Insight & Influence: The Podcast
In late 2024, we launched our Insight & Influence e-newsletter to share information and updates on Harrisburg happenings and those with across the state. Now we've moved to the next level with a companion podcast, also called Insight & Influence.
Presented by C & G Strategies, Insight & Influence brings insightful conversations from influential people including government officials, industry leaders, and advocates from across the state.
Episode 6 of 2026 of the C & G Strategies podcast, Insight and Influence, is now available wherever you get your podcasts.
This week, Amie Downs hosted a discussion regarding America 250, a multi-year initiative celebrating the United States' semiquincentennial. Guests Mike Daniher and Todd McGregor from Scouting America (Laurel Highlands Council), alongside Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus, detailed two major patriotic flag projects.
The first involves a commemorative flag traveling through all 67 Pennsylvania counties, where local scouts partner with sheriffs to conduct ceremonial raising and lowering events. The second, the "Flag Sojourn," features a flag that has flown over American cemeteries abroad and all 50 states. This sojourn will culminate locally on July 4th at the Allegheny County Courthouse, where the flag will be presented to 250 motorcycle riders for a ceremonial transport to Washington, D.C.
Beyond the anniversary celebrations, the conversation highlighted the broader community impact and evolution of Scouting America. The organization now serves roughly 12,000 youth in the region, including girls in the Scouts BSA program and specialized "Exploring" posts focused on career development in fields like law enforcement and medicine.
The guests emphasized the program’s commitment to service—ranging from "Scouting for Food" campaigns to adaptive programs for special needs youth at Camp Guyasuta. The episode concluded with a look at upcoming local events including "Scout Nights" with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Riverhounds, as well as a public Flag Day ceremony on June 14th at Flag Plaza.
You can find all of Insight & Influence’s episodes on our website and our YouTube channel. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcast today and you'll never miss one!
2026 Episodes
Episode 1: What's Ahead from the C & G Strategies Team
Episode 2: Alex Halper of the PA Chamber
Episode 3: Dewey Ianuzzo and Rachel Poorman of the Pittsburgh Towing Association
Episode 4: Brian Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Technology Council
Episode 5: Rep. Justin Fleming and Jen DeBell of PennAEYC
Episode 6: Matt Smith of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development
2025 Episodes
Episode 1: Senator Jay Costa, Jr.
Episode 2: Lt Governor Austin Davis and Cara Ciminillo (Trying Together)
Episode 3: Senate Pro Tem Kim Ward and Danielle Ramaley (WATT Fuel Cell)
Episode 4: Senator Joe Pittman, Ali Mills (Plum Contracting) and Rich Barcaskey (CAWP)
Episode 5: Rep. Jesse Topper and Audrey Russo (Pittsburgh Technology Council)
Episode 6: Senator Wayne D. Fontana and Saleem Ghubril (The Pittsburgh Promise)
Episode 7: Dawn Keezer (Pittsburgh Film Office) and Mamie Stein (IATSE Local 489)
Episode 8: Lauren Niehaus (Trulieve) and Meredith Buettner (PA Cannabis Coalition)
Episode 9: Rep. Lindsay Powell, Marc Little (Emery Construction) and Jason Tigano (LEVEL)
Episode 10: Major Marcus Jugenheimer and Adam Kitta (The Salvation Army WPA Division)
Episode 11: Matt Galluzzo (Riverlife) and Rep. Emily Kinkead
Episode 12: C & G Strategies' Tony Crisci and Rob Vescio
Episode 13: Tom Frank (NAIOP Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh Councilmember Erika Strassburger
Episode 14: PA Senator Greg Rothman, Chair of the PA Republicans
Episode 15: Former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, Chair of the PA Democrats
Episode 16: Rep. Matt Bradford
Episode 17: Senator Devlin Robinson and Christina Cassotis (ACAA)
Listen and learn on your favorite podcast platforms today.
(And don’t forget to subscribe. New episodes available twice a month – subscribe and don’t miss one.)
