The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast

In this episode of the Positively Pittsburgh Podcast, we take a heartfelt and deeply personal look at the life of Tonee Turner. Through a conversation with a couple of Tonee’s close friends, we explore who she was beyond the headlines including her personality, her passions, and the impact she had on those around her. We also discuss the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, reflecting on t...

In the latest episode of  The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast , host Tom Pollard sits down with  Adam Zahren & Zoe Eadie  for an engaging conversation about the power of play, creativity, and why stepping outside our daily routines matters more than ever. Adam shares thoughts on how play influences learning, relationships, mental health, and the way communities connect. The discussion moves from...

In this episode of the Positively Pittsburgh Podcast , Tom Pollard talks with Hannah Burns and Tyler Butler , two Pittsburgh-based personal trainers who are helping people rethink fitness, recovery, and overall wellness. Both bring strong backgrounds in personal training and performance coaching, and their work has led them into the growing world of cold immersion and ice bath therapy . Tyler was...

In this episode of  The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast , we’re joined by instructor and owner of Elite Etiquette Consulting , Melissa Botta and Professor Sean Martin, faculty members at Point Park University, to explore the evolving role of education, creativity and community engagement in Pittsburgh. Melissa and Professor Martin share insights from the classroom, discuss how today’s students are c...

In this episode of The Positively Pittsburgh Podcast , we sit down with author Seyed Nourashrafeddin to discuss his book In Search of Rain: From Motel Qu to Pittsburgh . Seyed shares a deeply personal journey that spans continents, cultures, and decades. What begins in a modest motel abroad unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on identity, resilience, and finding purpose in a new place, ultimately...

Get ready for some spicy conversation in this special episode recorded live at Pittsburgh’s Rivers of Fire hot sauce festival! Host Tom Pollard sits down with four bold local personalities who took on the heat while sharing their stories and sweating through it. Meet Gabe , co-owner of Cold Friends Kitchen , Alex from AlexEatsTooMuch.com , comedian Blair Patterson , and freestyle rapper Fungi as t...

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 Pittsbu...

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...

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 u...

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 he...

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.