The Rediscover State College Podcast

Jamie and Kerry Bestwick are a dynamic State College couple who are building community and running businesses side by side. Kerry owns the popular fitness center PYP Studio, and just next door, Jamie co-owns Rothrock Coffee, a local coffee shop. Originally from the UK, they made the leap to Happy Valley and immediately fell in love with the area.  In this episode, we discuss how Camp Woodward, an...

This episode features an interview with Hannah Morris, better known as Happy Valley Hannah. With more than 16,000 Instagram followers, Hannah has become a local celebrity thanks to her uplifting and informative account. She highlights upcoming events in Happy Valley, offers a behind-the-scenes look at new businesses and restaurants, and focuses on sharing family-friendly opportunities in the area....

Amy Palanjian is the creator of Yummy Toddler Food — a media company with 1.5 million Instagram followers that offers recipes and food advice for little ones ages 1 to 3. In this episode, Amy shares how she came to launch her own media company, what goes on behind the scenes as a food blogger, and tips for parents whose kids are hesitant to try new foods. She also talks about why she loves running...

Reverend Jes Kast is a pastor at Faith United Church of Christ in downtown State College, and Dr. Jessy Defenderfer is a political science professor at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg. In this episode, the couple shares how they came to call State College home, why they’ve found it to be a welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and what the faith community is like downtown. They a...

Amy Frank is the founder and owner of The Makery, a community art studio and local artist market located in downtown State College. Jeremy Frank is a founder and the CEO of KCF Technologies, a tech company based in downtown State College that works with industry partners across the country. In this episode, the couple shares how they fell in love with both the natural beauty and the vibrant downto...

Erica Dambach is the head coach of the Penn State women’s soccer team. In this episode, she shares how her career and coaching style have evolved over the years. She also talks about the tight-knit athletics community and how she found her village in State College. Erica also reflects on life in a multi-generational household and spending time in nature with her family. Toward the end of the episo...

In Season 3 of The Rediscover State College Podcast , we’re sitting down with local icons who moved here and built something special. They share their struggles when they first arrived, how they found their footing, and what ultimately helped them succeed.  Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check out our blog Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! Fol...

Season 2 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is all about exploring the great outdoors — the sports, activities, and adventures just waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard.  Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check out our blog Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! Follow us on Instagram

In this episode, we discuss why Michael focuses on mapping central Pennsylvania and explore the endless opportunities for discovering these woods, regardless of your experience level. Make sure to stick around for our segment called “How to Do the Thing,” where Michael will share three actionable steps for hiking in and around State College. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Chec...

Jamie is the owner and guide for American Fly Fishing Company, leading guided fly fishing trips, and she also serves as a guide for TCO Fly Shop . Previously the president and now a board member of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited , she brings her expertise to the table. In this episode, we’ll delve into what a fly fishing trip entails, why the State College area is renowned as one of t...

Ezra Nanes is not only the mayor of State College but also an avid outdoorsman. Known as the "Iron Mayor," he’s a triathlete who recently participated in the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley race and enjoys biking around the area. In this episode, we cover the types of bikes to consider owning in State College, the Borough Council’s plans to enhance biking infrastructure, and Ezra’...

Abbe Hamilton, a local adventurer, shares her journey back to State College—not just once, but three times! We’ll also dive into the local caving community and the vibrant whitewater kayaking scene. Stay tuned for our segment “How to Do the Thing,” where Abbe will provide three actionable steps for paddling the waters around State College. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check...

In this episode, Gordy discusses the plans for the new skate park in State College and how he designed Boal City Brewing to be a hub for the outdoor community. Make sure to stick around for “How to Do the Thing,” where Gordy will share three actionable steps for getting involved in advocacy groups in the State College area. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check out our blog Che...

Bridget leads outdoor activities for the greater State College community through Clearwater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors program and is an avid member of the local rock climbing community. In this episode, we explore how Bridget found her way back to State College and why she believes the climbing community is unique. Stick around for “How to Do the Thing,” where Bridget will share three actiona...

Trevor Calabro's cool job in State College: Working remotely as the lead UX researcher for Bowery Valuation, a NYC based appraisal firm. Trevor built up his manufacturing industry background at companies you'd be surprised are located right in State College: Minitab, one of the largest statistical software companies in the country, and  multinational technology conglomerate Siemens.   Tr...

Bill Zimmerman's cool job in State College: Teaching full-time in the Penn State Bellisario College of Communications, without a PhD. Bill wrote for his hometown paper, the Indiana Gazette, for several years right out of college. Although he enjoyed the experience, he was ready to move on from the hectic newsroom job. Bill moved to State College to work at Penn State's PR office, and qui...

Leah Mueller and Jared Yarnall-Schane's cool job in State College: owning and running Singing Onstage, a children's musical theatre program. Leah and Jared are both life partners and business partners. Leah grew up performing in and around State College, taught music at a local school, and went on to pursue her MFA in acting. Jared went to Penn State State, stuck around to launch an urba...

Liz Grove's cool job in State College: owning and running Pine Grove Hall, an upscale restaurant, bar, and music venue. Liz Grove grew up in State College, went to Penn State, then moved to New York City for 20 years. She came back to the area to help her dad with his business. The decision came once again as to whether she should move to a big city or stay in State College. The lack of music...

Eric Ian Farmer’s cool job in State College: professional musician. Eric was born in State College but grew up in North Carolina. He found his way back to Penn State for graduate school, and that's when his music career began. Eric is a singer, songwriter, and educator. His music is inspired by musicians such as Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley, and he describes his music as heartfelt and passionat...

Josh and Lizzie Parra’s cool job in State College: owners and founders of Parra Design & Build, a real estate investment and interior design company. Josh and Lizzie Parra met while serving at Champs on North Atherton, and promptly moved to Boston once Lizzie graduated from Penn State. They started a petcare business and began their real estate journey while in Boston, falling in love with bei...

This is the Rediscover State College Podcast. On this show, we talk to locals about how they were able to find their happy place in happy valley. We can't wait to give you a glimpse into the communities that make State College so special - listen to this trailer to learn more! Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check out our blog Check out our State College merch store and sh...

Season 1 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is all about people who have what we think are some of the coolest jobs in State College. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter Check out our blog Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! Follow us on Instagram