B Inspired

To know Arline Christ--creative artist, empathic teacher--is to love her bright smile and undaunted enthusiasm. She's one of those people who you know will always cheer you on, offer hugs in tough times, and bring sunny color wherever she goes! Studio B's event, modeled after the non-profit initiative The Human Library that began in Denmark, inspired Arline to share the really awful events of her...

Artist Joe Szimhart headed west after college to make his way as a working artist and find his life's purpose. His explorations led him to joining a cult. As part of Studio B's event modeled after Denmark's The Human Library, Joe shared his research, how his experiences as a cult member have affected his life, and some advice to others. Find Joe's podcast "Cults in the Occulture" on YouTube; read&...

On August 7, 2022, Studio B hosted an event modeled after Denmark's unique non-profit The Human Library that began over 20 years ago and is now found in over 80 countries or cities around the world. Host Jane Stahl shares some of the comments from the "Discovery Statements" that were left by the human "books" and those who listened. Shared among all: "Folks are just like me," "Let's do this again,...

In this episode--the 4th in a series exploring the value of books often found on lists of books to be banned from public school libraries and curriculum--Craig Bennett, Bob Wood, and host Jane Stahl offer insight into what folks have found disturbing and the value of a few books that made them think and question life as they knew it: John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, the Tolkie...

So much to love about Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Personal courage. Super communication skills. Awesome parenting. Justice and injustice in 1930's Alabama and, unfortunately, even today. The novel speaks to all ages. There's good and bad in all of us: the novel showcases both. 

It's a tough one--no doubt. William Golding's view of humanity is disturbing. But "It's real," insists Bob Wood. "It makes you think," claims Craig Bennett--both former teachers of literature who joined Jane in the second of the series finding value in books that are often on lists of books to be banned from public school libraries and curriculum. Great literature presents situations to inspire us...

Just Say NO! to banning JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye ! In this episode of “B Inspired,”Craig Bennett, writer, teacher, actor and Jane spent some time together discussing the reasons that Salinger’s iconic novel is often at the top of the list of books to be banned by public school libraries and curriculum. And, more important, why it shouldn’t be ! Truth: “Many, many men”—then, now, and always...

While it's not easy making a living as a writer, Jennifer Hetrick took the challenge! Writing for newspapers and magazines, publishing 3 books of poetry highlighting senior citizens from Berks County's manufacturing history were just a few gigs Jen has put together to fashion her on-going writer's journey. Resilient, hard-working, creative, and dedicated, Jen inspires others to forge their own pat...

Little did Brenda Cullen imagine while watching Hallmark movies with her children that one day she would want to re-create them in her hometown as owner of Boyertown's iconic, historic Twin Turrets Inn. Brenda has plans and a vision for the Inn and adding to the unique charm of small town life in PA. Stay tuned for updates and look forward to a grand holiday open house.  Find more information...

Mish (Eileen) Murphy--co-editor of Studio B's 9th book of poetry, prose, and art--along with her husband Mike--visited Studio B from Tampa, Florida, to attend the art opening of "Be Inspired by Words" and the release of "Transforming Moments: Finding Our Voice." "B Inspired" was thrilled to meet her in person, learn more about her, and thank her for her efforts in putting together our annual antho...

Susan LeClair, former English teacher and one of Jane's favorite lunch dates, served as juror for the prize awards for Studio B's 9th book of poetry, prose, and art: "Transforming Moments: Finding Our Voice." In this episode Susan shares some of the considerations that informed her decisions. Then, in an update about the Human Library program, schedule for August 7, 2002, Jane shared that the resp...

Monique Becker planned to become a professional ballerina. Her college degree led her into the medical field creating wellness programs. Then her worlds collided in recognizing an early love nurtured by the sewing skills her mother taught her and fueled by losing her to cancer. Taking a risk, Monique returned to needle and thread and to a full range of classes that inspired Becker Home, "a space w...

In this episode host Jane Stahl shares details about upcoming events at Studio B during summer 2022 that focus on our experiences that made us who we are. “Be Inspired by WORDS” is the theme for the summer's art exhibit sponsored by a grant from the Boyertown Community Charitable Fund through Berks County Community Foundation. "Transforming Moments: Finding Our Voice" is the title of the studio's...

After over 50 years as a writer, John Yamrus's latest book or poetry, "Selected Poems: The Director's Cut" has hit first place in the U.S. on Amazon for Epic Poetry and is now available in a separate book internationally, translated in Albanian. This episode centers on John’s latest book “Selected Poems: The Director’s Cut” that weighs in at 2 pounds—almost 500 pages of minimalist poetry that serv...

Stellar House, Adriene Billet’s niche gift shop, is a bright and cheery space harnessing the celestial energy of her signature symbol--the moon—from floor to ceiling. Adriene offers an array of unique items for sale that she loves, knowing that you’ll love them too for the color and laughter they generate. Something special. Something meaningful. Joy is what you’ll find. Find more information abou...

Dazzling! Walking into Dolce inspires wide smiles! The space and its owner Christina Wabish present a bright, shiny, modern space and the energy of hair and nail specialists who clearly love what they do! Becoming a stylist was Christina's earliest dream; owning her own salon is her wildest dream-come-true. Not without its nightmares and challenges, but complete with exciting plans for the future....

"Such a Neat Freak!” is a not only a perfect description of Tracy Cassel Bernard’s MO but also a perfect name for her business operation. As a child, Tracy Cassel Bernard has been on a mission to tidy her world, making sure her doll’s clothes were spaced evenly after laundering, with tiny clothes pins, on a tiny wash line. Today, she de-clutters, reorganizes, and decorates the homes of folks of al...

I love knowing that Bridget Scogna fell in love with the tin ceiling of her space at 30 E Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, and felt called to open “Bridget’s Place for Making Memories” at that very location. “Bridget’s Place” is a gift shop offering the creations of local artisans that brings people together to make memories through craft parties and social gatherings. Birthday parties, bridal show...

Annette Faust has just the idea(s) for your celebration needs. Celebrate Together Events offers full-service event planning; DIY-ers can rent her equipment to save staffing and set-up costs; and for any occasion where a unique gift is preferred, there's "Box of Berks" containing products made in Berks County that bring tasty products to recipients and at the same time celebrate many businesses uni...

Turning the tables on host Jane Stahl, Lisa Muller wants to know how Jane's involvement in the arts all began. From a family trip as an adolescent to Rockport, Massachusetts, and a 35-year career teaching high school English to inspiring Bear Fever, chartering the Arts and Activities Alliance committee of Building a Better Boyertown, filling in as editor of 2 Boyertown pictorial history books, she...

Ellie D'Anjolell has found her niche, realized a lifelong dream, and created a healthy work/life balance as a new agent with Richard A. Zuber Realty and entrepreneur as co-owner of Stone Home Market Garden CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). From her farm--Stone Home Market Garden--she and her partner deliver organic vegetables from early June through early September to their members. As a real...

Margaret Harner, popular teacher of history, writer, and volunteer, wants everyone to know that the World War II may have turned out completely differently without Boyertown's favorite son General Carl Spaatz. Margaret shares Spaatz's legacy and achievements, highlights artifacts from the museum, and recalls stories of members of the Boyertown community involved in the war. The museum invites part...

This episode, 2 episodes into the podcast's 3rd year, features Jane's reflections on the state of the country since the podcast began. She shares disappointments in the country's reactions to its major challenges but offers a resurrection of inspiration triggered by the invasion of Ukraine in the courage and resolve of its leader and people. The episode includes a repeated conversation with fine a...

"How do you do it and why?" "How do you see it and what does it mean?" These questions about the process of art-making intrigue Jane, and in this episode fine artist Lisa Muller offers her experience and perspective in the creative business of making art allowing Jane some insight...and inspiration!  Find more information about Studio B Fine Art Gallery on our website: studiobbb.org, on Studi...

Amanda Burdan. Yesterday--BASH Honor Grad. Today--Curator Brandywine River Museum. Amanda accomplishes, excels; it's her MO. With host Jane Stahl and Studio B's gallery director Susan Biebuyck, Amanda shares her professional journey and personal mission to celebrate women in art--historically and in present-day--in her role as curator at one of the nation's most prestigious art museums. There was...