On Tuesday, we shared the stories of young teachers in the Erie School District and their views on school climate, parental involvement, and the realities of the teaching profession. With us was: • Erie Education Association President Mary Theuerkauf • PSEA Regional Field Director Marcus Schlegel • EPS Speech Pathologist Jill Nolan • Strong Vincent Middle School Instructional Support Teacher Carrie Rugh-Grove • East Middle School Special Education Teachers Kathrine Mulokey & Jessica...

On our Friday episode, Erie Mayor Joe Schember discussed Erie's role in the upcoming Presidential election, along with the ongoing struggle to mitigate blighted properties in the city.

Prior to her appearance at the Jefferson Educational Society's Global Summit, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming joined Joel for an exclusive interview. We discussed her opposition to former President Trump, the January 6th committee she co-chaired, and this moment in our political discourse.

Our guest on a Wednesday health focus was Dr. Jeffrey McGovern, pulmonologist with AHN St. Vincent Hospital. We discussed diagnosis of sleep apnea and a new treatment that can eliminate the CPAP machine.

On Tuesday, Gannon University President Dr. Walter Iwanenko joined us in an extended Inspire Interview. Topics ranged from the demographic "cliff", campus investments, and popular majors.

Joel had a conversation Friday with tech executive and Millcreek-native Dylan Knight, over topics ranging from AI and tech careers to boomeranging back to Erie.

Our attention on Thursday went to Corry, where we discussed the status of multi-million dollar investments in tech infrastructure and training with Dr. Matthew Platz, executive director of Corry Higher Ed, and Chuck Gray, director of Impact Corry.

A key partner in the fight against homelessness in Erie is the Mercy Center for Women. On Wednesday, Executive Director, Jennie Hagerty told their story.

On Tuesday we had a full house to discuss the announcement of new mobile electric vehicle charging techology being rolled out at the Erie Auto Auction. With us was from Advanced Power & Energy Partners was Caleb Dawson and Jeff Huey, from Power Innovations International, Tim Rees, and from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Brian Slawin.

Erie Regional Airport Authority/Erie International Airport Executive Director Derek Martin returned to our studio to share about the addition of Tampa as a seasonal destination from Erie beginning in January 2025. The announcement comes before the well-received flights to Orlando begin next month.

Our guest on a Fun Friday was Chris Sirianni, the owner of The Brewerie at Union Station. They once again are hosting their popular haunted history tours of the nearly 100 year old train station in downtown Erie.

The annual Erie Homecoming conference, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, featured the theme, "Activating the Vision." Our guests included: Jake Rouch, President and CEO of the Chamber, Chris Norris of Revox Media, Sara Harris of Pulakos Chocolates and Shari Robinson of Mighty Fine Donuts, and Tim Burch of Burch Farms.

Former Congressman Phil English returns to The Joel Natalie Show to offer his take on the Presidential race and state of politics in Erie and the nation.

The Erie County Executive Brenton Davis made his monthly visit to the Joel Natalie Show and discussed the 2025 County Budget and highlighted his major priorities.

On Monday, we heard the story of the Bayfront East Side Taskforce with the Executive Director Jeremy Bloeser. We learned BEST's history and years of service impacting Erie's Original Neighborhood.

On Friday, Gannon University executive and friend of the show Doug Oathout shared the story of his epic journey in a lifelong quest to cycle from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.

We met with the City of Erie's two Community Liaisons Thursday to learn about their efforts to build bridges between city government and citizens. Saeed Taraky, Immigrant and Refugee Liaison, and Daryl Craig, Community Liaison were our guests.

On Wednesday, we invited Honey Stempka, Designation Project Manager for the Lake Erie Quadrangle to come and discuss the proposed Lake Erie National Marine Sanctuary.

The 2024 edition of Erie Gives is Tuesday, August 13th, and Erie Community Foundation President Karen Bilowith and Vice-President Erin Fessler give us a preview.

Every year the Erie Reader newspaper receives nominations and selects Erie's 40 Under 40. Forty local young adults making a difference in their spheres of influence. We welcomed two folks recognized: Ryan Dawley, actor and podcast host of Spotlight 814, and Ryan Hoover, Experience Director of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation to share their stories.

Tuesday, we were digging into Erie’s rich history with Jonathan Burdick, author of the popular social media profile, Rust & Dirt: Erie’s History. Jonathan is also a history teacher and writer for publications including the Erie Reader, Belt Magazine, Pittsburgh City Paper, Contingent Magazine, NBA.com, and Grunge.

On our Tuesday show, we welcomed back our expert in commercial real estate, Chuck Peters, Managing Partner at Alltair Holdings, LLC. We discussed the historically-big moves in Erie surrounding buildings and land for business.

A discussion of the new Kahkwa Bridge, housing blight, and other city issues were part of our Friday meeting with Erie Mayor Joe Schember.

Our topic Thursday was the Community Action Plan of the Erie County Policy and Planning Council for Children and Families. Joining us to explain how we’re working toward better outcomes for Erie’s children and youth was Gretchen Kerr, with the City of Erie and the Love Your Block initiative, and Amy Eisert, Mercyhurst Civic Institute Director.