Episodes

  • Bob Howard - Breakdown of Election 2025

    Bob Howard - Breakdown of Election 2025
    Nov 6 2025
    In the wake of a tough election night for Republicans across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with political analyst and former North Allegheny School Board President Bob Howard for a candid conversation on the results, the messaging, and what the numbers are starting to reveal. From low Republican turnout and partisan straight-ticket voting to the emotional power of the judicial retention fight, Bob shares valuable insights into what drove Democrats to the polls and why strong Republican candidates were drowned out by top-down narratives. They also take some time to reflect on the realities of campaigning in a progressive county, and the need to sharpen strategy for 2025 and beyond. With thoughtful analysis, lessons learned, and a look ahead to what’s next, this episode pulls back the curtain on Allegheny County politics - and why the GOP is far from out of the fight. Special Guest: Bob Howard.
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    56 mins
  • Jason Richey - RCAC Chair

    Jason Richey - RCAC Chair
    Oct 23 2025
    In this pivotal pre-election episode, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Jason Richey, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC), for a wide-ranging conversation on the Republican resurgence in Pittsburgh and beyond. Jason shares how the GOP has expanded from 50% to 98% local committee coverage in just months, the strategy behind forming regional committees like Woodland Hills and Fox Chapel, and why the 2025 election could flip County Council control for the first time in decades. From energizing voters in long-forgotten areas like McKeesport and the Mon Valley to supporting working-class candidates like Mike Dell, Mary Jo Wise, Len Iorio, and Patrick Provins, Jason lays out a bold plan for reclaiming Allegheny County through grassroots momentum, commonsense policies, and real leadership. The episode also touches on judicial races, key countywide candidates, and why a vote for Republicans this November is a vote for accountability, economic growth, and public safety. Special Guest: Jason Richey.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Len Iorio & Michael Dell - Candidates for County Council

    Len Iorio & Michael Dell - Candidates for County Council
    Oct 9 2025
    In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with two candidates who are running to restore fiscal responsibility and working-class representation to Allegheny County government: Len Iorio (District 12) and Michael Dell (District 8). Len shares his motivation for running against incumbent Bob Palmosina - the architect of the recent 36% county property tax hike - and outlines his vision for reining in bloated budgets and refocusing county government on core services. Michael, a CPA and former finance chair on Plum Borough Council, explains why Allegheny County is on the brink of financial crisis and how his professional experience is urgently needed to stop wasteful spending, avoid future reassessments, and bring transparency to county budgeting. The episode also covers the larger stakes of the 2025 election, including how electing just four new Republican candidates could create a firewall against future tax hikes, and how rising business vacancies and runaway spending in Downtown Pittsburgh are affecting communities across the entire county. From West End to Monroeville, from Overbrook to Swissvale, Len and Mike make the case for commonsense leadership - and why now is the time to flip Allegheny County Council. Special Guests: Len Iorio and Michael Dell.
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    56 mins
  • Todd McCollum & Patrick Provins - Candidates for County Council

    Todd McCollum & Patrick Provins - Candidates for County Council
    Sep 25 2025
    In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, guest co-host Eileen Cunningham sits in for Russell Dreyer as she’s joined by two Republican candidates for Allegheny County Council: show host Todd McCollum, running in District 13, and Patrick Provins, running in District 9. Both men bring decades of public service experience—Todd as a neighborhood advocate and committee chair, and Patrick as a U.S. military veteran, career paramedic, and small business owner. Together, they dive into the distinct challenges facing their regions—from the need for greater transparency and accountability in District 13 to stalled growth and overlooked resources in the Mon and Steel Valleys of District 9. The conversation explores public safety, regional committee-building, and why grassroots leadership is the key to giving forgotten communities a voice. With both Todd and Patrick focused on revitalization, fiscal responsibility, and protecting county assets, this episode brings two strong conservative perspectives into one candid, solution-driven conversation about the future of Allegheny County. Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and Patrick Provins.
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    53 mins
  • Brian Weismantle - Candidate for County Sheriff

    Brian Weismantle - Candidate for County Sheriff
    Sep 11 2025
    In this powerful episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dreyer are joined by Allegheny County Sheriff candidate Brian Weismantle—a military veteran, retired homicide detective, small business owner, and lifelong Pittsburgh resident. Brian shares his vision for the Sheriff's Office, emphasizing law enforcement integrity, the importance of restoring public safety, and using the Sheriff’s role to support city and county law enforcement. The episode also dives into recent local developments, including troubling decorum at Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meetings, the public safety risks posed by the county’s no-shackle policy for prisoner transport, and the pushback against rising progressive influence in local government. The hosts and their guest reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and the shocking, breaking news of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s assassination, offering heartfelt reactions and raising serious questions about free speech, political violence, and civic courage. Listeners will also hear about Brian’s endorsements, his approach to transparency and accountability, and why the stakes are high in 2025—not just for the Sheriff's race, but for the direction of Allegheny County as a whole. Special Guest: Brian Weismantle.
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    48 mins
  • Tracy Larger - Candidate for City Council

    Tracy Larger - Candidate for City Council
    Aug 28 2025
    Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer sit down with Tracy Larger, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 4. Tracy shares her personal story - from community involvement to becoming a judge of elections - and explains how public safety concerns and neighborhood change inspired her to launch a grassroots campaign centered on transparency, local voice, and commonsense leadership. The episode explores major topics affecting District 4 and Pittsburgh at large, including the controversial tiny house proposal for interim housing, city council’s push to bypass zoning oversight, and the lack of community input around projects like the Moore Park tree removal and Carrick cell tower installation. The hosts and guest reflect on local events like Little Italy Days and highlight support from candidates including Maria Battista, Matt Wolford, Mike Embrescia, and more. With a focus on essential services, city budget accountability, and preserving the character of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, this episode underscores why District 4 could be a pivotal battleground in the coming election, and why voices like Tracy’s are stepping up. Special Guest: Tracy Larger.
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    56 mins
  • Joe Pegher

    Joe Pegher
    Aug 14 2025
    In the first-ever live episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer are joined by Greenfield resident and committee member Joe Pegher for a candid conversation about Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, the tragic US Steel plant explosion in Clairton, and the future of steel in the Mon Valley. They discuss current challenges facing the city — including police staffing shortages, crime response tools like ShotSpotter, and controversial traffic-calming measures — while highlighting Joe’s deep community roots and his perspective on local leadership in Council District 5. With personal stories and policy debate, this episode blends heartfelt reflection with clear-eyed analysis of what Pittsburgh needs to move forward. Special Guest: Joe Pegher.
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    59 mins
  • Eileen Cunningham

    Eileen Cunningham
    Jul 31 2025
    In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome guest Eileen Cunningham - local activist, former county council candidate, and founder of One Vote PA. Together, they discuss the state of Pittsburgh’s city budget, the deteriorating vehicle fleet, and the ongoing need for transparency and fiscal responsibility in city government. Eileen shares her personal journey into politics, insights from her campaign in County Council District 11, and how grassroots outreach is making an impact across Allegheny County and beyond. The conversation also highlights Pennsylvania's shifting political landscape, the importance of voter engagement, and how flipping registrations and building community trust is reshaping the Republican presence in urban and suburban areas alike. Plus, the hosts spotlight Superior Court candidate Maria Battista and Commonwealth Court candidate Matt Wolford. They also reflect on the legacy and local roots of bestselling author, Salena Zito. Whether you're a lifelong Pittsburgher or just tuning in to local politics, this episode offers an honest, boots-on-the-ground look at the people and principles working to bring balance and common sense back to government. Special Guest: Eileen Cunningham.
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    58 mins