City Cast Pittsburgh

4.5 (129)
Daily News
Updated Daily

Join Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team every weekday morning for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking and make you question what’s going on here in Western Pennsylvania. City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with neighbors in the Steel City you know and love. Add us to your feeds and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at pittsburgh.citycast.fm.today!

12h ago

Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’

Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Traffic will be a nightmare and "demons shall walk the earth," but at least we can watch it on a live stream! Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams explain how, exactly, you move a giant bridge, share what snacks we'd bring to a demolition viewing party, and warn you about even more road closures up I-79. Then Colin gets his soapbox moment about why more Western PA municipalities should consider consolidating. Finally, we dig into the controversy over a Pride display at the Monroeville Public Library and celebrate 'The Pitt' getting more Emmy noms than any other show this season. And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're sending off our incredible senior newsletter editor, Francesca Dabecco. Notes and references from today’s show: PODCAST: Your City Could Be Better [YouTube] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh is Giving Rent Discounts Downtown. Plus, Why Local Sports Matter [Apple Podcasts] Here's how PennDOT is going to move the new Commercial Street Bridge into place on the Parkway East [KDKA] PennDOT to livestream Parkway East bridge demolition and replacement [TribLive] Interstate 79 Wexford Interchange Phase Change and Restrictions Thursday Night in Allegheny County [PennDOT] Mars Borough leaders approve merger ordinance with Adams Township [KDKA] So much fragmentation [Public Source] Boldly going to the Duquesne Club and Rivers Club, where few but rich white men had once gone before [City Paper] Monroeville turns out in force to spar over library’s Pride display removal [City Paper] Henry L. Hillman Foundation becomes latest nonprofit to donate to Pittsburgh [TribLive] PODCAST: Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes? [City Cast Pittsburgh] One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP [Public Source] ‘The Pitt’ leads Emmy nominations with 25 total nods [P-Gci] What Pittsburgh stories should Megan take nationwide? Call or text us YOUR CITY COULD BE BETTER Hotline at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsor of this Friday, July 10th episode: Woodward Summer Camps 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.

49 min
12h ago · Bonus

You Might Also Like: Possible

Introducing America's aerospace rebirth from Possible. Follow the show: Possible Blake Scholl joins Reid and Aria to explain why the future of aviation won't be built by reviving the past, but by reinventing it. They explore how Boom Supersonic rebuilt an entire aerospace supply chain, why small AI-powered engineering teams are outperforming legacy organizations, and how software is transforming the way physical products are designed, tested, and manufactured. Blake explains why building their own engine changed everything, how AI is accelerating hardware innovation far beyond coding, and why America's biggest bottleneck isn't technology but its ability to build. Together, they unpack what it takes to solve seemingly impossible problems—and why the next generation of industrial innovation may come from startups willing to rethink entire systems. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
1d ago

Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures

Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are sharing what we know so far about the Giant Eagle sale, more changes coming to our region's grocery store scene, and what to look forward to during Picklesburgh even if you're not a fan of pickles. Plus, Megan talks with Marcus Shoffner, the president and CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, about how you can take advantage of free outdoor activities for complete beginners. (Think mountain biking, mushroom hiking, birding and disc golf!) Notes and references from today’s show: Kroger to buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle grocery store chain, but name will stay the same [WESA] Giant Eagle's Artman on scouting downtown: "all the things that we have discussed, we will continue to discuss" [Business Times] Try something new outside this summer [First Try Collective] Picklesburgh 2026 [Picklesburgh] Learn more about the sponsor of this Thursday, July 9th episode: Woodward Summer Camps 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.

40 min
2d ago

Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh

There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is rounding up some of the treatments we've tried around the city and planning our next self-care splurges. We're talking about mud wraps, massages, saunas, facials, LED red light therapy, and more. Did we miss your favorite spa treatment? Swear by LED therapy? Let us know how you relax! Call or text the SPA DAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. **This episode originally published on February 12, 2026. Learn more about the sponsor of this Wednesday, July 8th episode: Woodward Summer Camps 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.

33 min
3d ago

The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh

Can you actually get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is on the case. We taste tested offerings from some of the most recommended brick-and-mortar spots: Pigeon Bagels, Balena Bagels, Three Brothers Bagels, Phat Bagel, and Burgh's Bagels. We share which bagels have the best texture, are the most flavorful, and meet producer Sophia Lo's strict criteria for "all around" seasoning. Plus, we spread the word about our absolute favorite cream cheese. Your turn! Do you agree with our picks? What are your favorite bagel spots? Call or text us our Bagel Hotline to share your hot takes: 412-212-8893. **This episode originally published on July 7, 2026. Learn more about the sponsor of this Tuesday, July 7th episode: Woodward Summer Camps 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.

28 min
4d ago

Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage

Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also have a housing crisis? Public Source's Charlie Wolfson joins host Megan Harris to explain why so many houses are sitting empty, what (if anything) the city can do about it, and why our neighbors in Cleveland are doing a much better job turning abandoned houses into affordable homes. Notes and references from today’s show: How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage? (Public Source) Where does Cleveland clobber Pittsburgh? Its land bank. (Public Source) 'A really steep lift': Pittsburghers in their 20s and 30s find home ownership less and less attainable (Public Source) Learn more about the sponsor of this Monday, July 6th episode: Woodward Summer Camps **This episode originally published on January 26, 2026. 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.

22 min
Jul 3

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

See if your Pittsburgh knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura 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.

25 min
Jul 2

Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours

If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Megan Harris to answer, once and for all, whether it's actually safe to swim in Pittsburgh's rivers. We're also talking about the curfews, chaperone policies, and restrictions making it harder for teens to exist and public, and sharing some fun events and attractions for the train nerds among us — including a special chance to see the world's largest operating steam locomotive. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA] More than 400 teenagers take over Pittsburgh park, prompting police to use pepper spray [KDKA] Should you swim in Pittsburgh’s rivers? A water researcher breaks down the answer [The Conversation] Union Pacific Steam Schedule [Union Pacific] We're hiring! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is looking for a Creative Producer to help shape the daily conversation across our podcast, newsletter, and social channels. Apply here. City Cast is looking for on-call roving producers and writers to support city teams across the network. Apply here. Learn more about the sponsor of this Thursday, July 3rd episode: Woodward Summer Camps 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.

31 min

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Trailer

Join the Pittsburgh conversation

City Cast Pittsburgh is the nebby neighbor you wish you had — with conversations you want to hear and insights that help you question and celebrate the city we share. Our host Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team let you in on what Pittsburgh talking about with smart, curious conversations that get just a little bit spicy. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we are passionate about making our community a better place to live – and helping YOU feel more connected. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode.

01/05/2022

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2 min

4.5

out of 5

129 Ratings

City Cast only, please

04/01/2025

cbc12378

I enjoy this podcast, but please STOP putting these “You might also like” podcasts in my feed!!!
Has potential, but too political

Apr 21

Sephz123

I wish this show could just be a politically neutral show about Pittsburgh, but it has a lot of political talk. And it’s not centrist political talk…these people are extremists. I just gave the show another chance after a long hiatus, thinking “the culture has moderated a lot over the last few years, maybe they won’t be so ridiculous”…but then within the first episode I listened to, they’re talking about transing children as an active good, without scruple or debate. From what I understand about this company, is they are centrally located near dc, and they deploy “local” podcasts to cities all over the country. So the political talk may be the entire point, to build an air of “oh look, even the “local” podcast agrees with these points of view.” Trying to manage what the local public believes I wonder if they receive some kind of federal funding?..,that should be investigated, but seems like the kind of graft our gov is all about. These people get money, the leftist get fake “local” podcasts to astroturf support for their pet issues around the country. Lastly, the one girls voice is super obnoxious. She does that thing where she raises the pitch over her voice at the end of a sentence, almost like she’s asking a question….its hard to listen to
Cannot stand Sophia

09/02/2025

Cospp

Sophia brings my rating down by at least 2 stars. Her disdain for the region is so consistantly evident. Please, if you hate everything so much because it’s different than where you’re from, go back to Philly or wherever. Everything Sophia says is a downer and makes this show miserable. She adds nothing of substance, just a rain cloud on the show.
Advertising for landlords?

07/23/2025

The most me

Loved this podcast until they started advertising for platforms geared toward landlords and property management companies. Do better. Tenants are in crisis. Let’s not make landlords’ jobs easier.

Join Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team every weekday morning for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking and make you question what’s going on here in Western Pennsylvania. City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with neighbors in the Steel City you know and love. Add us to your feeds and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at pittsburgh.citycast.fm.today!