This week on Forbes Avenue, we talked to Ben Carter about his experience working in the Pittsburgh movie scene as a sculptor and prop maker! Ben has also been an instructor in the CMU School of Drama for over 30 years, working with both undergraduates and graduates in the scene shop.

In this episode, Ben takes us through the scene shop to show the machines he uses in his classes and has also used during his time making props for movies during the during the 80s and 90s.

Tune in to learn more about prop design, movies in Pittsburgh, and the CMU Drama Department behind-the-scenes.

Listen to the episode: Ben Carter

Credits:
Abriana Bensch, host, audio editor, researcher
Richard Gordon, audio engineer
Recorded March 12, 2025; WRCT debut April 8, 2025

This week on Forbes Avenue, we talked to Catherine Evans to talk about her work with queer and feminist media! She spoke about the Pittsburgh scene and working with Kipp Dawson and her materials. She also had great insights from archiving and studying everyday media like t-shirts or board games or event ticket stubs. It was a really fun and informative conversation! Tune in to learn more about activism, drag, and the long seventies.

Listen to the episode: Catherine Evans

Credits:
Riona Duncan, host, audio editor, audio engineer, researcher
Recorded March 22, 2025; WRCT debut March 25, 2025

Annie Carins of the Light Of Life Rescue Mission recently joined us on Forbes Avenue to talk about the situation of the homeless (or “unhoused”) citizens of Pittsburgh. This enlightening conversation was both sobering and optimistic.

Annie told us some heart-breaking stories and statistics, but the bottom line is that non-profit agencies; area health networks; and city, state, and county government officials are working together to improve services for Pittsburgh’s homeless citizens. She reminded us that each unhoused person or family has a different story and has different recovery needs.

Annie suggested that listeners can help by donating resources or time to some of the agencies that are helping those caught in extreme situations. Volunteers are the lifeblood of non-profit agencies, shelters, and soup kitchens!

Listen to the interview: Annie Cairns

Credits:
Richard Gordon, host, audio editor, audio engineer, researcher
Recorded February 28, 2025; WRCT debut March 11, 2025