Kevin Battle Goes One On One

He loves the Commonwealth. His pride for Pennsylvania radiates from him as he speaks fondly of all 6 regions. His knowledge and appreciation of the state and its history are incredible. But, how did he rise to be the 46th Governor of the Commonwealth? And, what are some of the misconceptions about his term that he would like to clear up? How valuable was military service? The story of choices, situations, coincidences, and circumstances that molded his life while guiding his journey are amazing. He has been a US Attorney for the Western District, an Attorney General twice, and a lifeguard and mascot. Few know that he was born in Philadelphia and started his professional life after college as a teacher. His father was also a very influential Pennsylvanian who was integral in several visible and famous landmarks in Pittsburgh. I hope you enjoy this episode of 'Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Governor Tom Corbett.'

Who are the two largely forgotten men that helped propel Andrew Carnegie’s vision of a steel empire?  How does an impressive young girl on a Fayette County farm grow up to tie it all together almost a century and a half later?  She was inspired to go into business through her father’s leadership and a Western Pennsylvania nonprofit.  She earned degrees from THREE of Pittsburgh’s institutions of Higher Learning but started out making Christmas wreathes.  Her life is loosely tied to Mr. Rogers, a historic hotel, and two TV variety shows.  So, how does party planning fit in?  Her business is essential however not all governments believed it was viable.  How did that effect various economies and how fatal were those decisions to our supply chain?  What is it like to reopen a major plant and expand during the Covid-era.  Or even be forced to decide to place a factory outside your home region?  She proves that all companies compete for the same good talent regardless of industry.  And, what does someone who is integral in keeping the steel industry humming do in their down-time?  Pittsburgh is known for its people - generations of which helped build the company she now runs and many others.  Can she help bring new business and industry to Pittsburgh?  It is my honor to introduce you to one  one of our highly accomplished, motivational, and dedicated young visionaries.  I hope you enjoy this episode of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Harbison Walker International CEO Carol Jackson.’

He says that it is the people that make our area unique and helped make it the home in which he and his lovely wife would raise their family.  Like countless others, the fiercely loyal New England-native emigrated to Pittsburgh for work.  His first crack at Pittsburgh media was to fill in for a vacationing legend: Myron Cope.  He passed the audition and made an instant impact on the sports heritage of our region.  His start in broadcasting was very humble.  The heights he reached in the City of Champions is that of dreams of journalism & communication majors at colleges throughout Western Pennsylvania.  Now, after 21 years in town, there is a vacancy.  A void.  We wish him all the best in his ‘retirement.’  I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Sports Journalist Jim Colony.’   

What was it like to be in the White House working with the President of the United States as the nation, and the world, faced a crisis not seen in over 100 years?  How were assets rallied from very divergent personalities in order to save countless lives?  How were those assets divided?  Operation Warp Speed is an amazing story that is made even more interesting when one realizes that one of our own, a Pittsburgher, was a central figure throughout it all.  The West Point grad wanted to be governor of Pennsylvania but his eventual role was much more important.  I hope you enjoy this edition of Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Paul Mango of Operation Warp Speed!

Out of all the quarterbacks in the NFL how tough is Ben Roethlisberger?  Who will replace him under center?  What do the Steelers do as an organization that sets them apart from other NFL franchises?  Was there an early indication that Big Ben was unique?  What is it like to represent so many superstar athletes in Pittsburgh.  What are the highs & lows of his business and how tempting and dangerous can it be personally?  He is not a native to our area however he has had a very influential impact on our reputation as the City of Champions.  What about Hollywood and was ‘Show Me The Money’ really his personal line?  I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One with: Super Agent Leigh Steinberg.’

(Photo: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Millions know him as a Libertarian-leaning, free-thinking Congressman from Texas who began his professional life as a doctor.  However, many do not realize that the obstetrician from Lake Jackson, Texas is a Pittsburgh-native.  He is now host of the Liberty Report....and a former Presidential candidate….I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Ron Paul.

)Photo: © Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports)

From St. Nickolas to Father Christmas to Santa Claus to The Three Kings, For thousands of years all over the world children of all ages have independently celebrated the winter gift bringers during this Magical Season.  The techniques, style, methods, and imagery differ by region however the aim and goal is the same: Spread Joy To The World.  As millions prepare their homes for The Birthday Celebration and feast, let’s take an ADULT journey through some of the history of the helpers.  I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Santa Claus Worldwide author Tom Jerman.’

Cape Canaveral, Houston…Pittsburgh?  Yes. His grandfather helped propel aerospace technology to unfathomable speeds so why can’t he land on the Lunar surface?  Yes, a Pittsburgher has his sights set on the Moon. In fact, Mission Control is based on the North Side.  The entire region is contributing to the effort as suppliers provide metal and parts for the historic missions.  That is correct!  Pittsburgh will soon be known for Moon Rovers.  As a new industry is spawned along the Allegheny river our city awaits a very important launch date in 2022. Astrobotic is Pittsburgh’s home team for outer space.

I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Astrobotic CEO John Thornton.

From unthinkable evil to a guiding ray of light to pizza and Tonka toys.  We cover it all!

The holiday season is upon us: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and - this week - Hanukkah!   What does the Festival of Lights suffer from and why does the date change each year?  What is a really good gift that Judaism gave the world? HINT: Your boss may not like it.  What are some Jewish traditions and celebrations we should all know about?    

He has loved Pittsburgh from first sight.  However, he knew little about our region prior to his arrival but now considers it a catch basin of culture whose crown jewel is its people!  The goodness shines through.  He now lives, literally, in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.  Today, the English language does not have a term for his gratitude for the people of Pittsburgh.  

From gratitude to forgiveness to the future of his temple and the faithful he ministers.  I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging exclusive conversation with one of our region’s high-profile and influential residents who was, unfortunately, thrust onto the world’s stage.  I cannot thank him enough for graciously granting so much of his time to me on one cold afternoon that I will never forget.  This is Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation.’

(Photo: © George Walker IV / The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC)

One of the Pittsburgh-area’s newest arrivals is a seasoned and dedicated doctor….and CEO!  A unique combo for one very important job.  He is a polite, thoughtful, and dignified visionary who has his sights set on reimagining a Pittsburgh institution.  This high-powered and level-headed veterinarian graciously spent time with me just as he begins his new responsibilities and his family settles in to their new hometown!  Welcome to the neighborhood, Doctor.

I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With:  Dr. Jeremy Goodman - the President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium.’ 

(Photo: Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium)