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.
Last week, the Erie Regional Airport Authority had two big announcements regarding new service from Erie International Airport. On Thursday, they announced that American Airlines was starting daily service to Chicago O'Hare airport beginning May 22nd. Then on Friday, it was released that United Airlines was returning to ERI with three daily flights to O'Hare beginning on June 1st. Executive Director Derek Martin gave us the full story on Monday's show.
On a breaking news Friday, we heard from Michael Woodard, part of the Justice for Chello movement, who reacted to the arrest of the state parole officer allegedly part of the officer-involved shooting of Marcello Woodard in July 2025 in Erie.
The CEO of Erie Events, Gus Pine, joined us to update listeners about their efforts to activate Erie's entertainment and hospitality venues. He also shared the latest developments in Erie Events taking over the Erie Zoo property from the City of Erie. Editors Note: Erie City Council passed the first reading of a resolution to complete the transfer of 96 acres including the Erie Zoo to Erie Events. The second reading is forthcoming.
Bishop Lawrence T. Persico of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie joined us Wednesday to discuss the Episcopal Transition for the Diocese, as the bishop has submitted his resignation at age 75, along with the opportunity for spiritual growth in season of Advent.
Brandon Mendoza, President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is with us. We reviewed 2025 from the Chamber's perspective, and took a look at their new Erie 300 Strategy.
On Monday's episode, Joel spoke with both Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA), who was in town for a business roundtable, and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA16) on the phone to discuss affordability, tariffs, and what Erie-area constituents are feeling here at year-end.
Dr. Roché Vermaak, Executive Director of the Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity joins us to share about Build 81.
The Executive Director of Erie's City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Authority, Brian Polito, joins us for a year-end update on the CRIZ and the kinds of projects in the pipeline for investment using this powerful economic development tool.
We started the week getting an understanding of how the Erie residential real estate market is doing at the end of 2025, with team leader Josh Kitchen of Remax Real Estate.
Pam Parker, Project Manager at the Hagen History Center, came by Thursday to discuss Victorian Holidays at the Watson-Curtze Mansion this month, as well as describing Christmas celebrations at the turn of the 20th Century on Erie's Millionaire's Row.
Thomas Laird, the CEO of OttoQA & Expivia talks AI with us to discuss Artificial Intelligence and how Erie can benefit from embracing it.
Erie County Executive Brenton Davis joined The Joel Natalie Show for his December and final monthly meeting at TalkErie as the elected CE. We reviewed his four-year tenure and the people who served to make it happen.
Joining us on Monday was Dr. Jeffrey Bloodworth to talk about his article, titled “Erie Portends an Ominous Path for PA's GOP,” which was recently published on the Real Clear Pennsylvania website, reviewing the 2025 Municipal Election results and what it could mean for the 2026 midterms.
Dr. Fernando Melaragno, an endocrinologist with LECOM Health returns to discuss obesity, diabetes, and watching your weight.
Temple Anshe Hesed Rabbi Robert Morais joined us Tuesday to talk about the latest updates on how the Israel - Gaza situation affects us all.
Local historian George Deitsch returns to talk about the American Revolution and how our region was impacted.
The author of the book America's Early Frontier: Economic History of Northwestern Pennsylvania (1753-2024), Dr. Judy Lynch, was our guest Wednesday. We discussed Erie and the region's importance to the nation's geographic and industrial growth, including great success and missed opportunities.
Erie County Council District 3 representative and Finance Committee chair Rock Copeland returned to The Joel Natalie Show to unpack budgetary priorites and forecast what 2026 might look like.
On Monday, we welcomed back Infinite Erie Executive Director Kim Thomas as we examined the highlights from the recently passsed Pennsylvania state budget and what it means for our articulated local priorities.
On our Friday episode, we were happy to welcome back Susannah Faulkner to the microphone. As the Executive Director of Erie Arts and Culture, Susannah and her team connect artists with organizations, and engage the community by promoting diverse culture experiences.
Brian Johansson, CEO of the Erie City Mission joined us Thursday to share plans for feeding Erie families for Thanksgiving, along with plans for expanding its outreach to women and children.
On a Wednesday health focus, we met with Maria Baker, Highmark Vice President of Health Strategy and Delivery to discuss a new collaboration between Highmark and Noom to improve member health through behavior change and personalized support.
On Tuesday, we met the new leader for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, Greg Hall. We discuss the essential services of Second Harvest to its 11 county footprint, and the highly-increased demand it's experiencing since the federal government shutdown.
In the wake of last week's municipal election, Erie County Executive Brenton Davis returned to our studio for his November monthly meeting.
On Friday, Erie-native, nationally-renowned journalist and talk show host Steve Scully returned to discuss the Jefferson Educational Society's Global Summit, the mood in DC, and latest in media issues.
On Thursday, Joel was joined by former chaplain of the Erie VA Medical Center, Rev. David Fugate and Jim Hertner, retired real estate broker and former Navy Medic serving US Marines in the Vietnam War. We discussed the hidden wounds of war, including PTSD and moral injury.
Political consultant Jezree Friend returned to our microphones Wednesday to share his hot takes on the General Election Tuesday.
The CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Drew Whiting, joined us Monday to review the latest developments in their service area, including new Food Hall businesses, the opening of Serafini's, and the upcoming launch of Dave's Dinor.
On Thursday, we were talking about strategies for solving the teacher shortage, both locally and in the Commonwealth, as Pennsylvania Department of Education's Chief Talent Officer, Rick Levis joined us.
On our Wednesday program we followed up on a big deal announcement between the Ben Franklin Technology Partners and Erie Insurance. Brian Slawin, Director and Portfolio Manager at the Ben Franklin Technology Partners joined us.
On Tuesday, we sat down with the recently-appointed Executive Director of Erie Center for Arts and Technology, Jude Shingle. We learned his vision for ECAT, as the organization continues to offer adult career training programs and afterschool arts programs for teens.
On Friday, we got a preview of the opening of a landmark exhibit at the Hagen History Center called, “The Story of Us, Erie Polonia: Churches and Neighborhoods.” It was curated by local historian Bobby Sulecki, who joined us along with HHC Director of Programming & Visitor Experience Adam Macrino, and Bobby's mother Mary Jo Sulecki.
Mercyhurst University communications professor Brian Sheridan joined us Thursday to discuss the current moment in media, both locally and nationally.
On our Wednesday health focus, Lana Kunik discussed the National Diabetes Prevention program offered at the Sight Center of Northwest PA. The conversation touched on how uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vision loss and blindness.
The Chair and Treasurer of the Millcreek Township Government Study Commission, Paul Vojtek and Jim DeDad, respectively came to discuss key issues regarding the Commission's recommendations and challenge some of the narratives in the community about their findings.
Former Congressman Phil English returned to our studios Monday to discuss a new assignment contributing to improving the workforce in America's rural regions. He also weighed in on the imminent federal government shutdown.
On Friday, Erie Mayor Joe Schember walked a couple blocks from City Hall to our 429 State Street studios to discuss the city's proposed deal over the Erie Zoo with Erie Events, along with other big city issues.
The voice of the OHL's Erie Otters, Trevor Kubeja joined us Thursday to share a preview of the hockey team's season.
On our Wednesday health focus, we welcomed Adam Susmarski, DO at LECOM Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. He shared his insights on keeping our student-athletes healthy and safe throughout high school and college sports.
Grant Filbeck joined us on Tuesday to discuss questions regarding the Millcreek Township Government's recommendation to change the form of government in the township.
On Monday, we checked in with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA16) to talk about the impact inflation is making on Pennsylvania constituents, along with tariffs and defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Former Erie County Poet Laureate Chuck Joy returned to our microphones to tell us about his latest collection of poetry entitled White and Blue.
After an exclusive tour of the Ironworks Square worksite, Joel hosted Tina Mengine, the CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Laith Wardi, founder of Gem City Growth Strategies, for a discussion of the potential of the 12th brownfield. Tina and Laith are also the hosts of the Economic Pulse podcast, heard on 105.9 TalkErie WZTE.
On Wednesday, Development Coordinator Shawn Bednard discussed upcoming events sponsored by the Hamot Health Foundation, along with their efforts to combat homelessness.
On Tuesday we sat down with the President of Gannon University to discuss Gannon's Centennial Homecoming, the merger with Ursuline College, and other big university news.
On Monday, Dr. Christopher Harben of Penn State Behrend's Center for Family Business joined us to share about the upcoming Family Business Conference to be held at the Bayfront Convention Center in October. Registrations can be received by emailing clh612@psu.edu
For 25 years Athena Powerlink has been helping women small business owners and entrepreneurs. Linda Stevenson of Athena Erie joined us Friday to share their stories.
Rock Copeland, who represents the 3rd District of Erie County Council, returned to our microphones to express his perspectives on several pressing county issues.
Cindy Spizarny, President & CEO, and Allison Amendola, Vice President of Advancement return to give us an update on WQLN Public Media after the loss of federal funding.
At the top of the month of September, the Erie County Executive Brenton Davis joins us to talk county business for his monthly meeting.
Noted Erie filmmaker John C. Lyons joins us to discuss this falls new Wednesday night film series at 10-20 Collective, beginning Sep. 3rd, along with the next Tethered immersive theatrical experience coming the last two weekends of September at the former Maennerchor Club.
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
