Eric McKenna Project

Dr. Antony Davies is a Professor of Economics at the Palumbo Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University. He is a Milton Friedman Distinguished Fellow at the Foundation for Economics Education. Dr. Davies hosts the weekly podcast “Words & Numbers” with James Harrigan and also co-authored the book “Cooperation and Coercion’ with Mr. Harrigan.

Kyle Smith is a Conservationist and a Safari tour guide with SafariSmiths. Kyle sits down with Eric before he returns home to South Africa. Kyle shares his thoughts on American life, the pandemic as well as developing his firm, SafariSmiths, with his partner Jennifer Markus. Kyle also expresses thoughts on ecological dangers of Shell Oil … Continue reading Show #234 – Kyle Smith →

The EMP ‘Squad’ sat down for their 7th conversation. Eric, Julia, Jerry and Cassidy takes on various current event topics including the public trust in media, law enforcement and each other. The squad also discusses the ridiculous background of ‘Corn Flakes’. EMP is pure thought exchange. EMP has no sponsors and no agendas. Our shows … Continue reading Show #233 – EMP Squad Ep #7 – Cassidy Bauer, Julia Mulligan, Jerry Mulligan →

Jennifer Markus and Kyle Smith with SafariSmiths join Eric and guest co-host Katie Smith. Jennifer and Kyle share the extensive Safari travel as well as the unique animals and the conservation and protection efforts around them. Kyle, who is a native South African, has spent considerable time working at the Kruger National Park, one of … Continue reading Show #232 – Kyle Smith, Jennifer Markus, Katie Smith →

Longtime Pittsburgh Radio Personality Cris Winter returns to Boogie Street Studio for another sit down with Eric to talk music. Among topics this round, the pair discuss 1981 – The Year in Rock. Also discussed is Cris’ recent return to the airwaves on Pittsburgh’s rock.

For UFO Show #7 Eric is joined by UFO expert and MUFON’s James Krug along with Julia and Jerry Mulligan. Jerry is filling in for Sir Fred Kowalo who is currently on tour. The show’s multiple topics include a detailed discussion on the planet Mars.

Eddy Crow is a longtime Pittsburgh Radio Personality and currently the daily host of WBVP’s ‘Teleform’ talk show. Eddy also has spent many years with WDVE in Pittsburgh. Eddy’s 2nd appearance on EMP is a wide ranging discussion with Eric on terrestrial radio’s viability in 2021, social media influencers, short attention spans, truth in ‘news’ … Continue reading Show #229 – Eddy Crow →

Episode #11 of the EMP ‘4 Friends’ series features Attorney and Speaker Rocco Cozza, Financial Professional Dale Austin and Rock and Roll Guitar Tech and Touring Veteran, Sir Fred Kowalo. Topics include thoughts on Success, Happiness, Motivation and how these topics change with generations, time and life experience. Conversation that is Always Unvarnished, Always Unscripted … Continue reading Show #228 – 4 Friends Ep. #11 – Rocco Cozza, Dale Austin, Fred Kowalo →

Theoretical Physicist Dr. Patrick Cooper returns to the Boogie Street Studio for another wide ranging discussion with Eric. This time, the topics include Electrical energy, the history of the calendar and time, a better understanding of atmospheric pressure, the discovery of the subatomic and a clearer understanding of the benefits and consequences of cryptocurrency.

Eric sits down with Russ Cersosimo to discuss hemp, hallucinogens, online commerce, classic rock, podcasting and more. Russ is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Hemp Synergistics and the also host of the ‘3 Jags in a Lab’ podcast.

On Episode #10 of EMP’s ‘4 Friends’ series, Eric is joined by Dr. Shannon Thieroff, Rachel Jane and Scott Burke. The concepts of Success and Happiness are on the table. The crew discusses how life in 2020 and 2021 changed business, relationships, dating and possibly our overall expectations and maybe our definitions of happiness and … Continue reading Show #225 – 4 Friends Ep. #10 – Dr. Shannon Thieroff, Rachel Jane, Scott Burke →

Ed Latimore returns to Boogie Street Studio for another conversation with Eric. Ed is a best selling author, former professional heavyweight boxer, speaker, entrepreneur and competitive chess player. His website, writings and work focuses on self-improvement and a practical approach to stoic philosophy. During this visit, Ed shares his thoughts on cancel culture, the anti-fragility … Continue reading Show #224 – Ed Latimore →

Pittsburgh Sports Personality Paul Alexander returns to the Boogie Street Studio for another sit down with Eric. A little Steelers, a little Pirates, a little Penguins – and a whole lot of Life. Real and unvarnished conversation the way Paul brings it!

In the 9th installment of Eric’s ‘Four Friends’ series, Mandi Pryor, Jennifer Bayer and Rocco Cozza sit down for the typical frank, unvarnished conversation EMP is known for – along with some typical hilarity! Topics include raising kids, online middle age dating in this bizarre era, the insanity of social media and memories from a … Continue reading Show #222 – 4 Friends #9 -Jennifer Bayer, Rocco Cozza, Mandi Pryor →

Eric is once again joined by Cassidy, Julia & Jerry as the EMP Squad gets together to film their 6th episode. Typical unvarnished and straight ahead conversation including thoughts on the meaning of ‘happiness’, personal philosophy, motivation and much, much more. As always, EMP delivers frank discussion with no agendas. Free form thought and conversation … Continue reading Show #221 – EMP Squad Ep. #6, Julia Mulligan, Jerry Mulligan, Cassidy Bauer →

Pittsburgh, attorney, speaker and entrepreneur Rocco Cozza is back in the Boogie Street Studio for another conversation with Eric. Rocco offer his perspective on the state of the world, what lies ahead and other ‘heavyweight’ topics. They wrap up the show with a discussion on what is body shaming, ideas on promoting healthy living and … Continue reading Show #220 – Rocco Cozza →

Sir Fred Kowalo returns to Boogie Street Studio for another one on one sit down with Eric. On tap are Fred’s upcoming book, thoughts on the origins of rock guitar, who actually started ‘heavy metal’, touring memories and more. The guys finish up the show with memories of the people and artists of Boogie Street … Continue reading Show #219 – Fred Kowalo →

Pittsburgh Financial Professional Calvin Sales sits down in the Boogie Street Studio for a chat about Entrepreneurship, overcoming obstacles, the new virtual business environment and much more.

Pittsburgh podcaster Chad Medved joins Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for a wide ranging discussion podcasting, the web, social media and the lost art of ‘real’ conversations. Chad hosts a Pittsburgh based podcast entitled “I’ll Call You Right Back” and bring his unique perspective creating content, show development, video vs. audio podcasting, guest selection, … Continue reading Show #217 – Chad Medved →

Business coach and author of ‘Manhood Manifesto’, Mike Shereck, joins Eric and Pittsburgh attorney, speaker and author Rocco Cozza, for a discussion of Mike’s book as well as thoughts on better communication, humility, common ground and much, much more.

Fran Stueber, touring professional and long-time guitar tech and assistant to Paul Stanley of KISS joins fellow touring pro and guitar tech Sir Freddy Kowalo and Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for conversation on KISS, Paul Stanley, Boogie Street Guitars, Megadeth, Zakk Wylde, David Lee Roth, INXS and many other hilarious tour stories.

Pittsburgh based stand-up comedian Senneca Stone joined Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for a wide ranging conversation. From his journey into stand-up comedy, his dislike of social media, thoughts on ‘appropriate’ comedy and much, much more.

Next up in the Boogie Street Studio is Pittsburgh based comedian, the very funny Ian Dougherty! Ian’s journey into comedy, influences, obseravations, the state of comedy coming out of 2020 and a whole lot more!

Eric is joined once again by Julia, Jerry and Cassidy, as the EMP Squad reconvenes for Episode #5. What constitutes a ‘conspiracy’? How do we define that? Has the past 18 months been leading society toward something larger? These questions and much, much more. And as always, EMP delivers relaxed and frank discussions with no … Continue reading Show #212 – Squad Episode #5 – Cassidy Bauer, Julia Mulligan, Jerry Mulligan →

This time up, the EMP UFO crew tackles the Apollo space program and much more. Eric is joined on Episode #6 by UFO expert, James Krug joined along with Julia Mullian and Fred Kowalo. Down the rabbit hole the crew goes once again!

Stand-up comedian and defense attorney Brittany Alexis join Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for her thougths on Pittsburgh comedy, maneuvering zoom comedy performances, the return to live comedic performances, her journey into comedy and so much more.

Pittsburgh Stand-up Comedian, the very funny Sarah Morgan visits Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for a discussion on pandemic and post-pandemic comdey, improv and simply put – life. Sarah also shares her personal journey into comedy. Fresh, funny, unvarnished and ‘real’ conversation!

On EMP’s 8th installment of it’s ‘4 Friends’ series, three dynamic entrepreneurs, Natalie Bencivenga, Rocco Cozza and Mandi Pryor join Eric in the Boogie Street Studio to discuss entrepreneurship philosophy, the importance of mentors, recognizing decisive moments in life and much more.

Insanely popular Pittsburgh based chef, pasta guru and social media phenomenon Ryan Peters joins Eric in the Boogie Street Studio! Ryan discusses his career journey as a chef and the whirlwind that has been the last 18 months with his pasta making explosion on TikTok. Ryan also discusses the launch of Peters Pasta and much … Continue reading Show #207 – Ryan Peters →

Attorney, Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur Rocco Cozza returns to EMP! Mistrust in media and public information, the art of deception, aliens, black budgets, the inequity of MLB and much more. Wideranging, freeform conversations that are always ‘Real’. Join Eric as he sits down with one of Pittsburgh’s best – Rocco Cozza!

Stand-up comedian and filmmaker Aaron Kleiber joins Eric in-studio to share his unique story. Aaron discusses his work in filmmaking and comedy, how he began up doing stand-up, the challenges of ‘live’ performances, how he maneuvered through the past 16 months, his current special ‘Grown Ass @%$ Dad’ streaming on Amazon and much, much more.

For Episode #7 of EMP’s ‘Four Friends’ series, Eric is joined by Christen Yacoviello, Kristie Crisci and Dave Grimm. Super fun and lively conversastion including various thoughts on daily life in 2021, social media, pre vs post internet realities, online dating and a whole lot of music memories! Always unvarnished, always unscripted and always 100% … Continue reading Show #204 – ‘Four Friends’ Episode #7 – Christen Yacoviello, Kristie Crisci, Dave Grimm →

Dr. Patrick Cooper, Physics professor at Duquesne University returned to Boogie Street Studio for another sit down with Eric. During this visit, Coop discusses topics including the history of Mathematics, infinity, the measurement of Time, the size of The Universe, quantum physics and the standard model, the possibility of aliens and much, much more.

Episode #6 of EMP’s ‘Four Friends’ series included Mandi Pryor, Nathalie Steindl Fleck and Chad Lee Shipley. Topics include fitness and health motivation, personal drive, parenting, bullying and much more. Frank, unvarnished and ‘real’ talk. And some humor as well!

Eric sits down in the Boogie Street Studio with Mandi Pryor. Mandi is a Entrepreneur, TV Show Host at ‘Spotlight on Pittsburgh’, Marketing Company Owner and currently the Executive Director at South West Communities Chamber in Pittsburgh.

The EMP Squad reconvened for a 4th episode of frank, unvarnished and real talk. This time they cracked open topics including is free will an illusion, is social media an illusion, do humans truly desire what they say they do, why actions seldom match words, human expectations and much, much more. The deep and the … Continue reading Show #200 – Squad Episode #4 – Cassidy Bauer, Julia Mulligan, Jerry Mulligan →

Eric is joined by filmmaker Fred Vogel, Eric Wasinski and Sir Freddy Kowalo for an in-depth conversation on popular music. The guys crack it wide open with discussion and debate on popular music, rock & roll, greatest bands, greatest guitarists, greatest bass players and favorite decades. Spirited and fun music talk! Always ‘real’ and full … Continue reading Show #199 – 4 Friends Episode #5 – Fred Vogel, Eric Wasinski, Fred Kowalo →

Katie Smith joins Sir Freddy Kowalo and Eric in Boogie Street Studios. The trio crack open topics including the changing ‘norms’ in today’s society, the concept of asking questions instead of giving statements, the importance of birthdays, Katie’s karaoke skills, Fred’s hair and much, much more. Unvarnished, real and fun conversation with the expected hilarity.

Record producer, engineer and owner of Red Medicine Studio, Sean McDonald, sits down visits Boogie Street to share his thoughts on the challenges of the past year, his recording studio, insights into his projects and clients, both past and present, his history of working with PBS, recording innovations through the years and much, much more.

On EMP Show #196, Eric sits down with Steven Labate, an athletic trainer who has worked for the Carolina Panthers during their Super Bowl year and currently works for the Duquesne Dukes football team. Additionally, along with his family, Steven is passionate winemaker.

Duquesne University’s Economics Professor Dr. Matt Ryan, as well as Director of Student Affairs Philip Clarke, sit down with Eric in the Boogie Street Studio. Topics include thoughts on changes in higher education post 2020, the effectiveness of virtual classrooms, the value of higher education and potential changes in the college experience going forward. The … Continue reading Show #195 – Dr. Matt Ryan, Philip Clarke →

For EMP’s ‘Four Friends’ Episode #4, Eric is joined by Alisha Fraizer DeLuca, Cassidy Bauer and Sir Freddy Kowalo. Topics include how difficult the year has been on the beauty industry and finding one’s own originality. And predictably, hilarity ensues with topics including the mystery of the McRib and the reveal of Sir Fred’s monker, … Continue reading Show #194 – Four Friends Episode #3 – Alisha DeLuca, Cassidy Bauer, Sir Freddy Kowalo →

The UFO crew is back! Julia, Sir Freddy and Eric join UFO James Krug for another discussion. Topics this show include: Famous people and UFOs, Time Travel, Remote Viewing including Sir Fred’s personal experiences, The Battle of Los Angeles, Space Force and much more!

In this visit to EMP, Dr. Brock shares a change in direction he is undergoing as he closes his private practice and shifts his concentration to television, filmmaking and other creative content endeavors. Also discussed are big picture ideas on community, our need for belonging coexisting with our desire for individuality, motivation, kindness and much … Continue reading Show #192 – Dr. Rueben Brock →

Eric sits down in-studio with Jim Donovan and Joe Marini! Jim shared a bit of his life and journey in music starting with Rusted Root, then through the years of solo work and onto his most recent project, Jim Donovan & the Sun King Warriors, a band where Joe is the drummer!

Attorney and professional speaker Rocco Cozza along with insurance professional Tiffany Battaglini-Leitner join Eric for a discussion of topic including entrepreneurship, mentors, creativity, having a growth mindset, asking yourself hard questions, making tough decisions, developing a dynamic sphere of influence, practicing indifference and much, much more.

Stand-up Comedian T-Robe returns to Boogie Street Studio! Tony shares what the past months have been like, his thoughts on ‘virtual’ comedy shows, drive-in comedy and the return to live performance again. He also shares his recent travel, enduring the recent snowstorm in Texas and much more in this fast paced show!

Pittsburgh fire fighter, author, professional fitness trainer, former professional boxer and co-owner of Southside Boxing Club, Sam Suska, joins Eric in the Boogie Street Studio for a discussion on boxing, training, discipline and entrepreneurship.

Dr Steve Greene sits down with Eric to discuss his return to Ghana to resume work with his charity “Hope for Ghana”. For 35 years Dr. Greene has been traveling to Ghana to help some of the country’s most remote people with the construction of schools and wells for fresh water.

Pittsburgh sports personality Paul Alexander joins Eric in the Boogie Street Studio talk a little Pirate baseball, a little Steeler football, a little Penguins hockey and whole lot of – Life.

Entrepreneur, coach and endurance runner Chad Reed Shipley visits Eric to discuss health, fitness, diet, nutrition, entrepreneurship, drive, finding motivation, mentors and ideas for more human civility.