Russell Dryer
Co-Host of The Right Side of the Rivers
Russell Dryer is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for bringing people together and fostering meaningful conversations about the issues that shape Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. He focuses on outreach and community engagement and helping ensure every voice is heard in the community. As a bilingual communicator, Russell is especially helpful in connecting with Pittsburgh’s growing Latino community.
Outside of civic engagement, Russell works with Mission Partners, raising funds for local organizations and non-profits through creative initiatives like clothing and shoe donations — practical efforts that help support neighborhoods and those in need.
Russell brings a thoughtful, people-first perspective to The Right Side of the Rivers, where he helps lead conversations on community, policy, and the future of our region with a focus on service, outreach, and real-world solutions.
Russell Dryer has hosted 24 Episodes.
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Mary Jo Wise - Leading Locally in Allegheny County
July 16th, 2026 | 1 hr 7 mins
allegheny county jail, mary jo wise, moon township, picklesburgh, pittsburgh international airport
Moon Township Supervisor and former Allegheny County Council candidate Mary Jo Wise joins The Right Side of the Rivers to discuss responsible local government, balanced budgets, public safety, and the issues shaping Allegheny County's future. The conversation also covers data centers, Downtown Pittsburgh, the county jail, public transit, infrastructure, and why strong local leadership matters now more than ever.
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Live from the Foundry Dinner: The Road to 2026
June 12th, 2026 | 19 mins 6 secs
erin maguire, foundry dinner, jason richey, on location, stacy garrity
In this special edition of The Right Side of the Rivers, Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer broadcast live from Pittsburgh’s iconic LeMont Restaurant ahead of the Foundry Dinner, joined by Erin Maguire, Stacy Garrity, and Jason Richey. The discussion focuses on Western Pennsylvania’s role in statewide elections, the region’s economic future, energy development, manufacturing jobs, and why Pittsburgh remains critical to Pennsylvania’s success.
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Marjorie Tabb - Building a Better Pittsburgh Through Public Safety, Schools, and Community
June 4th, 2026 | 1 hr 2 mins
city committee politics, downtown pittsburgh, marjorie tabb, paid parental leave, pittsburgh public schools
In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome newly elected committee member Marjorie Tabb to discuss her path into local politics, life in Downtown Pittsburgh, and why she believes more residents need to get involved in shaping the city's future. The conversation explores public safety, downtown revitalization, school accountability, economic development, and the policies impacting families and businesses across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
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Kimberly Stern - Candidate for State Committee
May 7th, 2026 | 59 mins 53 secs
grassroots organizing, immigration, kimberly stern, nfl draft, state committee
Kimberly Stern joins The Right Side of the Rivers to discuss her campaign for Pennsylvania State Committee, grassroots Republican organizing, and the future of conservative leadership in Allegheny County. The episode also explores public safety, immigration policy, economic development, and the impact of the NFL Draft on Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.
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Thomas West - Candidate for PA State Senate
April 23rd, 2026 | 1 hr 5 mins
nfl draft, pa senate district 38, pittsburgh economy, small business, thomas west
Republican candidate Thomas West discusses his campaign for Pennsylvania’s 38th District and his vision for economic growth, public safety, and small business support. The crew also dives into Pittsburgh’s future, regional challenges, and the impact of major events like the NFL Draft on the local economy.
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Anthony "from Oakland" - Beyond the Divide: Politics, Pittsburgh, and Common Ground
April 9th, 2026 | 1 hr 8 mins
anthony from oakland, bipartisan conversation, old school democrat, party divide, pittsburgh nfl draft
Anthony from Oakland joins the show for a candid, cross-party conversation on politics, public safety, and the changing identity of today’s Democratic Party. The discussion blends local Pittsburgh issues with national perspectives, highlighting the need for common-sense dialogue in a divided political climate.
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Eileen Cunningham - Accountability, Activism, and the Future of Pittsburgh Politics
March 26th, 2026 | 1 hr 11 mins
allegheny county, eileen cunningham, grassroots organizing, ice policy, state committee
Eileen Cunningham joins the show to discuss grassroots organizing, her run for State Committee, and the importance of building strong local engagement in Pittsburgh. The conversation also tackles key county issues, including immigration policy, transparency, and the role of citizen involvement in shaping the region’s future.
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Suzanne Filiaggi - Leadership and the Reality of Allegheny County Government
March 12th, 2026 | 1 hr 7 mins
allegheny county council, ice legislation, nfl draft, republican official, suzanne filiaggi
Allegheny County Councilwoman Suzanne Filiaggi joins hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer to discuss serving as the only Republican on County Council and the challenges of representing conservative voices in local government. The conversation examines the recent ICE-related legislation debate, public safety concerns, county funding issues, and preparations for Pittsburgh’s upcoming NFL Draft.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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James Hayes - Candidate for Congress
December 4th, 2025 | 1 hr 2 mins
candidate, esplanade project, james hayes for pa 12, pittsburgh politics, summer lee
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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.