Kevin Battle Goes One On One

‘In the cockpit! If we don’t we’ll die!’  A key statement from a passenger on Flight 93 prior to the commercial airliner slamming into a field outside Shanksville, PA.  Many overlooked this important quote when the black box transcript of Flight 93 was released.  Why was it so intriguing to historian Tom McMillan? 

We all know the name ‘Todd Beamer.’  But, were there other heroes on Flight 93 and who was believed to have lead the charge and how does a former Monroeville resident factor in? 

On this edition of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One With:’ I thought I’d take a slightly different approach.  This Saturday marks 20 years since the Islamist attacks on the United States on September 11th, 2001.

I distinctly remember where I was when I first heard of a plane crashing into One World Trade Center.  What about you?  

Historian Tom McMillan was Vice President of the Pittsburgh Penguins on that day.  He is now recognized around the world as an expert on Flight 93 - the airliner that slammed into a field outside of Shanksville, PA.  How did that happen?  Interestingly, his book ‘Flight 93: The Story, The Aftermath and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11’ is the quintessential guide of that terror attack, the hijacking, and ensuing struggle.

Thank you for listening to ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-On-One With: Flight 93 and Expert Tom McMillan.’

As a kid in the suburbs he had a deep passion for the city of Pittsburgh.  That has obviously grown with time.  To Bill Peduto, The job is magical.  However, at what point did he begin to wonder if his dream as mayor was actually worth the effort and aggravation?  After all politics has changed since he entered the scene years ago.  

Honestly, I was somewhat surprised yet extremely pleased that my request/invitation for an extended sit-down was accepted without hesitation.  I very much enjoyed meeting Mr. Peduto in-person to discuss a wide range of topics: his youth, family, college, goals, first car, plans after he leaves Grant Street, Afghanistan refugees, and the sister-city of Wuhan, China, among many other things.  

Yes, I declared that he was the ‘Brett Keisel’ of mayors due to his famous beard.  How did he take that?  And, why does the color of the beard not match the hairs on his head?  And, speaking of color: what is up with the city’s vehicle fleet?  And, what was it that the Dalai Lama found so infatuating?

What is ‘the spot’ in Pittsburgh that truly signifies ‘home’ to him?  What about the riots, the demonstrations in front of his house, or the issues with policing?  And, when did he know that the recent primary would not end favorably?  Don’t worry: the vacation he has planned will more than make up for any disappointment.

On a very busy afternoon, the mayor of Pittsburgh spent much more time with me than was actually allotted.  It was a great conversation.  I cannot thank him or his staff enough for opening up the schedule to me.  

I hope you enjoy this episode of ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One With: Mayor Bill Peduto.’ 

(Photo: © Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar via USA TODAY Network)

She is a positive visionary with enough energy to power the entire campus. Very welcoming, one could not help but feel comfortable in her presence. It was an absolute pleasure meeting University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Heather Lyke. On a very busy morning ahead of a meeting with the school’s chancellor, Heather Lyke was generous enough to carve out 30 minutes (or so) to speak with me on a wide-range of topics. Yes, we are aware that she is nominated for a major, national award. However, I left her office convinced that she is the perfect person to propel Pitt athletics and the city to all-new heights. She is a winner.

What does hot chocolate have to do with her goal to build champions in life. Best view of Pittsburgh? What kind of relationships does she foster among various coaches? What are her real thoughts on NBA-bound Justin Champagnie? How does NFL star Aaron Donald feel about her football coach, Pat Narduzzi, and changes at Pitt? Fifth-year QB Kenny Pickett is back under center so what are her expectations for football? How did growing up in Canton, near the HOF, prepare her for her career? She is a nationally recognized leader: Who inspired her most? Which sport is her favorite? What did she not account for in men’s basketball Coach Jeff Capel? How did Covid strengthen her department and was there any talk of cutting programs as a result of the pandemic? What are her thoughts and initiatives regarding Name, Image, Likeness for student athletes.

These questions and many more will be answered. I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One with: Heather Lyke.’

(Photo: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

‘Kevin Battle goes one-on-one with’ is a new feature for listeners of KDKA to feast on.  Over the next few weeks and months I will be sitting down with some of the top influencers in the Pittsburgh-area and Pennsylvania.  Some will be famous….others will be infamous.  Yes, we will lightly touch on news, politics, or issues of the day.  However, I have will have no agenda with our guests other than to have a fun, interesting, unique conversation while finding out more about our region’s newsmakers and shakers.  They are all accomplished leaders.  I want you to know more about the lives, visions, struggles, goals, and accomplishments of the major contributors of this place we call ‘home.’  

I could not think of a better person to launch our first show than the Second Lady of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  How did her favorite bridge bring her to Braddock?  What is wrong with our immigration system?  Why does she really love DC?  What must she have every night before bed?  Did we almost lose the now-Lt. Gov to New Jersey?  What does her husband fear most?  How are Pittsburgh and Rio similar?  What is her dream as a US citizen? These are just some of the questions you will find answers to.  

Gisele Fetterman wears many hats: Mother, Second-Lady, wife, activist, founder of various charities.  Some even refer to her as an ‘Angel of the Community.’  We had an absolutely delightful conversation.  

I hope you enjoy ‘Kevin Battle Goes One-on-One with: Gisele Fetterman!’