Community Chronicles Radio

Erie Shriners Cycle Corps & Author RJ Messenger: Brian Brinkle/RJ Messenger - Jun. 5, 2026

Joining us first in this episode was Bryan Brinkle of the Erie Shriners Cycle Corps, part of the Zem Zem Shriners organization here in Erie. The Cycle Corps has a long history of participating in parades, community events, fundraising efforts, and supporting the mission of Shriners Children's Erie. In our second half of the show, . We were joined by RJ Messenger, an Erie entrepreneur, speaker, and business leader whose journey has taken him from building Iron Empire Clothing to becoming part of the national spotlight through Discovery Channel’s Undercover Billionaire and the launch of Underdog BBQ right here in Erie. Today, RJ is adding another chapter to his story with the release of his new book, From Basement to Balcony.

Jake Rouch Show & StayX: Jake Rouch/Yash Kasini & Yashash Kasini - May 29, 2026

On this episode Dr. Platz welcomed Jake Rouch, Vice President of Development for Passport Reality and host of The Jake Rouch Show podcast. Jake has spent more than 30 years working with businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders to help Erie evolve and grow. In our second half, we were joined by Yash Kasini and Yashash Kasini, founders of StayX. StayX, Inc. is an AI software company on a mission to empower small businesses and professional services, believing that small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and they deserve the same caliber of AI tools that big enterprises have access to.

Snap Fitness Harborcreek: Andy Hellman - May 15, 2026

In this episode, our guest for the hour was someone who has become well known in Erie not only as a business owner—but as one of the region’s most recognizable endurance athletes. Andy Hellman is the owner of Snap Fitness Harborcreek, a gym focused on helping people improve their health, fitness, and overall quality of life through consistency, accountability, and community.

Serafini’s Trattoria & B. Soto Media: Opie Hughes, Amanda Serafini & Brandon Soto - May 8, 2026

This week we got an update on the story of Serafini’s Trattoria, located in the heart of downtown Erie—a restaurant rooted deeply in family tradition, Italian heritage, and community connection. Owners Opie Hughes and Amanda Serafini joined us. Then we spoke with Brandon Soto, the owner of B. Soto Media, a photo, video, and drone production company based right here in Erie, specializing in capturing everything from weddings and live events to sports, business branding, and cinematic storytelling.

Jessica Hunter Photos & Porky's Pizza: Jessica Hunter & Matthew Fisher - May 1, 2026

Our first guest was Jessica Hunter, the owner of Jessica Hunter Photography, a locally based business with more than a decade of experience creating portraits, commercial imagery, and storytelling visuals for individuals and organizations across our region. In the second half of the show, we were joined by Matthew Fisher, now the co-owner of Porky’s Pizzeria in downtown Erie—a well-known local spot serving pizza, wings, subs, and more to the community for years.