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

On our Tuesday episode, we talked about the vertically-integrated ag-business of the Troyers and Folkland Foods. Mark Troyer and Colton Troyer joined us, to discuss the growth of their business, and their leasing of Erie County land in west county near Pleasant Ridge to grow potatoes.

On Monday, we got an update on solutions for the issue of homelessness with Charles "Boo" Hagerty, President of the Hamot Health Foundation, and Laura Guncheon, Director, Community Health Initiatives and as the Executive Director of BUILD CDC, which is building the proposed Schoolhouse Apartments. This permanent supportive housing project is designed to fill the gap in fighting homelessn...

On Thursday, Joel interviewed Brian Vogt, an expert who has worked on democracy and governance issues around the world. Brian has embarked on a Democracy Listening Tour to hear directly from Americans—especially Trump voters—about how they see the state of democratic principles within our constitutional republic. His tour has led to Erie County, PA to speak with several local voters about their pe...

Our Wednesday health focus centered around Parkinson's Awareness Month. Lynne Gotham, Executive Director of Parkinson Partners of NW PA updated us on this disease that is quickly growing in the US.

We are joined by Gus Pine, Executive Director of Erie Events, and Melissa "Roo" Kojancie, CEO of the Erie Zoo with a conversation about the City of Erie's transfer of the Zoo and its surrounding property to Erie Events, and the new drive for sustainability and reaccreditation at the Zoo.

On Friday, Joel had a retrospective conversation with Erie News Now Lead Forecaster John Stehlin, who has been tapped by County Executive Christina Vogel as Erie County's new Countywide Engagement Officer.

Housing was again a topic for our March monthly meeting withE Erie Mayor Daria Devlin, who was joined by Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development Cathryn Easterling. We discussed the mayor's listening sessions, and her work to update systems at City Hall.

Mark Becker, Athletic Director at Millcreek Township School District and McDowell High School joins us about the new $19.5 million project at Gus Anderson Field.

Retired Naval Officer Brian Lasher joins us for his informed perspective on the war in Iran.

Dr. Derek DiMatteo and Dr. Chris Magno of the Civic Impact Project joined us, discussing the impact of the loss of federal funds on Erie non-profits.

On our St. Patrick's Day episode, former Congressman Phil English, co-chair Government Relations at Arent Fox was with us to talk Washington and the global geopolitical reality.

On Monday's episode, we were talking with Jeremy Bloeser, Executive Director of the Erie County Land Bank, to learn about how the Land Bank is working toward turning vacancy into vibrancy.

Erie film director and producer John C. Lyons, joins us to talk about Sunday's Academy Awards.

On Thursday, Kim Thomas, Executive Director of Infinite Erie discussed their recently released action-oriented housing plan to address Erie’s chronic housing shortage. The Erie Housing Accelerator Plan , includes a Housing Needs Analysis that shows the City of Erie is facing a significant affordable housing crisis and outlines a pathway to develop 250 new units of affordable, workforce, and suppor...

The Erie Philharmonic is one of Erie's gems, significantly contributing to our quality of life. On Wednesday, Executive Director Bobby Pape joined us to discuss the upcoming 2026-27 Symphonic and Pops Series, along with the remainder of the current season, and upcoming special events.

On Tuesday, we talked manufacturing with the Northwest Industrial Resource Center. Sara Hanks, President and CEO OF the NWIRC, joined us to talk about their upcoming event: Driving Impact for Manufacturers Conference at Bayfront Convention Center on March 25th.

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) joined us in studio after a day of meetings with Erie elected officials and other community members. Joel's conversation with the Congressman ranged from sand replenishment and the proposed naval shipyard, to workforce, and affordability.

Did you know that there was an amusement park and hotel resort in Lawrence Park at the turn of the 20th century?  We found out all about the The Stories of Grove House Park and Four Mile Creek Park with author Christine Lorraine Morgan and President of the Lawrence Park Historical Society Anna Mae Van Dyne,

On Thursday, we followed up with the Presque Isle Neighborhood Network to find out about their Forever Curious Festival, coming up on March 16th at TREC. Seth Trott, PINN President, and Jennifer Farrar, President & CEO of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center were our guests.

Dr. Fernando Melaragno, endocrinology expert with LECOM Institute For Successful Aging, is back to the microphone to talk about National Nutrition Month.

Gary Lee, Chief Administrative Officer of Diverse Erie, as we discuss the annual report from Erie County’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission.

Katie Kretz, Exec. Dir. at the Multicultural Resource Center, comes to discuss the ICE rider at the Erie County Prison.

On Friday, we were happy to welcome Mark Smith, host of the podcast “PennsylMania.” In his series, Episode 5 focuses on the Erie Triangle. Why does the map of Pennsylvania have that little right triangle of land in its northwest corner? Mark did a deep dive on our geography, as well as Erie's place in history.

Daria S. Devlin makes her first appearance on our show as the Mayor of the City of Erie on Thursday, hitting on a broad range of topics mostly from the Mayor's Transition Team report and initiatives.

Dr. Ron Cole, President of Allegheny College talking about the university and its connection to economic growth.