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

On our Monday episode, we welcomed back to the microphone Millcreek Township Supervisor, John Morgan.  We talked to him about Embrace Millcreek, the plans to continue developing Millcreek's 8th Street and Peninsula Drive corridors as the welcoming entry point to Presque Isle, and what may lie in the future of Millcreek Township.

On our Friday episode of the Joel Natalie Show, we had our Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember.  He shared the latest updates on what’s happening in the reopening of City Hall, we learned the latest on LERTA, and caught up on what’s going on in Downtown Erie. Listen for Joel's idea for better proportional representation of Erie's citizens on City Council.

On our Thursday episode, we learned the history, and celebrated Juneteenth.  This annual recognition falls on the 19th of June, and commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the U.S.  First celebrated in Texas, many states are now remembering this important day in history, and Erie, PA planned a celebration of its own. Joining us were Johnny Johnson, educator, coach and author of Erie A...

June is Men’s Health Month, and so we had a check-up Wednesday with Dr. Brad Fox, primary care physician at Liberty Family Practice. We learned Dr. Fox's thoughts on staying healthy, no matter what your age, including screenings, diet and exercise, the effects of smoking and other health issues particular to men.

Our Tuesday guest grew up in Erie, moved to Florida to work for Disney World, and then came back to Erie to become the very first Experience Director with the Erie Downtown Development Corporation.  We talked to Ryan Hoover about his journey, and find out what’s in store for the EDDC as they continue to revitalize our hometown.

We had a fun show planned for you on Friday, as we learned about the future of the Erie County Historical Society and Hagen History Center.  Our guest included Executive Director, George Deutsch, and Project Manager, Pam Parker, about their plans for the grand reopening of the Center to the public on July 17.  The exhibit everyone’s talking about features a replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’...

On our Wednesday health focus, we talked about The Blue Zones Project, a community-wide, evidence-based approach to improving health and well-being.  Live longer, live better—that’s the goal, and it seems to be working in the nearby Blue Zone of Corry.  Leaders from the Corry Blue Zone Project joined us: Jennifer Eberlein, Community Program Manager and Organization Lead; Shannon Wohlford...

On our Tuesday episode we were pleased to welcome—for the first time—the newly-announced interim president of the Erie County Community College, Dr. Judith Gay for an exclusive TalkErie interview.  We heard the Doctor’s origin story, learned about her career thus far, and find out what her plans are for her time at the helm of the new community college, including courses and majors that will...

On our Monday episode, we’re back to work on another week of The Joel Natalie Show.  If you’ve tried to buy a home lately, you’re probably finding that it’s a seller’s market.  We talked to Realtor Laban Marsh, broker/owner at Marsha Marsh Real Estate, and Josh Kitchen, Realtor with ReMax Real Estate, about the recent residential real estate boom in Erie.

On our Fun Friday broadcast, we were reminiscing a bit, and reliving the days when we bugged State Street, cruised the Public Dock, met up with friends and checked out all the cool cars.  Our conversation was with Denise Fulton and Steve Edwards about the popular nostalgic facebook page, "Cruising the Dock (Dobbins Landing).". How about you? What are your favorite memories of cruising the Doc...

On our Thursday episode, we hosted a panel of representatives from ATHENA Erie: a group of professionals dedicated to inspiring women to achieve their full business potential.  Joining us were Linda Stevenson, ATHENA Founder/Program Director; Marybeth Smialek, Panel Coordinator from FirstEnergy; Jan Stork, Events Leadership from Make-A-Wish; Patrick Fischer, Panel Adviser from Erie Arts &...

This is the first Wednesday in over 15 months that we did not cover a press conference with the County Executive.  Is this an indication that the pandemic is coming to a close?  We invited our experts: Dr. Howard Nadworny an epidemiologist with AHN St. Vincent, and Dr. Wei-Shin Lai, the founder of Acoustic Sheep LLC and a trained epidemic investigator, to find out their thoughts on movin...

As we came back from the long Memorial Day weekend, we welcomed Jonathan D’Silva, registered patent attorney and founder of MMI Intellectual Property.  He joined us to talk about Erie Inventions—what will the people of Erie think of next?!

On a Fun Friday, we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of our beloved peninsula becoming Presque Isle State Park. Our guests were Matthew Greene, Park Operations Manager and Jon DeMarco, Executive Director of the Presque Isle Partnership. Listen for the history, the improvements, and the celebrations of this most-important regional asset.

As we often do on Thursdays, we talked about education. On this episode we are focused on avoiding that “summer slide.”  We heard from Rick Scaletta, superintendent of General McLane schools, as he talked about keeping our kids sharp through the summer break. 

On Tuesday, we talked about cryptocurrency.  If the topic is indeed a bit cryptic to you, you’re not alone.  Our conversation with Kingdom Financial Group advisors Ben Reiter and John Baker will help you to learn more about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and other forms of internet-based money.

On our Monday edition of our show, Gary Lee, director of administration for Erie County, chatted with Joel about the Summer JAM program. The Summer “Jobs and More” program is entering its eighth year, and provides an opportunity for employment and career exploration for young people in the Erie area. Particularly during a time when employers are having difficulty finding workers, the Summer JAM pr...

On our Friday Show, we spoke with Erie Mayor Joe Schember, who is undoubtedly happy about the primary election results. During our regular segment, Monthly Meetings with the Mayor, we talked about the strategy to reopen City Hall right after the Memorial Day holiday, and the investments it took to get the municipal building ready. We also talked about a new location for the Erie Police Bomb Squad,...

Finally, summer camps are coming back for another season of making memories. We heard from two camp directors based in western Erie County. First, Joseph Preston of WLD Ranch joined us, then Kevin Saxton of Camp Judson brought his perspective. Both camps are looking forward to children and young people enjoying a great experience in God's Creation in 2021.

On our Wednesday episode of the Joel Natalie Show, we returned our focus to public health as the Director of the Erie County Department of Health, Melissa Lyon joined us for an update. Conversation highlights included the importance of testing, what small businesses must need to reopen safely, and vaccine hesitancy and access.

On Monday's Joel Natalie Show we got down to business with a focus on small business law. Joining us on the show was Adam Williams, Founder of the law firm, Rust Belt Business Law.  We had a wide-ranging conversation on how small businesses are faring with regards to the law at this point in the economic recovery from the pandemic.

As we had great weather for a fun Friday, we also looked forward to Waldameer Park opening on May 15th. We talked to Brian Gorman, Vice President of Operations at Waldameer Park and Water World.  Our conversation surrounded what summer will look like for the century-old amusement park, and what visitors can expect at this point in the Covid-19 roller-coaster.

On our Thursday edition of the Joel Natalie Show, we caught up with Heather May Caspar, the Executive Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network. We learned about the 2021 SSJNN Virtual Gala, and Heather gave us an update on the work that her organization is doing within their neighborhoods and the community at large.

On our Wednesday program, we recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Our discussion surrounded the particular difficulties that the COVID pandemic brought to those who support and treat those dealing with mental and behavioral health issues. Our guests included Nicole Wells,  the Senior Director of Community Impact for the Achievement Center of LECOM Health, and Shannon Harrington, t...

After a year and a half without minor league baseball in Erie, PA, and that same year and a half often filled with fear and trepidation due to both the COVID pandemic, and the MLB's contacration of the minor leagues, on Tuesday, we reached a much-sought after milestone: the Erie Seawolves Home Opener. The Joel Natalie Show broadcasted live from the newly-renovated UPMC Park, where some $16 million...