TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily Podcast
By Joel Natalie
TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastOct 14, 2021
New Millcreek Parks Plan: Ashley Marsteller & Matt Waldinger - May 24, 2024
Millcreek Township Parks and Recreation just released their five-year strategic action plan, and Ashley Marsteller, Director of Parks and Recreation, along with Matt Waldinger, Director of Planning and Development, joined Joel on Friday to go over the highlights of improvements and possible additions intended to improve the region's quality of life.
Year-End Update from Erie's Public Schools: Brockman, Polito & Szumigala - May 22, 2024
The three top leaders of Erie's Public Schools joined the Joel Natalie Show Wednesday for a rare comprehensive conversation on the state the region's largest school district and its over 11,000 students. Our guests were Superintendent Brian Polito, and Assistant Superintendents Neil Brockman and Teresa Szumigala. Topics ranged from building projects, to state test scores, and the utilization of WestEd consultant firm at Erie High and East Middle Schools.
Public Restrooms in Downtown: Kathy Schaaf - May 21, 2024
Erie City Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf has been looking at the issue of the lack of public restrooms in our downtown core. Safety, cleanliness, and maintenance are all considerations to tackle Erie's "Poo Problem".
May Meeting with the Mayor: Mayor Joe Schember - May 17, 2024
This Month, Erie Mayor Joe Schember spoke of workforce levels, the Summer Recreation Guide, and the impact of LERTA on new building projects in the city.
Erie Downtown Partnership Readies for Summer: Emily Fetcko - May 15, 2024
Every morning, Ambassadors from the Erie Downtown Partnership do clean-up and outreach to keep downtown Erie a safe, fun, and welcoming place for all. CEO Emily Fetcko discussed the work EDP is doing going into the summer months.
May EDDC Update: Drew Whiting - May 14, 2024
On Tuesday, the CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, Drew Whiting, gave us an update on the timing of another brand-new building coming online in the 5th Street corridor.
LERTA vs TIF: Chuck Nelson - May 13, 2024
Erie City Councilman Chuck Nelson has been in the news lately, discussing the LERTA tax abatement program and his assessment that it isn't performing as promised. He is proposing a TIF, which is discussed in our Monday podcast.
National Nutrition Month: Janet Chrostowski - Mar. 20, 2024
March is National Nutrition Month, so we are discussing nutritional health. Are we really what we eat?! Our guest is Janet Chrostowski, a Registered Dietitian with Masters Degree in Public Health and is an Advanced Practitioner in Nutrition with 35 years at UPMC Hamot; and more than 40 in the field of Dietetics.
TechCelerator Pitch Event Participants: Various Guests - Mar. 19, 2024
Groundbreaking Erie County-based startup companies completed the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Erie TechCelerator program and were presenting their pitches as they compete for $15,000. The companies we interviewed included: Zenedge, Bodha.ai, Erie Applications, Eventive AI, Brokenstraw Outdoors, Hikes & Hose, Hydrantcare.us.
March Visit With The County Executive: CE Brenton Davis - Mar. 18, 2024
A lively visit with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis, discussing economic development, the library controversy, and his views on the gaming revenue authority.
March Meeting with the Mayor: Mayor Joe Schember - Mar. 15, 2024
On Friday, Erie Mayor Joe Schember made his monthly walk to our 429 State Street studio to discuss the significant topics facing City Hall.
Profile of John Melody: John Melody - Mar. 14, 2024
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and Erie loves to celebrate this holiday. On Thursday, we talked to John Melody, owner of the U Pick 6 establishments, about the importance of St. Patrick’s Day for local restaurants and taverns. We also heard about Melody’s work with his new charity Success by Sport.
Public Health Update: Breanna Adams & Erin Mrenak - Mar. 13, 2024
On our Wednesday health focus, and the four-year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdowns of schools and businesses, we caught up with Erin Mrenak, Erie County Director of Public Health, and Breanna Adams, Director of Environmental Health Services. We covered public health topics including respiratory illnesses like the flu, where are we with Covid, and that recent Hepatitis A scare.
Ascend Erie: Alex Bernstein & Chris Rosato - Mar. 11, 2024
On our Monday program, we welcomed in officials from Ascend Erie, the new rock-climbing gym that soars opposite our studio at Fifth and State. Ascend CEO and Co-owner Alex Bernstein and Erie location General Manager Christ Rosato were our guests, talking about their first few months of operations and what they are looking forward to this year.
One Month to the Eclipse: Christine Temple - Mar. 8, 2024
On Friday, March 8th we were exactly one month from the Total Solar Eclipse, a celestial event that won’t happen again in Erie until 2144. With as many as 260,000 people coming to Erie to witness the Eclipse, we were getting prepared with Visit Erie. Christine Temple joined us to talk about VisitErie’s SHINE campaign, learning more about the preparations and safety tips.
3rd Charlotte Flight Boosts Airport: Dan Giannelli & Derek Martin - Mar. 6, 2024
Our Wednesday focus was on the Erie International Airport, with the executive director Derek Martin, and the President of the Erie County Regional Airport Authority, Dan Giannelli. Are things “looking up” in terms of air travel to and from Erie?
Sports For All: Troy Bingham - Mar. 4, 2024
On our Monday program, we were happy to welcome Troy Bingham back to the microphone. Troy is the Owner of Erie Sports Center, and he is kicking off a new program with Erie neighborhood community centers called “Sports for All.”
Historical Institute of Culture & the African American Experience: Bishop Curtis Jones, Sr. - Feb. 29, 2024
On the final day of Black History Month, we learned more about Historical Institute of Culture & the African American Experience, a new museum and gathering place founded by Bishop Curtis Jones, Sr., who was our guest. We learned his personal story and the idea and promise of the Institute.
Legislative Update: Cong. Mike Kelly - Feb. 28, 2024
US Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) from the 16th District joined us Wednesday to speak about the budget, foreign aid, and other legislative priorities in Washington.
Changes in Flagship City District: Drew Whiting - Feb. 27, 2024
Our studio is right in the heart of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, so on Tuesday we had our quarterly review with the CEO of the EDDC, Drew Whiting. We learned what’s new at the Flagship City Food Hall, apartment rentals, new construction, and so much more as the face of downtown goes through exciting changes.
It's a Buyer's Car Market: Ben Jeffreys - Feb. 26, 2024
If you’re planning to buy a car in the near future, you’ll want to listen to our Monday interview with Ben Jefferys, General Marketing Manager for Hallman Auto Group. We discussed the current market for car buyers, got the latest on electric vehicles, and more.
YouTube Sensation First to Eleven: Ryan Krysiak, Audra Miller & Trevor Vogt
On our fun Friday episode, we were talking to musicians in the band, First to Eleven. The band started playing together here in Erie, then took off to national fame with their viral videos. Before they headed out on tour, we chatted with lead singer, Audra Miller, teacher and musician Ryan Krysiak, and newcomer Trevor Vogt.
An Astronomer's View of the Eclipse: Dr. David Hurd - Feb. 22, 2024
On our Thursday show, we were “looking up,” as Dr. David Hurd, professor of astronomy at Penn West Edinboro, joined us to share his enthusiasm and expertise on the Total Eclipse on April 8th.
New Approach to Fight Homelessness: Boo Hagerty - Feb. 21, 2024
On our Wednesday episode, we were pleased to welcome Charles “Boo” Hagerty to the microphone. Boo is the Chief Development Officer of the Hamot Health Foundation. His work with the Foundation, as well as his current focused mission to help the homeless, is truly making a difference in Erie.
State Senator's Visit: Sen. Dan Laughlin - Feb. 20, 2024
Making his first visit to The Joel Natalie Show in 2024 was Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49th). We talked about the status of the CRIZ, the ECGRA controversy, and his legislative priorities.
February Mayor Meeting: Mayor Joe Schember - Feb. 16, 2024
The Joel Natalie Show was live at the Erie RV & Outdoor Adventure Expo Friday, and Mayor Joe Schember joined us for his February visit.
ECTIC Community Resilience Conference: Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin & Nicole Platz - Feb. 15, 2024
On our Thursday episode, we learned about the 3rd Annual Erie County Community Resilience Conference, sponsored by the Erie Coalition for a Trauma-Informed Community. Joining us was Nicole Platz, Chief Community Impact Officer for the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, and Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin, a co-chair of the Coalition, and Professor of Psychology at Penn State Behrend.
Pickleball Love: Michael Agresti - Feb. 14, 2024
On our Valentine's Day show, we learned about the newest craze in sports, fitness, and fun in Erie, with Presque Isle Pickleball. Joining us was PIP’s owner, Michael Agresti, to give us the lowdown on this super-social sport.
Foster Parent Crisis in Erie County: Brittany Burlingham & Jess Peterson - Feb. 13, 2024
The Tuesday program brought an update on the needs for more foster parenting, and for supporting them. Our guests were Brittany Burlingham of the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, and Jess Peterson from the Keystone Family Alliance Team.
Keep Our Library Public: Anna McCartney & Krista Perry - Feb. 12, 2024
On the Monday broadcast, we covered the controversy surrounding Erie County leasing a portion of the Blasco Library to Gannon University and its Project NePTWNE. Representatives of Keep Our Library Public joined us: Krista Perry and Anna McCartney.
Erie Filmmaking and an Oscars Preview: John C. Lyons - Feb. 9, 2024
On our Fun Friday episode, Erie filmmaker John C. Lyons came on the show to discuss his latest project, Tethered, an immersive live experience. He also spoke about other film projects in the works, and his picks for the Academy Awards.
The JES Winter Programs: Ben Speggen - Feb. 8, 2024
Our Thursday episode featured frequent guest Ben Speggen, the Vice President of the Jefferson Educational Society, to highlight the Erie think-tank's Winter Term. Ben also shared about his 2023 visit to Germany and some of their industry and business best practices.
2024 American Heart Month: Camilla Camacho & Gina Klofft - Feb. 7, 2024
February is American Heart Month, and from the American Heart Association was local director Gina Klofft, and graduate student and intern Camilla Camacho to talk screenings, best practices, and the 100 year anniversary of the AHA.
February Meeting with the County Executive: CE Brenton Davis - Feb. 6, 2024
When Erie County Executive Brenton Davis returned to The Joel Natalie Show microphones, we discussed economic development, the Gaming Revenue Authority, and other administration priorities.
Bringing the USS Halyburton to Erie: Justin Crowe & Robert Reilly - Feb. 2, 2024
On our Friday show, we learned of the efforts of The Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard, a nonprofit organization working to secure the decommissioned ex-USS HALYBURTON, a Perry class Guided Missile Frigate, and bring it to Erie as a maritime exhibit. Joel interviewed RADM (Ret.) Robert D. Reilly, Jr. and MCPD (Ret.) Justin S. Crowe.
Fighting Poverty Through Erie Together: Mary Bula - Feb. 1, 2024
We began the new month with a conversation with Mary Bula, the Executive Director of Erie Together, the area's anti-poverty initiative. The organization of volunteers from across the region are trying to solve systemic and generational poverty through data-driven approaches in education and career pathways.
Erie Prepares for the Eclipse: Emily Biddle & John Oliver - Jan. 31, 2024
On our Wednesday episode, our Erie Total Solar Eclipse coverage turned to what's happening on the ground, with Visit Erie's John Oliver and Emily Biddle. We talked about the massive numbers of expected visitors, and how Erieites should prepare.
Year-end County Coroner's Report: Lyell Cook - Jan. 30, 2024
The Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook joined us Tuesday to review the preliminary statistics regarding investigated deaths his office handled in 2023, including the highest number of homicides in 50 years.
Grace Leadership Institute Spring Session: Derek Sanford - Jan. 24, 2024
On our Wednesday program, we had a conversation about the importance of leadership with Pastor Derek Sanford, Dean of the Grace Leadership Institute and Lead Pastor of Grace Church. We spoke of the mission and activities of the GLI, and the importance of using our influence to make the lives better of people around us.
Penn State Behrend's 75th Anniversary: Dr. Ralph Ford - Jan. 23, 2024
On the Tuesday edition of The Joel Natalie Show, we invited in-studio Dr. Ralph Ford, Chancellor of Penn State Behrend. The higher ed institution in Harborcreek Township is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Dr. Ford told the story of the origin of the Behrend campus, how the school is celebrating this milestone, and their work in the greater Erie region.
Mayor's January Meeting: Mayor Joe Schember - Jan. 19, 2024
It's was an action-packed episode to start 2024 as Joel interviewed Erie Mayor Joe Schember. Discussion points included the budget, the Greengarden bikeway, and the Mayor's appointment of Mel Witherspoon to an open City Council seat.
State Legislative Priorities: Rep. Bob Merski - Jan. 18. 2024
On our Thursday episode of The Joel Natalie Show, we welcomed back State Representative Bob Merski (D-2nd) back to the microphone. We talked about state finances, game and fisheries, gaming oversight, along with his expert knowledge of Basic Education as a former Erie School District educator.
PA's Pro-Life Movement: Tim Broderick - Jan. 17, 2024
On our Wednesday program, we caught up with Tim Broderick, Executive Director of Erie's People For Life, Inc., the local pro-life organization. We discussed the well-attended Pro-Life Breakfast, the March for Life, and the current state of the abortion issue in Pennsylvania in this post-Roe era.
Happy Tax Season: John Baker & Ben Reiter - Jan. 15, 2024
On Monday, we started the week with our annual tax season program, with certified financial planners John Baker and Ben Reiter from Kingdom Financial Group. John also heads up Kingdom Tax Services. We discussed the lay of the land for 2023 tax returns along with developing a plan for 2024 now.
Year in Review in Arts & Culture: Anne O'Dell - Jan. 12, 2024
The Executive Director of Erie Arts & Culture, Anne O'Dell, joined us on our Friday episode to review past year in the arts community, and what Erie has to look forward to in 2024.
Comic Mark Christopher Lawrence: Jan. 11, 2024
Just before his appearance at Keller's a Modern Magic and Comedy Club, actor, comedian, and producer Mark Christopher Lawrence appeared on our radio show. Mark is known for his roles in the TV show Chuck, and movies like Terminator 2.
Update from AHN St. Vincent: Dr. Chris Clark - Jan. 9, 2024
On Tuesday's episode, we welcomed Dr. Chris Clark, the President of AHN St. Vincent Hospital. We discussed respiratory illness, the new Critical Decision Unit and behavioral health wing, plus the work being done to encourage young people to enter nursing and the medical fields.
Davis's Priorities for 2024: CE Brenton Davis - Jan. 8, 2024
We began the week with a conversation with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis, as he highlighted his efforts to boost emergency response in the county, along with his other priorites in the new year.
Erie's Place in National Politics in 2024: Steve Scully - Jan. 4, 2024
On our Thursday broadcast, we were delighted to welcome Steve Scully to the microphone. Scully is an Erie native who has interviewed every US President since Ford throughout his career . He is currently host of The Briefing on Sirius XM POTUS channel, and Senior VP of Communications with the Bipartisan Policy Center.
State of Business at the Start of 2024: James Grunke - Jan. 3, 2024
To start the new year, we get a baseline on Erie business with James Grunke, the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.