I'll Call You Right Back

This week on the podcast, Mike Medved joins me to share his journey from basketball courts to wedding stages. While many know him as a “wedding singer,” Mike runs one of the few businesses that provides live music and DJ services—creating unforgettable moments for couples on the biggest day of their lives. - But Mike is much more than that. He's a husband, father of three, retired professional athlete, and a great musician. When he's not packing dance floors, you'll find him in the garden with his wife and kids, living the life he's built from the ground up. - After hanging up his jersey, Mike returned home to Elizabeth, PA, where he went all-in on music. Today, he's one of the most sought-after names in the local wedding scene—booked years in advance and trusted by couples to make their big day unforgettable. Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Danielle Mashuda and Maddy Lafferty, the co-founders of Keystone Artist Connect — a full-service resource for artists navigating today's music industry. - With over 24 years of combined experience, Danielle and Maddy bring serious expertise in artist management, tour booking, social media strategy, and large-scale event production. Their mission? To provide comprehensive support for local, regional, and national acts looking to grow, thrive, and take their career to the next level. - They stop by the studio and talk to me about what goes into managing artists beyond just the music, the logistics (and chaos) of planning and booking tours, how they've built trust and collaboration with a wide range of creatives, and the exciting news of their recent purchase of one of Pittsburgh's most iconic venues Club Cafe. - Whether you're an artist, production nerd, or just curious about what it takes to bring music to life behind the scenes, this episode is one you don't want to miss. Thanks for listening! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Center for Metal Arts Executive Director, Patrick Quinn, to talk about his mission in helping preserve the rich steel history in Johnstown, Pa through research and education. As a blacksmith, Pat feels he has a duty to help keep the trade alive. His goal with Center for Metal Arts is to bring new faces into the world and further educate the ones who already have a strong foundation with forging metal. Starting out as a traditional artist with a focus in drawing, Pat found his way in front of a Power Hammer just by chance and now he spends his days educating the others on the fundamentals on manipulating hot steel with the swing of a hammer. Center for Metal Arts is a 501c3 that offers beginner through advanced forging workshops in their state-of-the-art facilities and this week, Pat stops by to tell me all about CMA, his passion for art and blacksmithing, and more. Enjoy the episode. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Woolly Bear Books to dive into what it really takes to own and run an independent bookstore. Mike Ploetz has been passionate about reading since childhood, always keeping books close to his heart. After high school, he began working at the beloved Pittsburgh shop Kards Unlimited, where he developed a deep appreciation for the book business. His journey eventually took him to New York City, where he worked for a major publisher and climbed the ranks. But after years in the industry, Mike felt the pull of a lifelong dream—opening his own bookstore. That dream became a reality with Woolly Bear Books & Gifts. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Michael Studebaker of Studebaker Metals. ⚒️ - Eleven years ago, Michael started crafting jewelry in his parents' basement with little more than a few rusty tools, a dream, and a lot of ambition. - His journey began after earning a BFA in Metalsmithing and spending several years working in museums in Philadelphia. Through a series of events, Michael found himself back in Pittsburgh, taking on odd jobs while trying to figure out his next move. As a traditionally trained metalsmith, he saw an opportunity to create affordable, hand-forged jewelry. After meeting his partner, Alyssa Catalano, a fashion marketing expert, they combined their talents to build the successful brand that Studebaker Metals is today. - Now, at their new workshop and showroom on Smallman St in the Strip District, Michael, Alyssa, and their team continue to grow the Studebaker name, creating high-quality, hand-forged pieces made from the best materials available. Thanks for listening! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

We made it to the 300TH EPISODE of I'll Call You Right Back Podcast. - This milestone episode deserved a guest who truly embodies the significance of the number, and there's no one more fitting than the big dawg Anthony Badamo of Badamo's Pizza. - This week, we're celebrating 15 years of Badamo's Pizza, and Anthony is joining me in the studio to talk about it all—his journey into pizza making, life before the business, the evolution of Badamo's Pizza, moving locations, getting featured on WQED with Rick Sebak, and so much more. I've said it countless times, and I'll keep saying it: Badamo's Pizza is the best in the city. Anthony and his team at both locations consistently deliver excellence, and I truly can't recommend them enough. Love these guys. Love their pizza. Love their story. Hope yinz enjoy the episode. Thanks for 300!!! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Brillo Box. Luther Cosmo Ickes has been haunting the halls of the legendary Brillo Box for 20 years. Starting off as a door man back in 2005, he has turned this place into one of the best and most unique venues the City of Pittsburgh has to offer. Lou stopped by the studio and we had one my favorite conversations I've had on this podcast yet. Beyond running a bar full time, Lou has a deep passion for all things strange and unusual and we dive right into it. We talk about the ghosts that live in Brillobox. We talk about aliens and UFOs. And you better believe we talk about Bigfoot. But most importantly, we talk about the history of that magical place in Bloomfield we all love — Brillobox. I really cannot tell you how fun of a conversation this was. Great bar. Great venue. Stellar human being. Hope yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Dan Rugh of Commonwealth Press. Commonwealth Press is a AFL/CIO Trade Union Screen Printing Shop that has been working to provide quality printing and design services to the City of Pittsburgh for over 20 years. - Starting out in a 6ft x 6ft area in the basement of their first home in the heart of Southside, Dan talks about how him and his wife Shannon expanded their business into one of the most recognized screen print shops and design firms in the city. - From creating his first “screen print” at the age of 12, to working in a big name book publishing factory, to expanding their business from the basement to a 20,000sqft warehouse—this weeks episode is proof how far a little hard work can take you. Hope yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we're diving into the world of pizza with Josh Sickels, owner of Rockaway Pizzeria. Josh's journey into pizza-making began in 2016, and just one year later, he opened the first Rockaway location in White Oak. Known for his unique spin on classic New York-style slices, Josh quickly earned a reputation as one of the area's top pizzerias. Before pizza, Josh's life was much different. He spent the majority of his life focusing on music. He will be the first to tell you that he is a musician at heart, and a pizza maker second. In this episode, we chat about his music career, touring the country, the inspiration behind starting Rockaway, and how he built a reputation in the pizza world that caught the attention of Barstool's David Portnoy. Don't miss it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I'm sitting down for the highly anticipated Part 2 with the one and only Louie Nice to dive into his journey and how he became the artist and photographer he is today. Lou's passion for documenting life through film started in Pittsburgh, where he stumbled upon a camera in the most unexpected way—the rest is history. When he's not working on his house or hanging with his family, Lou's documenting unforgettable moments with some of today's biggest musicians. Currently on tour with Zach Bryan, Lou has also hit the road with Charles Wesley Godwin and The Allegheny High. In this episode, we talk about everything from what goes into documenting a live show in a sold out stadium to all the challenges of developing film on the go. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with touring photographer, Louie Nice. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

Winter break is over, and this week, I'm sitting down with the one and only Louie Nice to dive into his journey and how he became the artist and photographer he is today. Lou's passion for documenting life through film started in Pittsburgh, where he stumbled upon a camera in the most unexpected way—the rest is history. When he's not working on his house or hanging with his family, Lou's documenting unforgettable moments with some of today's biggest musicians. Currently on tour with Zach Bryan, Lou has also hit the road with Charles Wesley Godwin and The Allegheny High. In this episode, we talk about everything from what goes into documenting a live show in a sold out stadium to all the challenges of developing film on the go. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with touring photographer, Louie Nice. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with The Commonheart founder and frontman Clinton Clegg. Clinton has been a musician all his life. With a mother that is still actively playing the church pipe organ twice a week in her 80's, I think you can say music runs in his blood. Musicians are some of my favorite people to sit down with. It's not often that their story is a dull one. Clinton's story wasn't either. Starting out in metal bands and taking inspiration from a lot of hip hop, I was curious to hear how he managed to hone in on the gritty and redemptive style The Commonheart brings today. This week, Clinton stops by the studio to talk all about it, playing the Steelers halftime show, and how he approaches the music after 10 years with The Commonheart. Thanks yinz for listening. Enjoy the episode! - On top of a great conversation, you have an opportunity to see this band of talented individuals December 21st at Mr Smalls Theatre where they will be recording their first live album. As I would imagine, there is nothing like playing a hometown show so yinz know it will surely be an experience yinz don't want to miss. Get your tickets today. Hope to see yinz there! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, it is my pleasure to sit down with Tetris addict and bass player Nate Catanzarite! Nate is a great musician who currently takes residence in Charles Wesley Godwin's band The Allegheny High. I started following Nate after he started listening to the show a little while back. Almost everyone in The Allegheny High are Beaver County boys so I've had the opportunity to sit down with a few. It's incredible to hear how many great players come from the same area and how they all came to be. Must be something in whatever they are serving at The Brighton Hotdog Shoppe! - This week, Nate and I sit down for a talk about his introduction to music, how he picked up the bass for the first time, meeting Charles Wesley Godwin, and tearing up the stage with the rest of the The Allegheny High. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, it is my honor to welcome two Pittsburgh Icons into ICYRB Studios. Mikey & Bob have been radio show hosts in Pittsburgh for a long time. They have been running the 96.1KISS Morning Freakshow for over TWO DECADES. Every morning, we wake up and listen to their commentary on our city. Whether it be updates on our Holy Trinity of sports teams, reading tweets from the @PGHscanner account, or sending the some jagoff to 'The Crossroads,' you can always count on a laugh from the two oddly shaped best friends. This week, they guys stop by the studio to touch on one of their most important events of the year in Stuff-A-Bus. Stuff-A-Bus is an event they have been hosting since their arrival to the Steel City. (Yes, surprisingly, they weren't born here!) Over the last 21 years, they have filled over 790 school buses with new and unwrapped toys to benefit the Marines Toys for Tots Program. From December 2nd to December 6th, yinz can head over to Robinson Town Square and donate to a great cause. Yinz can find more details on all their socials and the 96.1KISS website. In addition to highlighting Toys for Tots, you can bet we dive into a whole bunch of other good stories about their introduction to radio, how they first moved to Pittsburgh, what goes into running a successful morning radio show, and all the characters they've introduced us to over the years. Enjoy the episode! Thanks for listening! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, it is my honor to welcome two Pittsburgh Icons into ICYRB Studios. Mikey & Bob have been radio show hosts in Pittsburgh for a long time. They have been running the 96.1KISS Morning Freakshow for over TWO DECADES. Every morning, we wake up and listen to their commentary on our city. Whether it be updates on our Holy Trinity of sports teams, reading tweets from the @PGHscanner account, or sending the some jagoff to 'The Crossroads,' you can always count on a laugh from the two oddly shaped best friends. This week, they guys stop by the studio to touch on one of their most important events of the year in Stuff-A-Bus. Stuff-A-Bus is an event they have been hosting since their arrival to the Steel City. (Yes, surprisingly, they weren't born here!) Over the last 21 years, they have filled over 790 school buses with new and unwrapped toys to benefit the Marines Toys for Tots Program. From December 2nd to December 6th, yinz can head over to Robinson Town Square and donate to a great cause. Yinz can find more details on all their socials and the 96.1KISS website. In addition to highlighting Toys for Tots, you can bet we dive into a whole bunch of other good stories about their introduction to radio, how they first moved to Pittsburgh, what goes into running a successful morning radio show, and all the characters they've introduced us to over the years. Enjoy the episode! Thanks for listening! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the man of the hour! Joe Long is an artist and content creator, most known for his presence on tiktok. (@joelongtok) Yinz probably know him from the iconic "Don & Deb" videos that have been popping up on all of our algorithms! Joe stops by the studio for a great conversation about mental health, recovery, his introduction to tiktok, and how he gained a following that has surpassed 425,000 followers all by making silly videos! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we have a short episode going over some of the changes I am making to the podcast. I am opening up ad, sponsorship, and 'Skip The Line' Packages. It is time to kick it into a different gear in 2025. If yinz want to market your product or business in a more unique way than a typical instagram or facebook ad, I am your guy. If yinz are interested, go to www.illcallyourightback.com to learn more. Lets work. Next week, we're back to the regular scheduled programming with another great episode with another great guest. Thanks for listening. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, it is my honor to welcome back Odd Pittsburgh for a very long awaited PART 2 of the very spooky 2 PART HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!  - John Schalcosky is a self appointed historian and one of the most invaluable resources to the City of Pittsburgh. For more than a decade, his life's work has been uncovering and documenting the odd and mysterious history of our city's past!  - Lucky for yinz, it's October, so that calls for a talk devoted to all the murder, torture, and piles of dead bodies buried under the City of Champions. Pittsburgh's history is not all Stanley Cups and Superbowls. - Listen to Part 1 & 2 to learn more about some of Pittsburgh's more grim history! Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, it is my honor to welcome back Odd Pittsburgh for a very long and spooky 2 PART HALLOWEEN SPECIAL!  - John Schalcosky is a self appointed historian and one of the most invaluable resources to the City of Pittsburgh. For more than a decade, his life's work has been uncovering and documenting the odd and mysterious history of our city's past!  - Lucky for yinz, it's October, so that calls for a talk devoted to all the murder, torture, and piles of dead bodies buried under the City of Champions. Pittsburgh's history is not all Stanley Cups and Superbowls. - Listen to Part 1 to learn more about some of Pittsburgh's more grim history! Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with one of the spookiest ones around town, Spencer Dillman. I met Spencer back in 2020, when I reached out to Hundred Acres Manor to see about interviewing someone from the Haunt! At that time, Spencer was a scare actor who worked as one of their makeup artists! As soon as I seen his work, I knew I had to have him on! - In 2019, Spencer took a backseat to scaring and helps handle the makeup and production. Hundred Acres Manor's team is filled with talented people who work their asses off every night to keep their ghouls and the Haunt looking right! Over 80 scare actors haunt the grounds of Hundred Acres Manor's and this week learn about everything from what training each cast member goes through to how you do makeup for a haunt full of actors each night. A fascinating conversation about the inner workings of Haunted House for the Halloween enthusiast! - When October ends and you can't find Spencer doing spooky makeup or scaring people at the Haunt, you can find him “snatching” hair in his salon Chariot And Vine. Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I have the honor of crossing another name off my list of Pittsburgh Icons. Rachel Ann Bovier is a writer, artist, musician, performer, poetess, and more. You know her from her famous billboards on Bigelow Blvd and her poems on the walls of your favorite places. This week, Rachel stops by the studio to tell me her story. We talk about her childhood in McKees Rocks, her introduction to music, her transformation from "Billie Nardozzi" to the fabulous Rachel Ann Bovier, and what made her start putting up these billoards all around our city. A fantastic person and an even better conversation. I hope yinz enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks for listening. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the one and only Amico Demuzio. Amico is a steel guitar pickin, banjo strummin, guitar playin son of a gun from Beaver County! He has been playing music since he could walk and, currently, Amico is one of the amazing players that make up Charles Wesly Godwin's band The Allegheny High. - Amico has a wild story. A couple years ago, he started touring with Charles Wesly Godwin as the Merch Guy! You'd find him at the tables slingin' Lean Mean T's and and records. He spent a couple years working his way through the ranks of a merch game until an opportunity came where The Allegheny High needed a Pedal Steel player to fill the shoes of Read Connolly. Being a life long musician, Amico Demuzio stepped right up to the plate and the rest became history. This week, we sit down and talk about it all. From the first time he picked up an instrument to the very first show with Charles Wesly Godwin and The Allegheny High… and how his gear didn't work for it! Hope yinz enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Jeff Betten to talk about Pittsburgh's newest (and only) Custom Vinyl Record Processing Plant. Hellbender Vinyl is located in Lawrenceville. They opened their doors at the end of 2022 and started filling orders at the start of 2023. They specialize in all things vinyl. In Jeff's words, “if you can dream it up. We can do it!” - After spending the majority of his life playing music, Jeff Betten acquired a local record label. As time went on, his artists started to show interest in getting some of their work pressed on vinyl. Quickly realizing this was not going to be as easy as he'd hoped, Jeff figured why not try and put one in Pittsburgh! - This week, he stops by the studio and talks to me all about Hellbender Vinyl origin story and what the day to day of at the city's first fully customizable record pressing plant consists of. Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with life long rider and bicycle advocate Michael Potoczny to talk all about living a life on two wheels. Most of yinz know Mike from The Wheel Mill and seeing him at Bike PGH events around the city. Mike is an educator whose passion for biking exceeds many others. - Having a father who was a Pro Motocross rider, the Potoczny kids had an early and easy introduction to a life of flying off of carefully constructed mounds of dirt on two wheels. That's how they spent their childhood. Riding bikes and building dirt jumps in the woods with their friends. - Once they were old enough, they started to make the transition from the woods at home to B-Cubed Bike and Skate Park. After countless hours spent there, B-Cubed decided to close their doors. Knowing about all materials in jeopardy of going to waste, Mike and his friends decided to acquire the ramps and set out on a new location for them. - In 2013, Mike met a man and helped bring The Wheel Mill to life. For the better part of the last decade, Mike was the GM of Pittsburghs only Indoor Bike Park. He spent his time building ramps, hosting and planning events, teaching classes, and helping provide the city of Pittsburgh with one of the best biking resources to this day. Sadly and abruptly, after 11 years, The Wheel Mill decided to close their doors. - Now, after investing countless hours of hard work and thousands of dollars worth of wood into some of the best ramps made, Mike knew he had to pivot and figure out a new home for TBA Bike Park and all the bike riders around our city. Hope yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Hart Johnson. Hart is a beer aficionado, clean tap line enthusiast, and the GM of the Southside of Pittsburgh's very own Piper's Pub. Piper's is a pub that specializes in  great food, great drink, and football. They have a carefully curated tap list, an exquisite selection of Scottish Wiskey, and menu that speaks to their slogan "A Taste of the British Isles." When the pandemic started, Piper's Pub closed along with many others. During that time, it was unclear of their future. As they laid dormant for 3 years, a storm was brewing behind the scenes to prepare for a resurgence. Hart stops by the studio and tells us all about it. The good, the bad, the ugly, and ultimately what the future holds for the Scottish Pub on the 18th block of Carson St. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Glory Daze Motorcycle Show founder Kurt Diserio to talk all about his introduction to motorcycles, starting Pittsburgh Moto, and what goes into making Glory Daze Motorcycle Show happen! Hope yinz enjoy it. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Austin Vanasdale who owns and operates the delicious Xarson St Deli & Craft Beer Bar located in the Southside of the Pittsburgh! I have been a patron of The Deli for almost a decade now. When I worked on the Southside, I lived off of Yerba Mate Mint Tea and their Buffalo Chicken Sandwich topped with Blue Cheese. An absolutely sensational combo. Almost every time I went in, I'd have a guy with a cool mustache help me out. Back then, Austin was just the manager. Now, years later, he bought the business and spends his time behind the counter. - Austin stops by the studio to talk with me about his life and how he ended up where he is today. We talk about what he wanted to be when he was growing up, his introduction to the Southside, how he got started at The Deli, leaning into Craft Beer, and the ups and down's of being a small business owner in today's world. - The Southside is a really beautiful part of our city. It is the home to a lot of great places and great people. Recently, it has garnered a certain negative reputation at the hands of certain media personalities and Austin gives his opinions on what life is like on the Southside as a business owner who spends his days on Carson St. Hope yinz enjoy it. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Mike Cottle at the Allegheny Commans Garden to talk about Beers, Wings, Bicycle Maintence, and the Cottle Built Pop Up happening July 7th. - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with my wife Antonette for a quick debrief conversation about the very first Playing Hookie event! On Monday, I took a group of adults for a all inclusive day trip to tour Laurel Caverns. The field trip included a coffee a pastry pit stop, guided tour of Laurel Caverns, and a picnic lunch provided by the good people at Carson St Deli! The whole trip was a great success and we already have Field Trip #2 in the works! Very special thanks to Kat and Nick of the Burgh Bus, Perked Up Cafe in Chaleroi, Carson St Deli, and all the good people who bought the ticket and took the ride. Guest episodes and regularly scheduled programming continues next week. See yinz then! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

PART 2 OUT NOW! After four years, I finally sit down with the Rishi Bahl! Rishi Bahl is a “doctor,” musician, animal advocate, promoter, and more! For the last 20 years, Rishi has been the front man in a band called Eternal Boy. (Formally known as ‘The Spacepimps') When he's not on stage, he is planning one of Pittsburgh's biggest events in the Four Chord Music Festival. - Rishi grew up in Pittsburgh and found his way into the punk rock scene in arguably one of the best times in its existence. Obsessed with bands like Blink-182, New Found Glory, and The Starting Line, Rishi decided to take his love of music one step further and pick up a guitar. All these years later, he is still making records and rocking out at shows, all while planning and executing the 10th anniversary of Four Chord Fest. - As a kid who grew up in this era of music, going to shows every weekend, Rishi's band was always one of the “big dawgs” when you saw them on the show lineups so having him in the studio to talk about all he's done was really a cool moment for me. Hope yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

After four years, I finally sit down with the Rishi Bahl! Rishi Bahl is a “doctor,” musician, animal advocate, promoter, and more! For the last 20 years, Rishi has been the front man in a band called Eternal Boy. (Formally known as ‘The Spacepimps') When he's not on stage, he is planning one of Pittsburgh's biggest events in the Four Chord Music Festival. - Rishi grew up in Pittsburgh and found his way into the punk rock scene in arguably one of the best times in its existence. Obsessed with bands like Blink-182, New Found Glory, and The Starting Line, Rishi decided to take his love of music one step further and pick up a guitar. All these years later, he is still making records and rocking out at shows, all while planning and executing the 10th anniversary of Four Chord Fest. - As a kid who grew up in this era of music, going to shows every weekend, Rishi's band was always one of the “big dawgs” when you saw them on the show lineups so having him in the studio to talk about all he's done was really a cool moment for me. Hope yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the very talented Erin Hosfield. Erin is an amateur herbalist, artist, tattooist, and newly published author. I first became aware of Erin through her tattoo work on mutual friends. She has been a resident at the well-known and respected Kyklops Tattoo in the Southside for some time. - Recently, as I was doom-scrolling, Erin posted the cover art of her debut novel ‘Lacuna: Chimera Part One.' She mentioned that, in her free time, she had been quietly writing this book, and the time has finally come for it to be released. I immediately pre-ordered it, and after I read it, I knew I had to invite her to talk about the process. - This week, we discuss her life as she grew up in a small town, falling in love with books at a young age, her initiation into wanting to tattoo, and how she decided to write a novel. If you're a reader, you can purchase her book at the link in her bio. It's a good one. Enjoy it! - Buy Erin's Debut Novel 'Lacuna: Chimera Part One Here! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with my brother Ben Bartilson of Yoli's Cucina and Yoli's Catering. Ben Bartilson is a dad, husband, chef, and all around great human being. Ben owns an incredible Italian restaurant in Jefferson Hills called Yoli's Cucina. At Yoli's, they “feed you like family.” I can't say enough about how good their food is. He was on the podcast years ago to talk about Yoli's and how it started. That is episode 154 if you'd like to get the full story, from the beginning! - Ben has recently expanded his business with Yoli's Catering. They are now offering new things and, this week, he stops by the studio with a delicious Boards By Beth charcuterie board and we talk about all he's been up to! - I love Ben and his family so much. They truly are amazing people and deserve all the support in the world. If you have not been to Yoli's yet, I urge you to go and get yourself a great meal. It's worth it. Enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we're back in the kitchen with @chef.life.hacks! Janet Loughran is a wife, mom, chef, content creator, and more. You've probably seen her pop up on your Instagram and TikTok, teaching you some tricks of the trade or how to make a great recipe for dinner that week. Chef Janet stops by the studio to talk to me about what her life was like when she was just getting started in kitchens. We're talking restaurant's, catering, cooking 600 steaks simultaneous for a golf outing, kitchen food and beverage management, and more. Enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with chef and owner of the very delicious PGH Dumplingz! Eric White is a man who's been finding his way around kitchens for over a decade. He has spent years working at every level of the food industry at every different position. He started his journey on the frontlines at Chic-Fil-A, then into a more commercial setting at Market District, then climbed the ranks at PF Changs and Ironborn. Now, you can find him popping up at your favorite local businesses dishing out some damn fine dumplings!  - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the one woman show that is Dagny's Eatery. Dagny Como is a single mother who got tired of working a corporate banking job and decided to change her life and take control. Dagny's Eatery is an amazing little spot on Main St in the great little town of Carnegie. On any given day, you can roll into Dagny's and find everything from amazing deli sandwiches with homemade sauces and sides to a fresh blueberry lemon roll or slice of cheesecake. Honestly, I'm always blown away by how much she puts out and the quality you get when you go there. This episode is long overdue and it was incredible and motivating to hear how she said “cya” to a secure 13 year career in order to open up the doors to her own spot. Enjoy the episode and go support this woman. She deserves every bit of it! Thanks for listening! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Krom Kendama Pro Player and best friend Bryan Scagline to celebrate all of his hard work and his accomplishments. Bryan has been a well known figure spreading positivity in the Kendama community for over a decade. Starting as a casual Kendama player, Bryan quickly found a role as a social media creator for Kendama USA. After some years cutting his teeth there, he moved forward and found a new home with the big dawgs at Krom Kendama. Bryan stops by the studio and we talk about everything from his introduction to Kendama to the design of his signature Krom Kendama Pro Model. Yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the very talented Korey Edmonson to speak about his journey into becoming the artist he is today. He stops by the studio and we talk about everything from growing up and being unfocused to how he made his choice to hone his skills with painting. Another great talk. Yinz enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we're in the studio with Brown Bear Bread Cafe co-owner Kate Clemons to talk all about bread, baking, and brunch! Actually, she talks about way more than just bread, baking, and brunch. Kate stops by and we dive into her previous life as a trained opera singer, how her and her partners decided to open Brown Bear Bread Cafe, and the importance of shopping with the small businesses we want to see stay open in this city. Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I am on a solo mission to tell yinz all about a very special Burgh Bus Benefit Bingo to help raise money for the man behind Odd Pittsburgh! John Schalcosky is a historian that has given so much to our city through his work with his social media account Odd Pittsburgh. For years, this man has devoted every spare moment in his life to researching and documenting some of Pittsburgh's most incredible and facinating history. Recently, John has been going through hell with some very serious medical problems that has put him in the hospital and incapacited him for an unknown amount of time. While he and his family go through this tough time, we can only hope the city pulls together to give back to him for all the amazing work that he has given us (free of charge) over the years. If you have the means, please consider buying a ticket to the Burgh Bus Benefit Bingo that will be held on March 2nd at 6PM. Everyone participating in this event will come and ride the Burgh Bus throught the city we all love while yinz play bingo and win prizes generously donated by some of the great businesses this city has to offer. Hope to see yinz there! BUY BENEFIT BINGO TICKETS HERE! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with content creator, filmmaker, and good human, David B Shane. Everyday, David posts content created around heartfelt interactions with everyday people. In fact, that is exactly how David and I met. - On Saturday, as my wife and I were walking out of one of our favorite places, Dagnys Eatery, David stopped us and asked if we would be willing to participate in his project and tell him “three things we love about each other.” Obviously, we agreed, and the rest is history. After we were done, I knew I had to learn more about what he does so I invited him over. - David stops by and talks to me about his life before his new found fame as a “content creator,” his process behind what he does, and why he decided to start this project highlighting some of the great people that makes Pittsburgh the incredible city it is. I urge you all to give @davidbshane a follow and check out some of his work! Enjoy the episode! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the one and only, Montana Mitchell. Montana is a dancer, traveler, yoga instructor, teacher trainer, and more. She stops by the studio and we talk about her life before yoga and how she transitioned from a world of practicing dance to becoming one of the most regarded yoga teachers and instructors in the city. Enjoy it! - Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with the man behind VHS Crypt! Chris Scanlon stops by the studio to talk to me about making a career out of buying, selling, and trading new and vintage toys and collectibles. He brings with him thousands of dollars worth of insane vintage toys and we talk all about them! If you are a buyer, seller, collector, or just an all around fan of toys - you can see all his offerings on his instagram store: @vhscrypt. He has an incredible eye for great things and it was a pleasure to hear more about it.  In case you havent heard, you can find the full video to go along with my interviews on my YouTube channel. Head on over, SUBSCRIBE, and check out the video of this weeks episode showcasing all sorts of awesome toys! Enjoy! Yinz can SUBSCRIBE & WATCH here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Old Flame Mending owner Rebecca Harrison to talk about "Fixing Anything But A Broken Heart." Old Flame Mending is a Pittsburgh based sewing service that helps keep your garmets and textiles in your wordrobe and out of the landfill through repair, tailoring, alterations, and custom work. Whether you need the crotch repaired in your favorite jeans or a new liner in the vintage trench coat your Nana left you from when she was your age, Old Flame can help! Rebecca offers mending, tailoring, mail-in mending orders, classes, mending kits, seasonal swap meets, and more! Sit back and listen to a new take on an old world trade helping mending anything broken in your life! Thanks for listening! - WATCH my interview with Old Flame Mending here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

Well, friends! December is here and this week, I sit down with the one and only, Santa Claus! John Suhr, or "Santa John," is a Pittsburgh staple and a man who has devoted his life to keeping the Meaning of Christmas alive! This week, John and I talk about growing up in Lawrenceville, what the city was like around the holidays when he was a kid, what made him put on the suit the first time, and why Christmas means so much to him. I will say, his story is tragic and beautiful and I'm honored he came over to tell it. Enjoy the episode! - WATCH my interview with Santa John here! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Carrie Nardini to talk about one the city's biggest and most important events that is the I Made It! Market! Carrie established ‘I Made It Market' in 2007 after a very small group of other crafters (including Carrie) were looking for more opportunity to showcase and sell their homemade wares. With only a few markets happening back in the late 2000's, Carrie realized that there were none that were specifically curated to highlight all the makers in Pittsburgh. Now, almost 15 years later, Carrie spearheads the all the events for I Made It! Market and The Neighborhood Flea and we learn all about it! - I cannot implore yinz enough to head out to the I Made It! Market on December 9th! This is a FREE event! If you're looking for a place to get your Holiday shopping done, THIS IS IT! You'll have a plethora of local vendors selling fantastic homemade goods to purchase for your friends and loved ones, just in time for the holiday. Keep in mind, when yinz #ShopLocal, you're keeping the money into the community and investing in the future of incredible events like these. Enjoy! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with Eric Kellar of Lawrenceville Pet Supply to talk all about the 2023 Lawrenceville Cookie Tour. For over TWO DECADES, Lawrenceville and the members that make up the community have come together to create one of the biggest events for your holiday season. Eric is a business owner in those parts and he has been a participant for several years now so I figured he'd be the best person to talk with! The Cookie Tour is a 30 city block long cookie table with over 50 vendors participating. The Cookie Tour is an event designed to welcome people unfamiliar with all the nooks and crannies of “Larryville” in hopes of generating patronage in exchange for delicious cookies of all types. - On December 9th & 10th from Noon to 5pm, come down to Lawrenceville and explore what all the shops and restaurants in the area have to offer while enjoying the biggest cookie table you've ever seen. There will be parking and trolleys available to help navigate you throughout the weekend. I'm excited to experience my first Cookie Tour and we hope to see yinz down there. You can follow lvpgh and lvpgh_cookietour to learn more! Enjoy the episode! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down with award winning journalist David Rullo to talk about his brand new book ‘Gen X Pittsburgh: The Beehive and the 90's Scene.' I first came across David's work a couple weeks ago, after souring the interwebs for Pittsburgh writers that are still local. Turns out his book was being released 3 days later. It felt pretty serendipitous so I reached out and here we are. - We have a really great conversation about everything from growing up in the city, to how he became a writer, to how he ended up writing about one of the most important creative places in Pittsburgh's history. The Beehive wasn't just a pillar of the community of Southside. It was a safe and inclusive space for everyone and anyone who wanted to cross pollinate on projects and works with other like minded people. - I was lucky enough to spend quite a handful of late nights chain smoking clove cigarettes and drinking drinking coffee in the back room. That place meant a lot to me in my youth and it was really cool to hear how much it meant to David and the rest of the generation before me. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did. Thank yinz for listening. - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, I sit down for a long overdue conversation with my very talented barber and great friend Niles DeVinney. Niles has been in the hair industry for quite some time and after seeing multiple mutual friends being cut by him, I decided to abandon the hole in the wall I was going to give him a try. The rest is history and I never looked back! - After his schooling and cutting his teeth doing full service hair appointments in traditional salons, Niles ultimately decided to move his focus to barbering. This week, we talk about why he chose the hair industry for a career, the route of education he pursued, why he made that decision to move from a traditional salon to a more traditional barber shop, and so much more. That being said, there is a very interesting caveat to Niles story. In the midst of becoming one of the best barbers in the city, Niles tells me about a time got pinched for selling a decent amount of weed and his doing a bid in the “big house.” A wild story all around! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we're taking a ride around tahn' with Co-Owner of the Burgh Bus, Nick Walker. Nick and his partner in life and business Kat are not from Pittsburgh originally but they have surely taken the Burgh by storm. After a handful of years jumping around from city to city, they settled in Pittsburgh with an idea to create "Pittsburgh's Most Unique Experience on Wheels!" The Burgh Bus is an interactive touring shuttle that provides tours for any occasion. Whether it's comedy tours hosted by local comedians cutting up on the gaggle of geese out of Tequila Cowboy or Odd Pittsburgh taking you on a spooky tour highlighting Pittsburghs Haunted History - the Burgh Bus has something for you! - This week, I sit down with 1/2 of the brains behind this operation to find out a little more about it! Nick and I talk about growing up in Florida, moving around to different cities, where the idea for the Burgh Bus came from, and how they made this crazy idea come to life. Oh yeah, we also talk about the time their bus caught on fire and was destroyed right before they opened for business! This ones a wild ride. I hope yinz enjoy it as much as I did. - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show

This week, we have a very special Spooky Movie Debate about the "Best Horror Franchise." Halloween vs. Scream! I, myself, love the Scream movies. I think its the perfect series. My good friend Ryan thinks it is the 'Halloween' Series. This week, we bring our evidence to the table and duke it out amoung men. It is very important to note that Ryan is probably the biggest cinefile a know. He puts up a good fight and makes a compelling argument. Hit play and listen to why we think ours are best. Then you can decide for yourself. I always love having conversations with him and I hope you enjoy this one. Thanks for listening. - Become a "friend" on Patreon and support the show