The Breakfast Club – Interview: Governor Josh Shapiro on Public Service, Pushing Back on Lobbyists, Kamala Harris + More

Podcast: iHeartPodcasts – The Breakfast Club
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne tha God
Guest: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
Date: October 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Breakfast Club features a candid and wide-ranging interview with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. The conversation covers his personal experiences as a public servant confronting political violence, his policy responses to economic challenges, the realities of political leadership, sharp takes on national and state issues, and his approach to topics like Washington gridlock, lobbying, Israel/Palestine, blue-collar work, and criminal justice. Shapiro often challenges conventional narratives, stresses his "get shit done" ethos, and speaks frankly about the demands of family and governance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Political Violence & Personal Impact

[02:59–09:08]

• Attack on the Governor’s Residence: Shapiro describes being the target of a violent arson and attempted murder attack on his family home.
  • “This guy… firebombed our home… he was wielding a metal hammer that he said he was gonna use to try to kill me.” (Shapiro, 03:14)
• Felt guilt and wrestled with the conflict between public service and family safety.
• Security was upgraded and protocols changed; Shapiro stresses not living in fear.
  • “I’m unwilling to be a victim the rest of my life. I’m unwilling to be paralyzed by fear.” (Shapiro, 06:44)
• Open conversations with kids about the event; wants to model resiliency and strength for his family.

2. Economic Hardship and Policy Response

[12:19–15:25]

• Discussed rising costs: food, rent, cars; DJ Envy points out six-figure price jumps for basic vehicles.
• Shapiro blames tariffs imposed by former President Trump for much of the economic strain.
  • “Everything costs more because Donald Trump pushed a button and started a tariff war…” (Shapiro, 13:26)
• Outlines what his administration has done: six rounds of tax cuts (for seniors, small businesses, families), tripled childcare tax credit, investment in affordable housing.
• Shares an example: working with NFL star LeSean McCoy on a new affordable housing project in Harrisburg.

3. Dealing with Gridlock: Federal and State Levels

[15:25–20:36]

• Shapiro explains real-world impacts of the federal government shutdown on state workers and vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
• Criticizes lack of action on healthcare subsidies and direct effects of losing Medicaid/SNAP/WIC funding.
  • “600 plus thousand Pennsylvanians… are either losing health care or food assistance… as a result of Trump and the Republicans…” (Shapiro, 18:06)
• Stresses bipartisan cooperation in a near-evenly split state legislature, touts crime reductions and tax cuts as proof of pragmatic leadership.

4. Addressing the “Presidential Buzz”

[20:36–21:30]

• Frequently mentioned as a potential presidential contender, Shapiro reiterates his focus is firmly on Pennsylvania.
  • “I took an oath of office to 13 million people to work my ass off for them every single day…” (Shapiro, 20:55)

5. The Kamala Harris Book & Honest Political Conversations

[23:47–32:23]

• Responds to Kamala Harris’ book (“107 Days”) claims he was “overly ambitious” when considered for VP and pushed for too large a role:
  • "I love being governor of Pennsylvania and calling the shots." (Shapiro, 26:00)
• Defends himself against accusations of party disunity; says he worked hard for Harris’ campaign.
• Recounts telling President Biden directly that he was likely to lose Pennsylvania, stating value in honesty and directness.
  • “If you got something to say, you say it directly to that person’s face…” (Shapiro, 28:03)
• Pushes back on the idea you must trash former leaders to move up, preferring “show your work” and authenticity.
  • “I don’t believe that you get ahead in life by throwing people under the bus...” (Shapiro, 29:24)

6. Foreign Policy: Israel, Gaza, and Two-State Solutions

[37:12–48:26]

• Gives credit to Trump for initial Israel/Gaza peace deal, says much more work is needed (“phase two”).
• Explains his criticism of Netanyahu and support for a two-state solution; says peace requires hope and opportunity for Palestinian children.
  • “The only way you’re going to have peace and stability… is if you’re a kid growing up in the Palestinian areas and you believe you’ve got a future.” (Shapiro, 39:04)
• Draws comparison between criticizing Israel and the U.S.: one can love a country and still challenge its leaders’ mistakes.
• On lobbyist influence (esp. AIPAC): acknowledges too much money and lobbying in politics but resists “lazy shortcuts”—argues for judging elected officials on “how they answer the tough questions.”
  • “I think every lobbying group has too much power... But my focus every day is trying to get out and be with regular folk…” (Shapiro, 44:42)

7. Pushing Back on Lobbyists & Political Influence

[46:55–60:18]

• Frequently distances himself from D.C. lobbyists: “I work about seven days a week. I try and only be in my physical office in the Capitol about three days a week. And so I'm physically out and about listening to folks.” (Shapiro, 46:58)
• Talks about saying “no” to donors and refusing support if their values don’t align, even at political cost.

8. Education & Workforce Development: Ending Degree Requirements

[48:51–54:03]

• Talks passionately about eliminating four-year degree requirements for most state jobs, dramatically expanding opportunities.
  • “61% of the people we’ve hired over the last two and a half years… do not have a college degree.” (Shapiro, 49:24)
• Investment in vocational/technical education and apprenticeship programs to rebuild Pennsylvania’s blue-collar workforce and industrial base.
  • “America stopped training the people that were building the stuff that we need to for this country too many years ago. And we’ve got to get back…” (Shapiro, 52:45)

9. State-Led Revitalization & Economic Development

[54:03–55:18]

• Details the “PA Sites” program and half-billion dollar investment in remediating unused industrial sites for job creation, focused on revitalizing hollowed-out rural communities.

10. Message to Distrustful Voters / “Get Shit Done”

[55:18–57:02]

• Advice to those cynical about politicians: “Look at my record and focus on the three letters I focus on every day: GSD. Get. Shit. Done.” (Shapiro, 55:30)
• Points to tangible results—jobs, healthcare, infrastructure—to restore faith in government.

11. Criminal Justice & Pardons

[64:23–67:29]

• Discusses his philosophy on pardons and second chances, referencing high-profile cases like Wallow:
  • “There are other people… who learn from that bad day… and then they make a difference for others. And those are the people that I try to find.” (Shapiro, 64:38)
• Emphasizes the weight of clemency power and checks in personally on those he’s helped.

12. Approach to Leadership, Success, and Approval Ratings

[62:42–64:23]

• Rejects defining success through polling; instead, measures by “lives changed”:
  • “For as wonderful as it is to have a 62% approval rating… I still rely not on the data that you cite but the feel I get from people…” (Shapiro, 62:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The hardest part for me… has been knowing that the job I love… put my family’s lives at risk.” — Josh Shapiro (03:14)
• “Everything costs more because Donald Trump pushed a button and started a tariff war…” — Josh Shapiro (13:26)
• “I took an oath of office to 13 million people to work my ass off for them every single day.” — Josh Shapiro (20:55)
• “I don’t believe you get ahead in life by throwing people under the bus.” — Josh Shapiro (29:24)
• “The only way you’re going to have peace…is if you’re a kid growing up in the Palestinian areas and you believe you’ve got a future.” — Josh Shapiro (39:04)
• “Look at my record and focus on the three letters that I focus on every day. GSD: get shit done.” — Josh Shapiro (55:30)
• “There are other people—Wallow’s a great example—who learn from that bad day…and then make a difference for others.” — Josh Shapiro (64:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:14] — Shapiro recounts the arson/attempted murder at his home, security changes
• [12:23] — Economic discussion: rising costs, tariffs, state actions
• [15:25] — Government shutdown impacts, health care/assistance lost
• [20:55] — Presidential speculation; “Pennsylvania first” answer
• [23:47] — Harris’ book, “overly ambitious” claim, his response
• [28:03] — Confronting President Biden about electoral weakness
• [37:12] — Israel-Gaza: peace deals, Netanyahu criticism, two-state solution
• [44:42] — On lobbying: influence and "lazy shortcuts"
• [49:03] — Dropping degree requirements for state employment
• [55:18] — Message to skeptical voters (“get shit done”)
• [62:50] — Success measured by lives changed, not polling
• [64:23] — Pardon philosophy, Wallow case

Conclusion

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s interview delivers a robust, unvarnished look at the personal and political realities of public leadership in today’s America. Shapiro stands out for his independence, policy pragmatism, emphasis on blue-collar opportunity, and resistance to both political and lobbying pressure. Throughout, he champions authenticity, transparency, and results—for Pennsylvania and beyond. Whether discussing family trauma, economic policy, national politics, or global affairs, Shapiro underscores his commitment to action, connection with everyday people, and leading by example.