Épisodes

  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

    'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
    Apr 26 2026
    Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Pittsburgh? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    25 min
  • Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!

    Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
    Apr 24 2026
    The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (a Pop-Tart sacrifice!), questioning (a crackdown on bootleg sports merch), and still waiting to see (a fully-open-to-the-public Arts Landing). Plus, we talk about a court ruling that strikes down a state ban on Medicaid-funded abortions, a hunger strike at PA's largest ICE detention center, and a new, costlier city budget. In our members-only segment, we discuss whether Heinz is trying too hard, in light of the news that it's offering a lifetime supply of ketchup to the 57th draft pick. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh International Airport is 'absolutely ready' to be the city's front door during the NFL Draft [P-G] Authorities seize counterfeit NFL merchandise in Strip District [TribLive] Pittsburgh has quietly started replacing colorful Wayfinder Signs with black and gold [P-G] Pennsylvania judges say blocking Medicaid for abortion violates state constitution [Spotlight PA] Commissioners respond to claims of hunger strike at Clearfield County immigration detention center [WTAJ] Council approves Pittsburgh city budget changes, including cuts to food justice program [WESA] As Trump proposes further cuts to science spending, this Pittsburgh researcher is moving to China [WESA] Popular convenience store chain plans to spend nearly $1 billion on 100 stores [PennLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 24th episode: Pittsburgh Opera Allegheny County Poll Workers Brew House Arts PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    36 min
  • Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now

    Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now
    Apr 23 2026
    It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, the City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite spots to find your next read or listen — from one of the best record stores in the entire country (according to Rolling Stone) to two new romance book shops. Plus, we discuss all the things you can get from our local libraries besides books, including cake pans, power tools, and adventure kits. Notes and references from today’s show: 6 Free Things You Can Get With Your Library Card in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Find Your Next Read at Pittsburgh's Best Independent Bookstores [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, April 23rd episode: Pittsburgh Opera Allegheny County Poll Workers Brew House Arts PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    19 min
  • Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2

    Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2
    Apr 22 2026
    The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are with Josh Axelrod, a local film critic and comms director at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. We're talking about our favorite moments of the season, how the writers room rep’ed Pittsburgh, and what we think just barely missed the mark. Plus, our City Cast colleagues from across the country are sharing their impressions of the city based solely on watching the show. Haven't caught up with the finale yet? Listen to our review of the first half of Season 2 here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, April 22nd episode: Pittsburgh Opera Allegheny County Poll Workers Brewhouse Arts PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    35 min
  • Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks

    Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks
    Apr 21 2026
    Tomorrow is Earth Day, and we think the best way to celebrate is by visiting one of the city's 176 gorgeous parks. Plus, with so many parks in every corner of the city, there's sure to be one where you can escape into nature instead of sitting in traffic during Draft week! Producer Sophia Lo is with Matthew Hileman, the director of operations and visitor engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, to talk about the best parks for gorgeous views, a romantic date night, birdwatching, and more. **This episode originally aired April 17, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, April 21st episode: Pittsburgh Opera Allegheny County Poll Workers Brew House Arts PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    25 min
  • Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink

    Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink
    Apr 20 2026
    Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the Strip to Greek festival favorites (yes, baklava sundaes included), host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are sharing the can’t-miss spring food and drink events worth planning your weekends around right now. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, April 20th episode: Pittsburgh Opera Allegheny County Poll Workers Brewhouse Arts PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    20 min
  • Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

    Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
    Apr 19 2026
    Could public financing get more Pittsburghers involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    33 min
  • $68K for a Pittsburgh AirBnB?! Plus, Post-Gazette Saved & Smiley Cookie’s Big Win

    $68K for a Pittsburgh AirBnB?! Plus, Post-Gazette Saved & Smiley Cookie’s Big Win
    Apr 17 2026
    The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is not shutting down after all! The Baltimore Banner's parent nonprofit just bought the paper from Block Communications Inc. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams share the details. Plus, we celebrate Colin's return to the newly-revived City Paper, which started back up this week, and give an update on when to expect the alt-weekly's first print issue. (It's been a big few days for Pittsburgh media!) We also take a mail bag question about whether Mayor Corey O'Connor can do anything about our high utility bills, explain why Airbnb hosts aren't exactly making bank on the NFL Draft, and share some big wins for the Eat 'n Park smiley cookie and the old PIT terminal. Plus, in a members-only bonus segment, we share where you can find public bathrooms Downtown during the draft and all year round. Update! In our conversation we said a local McMansion was listed for $63k during the NFL Draft — but it's actually listed for an even more eye-popping $68k! We need your help! We're making a list of 1,000 things we love about living in Pittsburgh. Fill out this form to let us know your favorite things about the city. It could be anything from your go-to breakfast order to your favorite feral animals (real example) — or maybe it’s the way the lights twinkle on the Sister Bridges. Notes and references from today’s show: “More things you should know before coming to Pittsburgh for the Draft: how to properly use a pothole.” [Instagram] Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to continue publishing after sale to nonprofit media group [Post-Gazette] The Baltimore Banner’s parent nonprofit acquires the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [NiemanLab] PODCAST: Mayor O'Connor on Life After the Draft, Taxing Nonprofits & Public Bathrooms [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Best Bagels [City Cast Pittsburgh] Allegheny County Council puts term limit questions on ballot this fall [WESA] Allegheny County Council proposes bill banning law enforcement — including ICE — from wearing masks [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh Airbnb hosts seeing low demand for NFL Draft [Post-Gazette] Lights, camera, takeoff: Former Pittsburgh airport terminal rebranded as film set [TribLive] A cookie beat out central Pa. coffee as the coolest thing made in the state [PennLive] Downtown Public Restroom Directory [Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 17th episode: Sustainable Pittsburgh Allegheny County Poll Workers Window Nation Pittsburgh Steelers Taskrabbit AIDS Free Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning 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.
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    47 min