Episodes

May 10, 2023

Miles Dieffenbach talks fighting cancer, playing football, and PB&J's

This episode we talk to former football player Miles Dieffenbach! From fighting cancer to breaking into the investment industry, he leaves no stone unturned. Miles talks about why he had to eat quadruple-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and...

Episode page
Feb. 24, 2023

Pat Strollo, CFA, talks college football, MBA vs. CFA, and cooking

In this episode, we talk to Pat Strollo, III, CFA, the newest board member to join CFA Pittsburgh. Pat is a lover of skiing, cooking, and college football. We discuss the pros and cons of getting an MBA versus getting …

Episode page
Oct. 25, 2022

Shana Bielich talks empathy, unconventional career paths, and rescue …

Season 3 of Bridge to the Burgh features Shana Bielich, CFP, vice president at Coghill Investment Strategies. As like many of our past guests, her road to her current position wasn’t so straight-forward. We talk about her current role, where …

Episode page
June 8, 2022

Don Casturo talks commodities, living in London, and

In this episode, we interview Don Casturo, Chief Investment Officer at Quantix Commodities. While he’s done London AND New York City living, he has roots here in the steel city. We spend some time during this episode talking about how …

Episode page
May 2, 2022

Jim Herrington talks CFA presidency, trolleys, and investment consult…

In this month’s episode, we talk to Jim Herrington, who has been a CFA Pittsburgh local celebrity. We find out why he values the CAIA designation so much and how he applies it to his job nearly every day. What …

Episode page
March 7, 2022

Christopher Amar talks making Pittsburgh home, Wall Street life, and …

In this episode we interview Chris Amar, Vice President at AB Bernstein. While he's lived in a few different cities, he says Pittsburgh feels right at home. Transplanting here a few years ago, he also found his perfect job at …

Episode page
Jan. 31, 2022

Special! CFA New York Presents:  Crypto Accounting, and What Every An…

In this episode, we are reposting an episode from CFA New York Compound Insights podcast. You can learn more about CFA New York and their podcast here: We'll be back next month with another original episode of Bridge to the …

Episode page
Dec. 27, 2021

Adam Wright, CFA talks behavioral finance, moving back home, and CFA …

In this episode we interview Adam Wright, managing partner and senior financial advisor at Wright Associates. While his name might be on the door, he took an interesting route to get there. Like many of our previous guests, he tried …

Episode page
Nov. 22, 2021

Chris Pretsch, CFA talks book writing, fiduciary, and taekwondo

This episode features Chris Pretsch, CFA, Managing Director at Staley Capital. A New York native, he found his family and life passion in Pittsburgh, and he never looked back. Chris is past president of CFA Society Pittsburgh and was an...

Episode page
Oct. 26, 2021

Special! Financial Literacy Network podcast

Special episode featuring FLN of the CFA Institute! This episode is a special presentation from the Financial Literacy Network. The FLN committee is a group of CFA Charterholders working to promote literacy awareness through programming, volunteer...

Episode page
Sept. 28, 2021

Susan Middleton talks collegiate financial plan competition and more!

Our guest this month is Susan Middleton, Chief Investment Officer at Counsel Fiduciary. CFA Pittsburgh has been lucky enough to have Susan’s expertise for our annual collegiate financial plan competition. She’s been a plan grader for the...

Episode page
Aug. 30, 2021

Greg Filbeck, CFA, talks servant leadership, mentorship, and Olivia N…

This month’s guest is Greg Filbeck, CFA, director for the black school of business and professor for finance and risk management at Penn State University, the Behrend college. Greg is a self proclaimed servant leader, perpetual busy-body, and life...

Episode page
July 26, 2021

Jonathan Dane talks 4th quarter markets, Pitt sports, and NYC life

Our guest this month is Jonathan Dane, CFA, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Defiant Capital. Jonathan tells us all about where he came up with the name Defiant, how his boxing career was successful but short-lived, and what he …

Episode page
June 28, 2021

Nicholas Findley and the beginners guide to the CFA charter

In this episode of Bridge to the Burgh we talk to Nick Findley, a very recently awarded CFA charterholder. Only 3 years out of undergrad, Nick talks about his short yet eventful career path so far – more specifically why …

Episode page
May 24, 2021

Jody Madala, CFA, talks Corporate Culture, living in New York during …

This episode's guest is Jody Madala, current co-president of CFA Society Pittsburgh and founder of Culturely. Jody created a startup during the pandemic and because of the pandemic. She recalls the details of her day on and how it changed...

Episode page
April 12, 2021

Dan Rossi talks Animals, Oakland, and Non-Profit Work

This month’s episode is a little different, featuring an esteemed Pittsburgher from the non-profit world. Our guest is Dan Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh. We hear about the many hats Dan wears being...

Episode page
March 22, 2021

Chris Sidoni talks moving to the big city, finance careers, and tacos

This episode's guest is Chris Sidoni, managing partner and CIO at Gibson Capital Management. We hear about how he abruptly adapted from nearly every meeting face-to-face to not traveling for over a year. He grew up in the hunting mecca …

Episode page
Feb. 23, 2021

Black History Month Special! Gary Rozier talks Success, Regret, and B…

Gary Rozier is managing director at Oak Street Real Estate Capital. Although he’s now a Chicagoan, his blood runs black and gold. Growing up in the south hills of Pittsburgh, Gary built friendships that have helped him grow his career …

Episode page
Jan. 25, 2021

Linda Duessel talks Finance, Steelers, and 2021: Special Markets Fore…

Our guest, Linda Duessel, CFA, is a Senior Equity Strategist with Federated Hermes. With 30 years industry experience, she’s been featured on Bloomberg, CNBC, and more. In this special 2021 kickoff episode, you’ll hear Linda’s insightful market...

Episode page
Dec. 21, 2020

Gene Natali talks Entrepreneurship, Growing up in Pittsburgh, and Sou…

Our guest, Gene Natali, CFA, is the co-founder and CEO of Troutwood. A born and raised Pittsburgher who shares his story from growing up here, building connections, and ultimately starting his own company! Gene tells us why he prioritized diversity...

Episode page
Nov. 23, 2020

Lisa Asher talks Diversity & Inclusion, traveling the world, and Pitt…

Our guest, Lisa Asher, CFA, is Managing Director of XY Investment Solutions. Lisa is a world traveling, deep sea diving, Wharton School graduate. Host Bradley Jones, CFA asks Lisa’s thoughts on diversity and inclusion along with her unique position...

Episode page
Oct. 28, 2020

Mike Halloran talks Pittsburgh, the Election, and Markets: Special El…

Our guest, Mike Halloran, CFA is an Equity Strategist with Janney. With over 20 years of industry experience, he's published written pieces on everything from Climate Change to the Election. Bradley Jones, CFA hosts this entertaining and informative...

Episode page