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

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 Gro...

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.

On Friday, Joel had a conversation with Brian Johansson, President/CEO Erie City Mission about the upcoming Broadway by the Bay fundraising event which will be held on Thursday, May 21st, as well as a new Haven facility for unhoused women and children.

On Wednesday, we got a preview of this year's Celebrate Gannon Day of Giving, as Dr. Brian Collingwood, VP for University Advancement joined us about this special opportunity for philanthropy.

On Tuesday, Erie-area political veteran Donna Reese joined us to discuss political violence and civil discourse, and her lived experience.

Jamie Snider, Executive Director of West County Paramedics was our guest, Monday. Increasing call volume and staffing shortages are putting strain on our emergency medical services. Immediate, life-saving response is still the goal, so we had a broad conversation about the challenges facing EMS.

Nikki Lavery joined us Friday to talk about a new music venue. Centennial Hall is a new kind of gathering space—designed to bring people together around music and art. Located in a historic building in downtown Erie.

On Thursday, Dr. Andrew Roth, Scholar-in Residence at the Jefferson Educational Society joined us to talk about his new book, "How to Be a Highly Effective Leader".

April is designated as Autism Acceptance Month. Kat DiVittorio, Executive Director of the DiVittorio Center for Autism in Corry, and Tish Bartlett, Executive Director of the Autism Society NWPA, joined us in the studio to talk about local resources available to individuals and families affected by autism.

In advance of a Fort LeBoeuf school board study session, concerned parents Katie Phillips and Zack Troyer joined Joel on Tuesday to discuss the various issues surrounding the three elementary schools in the FLB district and some of the possible solutions proposed.

On Monday, we reviewed Erie County Executive Christina Vogel's first 100 days, and the priorities and accomplishments as she begins her tenure at the Court House.

On Wednesday, we were talking tariffs with Gretchen Blough, the US Customs Brokerage Manager at Logistics Plus. We had an in-depth conversation on how the fluctuating tariffs impact our economy, our businesses, and local consumers.