Shows
We Question & LearnKaren Bilowith, President and CEO of Erie Community Foundation and Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth PartnershipThis episode of We Question and Learn program will feature Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation. With her will be Erin Fessler, Vice President of Community and Government Relations. We'll hear an overview about the Foundation's activities and accomplishments. Also featured is Jake Rouch, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
Join us Sunday afternoons starting at 4 on WQLN NPR and then online at WQLN.org or your favorite podcast venue.2025-01-0659 minWe Question & LearnDoctor Rebecca Styn, and her venture into alcohol free cocktail products and Laurie Zierer, Executive Director of PA HumanitiesThis episode of 'We Question and Learn' will features an
interview with Doctor Rebecca Styn, winner of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners $50,000 idea contest and her venture into alcohol free cocktail products. Then our guest is Laurie Zierer, Executive Director of PA Humanities, an organization celebrating 50 years of service to Pennsylvania's cultural arts and communities. You can hear these programs Sunday afternoon, June 2nd, starting at 4 on WQLN NPR, and then on WQLN dot O R G.
2024-06-0358 minWe Question & LearnSenior VP at Chautauqua Institution Debra Sunya Moore & President Ferki Ferati and VP Ben Speggen of the Jefferson Educational SocietyThis We Question & Learn program will feature an interview with Debra Sunya Moore, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer at the Chautauqua Institution, talking about the upcoming season. Then our guests will be Ferki Ferati, President of the Jefferson Educational Society along with Ben Speggen, Vice President, outlining the Jefferson's outreach and activities. You can hear these guests, Sunday afternoon, March 3rd starting at 4 on WQLN NPR, and then online at WQLN dot o r g slash we question.2024-03-0359 min
NEXT with Marcus AtkinsonNEXT 2.0 HOLIDAY SPECIALBehind every show host is a supportive team. Today on NEXT 2.0, meet the interns who helped shape the 2.0 season of the NEXT journey. Meet the partners of the East Side Renaissance, the neighborhood nonprofit that houses the Publix Voice’s studio that co-produces and records 2.0. We discuss not just the rebranding but what the holidays mean in each of their households. This episode is dedicated to all this episode's guests and their families, WQLN- PBS-NPR's tireless staff, and all our loyal listeners. Happy Holidays!
Enjoy.2023-12-2358 minWe Question & LearnA Caroling We Will Go Pt. 1This We Question and Learn Program will take a short vacation from our regular interviews and we'll broadcast the first hour of a special two hour holiday presentation written, produced and narrated by Dr. Andrew Roth featuring an educational and most entertaining program entitled 'A Caroling We Will Go.'
You can find part 2 here: https://www.wqln.org/podcast/the-american-tapestry-project
2023-12-1158 min
The American Tapestry ProjectA Caroling We Will Go pt. 2This episode of American Tapestry is part 2 to a collaboration with WQLN's We Question & Learn. Narrated by Dr. Andrew Roth featuring and educational and most entertaining program entitled 'A Caroling We Will Go.'
You can find part 1 here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/we-question-and-learn/episodes/A-Caroling-We-Will-Go-Pt--1-e2bllbg
2023-12-1058 minWe Question & LearnEp. 57 David Callahan President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition and Dr. Barry Bittman CEO of the Yamaha Music and Wellness InstituteThe next We Question and Learn program will revisit an interview with David Callahan, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. Then we'll hear an interview with Dr. Barry Bittman, CEO and President of the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute and former host of a Mind, Body Wellness program that was heard on WQLN and across the country.2023-09-0359 minWe Question & LearnEp 56 - Karen Bilowith President and CEO & Erin Fessler VP of the Erie Community Foundation, Dr. Barry Bittman CEO and President of the Yamaha Music and Wellness InstituteThe next We Question and Learn program will feature an interview with Karen Bilowith, President and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation. With her will be Erin Fessler, Vice President, Marketing and
Community/Government Relations, talking about Erie Gives Day on August 8th. Then, we'll talk with Dr. Barry Bittman, CEO and President of the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute and former host of a Mind, Body Wellness program that was heard on WQLN and across the country.2023-08-0659 minWe Question & LearnEp 45 - Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, Susan Snelick and Melinda Saunders, Erie Water Works CEO Paul VojtekThis We Question and Learn program will feature an interview with Susan Snelick, President of the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Along with Melinda Saunders, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. Then we'll feature part 2 of an interview with Paul Vojtek, CEO and CFO of the Erie Water Works. You can hear this program, online at https://www.wqln.org/Listen/Podcasts/We-Question-Learn.2022-09-0457 minWe Question & LearnEp 43 - Stairways Behavioural Health Robin Dowling, Director of Community Development at the American Cancer Society Eric McGaughy, President of Strategy Solutions Debbie ThompsonThis WE QUESTION & LEARN program will feature interviews with:
Robin Dowling, Executive Director of Stairways Behavioural Health, accompanied by Guy Signor, President and CEO at Journey healths Systems, talking about the key issues facing behavioral health providers today.
Then our guests will be Eric McGaughy, Director of Community Development at the American Cancer Society, along with Debbie Thompson, President of Strategy Solutions outlining important cancer services in our community.
You can hear these programs, Sunday afternoon, July 3rd at 4 on WQLN NPR.2022-07-0355 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 8 - American HolidaysHow many holidays do Americans celebrate? 256! That’s probably a low count based only on those listed by timeanddate.com. American holidays range from the mega-famous to the obscure, from Christmas and Thanksgiving to August 21st Senior Citizens Day, from July 4th to Colorado’s Francis Xavier Cabrini Day.
This episode of The American Tapestry Project explores a new thread in the stories of how Americans weave the common objects of their love into the national fabric by examining American holidays. First airing on March 14th with St. Patrick’s Day following in three days, we’ll launch ou...2021-03-1458 minWe Question & LearnEp 27 - Charles 'Boo' Hagerty, and Tom McClureTom Pysz talks with Charles 'Boo' Hagerty, Chief Development Officer for the Hamot Health Foundation. Then he'll talk with Tom McClure, the District Manager of the Erie County Conservation District.2021-03-1258 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 28 - The Events of January 6th, 2021Join Marcus and his guests; Rick Wellington, a retired Department of PA Corrections Officer and US Army Veteran, and; Anthony Quinn, a retired Infantry Second Lieutenant (2LT), as they discuss the events of January 6th, 2021 and the fallout afterwards.2021-02-2158 minWe Question & LearnEp 26 - Maureen Barber-Carey of Barber National Institute & Wendy Wallace of Meals on WheelTom talks with Doctor Maureen Barber-Carey, Executive Vice President of the Barber National Institute, talking about programs and outreach for 2021. And Wendy Wallace, the Executive Director of Meals on Wheel in Erie, PA; outlining the services and challenges facing this program in a COVID-19 era.2021-02-1555 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 7 - American Diversity in Three Classic Songs and 'Who Was George Washington?'Continuing our weaving of The American Tapestry Project, today, searching for the “common objects of our love”, we’ll examine America’s great diversity in three classic American songs – Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land and James Weldon Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing. We’ll also ask whatever happened to Washington’s Birthday and what is the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that created Presidents Day? Speaking of Washington’s birthday, in a mini-bio we’ll examine George Washington, the man whose name everyone knows and about whom most know nothing at all beyond he...2021-02-1458 min
Better Than MonkeysEp 27 - Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra - 2/2This episode of Better Than Monkeys is part two of a two part series featuring MICHAEL SACHS, principal trumpet of THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA. Since 1988, Michael Sachs has held one of the premier positions in one of the world's premier orchestras, and on this episode of BTM, he shares his stories, his love of music, his love of sports and so much more. I'd love for you to join me, Brian Hannah, and Michael Sachs for this episode of BTM.2021-02-011h 13NEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 27 - The Dream Lives OnJoin Marcus and guests: Lopez Matthews, Ph.D. Digital Librarian and Historian, Howard University; Lyn Twillie-Darby, President, Mu Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; Dr. Kephyan Sheppard, Pastor, Word of Life Fellowship Center as they discuss "the dream continues"; the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.2021-01-2459 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 6 - The Immigrant’s Tale & the Fusion ThreadThe American Tapestry Project: We Tell Ourselves Stories concludes in Episode #6: The Immigrant’s Tale and The Fusion Thread. ‘The Immigrant’s Tale’ explores the history of immigration to America from John Smith and John Winthrop in the 17th century to the Irish and Catholic Germans in the mid-19th century to the great influx of southern and Eastern Europeans in the late 19th/early 20th centuries to the post-1965 surge in Asian, African and Latino immigration with side stops examining the meaning of “citizenship”, evolving immigration law and a look at the Know Nothings of the 19th century and their 21s...2021-01-1058 minWe Question & LearnEp 25 - Adam Bratton, and Dr. Andrew RothThis WE QUESTION AND LEARN program will feature an interview with Adam C. Bratton, the Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership and Dr. Andrew Roth, Scholar-in-Residence at the Jefferson Educational Society, and host of The American Tapestry Project on WQLN NPR.2021-01-0358 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 26 - Dr. Evan Williams on "Dead White Man Music"This episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS is a follow up to WQLN NPR's Harry T. Burleigh week celebration in December. Burleigh, born in Erie, Pa in 1866 was instrumental in bringing the African-American spiritual into the mainstream of classical music thru his art songs and for bringing these spirituals to the attention of composer ANTONIN DVORAK who looked to them for inspiration in composing his SYMPHONY NO. 9, "From the New World."
Burleigh's legacy lives on thru today's young African-American composers including todays special guest, Dr. Evan Williams. Evan brings us a performance of his composition "DEAD WHITE MAN...2020-12-2842 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 26 - Polarizing Political Landscape & The COVID-19 VaccineJoin Marcus Atkinson and his guests; PA Senator Dan Laughlin; president of MCIC James Sherrod; and chief nursing officer and VP of patient services at UPMC Hamot; as they discuss COVID-19, the vaccine, and the polarizing climate surrounding our political landscape.2020-12-2700 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 5 - The American Dream: Success Stories, Horatio Alger & a Nation of ‘Hustlers’Tracing the story of The American Dream: Success Stories, Horatio Alger and a Nation of ‘Hustlers, Episode 5 of The American Tapestry Project analyzes the tension between two stories: our Jeffersonian sense of ourselves as yeoman farmers living in small towns versus the reality that we live in Alexander Hamilton’s world of high finance, manufacturing and entrepreneurial zeal.
In addition to such famous success stories as John D. Rockefeller and Jeff Bezos, we’ll also encounter African-American entrepreneurs Annie Malone and Pennsylvanian Stephen Smith. We’ll examine the American-created self-improvement industry beginning with Benjamin Franklin proceeding through Dale Car...2020-12-1758 minWe Question & LearnEp 24 - County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper and Greg Filbeck, Penn State BehrendThis WE QUESTION AND LEARN program will feature an interview with County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper who will talk about COVID-19 in Erie County and then other important programs for our community. Then Tom Talks with Doctor Greg Filbeck, Director of the Black School of Business and Samuel P. Black the III Professor of Finance and Risk Management at Penn State Behrend.2020-12-0658 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 25 - Black and Economic Empowerment in Erie, PAJoin Marcus and his guests; Kyra Taylor, and Davona Pacley from Erie's Black Wall Street, Dave Dix from Luminous Strategies LLC, and Marc Blount the host of "Blount Conversations" - as they discuss black empowerment, and economic empowerment in the Erie community.2020-11-2359 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 4 - Freedom’s Faultlines: Tales of Race & GenderFreedom’s Fault Lines: Tales of Race and Gender explores the stories of race (black, brown, red and white) in America and women’s quest for full citizenship. From Jamestown 1619 to the Naturalization Act of 1790 limiting citizenship to “any…free white person” to The Trail of Tears to the Civil War; from The Lost Cause, Jim Crow, the Klu Klux Klan and the Civil Rights Movement of the middle-twentieth century to Steve Bannon and Breitbart News to Black Lives Matter and the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians changing their names; from Abigail Adams request that the founders “remember the ladies” to Seneca Fall...2020-11-0958 minWe Question & LearnEp 23 - Blane Dessy, Erie County Public Library, Beck Erie County Historical SocietyTom talks with Blane Dessy, Director of the Erie County Public Library, and Beck Weiser, Curator of the Hagen History Center - Erie County Historical Society.2020-11-0158 min
Better Than MonkeysHalloween Special: Exorcist Robin SwopeMy guest on this Halloween edition of BTM is author, journalist, consultant and EXORCIST, the PARANORMAL PASTOR, ROBIN SWOPE!
Rev. Robin Swope is a Writer and has been a Christian Minister for more than 27 years in both Mainline and Evangelical Denominations. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Literature and finishing an M.Div. In Pastoral Ministry with an emphasis on Marital and Family Counseling. He has served as a Missionary to Burkina Faso, and has Ministered to the homeless in New York City's Hell's Kitchen. He is the founder and chief officiant of Open Gate Ministerial...2020-10-2600 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 24 - The Importance of Voting, and Domestic Violence Awareness MonthMarcus and his guests community advocate Fred Rush, and director of domestic violence services at SafeNet, Robyn Young. As they discuss the importance of voting and that October is domestic violence awareness month.
Is someone you know trapped in an abusive relationship? Are you trying to find a safe place nearby, but don’t know how? Download RUSafe to find the hope and the help you need. Learn more, and download the app at www.RUSafe.net
2020-10-2559 minWe Question & LearnEp 22 - Bob Chitester, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Free To Chose NetworkSince WQLN was founded on August 13, 1967, and before, Bob Chitester has been involved with Public Broadcasting. During the next We Question and Learn program, we'll gain insights reflecting those early days forward, to today's Free To Chose Network.
This is Tom Pysz inviting you to join me for a special one hour program talking with Bob Chitester, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of that organization.2020-10-1658 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 3 - Freedom at Home & AbroadWhat is the story of American freedom? What is the paradox at its heart vexing us from the start and into tomorrow? How many ways has it been defined? Who did the defining? Who did it include; who did it exclude? What does freedom mean? What does liberty mean? What is the American Creed and what truths did Franklin – yes, Franklin, not Jefferson – say were “self-evident”? What is Lincoln’s government “of the people, by the people, for the people”? What is American exceptionalism? American universalism? And why did Thomas Paine say “We have it to begin the world anew”. What does...2020-10-1657 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 23 - 2020 In The NewsJoin Marcus Atkinson and his guests: Abdullah Washington (Poet / Community Activist), Chuck Cammarata (Pastor), and Adrian D. Ewing (Community Advocate) as they discuss police reform, diversity, equity and inclusion and what it looks like as we come together as a society.2020-09-2558 minThe American Tapestry ProjectEp 2 - “We Tell Ourselves Stories”Why are stories important? Humans seek meaning by asking questions. Where did we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? Humans are also storytellers. Asking questions and telling stories in reply are how humans make sense of their experience. As Joan Didion said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live”.
The American Tapestry Project explores Americans; sense making and story-telling as they negotiate the passage to now since 1968, when Smithsonian magazine said “America shattered”. What shattered? The American story, or the consensus that there ever was such a thing. If the story shattered, so too did...2020-09-1858 minWe Question & LearnEp 21 - Michael L. Batchelor, Ferki Ferati, and Ben SpeggenTom Talks with Michael L. Batchelor, President of the Erie Community Foundation, about the highlights of his career since starting in 1990 and his pending retirement at the end of 2020.Then Tom talks with Ferki Ferati, President, along with Ben Speggen, Vice President, about the mission, vision and activities of The Jefferson Educational Society.2020-09-1758 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 22 - The Challenges of Reopening Schools Amid The COVID-19 PandemicJoin Marcus Atkinson and his guests: Brian Polito - Erie school district's superintendent, Alison Reynolds - CEO of Robert Benjamin Wiley Charter School, and Amy Harris - Director of Community Relations and Building Operations at Robert Benjamin Wiley Charter School, as we discussed the challenges of reopening schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.2020-09-0258 minWe Question & LearnEp 20 - Debra Thompson, along with Thomas Tupitza, and Robert ChatfieldOn this episode of WE QUESTION and LEARN; Tom Pysz talks with Debra Thompson, President of Strategy Solutions, consultant, trainer and Peer Reviewer for the Standards of Excellence Institute, along with Thomas A. Tupitza, President of the Knox Law Firm, talking about the effects locally and beyond of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Then Tom talks with Robert Chatfield, President and CEO of the FREE TO CHOOSE network, a global media organization.2020-08-1757 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 25 - Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra - 1/2This episode of Better Than Monkeys is part one of a two part series featuring MICHAEL SACHS, principal trumpet of THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA. Since 1988, Michael Sachs has held one of the premier positions in one of the world's premier orchestras, and on this episode of BTM, he shares his stories, his love of music, his love of sports and so much more. I'd love for you to join me, Brian Hannah, and Michael Sachs for this episode of BTM.2020-08-011h 03We Question & LearnEp 19 - Mark Amendola: Executive Director at Perseus HouseTom Pysz talks with Mark Amendola, the Executive Director at Perseus House. They'll talk about nonprofit services and organizational survival during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic... including the stress factors involved in providing health care, social services, and evidence based programming for youth and families in our community today.2020-07-2059 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 24 - Cryptozoologist and author, Loren ColemanHe published his first article in 1969, he’s an author of, or contributor to dozens of books. He’s been a consultant to programs such as NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries, A & E’s Ancient Mysteries, the History Channel’s In Search of History, the Discovery Channel’s In the Unknown and more.
He also curates and operates the International Cryptozoology Museum located at Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine. Today’s guest on Better than Monkeys, world re-known Cryptozoologist, Loren Coleman2020-06-121h 00We Question & LearnEp 18 - Mary Bula, and Doctor Andrew RothOn this episode of We Question and Learn; Tom Pysz talks with Mary Bula, Director of Erie Together, "Erie's Countywide Collective Impact Movement". Then Tom talks with Doctor Andrew Roth, with Part 2 of a series on the American Dream.2020-06-1058 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 21 - Dr. Sidney CoupetMarcus talks with Dr. Sidney Coupet, an Internal Medicine physician, the founder and CEO of Coupet Quality Clinic (CQC). In this month’s episode of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson, the host asks thought-provoking questions about the fatalities in the black community from COVID-19 and proactive ways to protect marginalized groups post-pandemic.2020-05-2756 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 23 - Nancy Duskas, Mortuary Science!On this episode of Better Than Monkeys, Brian pulls back the fascinating, sometimes sad, often funny, but until now, MYSTERIOUS veil surrounding the funeral business!
Join Brian and special guests, Nancy Dusckas and Barbara Terrizzi of DUSCKAS FUNERAL HOMES, Inc. as they put the FUN back in FUNeral on this episode of BTM.2020-05-141h 10We Question & LearnEp 17 - Mike Ruzzi, Kara Coleman, and Mark Soliday - WICU 70 YearsTV journalists Mike Ruzzi, Kara Coleman, and Mark Soliday join Tom Pysz to talk about media today and reflect on the 70 years history of Erie's WICU TV.2020-05-0458 minWe Question & LearnEp 16 - James Grunke and Adam BrattonTom Pysz talks with James Grunke, the CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership about goals and accomplishments for the 2020 year. Then Tom talks with Adam Bratton, the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership who will be talking about nonprofit management and the state of the nonprofit community in Northwest Pennsylvania.2020-04-0558 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 22 - Violinist Jonathan MoserIn this episode of BTM, we chat with Erie Philharmonic principal second violin Jonathan Moser. We cover how to create a diverse career in music, taking an audition, leading a section, the Suzuki string method and soooo much more! I’d love for you to join me (and Jonathan!) for part one of this two-part episode of Better Than Monkeys!
You can connect with Jonathan on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanRMoser2020-03-0521 minWe Question & LearnEp 15 - County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Dr. James Fisher and Ed McKeanOn the next We Question and Learn program Tom Pysz talks with County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper discussing the state of the county, addressing key points from Public Health to our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. Then Tom Talks with Dr. James Fisher, Associate Provost at Edinboro University, along with Ed McKean, talking about the preview event March 18th at Edinboro University and the PBS documentary, “A More Or Less Perfect Union’.2020-02-2658 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 20 - Homer Smith, Tanya Teglo, and Jermaine BeasonMarcus and guests talk about the historical impact black radio and self-produced entertainment has had on the African-American community. This episode introduces Homer Smith; radio personality for WERG’s “Super Soul Saturday”, Tanya Teglo; Author and historian and Jermaine Beason; Writer, Director, and Actor.2020-02-2554 minWe Question & LearnEp 14 - Dr. David Frew, author and Dr. Andrew Roth Part 2Tom Pysz talks with Dr. David Frew, author, and co-author of 35 books, along with over a hundred articles, cases, and papers. Then Tom talks with Dr. Andrew Roth with Part 2 of an interview series examining the American Dream. 2020-01-3158 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 19 - James C. Sherrod, of the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial CenterMarcus and guest; James C. Sherrod, the Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Center, share the impact of Martin Luther King III’s visit to Erie and upcoming King holiday activities.2020-01-2758 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 21 - Grammy Award Nominated Harpist Yolanda KondonassisFresh on the heels of her SECOND Grammy Award nomination, this time in the best classical instrumental solo category, Yolanda Kondonassis finds time to chat with our Better Than Monkeys audience about her passion for the harp, her newest recording of the Jennifer Higdon Harp Concerto with Ward Stare and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, her passion for the environment, her skills as an author and educator, her not so secret love for her husband and her fixation with coffee and funky music! 2020-01-2142 minWe Question & LearnEp 13 - Penny Mechley-Porter, Licensed Professional Counselor / Dr. Andrew RothTom Pysz talks with Penny Mechley-Porter, a licensed professional counselor who has created a first-of-its-kind-anywhere co-working space for therapists. We’ll learn more about the new Thrive Therapy Space here in Erie, Pennsylvania. In the second half of the program, Tom's guest will be Dr. Andrew Roth, with part two of a documentary series on the “American Dream – 2020”.2020-01-0658 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 18 - David González, of St. Martin Center, Michael Hooks of Michael Making Lives BetterMarcus Atkinson talks with David González, MS , CEO of St. Martin Center, Inc. and Michael Hooks, Founder of Michael Making Lives Better about nonprofits and philanthropy in the season of giving.2019-12-2258 minWe Question & LearnEp 12 - Daniel Meyer, Erie Philharmonic / Gerry Schneggenburger, NWIRCTom Pysz talks with the Erie Philharmonic's Music Director, Daniel Meyer. With him will be WQLN Classical Music Host, Brian Hannah. Then Tom Talks with Gerry Schneggenburger, the Chief Operation Officer of the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC).2019-12-0658 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 20 - Singer Songwriter, Music Legend Judy CollinsOn this episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS, we get to spend a few minutes talking with a true legend in the music world. A platinum album selling songstress with more than 55 albums created over the course of her illustrious career, her recording of Joni Mitchell's BOTH SIDES NOW is in the GRAMMY HALL OF FAME and her recording of Stephen Sondheim's SEND IN THE CLOWNS won song of the year at the 1975 Grammy Awards. She is author, mentor, social activist and singer/songwriter, JUDY COLLINS.2019-12-0409 minWe Question & LearnEp 11 - Bill Jackson, United Way Dr. Andrew Roth author American TapestryTom Pysz talks with Bill Jackson, President and Chief Professional Officer of United Way of Erie County and Doctor Andrew Roth with an outline entitled ‘AMERICAN TAPESTRY : WE TELL OURSELVES STORIES”, insights on our country since the 60’s.2019-11-2758 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 17 - Elections 2019-2020: Jim Wertz, Jezree FriendMarcus Atkinson talks with Jim Wertz (Democratic Party Chair) and Jezree Friend (Republican Party Representative) about the current political landscape. They also talk about the elections both locally and nationally.2019-11-2659 minWe Question & LearnEp 10 - James Grunke, Erie Regional Chamber/Mark Amendola Perseus House Dr. Nick ViglioneTom Pysz talks with James Grunke, the CEO and Executive Director of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Then Tom talks with Mark Amendola, the Executive Director of Perseus House along with Doctor Nick Viglione, the Chief Educational Officer of the Charter School of Excellence.2019-11-2059 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 19 - Political Satirist and Comedian Mark RussellWhen Washington politicians see him coming, they run for the hills! or more specifically, FROM the Hill! Capitol Hill, that is! For over 30 years, Mark Russell brought his signature bow tie, star-spangled piano and sharp political humor to America via regular PBS specials. Mark is "mostly" retired now, but still has strong opinions and wit as stinging as ever! On this episode of Better than Monkeys, we sit down with Mark and chat about ruining family holidays, Marines doing target practice in Hawaii, why political humor is so important in our society and OOOOH so much more...2019-11-1943 minWe Question & LearnEp 9 - Dr. Christopher Clark: St. Vincent Hospital / Becky Weiser: Erie County Hist. Soc.Tom talks with Dr. Christopher Clark, president of Saint Vincent hospital, about all the recent and new projects and expansions there. Also on the program is the curator of the Erie County Historical Society, Becky Weiser, with an outline of all the programs, tours, and exhibits at the Hagen History Center.2019-11-1358 minWe Question & LearnEp 8 - Michael Outlaw, Brian Slawin, Nicole ReitzellTom Pysz talks with Michael Outlaw, community liaison for the City of Erie. With him will be Brian Slawin, director and portfolio manager for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Then Tom talks with Nicole Reitzell, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Erie Downtown Development Corporation.2019-11-0658 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 16 - Kathy Wrosdick, Heather Caspar, Anna FrantzMarcus Atkinson talks with Kathy Wrosdick Planning Director for the City of Erie, Heather Caspar Executive Director of SSJ Neighborhood Network and Anna Frantz Executive Director of Our West Bayfront about Planning for our futures and organizing our neighborhoods.2019-11-0658 minWe Question & LearnEp 7 - Debra Thompson, Tom Tupitza, Strategy Solutions / Jordan Steves, Chautauqua InstitutionTom Pysz talks with Debra Thompson, President of Strategy Solutions along with Attorney Tom Tupitza. about nonprofit organization collaboration and governance. Then Tom will talk with Jordan Steves, Director of Community Relations at the Chautauqua Institution about the 2019 Summer Season.2019-10-3058 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 15 - Erie County Recidivism Rate: Amy Eisert, Sheila Silman, Jesse Tate, Tyshun TaylorMarcus Atkinson talks with Sheila Silman, MS, Program Manager ECRSSA/GECAC, Amy Eisert - Executive Director Mercyhurst University Civic Institute, Jesse Tate, BS - Case Manager ECRSSA/GECAC, and Tyshun Taylor - Client Advocate ECRSSA/Downtown YMCA about a more unified Erie. About the recidivism rate in Erie County, and the funding crisis ECRSSA/GECAC currently face.2019-10-3058 minWe Question & LearnEp 6 - Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie County Executive / Mark Amendola, Nick Viglione: Perseus HouseErie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper discusses the public safety radio system, Erie County Public Library’s Idea Lab at Blasco Memorial Library, the county data center, the Blue Zones project, and more. In the second half of the program, Mark Amendola, Executive Director of Perseus House Charter School of Excellence, along with Dr. Nick Viglione, Perseus House Chief Educational Officer, discuss the activities of the school.2019-10-2358 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 14 - Daryl Craig, Community Advocate; Amy Blackman, Crime Victim Center"Brother D's" Journey into community advocacy and the role the Crime Victim Center of Erie plays in dealing with trauma-induced-community events.2019-10-231h 00Better Than MonkeysEp 18 - Conductor JoAnn FallettaMultiple Grammy Awards, 20 years as music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, the FIRST WOMAN to be appointed to lead a major American music ensemble, a discography of over 115 titles and guest appearances on FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS, PBS' Live from Lincoln Center, CBS Sunday Morning and more...our guest on this episode of BETTER THAN MONKEYS is none other than the dynamic barrier-breaking, music-making Maestro herself, JoAnn Falletta!2019-10-1729 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 13 - Character Be about It & The Eagle's Nest: Matt & Cleo Harris, Bishop Dwane BrockHost Marcus Atkinson talks with Bishop Dwane Brock, founder of The Eagle's Nest, a life skills training program for at risk youth. Then Marcus talks with Matt and Cleo Harris about Character Be About It, a prevention based program taught by trained law enforcement officers, which instills important character traits in children in grades K through 8.2019-10-1658 minWe Question & LearnEp 5 - Adam Bratton: Nonprofit Partnership / Ashley Senger: Language Collaborations, LLCErie's keenest minds are working to solve critical community needs. Adam Bratton, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership, shares an overview of how nonprofits address critical problems on a local level. In the second half of the program, Ashley Senger, ESL educator and owner of Language Connections, LLC, discusses the unique needs of City of Erie residents for whom English is a second language.2019-10-1658 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 12 - Fatherhood and FatherlessnessThe influence of fathers is, in a word, AWESOME! But with 19.7M children in the U.S. fatherless, putting them at risk for innumerable challenges from obesity to incarceration, Marcus and guests discuss fatherhood & fatherly influences - and fatherlessness - in our communities.2019-10-0959 minWe Question & LearnEp 4 - Dr. Andrew Roth - 1968: The Far Side of the Moon and the Birth of the Culture WarsIn this special one-hour feature, Andrew Roth, Ph.D., discusses the 1960s roots of modern America. Roth brings 33 years of academic leadership experience to Erie's Jefferson Educational Society where, as scholar in residence, he is researching and preparing presentations on the topic of 1968: The Far Side of the Moon and the Birth of the Culture Wars.2019-10-0958 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 11 - Mothers Make the World Go 'RoundBelated happy Mother's Day! Matriarchs hold our families together. How do we cherish their role in our lives, and how do we lean on their spirit when time, distance, or loss means they're no longer right there beside us? This episode takes a look at those questions alongside the all-important and evolving role of mothers in our country and around the world. Special guests Christine Rush, Amanda Burlingham, Angela Kennedy Collins, and Tracy Dailey discuss key concerns of modern mothers, parents, and families.2019-10-0258 minWe Question & LearnEp 3 - Tom Saunders: W. PA Conservancy / Drs. Afzal Upal, Christopher Mansour: CybersecurityTom Saunders, Executive Director of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, discusses reserved green areas in Northwest Pennsylvania. In the second half of the episode, cognitive scientist Dr. Afzal Upal and computer engineer Dr. Christopher Mansour, cybersecurity experts from Mercyhurst University, discuss the frontiers of cybersecurity.2019-10-0259 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 17 - Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, George Daugherty / Erie PhilharmonicThe creator and conductor of "BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY," George Daugherty, joins WQLN Radio's Brian Hannah for a fun an lighthearted look at the genius behind the iconic Bugs Bunny cartoons featured in the 30th anniversary production of "BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY!"2019-09-261h 03NEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 10 - Gentrification in Erie Pt. 2 w/ Molly Brechtel, Abdullah Washington, Jon WhaleyPublic discourse about gentrification can spawn controversy and conflict but is nevertheless more important today than ever before, including in the communities of Erie. Marcus and guests discuss displacement, disinvestment, and gentrification in this second installment of our series on gentrification.
Featuring:
Molly Brechtel, healthcare advocate, union organizer, community advocate; Abdullah Washington, community organizer, artist; Jon Whaley, community advocate, entrepreneur2019-09-251h 00We Question & LearnEp 2 - The Business of Business with Dr. Joyce Miller, Elana Como, Donald MooreGuests share perspectives on local business development and initiatives. First we hear from Dr. Joyce Miller, CEO of the Northwest Institute of Research, and Elana Como, Director of the Northwest Regional Key, Region One, and Quality Initiatives Director for the Early Learning Resource Center, Region 2. Then Donald Moore from Decision Associates joins us for the second half of the program.2019-09-2559 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 9 - Gentrification in Erie w/ Dr. Adam Saeler, Nicole Reitzell, Brett R. WilerWhat is it about the concept of gentrification that sparks controversy? Marcus shares a personal experience, and guests discuss revitalization efforts in the neighborhoods of Erie, asking whether these developments carry the negative connotations of "gentrification".
Featuring:
Dr. Adam Saeler, Assistant Proffessor, Criminal Justice, Mercyhurst University
Nicole Reitzell, Vice President, Community Engagement, Erie Downtown Development Corporation
Brett R. Wiler, Director, Capital Formation, Flagship Opportunity Zone Development Company2019-09-1859 minWe Question & LearnEp 1 - Kristi Bailey: Young Erie Professionals / Mike Smiley: Decision AssociatesKristi Bailey, President of Young Erie Professionals, makes her radio debut with a history of YEP - and a look ahead, as the professional network continues to evolve. In the second half of the program, Mike Smiley, strategist and marketing executive at Decision Associates, shares insight into the consulting group's scope of expertise.2019-09-1859 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 8 - Pullman Porters and the Black Middle Class w/ Fred Rush, Scott MichelMarcus and guests Scott Michel, site pastor for Grace Church in McKean, and Fred Rush, retired journalist and public servant, honor Black History Month with a conversation about the rich history of Pullman porters in the 19th and 20th centuries, including their impact on the development of the black middle class.2019-09-1158 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 7 - Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., w/ Marc Blount, Art Leopold, Dr. Parris BakerMarcus and guests Marc Blount, Art Leopold, and Dr. Parris Baker discuss the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.2019-09-0459 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 6 - Top Stories of 2018: Pizza Bomber and MoreMarcus and guests recap the hottest local stories of 2018, starting with the meteoric resurgence of the "pizza bomber" case, with guests Jerry Clark and Ed Palattella, authors of "Pizza Bomber: The Untold Story of America's Most Shocking Bank Robbery". Then journalist Kevin Flowers and Hip Hop artist Cee Brown join Marcus for a look back at a memorable year in politics and more.2019-08-2858 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 5 - Passion in Politics: Post-Midterm ElectionsReturning special guests Nicci Page (D) and Robert J. Yates (R) discuss engagement around midterm elections - and results - from the vantage point of each party. And Rebecca Styn, executive director of Idea Fund Erie, and Sonya Byes, host and producer of Chatting with Sonya, join in a conversation about the historic gains by women in politics nationwide.2019-08-2157 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 16 - Banjo Royalty Béla Fleck & Abigail WashburnBéla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, “the king and queen of the banjo” (Paste Magazine), have a musical partnership like no other. Béla Fleck is a sixteen-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the instrument across multiple genres, and Abigail Washburn a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized the instrument by combining it with Far East culture and sounds. The two met at a square dance, began collaborating musically and eventually fell in love. YOU can fall in love with the dynamic musical duo on the most recent episode of B...2019-07-2437 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 15 - Shonn Wiley - Jersey Boys, Under the StreetlampShonn talks about life on the road, creating a hit musical from scratch, juggling a career on the road and family life as well as UNDER THE STREETLAMP’s July 12, 2019, performance at the legendary CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION!2019-07-2436 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 14 - Wynton Marsalis: Yes, THAT Wynton Marsalis!American treasure Wynton Marsalis, aka The Best Jazz Trumpeter Ever, (and also killer classical trumpeter) schools fellow trumpeter Brian Hannah on a thing or two, in this preview of Marsalis's summer 2019 visit to nearby Chautauqua Institution.2019-07-2432 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 13 - Chita Rivera - Star of Stage and ScreenFrom Balanchine's School of American Ballet to countless iconic roles on Broadway, the legendary Chita Rivera's career has never ceased to scintillate!2019-07-1720 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 12 - UFO Researcher Stan GordonSo, totally normal question: how many close encounters of the third kind have YOU had? And have you ever peered up at the night sky and seen something that looked, well, . . . a little odd? Author, TV & radio personality, and researcher Stan Gordon shares his extraterrestrial insights in this out-of-this-world episode.2019-07-0932 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 11 - To the Stars and Beyond! with Jim Gavio, Yahn Planetarium DirectorIf there's one field in which we humans have hands-down beat those precocious monkeys, it's SPACE TRAVEL - even if that means stargazing from a comfy terrestrial chair. Jim Gavio, director of the Yahn planetarium at Penn State Erie: The Behrend College joins us for a chat about the stars and beyond in this starry-eyed spaced-out episode.2019-07-0330 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 4 - Midterm Elections: Crossfire EditionGet informed, get engaged, and get involved! With midterm elections quickly approaching, local representatives from the Democratic and Republican parties share party views, featuring special guests Gary Carver (R), Nicci Page (D), Jim Wertz (D), and Robert J. Yates (R).2019-07-0159 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 10 - Music Therapy with Brittany Barko, M.M., MT-BC, NMTHow can Johnny Cash change your life today? More important, what's your favorite song - and doesn't it make you feel... simply great? Board certified neurologic music therapist Brittany Barko tells us all about her very specialized field and how it integrates into patient care as non-pharmacological pain management, psychological treatment, physical therapy and more.2019-07-0129 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 3 - A Time for Optimism in Erie: New Community Voices, Economic DevelopmentThe forward momentum of Erie seems to be on everyone's mind. But is Erie moving in the right direction, elevating new voices, or is it just business as usual? Special guests share the perspective of new voices, especially those of new Americans, and an economic development perspective.
In this episode, Marcus is joined by:
Vanessa Belen - Governor's Council on Latino Affairs
Tyler Titus - Erie City School Board
Niken Astari Carpenter - liaison to the New American community
Michael Outlaw - liaison to the African-American community
Brett Wiler - Business Development Offi...2019-06-2658 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 9 - Master Magician Bobby Borgia, Part 2/2The conversation continues with master magician Bobby Borgia! We delve again into the mysterious, the mystical, and the magical behind the science, art, business, and craft of modern magic.2019-06-2643 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 8 - Master Magician Bobby Borgia, Part 1/2Modern magic predates ancient Egypt. Don't believe your eyes? Get your bewildered bearings as master magician Bobby Borgia delves into the mysterious, the mystical, and the magical in an enchanting chat about the science, art, business, and craft of his boundary-pushing and intriguing form of entertainment.2019-06-2431 minNEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 2 - Examining the Child Support Enforcement SystemCommunity advocates Tamara Johnson and Ann Young join Craig Heidelberg, owner of Dapper Don's Style Emporium & co-founder of Men Building Men, and Robert Manus, brother of Felix Manus, for an analysis of the child support enforcement system, including via the documentary "Where's Daddy" by Philadelphia filmmaker Rel Dowdell and Felix Manus's incarceration and tragic death while in police custody.2019-06-241h 00NEXT with Marcus AtkinsonEp 1 - DACA and Zero Tolerance PoliciesDACA recipient Luis Rodriguez, licensed social worker Lydia Laythe, International Institute of Erie Director Dylanna Grasinger, and Lynn Johnson, founder and director of Erie's AmeriMasala multicultural unity event, join Marcus in a discussion of U.S. immigration policy and its local impacts, from DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - to the Trump administration's zero tolerance policy.2019-06-211h 00Better Than MonkeysEp 7 - Grammy Winning Bass-Baritone Mark S. Doss". . . [He] is so charismatic he may change your mind about an ultimate destination in the afterlife." (London Financial Times)
Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Mark S. Doss takes us on a deep dive into the world of opera - a world in which his silky smooth, luscious voice and keen interpretation can not only reorient your metaphysic, but is in our humble opinion THE reason to listen to opera today. Have a listen. And when you find yourself addicted, we'll happily take the blame.2019-06-2139 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 6 - Poet Anna Rose Welch, Part 2/2Back for part 2, award winning poet Anna Rose Welch, Erieite and author of the new collection “We, the Almighty Fires”, gives a mini-reading from the sexy reliquary that will whisper in your ear for the rest of the day. She talks with host Brian Hannah about finding her voice, juggling her day job with her creative pursuits, and her best advice for aspiring writers (Hint: The infinite monkey theorem won’t hack it.).
This episode was produced in support of PBS’s The Great American Read.2019-06-2030 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 5 - Poet Anna Rose Welch, Part 1/2A poet to make you swoon, make you dream, and make you reconsider the benefit of imposing creative limitations – it’s Erie’s own Anna Rose Welch, Alice James Award winning poet, sharing the magic behind her new collection "We, the Almighty Fires". Anna Rose discusses the symbiosis of wordplay and our humanity including.
DISCLAIMER!!! – some saucy language that may not be appropriate for young’uns. (It’s near the end of this episode – between the 28 and 29 minute mark.)2019-06-1930 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 4 - Bradley Thachuk, Globetrotting ConductorOur slightly loosey-goosey math tells us that only one out of every 600,000 Americans is an orchestra conductor! As a wee one, Bradley Thachuk dreamed of growing into this rare art profession, and the dream realized took him around the globe. Could a monkey have done it? No, OBV. In this episode, hear Thachuk’s reflections on this dream-come-true.2019-06-1830 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 3 - Rock Star Walt SlivinskiWe humans are rock stars among our mammalian class-mates. But what's it like to be a REAL rock star? From gigs with Sinatra to rubbing elbow with The Beatles, local music legend, composer . . . and ROCK STAR Walt Slivinski has covered it all in his quest for more meaningful humanity.2019-06-1730 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 2 - Archaeologist/Anthropologist Edward JolieWho better to delve into that BIG question "What makes us HUMAN?" than a HUMAN-ologist? Mercyhurst University professor and pretty-cool human Ed Jolie focuses on the archaeology of the Americas and the perishable technologies found therein. Grab your favorite perishable treat (banana sandwich, anyone?) and cozy up to episode 2!2019-06-1430 minBetter Than MonkeysEp 1 - Erie Playhouse on What Makes Us HumanWelcome to Better than Monkeys! Here we take a monthly deep-dive into the arts and sciences to discover answers to that BIG question, What makes us human?
In this premier episode, electrifying Erie Playhouse talent Richard Davis, Christine Daugherty, Jim Griffey, and Shawn Clerkin share their Playhouse experiences, including how much current it takes to make a star of the stage proclaim "Owie"!2019-06-1330 min