NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

Hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by Pastor Malcolm Beall and Pastor Kendall Hunter of Federated Church for a thoughtful discussion on scriptural fidelity in contemporary Christian practice. The pastors discuss the importance of grounding church teaching and personal faith in the Bible's teachings, cautioning against the trend of importing external meanings or popular online interpretations that diverge from the text. Sharing their own journeys to ministry, Pastor Beall and Pastor Hunter explain their shared dedication to a principled, Bible-centered approach to pastorship. This conversation explores the challenges and necessities of maintaining theological integrity in the modern age.

The hosts of Next 2.0, Marcus Atkinson, Chuck Cammarata, and Marc Blount, convene to analyze the results of the recent local Erie elections. The discussion focuses on the decisive sweep by Democratic nominees, including new County Executive Chair Christina Vogel and Mayoral winner Darya Devlin. The panel examines this significant political shift, considering the emergent trend of women ascending to Erie's highest offices and what this new leadership paradigm represents for the community. They explore the potential departure from a previous era of political style, discussing what this change in leadership tone and focus could mean for the future of the city and county.

This week on next, Marcus Atkinson interviews Christina Vogel, Democratic candidate for Erie County Executive Chair. In this episode, Vogel outlines the qualifications that inform her candidacy, from her role as a small-business owner navigating a competitive landscape to her experience as a board member for the Erie County Community College. She discusses how personal challenges forged her resilience and shaped her commitment to public service. Vogel details her platform centered on expanding affordable education, ensuring reliable emergency services, and supporting family well-being, emphasizing that progress is achieved through collaboration with local businesses, labor, and municipalities. Join us for a substantive conversation on the priorities and partnerships needed to move Erie County forward.

What's really at stake with Millcreek's proposed government change? Hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by current Supervisor Kim Clear, who is not running for re-election, for a candid and crucial conversation. Free from campaign politics, Clear makes her case against the ballot initiative to switch to a five-member, part-time board. She delves into why she believes this model would hinder progress, discussing the scale of Millcreek's operations and the need for committed staff to tackle key projects the community wants. Tune in for an insider's view on how the structure of your government directly impacts your services and community's future.

Hosts Chuck Cammarata and Marc Blount sit down with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis for a comprehensive look at his vision for the region. In this episode of Next 2.0, Davis discusses his personal history of service and his deep dedication to Erie's future. The conversation covers a wide range of critical topics, including his plans for economic growth, his philosophy on strong leadership, and his perspectives on current issues, such as his stance on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Join us for a substantive discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Erie County.

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 the mechanics of gerrymandering—and even the lesser-known “dummymander”—the conversation breaks down how political maps are manipulated and what these tactics mean for voters across the country.The guests also share strategies for fighting back, highlighting how citizens can resist partisan map-drawing and work toward a system that ensures fair representation for all.

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 emphasized the need for accountability and justice, highlighting the broader implications for police practices and community trust. The press conference drew attention to systemic issues and underscored the family's demand for answers and reform. His presence represents a seismic shift in the Woodard case. We were in the room to witness the unparalleled energy emanating from the podium. Tune in to hear more on this episode of NEXT2.0.