Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Lamont McClure, who says he recently completed his second term as Northampton County Executive and announced his run for Congress last February. He describes his candidacy as a response to what he calls growing national chaos, and he ties his platform to affordability, healthcare, and public safety. Campaign: https://mcclureforpa.com/ Day to day financial stressMcClure says the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about is housing affordability. He argues that tariffs are limiting the ability of home builders to build homes, which limits supply and contributes to rising costs and homelessness. He says national solutions should include incentivizing affordable housing builders so more housing gets built at every level of the market. He also argues that rolling back tariffs would help control affordability, saying tariffs have raised prices, raised taxes people pay, and are killing jobs. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsMcClure says he supports extending Affordable Care Act benefits, especially the premium tax credits, and says he supports making them permanent. He criticizes Congressman Ryan McKenzie's actions around the tax credits, arguing McKenzie had opportunities to leverage his vote to secure an extension but did not. He frames his own approach as using his vote to make sure constituents are taken care of, and he links the ACA tax credits to the stability of small businesses and self employed people in the district. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationMcClure says the country needs secure borders and says violent criminals who are in the country without documentation should be deported. He then focuses on what he describes as his record pushing back on ICE actions in Northampton County. He describes an incident where ICE arrested someone in a courthouse hallway, and says he researched the law and issued an executive order preventing ICE from making arrests in his courthouse. He says that policy remains in place under his successor. He also emphasizes that he has taken on MAGA aligned opponents electorally, and frames that as proof he can win in a politically mixed county. Warehouses and data centersAsked about warehouses and data centers and what makes a project worth it for the region, McClure points to his record combating warehouse proliferation in Northampton County. He cites land preservation work, including preserving 20,000 acres of farmland and 3,800 acres of open space, creating four new county parks, and preserving environmentally sensitive land that contains rare species. He also says he fought warehouse proliferation “to the tune of over twenty five million dollars” in Northampton County. He frames his approach as protecting a green future for the district. HomelessnessMcClure calls homelessness a multifactorial problem and says it is not the same for everybody, so solutions vary. He says Northampton and Lehigh counties put millions of dollars a year into addressing homelessness and says he has been in that fight for years, including a focus on veteran homelessness. He also describes using money won from opioid manufacturers for efforts to fight the opioid crisis, including drug and alcohol treatment, and he references a suicide prevention task force that focused on lowering suicide rates, especially among veterans. He says he would work to ensure federal law and policy help combat homelessness, addiction, and support veterans. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyMcClure says his third place is Minsi Lake, describing it as a serene place that helps him decompress. He also mentions other places he enjoys, including Leaser Lake Park near his home, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and going to his native Carbon County in the fall. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Bob Brooks, a career firefighter with the City of Bethlehem and a union leader. Brooks talks about affordability in the Lehigh Valley, what federal policy can do to expand housing supply, and how he thinks about public safety, healthcare, and local development. Campaign: https://brooksforcongress.com/ Day to day financial stressBrooks says the biggest day to day financial stresses he hears about are healthcare and housing, and he focuses first on housing. He argues the region needs to build a lot more housing quickly and says that requires cutting red tape, including permitting and zoning reforms. He supports first time home buyer help and talks about expanding programs similar to the HELPERS Act style loan concept. He also argues for cracking down on bulk home buying by private equity and corporate purchasers that he says distort the housing market. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsBrooks says he supports extending the ACA premium tax credits and argues they should not be removed without a replacement plan. He warns that cutting help people rely on will raise costs, and he links paying for coverage support to tax policy changes. He argues for a minimum tax on billionaires and large corporations, saying that would fund major priorities. He also says making programs permanent will require negotiation and compromise, and he frames himself as a negotiator from his labor leadership experience. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationBrooks frames the issue through public safety and argues enforcement efforts should focus on serious criminals, not everyday people. He says the purpose of ICE should be to target drug dealers and people committing violent crimes, and he argues the agency should be refocused. He also calls for streamlining the pathway to citizenship and supports adding more immigration judges to speed up the process, criticizing long wait times. Warehouses and data centersBrooks says he will side with workers, and evaluates projects based on whether they bring real jobs and benefits. He says he is concerned about data centers in particular because of infrastructure impacts, especially strain on the electric grid. He says federal involvement is limited compared to local government, but argues there is room for federal regulation related to electricity markets and for slowing or tightening approvals. He also argues data centers should be required to generate their own power rather than pulling heavily from the existing grid. HomelessnessBrooks argues federal action should expand housing options and help people afford them. He supports expanding Housing Choice Vouchers, but says vouchers are capped and that cap is linked to the lack of available housing. He argues the solution requires building more housing and increasing affordable and entry level housing. He also emphasizes mental health funding, saying mental health needs are a major factor in homelessness and that resources have not matched the scale of need. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyBrooks says his third place is a baseball field behind the Nazareth Intermediate School, where he coaches varsity baseball for Nazareth High School. He describes it as a place where he can put his phone away and focus on helping young people grow. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us We were lucky to catch up with Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck while he's back in town for the premiere of The Hail Mary. Written, directed by, and starring Roebuck, the film tells the story of a reluctant man pulled into coaching an all-boys Catholic football team and finding redemption along the way. For Lehigh Valley audiences, this one hits especially close to home. Scenes were filmed at Bethlehem Catholic High School, the Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, and at the Bethlehem Area School District stadium, where game sequences were shot over eight nights, sometimes as late as 2 and 3 a.m. Real Bethlehem Catholic players, Liberty and Freedom band members, and local residents filled the stands. This weekend, you can see The Hail Mary at SteelStacks, The Roxy Theatre, and other regional theaters. There is also a special event at Hotel Bethlehem following a screening, including dinner and a behind-the-scenes conversation with Roebuck and the team. If you are from the Lehigh Valley, you will recognize faces, locations, and that unmistakable local energy on screen. Find showtimes and details at:https://www.achannelofpeace.org/ Get out there and support a film made here, with our people, telling our story. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Carol Obando-Derstine, who shares why she is running and what she is hearing from residents across PA-07. Campaign: https://www.carolforpa.com/ Day to day financial stressObando-Derstine says people are struggling to make ends meet and pay for the essentials of life, specifically naming housing, healthcare, groceries, utilities, and childcare. She cites the United Way ALICE report and says it shows 41 percent of district families are struggling to cover the essentials, which she describes as roughly 124,000 households. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsObando-Derstine supports extending the ACA premium tax credits. She frames healthcare as personal, sharing stories of people she knew who could not afford care and how costs can financially devastate families. She argues that access to care helps families and also strengthens the economy because prevention and early treatment keep people healthier and working. In this conversation, she focuses on why the subsidies matter and does not detail a specific funding mechanism. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationObando-Derstine says immigration policy is personal to her as an immigrant who came to the United States at age three with parents who fled violence in Colombia. She says the system needs fixing in a way that is legal, effective, and humane. She criticizes what she describes as cruelty, racial profiling, and unaccountable enforcement, and says fear is widespread in immigrant communities, including among documented Latinos. She also says she supports secure borders, but argues the current approach creates chaos and does not make communities safer. She calls for more immigration judges and support staff, modernizing immigration courts, speeding up asylum processing, and opening up DACA applications so people are not kept in limbo. Warehouses and data centersObando-Derstine notes that local governments make many of the key decisions, and she emphasizes a robust local stakeholder process so residents have meaningful input. Drawing on her background as an energy engineer, she describes work connecting projects to the electric grid, including warehouses. She argues against a top down approach that overrides state and local authority and says local voices should guide what gets built and how communities are impacted, especially when projects use significant resources and create limited jobs. HomelessnessObando-Derstine says she has direct experience with this issue through service on the Homeless Veterans Task Force for Lehigh County, volunteer work with North Penn Legal Services, and her work advocating for prevention programs to keep families off the streets. She calls for federal action that prevents unjust evictions and proposes establishing a federal Office of Tenant Rights so people understand their rights and landlords are accountable. She also points to the role of legal aid and says cuts to legal aid programs affect the ability to prevent evictions. She supports expanding and strengthening incentives for affordable housing, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and suggests reform to reduce bureaucracy and improve consistency in how states administer that federal credit. She also names local organizations doing the work, including New Bethany and the United Way. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyObando-Derstine says her third place is her church community, specifically the Spanish service at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which she attends with her parents. She describes it as a gathering place with a strong community focus and notes that it also hosts local meetings such as housing related committees. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Lewis Shupe of Allentown. Campaign: https://realchange.us/ Why he is running and his first term goalShupe says a key goal is to harness the power of registered voters to help compose and promote legislative initiatives led by citizens. Day to day financial stressShupe points to food insecurity and says demand at food banks is rising, including among working people. He argues wages and cost of living are pushing more households toward needing help with basics. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsAsked about extending the ACA premium tax credits and making them permanent, Shupe focuses on restoring Medicare cuts he says were made in a major federal bill, and he says he would go further by supporting Medicare for All. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationShupe argues that people already in the country should have a legal pathway to citizenship and says families should not be separated. He also claims recent border politics are being misrepresented and frames the issue as needing less drama and more workable solutions. Warehouses and data centersShupe responds to the region becoming “the land of warehouses” and data centers by describing tradeoffs. He says there are pluses and minuses to data centers and references a proposed facility in the western part of the region. His emphasis is on weighing local impacts rather than treating these projects as automatically good. HomelessnessAsked what the federal government can do about local homelessness, Shupe connects the issue to limited income and the gap between assistance and real costs. He references his own experience going on Social Security due to health issues and says that being on a limited income is not enough. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyWhen asked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Shupe points to Make Lehigh Valley! a “workshop for people who love to tinker.” Their members include engineers, woodworkers, programmers, artists, amateur radio enthusiasts, radio-controlled airplane flyers, and more. Check out their website https://makelehighvalley.com/ Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie's office and did not receive a response. In this episode, we speak with Aiden Gonzalez, a Bethlehem resident running in the Democratic primary for PA-07. Campaign: https://www.aidenforpa7.com/ Day to day financial stressGonzalez says healthcare is the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about. He also connects affordability to housing, saying his generation is far more likely to rent long term than to own a home. He adds that energy is a leading cause of inflation and ties that to investing in future technology. Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsGonzalez calls the ACA a great program but a half step, and says the country should move to single payer healthcare. He says more than a million people who were on the ACA last year are not on it this year because subsidies expired, and he connects that to rising premiums and costs. Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationGonzalez emphasizes due process and constitutional protections. He argues that the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments apply to everyone in the country, not only citizens. He also says the U.S. should encourage talented people to come here to work and contribute, and argues current approaches are driving people away. Warehouses and data centersGonzalez says data centers are not the kind of future focused investment he wants for the region. He argues they raise electricity and water costs and do not create many permanent jobs. He also says the region has enough warehouses and data centers and describes his preference for projects that create lasting jobs and contribute back to the community. HomelessnessGonzalez says immediate relief requires federal funding through Housing and Urban Development to build homes to house people experiencing homelessness. He says the longer term goal should be making home ownership achievable, and he mentions increasing first time home owner loans. He also argues for discouraging large scale corporate landlord practices, including a progressive tax on corporate landlords based on how many residences they buy. Third place in the Lehigh ValleyAsked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Gonzalez says he is a big gym person and names Powerhouse Gym in Bethlehem. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us Touchstone Theatre presents Language of Dolls, an original production created and performed by New York City theater artists Lizzie Olesker, Peggy Pettitt, and Louise Smith. The show runs March 5 through March 8, 2026 in Touchstone's 75 seat theatre on the SouthSide of Bethlehem. Language of Dolls follows three older women friends who come to a cabin in the woods to reconnect. Over one night they eat, laugh, argue, dance, dream, and share unexpected stories as they question how their racial and social identities were formed. The piece uses dolls as a way into deeper understandings of one another and American history, including the discovery of each character's inner “soul” doll. Tickets are available at touchstone.org or 610.867.1689. Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us We visited Children's Art Classes in Allentown and spoke with Peter and Andrea Nation about why they built a studio focused on real art fundamentals and skill building for kids. We also talked with their teaching artist about what makes the program different and why it clicks for students. Children's Art Classes in Allentown offers programs for multiple age groups, including Tiny Hands (3 to 4), Intro to Art (5 to 6), Beginning Art (7 to 8), Art 1 (9 and up), plus a homeschool art curriculum option. Be sure to ask about summer workshops! Studio info 327 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103https://pa-allentown.childrensartclasses.com/ Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us The Pottsville Maroons were one of the most dominant teams in early professional football, yet their story remains one of the greatest injustices in NFL history. On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with author and sports journalist David Fleming about the Maroons historic 1925 season, how a small Pennsylvania coal town helped legitimize professional football, and why the NFL championship they earned was ultimately taken away. (more…)

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us Various artists will come together at Godfrey Daniels on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM for a special tribute honoring the life and music of Todd Snider. The Todd Snider Tribute is a benefit show featuring musicians sharing Snider's songs and personal reflections on how his writing shaped their own musical paths. Known for his humor, honesty, and sharp storytelling, Snider built a career rooted in connection and songs that thrived in intimate listening rooms like Godfrey Daniels, where he performed in 2001 and 2002. The evening is organized and emceed by Dan Sullivan and Miki Sparks and will feature performances by Jack Murray, Nick Franclik, Jason Agar, Rin Elizabeth, Josh Herman, Hobo Houston, Ian Gallagher, and Josh and Amber Finsel. This is a rescheduled show from January 25. If you already RSVP'd, you do not need to do so again. A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the door. RSVP is requested to save your seat. More information and RSVP details are available here: https://godfreydaniels.org/event/todd-snider-tribute-january-25-2026/ Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this episode of Off the Record with the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we're highlighting The Chopper Foundation and the work they're doing to help families access lifesaving veterinary care when money is tight, so people do not have to surrender a pet or make an impossible decision. We're joined by Sharon, Moreen, and Dr. Lee for a conversation about how The Chopper Foundation started, what the need looks like in real life, and how community partnerships make it possible to keep pets healthy and at home. Sharon shares what she saw again and again when dogs were relinquished: lack of funds for care, or behavioral issues, often after a dog had already been rehomed. She talks about how the unexpected loss of Chopper became the turning point, and how she decided to turn that loss into action that helps other families keep their pets. The episode also digs into what support can look like beyond emergency vet bills, including food distribution. The foundation has worked with community partners to provide large food donations and run what they call a “chow line,” with past stops in Reading, Allentown, and Bethlehem, and a goal of expanding to Easton. The point is simple: help families who are stretched thin so they do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Looking ahead to 2026, The Chopper Foundation shares plans for a low-cost vaccination clinic and ways local sponsors can help make basic care more accessible, including a “sponsor one shot” approach. For more information and ways to support: https://www.thechopperfoundation.org/ Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list

Get More at LVwithLOVE.com! Become a partner or contact us On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sit down with photographer and storyteller Alison Conklin, the publisher of Bonus Days Magazine, to talk about what it means to keep creating, even in the middle of the hardest seasons of life. Recorded at Dan's Camera City, this conversation starts with the way Alison sees the world through a lens and how “who you are personally is like your power.” From there, she shares the moment her health story took a sharp turn: “he told me in July that I had six months to live,” and what happened next as she faced the reality of needing a heart transplant. Alison talks candidly about the waiting, the fear, and the pace of it all, including the shock of how fast things moved once she was listed. But the story doesn't stop at survival. It turns into purpose and into print. That's where Bonus Days Magazine comes in, a print magazine centered on “all transplants and chronic illness,” created to “tell these stories that are not toxic positive.” Alison's not pretending it's easy: “not gonna tell you it's all sunshine and rainbows.” She makes space for nuance too: “two things can be very true at the same time”… and sometimes, “just existing is enough.” LINKS Bonus Days Magazine: https://www.bonusdaysmag.com/ Alison Conklin: https://www.alisonconklin.com/ Sign up for our Newsletter!  Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Advertisement Advertisement Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Subscribe to our email list (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us David Bennett Cohen is a founding member of Country Joe & The Fish and a keyboard player with deep roots in blues and early rock. He brings the David Bennett Cohen Trio to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM. Cohen has been a professional musician for more than 60 years, known for innovative keyboard playing and a career that stretches across major blues and rock scenes. Along the way, he played and recorded with a long list of artists, and he also built a serious teaching catalog through Homespun, plus published piano instruction with Hal Leonard. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us Anja Keister is bringing burlesque back to Northampton, and she is doing it with intention. Keister, an award-winning burlesque performer and producer who grew up in Northampton, will return home this Valentine's Weekend with a live burlesque and variety show at the historic Roxy Theatre. The performance comes after more than a decade spent working in New York City and performing internationally across Europe, including shows in Germany and Prague. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sit down with Allentown born trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator Brody Segan to talk about his original music, his independent label Brodacious Music, and his next big step as a showband musician with Royal Caribbean. Brody has been busy releasing a string of projects, including the country rock single Make Lovin Great Again, the soundtrack to the short action film The Great Escape, and his final 2025 single Im Kinda Busy Now, a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know the people in our everyday lives. Under his Brodacious Music label, Brody is building a catalog that pulls from country, rock, funk, blues, film music, and big band writing. Make Lovin Great Again was released August 1 on all major streaming services, with artwork by his father and an animated lyric video by Miami based animator Juan Menache that earned a Special Mention from the Global Shorts Film Festival. Brody and collaborator Michael Ford promoted the track on PA Live in Wilkes Barre. Im Kinda Busy Now followed on October 24 as the final 2025 Brodacious Music single. Brody describes it as a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know those in our everyday lives. The track features music and lyrics by Brody Segan, mixed and mastered by Michael Ford, with Segan on lead and backing vocals and keys, Ford on electric guitar, electric bass, and cowbell, and Denisse Ferrara on backing vocals. Beyond his singles, Brody composed the soundtrack for Sukavision's short action film The Great Escape, recorded live at the Frost School of Music's Weeks Recording Studio, and he continues to write for large ensemble. His big band chart Honk on This, a saxophone feature in the style of 1950s rock and roll, is available through JW Pepper. Since graduating from UM in May 2025, Brody has stacked experience as both player and educator, including serving as low brass faculty for the PA Jazz Institute at Misericordia University, performing at the 20th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival, and working with groups across eastern and central Pennsylvania such as Panchito Bongo y Su Orquesta, Jessee Hernandez of La Maña Brava, Schutzengiggles Oompah Band, and M&J Big Band. Next up, he performs with the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band for their Christmas Spectacular and then begins a contract as a showband trombonist with Royal Caribbean starting December 14, performing nightly while continuing to write and release new music under Brodacious Music. Where To Listen And Follow Brody Segan Website:https://brodysegan.com SoundCloud:https://soundcloud.com/brody-segan/ YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQSBUeq3kTCa8xFrboyNrOA Facebook (Brodacious Music page):https://www.facebook.com/p/Brodacious-Music-61560112600953/ Facebook (profile link):https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560112600953 Instagram:https://instagram.com/brodysegan Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Advertisement

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us Today I'm joined by NBA and Lehigh Valley legend Jack McCallum, a New York Times bestselling author of “Dream Team” and “Seven Seconds or Less” who spent decades covering the league for Sports Illustrated. I caught up with Jack at WDIY 88.1 FM before he recorded a Something to Say segment to talk about how today's NBA compares to the Larry Bird era, why he would build the next decade around Victor Wembanyama, and what AI and changing media mean for storytelling. We also revisit the time Michael Jordan called him during one of my Moravian University classes and get into what he is working on now, from a new novel to the short radio pieces he jokes are his Tuesday “elevator music.” Let's get into it. Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Advertisement Advertisement

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us Today we're getting into the holiday spirit with Meredith Willson's Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, coming to Wind Creek Event Center right here in Bethlehem, the Christmas City December 10 – 14! In this episode you'll hear from three members of the company: first, a visit from Kris Kringle himself; then Hanna Scotch, onstage swing and assistant dance captain who was actually born here in Bethlehem; and finally, eight-year-old Charlotte Surak, a precocious young actor who plays Susan Walker. We'll talk about bringing this classic story to the stage, what it's like performing it in Bethlehem during the holidays, and what families can expect when they come out to the show. For tickets and showtimes, head to windcreekeventcenter.com, and you can also enter to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets at lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com. Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Advertisement Advertisement

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us Bethlehem Catholic graduate and Lehigh Valley native Madelyn Dundon is bringing her latest film Hazel to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at ArtsQuest for three special screenings this December AND you can find it on streaming soon! Hazel is a survival thriller based on the true story of Hazel Miner, a teenager who tried to protect her younger siblings during a deadly 1920 blizzard in North Dakota. The film has played to sold out audiences across the Dakotas and now arrives in Bethlehem before it begins streaming later this month. The production converted an abandoned Kmart in Bismarck into a full movie studio, complete with a snow landscape, lighting rigs, VFX elements, and even horses brought inside for filming. Local audiences will appreciate the creativity of turning a forgotten building into something new. Dundon also spoke about what it means to bring the film home. From her years at Bethelehem Catholic High School to the Freddy Awards to her breakout in Getting Grace with Dan Roebock (who has also been on our podcast), she credits the Valley for giving her the foundation to take on roles like this one. ArtsQuest screening dates:• Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m. with Q and A• Monday, December 8 at 7:15 p.m. with Q and A• Wednesday, December 10 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: https://www.artsquest.org/event/hazel-standard-screening/ Hazel will also be available to stream on Apple TV beginning December 23. Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Advertisement Advertisement

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we're talking with Melissa Smith, corporate wellness coach and founder of Balance and Bloom, a health and wellness coaching company helping women, leaders, and organizations reduce stress, prevent burnout, and rebuild their spark. With the holiday season in full swing, Melissa breaks down why this time of year hits women especially hard and what small shifts can actually make a difference. In this episode, Melissa shares: • Why the first three minutes of your day matter and how they set the emotional tone• Why women often feel responsible for “everything” this time of year• The difference between stress and burnout and how you can tell which one you’re in• Micro joys, what they are, and how they instantly shift your mindset Learn more about Melissa Smith and her work at:https://www.balanceandbloom.life/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-smith-3b834610/ https://www.instagram.com/balanceandbloomnow/ Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com Advertisement Advertisement

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us The D&L Trail is one of Pennsylvania's most significant outdoor corridors, stretching 165 miles through five counties and connecting communities along the historic canal and rail routes that once fueled the American Industrial Revolution. To understand the impact of the trail today, we visited Hugh Moore Park in Easton, Pennsylvania, home of the National Canal Museum and one of the most historically rich sections of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we're talking with Megan Cara, Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Bethlehem. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us The Lehigh Valley's comedy scene takes center stage this fall with the premiere of Popcorn Pushers: Season 01, a darkly funny new sitcom from creator Jiah Peck and his production team, Pigeon City. The series follows the eccentric staff of a struggling movie theater secretly owned by loan sharks, inspired by Peck's real-life experiences working at Regal Cinemas in Quakertown and the County Theater in Doylestown. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we talk with Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Development and Communications for Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, about what happens when politics stall and how delayed budgets are putting real lives at risk. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner! Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University. Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son's lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area's energy, trails, and sense of community. When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations. This year's Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children's book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise. “This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.” The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner's lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents. “It's the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.” Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner's fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. “We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it's about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.” He also points to Zoellner's new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience. “The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone's physical or mental health. That's where we're headed too.” Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner's growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces. “People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.” Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University. Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events. Listen to the full episode: www.lvwithlove.com Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner! WDIY is celebrating 30 years of community radio from its home in Bethlehem's historic Flatiron Building. Since first going on air in January 1995, the station has become a hub for local voices, diverse music, and civic engagement across the Lehigh Valley. We had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Margaret McConnell on the roof of the Flatiron Building, overlooking the valley WDIY serves. She talked about everything from the station's ten-year founding journey, to its 130 dedicated volunteers, to the challenge of replacing federal funding cuts. “Try to replace 15 percent of your personal budget,” McConnell said. “That is a part time job. We have to fill that gap.” We also talked about WDIY's commitment to future generations through its youth media program, which has already trained more than 200 students to host shows and create podcasts. “Through WDIY we combat homelessness, address mental health, prevent teen suicide, alleviate senior citizen loneliness, and spread joy,” McConnell said. “WDIY is not just a radio station. It is a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for everyone in our community.” The 30th anniversary celebrations continue with concerts, community programming, and a unique new fundraiser at the State Theatre in Easton — Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares. Learn more about Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares at: https://www.wdiy.org/lehigh-valley-hollywood-squares Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/1f3M-X8Iw88 Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley is heading back to Bethlehem for a special night of music and message. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear bring the Do the Reggae Tour to the Wind Creek Event Center. We had a chance to sit down with Ziggy for a quick conversation ahead of the show, and he talked about everything from his new children's book Pajamming, to family collaborations, to carrying forward the legacy of his father, Bob Marley. We also shared our memories of Ziggy playing Musikfest in Bethlehem, where our late friend Reverend Hopeton Clennon once introduced him on stage. “People need this music, people need this message,” Ziggy said. “They need the joy and togetherness right now.” Beyond the tour, Ziggy says he's already looking ahead: “Right after this tour is finished, I'm going in the studio to make one of the greatest albums ever.” Tickets for Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear at the Wind Creek Event Center are available now: Get Tickets Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/g4G_KtQKo7s Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com We sat down with Jane Ervin, Board Chair of The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth, and Bob Black, Event Chair of Pickleball for a Purpose and Chair of St. Luke's Board. The Fund has been serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 30 years, providing critical support to abused, neglected, and at-risk children — from beds and tables to utility help and enrichment programs. In this episode we cover: How The Fund fills urgent needs that government and community agencies can't Why pickleball was chosen to launch their first-ever tournament fundraiser What attendees can expect on October 11 at St. Luke's SportsPlex Why 100% of donations go directly to helping kids Learn more about Pickleball for a Purpose → https://helplehighvalleychildren.org/Pickleball/ Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxgOoWhrDMw Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com We visited The Foundry Recording Studio in Bethlehem to talk with co-directors Jason Wegfahrt and Justin Blackstone. The Foundry was created to be more than a professional recording space. It is also a community hub where musicians, producers, and engineers can work, learn, and connect. In this episode we cover: How the idea for The Foundry began in local classrooms Why access, community, and education guide everything they do How they make recording more approachable and less intimidating Their vision of helping put the Lehigh Valley on the national music map Learn more about The Foundry → https://thefoundryrecordingstudio.com Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHeS48ACiA Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Lesbians Connect is one of the fastest-growing community movements in the Lehigh Valley. On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with founders: Meagan and Rebecca, Founders of Lesbians Connect We talk about:• How Lesbians Connect started and quickly grew from small meetups to major mixers• The importance of safe and empowering spaces for lesbians, queer women, trans women, and non-binary individuals• Why their events are welcoming and community-focused• How connections made at mixers are building lasting friendships• Their biggest upcoming event — Lez Bash: The Autumn Remix at Big Woody's in Bethlehem on September 27 LinksLesbians Connect: https://linktr.ee/lesbiansconnect Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/C1rOVk5SDAE Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Housing is one of the hottest topics in the Lehigh Valley right now. On this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with two leaders on the frontlines: Gina Loiacono, Director of Community Engagement and Grants at Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley Marc Rittle, Executive Director at New Bethany  We talk about:• Habitat's 142 homes in the Valley and what it takes for families to qualify• The reality of transitional housing and how New Bethany is adapting programs to meet demand• The difference between affordable housing and attainable housing• The stigma around low-income housing and how nonprofits are working to change it• Habitat's ReStores in Hellertown and Whitehall and how donations fuel more homebuilding “No child should ever wonder where to lay their head at night.” — Gina Loiacono“At the end of the day, there is more power in the private sector than the public sector when it comes to housing.” — Marc Rittle Links Habitat for Humanit: https://habitatlv.org/ New Bethany: https://newbethany.org/ Subscribe for more conversations about the people and issues shaping the Lehigh Valley. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/lISGtsiMk6s Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Stirner Modern Gallery in Easton presents the Louis Lamont Exhibition, opening September 13. Curated and installed by Bibi Monnahan, this exhibition brings together nearly 100 works of Lamont's vibrant folk art, blending them with furnishings, masks, and artifacts from the Karl Stirner collection. Hear from: Jonas Stirner, gallery founder and sculptor, on continuing his father Karl's legacy Bibi Monnahan, curator and designer, on creating the show's loft-like installation The story of Louis Lamont, outsider artist and friend of Karl Stirner, whose paintings tell raw and colorful stories of everyday life “His paintings have such a sincere perspective of the world… weddings with drunken brides, the chain lady, snow scenes, Allentown, Chicago, New Orleans.” – Jonas Stirner “They were dusty, they hadn't been shown or hung or dusted off in years. They were just waiting to be rediscovered.” – Jonas Stirner Stirner Modern Gallery, Easton Exhibition opens September 13 More info: stirnermodern.com Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly's Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM Follow us on Substack. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/LNeLUT6rQtM?si=et7JPuXmx_UaSJ5E Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast sits down with the featured authors of the Society of the Arts' Cocktails with the Authors (October 15, 2025) and Luncheon with the Authors (October 16, 2025). This year's lineup includes:• Adriana Allegri, debut author of The Sunflower House• Alison Gaylin, Edgar and Shamus Award–winning author of We Are Watching• Jason Rekulak, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding These events bring acclaimed authors to Allentown for conversations, panel discussions, and book signings. Proceeds benefit arts education at the Allentown Art Museum, the SOTA Print Fund, and the SOTA Education Endowment. Tickets and info: https://www.sotapa.org/lwta More episodes: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly's Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM Follow us on Substack. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/05iM_rx7rPE Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com For more than a century, A-TREAT has been part of the Lehigh Valley story. The sodas and seltzers we grew up with, the flavors that feel like home. Now the brand is doing something new: using that fizz to fight pediatric cancer. In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast we are on site at the A-TREAT facility with Luke Jaindl, Vice President of Jaindl Companies, and Michelle Zenie Rounds, Executive Director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV). Together they share the story behind “Fizz That Fights” Lemon Twist Seltzer, a limited edition release that puts community first. Every bottle helps raise awareness and support for PCFLV's mission to provide hope, programs, and direct assistance to more than 450 local families navigating childhood cancer. We talk about: How the A-TREAT and PCFLV partnership came to life Why local matters, from Jaindl's rescue of A-TREAT in 2015 to PCFLV's hyperlocal mission The importance of awareness initiatives like “30 Days, 30 Stories” during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month A-TREAT's unique place in Lehigh Valley history, from Big Blue to holiday flavors, and what the future looks like Listen in for community, history, and a whole lot of fizz. Learn more about PCFLV: https://www.pcflv.org/ Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/7RpzdyyKQ_A Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with Michael Fickes, songwriter and frontman of Roman Patterns, to talk about the band's debut full-length album Somewhere on the Highway, out now on Shaky Records. The album follows their 2024 Darts EP and features 11 brand new tracks, including the singles Modern Man and Daylight Saloon, plus a reimagined cover of Fuel's hit Hemorrhage (In My Hands). Recorded and produced at Shaky Records, the album blends grunge and alternative rock influences from the late 90s and early 2000s with modern indie rock sensibilities. Michael shares how his creative partnership with producer Shaky reignited after a long break from music, how family and friends contributed to the record, and why Roman Patterns is focused on the studio rather than the stage — at least for now. Listen to Somewhere on the Highway:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vEwJRWduyQ&feature=youtu.be   Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we're joined by Devika Knafo, the organizer behind The Mom Market, a vibrant new pop-up event coming to the Bethlehem Rose Garden on August 24. The Mom Market is designed to celebrate and support mom and women entrepreneurs in the Lehigh Valley, featuring artisan goods, local businesses, wellness vendors, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly community setting. We talk about how Devika came up with the idea, the challenges moms face balancing business and family, and why creating spaces for women to connect, collaborate, and grow is so important. She also gives us a preview of the day's schedule, from community yoga to kids' storytime and even Disney princess dance-offs, and shares what's next for this seasonal series of markets. Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast The Mom MarketAugust 24, 9:30 AM–3 PMBethlehem Rose GardenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsmeetmarket Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/dKoVJFn6DP8 Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we're joined by Kenna DeValor, a poet, publisher, and founder of FlowerMouth Press. Kenna's new poetry collection DISCOFRUIT is a shimmering celebration of queer identity, vulnerability, and joy. We talk about how the book was born in a small Poconos café under a disco ball, Kenna's creative upbringing in Coopersburg and Charter Arts, and how FlowerMouth Press grew from a solo idea in 2019 into a nonprofit platform amplifying Gen Z voices around the world. We also explore the importance of art, physical media, and why the next generation isn't done with poetry. Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast Grab DISCOFRUIT:Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/discofruit-kenna-devalorBlurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site Submit to FlowerMouth Press:Website: https://flowermouthpress.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowermouthpress Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/42ZFIC_813k   Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com What started as three filmmakers meeting at a Wegmans café has grown into one of the Lehigh Valley's most collaborative creative communities. In this episode, George talks with Dawn Daignault, Michael Sheridan, and Vince Stahl, the founders of Route 22 Filmworks — a grassroots filmmaking group that now boasts more than 200 members and an annual film festival at Bethlehem's Ice House. We discuss the group's origins, how they've built a space where newcomers and seasoned pros collaborate on no-budget films, and why their festival focuses on showcasing local talent. They also share behind-the-scenes stories, the unique challenges of keeping films under 20 minutes, and why they believe the Valley's indie film scene is thriving. Learn more: Route 22 Filmworks → http://route22filmworks.com/ All episodes → www.lvwithlove.com Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/hbiRvFFAneQ?si=noUjK-WpNWLt8uLe   Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Greater Lehigh Valley Arts + Culture Patron Survey is more than a questionnaire. It's a region-wide effort to gather real data on how people engage with the arts, what gets in their way, and how we can create more inclusive, accessible cultural experiences. In this episode of Off the Record, we're joined by Meg Mikovits, Assistant Director and Research Manager at the Lehigh Valley Arts and Culture Alliance, and Marta Kepka, Director of Arts Marketing at Lafayette College. They share how this free, anonymous survey came together, what kinds of questions it asks, and why it's so important that both individuals and organizations take part. We talk about: Why the arts are essential to economic growth, public health, and social connection The surprising lack of existing audience data in the region What organizations can gain from distributing the survey to their audiences How the results will be shared and used across sectors Whether you’re a mural lover, a Musikfest regular, a parent with kids in band, or someone who just wants to see more arts opportunities in your neighborhood, your voice matters. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/LehighValleyArtsSurvey Full episode and more: www.lvwithlove.com Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/jyLmJr6pCGs   Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Recorded at City Hall’s Payrow Plaza, it's the Mayor's Musikfest Podcast 2025, hosted by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Lehigh Valley with Love Media’s George Wacker. This year's episode highlights the people powering Musikfest behind the scenes and on stage: Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, shares what's new and what keeps the festival going after 42 years Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer of ArtsQuest, talks booking hundreds of bands and building a “city within a city” Dave Fry, local music icon who's performed at every single Musikfest since 1984, joins the conversation and performs live Laura Waits and Cathy Campanaro of Sync Recovery, along with Northampton County Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner, talk about the launch of SoberPlatz, a new alcohol-free space at the festival Meet the Mayor, a long-time local band, reflects on playing Musikfest for the past 8 years Bren closes out the episode with thoughts on artistry, identity, and what it means to perform at Musikfest Listen for honest conversations, local stories, and a look at how community and music come together every summer in Bethlehem. Musikfest starts Friday, August 1.Thank you to everyone who helps make Bethlehem such a special place to live, visit, and celebrate.Have a great Fest. Watch Episode https://youtu.be/VSV_onIlqok Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Did you know that 62% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but only 2–3% actually do? In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, we sit down with Rami Nemeh, President & CEO, and Lina Barbieri, VP of Communications and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, to explore the very real crisis facing our region's blood supply — and what it will take to fix it. With cohost Jeff Warren, we hear powerful stories of survival (including one that hits close to home for Jeff), and we learn how Miller-Keystone is using apps, AI, and even virtual reality to modernize donation and inspire the next generation of donors. Key stats we discuss:– 62% of Americans can give blood, but only 2–3% do– Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood– 60% of local donors are over age 55– Only 5% are ages 18–25 Watch Episode https://youtu.be/93n9HoweDDQ  Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) Executive Director Sean Ziller joins the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast to explain how two new grants from Pennsylvania's Main Street Matters program could impact local businesses and neighborhoods. One grant funds strategic planning for the SouthSide Arts District. The other, known as the Business Improvement Grant (BIG),  offers matching microgrants of up to $5,000 for small businesses in certain areas. Ziller and host George Wacker explore how these initiatives aim to strengthen Bethlehem's business environment, how the funds will be used, and why strategic planning today matters for the city's future. Learn more and apply: www.bedco-pa.org/main-street-matters Contact: econdev@bethlehem-pa.gov Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Henry Rouhana, founder of Sure Fix Remodeling in Easton, Pennsylvania. Henry's story begins in Lebanon, where he spent summers on construction sites and found inspiration watching architects bring spaces to life. After earning his architecture degree from ALBA in Beirut, Henry immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children. Starting over was not easy. With no money and no resources beyond his determination, Henry launched Sure Fix Remodeling. Over time, his business grew to include a full showroom and a trusted team of family members. Today, Sure Fix is known for its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and treating every client like family. Explore Sure Fix Remodeling: www.surefixremodeling.com Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com J.A. Marz joins the podcast to talk about his debut novella Ciao, Amore Mio… The Tale of Gabby and Gio, a romantic, emotional journey set in the hills of Tuscany. We dive into the story, the inspiration, and why readers are connecting with his work. Get the book: https://a.co/d/idjdbM0 Full episode + links: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/jamarz Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com What started with a single blazer in the trunk of a car has become one of the Lehigh Valley's most powerful stories of community-driven change. In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Sarah Barrett, Executive Director of YWCA Allentown, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Perfect Fit, a workforce empowerment program that's helped more than 13,000 women step into new careers with confidence. Topics include: How The Perfect Fit began as a grassroots effort Why clothing is just a tool, and the real heart is community support Career workshops, tech certifications, and professional mentoring What's next for the next 25 years TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Join the Celebration: Outfit to Empower Luncheon Friday, October 24, 2025 Renaissance Hotel, Allentown, PA  Learn more or get involved: ywcaallentown.org/perfect-fit Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker welcomes Rebecca Francis, a leading luxury real estate agent in the region, for a thoughtful look at why the Lehigh Valley has become such a magnet for new residents. Rebecca shares insights from her own journey, returning to the Valley after years overseas, and how she has seen its appeal grow. From great schools and respected health systems to vibrant farmers markets and a thriving restaurant scene, the Lehigh Valley blends small-town feel with big-city access. Buyers today are looking for lifestyle as much as a house. They want nearby trails, community events, block parties, parks, and quick drives to New York or Philadelphia. Rebecca explains why those factors increasingly matter more than square footage. She also talks about challenges, like limited inventory, the “lock-in effect” of low interest rates, and how new development is expanding into places like Macungie, Palmer, and Nazareth. The conversation also highlights how diversity, educational opportunities, and mixed-use developments are shaping what comes next for the region. If you want to better understand what makes the Lehigh Valley so attractive, this is the episode to hear. Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccafrancisrealtors.com Read along on Substack Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The SouthSide Film Festival is proud to present Rooted — a new documentary tracing 50 years of creative life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In this episode, George Wacker sits down with three of the artists featured in the film: Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, and Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels. Together, they reflect on what it means to create and collaborate in a post-industrial city shaped by both hardship and hope. We talk about the early days of the Lehigh Valley arts scene, the personal and cultural challenges that defined their work, and how a community of artists helped transform Bethlehem from a steel town into a space for bold, grassroots creativity. Rooted Screening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM Location: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center Tickets: Get them here Listen to the podcast: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/rooted Southside Film Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The SouthSide Film Festival is turning 21 — and it's still one of the Lehigh Valley's most vibrant, volunteer-driven cultural events. In this episode, George Wacker sits down with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan to talk about the grassroots origins of the fest, how they choose which films to feature (“Would you pay $10 to see it?”), and what makes this year's event more international and community-driven than ever. We get into past favorites like Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, this year's picks like 25 Cats from Qatar and 40 Watts from Nowhere, and how the SouthSide Film Festival remains a celebration of weird, wonderful cinema — built by and for the Lehigh Valley. Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org Watch Episode https://youtu.be/wErRTUrvj1Y Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company SouthSide Film Festival Turns 21 and Stays Purely Indie The SouthSide Film Festival returns June 10 through 14 in South Bethlehem. In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, host George Wacker talks with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan about what makes this grassroots, international film event so unique. It began as a casual idea between friends at a coffee shop. Two decades later, it has become a fully independent, volunteer-powered celebration of independent film with global reach and deep local roots. “We are an international film festival. We have films from Qatar and Cyprus this year. Ireland. Almost every state in the United States.” — Jen Cotto What Makes a SouthSide Film? Each year, the jury screens hundreds of submissions. Films come through FilmFreeway, and the process begins in the fall. “We start meeting in September through April. We sit and we watch these films and we say, would we suggest people spend $10 to see this?” — Jen Cotto That simple question shapes every selection. Jury members consider story, plot, acting, technical quality, and whether the film offers something worth an audience’s time and money. A Festival Built on Volunteer Power SouthSide Film Festival has no corporate sponsors or large institutional backers. It operates on community energy and independence. “We are not affiliated with any other nonprofit in the area. Everybody thinks we're part of ArtsQuest. We are not. We don't get any money from them.” — Jen Cotto “We are such a best-kept secret in the Valley. If we were to get a bigger audience, I'm not expecting us to get Musikfest numbers. But we would be comfortable with two or three times the audience we have.” — Jen Cotto This Festival Is About Connection More than just screenings, SouthSide offers Q&A sessions with filmmakers and real audience interaction. There are no competitive prizes or red carpet ceremonies. Instead, there is conversation. “We don't really give prizes. We give an audience award, where people write in their favorite feature and short film. That's it. We don't offer a monetary prize.” — Jen Cotto What to Watch in 2025 25 Cats from QatarA documentary about an organization that rescues stray cats and brings them to the U.S. “That one's showing Wednesday night. The filmmaker is going to be there. It's a great film.” — Jen Cotto 40 Watts from NowhereThe story of a pirate radio station in 1990s San Francisco “I had read her book in the early 2000s. I was amazed. There's a documentary on it. Now I want to see it.” — Ben Bertalan How to Attend June 10–14, 2025 Info and tickets: https://southsidefilmfestival.com Screening Locations Cathedral Church of the Nativity Touchstone Theatre PBS39 Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (Friday late-night screening) Festival HQ: Deja Brew Coffeehouse (tickets, info, programs) Want to Get Involved? SouthSide is always looking for new volunteers and future jury members. The best way to join is to stop by Deja Brew, message on Instagram or Facebook, or visit the website. “We are always on the lookout for people who want to help. Board members, volunteers. Some nights on the jury can get unruly, but we're always open to more people.” — Jen Cotto Listen to the Full Episode www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/southside

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region's housing challenges. From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next. “We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don't have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz“If we don't address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/Smg4Rb1dgFE Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Housing Isn't Just a Market Issue. It's a Regional One. Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley.In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work:Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, andMichael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®. Listen to the Episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode The numbers speak for themselves. “We're anticipating that we're going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that's in addition to what we've already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz But this isn't just about building homes—it's about building the right kinds of homes in the right places. “People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can't always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz “The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn The Zoning Conversation We Need to Have Much of the region's housing strain comes down to barriers in zoning and local governance. “We have 62 municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. And if you want to build a multifamily development, you've got to go through a very time-consuming process. And there's a lot of resistance.” — Michael Bernadyn “Communities want economic growth… but they don't always want the housing that goes along with that.” — Jill Seitz The solution? A shift in mindset—and a move toward regional thinking. “Housing is not optional. It's not a nice-to-have. It's necessary if we want to keep growing.” — Jill Seitz What's Next? The path forward requires policy alignment, regional cooperation, and a commitment to long-term solutions. “We want to make sure that our municipalities are zoning for all types of housing. And that we're working regionally to make sure there's a place for everyone—whether that's a first-time buyer, someone downsizing, or someone who wants to stay in their neighborhood as they age.” — Jill Seitz “If we don't start having these conversations now, and making changes now, the situation is going to get worse—and fast. But if we do act now, we can start to shift things in a better direction.” — Michael Bernadyn This Episode Matters This conversation isn't just about housing markets. It's about equity, sustainability, and what kind of future the Lehigh Valley wants to build. Learn MoreLehigh Valley Planning Commission → https://www.lvpc.orgGreater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® → https://www.greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com Listen to the full episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com George, Crystal, and Dahlia from Lehigh Valley with Love spent the day at Lake Nockamixon State Park with the team from L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs to try out just a few of the activities they offer throughout the summer. From archery to kayaking to full moon paddles, these programs are built to help anyone, regardless of experience, get outside and try something new. They spent time with Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, who shared how these programs are designed for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They also met with instructors Ruth, Craig, Dylana, and Sarah, who bring passion, experience, and approachability to everything from kayaking to archery, helping make the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone. L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery Programs are based at Lake Nockamixon and the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, offering kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, fly casting, guided hikes, and more. With options for beginners, group outings, and even night paddles under the full moon, there's something for everyone looking to get outside. Learn more → https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvaniaVisit their store → The Promenade Shops, Center Valley, PA: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001713?page=store-center-valley Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/ByiRCy4oizo Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company A Day Outside with L.L. Bean — And Why More People Need to Do This You don't usually associate archery safety talks with jokes about Sasquatches or see your kid aim an arrow at a tennis ball in the rain and absolutely light up. But that's exactly what happened when we spent a day with the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs at Lake Nockamixon. This wasn't just a video shoot or podcast episode. It was the kind of day that sticks with you. Not because it was perfect (it rained), but because it was real. And more people need this kind of real right now. Listen to the Episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery Explore the Programshttps://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania “We want to give you the best first experience you could have.” That's what Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, told us early on. And it's not something you'd expect to take seriously — until you spend time with the instructors she works with. People like Ruth, who's been doing this for 15 years and still lights up when she talks about getting people on the water.Or Craig, who took a kayak class in college and came back to it in retirement, just because it made him feel something.Or Dylana and Sarah, who took our family (and a camera crew) through the archery basics without a hint of condescension, even when we had absolutely no idea what we were doing. This is what makes this program work: not the gear or the branding — but the people. These instructors aren't reciting from a script. They believe in this stuff. And they're patient enough to help you believe in it too. The Outdoors Is Not a Vibe. It's a Reset Button. We talk a lot about “disconnecting” these days. But for most people, that still means standing around staring at your phone with a different background. This wasn't that. Out at Lake Nockamixon, even with raindrops on the camera lens and a soggy hoodie, things felt clearer. Dahlia learned how to shoot a bow. Crystal got advice on safety lines and string tension from someone who could probably teach blindfolded. We paddled. We laughed. We dried off. We reset. You don't have to be “outdoorsy” to do this. That's the point. These programs are built for beginners. You don't need to own anything. You don't need to know what you’re doing. You just need to show up. “Even if you’ve never been to a lake before,” Lindsey told us, “we want you to feel like this is a place for you.” It is. Why This Stuff Matters We asked about accessibility. They talked about the ADA-accessible boat launch and helping kids from the Boys & Girls Club feel safe getting in the water for the first time. We asked about skill levels. They said they welcome people who've never touched a paddle and also offer sea kayaking, rescue courses, and night paddles under the full moon. We asked about groups. They've worked with Girl Scouts, bachelor parties, corporate team-building retreats, and even entire families who want to do something different for their reunion. So yeah, this is recreation. But it's also something bigger. This is how you build confidence in kids. This is how you reconnect with your spouse. This is how you remember what it feels like to be out of your head for a while. And if all you take home is a few mosquito bites and a blurry photo of your first bullseye, honestly? That's still a win. Plan Your Visithttps://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley Listen to the Episode → www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content Guests: Mike Cunningham, voice actor, conference organizer, VP of the SOKOL Club Jen Taphoney, professional voice actor, co-host of VO Booth Besties In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with the organizers of Get Outta Your Booth!, a new kind of voiceover conference happening June 27–29, 2025 at SOKOL Club in Bethlehem, PA. This isn't your average industry meetup — Get Outta Your Booth! is designed around accessibility and community. With just 100 attendees, sessions led by working pros, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke socials, and zero profit motive, it's built to bring voice actors together without the pressure or price tag of larger events. Why voiceover is about more than “having a good voice” How to go pro from your home studio — no LA or NYC required Building community in a solo-heavy career The scary reality of AI voice theft — yes, it's happening What most beginners get wrong (and how to do it right) Learn more + get tickets → getouttayourbooth.com Listen to the full episode → lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth Watch Episode https://youtu.be/1_E-uufQJl4———-www.lvwithlove.com Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Get Outta Your Booth! — A Voiceover Conference with Community (and Karaoke) at Its Core “It's a crock pot career. It's not a drive-through.” — Jen Taphoney That quote pretty much says it all. In this companion piece to the latest episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we dive into the story behind Get Outta Your Booth!, a voiceover conference built on community, accessibility, and a whole lot of real-world wisdom. Hosted by George Wacker, the episode features co-organizers Mike Cunningham and Jen Taphoney, who share how the idea for the event came to life—and why it's so different from your typical industry gathering. Listen to the Episode https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth Conference Info https://www.getouttayourbooth.com From Pottsville Attic to Microsoft Explainers Jen Taphoney's journey started in a 1928 house in Schuylkill County. After years in radio, she built a studio in her attic and began producing commercials for $100 a pop. “When I left the radio station, I still had clients who wanted me on their commercials,” she says. “So I put a studio in my attic… sound treatment was super awesome. Yeah.” She's since built a thriving VO career with clients like Microsoft. “They do a little explainer thing. I've been working with them for eight years now. They just send me the copy.” Getting In (and Getting Real) Mike Cunningham's path to voiceover started in the military and IT. Then the pandemic hit. “My friend was like, ‘Why don't you do voiceover?' The pandemic is happening. There's nothing else to do,” he recalls. He joined a program, trained, and stuck with it—turning his home setup into a launchpad for commercial work, video games, and narration. “It kind of grew into an obsession out of spite… I'm going to do it. I'm going to make it work. And I don't care what it's going to take.” Why Beginners Struggle “A lot of people come in and say, ‘My friend told me I have a good voice,'” Jen says. “That's not enough.” “There's a certain amount of instinct involved,” Mike adds, “but it takes training. And you have to be prepared to not hear back at all.” “You don't often get, ‘Sorry, we went with somebody else,'” Jen explains. “You just have to keep going. Audition after audition, day after day, year after year.” Mike sums it up: “Most people start out trying too hard. Just be you.” AI, Stolen Voices, and the Future of the Industry Both guests have strong words about AI's impact on the industry. “It undermines our entire industry,” Jen says. “Whether it's music production or art or writing or voiceover… it's not human.” Mike's voice was actually cloned by a foreign studio and used in a live service video game—without his consent. “I heard it. I'm like, ‘I didn't say that,'” he says. “The falsification of humanity is not something I'm a fan of.” So What Is Get Outta Your Booth? The conference is designed to be small (100 people max), affordable, and stress-free—held at SOKOL Club in Bethlehem, a venue with a bar, shuffleboard, and a bowling alley. “There's no pressure,” Mike says. “If you want to bowl all day, go bowl all day. If you want to sit and drink, do that. If you want to watch sessions and learn something, do that too.” The sessions cover: VO genres and niches Branding your VO business in Canva Making vocal efforts How to construct your own sound panel “We're not trying to make money,” Mike adds. “Everything we get goes right back into the event—for food, prizes, drinks. That's the point.” Why It Matters This episode isn't just about voiceover—it's about building something that helps people connect. “We're all stuck in little booths,” Mike says. “It's a lonely kind of existence.” Jen adds, “Having that community to connect with and ask questions instead of trying to figure it out on your own… it makes such a big difference.” George wraps it up: “It's really cool that you're doing this. If somebody had just given me this piece of advice a couple years ago, it would've saved me months.” Mike replies, “Or thousands of dollars.”

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content Guests: Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights' Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem. This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers. The Young Playwrights' Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it's impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region. Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/ Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org Watch Episode Watch On Youtube———-www.lvwithlove.com Thank you to our Partners! WDIY Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company Episode Recap Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone TheatreWhat happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep. Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt. Touchstone's Young Playwrights' Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival. Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year's production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight. “It's not just a performance,” says Mary. “It's a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.” With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley's most treasured arts traditions. Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/ Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre