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.
Community leaders including the Jefferson Educational Society are investigating the feasibility of a National War of 1812 Museum to be developed along Erie's waterfront. On Wednesday, Joel and our listeners were introduced to the concept by Erie Native and Sirius XM radio host Steve Scully, and Dr. Brad King, VP at Lord Cultural Resources in Toronto.
On Tuesday, we were joined by Jeremy Peterson, the CEO of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority. They are holding their fifth 14th Fest Thursday, with live bands, food and a special recognition of thier milestone workers. Also, we discussed the history of the EMTA, from it's start in 1966 through the important technology improvements deployed today.
Erie County Council member Rock Copeland joins us to talk about court house business.
On Thursday, Erie County Executive Christian Vogel visted our 429 State Street studio for her monthly conversation, which centered around county issues such as the reentry program, cell phone use in the court house, and the upcoming America250PA events.
On Tuesday, we were exploring an exciting new approach in the cleaning and restoration industry, with folks from Advanced Laser Restoration. With us was Greg Price, Owner and Founder of ALR, Jacob Thomas, President of ALRErie, and Cory Chevalier, VP of ALRErie.
John DiMatteo, Director of Human Services for Erie County joins us.
On Friday, Pam Parker and Mark Squeglia from the Hagen History Center joined us to discuss Command & Courage:Oliver Hazard Perry, an upcoming symposium and permanent exhibit beginning August 13th.
On Thursday, Her Honor Daria Devlin, the Mayor of the City of Erie, joined us for our monthly radio meeting. The two major discussion items were the Waterfront Conditional Use for Erie Event's Market House, and the newly released Financial Outlook Report for the City by the consultant PFM.
May is Better Sleep Month, and on our Wednesday health focus, we interviewed Dr. Joseph Rowane of AHN St. Vincent, an expert in sleep disorders. We discussed causes and solutions for sleep apena, and ways to have better sleep hygiene.
In the aftermath of Erie City Council voting down a Waterfront Conditional Use for the Market House proposed by Erie Events (Erie Co. Convention Center Authority), CEO Gus Pine gives us the lay of the land and what might happen next for this $15 million project.
On Thursday, We spoke with the Erie County Re-entry Services and Support Alliance. Our guests included Bob Hess, Program Director, Sheila Silman, Former Program Director and Volunteer, and Brother Daryl Craig, Erie Blue Coats.
Wednesday was the Keystone Nonprofit Conference, otherwise known as KeyCon. Our guests were the following leaders:Adam BrattonShannon McCrakenJoe LangSeth TrottAngie McClimanChelsea OliverColin HurleyKenny BonusEmily FrancisMargarette Dieudonne
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.
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