NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

There are a lot of favorite holiday movies and tv specials, but one stands out for our host and millions of others, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Marcus gives his fun and informative take on things we bet you didn’t know about adapting this storied animation into a primetime holiday event, and the movie spawned from its source material. Pour a glass of eggnog and enjoy this holiday special on NE...

Behind every show host is a supportive team. Today on NEXT 2.0, meet the interns who helped shape the 2.0 season of the NEXT journey. Meet the partners of the East Side Renaissance, the neighborhood nonprofit that houses the Publix Voice’s studio that co-produces and records 2.0. We discuss not just the rebranding but what the holidays mean in each of their households. This episode is dedicated to...

In this season of holiday cheer, we often witness the goodness on display. From constant utterances of good cheer to charitable acts and contributions, Christmas just seems to bring the best out of humanity. However, far too often, organized religion has had the opposite effect on society. Its adverse history is fraught with conflict, intolerance, and oppression. Throughout centuries, various reli...

Marcus and guest host Marc Blount have an in-depth discussion with former city councilman Curtis Jones Jr. about his new role at the Chamber of Commerce, black economics, the neighborhood centers, and the rise of neighborhood organizations. Curtis’ insights are priceless due to his holistic experiences in the governmental and economic affairs of Erie. You don’t want to miss this interview!

A lawsuit by singer Cassie containing allegations of beatings and abuse by music producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has been settled, the artists announced Friday, one day after the lawsuit was filed. The settlement was announced in a statement sent by her attorney. Marc Blount and Vanessa Belen help us unpack the complicated past of “Diddy” and the bombshell allegations listed in court documen...

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply intricate and multifaceted geopolitical struggle that has endured for decades, rooted in historical, religious, and territorial complexities. The dispute encompasses competing national identities, historical narratives, and claims to the same land. In this episode, Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned an associate teaching professor of Political Science at Penn Stat...

During Thanksgiving, charitable individuals play a pivotal role in making a profound impact on their communities. These compassionate people embody the spirit of gratitude by extending a helping hand to those in need. Thanksgiving becomes more than a personal celebration for these individuals; it transforms into an opportunity to spread joy, alleviate suffering, and build stronger, more resilient...

Over the past few years, County politics in Erie PA has been akin to a realty show. A republican controlled County Council has been at the epicenter of internal battles, public outcries, protests, etc., This past election season has shifted the “D” and “R” landscape significantly. In the 3rd District race, Democrat Rock Copeland defeated Republican Kim Hunter, 4,990 to 2,898 votes. The seat, which...

The question of whether the American church has lost its way is a complex and contentious one, with no single answer that applies universally. On one hand, some argue that certain segments of the American church have deviated from their core principles of love, compassion, and social justice, becoming entangled in partisan politics, controversial social issues, and divisive rhetoric. This shift ha...

Social media influencers are connecting with large, engaged audiences has turned their online presence into lucrative businesses to the tune of millions. Brands and companies recognize the potential of influencer marketing, which allows them to reach their target demographics more effectively. In all sectors of society, this is arguably the wave of the future. From the media rise of “Coach Prime,”...

“I have this friend, a beautiful soul. We had coffee together recently and my friend said, ‘I go home at night sometimes and wonder, 'Why do people hate me?' It was a heartbreaking question because I know this person to be gentle, compassionate, deeply thoughtful, and courageous in ways I doubt I could be. But, you see, that is not what people see when they lay eyes on my friend, because m...

The sustainability of the rising cost of college is a subject of growing concern. As tuition fees continue to outpace inflation rates and wage growth, many individuals and families are finding it increasingly challenging to afford higher education. This trend has led to a significant burden of student loan debt, which can have long-term financial consequences for graduates. Local college students...

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, access to digital resources and skills has become a fundamental requirement for full participation in society. From education and employment opportunities to healthcare, government services, and social interactions, digital access is integral to nearly every aspect of modern life. Yet, millions of people in this country still lack access...

In so many ways, America appears to be at a crossroads. between the issues plaguing our election process, the environment of hyper partisan politics, scandals within the Supreme Court, and the rise of various social uprisings, can we survive another century? Guest voices Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata join me, along with special guest Abdullah Washington to discuss if we are witnessing the fall o...

Back to The Future: In 2016, NEXT was featured in the Erie times. Host, Marcus Atkinson was pictured interviewing Brandon Wiley about his then fledgling organization, Opened Eyes. In this episode, Marcus sits down with Brandon Wiley to discuss the growth, success and necessity, of Opened Eyes.

Snowfall: Fact or Fiction with guest voice Zach Blunt and Recording Artist Mercury Moon. Links mentioned in the episode are listed below. Freeway interview with Bootleg Kev:  https://youtu.be/kH_xvJq03Zc?si=G_G8MMOWrhBBCvh_ Iran Contra on PBS:  https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/reagan-iran/

Over the past two decades, the landscape of the wine and spirits industry in the United States has witnessed a significant transformation, with an inspiring surge in black-owned businesses making their mark. The growth of black-owned wine and spirits distilleries stands as a testament to the tenacity, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of individuals who have overcome historical challenges to...

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guest Dr. Parris Baker to discuss the recent politic situation in Tennessee along with a new segment titled “Who Are You” with Charles Boo Hagerty of the Hamot Health Foundation.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guests Susannah Faulkner (New Erie City Council Appointee), Zakria Sharif (New Erie School Board Appointee) and Shateria Franklin (Asst. Grant Administrator with the City of Erie) as we discuss their new roles as Erie Servant Leaders.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guest, Chuck Nelson as they discuss his new appointment as Erie City Council President on this episode of NEXT.

Join Marcus Atkinson and his guests, Rabbi Rob Morais (Temple Anshe Hesed), Dr. Parris Baker (Pastor at Believer’s International), Chet Moffet (Cathedral Prep Faculty Member), Amelia Lego-Atkinson (Prep-Villa Student), Devin Easter (Prep-Villa Student) as they discuss anti-Semitic speech & social media on this episode of NEXT.

Join NEXT with Marcus Atkinson and his guest business owner Ben Primis, as they discuss how he launched a small successful manufacturing company during the pandemic.

Join NEXT with Marcus Atkinson and his guests East Side Renaissance Executive Director Timothy Shannon, Rodney Evans of Supremacy Construction and Parade Street Resident Antwan Robinson as they discuss the East Side Renaissance, Beyond the Headlines.

Join NEXT with Marcus Atkinson and his guests Community Educator Kristy Gnibus, Molly Brechtel of Erie County United and Community Advocate Heather Garczynski as they discuss the elimination of Roe v Wade in this two part series.

Join NEXT with Marcus Atkinson and his guests Daryl Craig, the Director of Creative Community Connectors, and Daria Devlin, ECAT Executive Director as they discuss the Erie High School shooting incident.