TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily Podcast

On Wednesday we welcomed local playwright Lisa Rawson of Peeshk Productions LLC. Her play, "Old-School Living (In Our Old School)", has been performed six times across the U.S., and the upcoming 7th production will be performed on her old high school stage in Conneaut Lake on July 10-12th. Meanwhile, her second play will be produced at the Station Dinner Theatre in August. We learned Lisa's story and process of getting creativity to the stage.

We are one month from the largest bicycle event in Erie County each year: Lake Erie Cyclefest. To talk about the events and their impact are Sarah Bennett, Executive Director of Asbury Woods Nature Center, and Sydney Dietz, Event and Marketing Manager of the Erie Sports Commission.

Nicole Ferringer, Business Services Manager of PA CareerLink-Erie County & Oil Region comes to chat about the workforce

Marcie Gourley, local author and counselor, joins us to talk about her new book "250 Great Things About America: Places, People and Principles Worth Celebrating"

On Wednesday, Erie Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Derek Martin joined us to discuss the latest destinations out of ERI, and the best practices for travelers getting away this summer.

To discuss Erie County's brand-new Genasys ALERT emergency notification system was Erie County Director of Public Safety, John Durlin, and John Stehlin, Countywide Engagement Officer.

Adam Bratton, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership joins us to discuss the Celebrate Nonprofits Weeks, such as the Excellence Awards the June 25th Career, Volunteer & Board Service Fair

On our Thursday episode, Jon Connole and Don Benczkowski, members of the Presque Isle Advisory Committee unpacked the work of the committee and the current dilemma over federal funding for sand replenishment for the Peninsula.

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.

Gannon University Women's Basketball head coach Cleve Wright joins us about the upcoming Tip-off Classic and his new season

Mayor Joe Schember, along with EPD Chief Dan Spizarny, and EFD Leonard Trott join us

The President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber, Brandon Mendoza joins us

Millcreek Township Supervisor Kim Clear joins us to discuss township business.

John Oliver of Visit Erie recently announced his retirement. He joins us to discuss his career here in Erie and tourism in general.

Dr. David Reardon will be speaking at the annual People for Life Pro-Life Dinner on Friday, Oct. 24th at the Ambassador Conference Center.

Dr. Matthew Platz, Executive Director of the Corry Higher Education Council talks about new programs and the impact of the state budget impasse on organizations like his.

The President of Pennsylvania Western University Dr. Jon Anderson joins us to talk about the system and the Edinboro campus in particular

Justin Dombrowski - author of the new book "The Murder of Debbie Gama"