Steel Stories by U. S. Steel

A new hot strip mill will transform how steel is made in Pittsburgh's Mon Valley. But what will it mean for the people who make it? In Part 2 of this special Steel Stories series, host Ethan Epstein speaks with Chad Whelan, a process coordinator at U. S. Steel's Edgar Thomson Plant, about how U. S. Steel’s investments are changing the outlook for employees, customers and the surrounding community.

What does it take to build a steel mill designed to compete for generations? In Part 1 of this special Steel Stories series, host Ethan Epstein goes inside one of the most ambitious projects in U. S. Steel history with Keith Watson, Vice President of Engineering and Capital Projects. Keith reveals how a next-generation hot strip mill at Edgar Thomson Plant just outside of Pittsburgh could transform the Mon Valley, delivering greater quality, efficiency, automation and global competitiveness. He also shares the enormous challenge behind the build: thousands of workers, advanced technology, years of planning and the pressure to deliver everything safely, on time and on budget. It is more than a new mill. It is an investment in the future of American steelmaking.

In this episode of Steel Stories, U. S. Steel President and CEO Dave Burritt reflects on one-year of partnership with Nippon Steel and what it means for the future of American steelmaking. Dave joins host Ethan Epstein to discuss the road to completing the historic partnership, the investments now underway across U. S. Steel’s operations, and the opportunities ahead for employees, customers and the communities where U. S. Steel operates. He also shares his perspective on leadership, transformation, AI, reindustrialization, and the work ahead to build a stronger, more competitive U. S. Steel. From Pittsburgh to Gary, Arkansas, Alabama and beyond, this conversation looks at how U. S. Steel is forging what comes next.

When did Pittsburgh stop being just a city with a football team and become THE football town? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Steel Stories, hosted by Ethan Epstein, Director of CEO and Executive Communications. Featuring Neil Zender, writer and director of Football Town from NFL Films; Wayne Wade Jr., head coach at Clairton High School; and Curt Miner, Ph.D., Chief of Interpretation in the Curatorial Division at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Together, they explore how Pittsburgh’s identity wasn’t built overnight, it was forged over generations in steel mills, on practice fields, and in communities where grit, discipline, and pride are a way of life. In Western Pennsylvania, football is more than a game. It’s a reflection of who we are and where we come from.

What if a steel mill could learn? At Big River Steel Works in Osceola, AR, that future is already unfolding. In this episode of Steel Stories, host David Kirkpatrick talks with Chris Crowley, CIO of Big River Steel, about how artificial intelligence, thousands of sensors, and autonomous systems are transforming steelmaking. Big River 2 was designed as a “learning mill”, a facility that continuously analyzes its own data to improve quality, efficiency, and safety in real time. From autonomous coil yards and AI-powered safety monitoring, steel production is entering a new era. The result? A steel mill that doesn’t just produce, it learns. Listen to the Director's Cut on YouTube to hear Chris share a vision for the future, one where customers can track their steel orders like a pizza delivery and engineers can design entirely new grades of steel using digital simulations: https://youtu.be/cl9e-25hwHI

What happens when modern van life retraces one of the boldest journeys in American history? In this special episode of Steel Stories, host Bernie Swanson takes us beyond the mill and onto the open road, where past and present collide. Inspired by the 1903 cross-country expedition of Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson and mechanic Sewall K. Crocker, Vanlifer's Court and Nate, follow the same coast-to-coast route, from California to New York, proving that adventure still runs deep in the American spirit. But this isn’t just about road trips. It’s about grit. Risk. Innovation. Safety. And, steel, quiet, strong, and ever-present that makes movement possible. From historic highways to modern highways, from early automotive breakthroughs to today’s engineered materials, this conversation explores how far we’ve come… and what still drives us forward. If you’ve ever wondered what connects van life, American history, and the backbone of our infrastructure, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Steel Stories, host Rebecca Lindland sits down with Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars, to explore how women think about buying cars, what automakers often get wrong, and how steel plays a critical role in safety, sustainability, and long-term value. Through real-life crash stories and industry insights, the conversation reframes steel as a smart, modern material that quietly protects drivers and enables the future of vehicle design.

This episode of Steel Stories takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s toughest engineering competitions: the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Host David Kirkpatrick sits down with University of Michigan Solar Car Team members Luis Anton Mendez and Ian Baker to explore how 176 students designed, engineered, and raced a solar-powered vehicle across 3,000 kilometers of the Australian outback, powered only by the sun and their own ingenuity.

In this inspiring episode of Steel Stories, host David Kirkpatrick sits down with Lindsay Brown, Product Applications Engineer at U. S. Steel, and Sara Tedesco, Metallurgist at General Motors. Together, they share how a love of science, curiosity, and collaboration forged a friendship and fueled breakthroughs in automotive steel innovation. From crash safety and design to the creative side of metallurgy, Lindsay and Sara reveal how women are transforming a field once dominated by men. Their stories show that science can be imaginative and that the next generation of engineers has never had a more exciting time to join the industry.

In this episode of Steel Stories, Hot Rod Magazine’s Senior Editor K.J. Jones joins guest host Rebecca Lindland for a high-octane conversation about the evolution of steel in performance cars. From classic ’60s muscle to today’s EVs and Hellcats, K.J. shares decades of insight into why steel remains the heart of automotive culture. Hear how lightweighting, high-strength alloys, and American-made steel are driving restoration, customization, and racing safety forward — all while keeping steel’s legacy alive for the next generation of gearheads. Whether you’re a builder, a dreamer, or just love a good burnout, this one’s for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this CEO Edition of Steel Stories, U. S. Steel President and CEO Dave Burritt welcomes Jim Bullard, former President of the St. Louis Federal Reserve and current Dean of the Mitchell Daniels School of Business, for an insightful discussion on current economic challenges and the direction of the U.S. economy. Jim shares his firsthand experience of navigating key financial events such as the Great Recession and the recent pandemic as well as his transition from a central banking career to an academic role.

In this episode of "Steel Stories," host David Kirkpatrick welcomes back Ben Caryl, Associate General Counsel for International Trade and Public Policy at U. S. Steel for an insightful discussion on how antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD), the Section 232 national security action are supporting the steel industry. Caryl brings a unique perspective, enriched by his experiences with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission, and offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in steel trade remedies.

In this episode of Steel Stories' CEO Edition, U. S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt welcomes Harvard Business School Professor Willy Shih for a conversation about the critical role of manufacturing in America's prosperity. They delve into the intricacies of the manufacturing renaissance, exploring themes such as the synergy between engineering and production, the impact of offshoring, and the intersection of manufacturing and innovation. Professor Shih also shares insights and perspectives from his book "Producing Prosperity."

Why is steel so important? What is steel “overcapacity” and why does it matter? Which country produces more steel than the rest of the world combined? What is trade “Whac-A-Mole”? In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of the steel industry with our guest, Ben Caryl, Associate General Counsel of International Trade & Public Policy at U. S Steel. Ben discusses steel’s long, long history and delves into why foreign government support for steel production and exports has fueled massive global steel overcapacity and imports into the United States that impact American steel mills, workers, and national security.

Steel manufacturing is important, but even more important is the safety of the workers in steel plants. In this episode, we embark on a riveting voyage through the digital age of worker safety in the steel industry…or even, every industry. Doug Matthews, Chief Growth Officer at Guardhat and former senior executive at U. S. Steel, joins host David Kirkpatrick to explore the distinctive challenges faced by not just steelworkers, but anyone working in high-risk environments, from extreme temperatures to toxic gases, and the dedicated efforts to ensure their safety.

A.I is everywhere. It’s revolutionizing the way we approach our work and automate our lives. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Generative A.I. to discover why A.I. isn't just a buzzword, it's the catalyst for innovation that will reshape not only the steel sector, but all manufacturing industries, ushering in a more sustainable and efficient future. We welcome Matt Wilding, PhD. Senior Director of Financial Data, Analytics and Enterprise Performance Management here at U. S. Steel who shares how Google Cloud's Generative A.I. is revolutionizing the steel industry, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing the employee experience at U. S. Steel. With his extensive background, including a tenure at McKinsey & Company and contributions to the U. S. Department of Energy, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and unravels the unexpected ways A.I. is forging a path towards a brighter and more eco-conscious world for us all.

Syd Mead (1933 - 2019) was one of the most influential industrial designers of his time. He was well known for neo-futuristic designs and concept art, which led to him working on hit blockbuster films such as Blade Runner, Aliens, and Tron. Early on in his career, Syd collaborated with U. S. Steel, where he was given the creative freedom to do what he liked, so long as he showcased steel!

Steel Stories delves into why the steel industry is hard to abate, the importance of technology scaling and commercialization, and the core differences between an electric arc furnace and a blast furnace. Guest Brenda Petrilena also shares U. S. Steel’s own 2030 objective for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1 and 2), as well as the even more intense 2050 objective and how the industrial decarbonization program has supported the advancements of transformational technologies.

It’s easy to build a case for steel. Steel is sustainable and durable, lasting for decades. It is, quite literally, the ultimate building material for a circular economy. So why isn’t steel used more in residential buildings…and what is a ‘barndominium’?

Steel buildings come in all shapes and sizes and more often, they look nothing like their antiquated ancestors. Take an audio stroll with Tony Bouquot, General Manager of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, as he shares the details of seven different steel building designs that look nothing like any steel structures you might imagine. Click the links below to follow along and hear more about each project.

Welcome to Steel Stories by U. S. Steel. From market insights to industry trends, we will delve into the wealth of knowledge with world-renowned experts and industry thought leaders who will share their unique perspectives on global events shaping the future of steel.

In this episode, we’ll explore the intricacies of the steel manufacturing and sustainability process, and understand just how many economic steps are required in order for us to move towards a better, more environmentally friendly world. Host David Kirkpatrick welcomes Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel™, a multistakeholder organization founded to bring together steelmakers, civil society, suppliers, and downstream users to provide a global standard and certification initiative for steel.

Hear from Mike Martignetti, Vice President of Sales for CSC (Canam Steel Corporation) and Ben Trotter, Director of Sales for U. S. Steel as they dive headfirst into the flexibility of steel; why sustainability is so important to not just the future of the industry, but to the world; how much the government is driving these changes; and what we should expect to see for non-residential construction demand in the coming years.

Special guest host Arne Jahn, Treasurer and Chief Risk Officer at U. S. Steel, welcomes Erik van Doezum, Director, Metals, Mining & Fertilizers EMEA / CF&A at ING, and Marilyn Ceci, Senior Advisor to the Center for Carbon Transition at J.P. Morgan to discuss the risks, challenges, and opportunities presented to companies that invest in sustainability as a strategy.