AwesomeCast 725: Pittsburgh’s Wildest Hills & Smart Tech Thrills
This week’s episode brought to you by Indy Wrestling US, Slice on Broadway, Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.Patreon.com/AwesomeCast
In this special episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar welcome guests Ellen and Mark Kotzin, the creators behind Pittsburgh Hills on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The discussion dives into Pittsburgh’s steepest streets, viral social media content, urban history, and the unique driving experiences that make the city one of a kind. The conversation also covers tech news, gadgets, and emerging innovations, including the new Pebble smartwatch revival and Google’s Taara internet project.
Featured Topics & News Stories
🛞 Pittsburgh’s Infamous Hills with Ellen & Mark Kotzin
• Origins of Pittsburgh Hills: Ellen started the account during COVID lockdowns after moving back to Pittsburgh. Initially, she filmed steep streets out of curiosity, which soon turned into viral content.
• Most Dangerous & Steepest Roads: Discussing Coleman Street, Canton Avenue, Wall Deck, and Sterling Street, which challenge even seasoned Pittsburgh drivers.
• Why Pittsburgh’s Hills Are Tougher Than San Francisco: Narrow streets, ice, snow, and unpredictable road conditions make Pittsburgh’s steep streets uniquely dangerous.
• The Evolution of Social Media Growth: Starting on TikTok, then expanding to Instagram and YouTube, Ellen shares how her historical storytelling and collaborations have shaped her content’s success.
• The Impact of Viral Content: Ellen’s videos have millions of views, with clips featuring iconic Pittsburgh locations and collaborations with Yinza the Pittsburgh Luchador gaining traction.
📌 Follow Pittsburgh Hills:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pittsburghhills
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pittsburghhills
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pittsburghhills
🔹 Gadget & Tech Highlights
⌚ Pebble Smartwatch Revival – The Core Devices Smartwatch Series
• The iconic Pebble smartwatch is back with Core Devices, offering two new e-ink smartwatches that promise 30-day battery life and cross-platform compatibility.
• Key features:
• Core Time 2 – A color touchscreen, metal frame, and heart-rate monitoring.
• Core Duo – A simpler, black-and-white display with essential smartwatch features.
• Why it matters: No reliance on Apple or Google ecosystems, making it a solid alternative for budget-conscious users who still want smartwatch functionality.
• Learn more and pre-order: https://www.coredevices.com
🌍 Google’s Project Taara – High-Speed Internet Using Light Beams
• Google’s Project Taara is delivering high-speed internet (up to 20 Gbps) using light beam transmission, reducing reliance on traditional fiber optic cables.
• Where it’s being tested: India, Kenya, and major international cities.
• Why it’s groundbreaking: No need for physical wires, making it cheaper and faster to deploy in remote and high-density urban areas.
• Real-world use cases: Large-scale events like Coachella, the NFL Draft, and WrestleMania could utilize this technology for on-demand connectivity.
• More about Project Taara: https://x.company/taara
🎬 Feature Highlight – “Flow” on Max (Formerly HBO Max)
• Award-winning animated film about a cat navigating a flooded world, using free open-source software Blender for its entire production.
• Beat Inside Out 2 at the Oscars!
• Unique storytelling: No dialogue, purely visual and musical, making it an immersive experience.
• Watch it now on Max: https://www.max.com
🎭 Special Announcement – Ellen & Mark in Kafka’s The Trial
• Ellen and Mark Kotzin will be performing in a theater production of The Trial by Franz Kafka at University of Pittsburgh’s Stages Theater in June.
📌 Event Details:
• Where: Rao Theater, University of Pittsburgh
• When: Last weekend of June 2025
🎙 Support & Follow the Show
• Website: https://www.AwesomeCast.com
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/AwesomeCast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awesomecast
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