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

Workforce development is key to Erie's future and the work at Erie Center for Arts and Technology is advancing young people in our community. The new Executive Director Dr. Matthew Platz is our guest.

Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) joins us to talk about his legislative agenda, the latest skills game situation, and the current moment here in Erie.

Drew Whiting, the CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, is also an investor with a entity working on redeveloping the former Lord Corporation property on West 12th and Greengarden. We discussed what is possible on that high-visibility corner, as well as the next chapter of the EDDC as a catalyst for Erie's growth.

As part of The Joel Natalie Show's live coverage of the aftermath of last Friday's mass shooting on Erie's east side, Joel spoke with director of AHN St. Vincent's Behavioral Health program, Nina Ferraro about the trauma those close to the affected family and neighborhood were experiencing, along with the rest of the community. Then Erie Mayor Daria Devlin joined us with the latest from the city.

Erie's Bobby Borgia, internationally-known illusionist and founder of Kellar's, a Modern Magic and Comedy Club at 14th and State, was in our studio Friday. He is bringing his own show to Kellar's on October 23rd & 24th. As usual, Bobby enthralled Joel and Shani during his visit!

On Wednesday, Shona Eakin, CEO of Voices For Independence, joined Joel for a discussion of VFI's services, the upcoming Disco Spectacular fundraiser on Nov. 7th, and efforts to improve lives of those with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed.

Erie County Executive Christina Vogel and Dir. of Administration Chris Groner join us to discuss the key points behind the 2027 county budget.

Attorney Bud Stark of Mill Creek Coffee Co. joins us to discuss the growing coffee empire he and his son Francis are growing here in Western Pennsylvania, and what it takes to be successful.

On Thursday, we previewed a new (original) Tethered immersive theater show called THE LEVER debuting Friday, October 2 at the Galbraith Mansion/Erie Womens Club. John C. Lyons and Lizdel Collado-Monahan were our guests.

Dr. Christopher Harben of Penn State Behrend joined us Wednesday to preview the 3rd Annual Family Business Conference, set for Oct. 8th at the Reed Union Building on campus. The title of the conference is "The Family" and the themes explored include Communication and Influence. To register, click here.