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 13 Episodes.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Introduction
July 21st, 2025 | 38 mins 35 secs
introduction
In this inaugural episode, Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer reflect on their leadership journey, and discuss the importance of grassroots involvement, local elections, and the future of politics in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.