Topic: Preserving local history by preserving local cemeteries Guest: Ellis Michaels of Pitcairn How Topic Discussed: Ellis Michaels is a volunteer at Homestead Cemetery in Munhall, Pa., and a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. When did he become interested in history and genealogy? How does he work to restore damaged grave stones? Why have older cemeteries, especially in the rural settings, become abandoned and neglected? What can we learn from visiting our historic cemeteries? If someone has inherited an old church cemetery or family farm cemetery, what can they do to preserve it?

Topic: How the federal government shut down is having a major impact on our area Guests: Kelly Doyle of Mission AGAPE in McKeesport and Charla Irwin-Buncher of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank How Topic Discussed: The ongoing federal shut down means that the U.S. Government has just missed a $336 million payment due to Pennsylvania to support food assistance — so-called "food stamps," officially known as "SNAP." That means an estimated 300,000 families in Western Pennsylvania are going to find it impossible to make ends meet, beginning in November. What does the crisis mean for community food banks? Is there any way for them to help make up the difference? What contigency plans are being made? What can residents do to help during this crisis?

Topic: The changes that have come to America's first Carnegie Library Guest: Vicki Vargo, executive director, Braddock Carnegie Library Association How Topic Discussed: America's first Carnegie Library opened in Braddock, Pa., in 1889. What amenities did the library originally offer? How did Braddock residents use the library in the 1900s versus today? Why did the library close for several years in the 1970s? What saved the Braddock library from demolition? Why has the library been rebranded as Carnegie One? What organizations helped provide the bulk of the money to renovate the library? What are some unique features of Carnegie One? How can residents get involved today to help the library?

Topic: A personal faith journey and the endurance of St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport Guest: The Very Rev. Stevan Rocknage, pastor of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church How Topic Discussed: St. Sava's was founded 125 years ago by Serbian immigrants to the Mon Valley. How has the parish changed and grown over the years? How did the congregation endure the decline of the steel industry and the McKeesport area? Why does St. Sava's hold a "Taste of Serbia" festival each year and what does it accomplish through that outreach? Why did Stevan Rocknage decide to leave his career as a family therapist and hear a call to ministry? How does the Serbian Orthodox faith differ from Roman Catholicism or Protestantism and what are the steps needed to convert to the faith? How will the parish celebrate its 125th anniversary next year?

Topic: Living with endometriosis as a Black woman in Pittsburgh Guest: Fawn Walker Montgomery, author and community activist Guest Host: Vickie Babyak How Topic Discussed: Fawn Walker Montgomery is the founder of Take Action Advocacy Group. How did she find herself having to advocate for her own health when she was diagnosed with endometriosis? What barriers to health care did she encounter? Why are health outcomes for women — especially Black women — often different for those of white men? Why do doctors and health care providers often fail to understand the pain of endometriosis? Why did Walker Montgomery decide to write a book about her experiences? What does she hope other women will take from her story?

Topic: Building resiliency and a love for learning in Clairton City School District Guest: Tamara Allen-Thomas, superintendent, Clairton Schools How Topic Discussed: Tamara Allen-Thomas is superintendent of Clairton Schools. Why is the district excited about the new Tyler Boyd Stadium? How will it enhance educational and academic enrichment in the district? What are some of the challenges that Clairton schools face? How are students and teachers working to address those challenges? What was Allen-Thomas' journey to a career in education? How does her experience as a parent and as a school board member in Woodland Hills School District inform her work in Clairton? What does she wish outsiders knew about Clairton and its school district?

Topic: Making higher ed more affordable for students attending HBCUs Guest: Denise Sinkler, founder of McKeesport HBCU Vision How Topic Discussed: What is an HBCU and how many are there in the United States? What are some HBCUs in the Pittsburgh area? Why did Denise Sinkler's family stress the importance of education? How did she afford to attend Clark Atlanta University? What is different about the atmosphere at an HBCU and why are students able to thrive there? What needs are being addressed by McKeesport HBCU Vision? How can the public help?

Special: Aired Aug. 23, 2025 on WRCT-FM 88.3 and Tube City Online Radio Guest: Daniel de Visé, author of "The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic Hardcover" How Topic Discussed: Who were Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, and how did they forge a very unlikely friendship despite growing up in very different circumstances? What were the origins of The Blues Brothers as an act? Why was the act controversial, especially among blues and soul music critics? What were the challenges to making the 1980 movie about The Blues Brothers? How did the movie reinvigorate the career of pioneers such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin? Why does the movie still resonate today? Note: For copyright reasons, music has been edited from this podcast. Music heard during the broadcast included: The Blues Brothers - Soul Man - Live Version Ray Charles and The Blues Brothers Band - Shake A Tail Feather Junior Parker - Sweet Home Chicago The Blues Brothers - (I Got Every Thing I Need) Almost John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom The Blues Brothers - Hey Bartender - Live Version The Blues Brothers - Rubber Biscuit - Live James Brown with the Rev. James Cleveland Choir - The Old Landmark Aretha Franklin - Think Sam & Dave - Soothe Me - Live Version

Topic: The long road back for Pittsburgh's Hazelwood neighborhood Guest: Tim Smith, founder and CEO of Center of Life How Topic Discussed: Once a thriving Mon Valley neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Hazelwood has struggled since the closure of the J&L Steel plant that was its livelihood. What challenges have residents faced? What are the biggest areas of need today? How is a non-profit called Center of Life helping to uplift the neighborhood? When was it founded? What is its mission? How will a grant from the Heinz Endowments enable Center of Life to grow its service and create a new gateway to the Hazelwood central business district? Why does music play a large role in Center of Life's uplift?

Topic: McKeesport's International Village ethnic festival endures after 65 years Guests: Brock Belich of the Junior Tamburitzans of Duquesne, Alison Piccolino of state Sen. Nick Pisciottano's office, and Nick Vranesevic of Orkestar Pobeda How Topic Discussed: Why is McKeesport’s International Village the place to “see and be seen” in the Mon Valley every summer? How does it keep ethnic traditions alive? What sorts of entertainment and food are available? How does the annual three-day festival help Pittsburgh area residents to reconnect with family, ancestors, and friends? Why has this festival endured for 65 years when others have fallen by the wayside? What should people look for if they go?

Topic: The hidden costs of those free A.I. apps Guest: Ben Murray, senior researcher for Food & Water Watch How Topic Discussed: A.I. apps are promising to improve our search engine results, clean up our emails and other documents, and can generate realistic-looking photos and videos with just a few words to prompt them. Why are the data centers that power these A.I. applications so power-hungry? Where does the electricity to power them come from? How does generating all of that power affect our air and water quality? Why aren't technology companies investing more money in clean and renewable energy? What questions should consumers and elected officials be asking about power-hungry A.I. data centers?

Topic: The challenges and advantages of working on construction projects in Western Pennsylvania Guest: Architect Lisa Whitney, principal of Eos Studio Arc in Swissvale How Topic Discussed: What does an architect do and how does their role differ from that of a contractor or engineer? How did Whitney pursue a career in architecture? What types of projects does her firm work on? What are some of the challenges of working with older construction and older neighborhoods? When should a homeowner or commercial business consider consulting an architect? What type of information should someone consider when working with an architect?

Topic: Auberle's ever-evolving mission to serve families of Western Pennsylvania Guest: Darla Poole, newly appointed chief executive officer How Topic Discussed: What is Auberle and how has its mission evolved since its founding as a home for orphans in 1952? What areas of need does it serve in Pennsylvania? How many people does it serve? Why has Poole stepped in as CEO as many years as chief operating officer? Where does Auberle receive its funding? How has the organization evolved to serve foster parents and people entering the workforce?

Topic: Understanding the enduring popularity and importance of amateur radio Guests: Jim Bricker N3JHB, President, Two Rivers Amateur Radio Club, Inc.; William Powers, KB3WP, Secretary; John Moskala, K3CRO, Hamfest Chairman 2025 How Topic Discussed: Two Rivers Amateur Radio Club has been connecting electronics hobbyists in the Mon Valley since 1965. How has the hobby evolved over the last half-century? What new technologies do the club's members enjoy experimenting with? How does amateur radio support emergency responders and communications? What are some ways for newcomers to get involved in the hobby? Why does the hobby endure and lead to lasting friendships?

Topic: What does it take to buy your first home? Guest: Jonathan Weaver, housing counselor, Mon Valley Initiative How Topic Discussed: Why is buying your first home the way many Americans get started on the path to financial stability? What are some of the obstacles that stand in the way of homeownership? Why is the Mon Valley a great place for first-time homebuyers to look? What are some popular communities in the area where people often look for homes? How much money does someone need for a down payment? What are some programs available to assist first-time homebuyers with their purchase?

Topic: The evolving landscape for over-the-air broadcasting Guest: Journalist and media consultant Scott Fybush How Topic Discussed: Technology and regulatory changes are impacting the local media landscape in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. Does AM radio still have a use in the 21st Century, and what has become of efforts to preserve that service? Who is the audience for terrestrial radio and what are some of the challenges it faces? What was the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" and why do some people on the left feel it should return? How is the new administration shaping regulations through the Federal Communications Commission? How can viewers and listeners register their opinions with their local broadcasters and the FCC?

Topic: What are some challenges facing local EMS agencies? Guest: White Oak EMS Chief Paul Falavolito How Topic Discussed: Paul Falavolito is the author of three books on leadership and the longtime chief of the emergency medical service in White Oak. Why did he get into emergency medicine? What are some of the most common incidents to which his agency will respond this summer? How can people avoid being injured? What are some challenges faced by local EMS agencies? What does he wish the public knew about EMS, especially in regards to how agencies are funding? What are career paths into emergency medical service?

Topic: Developing incentives to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters Guests: Munhall No. 4 fire Chief Dan Rojtas and State Sen. Nick Pisciottano How Topic Discussed: Working with a special state grant, a local volunteer fire department has created a pilot program to reimburse its members for responding to calls and staffing the local fire station. How did they develop the program? What metrics will they use to measure success? Why is the number of volunteers declining? How will this incentive program hopefully encourage people to join and stay with the volunteer fire department? What are the economic benefits of the volunteer fire service? What would Pennsylvania lose if it wasn't available?

Topic: Remembering the legacy of Charleroi's 132-year-old Pyrex and Corelle glass plant, which closed last month Guests: Reuben Brown, Tom Seal and Greg Spada, glassworkers and members of United Steelworkers Local 53G. How Topic Discussed: The owners of a 132-year-old glass factory in Charleroi, Washington County, recently closed the plant, putting 200 people out of work. Back in 2015, the plant celebrated the 100th anniversary of the invention of Pyrex, a type of shatter-resistant glass for bakeware. We asked workers: How has Charleroi changed over the years? Why is "Made in the USA" still important? What did the Pyrex factory in Charleroi mean to the Mon Valley?