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

On Wednesday we were excited to meet the new executive director of the Hagen History Center Cal Pifer. We learned his story, and his plans for maintaining the history and supporting the future of the incredible Hagen History Center. Project Manager Pam Parker also joined the conversation.

On Tuesday, Dr. Tony Ruffa joined us and shared his extensive research on the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. Former State Senator Buzz Andrezeski, a local attorney, also joined Dr. Ruffa for a legal perspective.

On this episode, we talked about the Center for Family Business at Penn State Behrend, with the program’s director, Mary Beth Wilcher, and Greg Yahn, a local business owner serving on the center’s board.

Joining us on this episode was Tom Wager, local expert in law enforcement and security as he offers training for Active Shooter Response to local businesses and corporations. We spoke to him about Active Shooter Preparedness, as gun violence and mass shootings have dominated the news these days.  

On Wednesday we spoke to the Erie County Health Director Erin Mrenak. We discussed Covid-19 developments in Erie, Monkeypox, public wellness during the summer, and more. 

On Tuesday, we welcomed the Erie County Executive, Brenton Davis, back for his monthly review. We spoke with Davis about the distribution of the ARP funds, the gathering of municipal leaders, his financial improvement plans, and more.

On Monday, we talked to someone who knows how to get around Erie–Jeremy Peterson Executive Director of Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority.  We spoke about their upcoming celebration and ribbon cutting for their new facility. 

It's a Fun Friday, as we welcomed for the first time, Sonya Byes, host of the local TV program, Chatting With Sonya and Friends.  The show focuses on inspiring, motivating conversations among a diverse group of community leaders.

Upon Joel's return from a few days away, we checked in with the Flagship Niagara League about the upcoming Mariner’s Ball and Tall Ships 2022. Our guest was Captain William Sabatini, Executive Director of the Flagship Niagara League and Captain of the Niagara League’s ships: the Brig Niagara, and the Lettie G Howard.

For our Monday business focus, we were talking to Support NWPA Business, an organization that advocates for local business owners in Erie and the surrounding communities. Joining us will be Executive Director, Bob Lafaro of Lafaro Insurance; Debbie Swift, Education Director; and Rich Smith, Director of Communications.

On our Friday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we welcomed Mayor Joe Schember, for our Monthly Meeting with the Mayor of Erie. Joining the Mayor was AJ Antolek, Assistant Director of Public Works, to talk about summer rec programs sponsored by the city.

Much of the breaking news lately has surrounded the Erie School District. As higher school taxes are proposed, old buildings are slated for demolition, and safety and security issues are re-evaluated, Erie’s Public Schools are a hot topic of conversation. We invited Superintendent Brian Polito to join us as we try to break down these issues that directly affect local students and families.

On Monday, the day before the Pennsylvania Primary, we gave both Erie County political parties an opportunity to highlight the essential races in this mid-term election. First was Dr. Jim Wertz, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, followed by Dr. Verel Salmon, the chair of the Erie County Republican Party.

On Thursday, we talked to Troy Prozan, one of the parents leading the charge to dismiss members of the Millcreek Township School Board over masking and Covid guidelines. We had an exchange on what the various grievances were between the parents group and the school board and administration. Note: because of a technical breakdown, a portion of the live conversation was not recorded.

On our Wednesday episode, we had a chance to know a little more about the Grace Leadership Institute. We learned about their opportunities for developing leaders in our community, with a bedrock in faith. Joining us was Pastor Derek Sanford of Grace Church, and Melanie Deppen, executive director of GLI.

On our Tuesday episode of the Joel Natalie Show, we met with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis. Our conversation centered on his vision and the division of roles when it comes to local economic development. We talked about his first 100 days and commitment to the taxpayers of Erie County.

On our Fun Friday episode, we dived into the history of live rock music here in Erie. With us was Chip Schell, local musician and writer, and author of the book "9 Years Of Rock: The Story Of The Concerts At The Erie County Fieldhouse". We talked about famous local concerts and the artists in Erie rock history that appear on Chip's own podcast, Erie Music History Podcast.

On a special Mother's Day edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we learned about the amazing community and connection for mothers that comes from the Erie City Moms group. Their leader is Amanda Burlingham, and she joined Joel on Thursday to tell the Erie Moms story.

On our Wednesday health focus, we returned to local hospital administrators to find out the situation with the COVID-19 virus and hospital policies at this point in the pandemic. Our guests included, Emily Shears of UPMC Hamot, Dr. Chris Clark of AHN St. Vincent, and Dr. Marcus Babiak of LECOM Health/Millcreek Community Hospital.

On Tuesday's program, we welcomed back to the microphone friends from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. As the Chamber has identified “Food and Beverage Manufacturing as a pillar for moving Erie forward, we talked about the Ben Franklin's investment in companies in this sector. Our guests were: Brian Slawin of the Ben Franklin, Jordan Fuller from the FIRE Accelerator, Rebecca Styn of Blind Tig...

On our Monday show, we got an update about Erie’s tourism industry with the President and CEO of VisitErie, John Oliver. Our conversation ranged from how tourism acts an attraction vehicle for talent, to how has our tourism industry emerged from the pandemic, to how is Erie getting ready for the busy summer season, and the ideas surrounding National Travel and Tourism Week, with its theme “The Fut...

On a Fun Friday episode of the Joel Natalie Show, we focused on authors with ties to Erie. We started with Judge Dan Brabender, as he released his latest book, Erie’s Sensational Murder Trials. The Judge has written five other books on Erie unsolved murders, as well as a book about Cathedral Prep’s sports history. Later, we talked with Yvonne Caputo, an author who lived in Erie for 20 years while...

On our Thursday program, we covered another tough subject, as we discussed National Child Abuse Prevention Month with the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center, Michael Gaines. We learned about the services offered to protect and serve our local children in need in Erie County.

On Wednesday, we faced a tough subject. Erie has seen a steep increase in fentanyl usage, and the unpredictable drug is causing too many overdoses and deaths. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook came to our State Street studios to share the local data, and his perspective on this very troubling drug usage epidemic.

Thanks for tuning into The Joel Natalie Show, where we have the conversations that matter.  On our Tuesday show, we talked about economic development and job creation, with the President and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, James Grunke. What is the role of the Chamber in developing the economic growth of our area, and where do all the parts fit in the economic develop...