id=county_directors Other Veteran Resources https://www.dmva.pa.gov/VetConnect/Pages/VetConnect.aspx Music by Joseph McDade. Visit us at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us/