Mr. Curiosity

In this episode, it's all guys, a first! New WNEP media content guru Joe Kohut joins Jon Meyer, photojournalist Tim Hopkins, and Joe Snedeker to talk about his departure from print media to his new position at WNEP. If that sounds too boring, don't you worry, the conversation quickly descends to insect parts in the foods you eat, Jon Meyer being too nice of a guy, group singing and why Joe doesn't wear a wedding ring! That just begins the tip of the bizarre iceberg of Brown Bag questions from you, the viewers! Send your questions for future episodes to [email protected] and press play to unleash the XY chromosome dominant episode discussion right now!

This episode brings WNEP’s Kerry Kearns in with Claire, Joe and the “man behind the curtain”, Shawn Dunn to bring you some holiday cheer?!?The gang discusses man moisturizing, the effectiveness and purpose of knit blankets, The Moon (also getting “mooned”), and is pronouncing the word “street” as “shtreet” a massive journalistic conspiracy?Think of it as a Christmas party for your ears! Just press PLAY!

In this episode, Claire, Mindi and Joe are joined by Jack Culkin’s mustache… and… John himself! Before digging into the Brown Bag and answering your questions about the ionosphere, expressionless hamsters and teeth flossing, Jack's mustache has a lot to say! Prepare to get hairy! Just press play to find out all that ensues!

Our Morning Crew, minus Mindi, gather to discuss their Thanksgiving plans and un-plans?Is it possible to FaceTime a traditional holiday meal? How long will a ham sandwich last on the moon? What’s with newspeople’s clothes, hair, color wheels, and working through holidays? Also, what became of Tinky Winky and his creepy/cute colleagues? Put the turkey in the oven, gather the family around, and just press play!

In this episode, Claire and Joe get surprise guests from WNEP’s Home and Backyard Show! Yes, Jackie Lewandoski and Martina Yencho join the podcast! The history and evolution of H&B is discussed and explained lightheartedly, but quickly devolves into Brown Bag revelations of music recommendations, fish emotions, federal mail offenses and the lack of Mom and daughters having the same name?!? Sit back, have a bite to eat and let your ears be entertained!

Mr. Curiosity gets Creepy? In this episode, Joe and Claire are on duty, but both Jon and Mindi are absent, replaced by WNEP guests photojournalist Tim Hopkins and Creepy Side of NEPA podcaster Dan "T-Dog" Kosloski! Since it’s Halloween time, the crew discusses weird and unexplained situations that they have gone through, yet Joe insists on keeping The Brown Bag rational and scientific! Also, would you give up modern plumbing for a human kitty litter? How about life in a banana costume for $250K? All this awaits your ears. Just press PLAY! You may even find out what happened to Joe’s Communion wafer back in the 1970s?!?

On this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Newswatch 16's Melissa Steininger joins the morning team to answer your Brown Bag Monday questions!

In this cut of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks volumes with rogue guest Newswatch 16 producer Caitlin Rowe joining Mindi, Claire and Joe for a verbal female dominance!Does the shape of food alter its taste? How OK is it to share streaming passwords with “loved ones?" If that’s not enough, wait until you hear about Joe’s new cleaning technique using his wife’s luffa puffy thing? The ladies are disgusted!?!Send your questions for future episodes to [email protected], but listen NOW!

In this episode, the entire morning crew and even WNEP's media content producer Shawn Dunn joins in to answer your Brown Bag questions. Claire debuts and sings part of her new intro song while Mindi defends her "helicopter mom" desires. Jon and Joe discuss their love of synthetic fibers while Shawn cringes at the term...Webmaster?!!? What are you waiting for, just press PLAY!!!

In this episode, Joe persuades behind-the-scenes WNEP personalities into the podcast studio to help answer your Brown Bag questions.Commercial traffic guy Bruce Abbot and Executive Producer Brigid Lawrence join Joe to discuss their duties, reporter head nodding, local mountain geometry, Canadian forest fires and how cats would ruin the planet just like us if they were more intelligent!?!

We answer viewer questions about everything from candy apple stands to why it doesn't get dark as soon as the sun sets in this week's episode of the Mr. Curiosity podcast.If you have questions for us, email them to [email protected].

In this episode, Joe goes deep diving into the life and philosophy of WNEP's Claire Alfree. Not only do they discuss how her being alive is a direct result of the 1992 Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption, but how hard work, a positive attitude and drive will set your course to success.Clair and Joe also answer your Brown Bag questions discussing extreme couponing, sloths on Red Bull and how they may really hate each other... NOT!!!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Jon and Joe are joined by local broadcaster, legend (in his own mind), and general manager in the Bold Gold Media group Michael G. Stanton. Mike turns the interview tables on Joe and dives into his Go Joe 26 Charity Bike Ride for St. Joseph's Center and the history of it! Then the show goes off the rails into questions from the Brown Bag, including dark and lonely cartoon cereal mascots, Jon's long torso, and why Joe's grandmother used to throw hot water on his childhood friends?!? Protect your ears and give it a try.Have a Brown Bag question? Send it to [email protected]

In this week's episode of Mr. Curiosity, the Brown Bag speaks! Not only is Joe overwhelmed with the lady power of Mindi and Elizabeth, but emotions run high as we address your questions to Elizabeth Worthington on her last day at WNEP. Even Elizabeth's boyfriend speaks from the great beyond....beyond the Brown Bag!? Get your questions in for future episodes to [email protected]

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, The WNEP Morning Crew answers your questions with a special guest… Kerry Kearns. Kerry is making her producorial (is that a word?) comeback to the big 1-6! Hear a little about what Kerry's been up to in Idaho and returning to WNEP.Join in on the fun and get your questions for future episodes to [email protected]

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, The WNEP Morning Crew answers your questions with a special guest…T-Dog?!?Director and host of the Creepy Side of NEPA podcast Dan Kosloski joins in on the session to discuss the history of Top Dog, why Jon Meyer is such a nice guy, In-Laws, hornets nests and even helps Elizabeth in her singing debut!! Join in on the fun and get your questions for future episodes to [email protected] Hot diggity dog!?!

In this episode, Brown Bag Monday returns with the crew from Newswatch 16 This Morning. Join Joe, Jon, Mindi and Elizabeth as they answer viewer questions about everything from sleep to viewer photos, matching clothes and more.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with his former student (sort of?) Earl Granville. You'll hear how Earl's life arc took him from Joe's detention class at Carbondale Area High School in the 1990s to boot camp at Ft. Benning with his twin brother Joe when 9/11 happened. Earl discusses his nine years in the Army National Guard as an Infantryman, with deployments to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, where he lost his left leg through to a roadside bomb while on patrol. STOP! Don’t go feeling sorry for Earl! You’ll hear about healthy ways to battle adversity through the positivity in his messaging, real-life solutions from his own experiences and participating as an inspiration and motivating force through psychical fitness challenges and marathons across the country. He may even bring out a concrete block tied to a chain to prove his point!? WHAT? Ears open... GO!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe tries his best to connect with his man crush buddy Dick Yuengling, the big man of the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville! However, we learn that Dick is too busy and may not even know what a podcast is, so in his place are his two awesome daughters, Wendy and Jennifer, chatting with Joe and running many of the Yuengling Company operations! Learn the history of the Yuengling Brewery, how it has changed and evolved over the years and what is being planned for its forthcoming 200th anniversary as America's Oldest Brewery!! Wowza! Still, Joe won't let go of his fascination with Dick Yuengling. What's he really like? Does he shovel snow, run a vacuum cleaner, and do yard work? Or, is he more of a highbrow, vacationing in France via private jet, spending money on lavish cars, expensive clothes and fine jewelry? And who was this YOUNG (Yuengling) man who left Germany centuries ago to start it all? Have a lager, sit back and press play!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe mixes it up with Nate Lee, owner of the epic and unique Fugetaboutit Restaurant in Hazleton. How does a snowstorm take you from the streets of Hazleton to Nashville, Tennessee? Wait until you hear Nate's stories, from being buds with Mrs. Brady and Florence Henderson to chowing down with Steve Winwood! Even Dick Yuengling's eating habits are discussed! Order some take-out, get your ears open and let it PLAY!

In this Mr. Curiosity episode, Joe talks with WNEP's Chris Keating.Is he a spoiled brat from a big-shot restauranteur family from Georgia, or just a regular guy with smarts and passion for journalism who found his way from Penn State University to WNEP? You'll hear about his life journey and how he was in the top 15% of his high school‘s graduation class for being the best-looking, smartest and most athletic—FOR REAL!?!? Chris is great at what he does, works hard at it, and loves his job, but maybe not as much as his TV meteorologist girlfriend? He might just give it all away for her, or, become Joe's handler and diaper purchaser--WHAT!? It's all waiting for you, just click PLAY!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe mixes it up with local radio legend Nancy Kman. Growing up with three sisters in Wyoming County, bathroom time was very limited, but that did not stop her newsy aspirations through college and into the world of radio! Hear all about her journey from bag girl at Acme to WILK Radio, with many stops along the way including WNEP-TV. Nancy's skin is pachyderm thick, as it should be in the rough, aggressive and opinionated world of talk radio! She's smart, thoughtful, determined and ready to unload her history on your ears! Plug in!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe sits down with Stormtracker 16 part-time fill-in meteorologist, full-time heartthrob and runway model Jeremy Lewan.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe interacts with former US Army Officer/Chaplain, recent Face of PennDot in NEPA and politician, James May.He's got an interesting life arc that will keep you entertained! Just don't ask him to watch a parade or talk about traffic roundabouts, everything else is fair game and discussed in this podcast. Ready, set... PLAY!

In this episode, Joe is joined by the Newswatch 16 Pocono News Crew; reporter, Amanda Eustice and photojournalist, Dan Turansky.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with Rob O'Donnell, a former NYPD police officer and detective. Can the fake TV cop shows compare with the REAL WORLD stories from Rob? You'll find out! Also, Rob was on duty during the 9/11 attacks and shares his stories of courage and the enduring legacy from the day. Rob switches gears and takes us on a journey that ends in a peaceful semi-retired utopian life of NEPA, where he and Joe both experimented with a brief bachelor's life. FAIL!? WHAT!?

Hello, 2023!! A new year for Uncle Sam to tax your hard-earned money! In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with Liberty Tax franchisee and tax expert Mark Mihalka about 1099s, W2s, 401Ks, 1040s, and oh so much more exciting tax information that you need to know about.You'll learn how to maximize your earnings and minimize your taxation with representation! If you pay close attention, you may even learn how to dance on the streets of NEPA just like Lady Liberty does for Liberty Tax Service!Get your ears and W2 ready, it's time.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe dives into the life of WNEP's Jack Culkin. He's not just WNEP's new, smart, muscular, chiseled, well-dressed and over-competent reporter, he's a local boy from Dunmore, filled with great values, a positive attitude, humility and irresistible charm.If that's not enough for you, ask yourself this... How many people do you know who have had parts of their skull removed, "power-washed" and put neatly back in place? Jack DID!!! Jack will inspire you with kindness, work ethic and desire! Get your skull ready to be impressed!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe discovers his meteorological soulmate doppelganger Bernie Rayno.Bernie is the Chief Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather.With his unique style of passion, smarts and energy he delivers weather coverage for National Networks such as ABC, CBS, ESPN and Bloomberg in addition to The AccuWeather Network.Here’s the best part… He’s a local boy, growing up in Carbon County, eating pierogies, being an altar boy and delivering newspapers. Hear all about Bernie’s climb to success, his workday at AccuWeather, his mom and find out why he can’t finish a Friday without a chicken cheesesteak hoagie with extra mayonnaise!?!? Yuck!

In this episode, Joe goes dental with Dr. Gary Kopesky from the Hamlin Dental Center in Wayne County. Let's talk about teeth; brushing, flossing, whitening, removing, destroying, and healing! Dr. Gary is no ordinary dentist, he not only finished in the top 20% from Pittsburgh School Of Dentistry but has been seen wearing shorts with cats flying through space on them! What does it all MEAN!?!? After listening to this episode, you'll not only end up with healthier dental habits, but you'll learn to spit and not rinse, save your enamel, and even pick up some dating advice on dealing with those individuals who over-whiten their teeth!?!? Get your ears and teeth into this one!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe and Local radio icon Doc Medek from Froggy 101 discuss his not-so-local beginnings and how his inability to stay focused and read books led him to a volatile yet successful career in radio!Wait, there's more! Doc’s son Chewy joins in for the entire podcast, injecting his own rise from K-Mart to Co-host of the morning show! Is this the only Father/Son morning radio in the county? Thanks to Chewy, Donald Trump and Joe Biden even stop by... wait... WHAT? Get it all in your ears - NOW!

Forget the fact that she once worked at WNEP, reported for New York City television stations, has degrees in Journalism and Broadcast Meteorology, is full of life and energy, is married to a commercial pilot and even went to dinner with Sam Champion to prepare for her national broadcasts on The Weather Channel. All that is nothing compared to sitting in your stick-shift Mazda in a quasi-parking spot on the streets of Manhattan with your iPhone doing an hour-long podcast (with video) with Mr. Curiosity! Ladies and Gentleman... here's Raegan Medgie!

In this episode, Joe catches up with his “sister from another mother,” Chelsea Strub. She talks about her new duties and specials at WNEP, life without Mike, her recent reporting from Florida’s Hurricane Ian destruction, AND... peeking through the blinds and hiding from the Instacart grocery delivery person! Get ready to laugh and cry with this one.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe dives deep into the world of WNEP's Valerie Smock! Just how many "hats" can one person wear? Mom, Wife, Air Force Reserve, Military Police, Anchor, Producer, Journalist, Reporter, Meteorologist... AND, let's not forget, former girlfriend in a toxic relationship.She's worn them all!! Peel back your ears and get ready for this one.

In this epic episode, Joe talks with the dynamic and energetic frontman of The Badlees, Pete Palladino! Yes, The Badlees, one of the most notable roots/Americana rock bands ever AND a band originating right here in WNEP-land back in the 1990s.Pete discusses the band's history, tales of touring with Bob Seger, Jimmy Page and more! The Big question… just who is ANGELINE and where is she coming home from? Joe also reveals his man-crush on Pete and provides details on the band’s latest adventures, including their live gig later this month in Harrisburg! Let your ears explode with sonic joy from one of the best bands to ever emerge from Pennsylvania, but only after you listen to THIS PODCAST!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with WNEP’s Stacy Lange.Hear all about her life arc, from her lost cat, time spent as Miss Comet, wearing the marching band fuzzy hat, to busting out of Syracuse University and returning to NEPA. She also discusses her “trick” to being hired at WNEP over a decade ago and her thoughts on reporting vs. anchoring, snow, hair, motherhood and even Joe? But what about the lost cat?!?

Sales representative? Product specialist? Salesman? Salesperson? Just what do you call a guy named Guy who sells cars? In this Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with Guy Palmer, a man who knows the car business and who has been entrenched in it locally for decades! Hear about the smartest ways for you to buy, sell and get an automobile! The dynamics of putting you behind a steering wheel have surely changed in recent years, Guy and Joe dive in with discussions of supply-chain issues, electric cars, financing, Carvana and even weird things left behind in trade-in vehicles!

In this Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with Lackawanna County native Samantha Ruddy. Samantha tells jokes, writes funny stuff, and weasels her way into your heart with her gay girl-next-door charm.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks to colleague, friend, morning co-anchor and all-around great guy Jon Meyer! Not only does Jon recap his life, but how EVERYTHING has changed with his new work shift to the early mornings at WNEP. What about the wife, the kids, the eating habits and his honest thoughts on working with the sometimes eccentric and unpredictable Joe? Jon also answers YOUR questions submitted through Facebook and email in our Brown Bag Segment. Does being a dancer really make you a better lover?!? WHAT?!?

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe connects with Nick Bruce who runs Wise Crackers Comedy Club.Nick has great stories all of the famous comedians he and his comedic legend dad Scott Bruce have laughed it up with over the years. How many people have a baby picture sitting with Rodney Dangerfield!? Hear all about it and the not-so-funny side of the comedic universe too! Wise Crackers Comedy Club is ready for your funny side each weekend, right here in NEPA and also ready to help you raise money for your worthy causes.Ready, set.......laugh!

John Maday, head of the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Parks Committee and president of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association and Joe go in the WAY-BACK machine and discuss how a War Baby becomes a river and community advocate! John tells personal stories of the most transformative decade (the 1960s), smelling and sandbagging through the Agnes Flood (50th Anniversary) and how he's helped his community passionately without a paycheck or wife for years!? One thing he WILL NOT DO... wait In lines! Ears ready... GO!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with Mohegan Sun Pocono Vice President of Marketing, Dave Parfrey and radio host and General Manager of Bold Gold Media, Michael G. Stanton. It's SUMMER 2022 and that means free concerts at the Mohegan Sun's Party on The Patio! Get the inside story on how the Concert series went from an experiment to an iconic event of NEPA. The concert list, fishbowl D.J, Eagle-impersonating and more are all waiting for YOUR EARS!

In the latest edition of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks with his....uh....friend, adversary, coworker, colleague, acquaintance.... just what is the relationship between Joe Snedeker and Andy Palumbo!?!? Andy discusses his deep and rich history in both radio and television, how he evolved through many formats, trends, people and places, even getting "fired" five times in the process.You've seen Andy and Joe work together on WNEP, often in diluted strife, now hear them in a more honest, real and dare I say fond bond of brotherhood!?!? Pop your ears and get ready listen!

Knoebel's Amusement Resort... need I say more?Mr. Curiosity gets deep into the history, evolution and behind-the-scene operations of this legendary amusement park with the Great Grandson himself Brian Knoebel!From a Tally-ho to the "double out and back" Phoenix, the park is nearing its 100th anniversary!It's your chance to take an audible thrill ride with Brian and Joe.Seatbelt on, ears tuned... GO!

From the world-famous Harry's U-Pull It, we have Joe and Tracy Kress discussing everything about auto salvage.WAIT, it may sound boring but it's not! Joe Kress, being the great (maybe great, great) grandson of the over 100-year-old business, shares tales of how the business evolved and changed over the years.What will happen to YOUR car when its time has come? How are car parts recycled? Care to shred? Who is Harry? What about the iconic commercials? How do you actually "PULL" apart and who would wait in line hours to do it?Find out all of this and more, including how Howard Stern's people got involved in the Hazleton-area business.You'll learn, you'll laugh and you may even save big money on your future car parts. You can't recycle your ears, but you can use them to listen to this episode and help planet earth in the process of auto-salvage.

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe rubs elbows with big time Hollywood actor (kind of) E.J. Dougher, AKA EJ The DJ. Is he an actor, baseball stud, entertainer, DJ, waiter or what? Listen to his tales of evolving through all of those roles from Scranton to Irving, California over the last few decades! Not many Scranton natives have their own IMDB while running their own successful DJ business, smiling and dancing through it all! Give your ears some love!

Mr. Curiosity gets deep, inquisitive, and informative, but not too dark as Joe and funeral director Joseph Scotchlas discuss death, burial, embalming, rigor mortis, and all that goes with the processes of THE END that most all of us will deal with someday. Not only will you be deeply informed and more prepared, but may even laugh periodically with a few of Mr. Curiosity’s bizarre scenarios. Don’t worry, Joe Scotchlas remains professional, knowledgeable, steadfast, and unflappable, even when confronted with a fatal snakebite on a remote section off the Appalachian Trail. It’s time for you to confront death… productively!

Hey, it's March, AND... the week of St. Patrick's Day! Let's have some fun with José the Dysfunctional Leprechaun!José and Joe answer all of the bizarre and invasive WNEP viewer questions. José's secretive life is revealed, from his favorite foods to his complex and disturbed upbringing.Have some laughs, we all need it more than ever!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe spends time with WNEP’s Nikki Krize.Her fake-sounding name, passion for reporting, bird love and... hearing the silent screams of lobsters while her waitressing tips accumulated! She’s got the western parts of WNEP-land covered with journalistic integrity and will capture your heart with her ten-year veteran reporter stories!

In this episode of Mr. Curiosity, Joe talks potholes, female plow drivers, gas taxes and oh so much more with PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Jessica Ruddy. Jessica gives you the no-spin insight of just how PennDOT handles snowstorms and transportation projects and somehow manages to deflect Joe’s attempts to bring her down into his snake pit of cynicism! Sure Pennsylvania’s roads aren’t perfect, but what is? Perhaps only Jessica’s teeth? Give your ears some love and check out this and all episodes!