Every day on 103.3, 105.9, and 1530 TalkErie.com's Joel Natalie Show, we tackle the biggest issues that the Erie, PA region faces. Stay informed and involved as we advance the narrative of Erie.
Tuesday was Pennsylvania Primary Day, and the chairs of both local politcal committees joined The Joel Natalie Show. With us was Sam Talarico, Chair of the Erie County Democratic Party, followed by Cliff Smathers, Chairman of the Erie County Republican Committee.
Erie County Council member Jim Wertz was the the County Election Board chair, but last month was replaced. He is sharing his story.
Our Friday guest was former Pennsylvania state representative Jeff Coleman. Jeff is the founder of Churchill Strategies, a communications firm based in Harrisburg. He is also co-host of Morning Light, a new television show that takes a faith-filled perspective on the daily news, which is seen locally on Lighthouse TV, channel 32.1, as well multiple streaming services. He is working with Common Ground USA to recognize local pillars of civil discourse with the The Spirit of Civility awards, one of which was awarded to our host, Joel Natalie here in Erie in April.
On Thursday, we met Justin Wagner, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for the US House, PA 16th Congressional District. He reviewed his upbringing, military service and platform.
Joining us Wednesday to mark National Mental Health Awareness Month as Nina Ferraro, Director of Behavioral Health at AHN Behavioral Health at the Medical Mall at Yorktown. She spoke about the outpatient capabilities they have at AHN, as well as what to do when having a mental health emergency.
On Tuesday, Marty Nwachukwu, a member of Erie County United joined us to explain what she is identifying as a widespread cost-of-living crisis, and possible solutions here in Erie.
We started the week with a conversation with two new members of Erie City Council: Andre Horton and Marilyn Pol. Although they might be new to Council, both members have decades of experience in civic life, and bring those perspectives to their new elected positions.
Our Friday guest was Hunter Lytle, the Executive Director of CAFE. CAFE stands for Cultures, Arts, Festivals, and Events of Erie, non-profit that is in charge of CelebrateErie and other City of Erie events. We discussed the America250 celebrations here locally along with CelebrateErie, and upcoming summer neighborhood events.
On our Thursday episode, we were joined by President Brandon Penn and former President Joel Miller, of the Apartment Association of NWPA. Our conversation was about affordable housing, issues facing landlords, tenant education, city permitting, and more.
On Wednesday, the CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Drew Whiting, joined us for an update on the EDDC's latest projects, along with an overview of the movement in the entire downtown sector.
Erie County Executive Christina Vogel joined The Joel Natalie Show Tuesday to talk about EMS, protecting children, and the plight of the tiny homes.
On Monday, we welcomed Dr. Christopher Harben, Associate Teaching Professor of Management, Business & Management, International Business, and MBA programs at Penn State Behrend. Our conversation was about the potential unionization of professors at Penn State, and a broader look at higher education.
After a huge crowd last weekend in Western Pennsylvania for the NFL Draft, we break down what it means for our local teams with our expert on the ground. Paul Adamczak, the host of The Draft Podcast and co-host of the now ended Flagship City Sports Talk on TalkErie, shared his takes on the event in Pittsburgh and the highs and lows of the draft for the Bills, Browns, and Steelers.
Thursday was Erie Mayor Daria Devlin's visit to The Joel Natalie Show and the Bureau of Police was the focus of our conversation, as she was joined by Police Chief Rick Lorah.
To discuss National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invited Michael Gaines, Executive Director at The Bradley H.Foulk Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County to join us.
On Tuesday, Christine Temple of VisitErie came to promote National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3-9, where many tourism venues throughout Erie County will be having special programming to tell their stories.
On Monday, we talked about the high-impact economic issues of Emergency Medical Services, and Childcare with Dr. Perry Wood, the Executive Director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. The conversation centered about the need and how ECGRA makes strategic investments toward solutions.
On Friday, Joel had a conversation with Brian Johansson, President/CEO Erie City Mission about the upcoming Broadway by the Bay fundraising event which will be held on Thursday, May 21st, as well as a new Haven facility for unhoused women and children.
On Wednesday, we got a preview of this year's Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving, as Dr. Brian Collingwood, VP for University Advancement joined us about this special opportunity for philanthropy.
On Tuesday, Erie-area political veteran Donna Reese joined us to discuss political violence and civil discourse, and her lived experience.
Jamie Snider, Executive Director of West County Paramedics was our guest, Monday. Increasing call volume and staffing shortages are putting strain on our emergency medical services. Immediate, life-saving response is still the goal, so we had a broad conversation about the challenges facing EMS.
Nikki Lavery joined us Friday to talk about a new music venue. Centennial Hall is a new kind of gathering space—designed to bring people together around music and art. Located in a historic building in downtown Erie.
On Thursday, Dr. Andrew Roth, Scholar-in Residence at the Jefferson Educational Society joined us to talk about his new book, "How to Be a Highly Effective Leader".
April is designated as Autism Acceptance Month. Kat DiVittorio, Executive Director of the DiVittorio Center for Autism in Corry, and Tish Bartlett, Executive Director of the Autism Society NWPA, joined us in the studio to talk about local resources available to individuals and families affected by autism.
In advance of a Fort LeBoeuf school board study session, concerned parents Katie Phillips and Zack Troyer joined Joel on Tuesday to discuss the various issues surrounding the three elementary schools in the FLB district and some of the possible solutions proposed.
On Monday, we reviewed Erie County Executive Christina Vogel's first 100 days, and the priorities and accomplishments as she begins her tenure at the Court House.
On Wednesday, we were talking tariffs with Gretchen Blough, the US Customs Brokerage Manager at Logistics Plus. We had an in-depth conversation on how the fluctuating tariffs impact our economy, our businesses, and local consumers.
On our Tuesday episode, we talked about the vertically-integrated ag-business of the Troyers and Folkland Foods. Mark Troyer and Colton Troyer joined us, to discuss the growth of their business, and their leasing of Erie County land in west county near Pleasant Ridge to grow potatoes.
On Monday, we got an update on solutions for the issue of homelessness with Charles "Boo" Hagerty, President of the Hamot Health Foundation, and Laura Guncheon, Director, Community Health Initiatives and as the Executive Director of BUILD CDC, which is building the proposed Schoolhouse Apartments. This permanent supportive housing project is designed to fill the gap in fighting homelessness in Erie.
On Thursday, Joel interviewed Brian Vogt, an expert who has worked on democracy and governance issues around the world. Brian has embarked on a Democracy Listening Tour to hear directly from Americans—especially Trump voters—about how they see the state of democratic principles within our constitutional republic. His tour has led to Erie County, PA to speak with several local voters about their perspectives and experiences.
Our Wednesday health focus centered around Parkinson's Awareness Month. Lynne Gotham, Executive Director of Parkinson Partners of NW PA updated us on this disease that is quickly growing in the US.
We are joined by Gus Pine, Executive Director of Erie Events, and Melissa "Roo" Kojancie, CEO of the Erie Zoo with a conversation about the City of Erie's transfer of the Zoo and its surrounding property to Erie Events, and the new drive for sustainability and reaccreditation at the Zoo.
On Friday, Joel had a retrospective conversation with Erie News Now Lead Forecaster John Stehlin, who has been tapped by County Executive Christina Vogel as Erie County's new Countywide Engagement Officer.
Housing was again a topic for our March monthly meeting withE Erie Mayor Daria Devlin, who was joined by Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development Cathryn Easterling. We discussed the mayor's listening sessions, and her work to update systems at City Hall.
Mark Becker, Athletic Director at Millcreek Township School District and McDowell High School joins us about the new $19.5 million project at Gus Anderson Field.
Retired Naval Officer Brian Lasher joins us for his informed perspective on the war in Iran.
Dr. Derek DiMatteo and Dr. Chris Magno of the Civic Impact Project joined us, discussing the impact of the loss of federal funds on Erie non-profits.
On our St. Patrick's Day episode, former Congressman Phil English, co-chair Government Relations at Arent Fox was with us to talk Washington and the global geopolitical reality.
On Monday's episode, we were talking with Jeremy Bloeser, Executive Director of the Erie County Land Bank, to learn about how the Land Bank is working toward turning vacancy into vibrancy.
Erie film director and producer John C. Lyons, joins us to talk about Sunday's Academy Awards.
On Thursday, Kim Thomas, Executive Director of Infinite Erie discussed their recently released action-oriented housing plan to address Erie's chronic housing shortage. The Erie Housing Accelerator Plan, includes a Housing Needs Analysis that shows the City of Erie is facing a significant affordable housing crisis and outlines a pathway to develop 250 new units of affordable, workforce, and supportive housing in the next five years in Erie's core neighborhoods.
The Erie Philharmonic is one of Erie's gems, significantly contributing to our quality of life. On Wednesday, Executive Director Bobby Pape joined us to discuss the upcoming 2026-27 Symphonic and Pops Series, along with the remainder of the current season, and upcoming special events.
On Tuesday, we talked manufacturing with the Northwest Industrial Resource Center. Sara Hanks, President and CEO OF the NWIRC, joined us to talk about their upcoming event: Driving Impact for Manufacturers Conference at Bayfront Convention Center on March 25th.
U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) joined us in studio after a day of meetings with Erie elected officials and other community members. Joel's conversation with the Congressman ranged from sand replenishment and the proposed naval shipyard, to workforce, and affordability.
Did you know that there was an amusement park and hotel resort in Lawrence Park at the turn of the 20th century? We found out all about the The Stories of Grove House Park and Four Mile Creek Park with author Christine Lorraine Morgan and President of the Lawrence Park Historical Society Anna Mae Van Dyne,
On Thursday, we followed up with the Presque Isle Neighborhood Network to find out about their Forever Curious Festival, coming up on March 16th at TREC. Seth Trott, PINN President, and Jennifer Farrar, President & CEO of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center were our guests.
Dr. Fernando Melaragno, endocrinology expert with LECOM Institute For Successful Aging, is back to the microphone to talk about National Nutrition Month.
Gary Lee, Chief Administrative Officer of Diverse Erie, as we discuss the annual report from Erie County's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission.
Katie Kretz, Exec. Dir. at the Multicultural Resource Center, comes to discuss the ICE rider at the Erie County Prison.
On Friday, we were happy to welcome Mark Smith, host of the podcast “PennsylMania.” In his series, Episode 5 focuses on the Erie Triangle. Why does the map of Pennsylvania have that little right triangle of land in its northwest corner? Mark did a deep dive on our geography, as well as Erie's place in history.
Daria S. Devlin makes her first appearance on our show as the Mayor of the City of Erie on Thursday, hitting on a broad range of topics mostly from the Mayor's Transition Team report and initiatives.
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