Pittsburgh has long been a vibrant mix of technology and tradition, a blending of ethnic customs and civic pride. As our city and its people evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, Pittsburgh continues to grow: inspiring new ideas, new businesses and a changing landscape. But can we create a better quality of life for all our communities? How do we make it a city where young people of color can stay and prosper? And how do we make our businesses more equitable and inclusive?
Original airdate: Jun 01, 2017
First-time psychotic episodes are frightening, confusing and distressing for the entire family. Traditionally, teens and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) have been pulled out of school and/or society – only to begin a lifelong journey of spotty treatment, recurring episodes, and unfulfilled hopes of a career, happy marriage and children. But new research shows a significant success rate for people who receive proper, coordinated care after a first episode. This documentary shows who’s leading the FEP treatment movement, while families share personal stories of heartbreak, success and hope. The program also explores fascinating research on young adult brains that could lead to life-changing treatment of psychosis.
Original airdate: Mar 30, 2017
Church has always been an important part of African-American life. While Western Pennsylvania is blessed with hundreds of predominantly black churches, this documentary focuses on just five - but each with a very different story: a church with ties to the underground railroad (Bethel A.M.E. in Monongahela), one known for its rich music program (Mount Ararat Baptist in Pittsburgh's Larimer neighborhood), a small church soldiering on despite dwindling membership (Allen Chapel A.M.E.
Original airdate: Feb 23, 2017
The number of seniors is rising dramatically in the United States. But the number of medical professionals and family members who can provide care for these older adults is seriously lagging. WQED is proud to partner with Highmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield in this multi-platform project that includes a television documentary and digital-first content focusing on challenges for both the aging seniors and their caregivers.
Original airdate: Feb 14, 2017
As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump nears, moderator Chris Moore sits down with a group of local voters who talk openly about who they voted for in the presidential election and why. Voters explain the campaign messages that appealed to them, and discuss whether they feel post-election healing is a possibility.
Original airdate: Jan 19, 2017
Western Pennsylvania has a rich history of volunteerism. This documentary focuses on three local volunteers who give their time in three different ways: John Edward Hutchinson of the Greensburg VFD is believed to be the nations oldest-living volunteer fire chief; Former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch combines athletics and academics in a highly-successful program for at-risk youth; Linda Lafferty organizes Blessings in a Backpack in Wilkinsburg, providing food for students who might not have a meal waiting at home.
Original airdate: Dec 16, 2016
For many Western Pennsylvanians, a day of cookie baking is as celebratory as the holidays. Families gather in kitchens throughout the region to mix dough, whip frostings and scatter sprinkles. It’s a time to embrace ethnic traditions and remember loved ones who handed down now creased and crumbling recipes. This holiday documentary features a pizzelle-making church group, gingerbread house artists, one of the area’s busiest cookie bakeries, a woman who donates her cookies as a goodwill gesture, and Pittsburgh’s popular cookie tour.
Original airdate: Dec 09, 2016
Chris Moore hosts the ninth and final episode in a series of Election 2016 discussion programs. In this episode, the panel explores the major issues of this election year, and the impact they have on Western Pennsylvania. The panel will also discuss the big contests in November, including the races for President, U.S. Senate, and Attorney General.
Original airdate: Oct 28, 2016
Episode 402 of iQ: smartparent features Dr. John Carosso, Psy.D.; Patrick Waters; Kristen Tachoir; Michelle Lubetsky; Jan Abernathy.
Original airdate: Oct 21, 2016
The melting pot of the early 1900s helped build Pittsburgh. But today, city leaders struggle to attract and retain a working class immigrant population. Beyond the immigrants, how does the region integrate the growing number of refugees? Studies show that cities thrive economically, socially and culturally with active programs that welcome and retain new arrivals. Who are the people and organizations working on this mission – and how are the immigrants and refugees faring in Pittsburgh so far?
Original airdate: Oct 13, 2016