Community Chronicles Radio

In the first half of our show, Dr. Platz spoke with Destin Demarion, owner of Demarion Bass Fishing Enterprises LLC. Through his work, Destin combines competitive fishing, education, outdoor recreation, and entrepreneurship, helping anglers of all experience levels improve their skills and enjoy the sport. We then learned the story of Stephanie Montgomery, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Select an...

On this episode Dr. Platz was joined by Megan Solensky, who many listeners may know from her increasingly popular restaurant review videos on Facebook. Through her videos, Megan has been shining a spotlight on locally owned restaurants, hidden gems, longtime favorites, and the people behind them. She is also the Community Relations Specialist of the Community Blood Bank, so she discussed ways to p...

Joining us in our first half of the show was Mark Jeanneret, President and CEO of VisitErie. VisitErie recently partnered with Erie Apparel to launch its very first merchandise collection, called “It’s All in Erie.” In segment two, Jasmine Almeida is back with an exciting new venture — one that involves a beloved Erie institution. Jasmine is the new owner of Avanti’s Restaurant, a name that has be...

Joining us first in this episode was Bryan Brinkle of the Erie Shriners Cycle Corps, part of the Zem Zem Shriners organization here in Erie. The Cycle Corps has a long history of participating in parades, community events, fundraising efforts, and supporting the mission of Shriners Children's Erie. In our second half of the show, . We were joined by RJ Messenger, an Erie entrepreneur, speaker,...

On this episode Dr. Platz welcomed Jake Rouch, Vice President of Development for Passport Reality and host of The Jake Rouch Show podcast. Jake has spent more than 30 years working with businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders to help Erie evolve and grow. In our second half, we were joined by Yash Kasini and Yashash Kasini, founders of StayX. StayX, Inc. is an AI software comp...

In this episode, our guest for the hour was someone who has become well known in Erie not only as a business owner—but as one of the region’s most recognizable endurance athletes. Andy Hellman is the owner of Snap Fitness Harborcreek, a gym focused on helping people improve their health, fitness, and overall quality of life through consistency, accountability, and community.

This week we got an update on the story of Serafini’s Trattoria, located in the heart of downtown Erie—a restaurant rooted deeply in family tradition, Italian heritage, and community connection. Owners Opie Hughes and Amanda Serafini joined us. Then we spoke with Brandon Soto, the owner of B. Soto Media, a photo, video, and drone production company based right here in Erie, specializing in capturi...

Our first guest was Jessica Hunter, the owner of Jessica Hunter Photography, a locally based business with more than a decade of experience creating portraits, commercial imagery, and storytelling visuals for individuals and organizations across our region. In the second half of the show, we were joined by Matthew Fisher, now the co-owner of Porky’s Pizzeria in downtown Erie—a well-known local spo...

In this episode, we were joined by , one of the voices behind the Steelers by the Lake Podcast — a growing podcast built around a shared passion for all things Pittsburgh Steelers. Then , co-owner of Erie Ale Works returned to talk about their Benevolent Beers program, a unique initiative where a portion of sales during designated events goes directly to support local nonprofits.

Our first guest this episode was Mukti Subedi, a local entrepreneur and business owner of both the Wonderful Shop on Parade Street and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at the Millcreek Mall in Erie. Joining us in the second half of the show was Chelsea Oliver, owner of Ties & Toasts, a unique event services company right here in Erie.

Our first guest this week brought a little sweetness, and a whole lot of nostalgia to the Erie community. Casey Corritore joined us, owner of Casey’s Ice Cream Cart, a mobile dessert experience. In our second half, Rob Cacchione from Build Better Fields was with us, representing a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and upgrading athletic fields across the Erie area.

This week's episode was about protecting individuals from abuse. We were joined by Lori Palisin, Executive Director of Safe Journey, an organization serving individuals and families in our community who are impacted by domestic violence. In the second half, Nate Sitzler & Chad Zyczyk talked about the efforts of Riders Advocating Against Child Abuse (RAACA), and how their group is working w...

Our guest for this week's episode was Brooke Surgener. Brooke is an indie folk and pop singer-songwriter right here from Erie, known for her soothing vocals, emotional songwriting, and ability to connect deeply with listeners through her music.

With this episode Dr. Platz is beginning a new series highlighting refugee entrepreneurs right here in Erie. Our first guest in this series is Dharma Gurung, owner of Tandoori Hut, a local restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine here in Erie. The second guest was Felisa Read, founder of Felisa Read Early Intervention, a provider serving families here in Erie County. Felisa is a licensed physic...

This week, our first guest was Jim Bahm, the CEO and key principal of Networking Technologies, based right here in Erie. They specialize in designing, managing, and securing the core infrastructure that modern organizations rely on, everything from networks and cloud systems to storage and cybersecurity. Then we got an update from entrepreneur and inventor Paul McMahon, founder of Kevo Cold Brew a...

Our first guest is a passionate voice in the Erie community — Deonte Cooley. Deonte is a community activist, educator, realtor, and advocate who has dedicated his life to creating opportunity and empowerment across Northwest Pennsylvania. In the second half of the show, we heard the story of Larkin's Market, on Erie's east side, and owner operator SeanJohnson Jr.

Our guests this week were Grant Filbeck, District Manager for Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, where he coordinates K–12 educational programs that help young people build essential skills in leadership, financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, and Katey Cross, the Director of Community Outreach at Erie Federal Credit Union — a local, member-focused financial institution...

This week we’re joined by Thomas Laird, a highly engaged community member and local innovator who’s helping Erie explore practical uses of artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges and strengthen our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thomas is the CEO of OttoQA and Expivia. Then we welcomed Kristopher Hess, the owner of Rosco’s Sports Bar and Grill, a popular local spot on Buffalo R...

This week, Dr. Matthew Platz shared the microphones with Ryan Aztert, owner and co-founder of Federal Hill Smokehouse, one of Erie’s most beloved barbecue destinations. In the second half of the show, we welcomed Caesar Westbrook, an impactful visual artist and muralist right here in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In the first half of our show, Dr. Platz welcomed Brandon Wiley, founder and CEO of OpenedEyes, a nonprofit dedicated to cultural unity, diversity awareness, and helping people develop a positive sense of self. In the second half, we heard the story of Christine Myers, the creative force behind The Preppy Pickle, Erie’s charming boutique for custom embroidery, monogrammed gifts, and personalized t...

Dr. Platz welcomed Kayla Crosby, Executive Director of #IntegrityFirst, Inc. and Team Market Owner of the Lake Erie Jackals, a Basketball Super League team playing home games at the McComb Fieldhouse at PennWest Edinboro. Making his return to Community Chronicles was Chris Tobin—innovator, musician, and creator of the Rhythm Playbook, a groundbreaking approach to training through sound.

A focus on food this week with Matt welcoming Shirlee Pound, the heart and soul behind Pine Junction, a cherished gathering spot tucked amid the pines near Sherman, NY. In our second half, Christine Temple of Visit Erie, the official destination marketing organization for Erie County, to talk about one of the most delicious local traditions of the year — Erie Restaurant Week.

Creatives were featured on this week's show with Jessica Taylor, co-founder and managing partner of MenajErie Studio, a full-service video production company basedcin Erie, PA. She was followed by Stephen Trohoske, co-owner of City Gallery in downtown Erie, a vibrant hub where visual art, live music, and community collide.

On our latest episode we got an update from two guests who have been featured previously on Community Chronicles. Rachel McCreary of the Shop19, a multipurpose venue in Erie's Little Italy, along with Kat DiVittorio, offering rural autism services in Corry at the DiVittorio Center for Autism.

This week Matt welcomed Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Jen Gilburg, and Impact Corry Executive Director Chuck Gray, to discuss tech-oriented entrepreneurism throughout the Commonwealth and how the Corry area is making advances to further opportunities.