814 Matters Turns Up the Volume on Local Voices
A podcast to spread positivity
The 814 area code has become synonymous with the Erie area, weaving together people, places, and experiences into one numerical symbol. Although not everyone is cut from the same cloth – a new podcast is using that shared identifier to bring a positive message to people.
The 814 Matters podcast was recently launched by co-hosts Anthony Peyronel and Mike Ruzzi, with two episodes now available online.
"Mike and I go way back," Peyronel said of his relationship with Ruzzi. "We're both from the Pittsburgh area, but we met pretty much our freshman year when we went to Edinboro."
The two 412 natives quickly found their place in the 814 – and their voices, thanks to WFSE, the campus radio station.
After decades in the communications and marketing industry, though, Peyronel found that the media ecosystem had shifted, and while it gives people more options of what they want to listen to or stream, it isn't entirely favorable.
"We have a very fractured media ecosystem and a big loss of localization, and I think that's particularly true in radio," he explained. "Most local radio stations have been bought by larger chains and I think technology was the driving force of that negative."
He was quick to note that technology is also the enabling factor that allows him and Ruzzi to use a couple microphones and put their own podcast together, with the help of Christopher Lantinen and Ron Raymond at PennWest Edinboro who produce and provide voice tracks, respectively.
Likewise, the podcast is all about turning a negative outlook into a positive one.
"Mike has a thing about positivity," Peyronel said. "Negative people bother Mike. He tries to be positive in his approach to his job, his life, that kind of thing, so I said, 'Well let's make that the focus of the podcast. Let's talk to some of the most influential people who really have a positive impact on the region.'"
Given that Ruzzi has been a broadcast journalist in the area for 40 years and Peyronel has made connections through the communications field as well, the two decided to take advantage of the relationships they've made over the years.
In a sense, Peyronel said it's almost a promotional endeavor, giving the microphone to the people and organizations that have brought pride to the area.
In the first episode, the two talked with Chris Clark, president of Saint Vincent Hospital. They discussed the Allegheny Health Network's contributions to regional economic development, competition among health care providers, the status of the COVID-19 vaccine, and a deeper look into the personal life of Clark and whom he considers his mentors in Erie.
The second episode is with Carter Mook, police chief for Millcreek Township. In it, Mook discusses his time at Edinboro University, along with Millcreek joining the regional Police Athletic League program, and the police department's upcoming agenda.
The episodes are typically taped live at the Edinboro Hotel Bar, taking Ruzzi and Peyronel back to their college roots. The Hotel Bar is the sponsor for the first season, which will have at least six episodes total.
Peyronel said a lot of things are still up in the air, like if they'll be able to continue after the first season; but above all, he is, of course, positive.
"Of course we hope this is going to continue, that this will be successful," he said, "We hope it will continue in the future."
Episodes of 814 Matters can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now.
Chloe Forbes is a local journalist. Reach her at chloeforbes14@gmail.com.
