Shows
The Family Business ExperienceI bought a business at 21! Ep. 11 with Andrew ReinwaldA 21-year-old buying a family machine shop sounds like a movie plot—but for Andrew “Andy” Reinwald, it was real life. In this episode, Andy shares how he purchased Ripley Machine from his grandfather and then led it through the hardest year in company history, a full modernization, and a deep cultural shift toward continuous improvement. He talks candidly about stepping into leadership young, navigating layoffs and financial stress, and learning to lead with humility, transparency, and faith.We dig into how Ripley Machine implemented ISO standards, built a daily “drum beat” around continuous improvement, and now tr...
2026-01-2921 minThe Family Business ExperienceWorkforce development doesn’t have to be something you tackle alone, Ep. 8 with Ryan ParkerIn this episode, Jacob sits down with Ryan Parker from Penn State Behrend’s Office of Community and Workforce Programs to talk about how local and family-owned businesses can tap into powerful training and talent resources right in their backyard. Ryan explains how his team partners with companies to design trainings that fit their schedules, budgets, and goals—from highly targeted technical skills like GD&T, Six Sigma, and plastics processing to leadership development, project management, and more.Jacob and Ryan also dig into how Penn State Behrend helps businesses recruit talent through career services, open...
2026-01-2923 min
Behrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastSupporting Erie’s business community, with Brandon MendozaDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Brandon Mendoza, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, about the Erie 300 strategy and the role of local universities in economic-development work. Originally recorded on January 12, 2026.
2026-01-1643 minThe Family Business ExperienceBen Davis of Gene Davis Sales and ServiceBen Davis, co‑owner of Gene Davis Sales and Service in Erie, Pennsylvania, joins Zach and Jacob to share how a small regional steel supplier transformed into a vertically integrated fabrication “powerhouse” while staying firmly rooted as a family business. From his great‑grandfather’s scrap operation to his grandfather’s risky restart at age 65 and his father’s hard‑won decades of week‑to‑week survival, Ben traces four generations of grit, loyalty, and reinvention that built the foundation he works on today.In this episode we discuss: How Ben went from planning a career elsewhere t...
2026-01-081h 01Behrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastA productive partnership for women's health, with Dr. Will WalkerDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Will Walker, director of the college's Women's Health Innovation and Science Translational Lab, about how Behrend's role in the MWRI-Erie initiative is helping to benefit medical research, undergraduate learning experiences, and the broader Erie community. Originally recorded on November 14, 2025.
2025-11-2134 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastWhat COVID taught us about health care, with Dr. Ala StanfordDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and Alumni Fellow, about her work with the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she served as a regional director. Originally recorded on October 9, 2025.
2025-10-2440 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastSupporting family-owned businesses, with Dr. Christopher HarbenDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Christopher Harben, the Toudy Chair of Entrepreneurship and Family Business, about the Center for Family Business and the annual Family Business Conference. Originally recorded on September 15, 2025.
2025-09-2632 minThe Family Business ExperienceMarsha Marsh of Marsha Marsh Real Estate ServicesWhat happens when a dental hygienist with a knack for conversation follows her heart and builds a real estate powerhouse with her family? Join Zach and Jacob as they sit down with Marsha Marsh of Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services for an inspiring look into the roots, risks, and rewards of a thriving family-run business.In this episode, discover:How Marsha's career leap turned into a multi-generational legacy, with each family member bringing their own strengths—from entrepreneurial drive to people skills and financial know-how.The challenges and jo...
2025-09-171h 02The Family Business ExperienceBrian Rubin of Erie CottonJoin Zach and Jacob as they sit down with Brian Rubin, third-generation president of Erie Cotton, a pioneering textile recycling company with roots dating back to 1946. In this episode, Brian shares the fascinating history of his family’s business — from its origins in scrap metal and wiping cloths, through decades of industry shifts, to its innovative role in sustainability today. Listen as Brian discusses how Erie Cotton transforms used textiles into valuable wiping cloths for industries across the country, navigates the complexities of global supply chains, and embraces partnerships with refugees and immi...
2025-08-1951 min
The Penn State University Campus PodcastPenn State Revamps Orientation, Closes Campuses, Renovates Beaver Stadium, and Launches National Security Institute in Major 2025 UpdatesHello, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and we have several important updates from Penn State University.
Penn State University Park is set to revamp its New Student Orientation (NSO) program for 2025. The updated program will separate academic advising and course registration from the in-person orientation, allowing for a more streamlined process. Students will complete online modules and meet with academic advisers virtually before attending the on-campus orientation, which will focus on community-building activities. This change aims to accommodate the growing number of incoming students and enhance their onboarding experience.
In...
2025-08-1104 minThe Family Business ExperienceBrian Gorman of Waldameer & Water WorldStep inside the century-old legacy of Erie’s Waldameer Park as Zach and Jacob sit down with Brian Gorman, Chief Operating Officer and fourth-generation family member. From its origins as a trolley company picnic spot in 1896 to the bustling amusement and water park it is today, Brian shares the family journey—complete with paper adoptions, bold investments, generational shifts, and a deep commitment to community values.In this episode, you’ll discover:The unique origins of Waldameer and how the Gorman family came to lead itBehind-the-scenes stories—from auc...
2025-07-291h 01Behrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe rapid evolution of AI, with Dr. Tiffany Petricini and Kyle ChalupczynskiDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Tiffany Petricini, associate teaching professor of communication, and Kyle Chalupczynski, assistant teaching professor of management information systems, about their work with Behrend's Ad Hoc AI Task Force. Originally recorded on June 26, 2025.
2025-07-0459 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe student experience at Behrend and abroad, with Sophia DiPlacidoDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Sophia DiPlacido, a 2025 graduate of the college, about her student experience, including a semester abroad in France. Originally recorded on May 7, 2025.
2025-06-0634 minThe Family Business ExperienceMatt Totzke of Big Ideas LearningIn this episode, we welcome Matt Totzke, CEO of Big Ideas Learning, a leading K-12 mathematics publisher based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Matt shares his journey from starting as an intern at Larson Texts to leading one of the nation’s top math curriculum companies, now serving millions of students and educators across the country.Listeners will learn about:The Story Behind Big Ideas Learning: How the company evolved from its roots in Larson Texts, founded by renowned math author Dr. Ron Larson, to become the third-largest publisher of core K-12 math curriculum in th...
2025-06-021h 12
Holding the Ladder in Sport and LeadershipEpisode #86- Dave Niland, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Penn State Behrend, Erie, PADave Niland is our guest for this episode. He is the head men's basketball coach at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Penn State Behrend in Erie, PA. He just completed his 30th season guiding the Behrend Lions program. He comes from a family of legendary Buffalo (NY) sports leaders. Niland has produced 29 winning seasons in the last 30 years to rank 20th among NCAA Division III programs for winningest teams of the decade. The Lions also have earned an NCAA or Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) postseason bid in 26 of the past 28 years. Niland is the al...
2025-05-1255 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe 'Vision & Resilience' of Behrend's early leaders, with Dr. Joseph Beilein Jr.Dr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Joseph Beilein Jr., professor of history, about his new book about Behrend in the years 1980-2010. Originally recorded on May 1, 2025.
2025-05-0936 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastEmbracing an ‘accidental’ career, with Connor SattelyDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Connor Sattely, a 2025 recipient of the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award, about his work in venture capital in the Netherlands. Originally recorded on March 27, 2025.
2025-04-0435 minThe Family Business ExperienceKatherine Dahlkemper of Dahlkemper Jewelry ConnectionIn this episode we talk with Katherine Dahlkemper about the history of her families business and what it is like to be a new owner in the business. Katherine is the third-generation jeweler and co-owner of Dahlkemper Jewelry Connection in Erie, Pennsylvania. Katherine shares the remarkable story of her family's business, which spans nearly seven decades, evolving from her grandfather's humble beginnings starting a small wholesale business in 1956 to the thriving jewelry store it is today—located on their original family farmland.Listeners will hear about:The History of Dahlkemper Jewelry Connection: From ca...
2025-04-0249 minThe Family Business ExperienceDoug and Andrea Bierer of DBC RemodelingIn this episode we talk with Doug and Andrea Bierer about their journey of starting DBC Remodeling. Doug grew up doing construction & remodeling with his family his whole life. He loves seeing existing structures renewed and given revitalized purpose and function and always dreamed of owning his own business. Running DBC and working with such an incredible and talented group of people brings him incredible joy and satisfaction.Doug values being a lifelong learner and is passionate about reading, studying, and improving continually. He takes the responsibility of guiding this company thoughtfully. H...
2025-03-111h 22
TalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastThe Academic Year at Penn State Behrend: Dr. Ralph Ford - Dec. 12, 2024For our Thursday education focus, we invited another senior leader at our local universities, as Dr. Ralph Ford, Chancellor of Penn State Behrend joined us. He reviewed the academic year, as well as the big investments happening on campus.
2024-12-1342 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastInvesting with Intent, with Vincent IntrieriDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Vincent Intrieri, founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management and an Alumni Fellow, about the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund. Originally recorded on November 7, 2024.
2024-11-2239 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastPennsylvania’s role in the presidential election, with Dr. Robert SpeelDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Robert Speel, associate professor of political science, about Pennsylvania’s significance as a swing state in the 2024 presidential election. Originally recorded on October 14, 2024.
2024-10-2730 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe Healthy Campus Initiative, with Melissa SulkowskiDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Melissa Sulkowski, director of Student Wellness Services, about the Healthy Campus Initiative, which includes new programming at the Counseling Center and Health Center. Originally recorded on September 12, 2024.
2024-09-2727 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastA $4.4 million investment in metal casting, with Dr. Paul LynchDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Paul C. Lynch, associate professor of industrial engineering, about a three-year, $4.4 million partnership with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation. Originally recorded on July 26, 2024.
2024-08-0637 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastManaging inflation, with Dr. Ken LouieDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Ken Louie, associate professor of economics and director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie, about inflation, interest rates and economic growth.
2024-05-0834 min
Flagship City Sports TalkSeawolves Take Series over the RubberDucks, Penn State Behrend Mens Tennis Earns 3rd Straight AMCC Title, Feature w/ Doug White, and NFL Draft Wishes in the Rustbelt - FCST 4/22/24In this episode, the guys discuss who stood out at Harborcreek Invitational, the Seawolves claiming their series over the Akron RubberDucks, Penn State Behrend Mens Tennis claiming their Third Straight AMCC Title, Doug White, member of the 2024 Erie Metro Sports Hall of Fame, and 2024 NFL Draft Christmas lists.
2024-04-2346 minFlagship City Sports TalkErie High Boys Basketball Wins District Crown, Gannon Womens Basketball Secures Top Spot in PSAC Tournament, and Penn State Behrend Womens Basketball Wins Third AMCC Title - FCST 2/26/24In this episode the guys discuss D10 Basketball Playoffs, General McLane's Magnus Lloyd earning his fourth D10 title, Gannon Womens Basketball locking up the top seed in the PSAC tournament, and the Penn State Behrend Womens Basketball Team winning their third AMCC Championship. In the Rundown, they cover the Cleveland Cavaliers breaking their losing streak, the Penguins picking up a much needed win, and the Sabres are finding a rhythm.
2024-03-0142 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe April 8 total solar eclipse, with Dr. Darren Williams and Dr. Mike RutterDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Darren Williams, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, and Dr. Mike Rutter, associate professor of statistics, about the April 8 total solar eclipse, which will be visible in totality in Erie.
2024-02-2932 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastHow to navigate the college enrollment process, with Andrea KonkolDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Andrea Konkol, director of enrollment management, about the FAFSA and other steps in the college admissions process.
2024-02-1432 minTalkErie.com - The Joel Natalie Show - Erie Pennsylvania Daily PodcastPenn State Behrend's 75th Anniversary: Dr. Ralph Ford - Jan. 23, 2024On the Tuesday edition of The Joel Natalie Show, we invited in-studio Dr. Ralph Ford, Chancellor of Penn State Behrend. The higher ed institution in Harborcreek Township is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Dr. Ford told the story of the origin of the Behrend campus, how the school is celebrating this milestone, and their work in the greater Erie region.
2024-01-2443 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastBuilding a better Wesleyville, with Borough Manager Marcus JacobsDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with alumnus Marcus Jacobs about his work as the borough manager of Wesleyville.
2023-12-1832 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastArtificial intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity, with Jeremy O’Mard | Dr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with alumnus Jeremy O’Mard, senior managing consultant at IBM, about how artificial intelligence is changing the cybersecurity landscape.
2023-11-1532 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastA silver STARS rating for sustainability, with Dr. Sherri “Sam” MasonDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason, director of sustainability at Behrend, about the college’s new STARS rating for sustainability.
2023-09-2834 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe digital humanities and the Frankenstein Variorum, with Dr. Elisa Beshero-Bondar Dr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Dr. Elisa Beshero-Bondar, professor of digital humanities, about the Frankenstein Variorum and the Mary Russell Mitford Archive.
2023-08-2841 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastA new threat to chestnut trees, with graduate researcher Emily DobryDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Emily Dobry, a graduate student who discovered a tree fungus that had not previously been seen in North America.
2023-06-0829 min
The People of Penn StateEpisode 36 — Founder Of Black Doctors Consortium, Center For Health Equity, And R.E.A.L. Concierge Medicine, Dr. Ala StanfordStart your weekend off with another episode of The People of Penn State! Today, we welcome alumna Dr. Ala Stanford to the program for an insightful conversation about medicine and health equity. Dr. Stanford discussed her time at Penn State, (including her days as a Lion Ambassador), her career path, transforming her private practice into a Covid-19 testing center during the height of the pandemic, what it's like to become a public figure, working with Will Smith, and disparities in healthcare. More background on Dr. Stanford:She gained national recognition during the COV...
2023-05-2538 minBehrend Talks: A Penn State PodcastThe international-student experience, with Hetzel Award-winner Yingxin “Cindy” WuDr. Ralph Ford, chancellor of Penn State Behrend, talks with Yingxin “Cindy” Wu, winner of the 2023 Ralph Dorn Hetzel Memorial Award, about her experience as an international student at Behrend.
2023-05-1133 min