The Spark

We sit down with a longtime public servant and community leader—a retired CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, former Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Community & Economic Development, and former Clarion County Commissioner—who now volunteers with Braver Angels . He shares why fostering respectful dialogue, finding common ground across political divides, and embracing compromise...

QUILL-ADELPHIA highlights the often-overlooked contributions of middle-class citizens, women, and abolition advocates during the Constitutional Convention. The reading and concert performance is being presented as a fundraiser for the Harrisburg branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), supporting its mission to advance equity for women and girls through education, research, a...

Last Friday, WITF and The York County History Center hosted a screening of the documentary After Ike – a documentary about the longest motorized military convoy assembled by humankind – before it airs on WITF TV on July 5. After the screening, a panel of experts discussed “the journey that changed America” during a live taping of The Spark with Asia Tabb. Kay Shelton Kozak , President, Lincoln Hig...

Last Friday, WITF and The York County History Center hosted a screening of the documentary After Ike – a documentary about the longest motorized military convoy assembled by humankind – before it airs on WITF TV on July 5. After the screening, a panel of experts discussed “the journey that changed America” during a live taping of The Spark with Asia Tabb. Kay Shelton Kozak , President, Lincoln Hig...

Erika Eberly is a cast member in River City Stories , a collaborative film project created by playwright-screenwriter Paul Hood and journalist-filmmaker Wallace McKelvey that showcases original, locally produced stories inspired by life in Harrisburg. The newest installment will premiere as part of the Harrisburg Fringe Festival, highlighting the work of central Pennsylvania artists and celebratin...

This episode explores how the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count measures homelessness on a single January night by combining local insights with statewide data like the Housing Inventory Count, we highlight the need for broader collaboration to better understand and respond to homelessness in diverse communities.

This Men’s Health Month, The Spark brings two powerful, conversations focused on mental and physical wellness for men. First, Dr. Luke Piper, psychiatrist at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, joins us to unpack the ongoing importance of men’s mental health. Dr. Piper explores why men often struggle in silence—and what can change that.  Then, we sit down with Jawon Chisholm—former Pittsburgh Steeler,...

Gun violence prevention requires more than policing—it takes community investment, opportunity, and collaboration. That was the message from Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis during a recent appearance on The Spark. When people think of Pennsylvania, they often picture Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and miles of farmland. But author Tory Mather says the Commonwealth has much more to offer....

Susquehanna Scout is a podcast that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond. Listen to the first episode after this special sneak peek here Erica Jo Shaffer is BACK with more gardening and horticulture tips for National Gardening Week.

We discuss the urgent issue of gun violence and community safety across Pennsylvania, following recent incidents such as the shooting at the Carlisle Sports Emporium. Lt. Governor Austin Davis has consistently emphasized prevention through increased state investments—supporting youth safety programs, expanding violence intervention initiatives like the Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program...

Author and outdoor explorer Tory Mather shares how her passion for discovering Pennsylvania’s hidden gems inspired her new book Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania . She highlights the state’s diverse landscapes and accessible adventures, encouraging listeners to find beauty close to home—from easy roadside stops to challenging hikes. Dani Fiore of Empowered Music and Jennifer Wilt of NAMI Cumb...

In this episode, we tackle the growing challenge of children’s screen time and how families can help kids unplug and reconnect with the world around them. Featuring Deana Raymer, Director of Educational Services at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, alongside Lutricia Eberly of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association, the conversation explores both the risks of excessive screen use and pr...

We explore the deeper meaning of the holiday and its connection to history, memory, and community reflection. Dr. Miner discusses “A Place for All” , a compelling exhibit at the State Museum of Pennsylvania that highlights stories of integration across the state. In this special Juneteenth broadcast, we welcome Ondra Haywood , Director of Living The Experience , for a powerful conversation on hist...

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, we feature former Pittsburgh Steeler turned certified personal trainer Jawon Chisholm. He shares what it really takes to stay physically and mentally strong after leaving professional sports, and how that journey shapes his work coaching everyday men. We explore the challenges men face when starting or restarting a fitness journey, the mission behind his “Stru...

Paul Miller’s Law is a Pennsylvania distracted driving law that prohibits the use of handheld mobile devices while driving . It targets a major cause of crashes—drivers using their phones for texting, social media, or other activities that take their eyes and attention off the road. We speak with Fritzi Schreffler about this new law, and what it means for Pennsylvania Drivers.

In recognition of Men’s Health Month, we feature former Pittsburgh Steeler turned certified personal trainer Jawon Chisholm. He shares what it really takes to stay physically and mentally strong after leaving professional sports, and how that journey shapes his work coaching everyday men. We explore the challenges men face when starting or restarting a fitness journey, the mission behind his “Stru...

We explore the rich and often overlooked history of gender diversity in Ancient Rome and Medieval Europe, uncovering stories of people who lived beyond traditional gender roles. Through historical texts, laws, and cultural narratives, we reveal how these identities were understood, challenged, and remembered across time. And then we get updates from historian Jean-Paul Benowitz’s latest work on ci...

Megan Stevens of Steamtown National Historic Site explores the historic arrival of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 in Scranton. We discuss the significance of one of the largest steam locomotives ever built, its cross-country tour, and the rare reunion with Steamtown’s own Big Boy No. 4012. From massive scale to modern-day maintenance and logistics, We capture what makes this once-in-a-lifetime r...

On this episode of The Spark , we bring you inside the world of Pennsylvania’s top amusement parks with a special series of interviews focused on guest experience and public relations. Asia sits down with Stacy Yutko, Public Relations & Guest Experience Director at Knoebels, to explore what keeps visitors coming back year after year. We also connect with Courtney Burkarth, Marketing Director a...

We spoke with country rock artist Ben Gallaher about his musical journey, Pennsylvania roots, and growing national recognition. Dr. Beth Malow and Douglass Teschner discuss their book Beyond the Politics of Contempt and how to build a national culture rooted in kindness, dignity, and respect.

In this episode, we’re joined again by Amy Ziegler to talk about an exciting new immersive event at The Hershey Story Museum: “A Sweet Beginning: Milton Hershey at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.” We explore how a single moment at the fair—when Hershey encountered European chocolate-making machinery—changed the course of his life and helped shape the future of chocolate in America.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ingrid Natale, a leader connected with the renowned Miesse Candies brand, to explore the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation in the confectionery world. Dr. Natale shares insights into the legacy behind one of the region’s most cherished chocolate makers, the importance of quality and community, and what it takes to sustain a family-rooted...

Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry is stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, we’re joined by three leaders at the forefront of that movement: Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation; Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association; and Silas Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania....

We discuss the recent Mother’s Day of Advocacy at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where organizations including MCC, MomsRising, Planned Parenthood, and others came together in support of the Mom’s Agenda—championing gender justice, reproductive freedom, and the resources families need to raise healthy, thriving children. We also highlight rising local country rock artist Ben Gallaher, whose music...

Meet the founders behind Susquehanna Trekkers. From branding and storytelling to logistics and outreach, each brings their own passion: Sophia’s creative eye, Jon’s media and water-loving spirit, and Luke’s community-first vision rooted in bringing people together through nature. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, camping, or chasing hidden waterfalls, Trekkers is all about stepping outside your comfo...