Berks County Connection Podcast

A look at the rapid rise of data centers, their impact on Berks County and options to address data center construction, withAshley Showers, Executive Director, Berks County Planning Commission; Joan London, Shareholder, Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys (municipal law, land use, employment law, appellate practice); and Dean Druckenmiller, District Executive at Berks County Conservation District. Hosted by...

A look at the functions and responsibilities of the Berks County Department of Emergency Services with their Deputy Director, Matthew Strairiker, and Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow. 

Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Director Will Tobin joins host Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller.

A look at the Berks County Industrial Development Authority with their Executive Director Jeremy Zabrowski and host Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller. 

A preview of the FIFA Fan Zone festivities in Reading, PA lined up for the 7/18 and 7/19 World Cup Soccer 2026 final matches. With Mark Ratcliffe, Reading FIFA Fan Zone Event Coordinator, Alex Civil, Founder & Executive Director of Bring the Change, and Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni.

Commissioner Christian Leinbach is joined by Lynn Weller, Executive Director of Our Town Foundation Hamburg, PA, to discuss the 23rd Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, its inception and evolution through the years including entertainment stages. How the festival stimulates the local economy, tips for new visitors including parking options and how to maximize burgers sampled without getting too f...

Reading City Council President Donna Reed joins Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow to talk about the America 250 PA Berks County events tied to the City of Reading.

Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera sits down with Dan Heydt, Chief Probation Officer, and Peggy Kershner, Co-Executive Director of Connections Work, to discuss the Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) in Berks County, PA. The guests share their professional backgrounds and explain how their diverse areas of expertise—along with those of other CJAB members—create an impactful group dedicate...

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 radio Adapting to technology changes (streaming, sports coverage, listener habits) Social media strategy and its role in growth Commitment to local voices and community engagement Local studios, local employees, local business support Expanded sports coverage (including video and underrepresented sports) Partnerships with nonprofits...

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.