159 Inclined

This will be the final episode of the 159 Inclined Podcast. On it, Will and James reminisce about the journey they went on creating over 50 episodes over the past year, the incredible guests they had on the show, and some of their most memorable moments. They also wanted to thank Debra Orner and the Regional Chamber of Commerce for providing them the opportunity through the Gunter Leadership Program as well as Chip Minemyer for so graciously partnering with them and featuring them in the Tribune for the duration of the podcast. Finally, for all those who listened and supported the podcast, thank you! It's been fun. We hope you enjoyed the show!   As we come to a close, all episodes will be available to listen and download through March 7th. After that, our feed will no longer be available so make sure to check out and download episodes if you haven't had a chance to listen!    

Our guest on this episode needs no real further introduction due to the immense coverage that he has received both locally and nationally.  We were thrilled to have sat down with Russel Shorto to talk about his roots in Johnstown and his newly released book, "Small Time."  Truly groundbreaking and fascinating, you certainly want to have a listen to this one!

Hey everyone! Last episode, we premiered the first of a two part series with singer/songwriter Denise Krestal Baldwin. Listeners had a chance to learn about Denise's fascinating journey, from finding a passion for music early on, to touring with several bands and performing throughout this region, to now helping aspiring singers and musicians. On this final part listeners will have a chance to listen to a few of her own songs that she wrote and recorded in Nashville. We hope you enjoy!  

This is the first of a two part series with singer/songwriter Denise Krestal Baldwin.  On this first part, listeners will have a chance to learn about Denise's fascinating journey, from finding a passion for music early on, to touring with several bands and performing throughout this region, to now helping aspiring singers and musicians.  On Part 2, airing next Saturday, February 13th, listeners will have a chance to listen to a few of her own songs that she wrote and recorded in Nashville.  Thanks for listening and enjoy the show! 

Hey Hockeyville! On this episode of 159 Inclined, James & Will get to know Head Coach Mike Letizia & star forward John Gillette of your Johnstown Tomahawks! Hear how their hockey journeys have led them to our city. We learn about Coach Mike’s second chance at hockey behind the bench and John’s quest to make it to the next level! Enjoy!

On this episode, Will and James had a chance to sit down with Mike Gruber, one of the first Johnstown Poet Laureate winners. In this episode. listeners will have a chance to listen to Mike read his winning poem, "The War Is Over" and learn about the deeply touching story behind it.  Mike was also generous in sharing photos that are tied to his poem which are shared on our Facebook and Instagram account so make sure to check those out as well. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

We are very excited to release Part 2 of a special two part series on Steve Sheetz! On this episode, we’ll explore the evolution of Sheetz, Inc. into what it is today.  Steve reflects on leadership, employees, family, and giving back to the community, all key pillars to Steve and the Sheetz organization.  As we wrap up this series, we wanted to thank Steve again for the time he spent with us and the impact he and the Sheetz organization has had on the region. Thanks for listening everyone and enjoy the show!

While everyone certainly recognizes the name of arguably one of the most popular family-owned and operated brands in this region and from PA to NC, Steve Sheetz’s story is truly one that is remarkable, humbling, and inspiring. In this first part, listeners will have a chance to learn about the early days, how 1972 was the year Steve and his older brother Bob weren’t sure if they were going to make it, and how Steve and Bob’s grit, courage, creativity, willing to learn and adapt, and boldness led them to find a way.

What better way to start January than with a poem entitled “January,” written by one of Johnstown’s First Poet Laureates, Joyce Robley. You’ll get to learn hear her poem, learn about the meaning behind it, and hear about her journey from serving in the Air Force to now serving as a Teacher at Somerset Area School District. If this is your first or 38th time listening to us, thank you for listening and enjoy the show!

In this holiday special, Will is joined by his Aunt, Maryann Brett, to talk Christmastime in Johnstown and to shed 'light' on one neighborhood's tradition that you may not be aware of - the Christmas Eve Luminaries in Riverside.

On this new episode, James sat down with Karlee Reynolds and Christina Lehman, who started a fundraiser this past week on gofundme for the Johnstown region. Their entire motive for this fundraiser is to collect donations from residents; use that money to purchase food from LOCAL, small restaurants; and deliver them to our local Health Care workers and local nursing homes. If you're interested in supporting this awesome cause, you can go to their gofund me site which is posted below.. Restaurants who want to participate can also reach out. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show! Go Fund Me Link:https://gofund.me/f74defb1

Who said you can’t surf in Johnstown?! Better yet, surf in the winter in Johnstown?! Just ask Ian Smith, Founder of FirstWaves and SurfSup Adventur. He was our guest on this newest episode. SurfSUP Adventures specializes in eco tours, group events, instructor training, whitewater SUP, and river surfing. The company was the first whitewater paddleboarding school and outfitter in the Eastern United States. First Waves is an award-winning program that uses standup paddling, the art of filmmaking, and digital media as a catalyst to inspire conservation and mentorship for at-risk youth Although based in Pittsburgh, Ian regularly offers opportunities in the Johnstown region. He was kind enough to share some photos from his First Waves Program held in Johnstown this summer which we're sharing on our Facebook and Instragram accounts so make sure to check those out.  Thanks for listening and enjoy the show! To learn more about SurfSup and First Waves, check out: https://www.surfsupadventures.com/https://www.firstwaves.org/

Welcome to the 159 Inclined Podcast!  In this episode, we had the chance to sit down with Mike Hammers, Mayor of Lorain Borough and co-creator of the Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails.  Hearing from Mike was exciting and inspiring as he shares the story behind the creation behind the Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails and how he is creating a space there for community events.  Thanks for your contributions to the region Mike!  Enjoy everyone!

This is the 5th and final segment of our Johnstown History Mini-Series with Richard Burkert covering a variety of the rich and fascinating parts of this region's history. This episode is on the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Richard was also generous in providing us with several historical photos shown on our Facebook and Instagram pages so make sure to check those out.   We also wanted to thank Richard Burkert for taking the time to help put this together.  The Johnstown Region is lucky to have him! We hope you enjoyed this series and thanks for listening!

This is the 4th segment of our Johnstown History Mini-Series with Richard Burkert covering a variety of the rich and fascinating parts of this region's history. This episode is on the history of the Inclined Plane in Johnstown. Richard was also generous in providing us with several historical photos shown that can be found on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Thanks for listening!

This is a very special episode in honor of all who have served.  Will and I were honored to sit down with WWII Combat Veteran Joe Dona who served on the USS Suwannee and who participated in over 14 Battles and Campaigns in both Africa and the South Pacific.  His story is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice that soldiers make for the United States.  Joe, we are grateful for your service and honored to have the chance to share your incredible story. Thanks to all of our veterans and thanks for listening.  Enjoy the show!

This is the 3rd segment of our Johnstown History Mini-Series with Richard Burkert covering a variety of the rich and fascinating parts of this region's history. This episode is on the history of the Glosser Brothers Department Store in Johnstown. Richard was also generous in providing us with several historical photos so make sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, if you haven’t heard, we’re selling some apparel that can help support the podcast. We worked with Damin Printing Company, LLC to create some affordable 159 Inclined apparel that will help us continue our mission of connecting & celebrating the Johnstown Region and beyond! They will only be available until November 9th. A link to where you can order is on our Facebook page. As always, thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

This is the 2nd segment of our Johnstown History Mini-Series with Richard Burkert covering a variety of the rich and fascinating parts of this region's history. This episode is on the history of Street Cars in Johnstown. Richard was also generous in providing us with several historical photos of these street cars that are available to view on our Facebook and Instragram pages.  Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

Welcome to the 159 Inclined Podcast.  Over the next few episodes,  we worked with Richard Burkert to put together a Johnstown History Mini-Series covering a variety of the rich and fascinating parts of this region's history.  This first segment is on the history of Roxbury Park.  The story is truly remarkable and we're excited to share.  

On this episode, James and Will had a chance to sit down with Eric and Amanda Reighard, the new owners of the Johnstown State Theater. This episode will provide an in-depth look at their vision of what is to come at the Theater. We could not help but get excited as we learned about their passion and bold vision. It is both remarkable and inspiring! As always, thanks for listening and enjoy the show! 

On this episode of the 159 Inclined Podcast, Will and James spent some time with Melody Tisinger, Director Of Advancement & Operations at the Bottle Works Arts on 3rd Avenue in Johnstown. During our time at the Bottle Works, there was a lot going on, from yoga on the lawn, to a rehearsal for an upcoming performance in the Black Box Theater, to a group working on Jackie’s Garden Works Green Roof on a documentary, to an incredible art exhibit of Heather Davis’s work. Our time with Melody was both inspiring and refreshing as listeners will get to learn more about the incredible work that such a small team has been able to accomplish in reinvigorating the arts, community, ethnic appreciation, and sustainable practices. Make sure to drop us a line, subscribe, like, and leave us a review! As always, thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the show.

 On this episode Will and I sat down with Richard Burkert, President and CEO of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. Under his leadership, the Johnstown Area Heritage Association has had a tremendous impact on the preservation and celebration of this region’s history. It was incredibly fun to see such passion from Richard as he discussed many of the highlights that JAHA has been able to achieve. We had so much fun that we are planning on inviting Richard back to hold a mini-series on particular historical topics. If you’re interested in hearing a particular subject, feel free to email us at 159inclined@gmail.com to submit your ideas. Thanks for listening as always and enjoy the show! 

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James had a chance to chat with Vince Lovenduski, founder of S.E.A.D.S. of Love Garden Center in Westmont.  S.E.A.D.S. stands for Sustainable Employment for Adults with Disabilities.  This business with a positive mission is truly a beautiful and inspiring one.  Vince’s humility, integrity, and genuine desire to make a positive impact has been achieved in the creation of S.E.A.D.S. of Love Garden Center.  We're excited to share this amazing story with listeners.  Enjoy!

Welcome to the 159 Inclined Podcast!.  Our guest for this episode is the one and only Maestro James Blachly, Director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. He is truly a remarkable individual whose innovative, immersive, creative, highly challenging, and passionate conducting has continued to connect and engage the Greater Johnstown region and beyond ultimately making an enormous positive impact.  We’re excited to share this fascinating interview with listeners.  Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James had a chance to spend some time at Steel City Axe with owners Bill and Rick Wissinger.  This father and son duo have created a really cool space where people can come and experience a new form of entertainment, the rapidly growing sport of axe throwing.  Will and James threw some axes and learned about Bill and Rick's journey in creating Steel City Axe.  Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James had the opportunity to spend some time with Carissa Itle Westrick, Director of Business Development at Vale Wood Farms.  Her family's history is an incredibly rich one that exemplifies the positive impact a local dairy farm can have on a region.  We had a chance to learn about how Vale Woods Farm came to be and all of the awesome things that the farm does.  We hope you enjoy the show as much as we did making it!

On this episode, Will and James had a chance to talk with Rose Lucey-Noll, Executive Director of Cambria Transit Authority (Cam Tran). Originally from Ireland, Rose talks about her journey from Ireland to the Johnstown Region. We're excited to share with listeners her incredible story and journey. We hope you enjoy the show! 

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James had a chance to speak with Leah Spangler, CEO of the Learning Lamp and Ignite Education Solutions.  We're excited to share Leah's inspirational journey that has led to positively impacting thousands of lives throughout the region.  We hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James had a chance to sit down with Cambria County Commissioner Scott Hunt.  Scott’s journey is an inspirational one that demonstrates that if you believe in something and work hard at it, you can achieve it.   We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for listening.

This week, Will and James of 159 Inclined had a blast spending some time with Brian Subich.  Although we've had a variety of guests on the show, this is the first time we have had a Major League Eater on the show!  Listeners will get to hear more about his journey as a Major League Eater as well as his lifelong dedication to service in this region.   While currently a Field Representative for U.S. Congressmen Glenn “GT” Thompson, Brian's positivity, pride in Johnstown, and dedication to others is truly inspiring. We hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and I met with Mike Cook and Amy Bradley at the top of the Inclined Plane Trails to catch up on some of the exciting things happening at the Inclined Plane Trails and outdoor recreation in the region.  After catching up, Mike guided us down the Inclined Plane Trails.  It was quite a thrill!  You’ll get to learn some techniques going down the hills by Mike and listen in on some of Will’s crashes (he and his bike are ok!)  For Will and James, it was also a reminder of just how much hard work and perseverance Mike and others put into making the Inclined Plane Trails.  Truly remarkable!  If you haven’t had a chance to check out the trails and are looking for an adventure, make sure to get there this summer!  We hope you enjoy the show! 

This is Part II of a special two part series with Jeremy Shearer.  On this episode Jeremy shares his passion for craft beer, the origins and success of the Stone Bridge Brewery, and all of the exciting things that are to come at the Brewery.  We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for listening!

For this week on 159 Inclined, we have a special two part series with Jeremy Shearer, co-founder (alongside with his wife Jennifer) of Press Bistro and the Stone Bridge Brewery.  Part 1 of this series will explore Jeremy’s journey from Boise, Idaho, to Ph.D, to taking the risk with his wife to open up Press Bistro downtown, to their recent decision to close Press Bistro..  Part 2 will be hearing from Jeremy about the Stone Bridge Brewery and what we can expect in the future.  We hope you enjoy the show and thanks for listening!

Our guest on this episode of 159 Inclined is Adam Murphy, Founder and President of Sourceree, a local high-tech startup that fosters innovation across industry, government, military, and academia.  His story is one that highlights perseverance, hard work, humility, taking risks, thinking outside the box, and doing good for one’s hometown.  We hope you enjoy the show!  

This week we had a chance to sit down with Tom Chernisky, Cambria County Commissioner.  You'll get to learn about some of Tom's childhood dreams, some impressive talents he has, his love and passion for Cambria County, and some of the challenges he has faced and overcome.  Enjoy the show!  

On this episode, we had a chance to chat with Caleb Burke, Richland Rams Football and Basketball standout.  His journey is an inspirational one and is a lesson for aspiring athletes that hard work, determination, and one's mindset can help you reach your dreams.  

On this week's episode, James and Will have a chat with Lynn McQuillan, owner and instructor at Just Breathe Mindful Movement Studios. Lynn shares her story of how her family inspired her incredible journey into fitness, wellness and mindfulness, and how her passion led her to open her own studio to help others on their journey to healthy living. And the guys sign the 159 Inclined Team up for yoga class! Enjoy!

On this week's episode, Will & James chat with author, actor, filmmaker, director, and president of Acrolight Films, Tom Getty. Tom shares stories of growing up in Johnstown, finding inspiration everywhere he goes and his love for his home town. His story shows us that even though our town is small, we can find a way to do what we love, in a town that inspires us all. Enjoy!

On this week's episode James and Will continue their conversation with Andrew Hawkins. When we left off, Andrew was discussing an injury sustained in the CFL, that he thought could end his football career. This week the guys discuss Andrew's unconventional and one of kind journey to the NFL, his academic achievement at Columbia University and his media career. Andrew's story is an inspiring one that shows us that hard work, perseverance in the face of obstacles and an emphasis on stewardship can lead us to amazing things! We hope you enjoy the episode!

On this week's episode of 159 Inclined, James and Will chat with Andrew Hawkins. Recorded in April, during the height of our Covid-19 lock-down, Andrew shares stories of growing up in Johnstown, his memories of James' sweet basketball skills, and his journey to the CFL. This episode is part 1 of 2. Andrew's story is an inspiring one of making your dream come true through perseverance and a lot of hard work. Enjoy! 

On this week's episode of 159 Inclined, Desi, Will & James chat with Stephanie Allison, proprietor of Vibe Fitness Studio in Elton, PA. Stephanie, a Conemaugh Township native, discusses her career as a Senior Software Development Analyst for CANA Advisors, how she became a successful fitness entrepreneur, and her love of the Ferndale Jubilee.

On this week's episode 159 Inclined goes 'country', when Desi, Will and James chat with country musician and Cresson, PA native, Josh Gallagher. Josh shares stories of growing up in Cambria County, the growth of his musical career, including his time on the voice, as well as his love for the community in which he grew up. Josh's story is an inspiring one, that shows us its possible to follow your passion and live your dream, while not forgetting about where you come from. Enjoy!

On this week's episode of 159 Inclined, James, Will & Lisa chat with Katrina Perkosky. Katrina shares stories of her previous work in local media, and discusses her current work with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. She also discusses how sharing one's own experiences and struggles can be a positive force for helping others experiencing hard times. 

On this week's episode of 159 Inclined, Desi, James and Will visited the Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown's historic Cambria City neighborhood. Patrick Quinn and Dan Neville share their story of how the Center for Metal Arts grew into a world-class educational blacksmithing program and how it came to call Johnstown it's home. Also, the great debate of 'Gob' vs. 'Whoopie Pie' is rekindled once again. We hope you enjoy the episode! 

On this week's episode of 159 Inclined, the team sat down with John Pecze. John shares stories of his time in the U.S. Navy, serving as the Vice Presidential Communications Manager at the White Hours under the Clinton administration and how he acquired a 'sweet' nickname. We are excited to share his amazing story! Enjoy!  

On this week's episode Team 159 Inclined sat down for a chat with Chad Gontkovic, founder of Coal Tubin, CEO of the Johnstown Paper Co., and Airport Manager for the Johnstown Cambria County Airport.  Listeners will hear about his incredibly exciting and courageous journey from serving in the Air Force to starting both Coal Tubin and the Johnstown Paper Co.  His energy and passion to make a positive impact in this region is both contagious and inspiring and we're excited to share this episode with you!  Enjoy!

On this episode, Desi, James and Will chat with our 'fearless leader', Deb Orner. Deb is the leader of the John B. Gunter Community Leadership Initiative, the guiding force behind the life of this podcast. Deb shares her Johnstown story, including her love of leadership, watching Johnstown transform, and finding words to live by on a billboard. 

On this week's episode Desi, James and Will visited with Bill Polacek, President & CEO of JWF Industries.  We’re very excited to share with you his inspiring story of success which is infused with his passion for family and community.  We hope you enjoy! 

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will and James take the show on the road and visit with Jarrod Bunk at his shop Hope Cyclery located on Franklin Street in downtown Johnstown. Jarrod shares his story, his passion for bicycles and his vision for our town. Check it out! 

On this episode of 159 Inclined, Will & James sit down for a chat with the Greater Johnstown Region's own Amy Bradley. Amy shares stories of her Johnstown roots, her career journey and her love of the Johnstown community.  

On this episode of 159 Inclined, the whole team meets with Johnstown’s own Mike Cook! Also known as, “The Inclined Plane Trail Guy,” Mike shares the stories of how he came to Johnstown, how his idea of a mountain bike trail on Johnstown’s Inclined Plane hillside turned into a reality, and his love of the outdoors recreation in the area. Mike also discusses his involvement in the Benscreek Canoe Club, the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy and how incredible it would be to have an otter for a pet. Enjoy!