Chronicle writer launches ‘Gen X Pgh’ podcast
Podcast looks at Pittsburgh in the '80s and '90s
Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle Senior Staff writer David Rullo has launched a new podcast, “Gen X Pgh.”
Hosted by Rullo and Valerie Gatchell-Christofel, “Gen X Pgh” takes a fond look back at Pittsburgh in the late ’80s and early ’90s, when “MTV ruled the television, grunge topped the charts and Pittsburgh was transforming from an industrial powerhouse to a center of technology, education, medicine and the arts,” according to a prepared statement from Rullo and Gatchell-Christofel.
Guests include artists, musicians, politicians, entrepreneurs and thought leaders who helped shape the times.
The first episode features comedian and former WDVE morning show host Jim Krenn. Future episodes include former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto; Marco Cardamone, entrepreneur and former board chair of Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation; musicians Kelsey Friday of Brownie Mary, Harvey Coblin of The Affordable Floors and Rusted Root founding member Jenn Wertz; Melissa Lenos, co-author of the book “Generation X: The Popular Culture that Defined the MTV Generation”; Pittsburgh Film Office’s Executive Director Dawn Keezer; and Mary Murrin, River of Steel’s president and CEO.
Rullo is the author of the bestselling book “Gen X Pittsburgh: The Beehive and the 90s Scene.” With a long background in media, including roles at KDKA and KQV radio, his work also has been featured in many local publications in addition to the Chronicle.
A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Gatchell-Christofel was one of the original coffee slingers at the Beehive Coffeehouse and has worked as a hair and makeup artist on productions for MTV, VH1 and “The Jon Stewart Show.” She has produced, written and directed television shows, commercials and films.
Rullo and Gatchell-Christofel record “Gen X Pgh” live before an audience at the Potomac Station Coffee House in Dormont. A list of upcoming guests can be found on the podcast’s Facebook page.
Rullo said he’s eager to tell the stories of those who played key roles in creating today’s Pittsburgh.
“After the collapse of the steel mills, Pittsburgh could have been stuck in a post-industrial morass like Detroit or Cleveland. It’s because of the forward-thinking artists, entrepreneurs, government officials and innovators that it wasn’t. I’ve been thrilled to help share their stories,” he said.
Gatchell-Christofel agreed.
“This podcast is a love letter to Gen X in Pittsburgh — the music, the grit, the creativity and the stories that never got enough airtime,” she said. “I couldn’t be more excited to finally bring it to life.”
“Gen X Pgh,” Rullo said, is not only an homage to the city — it’s a byproduct of it.
“Valerie and I both have deep Pittsburgh roots. Our team is rounded out by producer Kim Rullo and video editor Brent Isaac, both natives of the region. The music on the podcast was created by Pittsburgh band Neostem. The podcast features the T in the background of our shots. Our guests all have inspiring stories of how they and the city helped shape one another. You can’t help but see, hear and feel the yinzer-ishness coming from the show.”
The first episode of “Gen X Pgh” is available to stream now on YouTube and Spotify. PJC
Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
comments