The Rust Belt - First Impressions 🇺🇸

Just south of Pittsburgh, PA is a region known as the Mon Valley in the heart of America's Rust Belt. It was once the epicenter of industry that built the country, a place where people from around the world came to find their opportunities. Steel and coal haven't entirely gone away, but the once-prospering towns of the Mon Valley have changed dramatically. Join the locals and me to better understand what happened to this once-vital region of America.

► 🎞️ Video Edited By: Natalia Santenello

MUSIC USED IN THE VIDEO 🎵
► Headlund - Return To No Man’s Land
► Sixteen Wheelers - Ghost Hunt

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Thank You All!!!

All rights reserved © 2024 Peter Santenello

[PeterSantenello]

Note: We pulled an all-nighter working on this one until 7:00 a.m. to get it out on time, and we messed up the spelling of Pittsburgh. Apologies for that. We're happy with the video though and think you'll like it too. This is the first of six videos coming to you from PA. I had no idea how interesting and beautiful this state is.

[offgridlife]

The forgotten parts of America are far more interesting then Hollywood or Disney

[Jaclyn]

“Travel the world before it blows up”. Perfect quote. Glen is a genuine dude. He sounds like a cool guy to hang out with and listen to his thoughts and stories.

[dylansalmon]

To that couple building their own restaurant, I build an oyster bar here in Baltimore from scratch, just me and a friend over 9 years ago. It took us 18 months to build it out and we opened 8 years ago come October. We are still open, survived the pandemic, paid back our investors and bought out all our partners. My wife and I now own 100% and have a healthy thriving business. We are a part of the community, and I am incredibly grateful to be able to say that. Keep the dream ALIVE! Grind on, never quit and keep WORKING, it does pay off. ❤

[enricomariani]

I'm an American Studies scholar from Italy and follow your channel for more than 2 years now. I can assure you that your work has a great historical and anthropological value. It's like visual snapshots of US reality & history from the most overlooked places, it makes you understand the past and the present (and maybe the future) more than some academic papers. Keep it going!

[Alpha-Daddy]

I’m from Michigan. I know for a fact that people in the rust belt are some of the hardest working, honest people around. Much love from your northwest neighbors❤️

[Idontgiveaduck]

i live in the Mon Valley, and I just want to say thanks for not just focusing on the crime in the area - a lot of people when they come to do these types of things just focus on the bad stuff. Not the hard work people are putting in to keep this place alive. Thank you.

[dale]

I love the restaurant owner guy. The fact he gave you a small gift on your departure is really kind and respectful

[BostonsFnest]

That guy who lived in the church was such a character. I swear you meet the most unique ppl during these videos. Someone could have lived in that town their entire life and never known a guy from New Zealand lived next door to them.

[cookshackcuisinista]

I think Peter Santenello is changing the face of vlog Journalism in such a phenomenal way!

[otaku]

I'm from Sweden and I'd say the view we have on America is strongly based on California/New York/Texas thanks to movies, news and so on. It can really frustrate me as the prejudice people have here about Americans is that they either are hillbillys, rich californians or stressed out new yorkers.

I've always had an interest in American culture and mostly the midwest, due to many of my old relatives moving there during the 1800s and early 1900s as emigrants. What you are doing here Peter, is showing a piece of America that is never in the limelight. I believe this is what should be shown in schools when learning about the US. It's filled with rich history, culture, diversity and industrial importance to the world.

The history of industrial towns and their collapse, the people behind it all, the hard working average joes that never get's represented by Hollywood or media. This is what I'd assume gives Americans pride of their nation, and maybe also grief/sadness due to the state of these places today. But the hard labor behind it, the strong men and women who keep these areas floating after being abandoned by corporations.


You are doing something great for these people living in the areas you are showing off, as well as the people all over the world watching this. Your content is inspiring and really makes me wants to explore more of the US myself and also gives me a better understanding of american culture, while also breaking down prejudice and barriers that have been built up through news outlets and movies.


Wish you and all other fellow americans out there the best. Bless you all.

[kennethwilliams]

That Black Lady said something powerful when she said that "the people in the valley, everybody lives in the past, nobody lets go, everyone just holds, that's why it's so dark, if you ever pay attention to the sky, is always dark over the valley. Then when you hit Monongahela and them it's very bright." That is something. Another great video Peter!

[tddlzul]

The overall calmness of the guide couple is absolutely incredible.

[bonniemcdermid]

The couple renovating the restaurant are super excited to make their dream come true! I really wish them all the best.

[nicholasvillalva]

What I think is pretty incredible is Peter is documenting how federal policy effects our country. Whether you realize it or not, you are doing an incredible public service.

[J---L]

One of the greatest gifts of this channel is a no filter raw view of people and the world. People are so resilient. From the young man living in an unsafe street still managing to say "have a good day" to Glenn welcoming unexpected visitors and traveling the worlds before it blows up. Just incredible

[mybeautifulview]

Peter Santenello has a profound magnetism for attracting the most compelling characters wherever he goes, giving voice to those who’s stories must be heard and preserved ❤️

Thank you, Peter 🙏

[virgilm]

Thanks for sharing America. Real people living life. Thanks for the journalism. No one else does it like you.

[wavy.m]

that guy who lived in the church was so friendly! warms my heart when people let you in to their lives like that. props to that guys! great video peter.

[rogerhupp]

Back when all those plants were erected, it was the middle of nowhere. They weren’t built in the middle of a city. Cities were built around the mills.