Steel and Strategy, and Security: Willy Shih on geopolitics, trade, and the future of steel

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.

In this episode of Steel Stories, we kick off the Voices from the Valley series with guest Jason Zugai, Vice President of United Steelworkers Local 2227 at Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant, near Pittsburgh. Jason, a third-generation U. S. Steel employee, shares insights into his 27-year career, the strong relationship between the union and U. S. Steel, and his take on the monumental offer from Nippon Steel. He discusses how the proposed $2.7 billion investment—including at least $1 billion earmarked to replace and/or upgrade the hot strip mill—could secure the future of steel jobs in the Mon Valley for decades to come.

Join host David Kirkpatrick and Harvard Business School's Willy Shih as they explore the evolving role of the steel industry amid global trade shifts and geopolitical tensions. They discuss U.S.-China trade relations, the role of steel in the energy transition, and how innovation is key to maintaining competitiveness in the U.S. steel industry.

Join U. S. Steel President and CEO Dave Burritt as he sits down with Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council to discuss the evolution of safety practices within the steel industry and throughout American society. Starting from historical tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire to today's advanced safety technologies, Lorraine highlights the significance of safety in various industries, even sharing her own experience in the aerospace sector.

In this special edition of Steel Stories, host David Kirkpatrick invites CEO Dave Burritt and Representative Director and Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori to talk about the strategic alliance between U. S. Steel and Nippon Steel. Find out how this pending partnership is set to reshape the industry and secure a brighter future for all.

In this episode of Steel Stories, host David Kirkpatrick sits down with Martin Keighley, CEO of Carbon-Free, to discuss their groundbreaking collaboration happening at U. S. Steel’s Gary Works plant. CarbonFree’s SkyCycle™ technology will not only capture carbon emissions, but it will transform them into essential ingredients — baking soda and high-purity calcium carbonate — that can be used in food additives, paints, and plastics. Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of sustainability and innovation in the steel industry, and how U. S. Steel is ‘baking’ up a cleaner, greener future.

Take a ‘Track to the Future’ in this electrifying episode of Steel Stories where we journey to the cutting edge of sustainability to learn about the groundbreaking transition to electric locomotives at U. S. Steel's Mon Valley facilities. Host David Kirkpatrick, alongside U. S. Steel's Neil Pergar and Innovative Rail Technologies’ Mike Nicoletti, explore how this innovative shift not only champions environmental stewardship, but also propels the industry towards a greener future. Through engaging discussions, we uncover the technical, operational, and community impacts of replacing diesel engines with electric alternatives.