Pages, Pucks, and Purpose: The Story Behind Reading Champions

In Part 2 of our conversation with Paul Snyder, Chair of Transportation Design at the College for Creative Studies, we look ahead at the forces shaping the future of mobility. Snyder reflects on the influence of visionary designer Syd Mead, whose collaboration with U. S. Steel in the 1960s continues to inspire automotive designers today.

What will cars of the future look like and what role will steel play in shaping them? In this 2-part episode of Steel Stories, host David Kirkpatrick sits down with Paul Snyder, Transportation Design Chair at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and a veteran designer with Ford and Honda. In this Part 1 episode, Paul shares how autonomy, user experience, and new ownership models are redefining what vehicles mean in our daily lives. See how students are reimagining mobility through storytelling and why steel remains the material at the center of innovation and continues to enable bold creativity while supporting a sustainable future.

Steel Stories podcast guest host U. S. Steel's Ben Trotter chats with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports writing legend and Steelers Radio Network's Gerry Dulac for a deep dive into Steelers lore, Steel Curtain glory, and family ties to U. S. Steel's Mon Valley mills. From the heyday of McKeesport to Aaron Rodgers’ open-door dorm room policy, Gerry shares stories that are equal parts nostalgic and newsworthy.

In this episode of Steel Stories, we shine a spotlight on Reading Champions, a powerful partnership between U. S. Steel, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, and local school districts that is built around a simple idea: that reading just 20 minutes a day (the length of a hockey period) can change a child’s future. Reading Champions motivates third graders to develop a lifelong love of reading and with levels like Rookie, First Line, and MVP, the program combines classroom teamwork, personalized incentives, and hometown hockey pride to fuel literacy gains.

This summer episode of Steel Stories brings you a series of fast-paced, thought-provoking conversations recorded live at the 2025 U. S. Steel Tubular Seminar in Fairfield, Alabama. From industry veterans to emerging leaders, we hear how technology, partnerships, and precision manufacturing are shaping the future of the tubular steel industry.

In this episode of Steel Stories by U. S. Steel, automotive industry expert Rebecca Lindland joins host David Kirkpatrick for a high-energy conversation about the future of mobility. From the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies to the evolving expectations of car buyers, Lindland shares expert insights on how innovation is reshaping the auto industry — and why steel remains essential to safety, sustainability, and performance. Discover what’s next for mobility trends worldwide.

Is zero-emission steel possible? In Part 2, host David Kirkpatrick and Jeff Becker dive into the cutting-edge technologies that could transform the industry. Hydrogen-based steelmaking, large-scale carbon capture, and direct reduced iron (DRI) are just a few of the innovations leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. They also discuss the role of policy, infrastructure, and investment in making net-zero steel a reality. If you’re curious about the future of steel and its impact on the world, this episode is a must-listen.

Steel is the backbone of modern civilization, but it comes at a cost—accounting for nearly 9% of global CO2 emissions. In Part 1, host David Kirkpatrick sits down with Jeff Becker, sustainability engineer at U. S. Steel, to break down how steel is made, why traditional steelmaking is such a major contributor to emissions, and the current innovations reshaping the industry. From electric arc furnaces to increased recycling, this episode explores the first steps toward a greener future.

Every home has a story...especially a steel story. In this episode. we kick off season 3 with Joe Mazza, licensed home inspector and HGTV host. From his wildest discoveries to essential home maintenance tips, Joe shares his expertise and passion for helping homeowners. Dive into the role steel plays in modern homes, from roofs to appliances, and learn how sustainability and smart home trends are shaping the future.

In this episode of Steel Stories – Voices from the Valley, we hear from Mayor Chris Kelly of West Mifflin and Mayor Rich Lattanzi of Clairton, two Mon Valley communities that are home to U. S. Steel facilities. Hosted by David Kirkpatrick, the conversation delves into the mayors' perspectives on the proposed Nippon-U. S. Steel acquisition and what it means for their communities. The mayors discuss their firsthand experiences visiting Nippon Steel’s steel facility in Follansbee, West Virginia, their hopes for investments in their regions, and their faith in Nippon’s commitments to jobs, modernization, and community partnerships. This episode offers a powerful, localized look at the potential impacts of a new chapter for the Mon Valley.