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

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.

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 homelessness in Erie.

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 perspectives and experiences.

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.