Keeping it Real with Chris Norris

Going a bit "off script" here and using our podcast platform to share some valuable information this Holiday Season. People will be spending more time online and using social media this Christmas season than in the past so you need to have a solid plan in place.  Whether for your business, your brand, your event or your cause, use these easy to follow steps to maximize your reach on social media this Holiday Season.

As we continue to talk with local business owners affected by the COVID-19 shutdown, we shift the conversation to online marketing. Josh Layhue, owner/founder of Ghost Creativ, a digital marketing agency in Erie, Pa shares valuable insight into how effective online marketing and social media helped many businesses survive and thrive amidst the pandemic.

We are back with a new series of interviews featuring business owners who have faced the coronavirus pandemic head-on. Today's guest is CEO and Founder of Presque Isle Printing Services, Alice DeGeorge who had to change the way she served her customers while getting creative with new marketing efforts.

The countdown towards "back to school" continues and many parents are still left wondering what their schools will do this fall. On today's episode of the podcast, we keep it real with members of the Erie County Dept. of Health who have been on the frontlines of COVID since the start of the pandemic.

Guests, Breanna Adams and David George have been working diligently to help schools safely return our kids to their facilities this fall and they will share what that process has been like.

Everyone is talking about what schools are going to do in a few weeks as classes resume for the fall. From elementary ed to higher ed, options and opinions are circulating online and within our social circles. As a parent and husband of a school administrator, I want to go straight to the source and talk with those on the front lines of the school systems.

My guest today is Tessa Simmons who is the Assistant Principal at Valley Grove Elementary School in Franklin, PA. She and her team just released their re-opening plan and she is here to explain all the work happening throughout the summer to safely return their students to school. 

Everyone wants to be a social media influencer these days, right? It sounds like a great gig to get paid for what you share on Instagram. However, there are many myths and misunderstandings about how effective influence marketing actually works. Serial Entrepreneur and founder of ApexDrop Influence Marketing, Zak Stahlsmith is here to educate us and explain why he believes a major shift is happening in the marketing world. 

It's been just over a year since I left my corporate job and it's finally time to share a bit of my story. To my surprise, several of you have encouraged me to talk more about my journey thus far and the small but significant steps I took in starting my business, Revox Social.

My intent is not to provide you with a blueprint to bail on your 9-5, but rather share some practical tips from my "leap of faith" story. Your story can certainly be different than mine but hopefully, what I have to share today will inspire you to move in the direction of your desires.

You can do this too!

There is lots of “expert advice” on working out at home. When the Coronavirus outbreak forced gyms to shut down, many people turned to online instruction and at-home workout solutions. Today’s guest knows all about helping clients stay in shape while being stuck at home. Personal trainer, Nick Tulino discusses home workouts, finding balance beyond fitness and the future of gyms. 

Every day, we're overwhelmed with information and filled with fear regarding the coronavirus. But today, I keep it real about COVID-19 with a local doctor who is prepared to deal with the virus on a regular basis. Dr. David Hutzel of Greenfield Internal Medicine provides a local perspective on how Erie Pennsylvania could be affected by the outbreak and also answers some of your questions in a truly authentic and highly educated way. 

Today, I'm sharing an honest struggle that involves giving myself grace throughout the grind of life. Each of us is going through a different "grind" of sorts, but we can never be reminded too often that we need to give ourselves grace through the hustle and bustle of life. 

On today's episode of Keeping it Real, Chris has a great discussion with Erie City Mission CEO, Steve Westbrook about the work he and his team are doing to combat homelessness and addiction in Erie, Pennsylvania. Steve also talks more specifically about how his faith background has shaped his story and how he believes we are called to make a difference in our own unique ways.

I always appreciate the opportunity and privilege to take advantage of the platform available to me to share my passion. In this bonus episode, I was a guest on my friend Joel Natalie's show on TalkErie Radio. We discussed social media trends, tips and best practices as well as managing your online reputation.

Jenny has a fresh perspective on physical wellness and an even fresher perspective on parenting. As a brand new mom, she is balancing owning a physical therapy practice while taking care of her newborn baby girl. 

As any parent knows, this can be an overwhelming experience but for this mom-preneur, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Learn more about Jennifer Doyle and Rise Up Physical Therapy:

On this week's episode of Keeping it Real with Chris Norris, I talk with a long-time friend about the process of personal growth. As men, fathers, husbands and aspiring "tough guys" we tend to forget the importance of taking care of ourselves so we can show up for those who are relying on us.

Bret speaks openly about his early struggles with finding his identity and turning to personal growth and wellness to set sail in becoming the best version of himself.