The Spark

For more than 35 years, Rich Harwood , founder and president of The Harwood Institute, has helped communities, organizations, and institutions tackle some of society’s toughest challenges. In this episode, Rich shares the remarkable story of Reading, Pennsylvania , a city once labeled the poorest in America, and how local residents, nonprofits, and funders came together to drive meaningful change...

On September 11th 2001, Americans watched in horror as hijacked airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, and into a filed in Somerset County Pennsylvania. As a result, the government closed all US airspace, ordering planes to land at the nearest airport, included Harrisburg International.  We’ll talk to 2 people who were working at HIA that day, includ...

This episode spotlights Come From Away , the acclaimed musical based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, and the extraordinary acts of kindness that followed the events of September 11, 2001. When 38 diverted planes carrying thousands of stranded passengers unexpectedly landed in the small town, the residents of Gander opened their hearts and homes, transforming a global crisis into a power...

We sit down with Carter Walker , the journalist behind a recent report examining Pennsylvania’s youth voter registration challenges, and Tanner Zimmerman , a recent Cedar Crest High School graduate, former Lebanon County poll worker, and state officer with the Future Farmers of America. Together, they discuss why Pennsylvania ranks last in the nation for youth voter registration, the barriers keep...

This episode spotlights Come From Away , the acclaimed musical based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, and the extraordinary acts of kindness that followed the events of September 11, 2001. When 38 diverted planes carrying thousands of stranded passengers unexpectedly landed in the small town, the residents of Gander opened their hearts and homes, transforming a global crisis into a power...

Kratom is often marketed as a natural or herbal product, but Pennsylvania doctors and toxicology experts say consumers should understand that it can have powerful effects on the brain—and can lead to addiction, serious health problems and even death. On The Spark , Dr. Robb Bassett, associate medical director of the Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia , and Dr. Sara Kawasa...

Technology shapes nearly every aspect of our daily lives, but with new opportunities come new challenges. In this episode, members of York College’s Tech Insight Club join us to discuss some of today’s most pressing technology issues, including cybersecurity, information technology trends, online safety, and the impact of screen time on young people. We sit down with Dillon Strouse , founder of St...

Food writer, librarian, and culinary historian Becky Libourel Diamond joins the podcast to discuss her new book, City Tavern: The Founding Table: Colonial Dining, Revolutionary History, and the Restaurant at the Center of It All . Through the story of Philadelphia’s iconic City Tavern, Diamond explores how food, drink, and conversation helped shape America’s founding. Once a gathering place for Co...

We sit down with Eisha Buch , Head of Teaching & Learning at Common Sense Media , to explore how educators, parents, and policymakers can help young people thrive in an increasingly digital world. As the leader of Common Sense Media’s K-12 Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum, which reaches millions of students across more than 85,000 schools worldwide, Eisha shares why digital literac...

Shannon Schinagl, Early Literacy Librarian at Lancaster Public Library, shares how a vision for inclusive, multilingual programming has grown into a thriving community initiative. From launching American Sign Language Storytime for Deaf and hard-of-hearing families, to creating Spanish-language storytimes and playgroups, to debuting Arabic Storytime with strong community support, Shannon has helpe...

We spotlight a historic milestone for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) with the appointment of Amber J.E. Harris as the Commission’s first Black female Board Chair . Harris joins Board Chair Curtis Jones for a conversation about leadership, equity, and the future of civil rights enforcement in Pennsylvania. Filmmakers Robert May and Jason Sosnoff discuss their documentary, filmed...

With the recent passing of country music icon Dolly Parton at age 80, fans around the world are reflecting on a career that spanned more than six decades and touched countless lives through music, storytelling, humor, and philanthropy. Today we're joined by Karen Hester, star of Dolly: A Tribute to Dolly Parton at Totem Pole Playhouse, to discuss Dolly's enduring legacy and why her music continues...

We welcome Michael Melillo , a Pennsylvania author whose book What the River Kept uncovers a deeply personal World War II story preserved through years of conversations with his grandfather, "Pop." What began as a family history became a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and preserving firsthand accounts before they're lost to time. With the recent passing of country music icon D...

We welcome Michael Melillo , a Pennsylvania author whose book What the River Kept uncovers a deeply personal World War II story preserved through years of conversations with his grandfather, "Pop." What began as a family history became a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and preserving firsthand accounts before they're lost to time. Also on the program:  Join Amy Mintmier, Superv...

Explore the outdoors without limits in this episode featuring Brook Lenker and John Naylor , co-authors of the South Central Pennsylvania Accessible Adventure Guidebook , along with Kate Prisby , Manager of Events and Programs at the Keystone Trails Association. The conversation highlights the inspiration behind the guidebook, the research and trail scouting that went into identifying accessible o...

Rev. David Biser , author, historian, and first-person interpreter of John Harris Jr. As America marks its 250th anniversary, Biser brings to life the world of Harris' Ferry (Paxton) in 1776 , exploring what everyday life was like in the growing frontier community that would become Pennsylvania's capital. From work, trade, currency, food, and leisure to Native relations, slavery, and the impact of...

We meet Charles Bittner and Mark Bowyer, the newly appointed co-chairs of Braver Angels’ Heritage Alliance, serving Adams, Franklin, and Fulton counties. A psychologist and a pastor, respectively, Bittner and Bowyer share a common mission: helping people reconnect across political differences through respectful conversation, humility, and understanding. They discuss why civil discourse has become...

What happens when community focused organizations come together to support young scholars beginning a new school year? In this episode, we hit the road to the Back-to-School Extravaganza which was hosted on Saturday, August 15 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. In the first half of the program we speak with Christy Renjilian , the Executive Director at Community Connections for C...

What began with opening a family home to wounded soldiers has grown into one of Pennsylvania's leading veteran support organizations. In this episode, Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors co-founder Helen Sajer reflects on two decades of helping veterans in crisis, inspired by gratitude for her son's military service. Joining her is Dennis Leonard, a combat veteran who lost both legs in Iraq and whose li...

What does it take to run a humanitarian organization that serves millions of people around the world from right here in Pennsylvania? In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Landis Fickes, Director of Development and Communications at Mission Central , to explore the incredible work happening behind the scenes at one of the nation's leading humanitarian aid organizations. From disaster relief and m...

In this episode, we explore the rich history and founding of Lititz, Pennsylvania, with Cory Van Brookhoven , President of the Lititz Historical Foundation. A third-generation Lititz historian, Cory has led the Foundation since 2013, authored four books on Lancaster County history, and written more than 300 local history articles. He shares the fascinating story of Lititz's origins, dating back to...

What began with opening a family home to wounded soldiers has grown into one of Pennsylvania's leading veteran support organizations. In this episode, Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors co-founder Helen Sajer reflects on two decades of helping veterans in crisis, inspired by gratitude for her son's military service. Joining her is Dennis Leonard, a combat veteran who lost both legs in Iraq and whose li...

We explore Mothers on the Move (MOM) , a Penn State College of Medicine-led initiative founded by Dr. Vida Abedi to support first-time mothers and their families through partnered dance, social connection, and community engagement. Joined by community leaders Priscilla Fias and Janeen Christ, the program aims to reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and create a supportive network for new par...

What happens when a personal health concern sparks a thriving business? Katie and Eric Roering, founders of Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Fontana Candle Company, set out to create non-toxic candles after traditional candles caused headaches. What began as a small operation in their home has grown into a nationwide manufacturing business with a 22-person team and customers across the country. WildH...

More than 220 miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through Pennsylvania, winding across mountains, valleys, and streams—and right through the heart of central PA. This iconic footpath stretches 2,197 miles from Georgia to Maine, challenging hikers from all walks of life to take part in one of the most grueling and inspiring outdoor adventures in the country. This week, The Spark team set out to me...