The Spark

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service. (00:00:00) First, we honor the life and music of the late Kim Simmonds , legendary blues guitarist and founder of Savoy Brown , through his newly completed autobiography, Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown . Before his passing in...

In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery. (00:00:00) First, we explore human trafficking as a serious human rights abuse , breaking down what trafficking is, how force, fraud, and coercion are used to exploit victims, and why any minor who exchanges sex for something of value is legally considered a trafficking victi...

(00:00:00) PennLive has reported that Lenwood Sloan passed away on December 26th at the age of 77. Lenwood was a passionate historian, educator and advocate for preserving the story of Harrisburg's old 8th ward. In this conversation, originally broadcast on July 21 he and Dr. Andrew Hermeling discuss the “ Look Up, Look Out ” campaign that seeks to reimagine Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, a vibrant...

(00:00:00) This episode explores two very different stories unfolding in Pennsylvania. Both centered on who is counted, who is protected, and who holds power. We begin with an investigation into the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against states, including Pennsylvania, for refusing to hand over voter registration rolls. Drawing on a December 5th Mother Jones report, we examine the push to compa...

Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, joins us to talk about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration and the meaningful partnerships with local communities, artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses that make the event possible.  also on the program... Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for Church choir directors. We'll check...

(00:00:00) This episode brings together two moments of community significance across Pennsylvania. First, we look at history in the making in Lancaster, where Jaime Arroyo has been elected the city’s first Latino mayor, winning 85% of the vote ahead of his January 5, 2026 inauguration. We discuss what this milestone means in a city where more than 40% of residents identify as Hispanic, and Arroyo’...

Asia spotlights two powerful stories rooted in service, culture, and community. (00:00:00) One guest shares a remarkable personal connection to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, which celebrates its 90th anniversary next March. Seventy-four years ago, Schreiber (then the Easter Seals Society) helped correct a severe speech impediment, setting the stage for a 30-year career in educati...

Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and Research Chair of the mothers and Infants Cash Coalition, has spent years studying how cash transfers can improve reproductive and maternal health outcomes.  Thomas McCullough, assistant archivist of the Mor...

(00:00:00) Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of 2025 in this special year in review journalist roundtable. (00:22:28) Crohn’s disease is part of a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long-term, condition that causes inflamm...

(00:00:00) In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities. (00:22:30) Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and C...

(00:00:00) SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who’s being helped, who’s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward? (00:22:27) We’re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's...

(00:00:00) In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, whose deep pride in his Indiana, Pennsylvania roots led to the creation of a humble yet powerful museum honoring his life as an actor, WWII hero, family man, and global citizen. From sacred symbols to silver-screen...

(00:00:00) Hop on the Magic School Bus for an interplanetary adventure, both on stage and in the real world. In this episode, we look at  The Magic School Bus Live! a new musical adaptation that sends Ms. Frizzle and her class hurtling through the solar system when a field trip goes delightfully off course. As our local NPR/PBS station, we explore why high-quality live shows like this matter, what...

Historian  Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of...

In this episode, we dive into three critical conversations shaping Pennsylvania’s political, economic, and public-health landscape. (00:00:00) First, Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA joins us to discuss her reporting on the use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades at Governor Josh Shapiro’s private residence. She explains what her investigation uncovered, why the spending matters, and how it...

(00:00:00) We explore a growing challenge facing millions of Americans: the nationwide doctor shortage that’s making routine appointments harder to get, especially in rural and underserved communities. (00:23:02) Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record—while each player competed for a differe...

This episode weaves together the wonder of winter—from the skies above to the houseplants on your windowsill. (00:00:00) We explore how ancient cultures interpreted comets and meteors before the Scientific Revolution, just in time for the annual Geminid meteor shower and the stories surrounding the Star of Bethlehem.  (00:22:28) Then we bring things down to earth with a seasonal roundup: poinsetti...

(00:00:00)  Pam Miller, UPMC Tobacco Cessation Health Educator talks with Asia Tabb about the myths and misconceptions around smoking and vaping. (00:22:03) Dan Tomaso talks with Asia about this week's weather forecast, plus what we can expect this coming winter. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this festive episode, we explore the magic behind American Music Theatre’s 2025 Christmas Show, celebrating the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. We also spotlight Pennsylvania’s Blue Ribbon School awardees, honoring outstanding achievement and educational excellence across the state. Plus, we take a journey through the State Museum’s America 250 exhibit, where history, heritage, and th...

Chesapeake Bay officials elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead a regional agreement to help clean and restore the waterway. he first-term Democrat will take the reins at a tumultuous time for the forty-year-old partnership. Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’s going to break Pennsylvania from its history of taking a BACKSEAT to Chesapeake Bay conservation. The group Shapiro will lead FAILED to meet many of the...

(00:00:00) Chesapeake Bay officials elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead a regional agreement to help clean and restore the waterway. he first-term Democrat will take the reins at a tumultuous time for the forty-year-old partnership. Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’s going to break Pennsylvania from its history of taking a BACKSEAT to Chesapeake Bay conservation. The group Shapiro will lead FAILED to meet...

(00:00:00) Chad-Alan Carr is the new Mayor of Gettysburg, after his November election win. Carr defeated incumbent Rita Frealing in the May Democratic primary by a few dozen votes.  Carr, an at-large member of the Gettysburg Borough Council, campaigned on improving transparency in the mayor’s office and delegating certain authorities to the Borough Council, specifically police oversight, taking a...

(00:00:00) Justina remained stuck on probation. Not because she posed any safety risk, but because she couldn’t afford the last $500 of restitution she owed. Despite finishing jail time, rehab, and community service, her probation kept restarting every six months due to the unpaid balance. Without a driver’s license following her DUI conviction, she had to travel an hour each way for brief check-i...

(00:00:00) We are joined once again by Catherine Lawrence of Midtown Scholar and Travis Kurowski of York College to recommend some holiday book selections for you and your loved ones! (00:22:26) A letter signed by 237 faith leaders from diverse religious traditions across Pennsylvania will be delivered to state lawmakers urging them to pass comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ P...

Broadway comes to Lancaster this holiday season with  Elf the Musical , and local audiences are in for a treat. Ben Fankhauser, who plays Buddy the Elf, said performing at the  Fulton Theatre  has been a special experience. “I have fallen in love with the Fulton Theater and I hope that Lancaster residents realize that they have a Broadway-caliber performing arts venue right in their backyards,” he...