Real Life with Toni Reece

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about connection, care and people doing work that matters.  First up we are joined by two NICU nurses from Tower Health, Reading, PA, Samantha Hensel and Lindsey Graeff, here to talk about a very special first-time event Footprints on My Heart.  A NICU reunion that brings together graduates, families and the caregivers who were part of their journey.  Sam and Linds...

Today FEEDBACK brings real issues to the table as it relates to the housing challenges and estate planning.   In our first hour we talk to Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Berks PA and Mark Mohn, Government Affairs Director, Reading Berks Association of Realtors about something that impacts all of us - hou...

First up - Jon Escueta, Owner, City Cuts Barber Shops.  Jon talks about something that goes far beyond a haircut, it’s about confidence, connection and creating a positive space for young people.  He is building his business but also making a real impact in the lives of kids in our community.  His hope is for all barber shops to do the same type of work with our youth, impacting and creating posit...

The first hour of FEEDBACK is about allowing people to keep their dignity.  We are talking about compassion and meeting people where they are, something that can make all the difference in someone’s life.  Joining us in studio are Drew Neidig, Executive Director and Amy Stewart-Himes, guest Services Manager of Refresh Berks, an organization dedicated to providing essential hygiene services and sup...

We are talking about stories that come from legacies, multi-generational family businesses, and everyday moments that impact the stories that we tell about ourselves or the leaders around us.  Joining us in studio are three generations of the Kuhn family from Kuhn Funeral Home.  Edward Kuhn, Jr. (second generation); Michael Kuhn (third generation) and Mikey Kuhn (fourth generation). Together they...

The FEEDBACK topic today is legacy!  What does a legacy look like?  Is a legacy only something that is talked about at the end of a career or life?  Nope!  Legacy is what we build every single moment of every single day.  Joining us is Brian Levin, Owner, President and CEO of Levan Machine and Truck Equipment.  Brian is carrying forward a third-generation legacy while continuing to grow and innova...

In our first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about something that impacts some of the most vulnerable members of our community - children in foster care and the people working to bring them comfort, dignity, and hope.  Joining us are Paula Gyomber, Chapter Coordinator and Alyssa Dourte, Executive Director of Fostering Hope.  Their organization is dedicated to supporting children entering foster ca...

Monday morning theatre!  First up on FEEDBACK are the leads performing in the Wilson Theatre company’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella!  We are joined by nine cast members as well as their Stage Director Mary Lennon.  The cast members share the challenges, the nerves and what being in theatre means to each one of them.  This is our future generation and they are shining brightly.  In our se...

Today on FEEDBACK we are celebrating women in business.  Leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators who are shaping our community in meaningful ways.  Joining us in our first hour is Caroline Hill, Owner of Van Scoy Jewelers, who is not only leading a successful business but also shining a spotlight on other women-owned businesses in our area.  She is joined by Meghan Krick, co-owner of Honey Pop Custom...

Daniel Boone Area High School’s Theatre Society’s Director and a few cast members join us in the top hour of FEEDBACK to talk about their upcoming production of Between the Lines.   The students share with us what the theme of this show means to them personally and their hope for the audience members who are experiencing the show!  Glenn Miller, a retired CFO of a large non profit (still working p...

We teach what we need to learn.  That is the theme of today’s FEEDBACK shows.  First up, Don Carrick, who loves making people look good through his camera lens.  Don is a passionate photographer who loves the process of helping people get comfortable in front of the camera, so their confidence comes across in their photo.  Don also shares that he had to pivot in 2008 and become a reluctant entrepr...

Today’s show is about how you show up for people.  In our first hour we have Sam Albert with us.  Sam is a long time Recovery Coach and Addiction Specialist.  Addiction can feel isolating, but this conversation reminds us that help is available, recovery is possible, and no one has to go through it alone.  In our second hour we have Bill Van Sant and Lisa Ashcroft of Girard, a Univest Wealth Divis...

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about opportunity, transformation, and the power of finding a path forward.  Joining us is Hector Ruiz from Tec Centro Berks, an organization dedicated to helping individuals gain the skills, confidence and support they need to build better futures.  But this is a personal story, because Hector’s journey connects deeply to the work he is doing every day.  In our se...

In our first hour it’s all about humor, inappropriate laughter, and stories of when you just couldn’t stop laughing.  Toni, Sam, and Sean share stories of when that funny bone just took over and there was nothing, they could do to stop it.  Our second hour we are joined by Commissioner Christian Leinbach.   Commissioner Leinbach talks about economic development projects, Data Centers, ICE facility...

FEEDBACK is live this morning for a special broadcast!  We are teaming up with Helping Harvest and the American Cancer Society for a powerful community effort.  We are celebrating Daffodil Days with all proceeds supporting the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Berks and we are supporting a food drive with Helping Harvest to support families dealing with food insecurities.  Listen to bo...

In the first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking to Andrea Ebling, a certified breast health coordinator for Tower Health and Ramah Williams, an employee of Tower Health.  Andrea talks about the process and innovative options available to the public to minimize the challenges to getting their mammograms.  Ramah Williams shares her personal story of being a breast cancer survivor.  At the top of the se...

Action packed two hours of FEEDBACK!  First up is Elaine Zelker, Founder of Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron.  Her platform goes beyond the kitchen to support chefs as individuals, helping them navigate the pressures of the culinary world while reconnecting with their passion and purpose.  Her work shines a light on what’s often unseen in the industry, the personal challenges, the resilience, and the g...

Andre Young, Founder of YOU Evolving Now joins us in our first hour of FEEDBACK!  Andre created YOU Evolving Now as a resource focusing on personal growth, leadership, and transformation.  In a time when so many people, leaders especially are navigating uncertainty, change and pressure, Andre is helping individuals evolve, adapt, and lead with purpose.  The Council on Chemical Abuse joins us in ou...

  An information packed Friday on this edition of FEEDBACK!  First up, it’s the State of the County. Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy for Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, Community Economic Development and Rae Ann Miller, Director, Center for Regional Analysis, EDC, Lancaster County join us in this first hour to share with us trends, progress, prior...

The first hour of FEEDBACK consists of a few of the cast members of Muhlenberg High School’s 52nd annual spring musical, Newsies!  Joining us in the studio are Michael Arndt, Director, Josue Tinoco, Assistant Director in addition to playing Jack Kelly, Ava Krieser as Katherine, Logan Allen as Joseph Pulitzer and Kassie Pena as Medda Larken.    The cast shares the excitement, how to deal with the n...

Did you know that our libraries have a Library of Things?  Dallan Yoh, GRCA’s Membership Director introduces the FEEDBACK audience to Emily Montagna, Community Relations Coordinator, Berks County Public Libraries.  Emily shares the extraordinary resources that the library system provides to our community.  It is an eye-opening conversation with Emily and Dallan!  Our second hour is all about jazz...

It’s all about jazz in the first hour of FEEDBACK!  John Ernesto and Mike Anderson join us to talk about the 35th Annual Berks Jazz Fest!  For one solid week, Berks County hosts premiere artists from around the world performing in multiple venues around the county.  There is also an educational impact that occurs during Jazz Fest that combines the musicianship, experience and mentoring of our yout...

In the studio today for our first hour of FEEDBACK are a few folks from Oley Valley High School’s Spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.  We talk to Director, Debbi Silas, Music Director, Jess Pennington, Evie Brewer who plays Ariel, Brayden Samuelson who plays Prince Eric, Flynn Robertson who plays Sebastian and Sarah Todardo who plays Ursula.   They shared what being in a show like th...

Today on our first hour of FEEDBACK we are joined by a woman who helps tell the story of our community every month.  Robyn Jones is the Publisher of Berks County Living Magazine, a publication that highlights the people, places and stories that make Berks County unique.  Robyn shares her journey to becoming a successful Publisher and also shares what inspires her and keeps her motivated to continu...

FEEDBACK is so cool today!  First up we talk to Larry Fecho, Director, Producer and Playwright about his lifelong passion for theater!  He has touched so many lives and has brought so many characters to life with his years of experience directing and producing.  He is now sharing that experience by inspiring the next generation of performers as they attend the first ever theater camp through the G...