We hope you got everything on your wishlist for the holidays, but we also know that plenty of people are packing up Amazon returns and exchanging presents. Those items can end up at Mac.Bid, and if you're lucky, someone's return could be your next cheap find. City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are talking about how these warehouses got here, what you need to know so you don't buy something broken, and whether it's even worth the risk to be placing bids.

**This episode originally aired on March 18, 2024.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The Steelers have had their ups and downs this year, and while Aaron Rodgers has been winning over at least some reluctant hearts, there was a moment this season when fans were so livid they booed our most beloved power anthem: Styx's 1979 hit "Renegade." To understand why this was such a big deal, we're revisiting our episode about why the song is so special here, how it became the Steelers' secret weapon, and whether this anthem produces tangible results or is all just superstition.

**This episode originally aired on September 1, 2022.

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Gainey versus O'Connor. South Side business owners versus their clientele. Pirates fans versus Bob Nutting. There were so many juicy rivalries in Pittsburgh this year. Host Megan Harris is joined by City Paper's Colin Williams to discuss the biggest beefs of 2025 and share which feud they'd most like to see resolved in the new year.

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Mayor Ed Gainey has two weeks left in office, and one of his final decisions will be whether to approve or veto a 20% tax increase passed by City Council over the weekend. It's a dramatic end to his history-making turn as Pittsburgh's first Black mayor. Host Megan Harris sits down with Ed & Michelle Gainey to talk about their legacy, what he sees as the city's biggest opportunities and challenges in the years ahead, and whether he has any regrets.

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh was in the national spotlight this week, when NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas broadcast live from the North Shore. But our hopes of being represented as more than just a football down were quickly dashed. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco discuss our city's primetime moment. Plus, we talk about the new trailer for the 'Pitt,' share some local movie recommendations for the holiday break, and talk about the things that are bringing us joy this week.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 19th episode:

Heinz History Center

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh Tomorrow recently placed a dog-friendly, holiday billboard in New York City’s Times Square, inviting the nearly 400,000 people who pass by every day to consider moving to Pittsburgh. While some locals say they don’t love it, head of storytelling Caroline Fisher says the city needs to take big swings if we want Pittsburgh’s stagnant population to grow. Host Megan Harris asks about the cost, the mission, and how they’re feeling about people’s reaction to the ad.

Check out Pittsburgh Tomorrow's guide to starting a new life in Pittsburgh or get in touch at [email protected]

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 18th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

After all the leaves fall, you can see what exactly sits on all of Pittsburgh's hills. You might be noticing steep steps all around the city, and these staircases were actually the city's first form of mass transit. Cataloging and preserving these steps is a relatively new priority, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team explored a set of steps with three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide. They're  sharing our city's history with the steps and tips for exploring them yourself. 

Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on the field trip!

**This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh just got a nice, big snowfall, and if you're feeling inspired to get out in the cold there are plenty of options, from snowshoeing through our city parks to ice skating under the stars. Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, joins host Megan Harris to share his favorite spots for skiing, snowboarding, winter camping and more, plus his tips for staying warm and finding free or very discounted winter gear.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

While most of us aren't jumping at the chance to watch commercials, there's one holiday ad that Pittsburghers have loved for more than 40 years. When we hear the little flute melody leading into Eat'n Park's Christmas star commercial, we know those cozy feelings are coming — and it all started as the chain's special thank you note to our city. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with Kristy Graver, food editor at Pittsburgh Magazine, to learn about why Eat'n Park created Pittsburgh's most enduring commercial and talk about why it's still on screens today.

**This episode originally aired on December 9, 2024.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Your taxes could be going up. City Council and Pittsburgh Public Schools both officially proposed increases for next year. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo explain how we got here and how much extra you might be paying if the tax hikes do, in fact, get approved. Plus, they discuss a new direct flight to one of Pittsburgh's favorite places, new state restrictions on GLP-1 drugs, the Terrible Towel's big milestone birthday, and your final opportunity to snag an exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh beanie.

Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm

Request a song for our holiday show! Call or text the HOLIDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode:

Fulton Commons

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.