{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The Right Side of the Rivers","home_page_url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/json","description":"The Right Side of the Rivers is where Pittsburgh’s history and values meet today’s challenges. This show takes on public issues from a distinctly Pittsburgh point of view — offering commonsense conversations, right-of-center perspectives, and thoughtful discussions on the people, policies, and principles shaping Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania.\r\n\r\nWhether it’s local government, community priorities, or statewide debates, The Right Side of the Rivers brings clarity, balance, and a grounded approach to the issues that matter to our city and our future.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"Pittsburgh perspectives on public issues.","pubdate":"2025-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:00","explicit":false,"owner":"Pittsburgh City Committee \u0026 Sidekick Media Services","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/e/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"81441c33-89c2-4d63-996e-28372e7a17b9","title":"Bob Howard - Breakdown of Election 2025","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/bob-howard-election-2025-breakdown","content_text":"In the wake of a tough election night for Republicans across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with political analyst and former North Allegheny School Board President Bob Howard for a candid conversation on the results, the messaging, and what the numbers are starting to reveal.\n\nFrom low Republican turnout and partisan straight-ticket voting to the emotional power of the judicial retention fight, Bob shares valuable insights into what drove Democrats to the polls and why strong Republican candidates were drowned out by top-down narratives. They also take some time to reflect on the realities of campaigning in a progressive county, and the need to sharpen strategy for 2025 and beyond. With thoughtful analysis, lessons learned, and a look ahead to what’s next, this episode pulls back the curtain on Allegheny County politics - and why the GOP is far from out of the fight.Special Guest: Bob Howard.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the wake of a tough election night for Republicans across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with political analyst and former North Allegheny School Board President Bob Howard for a candid conversation on the results, the messaging, and what the numbers are starting to reveal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom low Republican turnout and partisan straight-ticket voting to the emotional power of the judicial retention fight, Bob shares valuable insights into what drove Democrats to the polls and why strong Republican candidates were drowned out by top-down narratives. They also take some time to reflect on the realities of campaigning in a progressive county, and the need to sharpen strategy for 2025 and beyond. With thoughtful analysis, lessons learned, and a look ahead to what’s next, this episode pulls back the curtain on Allegheny County politics - and why the GOP is far from out of the fight.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Bob Howard.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-11-06T09:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/81441c33-89c2-4d63-996e-28372e7a17b9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":108047512,"duration_in_seconds":3345}]},{"id":"e7f40e11-3cf9-41a2-b706-bc151ed28c47","title":"Jason Richey - RCAC Chair","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/jason-richey","content_text":"In this pivotal pre-election episode, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Jason Richey, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC), for a wide-ranging conversation on the Republican resurgence in Pittsburgh and beyond. Jason shares how the GOP has expanded from 50% to 98% local committee coverage in just months, the strategy behind forming regional committees like Woodland Hills and Fox Chapel, and why the 2025 election could flip County Council control for the first time in decades.\n\nFrom energizing voters in long-forgotten areas like McKeesport and the Mon Valley to supporting working-class candidates like Mike Dell, Mary Jo Wise, Len Iorio, and Patrick Provins, Jason lays out a bold plan for reclaiming Allegheny County through grassroots momentum, commonsense policies, and real leadership. The episode also touches on judicial races, key countywide candidates, and why a vote for Republicans this November is a vote for accountability, economic growth, and public safety.Special Guest: Jason Richey.Links:Republican Committee of Allegheny County — Learn more about RCAC.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this pivotal pre-election episode, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Jason Richey, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC), for a wide-ranging conversation on the Republican resurgence in Pittsburgh and beyond. Jason shares how the GOP has expanded from 50% to 98% local committee coverage in just months, the strategy behind forming regional committees like Woodland Hills and Fox Chapel, and why the 2025 election could flip County Council control for the first time in decades.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom energizing voters in long-forgotten areas like McKeesport and the Mon Valley to supporting working-class candidates like Mike Dell, Mary Jo Wise, Len Iorio, and Patrick Provins, Jason lays out a bold plan for reclaiming Allegheny County through grassroots momentum, commonsense policies, and real leadership. The episode also touches on judicial races, key countywide candidates, and why a vote for Republicans this November is a vote for accountability, economic growth, and public safety.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Jason Richey.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Republican Committee of Allegheny County\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://www.allegheny.gop/\"\u003eRepublican Committee of Allegheny County\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about RCAC.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/e7f40e11-3cf9-41a2-b706-bc151ed28c47.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":129255001,"duration_in_seconds":3999}]},{"id":"62e4e7cd-d658-4eed-bc3c-8962a3914aa6","title":"Len Iorio \u0026 Michael Dell - Candidates for County Council","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/len-iorio-and-michael-dell","content_text":"In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with two candidates who are running to restore fiscal responsibility and working-class representation to Allegheny County government: Len Iorio (District 12) and Michael Dell (District 8).\n\nLen shares his motivation for running against incumbent Bob Palmosina - the architect of the recent 36% county property tax hike - and outlines his vision for reining in bloated budgets and refocusing county government on core services. Michael, a CPA and former finance chair on Plum Borough Council, explains why Allegheny County is on the brink of financial crisis and how his professional experience is urgently needed to stop wasteful spending, avoid future reassessments, and bring transparency to county budgeting.\n\nThe episode also covers the larger stakes of the 2025 election, including how electing just four new Republican candidates could create a firewall against future tax hikes, and how rising business vacancies and runaway spending in Downtown Pittsburgh are affecting communities across the entire county. From West End to Monroeville, from Overbrook to Swissvale, Len and Mike make the case for commonsense leadership - and why now is the time to flip Allegheny County Council.Special Guests: Len Iorio and Michael Dell.Links:Len 412 (Campaign Website) — Learn more about Len.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Len's campaign by volunteering or donating.Dell 4 Council 8 (Campaign Website) — Learn more about Michael.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Michael's campaign by volunteering or donating.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with two candidates who are running to restore fiscal responsibility and working-class representation to Allegheny County government: Len Iorio (District 12) and Michael Dell (District 8).\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLen shares his motivation for running against incumbent Bob Palmosina - the architect of the recent 36% county property tax hike - and outlines his vision for reining in bloated budgets and refocusing county government on core services. Michael, a CPA and former finance chair on Plum Borough Council, explains why Allegheny County is on the brink of financial crisis and how his professional experience is urgently needed to stop wasteful spending, avoid future reassessments, and bring transparency to county budgeting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe episode also covers the larger stakes of the 2025 election, including how electing just four new Republican candidates could create a firewall against future tax hikes, and how rising business vacancies and runaway spending in Downtown Pittsburgh are affecting communities across the entire county. From West End to Monroeville, from Overbrook to Swissvale, Len and Mike make the case for commonsense leadership - and why now is the time to flip Allegheny County Council.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guests: Len Iorio and Michael Dell.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Len 412 (Campaign Website)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://www.len412.com/\"\u003eLen 412 (Campaign Website)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Len.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Len's campaign by volunteering or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Dell 4 Council 8 (Campaign Website)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http://dell4council8.com\"\u003eDell 4 Council 8 (Campaign Website)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Michael.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Michael's campaign by volunteering or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"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.\r\n","date_published":"2025-10-09T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/62e4e7cd-d658-4eed-bc3c-8962a3914aa6.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":109495636,"duration_in_seconds":3379}]},{"id":"0729adc2-b7d0-4d38-b503-1f2076d79744","title":"Todd McCollum \u0026 Patrick Provins - Candidates for County Council","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/todd-mc-collum-and-patrick-provins","content_text":"In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, guest co-host Eileen Cunningham sits in for Russell Dreyer as she’s joined by two Republican candidates for Allegheny County Council: show host Todd McCollum, running in District 13, and Patrick Provins, running in District 9. Both men bring decades of public service experience—Todd as a neighborhood advocate and committee chair, and Patrick as a U.S. military veteran, career paramedic, and small business owner.\n\nTogether, they dive into the distinct challenges facing their regions—from the need for greater transparency and accountability in District 13 to stalled growth and overlooked resources in the Mon and Steel Valleys of District 9. The conversation explores public safety, regional committee-building, and why grassroots leadership is the key to giving forgotten communities a voice. With both Todd and Patrick focused on revitalization, fiscal responsibility, and protecting county assets, this episode brings two strong conservative perspectives into one candid, solution-driven conversation about the future of Allegheny County.Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and Patrick Provins.Links:Todd 4 Thirteen (Campaign Website) — Learn more about Todd.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Todd's campaign by volunteering or donating.Patrick D. Provins for Allegheny County Council, District 9 (Campaign Facebook Page) — Learn more about Patrick.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Patrick's campaign by volunteering or donating.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, guest co-host Eileen Cunningham sits in for Russell Dreyer as she’s joined by two Republican candidates for Allegheny County Council: show host Todd McCollum, running in District 13, and Patrick Provins, running in District 9. Both men bring decades of public service experience—Todd as a neighborhood advocate and committee chair, and Patrick as a U.S. military veteran, career paramedic, and small business owner.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, they dive into the distinct challenges facing their regions—from the need for greater transparency and accountability in District 13 to stalled growth and overlooked resources in the Mon and Steel Valleys of District 9. The conversation explores public safety, regional committee-building, and why grassroots leadership is the key to giving forgotten communities a voice. With both Todd and Patrick focused on revitalization, fiscal responsibility, and protecting county assets, this episode brings two strong conservative perspectives into one candid, solution-driven conversation about the future of Allegheny County.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guests: Eileen Cunningham and Patrick Provins.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Todd 4 Thirteen (Campaign Website)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://www.todd4thirteen.com/\"\u003eTodd 4 Thirteen (Campaign Website)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Todd.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Todd's campaign by volunteering or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Patrick D. Provins for Allegheny County Council, District 9 (Campaign Facebook Page)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http://patrickdprovins.com\"\u003ePatrick D. Provins for Allegheny County Council, District 9 (Campaign Facebook Page)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Patrick.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Patrick's campaign by volunteering or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-09-25T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/0729adc2-b7d0-4d38-b503-1f2076d79744.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":51216137,"duration_in_seconds":3200}]},{"id":"11b58286-52da-4585-bc58-0f2fd7d5ba1c","title":"Brian Weismantle - Candidate for County Sheriff","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/brian-weismantle","content_text":"In this powerful episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer are joined by Allegheny County Sheriff candidate Brian Weismantle—a military veteran, retired homicide detective, small business owner, and lifelong Pittsburgh resident. Brian shares his vision for the Sheriff's Office, emphasizing law enforcement integrity, the importance of restoring public safety, and using the Sheriff’s role to support city and county law enforcement.\n\nThe episode also dives into recent local developments, including troubling decorum at Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meetings, the public safety risks posed by the county’s no-shackle policy for prisoner transport, and the pushback against rising progressive influence in local government. The hosts and their guest reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking, breaking news of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination, offering heartfelt reactions and raising serious questions about free speech, political violence, and civic courage.\n\nListeners will also hear about Brian’s endorsements, his approach to transparency and accountability, and why the stakes are high in 2025—not just for the Sheriff's race, but for the direction of Allegheny County as a whole.Special Guest: Brian Weismantle.Links:Brian 4 Sheriff (Campaign Website) — Learn more about Brian Weismantle.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Brian's campaign by following on social media, volunteering, or donating.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this powerful episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer are joined by Allegheny County Sheriff candidate Brian Weismantle—a military veteran, retired homicide detective, small business owner, and lifelong Pittsburgh resident. Brian shares his vision for the Sheriff\u0026#39;s Office, emphasizing law enforcement integrity, the importance of restoring public safety, and using the Sheriff’s role to support city and county law enforcement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe episode also dives into recent local developments, including troubling decorum at Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meetings, the public safety risks posed by the county’s no-shackle policy for prisoner transport, and the pushback against rising progressive influence in local government. The hosts and their guest reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking, breaking news of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination, offering heartfelt reactions and raising serious questions about free speech, political violence, and civic courage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eListeners will also hear about Brian’s endorsements, his approach to transparency and accountability, and why the stakes are high in 2025—not just for the Sheriff\u0026#39;s race, but for the direction of Allegheny County as a whole.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Brian Weismantle.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Brian 4 Sheriff (Campaign Website)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://www.brian4sheriff.com/\"\u003eBrian 4 Sheriff (Campaign Website)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Brian Weismantle.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Brian's campaign by following on social media, volunteering, or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-09-11T13:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/11b58286-52da-4585-bc58-0f2fd7d5ba1c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93849581,"duration_in_seconds":2901}]},{"id":"d8280d8a-866a-4506-a58c-c60b27d93aa9","title":"Tracy Larger - Candidate for City Council","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/tracy-larger","content_text":"Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with Tracy Larger, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 4. Tracy shares her personal story - from community involvement to becoming a judge of elections - and explains how public safety concerns and neighborhood change inspired her to launch a grassroots campaign centered on transparency, local voice, and commonsense leadership.\n\nThe episode explores major topics affecting District 4 and Pittsburgh at large, including the controversial tiny house proposal for interim housing, city council’s push to bypass zoning oversight, and the lack of community input around projects like the Moore Park tree removal and Carrick cell tower installation. The hosts and guest reflect on local events like Little Italy Days and highlight support from candidates including Maria Battista, Matt Wolford, Mike Embrescia, and more.\n\nWith a focus on essential services, city budget accountability, and preserving the character of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, this episode underscores why District 4 could be a pivotal battleground in the coming election, and why voices like Tracy’s are stepping up.Special Guest: Tracy Larger.Links:Tracy 4 Council (Campaign Website) — Learn more about Tracy.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Tracy's campaign by volunteering or donating.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTodd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with Tracy Larger, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 4. Tracy shares her personal story - from community involvement to becoming a judge of elections - and explains how public safety concerns and neighborhood change inspired her to launch a grassroots campaign centered on transparency, local voice, and commonsense leadership.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe episode explores major topics affecting District 4 and Pittsburgh at large, including the controversial tiny house proposal for interim housing, city council’s push to bypass zoning oversight, and the lack of community input around projects like the Moore Park tree removal and Carrick cell tower installation. The hosts and guest reflect on local events like Little Italy Days and highlight support from candidates including Maria Battista, Matt Wolford, Mike Embrescia, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a focus on essential services, city budget accountability, and preserving the character of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, this episode underscores why District 4 could be a pivotal battleground in the coming election, and why voices like Tracy’s are stepping up.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Tracy Larger.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLinks:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Tracy 4 Council (Campaign Website)\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https://tracy4council.com/\"\u003eTracy 4 Council (Campaign Website)\u003c/a\u003e \u0026mdash; Learn more about Tracy.  Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives.  Support Tracy's campaign by volunteering or donating.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-08-28T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/d8280d8a-866a-4506-a58c-c60b27d93aa9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":108536250,"duration_in_seconds":3343}]},{"id":"188a5d3a-7f9a-457c-b449-1340dc7632e2","title":"Joe Pegher","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/joe-pegher","content_text":"In the first-ever live episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Greenfield resident and committee member Joe Pegher for a candid conversation about Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, the tragic US Steel plant explosion in Clairton, and the future of steel in the Mon Valley.\n\nThey discuss current challenges facing the city — including police staffing shortages, crime response tools like ShotSpotter, and controversial traffic-calming measures — while highlighting Joe’s deep community roots and his perspective on local leadership in Council District 5. With personal stories and policy debate, this episode blends heartfelt reflection with clear-eyed analysis of what Pittsburgh needs to move forward.Special Guest: Joe Pegher.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn the first-ever live episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Greenfield resident and committee member Joe Pegher for a candid conversation about Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, the tragic US Steel plant explosion in Clairton, and the future of steel in the Mon Valley.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey discuss current challenges facing the city — including police staffing shortages, crime response tools like ShotSpotter, and controversial traffic-calming measures — while highlighting Joe’s deep community roots and his perspective on local leadership in Council District 5. With personal stories and policy debate, this episode blends heartfelt reflection with clear-eyed analysis of what Pittsburgh needs to move forward.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Joe Pegher.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-08-14T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/188a5d3a-7f9a-457c-b449-1340dc7632e2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":114165610,"duration_in_seconds":3525}]},{"id":"3601dda4-24ef-4f10-a30d-1e68f7e1ab8b","title":"Eileen Cunningham","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/eileen-cunningham","content_text":"In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome guest Eileen Cunningham - local activist, former county council candidate, and founder of One Vote PA. Together, they discuss the state of Pittsburgh’s city budget, the deteriorating vehicle fleet, and the ongoing need for transparency and fiscal responsibility in city government.\n\nEileen shares her personal journey into politics, insights from her campaign in County Council District 11, and how grassroots outreach is making an impact across Allegheny County and beyond. The conversation also highlights Pennsylvania's shifting political landscape, the importance of voter engagement, and how flipping registrations and building community trust is reshaping the Republican presence in urban and suburban areas alike.\n\nPlus, the hosts spotlight Superior Court candidate Maria Battista and Commonwealth Court candidate Matt Wolford.  They also reflect on the legacy and local roots of bestselling author, Salena Zito.\n\nWhether you're a lifelong Pittsburgher or just tuning in to local politics, this episode offers an honest, boots-on-the-ground look at the people and principles working to bring balance and common sense back to government.Special Guest: Eileen Cunningham.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome guest Eileen Cunningham - local activist, former county council candidate, and founder of One Vote PA. Together, they discuss the state of Pittsburgh’s city budget, the deteriorating vehicle fleet, and the ongoing need for transparency and fiscal responsibility in city government.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEileen shares her personal journey into politics, insights from her campaign in County Council District 11, and how grassroots outreach is making an impact across Allegheny County and beyond. The conversation also highlights Pennsylvania\u0026#39;s shifting political landscape, the importance of voter engagement, and how flipping registrations and building community trust is reshaping the Republican presence in urban and suburban areas alike.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlus, the hosts spotlight Superior Court candidate Maria Battista and Commonwealth Court candidate Matt Wolford.  They also reflect on the legacy and local roots of bestselling author, Salena Zito.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you\u0026#39;re a lifelong Pittsburgher or just tuning in to local politics, this episode offers an honest, boots-on-the-ground look at the people and principles working to bring balance and common sense back to government.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Eileen Cunningham.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-07-31T19:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/3601dda4-24ef-4f10-a30d-1e68f7e1ab8b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":58242016,"duration_in_seconds":3476}]},{"id":"ec7b4c84-0381-4503-b2be-5ad6f67fa00f","title":"Introduction","url":"https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/introduction","content_text":"In this inaugural episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer reflect on their shared journey in Pittsburgh politics, highlighting how grassroots involvement and local leadership can shape the future of the region. They discuss the current state of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County politics, the challenges posed by progressive policies, and why now is the time for commonsense residents to engage, organize, and make a difference.\n\nFrom tackling issues like homelessness and public safety to supporting working-class communities, Todd and Russell share their insights on how civic involvement at the neighborhood level can drive meaningful change. They also preview key local elections in 2025 and introduce listeners to the candidates working to bring accountability and opportunity back to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.\n\nLooking ahead, they offer a sneak peek at future guests, starting with City Council District 6 candidate Jacob Dumont, founder of Northside Action News.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn this inaugural episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer reflect on their shared journey in Pittsburgh politics, highlighting how grassroots involvement and local leadership can shape the future of the region. They discuss the current state of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County politics, the challenges posed by progressive policies, and why now is the time for commonsense residents to engage, organize, and make a difference.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom tackling issues like homelessness and public safety to supporting working-class communities, Todd and Russell share their insights on how civic involvement at the neighborhood level can drive meaningful change. They also preview key local elections in 2025 and introduce listeners to the candidates working to bring accountability and opportunity back to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLooking ahead, they offer a sneak peek at future guests, starting with City Council District 6 candidate Jacob Dumont, founder of Northside Action News.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"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.","date_published":"2025-07-21T08:45:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/e841b650-497b-4563-8f60-efad1910c89c/ec7b4c84-0381-4503-b2be-5ad6f67fa00f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":56700547,"duration_in_seconds":2315}]}]}