Welcome to "Back in Session," a podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time. Join our hosts, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara from Duane Morris Government Strategies, as they engage a diverse range of guests to bring you behind the scenes of the legislative process.
Whether you are a policy wonk looking to dive into recent legislative developments, or a curious citizen interested in getting to learn more about the issues in your state and beyond, "Back in Session" is the podcast for you. Each episode offers fresh perspectives, shedding light on challenges and opportunities that shape policy landscapes in states around the country.
Subscribe now to stay informed on the always- evolving policy landscape in states around the country.
The Kentucky Playbook: A Conversation on Legislating with Rep. Vanessa Grossl
Kentucky State Representative Vanessa Grossl joins hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara to talk about her extensive background experience that led her to the statehouse, including teaching English abroad, working at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, running an international center for the City of Lexington, shaping state policy at the Council of State Governments, working in tech startups, and finally flipping a state house seat.
Rep. Grossl shares what surprised her most about life as a first term legislator and reflects on how her varied career, including her time spent living and working in Japan, shapes her views on education and personal responsibility. She also previews her top legislative priority for the next session, closing a dangerous regulatory gap around compounding pharmacies, med spas, and weight loss drugs after a constituent's harrowing medical scare. She also talks the value of the legislative conference circuit (CSG, ALEC, NCSL), and, of course, her favorite of the nearly 60 countries she's visited.
29 Oct 2025
Inside the Work of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission with Drew Dehoff and Stacey Hanrahan
In this episode of Back In Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara dive deep into the work of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) with guests Drew Dehoff and Stacey Hanrahan. From managing AI’s impact on water usage to restoring American eel populations, the SRBC plays a critical role in the health and sustainability of one of America’s most vital waterways. You'll hear about the Commission’s unique structure, its real-world impact on local communities, and why protecting the Susquehanna isn’t just about the environment—it’s about the future.
About the SRBC:
The mission of the Commission, which is defined in the Compact, is to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin (https://www.srbc.gov/portals/susquehanna-atlas/data-and-maps/susquehanna-basin/).
To accomplish this mission, the Commission works to: reduce damages caused by floods (https://www.srbc.gov/our-work/programs/planning-operations/flooding/index.html); provide for the reasonable and sustained development and use of surface and ground water for municipal, agricultural, recreational, commercial and industrial purposes; protect and restore fisheries, wetlands and aquatic habitat; protect water quality (https://www.srbc.gov/portals/water-quality-projects/) and instream uses; and ensure future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay.
Learn more:
https://www.srbc.gov/ (https://www.srbc.gov/)
20 Oct 2025
Budget Delays, Big Impacts: Anne Gingerich From PANO on What’s at Stake for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania
In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara speak with Anne Gingerich, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), about the significant role nonprofits play in the Commonwealth—and how ongoing state and federal budget uncertainty is impacting their ability to serve communities. Anne shares recent data on the financial strain faced by nonprofits, the scale of reduced services, and the importance of long-term public policy engagement. She also explains how organizations can get involved in advocacy while staying compliant, and highlights tools PANO provides to support nonprofit leadership across Pennsylvania.
About PANO:
PANO (the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations) is a statewide membership organization supporting the thousands of nonprofits that serve millions of people in the Commonwealth.
Learn more: https://pano.org/ (https://pano.org/)
Who has been a guest on Back in Session: A DMGS Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jeff Berkowitz
Hayden Rigo
Micah Rasmussen
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
92
Contact Back in Session: A DMGS Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Back in Session: A DMGS Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
