The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast

Take a peek behind the doors of Brighton Heights with Annie Cole, member of the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation and curator of @housesofpittsburgh on Instagram. Annie reveals how the annual House Tour comes together, shares stories of the homes you’ll see, and explains why this event is such a celebration of community spirit. Whether you love history, architecture, or just discovering Pittsburgh’s hidden gems, this episode is your all-access pass!

In this episode of The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast, we sit down with Lisa and Frank Ray—the fiery duo behind Hammajack Heat Co., a small-batch hot sauce brand proudly crafted in Pittsburgh.

They share how they turned this amateur hobby into a successful business, what they love about it, and their vision for working with their competitors rather than against them. Even better, they reveal details about Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Fire Hot Sauce Festival—the city’s first-ever hot sauce celebration—happening October 4, 2025, at Velum Fermentation.

From entrepreneurial lessons to flavor-packed stories (and plenty of laughs), this conversation will leave you hungry to taste the heat and join the festival fun.

Step into the passenger seat as we ride along with a Pittsburgh cab driver who has seen it all—late-night fares, unforgettable conversations, and the city from a perspective few get to experience. In this episode of The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast, we explore what driving a cab reveals about Pittsburgh’s people, culture, and spirit.

In this episode of The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast, host Tom Pollard heads to the Strip District to sit down with the one and only Jimmy Coen—founder of "Yinzers" and known by many as the unofficial "Mayor of the Strip." Jimmy shares the story of how he built his business from street vending to a multimillion-dollar operation, the power of customer service, and why he's fighting to protect the unique character of the Strip District. It’s an inspiring conversation filled with hustle, heart, and classic Pittsburgh grit.

In this episode, we’re climbing to new heights, literally, as we ride along Pittsburgh’s iconic Duquesne Incline. Join us for an exclusive conversation with the manager of the incline, who shares the fascinating history behind this beloved piece of Pittsburgh’s past and present. From its 1877 origins as a coal-hauling workhorse to its transformation into a treasured passenger experience, you'll hear how the incline became one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

We’ll also explore the breathtaking views from the observatory deck at the top—one of the best photo spots in Pittsburgh. Discover what you can see from up there (hint: the three rivers, downtown skyline, stadiums, and more) and why this ride up Mount Washington is a must for both visitors and locals alike.

Whether you're a history buff, a Pittsburgh native, or planning your first trip to the Steel City, this episode offers a ride through time you won’t want to miss.

After many months of planning, Tom, owner of Positively Pittsburgh, is ready to start putting out content. He thought the best thing to do would be to give future listeners a view of what he plans on having in store for them.