Best WQLN Podcasts (2025)

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WQLN Update: Allison Amendola & Cindy Spizarny - Sep. 3, 2025 43:20

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20d ago43:20

43:20

Cindy Spizarny, President & CEO, and Allison Amendola, Vice President of Advancement return to give us an update on WQLN Public Media after the loss of federal funding.

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Fun Friday Poetry Edition: Chuck Joy - Sep. 12, 2025 43:31

9d ago43:31

43:31

Former Erie County Poet Laureate Chuck Joy returned to our microphones to tell us about his latest collection of poetry entitled White and Blue.

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DEI, Governance, and Community 14:10

12d ago14:10

14:10

Erie County is in the midst of a heated debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with national coverage from The Washington Post and local reporting from GoErie.com highlighting both progress and resistance within county government. In this episode of NEXT, Marcus Atkinson sits down with Christina Vogel, Democratic candidate …

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Ironworks Square: Tina Mengine & Laith Wardi - Sep. 11, 2025 46:20

12d ago46:20

46:20

After an exclusive tour of the Ironworks Square worksite, Joel hosted Tina Mengine, the CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, and Laith Wardi, founder of Gem City Growth Strategies, for a discussion of the potential of the 12th brownfield. Tina and Laith are also the hosts of the Economic Pulse podcast, heard on 105.9 TalkErie WZTE.…

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Hamot Health Foundation: Shawn Bednard - Sep. 10, 2025 23:39

13d ago23:39

23:39

On Wednesday, Development Coordinator Shawn Bednard discussed upcoming events sponsored by the Hamot Health Foundation, along with their efforts to combat homelessness.

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Gannon Centennial Homecoming: Dr. Walter Iwanenko - Sep. 9, 2025 44:33

14d ago44:33

44:33

On Tuesday we sat down with the President of Gannon University to discuss Gannon's Centennial Homecoming, the merger with Ursuline College, and other big university news.

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Center For Family Business: Dr. Christopher Harben - Sept. 8, 2025 42:05

15d ago42:05

42:05

On Monday, Dr. Christopher Harben of Penn State Behrend's Center for Family Business joined us to share about the upcoming Family Business Conference to be held at the Bayfront Convention Center in October. Registrations can be received by emailing [email protected]

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25 Years of Athena Powerlink: Linda Stevenson - Sep. 5, 2025 39:05

16d ago39:05

39:05

For 25 years Athena Powerlink has been helping women small business owners and entrepreneurs. Linda Stevenson of Athena Erie joined us Friday to share their stories.

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View from County Council: Rock Copeland - Sep. 4, 2025 45:58

19d ago45:58

45:58

Rock Copeland, who represents the 3rd District of Erie County Council, returned to our microphones to express his perspectives on several pressing county issues.

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September Monthly County Executive Meeting: CE Brenton Davis - Sep. 2, 2025 45:05

21d ago45:05

45:05

At the top of the month of September, the Erie County Executive Brenton Davis joins us to talk county business for his monthly meeting.

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Film Erie & Tethered Immersive: John C. Lyons - Aug. 29, 2025 44:12

22d ago44:12

44:12

Noted Erie filmmaker John C. Lyons joins us to discuss this falls new Wednesday night film series at 10-20 Collective, beginning Sep. 3rd, along with the next Tethered immersive theatrical experience coming the last two weekends of September at the former Maennerchor Club.

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Gerrymanders and Power Grabs: Defending Fair Elections 39:30

27d ago39:30

39:30

In this eye-opening episode of NEXT 2.0, hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata sit down with Carol Kuniholm, Co-Founder of Fair Districts PA, and Michael Bucella, Northwest Region Coordinator, to unpack the ongoing battles over redistricting and the threats they pose to democracy. From the controversial power grabs in Texas and California to th…

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AI for Caregiving: Bob Barber & Matt Wachter - Aug. 27, 2025 42:41

27d ago42:41

42:41

The Carnegie Foundry and Barber National Institute are teaming up to develop THRYVE LABS. Our guests are Bob Barber, SVP at Barber National Institute, and Matt Wachter, CFO & General Council at Carnegie Foundry.

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Erie County Executive Race: Christina Vogel - Aug. 26, 2025 43:20

28d ago43:20

43:20

Christina Vogel, Democratic nominee for Erie County Executive joins us.

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Erie's Growing Commercial Real Estate Market: Chuck Peters - Aug. 25, 2025 47:34

29d ago47:34

47:34

On Monday, we were talking about economic development and Erie's commercial real estate market with Chuck Peters, the Managing Partner of Altair Real Estate Services.

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Erie's New Superintendent: Dr. Natalyn Gibbs - Aug. 21, 2025 44:32

1M ago44:32

44:32

On Thursday, we had a comprehensive conversation with Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, the new superintendent of Erie’s Public Schools.

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Back to School Immunizations: Erin Mrenak & Dr. Timothy Pelkowski - Aug. 20, 2025 40:58

1M ago40:58

40:58

As the kids get ready to go back to school, it’s a good time to talk about immunizations. Officials from the Erie County Department of Health joined us on a Wednesday health focus interview. Our guests were Erin Mrenak, Director of Public Health and Dr. Timothy Pelkowski, Chairman of the Board of Health.…

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Refugee Resettlement Update: Katie Kretz - Aug. 19, 2025 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

Tuesday we had an important conversation with Katie Kretz, Executive Director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center as they navigate the changes in funding for refugees in Erie.

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Formerly Addicted and Homeless: A Woman Shares Her Story 42:05

1M ago42:05

42:05

On the latest episode of NEXT2.0 on WQLN PBS NPR, Marcus Atkinson sits down for a powerful, one-on-one conversation with a local woman experiencing homelessness. In this candid and riveting interview, she shares her journey, the challenges she faces daily, and her hopes for the future. Marcus guides the discussion with empathy and insight, shedding…

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The Sunflowers at the Battles Estate: Hagen History Center Staff - Aug. 14, 2025 1:41:12

1M ago1:41:12

1:41:12

On Thursday, we spent the afternoon at the Yellow House of the Battles Estate in Girard, PA, owned and maintained by the Hagen History Center/Erie County Historical Society. Sharing the story of the 50 acres of sunflowers in full bloom were staffers Cal Pifer, President and CEO; Geri Cicchetti, Advancement Director; Margaret Pett, Director of Colle…

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Erie City Revitalization and Improvement Zone: Brian Polito & Matt Wachter - Aug. 13, 2025 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

Key players in Erie's City Revitalization & Improvement Zone Authority join us: Chair Matthew Wachter, and Executive Director Brian Polito.

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Entrepreneurship: Brian Slawin & Jennifer Gilbert - Aug. 11, 2025 42:28

1M ago42:28

42:28

Discussing entrepreneurship with Brian Slawin and Jennifer Gilbert.

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Attorney Ben Crump Shakes Up Erie 27:33

2M ago27:33

27:33

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump held a press conference in Erie, Pennsylvania, to address the case of Marchello Woodard, a local man whose death in police custody has sparked widespread concern. Crump, known for representing families in high-profile civil rights cases, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Woodard's death. He emp…

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Early Vote Action: Caleb Landis - Aug. 7, 2025 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

Caleb Landis of Early Vote Action joins us to share his story and his efforts toward registration and early voting.

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Tall Ships: Captain Billy Sabatini - Aug. 6, 2025 42:18

2M ago42:18

42:18

Captain Billy Sabatini talks Tall Ships Erie, August 21-24

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August County Executive Meeting: Brenton Davis - Aug. 5, 2025 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

Erie County Executive Brenton Davis joins us for his monthly meeting, talking jobs and workforce training.

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Deonte Cooley - Aug. 4, 2025 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

Deonte Cooley is a 40 Under 40 winner, a member of the JCLA, a real estate agent studying for his insurance license, a dad, and an educator.

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Race, Place & Belonging: Shining a Light in Erie 34:28

2M ago34:28

34:28

In this powerful episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson sits down with Kristy Gnibus, Executive Director of the Erie County Human Relations Commission, to discuss the recent event Race, Place, and Belonging: Being Black in Erie, held on July 17th at the Blasco Library. Part of a broader series aimed at fostering cross-community understanding, th…

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GOP Candidates: Yevet Anderson, Matthew Thomas, Tina Hiotis & Anita Fay - Jul. 30, 2025 41:05

2M ago41:05

41:05

GOP candidates join us to talk politics in the city: Yevet Anderson, Matthew Thomas, Tina Hiotis, and Anita Fay

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Downtown Renewal: Drew Whiting - Jul. 29, 2025 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Drew Whiting, CEO of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation joins us about the latest on downtown's renewal.

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National Leadership Conference: Janis Filbeck - Jul. 28, 2025 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

Students from Erie Day School led by advisor Janis Filbeck participated in the National Leadership Conference

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Erie Philharmonic: Bobby Pape - Jul. 25, 2025 43:08

2M ago43:08

43:08

The new Executive Director of the Erie Philharmonic Bobby Pape is introduced to the community

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Gen Z, Who Are These People? 1:00:00

2M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

You hear it all the time about Generation Z (people born between – roughly – 1995 and 2010) You hear, “Those kids, Gen Z, are so lazy, entitled, and soft...” Some of that is just the usual older folk lamenting “These kids these days!!” It has been going on forever, but, there are actually some things about this generation as it comes of age – these…

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House of Eden: Danny Pakulski & Liam O’Brien - Jul. 24, 2025 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

Danny Pakulski, Director, and Liam O’Brien Producer of House of Eden produced by Oddity productions, which premieres August 9th at 1020 Collective.

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Erie Gives: Karen Biloweth & Erin Fessler - Jul. 23, 2025 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

Karen Biloweth and Erin Fessler join us from the Erie Community Foundation for Erie Gives August 12

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County Financial Operations: Kyle Foust - Jul. 22, 2025 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

The Erie County Controller Kyle Foust joins us to talk about County financial operations

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Mayor's Monthly Meeting: Joe Schember - Jul. 18, 2025 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Mayor Joe Schember joins us for his July meeting

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Being Black in Erie Part 1 11:32

2M ago11:32

11:32

The Human Relations Commission of Erie, PA, recently hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion titled 'Being Black in Erie.' Community leaders, activists, and residents gathered to share personal experiences, challenges, and aspirations within the city. The event underscored the importance of dialogue and action in fostering inclusivity and under…

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Presque Isle Neighborhood Network: Seth Trott - Jul. 16, 2025 35:30

2M ago35:30

35:30

Joel Natalie interviews Seth Trott of the Presque Isle Neighborhood Network

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PennDOT Projects: Justin Baker, Brian McMulty & Jill Harry - Jul. 14, 2025 44:36

2M ago44:36

44:36

We will get the update from PennDOT projects from Justin Baker, Brian McMulty and Jill Harry.

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The Tragic Death of Marchello Woodard 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

In this episode, we explore the specifics of the shooting of Marchello Woodard, highlighting the importance of achieving justice. Our conversation revolves around why his parole officer committed this act, despite Woodard being unarmed and posing no apparent threat. Our guest, Daryl "Brother D" Craig, shares critical information and his unique pers…

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Jefferson Educational Society: Professor Robert Garland - Jul. 10, 2025 45:06

3M ago45:06

45:06

Professor Robert Garland is in Erie for a week-long summer residency at the Jefferson Educational Society.

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LECOM Behavioral Health: Jeff Natalie - Jul. 9, 2025 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

Joel's brother Jeff Natalie returns in his new role as Regional Director for Workforce and Business Development for LECOM Behavioral Health.

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FBI Special Agent: Dr. Jerry Clark - Jul. 8, 2025 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

The former FBI Special Agent and recently retired professor Dr. Jerry Clark chats with us.

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Improving Your Work Culture: Stephen Seymour - Jul. 7, 2025 44:49

3M ago44:49

44:49

Stephen Seymour is a self-proclaimed “HR nerd.” He is the Director of Personnel at Country Fair and the author of "100 IDEAS to Improve the Workplace."

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Is the Spirit Behind the 4th of July Under Assault? 13:57

3M ago13:57

13:57

In this episode of NEXT2.0, Justice Sonia Sotomayor's recent dissenting court ruling has sparked significant reflection this 4th of July season. Her impassioned stance challenges us to reconsider fundamental principles of equality and justice, resonating deeply in today's charged political climate. As we celebrate our nation's independence, Sotomay…

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VNET Tech Summit: Brian Marshall - Jul. 3, 2025 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

Brian Marshall VCIO of VNET joins us to discuss the upcoming Tech Summit on Thursday, July 10th at the Bayfront Convention Center.

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Global Leadership Summit: Derek Sanford - Jul. 2, 2025 43:03

3M ago43:03

43:03

Pastor Derek Sanford of Grace Church is here to talk about this important leadership event on Aug. 7 & 8 at Grace Church-Harborcreek.

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July County Executive Meeting: Brenton Davis - Jul. 1, 2025 43:37

3M ago43:37

43:37

It's our July visit with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis here on TalkErie.

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New Erie Documentary: Richard Rutkowski - Jun. 30, 2025 38:21

3M ago38:21

38:21

Richard Rutkowski is with us to talk about his documentary film, Pauline From 2 to 3, which is about the remarkable life of Erie centenarian Pauline Rutkowski.