The Pittsburgh Oddcast

EPISODE XLVIII of the #PittsburghOddcast

Inspiration and update When the world we live in can change so quickly, I seek out inspiration from the words of Fred Rogers. Enjoy this quick update on the status of the #PittsburghOddcast and #ThatsItFortPitt.

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss Pittsburgh’s reaction to the 1918 Influenza Pandemic that encapsulated the city by something only seen before in the medieval days of the Black Death!

Many moves are being taken now by government, local sports teams and colleges but they are not unprecedented!

We then tell tales from S. Trevor Hadley’s book “Only In Pittsburgh” including a story from 1909 that drives fear into the heart of every yinzer – plummeting to your certain doom, backward while on the Incline.

 We also share some unusual prophecies written in 1928 predicting “Pittsburgh of the Future”.

 

#ThatsItFortPitt

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

This week we decided to add an extra story to our Trilogy of Tales and added a fourth one.

Learn about the meteor that nearly destroyed Pittsburgh, The FBI’s file on Roberto Clemente, the “Strange Genius” who composed over 1,500 works that he kept under lock and key and tales of Pittsburgh’s mafia past!

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we looked at the unusual and unique history of our former neighbor, Allegheny City. We talk about why it is home to so many bizarre legends and share tales of some the most unusual characters to walk its streets from the “Healing Priest of Troy Hill” to stories of “Clockwatcher Louie” and John Brashear. This episode is a fun look at the some of the forgotten memories and characters who made up the town

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we decided to dive deep into some bizarre legends of “Hell Town”, tell tales of a cursed idol that lives within the walls of the Carnegie, and all other types of Pittsburgh odds and ends, bits and bobs and miscellaneous bric-a-brac. #ThatsItFortPitt

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, we invited the founder of the Greater Hazelwood Historical Society, JaQuay Edward Carter on to discuss the importance & legacy of Pittsburgh’s African American legacy.

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

KDKA’s March to 100 & more with special guest - program director of both KDKA & 93.7 The Fan, Jim Graci. 

In this third episode of what is an ongoing saga leading up to the 100th Anniversary of KDKA Radio on November 2, 2020, KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan’s Program Director, Jim Graci joins us. Graci has been involved in the business of radio for almost 50 years! Beginning with spinning records on his local station at 15 years old to doing every job there is in front of a mic & behind one, his passion for radio is vibrant.

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this sports-themed episode of the #PittsburghOddcast, the 26-year veteran Pirates play-by-play announcer, Greg Brown joins us once again to talk all things baseball, football and more!

Since 1882, the Pirates have played 20,950 games of which, Greg has called 4,142 of them!

We dive deep into the origins of the game, discover the origin of how we came to be known as the Pirates, talk about the legends who have played here & how there is a parallel to Football to be observed.

We also go behind the scenes of Steve Blass’ last three games in the broadcast booth and the emotions that everyone felt that weekend.

In addition we get into more current Pirates news, new additions to the broadcast team, tales of the MLB cheating scandal and play a difficult game of Pirates trivia.

So “clear the deck, cannonball coming!”

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

KDKA’s “March To 100” with guest Robert Mangino

In addition to the #PittsburghOddcast, Robert & I have a segment that we do LIVE every other Saturday called “This Week in Pittsburgh History”. We have talked in detail, about all historical anniversaries that have occurred over the course of 365 days and somehow, we still have more to talk about!

In this episode of which is an ongoing saga leading up to the 100th Anniversary of KDKA on November 2, 2020, talk show host Robert Mangino, a decade-long KDKA veteran, joins us to discuss his story of how even as a young boy in New Castle, the passion for talk radio was strong. We also ask many philosophical questions about using your position to help others and the importance of giving – even if all you can give is a smile.

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Passion, murder, sensational, infamous – these are all words that could be said about Kate Soffel and the notorious Biddle Boys.

From their sensational escape from jail with the assistance of the Warden’s wife to how they met their tragic end, this episode has it all.

Stay tuned to the end because we answer your questions!

See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.