City Cast Pittsburgh

4.5 (128)
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!

3H AGO

Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz

Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his opponent is "supported by an extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports." Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss the latest, plus the county's attempts to regulate tattoos and mandate paid parental leave. We're also opening up the mailbag and sharing your thoughts on local stories like the Market Square teen curfew, questioning how many Steelers fans can truly exist in Paris, and mourning one half of the duo behind our beloved Pamela's Diner. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're joined by Pittsburgh Business-Times reporter Jake Dabkowski to debate whether Sheetz is a gas station or convenience store — and explain why the answer could determine whether it can open in city limits. Notes and references from today’s show: Angry crowd demands County Council president’s resignation [P-G] WESA Voter Guide: 2026 Primary Election [WESA] Pittsburgh ballot question asks voters for options if print newspapers go away [WESA] Allegheny County is exploring how to regulate tattoo shops in the Pittsburgh region [WESA] Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA] Youth Forum on Safety and Mental Health with 1Hood Media [Eventbrite] More than 180,000 used free transit for NFL Draft in Pittsburgh [P-G] Unwind by DollTrap [YouTube] Steelers to play Saints in 2026 NFL Paris Game [Steelers] Gail Klingensmith, co-owner of Pamela’s Diner for nearly a half century, has died [TribLive] Riverlife's Shore Thing returning to Pittsburgh for second season [KDKA] Gas station or convenience store? Sheetz faces zoning dispute over first city location [Pittsburgh Business Times] Have a question for our county executive? Call or text our PARENTAL LEAVE Hotline at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 15th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival PGH Book Fest 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.

47 min
3H AGO · BONUS

You Might Also Like: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

Introducing Deus Ex Machina from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality. Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality We’ve always assumed that if there IS a God, that God made us. But what if it ends up being the other way around… and we’re already further along than we think? Artificial intelligence is now offering moral advice, generating new forms of scripture, even simulating conversations with the divine. For some users, the line between useful tool and spiritual authority is already starting to blur. Why does it feel so natural for us to imagine there’s a ghost in the machine? And what happens when the people building AI start to talk and think about their creation in religious terms? On this episode, we’ll talk to journalist Sigal Samuel about where AI is showing up in religious spaces and how what it becomes will have major consequences for human agency and how we understand our place in the world. And we’ll talk to psychologist Paul Bloom about the quirks of human psychology that make us so prone to see minds, intention, and perhaps even the divine, in the machine. Along the way we’ll also ask: Can AI be morally formed? Could it ever have something like its own spiritual yearning? And if it could, what might it mean for us? Sigal Samuel is a senior reporter at Vox, where she covers religion, ethics, and the future of consciousness and AI. Check out her writing in Vox’s Future Perfect column and follow her on X or Bluesky. Paul Bloom is a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and the author of several books, including Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil and Against Empathy. Learn more about his work at his website. Also mentioned on this episode: Stewart Elliott Guthrie, author of Faces in the Clouds: A New Theory of Religion William Paley, author of Natural Theology (watch on a beach example) Catholic priest and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and futurist Ray Kurzweil, who have both influenced the philosophical movement of transhumanism. 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

Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?

City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city overspent by almost $45 million in 2025. How did we get here, and what can we do to get on better financial footing? Heisler joins host Megan Harris to explain why Act 47 isn’t in the cards and what it'll take to get our revenue on track. Notes and references from today’s show: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report [City of Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 14th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust 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

Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas

City Cast Pittsburgh

36 min
3D AGO

What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park

Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpark food. So what's worth trying this season? Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto and Alexis Johnson sampled the stadium's new offerings. They join host Megan Harris to share their picks for the best (and worst) new fare, from chipped ham fries and a foot-long corn dog to smoked turkey legs and Nutella beignets. Plus, don't miss John Oliver’s take on Pgh newscasters’ (poor) attempts to pronounce “boricua.” Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 12th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival 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.

24 min
4D AGO

7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA

Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actually works. There are lots of ideas for improving elections here in Pennsylvania, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday. Host Megan Harris joins State Rep. Chris Rabb and Armin Samii, a volunteer with March on Harrisburg, to discuss some proposals — and learn what ranked choice voting has in common with Baskin-Robbins. Check out RCVis, Armin's ranked choice voting data visualization tool, and read up on the history of closed primaries in PA. **This episode originally published on October 20, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 11th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust 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.

34 min
5D AGO

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary without feeling like you’re serving a Trump narrative. 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.

23 min
MAY 8

Shapiro v. Chatbots, Market Square Curfew & Summer Music Fests

Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character.AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the jaw-dropping details from the lawsuit. Plus, we talk about a new teen curfew at Market Square, staffing cuts at the Post-Gazette, an exciting summer music festival lineup, and the city's plan to add chairs and loungers at its public pools. And in our members-only segment, we talk about the drama around PNC's return-to-office mandate. Want to unlock the bonus segment? Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Don't miss it! Host Megan Harris is moderating a debate about Pittsburgh's brand on Wednesday, May 27 from 5-7pm at the Pittsburgh Foundation. Reserve your ticket for the free event here. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh's pools get chairs, loungers for the first time ever [WTAE] 2026 Citiparks Lifeguard Survey [Citiparks Aquatics] New policy restricts when unaccompanied teens can enter Pittsburgh’s Market Square [WESA] Walnut Capital to take over The Terminal in the Strip District [P-G] Pennsylvania sues Character.AI over claims chatbot posed as doctor [NPR] Shapiro wants Pennsylvania to regulate AI chatbots. How would that work? [WESA] Newspaper Guild members allege anti-union discrimination in Post-Gazette offer letters [City Paper] More than 40 news sources remain in Pittsburgh’s fragmented media landscape [Public Source] As Spirit Airlines shuts down, businesses inside Arnold Palmer Regional Airport feel impact [KDKA] 15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 8th episode: Bike PGH Union Project PGH Cultural Trust Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh PGH Power & Fitness Fest 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.

47 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

128 Ratings

Fantastic resource for new Yinzers

09/12/2024

bellalye84

My husband and I just moved to the city and we’ve made this podcast a daily listen. The hosts and guests are realistic and personable, the “what to do this week/weekend” tips are great, and we love when they cover basic-but-necessary topics like how to drive in Pittsburgh or how to eat out on a budget.
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!