Best The Pa Prisons Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 5: Risk & Needs Assessment, part 1 (Dr. Zach Hamilton, Sean Hosman, and Marjorie Rist)

8d ago

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In the first part of this month’s series, we talk with the team at Vant4ge, a company that produces a correctional risk/needs assessment tool called the Strong-R. We discuss what risk/needs assessment is, and also discuss its importance in the corrections field. The Vant4ge team talks about what new developments are happening in the risk/needs asse…

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Affogatos, Supper Club & What Happened to 40 North 18:36

18h ago18:36

18:36

Pittsburgh Coffee Week just announced their dates for the fall, and in the meantime, the team is excited about some of the latest developments in the city’s coffee scene, from new stores to end-of-summer specials. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo share some of the spots they’re most excited to try. Plus, they try to make sense of the sudden…

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In Conversation with Mike O'Brien, Former PA-10th Congressional Candidate 1:06:20

2h ago1:06:20

1:06:20

In this episode, we sit down with Mike O'Brien, who was part of the packed Democratic primary vying to represent Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District. With a background in the Marines, Mike shares his journey from serving his country to running for office, driven by a passion for public service and a commitment to addressing the challenges fa…

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6 Things Renters Should Know Before Signing a Lease 23:32

4h ago23:32

23:32

Fall is a big rental season in Pittsburgh — it’s the start of the school year, after all — but how can you tell whether that spot you’re eyeing will be the perfect new home or the apartment from hell? Adam DiBuo with Neighborhood Legal Services is sharing an essential checklist to help you sort through the details before you sign a lease. Plus, sti…

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Gun Laws & Loopholes in Pennsylvania 18:13

5h ago18:13

18:13

In Pennsylvania, it’s easier to buy an assault rifle than a handgun thanks to a loophole in our state law – one that’s come under increased scrutiny since the assassination attempt at the Trump rally in Butler last month. Venuri Siriwardane, health reporter for PublicSource, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to Pennsylvania’s gun laws and looph…

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Your Guide to Thrifting in Pittsburgh 21:20

1d ago21:20

21:20

National Thrift Shop Day is this Saturday, so if you need a refresh for your fall wardrobe, it’s the perfect time to start looking for new outfits. Buying second hand can be tricky – it’s hard to figure out which shops have the best items to suit your style, how to sort through all the clothes, and how to tell if something fits without a dressing r…

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Jewish Practice and Gentile Believers

5d ago

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The church must strive for unity across differences.By Alexander Hildebrand

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Shapiro’s Future, Self-Driving Trucks & Unsolved Mysteries 33:49

6d ago33:49

33:49

It’s the Friday news roundup! Kamala Harris made her pick for vice president and it’s not our governor. We’re talking about what’s next for Josh Shapiro – plus what to make of JD Vance’s first campaign stop in Pennsylvania – with Kim Lyons, editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. We also check in on a Pittsburgh-based company that’s raising millio…

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Reality Cooking Show Secrets With a Pittsburgh Contestant 21:12

5d ago21:12

21:12

A lot of us find comfort in cooking shows, but today we’re getting off the couch and going behind the scenes with a Pittsburgher who actually competed in one. Home cook Doug Heilman is bringing local dishes to the latest season of The Great American Recipe. He tells us how much prep time contestants really get, who washes the dishes, and how the St…

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Does Your Home Have a Racist Past? 24:02

7d ago24:02

24:02

If you own an old home, there might be discriminatory language in your deed barring Black people from owning the property. It’s called a racial covenant, and even though this language isn’t enforceable anymore, it’s still on the books in the subdivisions of at least a few Pittsburgh neighborhoods — and especially in our suburbs. Local writer and hi…

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VP Nods, Sober Spaces, and a New Kind of Vending Machine 16:34

7d ago16:34

16:34

A local teacher was left out of America’s latest prisoner swap with Russia, but his family isn’t giving up. Seven vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up across the county, and Pittsburgh’s alcohol-free scene is more vibrant than ever. Plus, how a certain mayor added to the VP announcement drama. We always cite our sources: The mayo…

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PA's Controversial Plan to Create Clean(er) Energy 15:56

8d ago15:56

15:56

Pennsylvania’s getting millions from the federal government to build hydrogen hubs in the hopes of creating an energy source that’s cleaner than fossil fuels. Our state lawmakers think it’s a pretty good deal, but some environmental groups worry that without the right regulations in place, these hubs won’t actually be as environmentally-friendly as…

1
Confusing the Sent for the Sender

12d ago

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We need to ensure that we do not turn our spiritual leaders into idols, but rather focus on Christ as our true example.By Bob Hocutt

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Prisoner Swaps, VP Picks & PA’s Claim to Pommel Horse Guy 21:41

12d ago21:41

21:41

It’s the Friday news roundup! We’ve got the latest on Pittsburgh’s so-called “jock tax,” how Pennsylvanians are showing out in the Paris Olympics, and what we know about a Pittsburgh-area teacher who was left off an historic prisoner swap with Russia. Plus, we’re checking in on the Trump rally investigation and decoding Kamala Harris’ choice to int…

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Your Guide to August in Pittsburgh 27:23

15d ago27:23

27:23

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. It’s officially August and there is so much to do in and around the city, from kayaking under a meteor shower to catching live music in a city park. The City Cast team is sharing our recommendation…

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SCI Spotlight: Dallas and Phoenix

13d ago

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As we cross the midpoint in our prison tour around the Commonwealth, we meet with the superintendents of two eastern facilities: SCI Dallas and SCI Phoenix. Dallas Supt. Jasen Bohinski discusses the unique programs at his facility—including the highly popular horticulture program—as well as the Veterans Service Unit, which was the first in the DOC.…

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Our Favorite Birthday Freebies in Pittsburgh 15:06

14d ago15:06

15:06

Have a birthday coming up? Producer Sophia Lo rounded up some of the best birthday freebies and discounts for her birthday, and we’re bringing you all the local restaurant loyalty programs you need to sign up for so you can celebrate your big day with sweet treats and even full meals. Have a favorite local freebie that we didn’t mention? Let us kno…

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The Best Pittsburgh Area Camping Trips 24:14

14d ago24:14

24:14

If you want to go camping, where should you start? We’re back with Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, talking about favorite destinations in and around the city, his tips and tricks for a good experience, ways to borrow and learn how to use the right gear, and other low-stress ideas to get you started. Plus, an update on t…

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Do These Beloved Pittsburgh Landmarks Deserve 1-Star Reviews? 22:03

18d ago22:03

22:03

The humble user review — taken alone, is just one person’s opinion. But put a bunch together, and that aggregated star rating can make or break a local business. So today, we’re going inside the minds of the people leaving one-star reviews for some of our favorite Pittsburgh places. Producer and quizmaster Elizabeth Kauma puts host Megan Harris and…

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Barnabas and Paul on their Missionary Journey

17d ago

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We can be courageous in sharing the good news of Jesus, knowing that while some may reject it, others will find salvation and joy through it.By Erik Cagle

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Would You Vote for VP Shapiro? Plus, Pittsburgh in the Olympics 30:55

21d ago30:55

30:55

It’s the Friday news roundup! With Gov. Josh Shapiro in the running to be Vice President, we’re bringing a critical eye to his record, his policies, his wish list, and his controversies to see what he could bring to a Democratic ticket — and what happens to PA if he vacates the governor’s office early. Plus, the 2024 Olympic Games start today, and …

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7 More Food Festivals to Close Out Pittsburgh Summer 2024 20:17

22d ago20:17

20:17

Does your perfect weekend involve wandering through local food stalls and sipping on a giant lemonade? Then you're in luck! Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are rounding up the best food festivals through the rest of the summer, including spots for vegans, meat lovers, and beer aficionados. Plus, if you missed the first round of Greek food …

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A Look Inside Dauphin County Prison: Disparities, Conditions, and Calls for Reform 17:54

20d ago17:54

17:54

In this episode of NextGen PA, we delve into the concerning conditions at Dauphin County Prison. We explore the racial and socio-economic disparities within the prison population, and the impact it has on incarcerated individuals. We also discuss the lack of access to basic human rights, including medical care and mental health services. Join us as…

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PA Might Get More Fracking, Because Volcanoes — We'll Explain 22:14

21d ago22:14

22:14

Not long ago, scientists made a discovery in Pennsylvania. They found a ton of lithium in wastewater created by fracking – enough to meet 40% of our whole country’s needs. On the surface, this sounds like it could be a win, given lithium’s importance in the shift to cleaner energy. But things always get complicated when fracking is part of the pict…

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Why Did Bloomfield’s Housing and Grocery Project Stall? 18:45

22d ago18:45

18:45

Why is it so hard to build housing in Pittsburgh? Developer Echo Realty requested a zoning variance to increase the maximum height for a new housing development and grocery store, but Pittsburgh’s zoning board denied the request – and now it looks like the developer is giving up on the project altogether. We’re revisiting our conversation with Trib…

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Why is Pittsburgh Spelled With an H? 18:48

23d ago18:48

18:48

At its inception, Pittsburgh was named for British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. Most of us know that. But how we got, lost, and eventually reclaimed the consistent use of our beloved H is up for debate. Historian and author Virginia Montanez is here to talk about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at…

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Jenna Hullet Talks About Her 4yr Old Son Judah Morgan Untimely Demise! 55:32

23d ago55:32

55:32

Jenna Sits Down and Tells How 4yr Old Judah Was Ripped From The Family Home To Go Live With "MONSTERS" and only Surviving 6 months. Support the Show. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAvnyHOsYEfJuk95vycsOw?sub_congirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/grievingourbabiespodcast?utm_source=qr&igsh=aWJvODhmaThjMjE4 https://www.tiktok.com/@grieving.our.…

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Peter Escapes Prison

26d ago

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The works of God are beyond amazing.By Alexander Hildebrand

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More Happy Hours, Pool Chaperones, and an Ice Cream Sweepstakes 22:51

27d ago22:51

22:51

It’s the Friday news roundup! The city and county are changing their pool policies in the middle of the summer — now, some kids need chaperones. There are fun new rules about happy hours and canned cocktails in the commonwealth. And a pair of Pittsburghers showed out on the national stage at the All-Star Game. Plus, stick around for National Ice Cr…

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Pittsburgh’s Best Patios for Outdoor Dining 22:47

27d ago22:47

22:47

Pittsburgh isn’t exactly known for its sunny, blue-sky days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor dining! The city is full of restaurant patios, and today, we’re giving out superlatives for the best ones. City Cast’s Megan Harris is with Discover the Burgh’s Jeremy Jones to decide which patios are the fanciest, most unusual, dog friendly, …

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How to Find Cheap Flights From Pittsburgh 25:36

1M ago25:36

25:36

We’ve all heard about the long security lines at PIT this summer (some of us have experienced them ourselves!), but if you’re willing to brave TSA there are lots of great flight deals out of the city. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes joins us to share his top tips for finding cheap tickets, whether you’re looking for a quick summer getaw…

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Free Period Products, EV Fees & More Surprises in PA’s New Budget 23:40

1M ago23:40

23:40

The state just passed a $47.6 billion dollar budget — our biggest one yet. It was only two weeks late this time (not bad, by Pennsylvania standards!) and sets a bunch of new priorities. Spotlight PA’s capitol reporter Stephen Caruso joins City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to talk about where the state is p…

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Episode 4: Desistance and Recidivism, Part 2 (Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of Corrections)

29d ago

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In this follow-up episode, we continue our discussion on the concept of “desistance” with a very special guest: Dr. Laurel Harry, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Sec. Harry talks about her career and about her interest in implementing desistance as a practical framework in the field of corrections.…

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An Eyewitness Account of the Trump Rally Shooting 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

On Saturday, a person fired a gun at former President Donald Trump while he was speaking at a rally in Butler County, about an hour north of the city. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear; one bystander, firefighter and father Corey Comperatore, was killed and two others were badly injured. The FBI is calling it an assassination attempt, and the alleged sho…

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Ciara Taylor From New Castle, PA Grieving Her 15yr Old Son, And His Dad Calls From Prison to Speak. 56:46

1M ago56:46

56:46

Ciara talks about her 15yr old Son Damien Jackson getting shot 4x and the dad Marc calling in from prison to speak on the Podcast. Support the Show. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAvnyHOsYEfJuk95vycsOw?sub_congirmation=1 https://www.instagram.com/grievingourbabiespodcast?utm_source=qr&igsh=aWJvODhmaThjMjE4 https://www.tiktok.com/@grieving.our.b…

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Providence in Famine; Persecution Rising

1M ago

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God provides for the needs of His people.By Bob Hocutt

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Liberty Bells, Cannabis Testing & Mineo's Makes the NY Times 24:12

1M ago24:12

24:12

It’s the Friday news roundup! If you have a medical cannabis card, you could become part of a protected class here in Pittsburgh. Our state has a new license plate but not everybody loves it. And a local pizza place made it on a New York Times “best of” list, but not in the way you might think. It’s a week of weird news! We always cite our sources:…

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The Best Food at PNC Park 28:24

1M ago28:24

28:24

Whether you’re at a Buccos game for the actual sport or one of the giveaways, a baseball outing really isn’t complete without some snacks. And PNC Park has your standard baseball fare – think popcorn and peanuts – but a lot of local restaurants are also getting in on the stadium menus. We’re here to help you decide which lines are worth standing in…

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The Presidential Debate: Disappointment All Around 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

In this episode of Next Gen PA, we delve into the recent presidential debate, analyzing each candidate's stance on the nation's most pressing topics: foreign affairs, abortion, the economy, and immigration. Join us for an insightful discussion on how this chaotic debate might shape the race to the White House and what we hope to see and hear in the…

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Pittsburgh’s Most Creative Zillow Posts & More Homebuying Tips 23:07

1M ago23:07

23:07

It’s peak real estate season and interest rates are really high – so what does that mean for homebuyers in Pittsburgh? Local real estate broker Jessica Baker shares tips for buyers and sellers and which pockets of the city are still somewhat affordable. Plus, host Megan Harris puts Jessica to the test to see how she would describe some zanier home …

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Pop Quiz: PA State Symbols! 21:38

1M ago21:38

21:38

What comes to your mind when you think of Pennsylvania? Over the years, we have adopted all sorts of plants, animals, and even a drink to represent our Commonwealth, but not all of these symbols and the stories behind them are common knowledge. Producer Sophia Lo is putting the City Cast Pittsburgh team to the test. Come play along with us! Learn m…

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The Ultimate Pittsburgh Summer Bucket List 20:41

1M ago20:41

20:41

We’re weeks into summer, so if you’ve been waiting to catch that Buccos game or get a sundae from Page's Dairy Mart, now is the time! Our city is full of great summer activities – but if you need a little inspiration, we crowdsourced ideas from listeners and Hey Pittsburgh newsletter readers to help put together the perfect summer bucket list. If y…

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The Gentiles Receive the Same Gift of the Spirit

1M ago

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God is grafting the gentiles into the family of God.By Mike Jennings

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Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About 50:13

1M ago50:13

50:13

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Megan Harris’s story stacks up against the rest. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh n…

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How To Deal Hunt at Pittsburgh’s Mysterious New Megastores 18:48

1M ago18:48

18:48

Return or ripoff? Costsaver or scam? Pittsburghers love a deal, so when the discount stores housed under Mac.bid came to town, many of us started bidding without reading the fine print. City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are exploring how it got here, what to do so you don’t buy a dud, and whether these liquidation emporiums are worth the…

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"Voices from Gettysburg" with Allen Guelzo 57:51

1M ago57:51

57:51

Gathering a treasure trove of powerful, rare, and haunting original documents, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian Allen C. Guelzo presents a uniquely readable and intimate oral history of the Civil War's turning point. We hear from a Union staff officer, a Confederate amputee, artilleryman, a sympathetic Northern woman, a…

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How Pittsburgh Became the ‘Fireworks Capital of the World’ 21:26

2M ago21:26

21:26

Pittsburgh’s biggest fireworks show of the year starts Thursday at 9:35 p.m., and the company in charge of it all is from Western Pennsylvania. But they’re not the only game in town! City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris explains the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — three of the nation’s largest fireworks makers …

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Episode 3: Desistance and Recidivism, part 1 (Dr. Bret Bucklen)

1M ago

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In this episode we discuss the concept of “desistance,” an idea which has been around for a while in academic criminology but is only now beginning to catch on among corrections practitioners and policy-makers. Dr. Bucklen describes what desistance is, discusses how to define and measure it, and explains its practical use as a complimentary measure…

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Your Guide to July in Pittsburgh 29:08

2M ago29:08

29:08

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. Fireworks, hot dogs, ice cream and pickles – honestly, we’re not sure Pittsburgh could build a better summertime Mt. Rushmore. The City Cast team is sharing some of our favorite events and activiti…

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What is Unclean is Made Clean

2M ago

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Jesus is at work cleansing His people so that they may be blameless before the Father.By Alexander Hildebrand

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