The Right Side of the Rivers

Juan Romero - Freedom, Energy, and the Fight for the Future

February 26th, 2026  |  55 mins 3 secs

juan romero, operation absolute resolve, socialism, state of the union, venezuela

Russell Dryer hosts this episode with longtime committeeman Dave Gehring stepping in for Todd McCollum who is out on special assignment. They are joined by Venezuelan commentator Juan Romero for an on-the-ground conversation about Venezuela’s descent into socialism, Operation Absolute Resolve, and what real relief and stability could look like for the Venezuelan people.

Joseph Leckenby - Candidate for PA State House

February 12th, 2026  |  1 hr 9 mins

business closures, ice protests, joseph leckenby, special election, summer lee

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with Special Election candidate, Joseph Leckenby - running for HD-42 - to discuss his campaign, leadership priorities, and why he believes stronger representation is needed at the state level. We also explore the impact of a local Shop ’n Save closure, ongoing ICE protests in Pittsburgh, and the broader debate over public safety and county cooperation with federal authorities.

Benson Fechter - Candidate for Congress

January 29th, 2026  |  1 hr 12 mins

benson fechter for pa 12, candidate, ice enforcement, pittsburgh primary election, venezuela crisis

Todd and Russell sit down with Benson Fechter, one of the candidates for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, to discuss his campaign, policy priorities, and the state of national and local leadership. The episode also covers Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, ICE protests in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, and how strong leadership is needed to address both global and local challenges.

Bob Crankovic and David Gehring - Grassroots Power and Fiscal Reality in Allegheny County

January 15th, 2026  |  55 mins 31 secs

allegheny county council, bob crankovic, david gehring, grassroots outreach, ice

Todd McCollum is joined by Republican leaders Bob Crankovic and David Gehring for a candid discussion on party growth, grassroots organizing, and public safety in Pittsburgh. The conversation also explores city budget mismanagement, ICE cooperation, and what’s needed to restore fiscal responsibility and effective governance.

2025 Year In Review

January 1st, 2026  |  16 mins 30 secs

2026 election outlook, grassroots organizing, new year episode, podcast year in review, right side of the rivers

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer ring in the New Year with reflections on the podcast’s first season, favorite guest moments, and hopes for 2026. They share updates on upcoming races, thank their team and listeners, and reaffirm their commitment to growing Republican strength in Allegheny County.

Joseph Patrick Murphy - Immigration, Public Safety, and Civic Responsibility

December 18th, 2025  |  59 mins 3 secs

asylum, ice policy, immigration law, joseph patrick murphy, legal vs illegal immigration

Immigration attorney Joseph Patrick Murphy joins the show to share insights on legal immigration, border security, and how federal policy impacts local communities in Allegheny County. Todd and Russell also discuss recent news, public safety concerns, and the importance of civic responsibility during the holiday season.

James Hayes - Candidate for Congress

December 4th, 2025  |  1 hr 2 mins

candidate, esplanade project, james hayes for pa 12, pittsburgh politics, summer lee

Steve Schlauch - Building Local Republican Communities

November 20th, 2025  |  58 mins 30 secs

grassroots leadership, pittsburgh budget crisis, plum borough gop, right side of the rivers, steve schlauch

Steve Schlauch, chairman of the Plum Borough Republican Committee, joins the show to share how his community became a GOP stronghold through grassroots organizing and consistent local leadership. Todd and Russell also discuss campaign updates, Pittsburgh’s budget challenges, and the path forward for Republican momentum in Allegheny County.

Bob Howard - Breakdown of Election 2025

November 6th, 2025  |  55 mins 45 secs

bob howard, election 2025, election results, gop turnout, political analysis

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with political analyst Bob Howard to break down the results of the 2025 election and examine what went wrong for Republicans across Allegheny County. From turnout gaps to messaging missteps, they share lessons learned and chart a path forward for future victories.

Jason Richey - RCAC Chair

October 23rd, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins

county council, election 2025, grassroots, jason richey, rcac

Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC) Chairman Jason Richey joins the show to discuss the GOP’s growing momentum, regional committee expansion, and what’s at stake in the 2025 election. From grassroots organizing to flipping County Council, Jason shares how Republicans are building a path to victory across Allegheny County.

Len Iorio & Michael Dell - Candidates for County Council

October 9th, 2025  |  56 mins 19 secs

candidate, county council, election 2025, len iorio, michael dell

County Council candidates Len Iorio (District 12) and Michael Dell (District 8) join the show to talk about restoring fiscal discipline and pushing back against Allegheny County’s 36% property tax hike. With backgrounds in public service and finance, they share their plans to protect taxpayers, stop wasteful spending, and bring accountability back to county government.

Todd McCollum & Patrick Provins - Candidates for County Council

September 25th, 2025  |  53 mins 20 secs

candidate, county council, election 2025, patrick provins, todd mccollum

In this episode, Allegheny County Council candidates Todd McCollum (District 13) and Patrick Provins (District 9) share their visions for restoring accountability, public safety, and regional growth. Joined by guest co-host Eileen Cunningham, they discuss the challenges facing their communities and how strong local leadership can bring real change to Allegheny County.

Brian Weismantle - Candidate for County Sheriff

September 11th, 2025  |  48 mins 21 secs

brian weismantle, candidate, election 2025, sheriff

Sheriff candidate Brian Weismantle joins Todd and Russell to discuss law enforcement integrity, jail reform, and the role of the Sheriff’s Office in restoring public safety across Allegheny County. The episode also addresses breaking national news and reflects on political violence, accountability, and what it means to lead with courage and service.

Tracy Larger - Candidate for City Council

August 28th, 2025  |  55 mins 43 secs

candidate, city council, election 2025, tracy larger

District 4 City Council candidate Tracy Larger joins The Right Side of the Rivers to talk about her campaign, Pittsburgh’s public safety challenges, and the need for community-driven leadership. From controversial zoning proposals to overlooked neighborhood projects, this episode spotlights the disconnect between city hall and the residents they serve.

Joe Pegher

August 14th, 2025  |  58 mins 45 secs

clairton explosion, district 5, greenfield, shotspotter, steeltown legacy

In Episode 3 of The Right Side of the Rivers, Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Greenfield resident Joe Pegher to discuss Pittsburgh’s industrial past, public safety concerns, and local leadership. The conversation covers everything from the Clairton US Steel explosion to neighborhood traffic issues and the future of Council District 5.

Eileen Cunningham

July 31st, 2025  |  57 mins 56 secs

eileen cunningham, salena zito

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with Eileen Cunningham to talk city budget concerns, voter outreach, and local leadership. From campaign trail insights to Pittsburgh’s fiscal challenges, this episode spotlights the power of grassroots engagement and common-sense solutions.