The Spark

Retired Colonel James E. Williams Jr. devoted nearly 25 years to the U.S. Army, serving in a wide range of leadership, training, and operational roles around the world. His distinguished military career included service in Vietnam, Germany, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma, culminating as Director of Security, Plans and Operations for U.S. Army Depot System Command in Chambersburg, Pennsylva...

 Today, we’re talking about what Democrats plan to do with unified control over state government.  In the week since the midterms, Democrats have been celebrating, and Governor Josh Shapiro has started making promises about what his party will pass when the legislature restarts in January.  To help us unpack what this means for Pennsylvanians, I’m joined today by WITF’s own reporter Haley O’Brien...

The Lancaster Stormers have opened their new Player Development Center at Penn Medicine Park, creating a year-round indoor training hub for baseball and softball athletes. The facility features professional-style batting cages, regulation pitching mounds, dedicated defensive and catching areas, and all-weather access for players looking to develop their skills throughout every season. In this epis...

What can four pizza-loving turtles teach us about environmental justice, politics and American culture? Quite a lot, according to Dickinson College librarian and author Ian Boucher. In his new book, Totally Radical , Boucher argues that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are more than a beloved pop culture franchise. Across comics, cartoons, movies and merchandise, the TMNT story offers a unique len...

Many people think OCD is just about cleanliness or organization, but the condition often shows up in less obvious ways. In this episode of The Spark , licensed counselor Chelsea Goody, LCPC, LPC , owner of Goody Counseling Services in Hanover, helps listeners recognize the OCD symptoms that frequently go unnoticed. Chelsea specializes in treating OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure and Respon...

How can parents and educators better understand the way children learn? On this episode of The Spark , Heather Strunk, Head of School at The Janus School, discusses how recognizing students’ individual strengths and challenges can lead to more effective support both at home and in the classroom. Drawing on her experience working with students with learning differences, Heather explores why academi...

Many people think OCD is just about cleanliness or organization, but the condition often shows up in less obvious ways. In this episode of The Spark , licensed counselor Chelsea Goody, LCPC, LPC , owner of Goody Counseling Services in Hanover, helps listeners recognize the OCD symptoms that frequently go unnoticed. Chelsea specializes in treating OCD and anxiety disorders using Exposure and Respon...

In this episode of "The Spark", we speak with two different shops, that focus on creating fun third spaces:  Asia sits down with the owners of Pop’s Culture Shoppe, a locally owned game store built on the belief that games are about much more than entertainment. Julian and Anja share how their backgrounds in comics, education, art, science, and preservation inspired them to create a space where pe...

NPR Chief Economics Correspondent Scott Horsley joins the podcast for a conversation about the stories shaping the U.S. economy and how those developments affect every day Americans. With decades of reporting experience, including covering the White House during both the Obama and Trump administrations, Horsley offers insight into economic trends, public policy, inflation, employment, and the chal...

As artificial intelligence reshapes the digital world, many families are rethinking how they share photos, milestones, and personal memories online. In this episode, we explore the growing concerns around privacy, data ownership, and social media, and discuss how families can stay connected while maintaining greater control over their personal content. Joining the conversation are OurFamily+ co-fo...

In a world where music, movies and television are just a click away, a growing number of Gen Z consumers are rediscovering physical media. From vinyl records and CDs to DVDs, Blu-rays, film cameras and even VHS tapes, these formats are finding a new audience among young people who grew up with streaming. On The Spark, we’ll talk with Bob Rehak , a scholar of film, media and popular culture, about...

After a spring conversation about a fresh staging of Henry IV, Part 1 in Lancaster, we reconnect with director Justin Hopkins and actor/fight director Dan Griffin as they prepare for Henry IV, Part 2 . Now producing independently, the team discusses the next chapter in Prince Hal’s journey, the challenges and opportunities of launching an independent production, and how the themes of Shakespeare’s...

We sit down with Kyle A. Huffman , author, BMX historian, and founder of Lititz BMX , to discuss his new book, The Fireside Story of: Harry Leary . What began as the purchase of a single BMX collectible connected to legendary rider Harry "Turbo" Leary unexpectedly evolved into the discovery of the "Leary Locker," a treasure trove of memorabilia, stories, photographs, and forgotten pieces of BMX hi...

We’re joined by Dillon Beede, Director of Choral Activities and Chair of Music at Wilson College , to discuss the call for submissions for ArtsFest 2027 , taking place April 5-9 at Wilson College in Chambersburg. This year’s theme, “ART IS... PRESENCE,” invites visual, performing, and literary artists, as well as arts educators, to share their work and engage the community through performances, wo...

Why is Gen Z embracing DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, vinyl records, and other physical media in the age of streaming? In this episode, we explore the surprising resurgence of physical formats among a generation raised on digital convenience. From concerns about losing access to favorite movies and music on streaming platforms to the appeal of ownership, collectability, and film preservation, physical media...

Following Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis’ announcement of $64 million in new public and private investments , local leaders are working to strengthen economic development, revitalize public spaces, activate the riverfront, support businesses, and expand arts, culture, and recreation opportunities. The conversation explores how this community-driven plan came together, t...

Fall is one of the best times of year for birdwatching in Pennsylvania. Hawks, eagles, songbirds, ducks and other species travel through the region as they head toward warmer climates, offering opportunities for both experienced birders and beginners to spot wildlife. On The Spark , Asia Tabb spoke with Laura Jackson, president of the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, and Joe Gyekis, a board m...

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County is celebrating 60 years of protecting the places that tell Lancaster County’s story. In this episode, we explore the organization’s legacy, from its founding in 1966 by 16 preservation advocates to its ongoing efforts in education, outreach, and advocacy. We’ll discuss the Trust’s year-long anniversary celebration, including a special behind-the-...

Step behind the scenes of Girl, Interrupted and discover how a Hollywood production found a home in Central Pennsylvania. Ahead of the special screening at the West Shore Theater, we talk with former location assistant and current Hollywood location manager Peter Costelli , along with local actor and extra Bob , about the making of the film and its lasting connection to the Harrisburg region. What...

Imaginary Friends celebrates the art of puppetry, live performance, and creative storytelling. Formed by a collective of experienced puppeteers and performers from across the Northeast, the project brings years of entertainment expertise to Central Pennsylvania. Join us as we share stories, characters, and the joy of bringing imaginary worlds to life. Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation efforts t...

It’s peak bird migration season in Pennsylvania, with millions of birds traveling south and passing through our skies each night. In this episode, we explore the remarkable migration journeys of songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and shorebirds, including when to watch for them and the challenges they face along the way. Learn why migration is one of nature’s most exhausting and dangerous events, and...

What happens when a teenager says, “I have an idea,” and a family decides to turn that idea into reality? In this episode, we sit down with Jay Jayamohan , entrepreneur-in-residence at Harrisburg University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and creator of Side Hustle School: Family Edition . Jay shares how this innovative seven-week program brings high school students together with pare...

We’ll celebrate the latest release from international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, creator of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Kinney’s 21st book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight , is the centerpiece of an interactive stage show coming to Harrisburg on Monday, October 19, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral . Hosted by Midtown Scholar Bookstore, the event will feature “The Fight or Flight Show...

 Jordan Wilkie, Haley O’Brien, and Katie Knol break down the latest developments in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District race. The panel examines key moments from the PA-10 debate, analyzes candidate performances, and discusses the issues shaping the campaign, from the economy and healthcare to public policy and voter engagement. We sit down with Sharon Chatman-Lester, Executive Director of...

Fall is one of the most important seasons in the garden, and Erica Jo Shaffer joins The Spark to share practical tips for making the most of the autumn growing season. From fall planting and lawn care to soil preparation, pruning, and winter protection, Erica discusses the essential horticulture tasks that help gardens thrive through the colder months and set the stage for success in the spring. W...