A Couple of Jagoffs Have Invaded KDKA Radio
Rachael Rennebeck and John Chamberlin, of the popular YaJagoff! blog and podcast, will be weekly fixtures on the iconic radio station.
It’s a collision of one of Pittsburgh’s most storied institutions and a 21st century icon: a couple of jagoffs have joined the nation’s first commercial radio station.
YaJagoff!, the media network that began as a blog celebrating and skewering all things Pittsburgh, can now be heard on KDKA radio. The team of Rachael Rennebeck and John Chamberlin spent the past two Friday nights live on the airwaves; beginning this Friday, a taped version of their podcast will air on KDKA’s two broadcast stations (1020 AM and 100.1 FM) at the conclusion of high school football coverage.
After the high school football season concludes, the team is scheduled to be live on the air from 6-10 p.m. Fridays on both KDKA stations.
“It was absolutely surreal to be in that studio,” says Rennebeck. “It’s so iconic … It felt really good to talk to Pittsburgh people in a live element.”
The podcast, which will continue to be available through YaJagoff!’s sites and social channels, had aired on WLTJ-FM for the past two years, but jumped at the opportunity to join KDKA.
“It’s legendary,” says Chamberlin. “It’s cool to think that this crazy thing called YaJagoff! is accepted by KDKA.”
The popular YaJagoff! website, which includes sections explaining Pittsburghese terms and defining the true nature of a jagoff, contains news and general-interest stories on Pittsburgh topics and notable locals. The podcast, launched in 2015, features local celebrities and spotlights local people and organizations doing good — with plenty of time left over for jokes about regional absurdities.
Chamberlain and Rennebeck look forward to the ability to go more in-depth with guests and stories in their new home. “We can tell those Pittsburgh stories in a longer format,” Chamberlin says.
And what’s in store for the podcast? “I think we’re testing ourselves — to be more creative and more Pittsburgh-centric,” Rennebeck says.