Generation on the Rise — Episode 1 - The New Normal: Why We Chose Local Government

PCC Local Time is pleased to share the the first episode of a new podcast series, Generation on the Rise, a great companion piece to the content we post here and something we think you are all going to like.In this podcast series, local government's next generation sits down to talk about what's changing, what's hard, and why we believe it's worth doing. Join hosts: Dave Pribulka, Brandon Ford, Eden Ratliff, and Executive Producer Nancy J. Hess as they find the new normal — not the one we’re used to, but the one we are here to create.Welcome to Generation on the Rise!Be sure to follow this podcast at MuniSquare 02:00 – IntroductionsDave introduces Generation on the Rise and hands the mic to each co-host.Eden describes his journey from Charlottesville back to Pennsylvania.Brandon introduces Lower Merion’s size and scope — “large and in charge.”Dave offers his own winding path through Ferguson, Susquehanna, and Bellefonte.Nancy explains MuniSquare’s purpose and her role as executive producer.07:00 – Why We’re Doing ThisBrandon explains that these conversations grew out of years of late-night conference chats. Eden adds that this podcast is simply a continuation of those friendships — but shared with others who need to hear it.09:00 – Finding Purpose in Local GovernmentEden reflects on his township’s “why” exercise and describes helping staff reconnect to purpose. “I care about people — the ones who live, work, and play in our community.”11:00 – A New Generation’s VoiceBrandon speaks about reaching students and newcomers to the field. “Existing podcasts are mostly hosted by people already at the top of their careers. We want something real and relatable.”14:30 – Nontraditional PathsBrandon shares how he switched careers from teaching to management, encouraged by his wife and a Villanova MPA program. Eden and Dave discuss how few of them planned to become managers — “We all owe something to serendipity.”18:00 – Learning from MentorsBrandon gives credit to mentors like Ernie McNeely and Crandall Jones, calling them “deep puddles” of wisdom. Dave riffs on that: “We stand on the shoulders of giants — or at least knee-deep puddles.”22:00 – The Gap Between School and RealityNancy observes that an MPA doesn’t teach how to be a manager — “You learn that in the trenches.” The group discusses what academia misses about local government.24:00 – Change and Sacred CowsDave and Nancy recall their first encounter when Dave challenged a speaker’s generalizations about millennials. Eden expands with his story of uncovering municipal fraud and rebuilding trust — “When there’s massive fraud, there are no sacred cows.”28:00 – Lessons in ReinventionThe group reflects on how the profession has evolved: new technologies, new expectations, and a new kind of leader — one who blends professionalism with authenticity.30:00 – Closing ThoughtsDave sums it up: “If we’ve seen farther, it’s because we’ve stood on the shoulders of giants — and maybe leaned on each other along the way.”