News and Updates
Here's where you can get the latest on what Ellen's been up to, and any upcoming events or appearances!
May 2025
Ellen participates in TV show proof of concept
"Yinz Gone Wild", Pittsburgh reality scavenger hunt.
Ellen worked on a proof of concept reality show where she ran all over Pittsburgh to compete in a scavenger hunt, interacting with locals and other creators! Stay tuned for more!
December 2025
Ellen appears as guest in YaJagoff's Not Your Average Holiday Parade
On December 6, 2025, Ellen will board the Burgh Bus with everyone's favorite Jagoffs and other Pittsburgh personalities to travel around downtown Pittsburgh spreading holiday cheer and laughter.
October 2025
New web series "Ellen Tried It" launches with a Zombie Walk in Spain
In October 2025, Ellen traveled to the small city of Stiges, Spain, to cross an experience off her bucket list -- participating in their annual "Zombie Walk" that takes place during their horror-themed international film festival.
She joined hundreds of other zombies walking the streets and had a blast interacting with spectators and fellow zombies.
Her video of this experience kicks off the start of a new web series, "Ellen Tried It," where she showcases how people in their fifties can still have adventures and try new and different things.
June 2025
Ellen guests on the YaJagoff! Porch Tour 2025
On June 29, Ellen appeared on an episode of the YaJagoff! show for the second year in a row on their annual Porch Tour series, raising money for Zachary's Mission, a local charity.
It's always a good time jaggin' it up with John and Rachael, and talking about all the fun stuff she's been working on, including movies and tv shows filming in the 412.
May 2025
Ellen Moderates Book Talk at
Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books
On May 31, Ellen was honored to moderate a panel at the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books at the Carnegie Main Library in Oakland.
The panel, Three Rivers, Two Covers, One City: The Geography of Pittsburgh, focused on two books written by several local authors, and she helped lead a lively discussion about the books.
December 2024
Pittsburgh Appearance Alert!
Dec. 14 @ Arcade Comedy Theater
Join me for a fun night of comedy, stories and improv!
I'll be the featured storyteller, sharing actual stories from my life that will be brought back to life through their hilarious improvisers!
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Arcade Comedy Theater, Downtown Pittsburgh. Tickets are $15/$10 (students).
August 2024
Thanks Yinz Guys! @pittsburghhills wins "Best TikTok" in Pittsburgh City Paper's 2024 "Best of PGH" Readers' Poll
Ellen was so honored to take first place in the "Best TikTok Account" category of the City Paper's 2024 annual Readers' Poll. Thanks so much to all who voted for her, and for enjoying her content, and congratulations to all the other winners in all categories!
@Pittsburghhills is done out of love for Pittsburgh, its people, culture, history, and of course, its hills. Her primary goal is to spread positive vibes about the area, and this proves that we are getting it right!
Thanks so much, n'at!
August 2024
@pittsburghhills collaborating with many well-known Pittsburgh organizations
Ellen has been busy expanding the reach of her @pittsburghhills online platform, collaborating with a number of high-profile Pittsburgh area accounts as well as local non-profits and small businesses.
This growing list includes: Visit Pittsburgh, NEXTPittsburgh, Visit PA, BikePGH, Governor Josh Shapiro's Office, and the Art Association of Pittsburgh.
July 2024
Ellen's @pittsburghhills TikTok account once again nominated in top five for Pittsburgh City Paper "Best of PGH" Readers' Poll
For the third year in a row, Ellen's @pittsburghhills TikTok account has been nominated in the Pittsburgh City Paper "Best of PGH" Readers' Poll.
She is honored to be included in their top five TikTok accounts for 2024! Thanks to all who nominated or voted for her!
June 2024
Ellen makes a guest appearance on the YaJagoff! Podcast.
Ellen appeared as a guest on the YaJagoff! Porch Tour podcast #35 with John and Rachel.
She spoke about her @pittsburghhills platform, how it started and where it's going, and told stories about Pittsburgh and Mayor of Kingstown. Watch the episode here!
April 2024
Ellen interviews John Rhys-Davies from Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings fame
At Steel City Con, Ellen was honored to interview prolific movie actor John Rhys-Davies.
He spoke with her about why the Indiana Jones movie franchise has resonated with various generations.
March 2024
@pittsburghhills working as monthly freelance contributor to NEXTpittsburgh
Ellen is now a monthly contributor to the local online platform NEXTpittsburgh. She is excited to be sharing her Pittsburgh-centered content with their large audience!
January 2024
Ellen appears on Talk Pittsburgh
Ellen spoke with KDKA's Talk Pittsburgh guest host Mikey Hood about all things @Pittsburghhills and what she's up to!
Following her interview on KDKA, Ellen hosted a quick and fun-filled round of Pittsburgh Trivia with Talk Pittsburgh guest hosts Boaz Frankel and Mikey Hood.
January 2024
Ellen collaborates with Visit Pittsburgh
Ellen covered the Pirates Fest in collaboration with Visit Pittsburgh. She interviewed a handful of fans and showcased some of the highlights at the event. Watch the reel on Instagram.
January 2024
Ellen previews PA Farm Show, Interviews Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro
Ellen was invited by the Governor's Office to a media/influencers preview of the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg! See the video on her YouTube Channel.
While there she interviewed PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and then went to the Capitol to interview Governor Josh Shapiro himself!
Watch clip 1 - Farm Show Favorites?
Watch clip 2 - What's "Jawn"?
Watch clip 3 - Film Industry in PA
She looks forward to working more with his office in the future!
July 2023
Ellen launches new YouTube Channel
Ellen spent three days at the Picklesburgh festival in Pittsburgh, highlighting all the cool things to eat and meeting new friends!
Click on the photo to view the video!
June 2023
Ellen's TikTok account featured in Pittsburgh City Paper article "Awesome Pittsburgh TikTok accounts you should be following"
In their June 19th edition, Ellen's @Pittsburghhills TikTok account was featured FIRST in the Pittsburgh City Paper's roundup of "Awesome Pittsburgh TikTok accounts you should be following."
June 2023
Ellen's TikTok account nominated for Pittsburgh City Paper's "Best of PGH" Readers' Poll 2023
For the second year in a row, Ellen's @pittsburghhills TikTok account is being nominated in the Pittsburgh City Paper's "Best of PGH" Readers' Poll for 2023! Please join in adding to her nominations (scroll down to category "Best TikTok Account). The more she gets, the more likely it is she will advance to the top ten voting round!
May 2023
Ellen stars onstage in the musical:
Fiddler on the Roof
March 24th, 25th, 26th, 30th, 31st & April 1st - Ellen appeared LIVE onstage as Yente, the matchmaker, in Comtra Theatre's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
YaJagOff! Podcast | Live Game Show Team vs. Team PTL
February 10 - Ellen appeared live on stage at the Pierce Studio theater in "Wheel of Yinzer" and had great fun competing with Team YaJagoff against Team Pittsburgh Today Live.
Exploring Your Society featuring Ellen Kotzin
November 2022 - Ellen was the featured guest on the Bump In The Night Society's Podcast.