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.

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.

To accomplish this mission, the Commission works to: reduce damages caused by floods; 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 and instream uses; and ensure future availability of flows to the Chesapeake Bay.

Learn more:

https://www.srbc.gov/

In this episode of Back in Session, Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara welcome New Jersey Assemblyman Mike Inganamort for a wide-ranging and energizing conversation about life in the Garden State and the real challenges facing small-town America. From managing forest fire risks to fighting burdensome state mandates and championing the legendary New Jersey diner culture, Assemblyman Inganamort brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from both local and state politics. Tune in to hear about his path from Eagle Scout to mayor to the State Assembly—and why he’s staying put to fight for the state he loves. Plus: Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll, the art of bagels, and why good governance starts on your street.

About Assemblyman Inganamort:

24th District - All of Sussex & Parts of Morris & Warren Counties

Michael Inganamort was sworn into the General Assembly in January 2024.

A communications and public policy professional, Inganamort started his career in politics in 2002 at just 18 years old when he was elected to the Sussex County Republican Committee.

He went on to serve at the U.S. Department of Interior and in the office of U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett before managing several successful political campaigns. Inganamort was the mayor of Chester Township following five years on council, including three years as council president.

He earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 2006 from American University and a master's degree in American government from Georgetown University in 2007.

He is an Eagle Scout and volunteer merit badge counselor who often talks to area troops about civic duty.

Inganamort and his wife Lauren met at Sparta Junior High School, graduated from Sparta High School, and were married at Blessed Kateri Church in Sparta. They are the proud parents of three daughters and reside in Chester where they are parishioners at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church.

Learn more: https://www.njassemblygop.com/225/Michael-Inganamort