The Spark

Dr. Kofi Clarke, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, joins The Spark to discuss celiac disease and a new clinic designed to provide comprehensive care for patients throughout the region. In White Care: The Impact of Race on American Infrastructure , Prof. Cotten Seiler argues that the decline of U.S. infrastructure isn’t just about cost—i...

Peter Miele, Senior Project Leader with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, joins the show to explore how the region’s natural landscapes, waterways, and historic communities are preserved and shared with the public. He discusses the mission of the Heritage Area, highlighting efforts to connect people with the Susquehanna River’s environmental, cultural, and historical significance. In his new...

Award-winning Lancaster-based author Dan Hendrickson returns with Railroad Man: Legacies Son , a sweeping new Western set at a pivotal moment in frontier history. The novel follows Navy veteran Arthur Edwards as he works to extend the railroad across the West while navigating rising tensions between the Crow Nation, railroad interests, and ruthless cattlemen. When a woman he loves is kidnapped, Ar...

We sit down with Jim Doyle to explore the timeless art of bonsai. With over 53 years of experience as part of the Susquehanna Bonsai Club, Jim shares the origins and cultural significance of bonsai, along with practical insights into how to care for these living works of art. From shaping techniques to long-term maintenance, he offers a fascinating look into the patience, creativity, and dedicatio...

In this episode, we sit down with leading researchers working on the front lines of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program to explore what cannabis reclassification really means for research, medicine, and patient care. Featuring Stephen E. Lankenau, PhD (Director of the Medical Cannabis Research Center), Dr. Raup-Konsavage of Penn State , and Mark Kelley (LECOM’s Medical Marijuana Research Prog...

In this episode, we welcome David Morrison of the Historic Harrisburg Association for a fascinating deep dive into a remarkable moment in the city’s past. Marking a century since 1926, we explore a year that helped define Harrisburg as we know it today. then, we reconnect with Nicole and Isaac Bucher of Mr. Ed’s to explore what’s new in the ever-evolving world of chocolate. With National Chocolate...

Hidden in Lebanon County is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique pieces of transportation history—the Union Canal Tunnel, recognized as the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States. We also bring together three leading experts to explore the state of broadband access in rural Pennsylvania and why it matters now more than ever. Featuring Zachary Adams (Center for Rural Pennsylvania),...

We bring together three leading experts to explore the state of broadband access in rural Pennsylvania and why it matters now more than ever. Featuring Zachary Adams (Center for Rural Pennsylvania), Jim Ladlee (Penn State), and Dr. Christopher Ali (Penn State), the conversation dives into how internet connectivity has evolved from a luxury to an essential service that underpins education, healthca...

In this episode, we talk with Danielle Keperling of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County about an important local preservation effort—saving the historic Hoober Eby Barn. Built in 1860, this remarkable timber-frame structure is a rare surviving example of Lancaster County’s agricultural heritage, showcasing original craftsmanship, traditional joinery, and distinctive rural architect...

This special Memorial Day edition of The Spark featured excerpts from WITF’s podcast Cloth of the Nation , highlighting personal stories from veterans as a way to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the human cost of war. Listeners heard conversations with Army veteran Joe Yurick, Navy veteran Lisa Carrie, James Ulinksi, and Charles Lafferty, each sharing deeply personal experiences connected to mi...

In this episode, we sit down with Rear Admiral Eric Ver Hage , a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania native whose Navy career began with an enlisted role in 1984 and led to his rise as a senior leader in the United States Navy. From his time as an electronics technician to graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and earning a master’s degree in national security, RDML Ver Hage shares insights from decades...

We’re joined by Dr. Robert Reynolds, Associate Professor of History at Kutztown University, to explore the fascinating history of one-room schoolhouses in Pennsylvania and across the United States. Dr. Reynolds sheds light on how these small, rural schools operated, the unique challenges and opportunities they presented for both students and teachers, and their lasting impact on American education...

From longer growing seasons to stronger storms and increasing pest pressure, climate change is reshaping the way plants grow and how gardeners and growers respond. We also spotlight photojournalist Ann Hermes and her powerful visual project documenting the slow disappearance of local newsrooms. Drawing on her years of experience covering major global events, Hermes turns her lens closer to home—ca...

Frank Stroik, Board President of Preservation Mifflinburg, shares the remarkable rescue story of the Gutelius House Museum. When the historic 1803 log home faced demolition in a 1997 auction, a small group of community members came together in an unforgettable moment of urgency and purpose. With help from nearby neighbors and a local Justice of the Peace—honoring Frederick Gutelius himself, Union...

WITF's Jordan Wilkie speaks with Berwood Yost, who leads public opinion research at Franklin and Marshall College, and with Stephen Medvic, professor of government also at Franklin and Marshall. They talk about lessons learned from the primary and what to expect in the general election this fall, with a special focus on Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District in Cumberland, Dauphin and York cou...

Jeremiah Miller, Executive Artistic Director of Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre, returns to discuss the company’s upcoming production of Henry IV, Part 1 , opening on the 22nd. Following last fall’s Vietnam-era drama Streamers , the theatre shifts back to Shakespeare with an exciting and unconventional take. Featuring direction by Shakespeare scholar Dr. Justin Hopkins and starring acclaimed local a...

This episode highlights Tim Alexander , founder of Mansion Concerts Inc., and introduces The Harrisbird Café – A 2026 Songwriter Showcase , a Nashville Bluebird Café–inspired event spotlighting talented regional artists. Featured performers include: Corinna Joy , a Central Pennsylvania singer-songwriter known for emotional, confessional storytelling and a soulful voice. A multi-time CPMA nominee a...

As spring and summer travel seasons ramp up, so does credit card use—and the risk of fraud. In this episode, we’re joined by Bijal Gami, Vice President of Card Portfolio and Operations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, to share smart, simple ways consumers can protect their money while traveling. We cover common scams like fake booking sites, phishing emails, and card skimming, along with how b...

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association is highlighting both the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and increasing public interest in brain health. A new report is offering a closer look at preschool education across the country and where states stand when it comes to early learning access and quality.

We sit down with Vashti DuBois , Founder and Executive Director of The Colored Girls Museum (TCGM) in Philadelphia—a groundbreaking, place-based “living museum” dedicated to honoring the “ordinary extraordinary” lives of Black women and girls. Shimera Dennis shares the inspiring story behind D&D Journey – Children with Disabilities Matter , a Harrisburg-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting...

In honor of Community Action Month, this conversation with Vanessa Philbert (CAP Lancaster) and Robin Rohrbaugh (Community Progress Council) explores how local agencies support families with young children through programs like Head Start and WIC, and how a two-generation approach can help break cycles of poverty. The episode highlights the challenges facing low-income families in Pennsylvania and...

Join Chris Vera in person as he shares the history and hidden stories of Zion Hill Cemetery and its role in Columbia’s past. Learn why preserving this site still matters today. Also on the program: Dr. Christopher Weber of the Alzheimer’s Association to break down the latest Facts and Figures report, including new insights on brain health, midlife prevention, and the growing impact of Alzheimer’s...

Zachary Adams, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, leads a critical conversation from the first public hearing in a statewide series on data center development. Joined by Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess and Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson, the discussion explores how the rapid growth of data centers is shaping rural communities across Pennsylvania. Also, we...

We sit down with David Leidholdt, Artistic Director of Millbrook Playhouse, a renowned summer stock theater rooted in tradition and creativity. David shares insights into the unique world of summer stock, how Millbrook balances classic productions with fresh, contemporary work, and what it takes to lead a dynamic, seasonal company. From behind-the-scenes stories to the challenges of shaping a vibr...

A proposal in Pennsylvania aims to change how police interrogations are handled—by requiring certain custodial interviews to be recorded. Supporters, including the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, say the measure could help prevent false confessions while also protecting law enforcement by creating a clear record of what happens during questioning. Similar policies are already in place in many othe...