The County Connection Podcast

Berks County Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera, and Dante Santoni outline the upcoming events of the Berks250 celebration happening in 2026.

A look at the Berks County Children & Youth Services with Barb Jakubek, CYS Administrator, and Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller.

Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni discusses the Berks Veterans Affairs Department with their Director, Jay Ostrich, and Deputy Director, Will Tobin. 

Commissioner Christian Leinbach chats with the wives of the three commissioners — Jennifer Leinbach, Zylkia Rivera, and Sharon Santoni — about their experiences, perspectives, and roles as the spouses of Berks County Commissioners. 

The County of Berks Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhardt talks about the role that he and his team play in day-to-day operations of County Government. With Controller Joe Rudderow.

Rex Levengood, Facilities and Operations Director for the County of Berks, and Josh Williams, Projects and Operations Manager, discuss their respective jobs with Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, talks with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach about the organization's history, mission, state-wide signature events, and upcoming Berks County major events in 2026.

Learn about the events and activities offered by the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department from their Assistant Director, Dan Roe, Recreation & Special Events Supervisor Lisa Gauker, and Historic Resource Supervisor Jess Chemich. With host Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller 

Redevelopment projects in Reading, PA - including the 5th & Penn area downtown - are discussed by Alan Shuman, President of Shuman Development Group, with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.

Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow chats with Chief Information Officer Tim Smith about his department.

With Pam Gockley, Founder and Executive Director of The Camel Project bullying awareness organization, and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

WEEU owners John & Kristine Treese touch on:The future of AM radioAdapting to technology changes (streaming, sports coverage, listener habits)Social media strategy and its role in growthCommitment to local voices and community engagementLocal studios, local employees, local business supportExpanded sports coverage (including video and underrepresented sports)Partnerships with nonprofits and charitiesAdding more locally produced contentContinued focus on local high school sports

A look at the County of Berks purchasing procedures with George Rodriguez, Director of Contracts and Procurement, and Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow.

Commissioner Michael Rivera discusses the County of Berks budget process with Chief Financial Officer Laura Jones.

A look at the mission and initiatives of the Berks County Solid Waste Authority with their Executive Director, Jane Meeks. Hosted by Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow. 

Learn about the Berks County Planning Commission and its role in working with county municipalities, zoning, and the County Comprehensive Plan with their Executive Director Ashley Showers and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow sits down with Berks County's Director of Community and Economic Development Director, Pamela Menet.

An update on the Berks County Imagine Berks economic development plan with Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, and Commissioner Michael Rivera.

Experience Reading & Berks County’s Executive Director Heather Zimmerman sits down with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach to discuss the new branding and mission of that Berks County travel and visitors organization.