512 episodes

Join us weekdays at 6 a.m. for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking — and make you question what’s going here in Western Pennsylvania. In just 15 minutes a day, City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with the Steel City you love. Add us to your feeds today!

City Cast Pittsburgh City Cast

    • News
    • 4.7 • 86 Ratings

Join us weekdays at 6 a.m. for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking — and make you question what’s going here in Western Pennsylvania. In just 15 minutes a day, City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with the Steel City you love. Add us to your feeds today!

    Medical Dramas, Tax Exemptions & Why Barges Can’t Hurt A Pgh Bridge

    Medical Dramas, Tax Exemptions & Why Barges Can’t Hurt A Pgh Bridge

    It’s the Friday news roundup! A bridge collapsed in Baltimore — could something similar play out here? Mayor Ed Gainey’s trying, once again, to generate taxes from UPMC and other tax-exempt properties. And a new Pittsburgh-based medical drama called “The Pitt” is in the works. Plus, we’ve got some fun Easter news, a comprehensive plan update, and a very happy groundhog arrival. 
    What very Pittsburgh storyline would you love to see from Max’s new show? Call or text us at 412-212-8893.
    We always cite our sources:

    Pittsburgh was named one of the best places to celebrate Easter.


    Mayor Ed Gainey is challenging the tax exempt status of more than 100 more city properties.

    The Trib wrote about the bridge collapse in Baltimore and how the circumstances compare to what happens along Pittsburgh waterways.

    Learn more about our river traffic from City Paper’s “Where the Heck are Pittsburgh’s River Barges Going?”

    PublicSource has a great story about how the city basically ignored warnings about Fern Hollow for years.

    Max (new HBO) is launching a new medical drama called “The Pitt,” which will be set in Pittsburgh. Check out Reddit’s ideas for some very Steel City storylines. The executive producer, John Wells, graduated from CMU. The Pittsburgh Film Office says it’s not expected to be filmed here.

    Punxsutawney Phil and his groundhog wife Phyllis welcomed two healthy pups this week.

    Did you know Phil lives forever? Here are four fun “Phil phacts” from the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

    Here’s how you can get involved with the city’s first ever Comprehensive Plan process.

    Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and their Racial Justice Challenge, at ywcapgh.org.
    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 27 min
    The New Way to Start a Restaurant in Pittsburgh

    The New Way to Start a Restaurant in Pittsburgh

    In 2023, chef Nik Forsberg was a James Beard semi-finalist for his pop-up concept Fet-Fisk, aka greasy fish, which prioritizes sustainably sourced seafood, local meats, and veggies from Nik’s own garden. So what does it take to turn a popular pop-up into a thriving brick-and-mortar business? Hear what he grows, how he approaches his menus, and all the plans behind Bloomfield’s newest restaurant.
    **This episode originally aired Thursday, March 30th, 2023.
    Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and their Racial Justice Challenge, at ywcapgh.org
    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? 

    Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

    We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.

    Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 15 min
    Why Is Your Bus Late? It's Complicated

    Why Is Your Bus Late? It's Complicated

    Have you ever been frustrated by a PRT bus or train showing up late – or not showing up at all? Could new state funding lead to a stronger local transit system? We’re sitting down with Katharine Kellerman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit, to talk about plans for a bus line redesign, her goal to get more drivers behind the wheel, and what’s really going on that local buses are late one-third of the time.
    Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and their Racial Justice Challenge, at ywcapgh.org
    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? 

    Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

    We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.

    Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 20 min
    Remember When the Pirate Parrot Sold Drugs?

    Remember When the Pirate Parrot Sold Drugs?

    The Buccos are almost back! So while you’re settling in for Opening Day this week, we’re looking to yesteryear and our beloved Pirate Parrot. The shaggy, round, lime green goofball feels ubiquitous to us now, but he actually has a birthday and a backstory, plus a bunch of wild stories behind the men who’ve worn the suit. We’re with author and former Mr. Met AJ Mass to talk about the sordid history of our Buccos’ best luck charm and biggest curse.
    Check out AJ’s book, “Yes, It’s Hot in Here: Adventures in the Weird, Woolly World of Sports Mascots,” in print or ebook. 
    **This episode originally aired Wednesday, April 26th, 2023.
    Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and their Racial Justice Challenge, at ywcapgh.org
    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? 

    Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

    We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.

    Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.


    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 17 min
    Why the White House Cares About US Steel

    Why the White House Cares About US Steel

    Late last year, the Japanese company Nippon Steel announced plans to acquire an iconic Pittsburgh brand, U.S. Steel, for a staggering amount of money: nearly $15 billion. But since then, there’s been a lot of criticism – from the local steelworkers union all the way up to the White House. So what’s behind the pushback, and what’s next for U.S. Steel? 
    Thanks to our guest, Chris Briem. Chris is a regional economist with the Urban & Regional Analysis program at the University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social and Urban Research. Check out some of his recent work:

    Medium, on his hopes for a former steel town: Clairton is dead, long live Clairton


    Medium (this is the one Megan mentions at the end!): When Pittsburgh said no


    PublicSource: U.S. Steel’s acquisition will end a difficult marriage that forged — and constrained — Pittsburgh’s identity



    And read more about the latest on the deal and the federal review process via Bloomberg, plus the position of Pennsvlania’s two U.S. Senators and commonwealth-native President Joe Biden in the Pittsburgh Business Times.
    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? 

    Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

    We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.

    Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.


    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 22 min
    A Bridge Glow Up, Mister Rogers Trivia & The Dukes Go Dancing

    A Bridge Glow Up, Mister Rogers Trivia & The Dukes Go Dancing

    It’s the Friday news roundup! A familiar Pittsburgh voice — former host of 90.5 WESA’s The Confluence, Kevin Gavin — joins the team to talk about where you can see local cherry blossoms, Duquesne basketball, and new West End Bridge designs that hope to “complete the loop” of Pittsburgh trails. Plus, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco quizzes Kevin and host Megan Harris on their Mister Rogers knowledge in honor of Fred’s birthday week.
    We always cite our sources:

    Hosting NCAA Tournament games means millions of dollars for hotels, restaurants, and bars with thousands of college sports fans flooding into town.

    Check out this Duquesne basketball player’s athletic clothing line!


    Kevin talked to Riverlife executive director Matthew Galluzzo for WESA two years ago. At the time, he said the West End Bridge connection is the largest remaining gap in Pittsburgh's Downtown network and a major missing link for some regional trail systems” — all part of their Completing the Loop plan.

    The West End Bridge project comes via a $2 million grant from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County’s Trail Development Fund.

    Did you know the Mister Rogers trivia? Here’s 4 fun facts about the sweaters he wore in Mister Rogers Neighborhood.


    Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
    Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
86 Ratings

86 Ratings

Maryleewill678 ,

Very informative

I love the mix of news and events in the city. You can tell how much the team loves the city, and they have really informed and interesting guests. A MUST LISTEN!

JohnG4 ,

Improved since it’s debut

I now love CCP. More trains though!!!

we could have a drib ,

The host should stop trying to make “Yinz” happen

Please for the love of all things could the host stop saying “yinz”?

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