In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Mary Jo Wise, Moon Township Supervisor and former Republican candidate for Allegheny County Council, for a wide-ranging discussion on local government, public policy, and the challenges facing Allegheny County. Mary Jo shares her journey into public service, discusses how Moon Township has maintained balanced budgets and bipartisan cooperation, and explains why local government should remain focused on public safety, infrastructure, and responsible fiscal management.

The conversation also explores the future of Pittsburgh International Airport and data centers in Moon Township, the state of Downtown Pittsburgh, county jail leadership, immigration-related legal controversies, emergency services funding, public transit, and the importance of attracting young professionals to Western Pennsylvania. The episode wraps with a look at Picklesburgh, community engagement, and why strong local leadership and commonsense decision-making remain essential to the future of Allegheny County.

Special Guest: Mary Jo Wise.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, host Todd McCollum is joined by special co-host Bob Crankovic for a conversation with Joe Aguglia, who is running for Pennsylvania’s 20th House District. Joe shares his background as an attorney, prosecutor, policy writer, and public servant, discussing his experience drafting legislation, working in county government, and why he believes commonsense leadership is needed in Harrisburg.

The discussion also explores several major issues currently impacting Pennsylvania and Allegheny County, including recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving women’s sports, public safety, government spending, school choice, nonprofit funding, and the growing concerns over local budgets and taxation. The episode wraps up with a look at infrastructure projects across the region, community development, and Joe’s vision for bringing greater accountability, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions to state government.

Special Guests: Bob Crankovic and Joe Aguglia.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, host Todd McCollum and special co-host Eileen Cunningham welcome Beaver County Sheriff Tony Guy, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. Tony shares his journey from growing up in Aliquippa and serving 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police to leading the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office and now seeking to represent Western Pennsylvania in Congress. He discusses the values that shaped his career, the lessons learned from law enforcement, and why he believes common-sense leadership is needed in Washington.

The conversation explores some of the most pressing issues facing the region, including public safety, juvenile crime, law enforcement staffing shortages, accountability in the justice system, and the challenges facing Pittsburgh’s downtown neighborhoods. Tony also discusses economic development, the future of manufacturing, the impact of the U.S. Steel–Nippon Steel partnership, and the importance of creating opportunities that allow families to build successful futures in Western Pennsylvania. The episode closes with a discussion of Pittsburgh sports, community pride, and Tony’s vision for bringing practical problem-solving and public service experience to Congress.

Special Guests: Eileen Cunningham and Tony Guy.

In this special edition of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer broadcast live from Pittsburgh’s iconic LeMont Restaurant ahead of the inaugural Foundry Dinner. Joined by Fox News contributor and political analyst Erin Maguire, Pennsylvania Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity, and lieutenant governor candidate Jason Richey, the panel discusses the political importance of Western Pennsylvania, the region’s economic potential, and the path to Republican victories in 2026.

The conversation highlights Pittsburgh’s rich industrial heritage, the future of energy development in the region, the importance of manufacturing and union jobs, and how Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to play a decisive role in statewide and national elections. The guests also discuss Pennsylvania’s economic challenges, population decline, government spending, and the need for commonsense leadership focused on growth, opportunity, and keeping future generations in the Commonwealth.

Along the way, the group shares their personal impressions of Pittsburgh, reflects on the city’s role in American history, and offers some lighthearted takes on local traditions—from Primanti Bros. sandwiches to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ playoff chances. Recorded before a live audience overlooking the city skyline, this special episode captures the energy, optimism, and civic pride that continue to shape the future of Western Pennsylvania.

Special Guests: Erin Maguire, Jason Richey, and Stacy Garrity.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome newly elected City of Pittsburgh Republican Committee member Marjorie Tabb for a conversation about her journey into local politics, her experiences living in Downtown Pittsburgh, and why she believes more residents need to become involved in shaping the city's future. Marjorie shares her background in healthcare administration and data analytics, discusses what inspired her to seek out the local Republican movement, and explains why she is considering a future run for public office.

The discussion takes a deep dive into the challenges facing Pittsburgh today, including the decline of Downtown Pittsburgh, vacant storefronts, quality-of-life concerns, public safety issues, youth crime, and the impact these trends have on residents and businesses. The conversation also explores Pittsburgh Public Schools, school closures, educational accountability, school choice, and the importance of creating opportunities that keep families invested in the city.

Todd and Russell also examine a controversial Allegheny County proposal for mandatory paid parental leave, discussing its potential impact on small businesses, healthcare providers, and economic competitiveness throughout the region. The episode wraps up with a look at neighborhood festivals, community engagement, the importance of balanced leadership, and why building a stronger Pittsburgh requires accountability, common-sense solutions, and active citizen involvement.

Whether you're concerned about public safety, education, economic growth, or the future of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, this episode offers a thoughtful discussion about the challenges and opportunities shaping the region today.

Special Guest: Marjorie Tabb.

Todd McCollum is joined by special co-host Bob Crankovic as they welcome Noah Formica for a wide-ranging discussion on grassroots organizing, voter registration, and the future of the conservative movement in Pennsylvania. Noah shares how he became involved in politics at a young age, his work with Turning Point Action, and his efforts to energize younger voters and expand Republican outreach across the Commonwealth.

The conversation also dives into the aftermath of Pennsylvania’s primary election, including victories by local Republican candidates and the growing momentum behind statewide candidates like Stacy Garrity and Jason Richey. Todd, Bob, and Noah discuss the importance of ballot chasing, connecting with independent voters, and rebuilding Republican infrastructure in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.

Additional topics include the challenges facing small businesses under progressive local policies, concerns over population decline and economic competitiveness in Pittsburgh, and the role of grassroots activism in shaping the future of Pennsylvania politics. The episode wraps with a look ahead to the upcoming Foundry Dinner, reflections on party unity, and a lighthearted discussion about the return of Heinz glass ketchup bottles.

Special Guests: Bob Crankovic and Noah Formica.

Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Kimberly Stern, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania State Committee in the 38th Senatorial District, for a conversation about grassroots organizing, voter engagement, and the future of the Republican Party in Allegheny County. Stern shares her background in business and logistics, discusses her passion for community involvement, and explains why she believes energizing local voters and building stronger connections between Republican committees is essential heading into the next election cycle.

The discussion also explores major issues impacting the Pittsburgh region, including public safety, immigration policy, economic development, and the lasting effects of the NFL Draft on the city. Stern also opens up about the tragic loss of her cousin in a crash involving an illegal immigrant, and how that experience strengthened her commitment to advocating for safer communities, stronger immigration enforcement, and commonsense conservative leadership across Western Pennsylvania.

Special Guest: Kimberly Stern.

In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Republican candidate Thomas West for an in-depth conversation about his campaign for Pennsylvania’s 38th State Senate District. From his roots in Greene County to building a successful small business in Lawrenceville, West shares his journey, his motivation for entering politics, and his focus on economic growth, public safety, and supporting small businesses across the region.

The discussion also explores the challenges facing Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, including population decline, business competitiveness, and the need for commonsense leadership. The episode wraps with a look at the economic impact of the upcoming NFL Draft, the importance of community investment, and why collaboration - not division - is key to moving the region forward.

Special Guest: Thomas West.