Smart Talk

June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the unique challenges men face in seeking mental health support. Dr. Luke Piper, a psychiatrist at UPMC Lititz, joined The Spark to share both professional insights and a deeply personal story.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than six decades, Long’s Park Amphitheater has echoed with the sounds of live music every summer Sunday night — a tradition that continues in 2025 with a vibrant lineup of 12 free concerts from June 1 through August 17. “The summer music series at Longs Park Amphitheater is a tradition in Lancaster that’s spanned over 63 years,” said Kristin Chronister, president of the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation and chair of music. “We host free music concerts every Sunday evening starting at 7:30 p.m.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Anne Danahy of WPSU and Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA will discuss the closure of 7 Penn State campuses, agreed to by the Board of Trustees in a 25 to 8 vote. Also on the program: As the nation observes Memorial Day, many Americans pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service. For Patricia Bowers of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, that solemn remembrance is a year-round mission.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Spark this week, we explored the fascinating intersection of art, memory, and environmental legacy with two leaders from the Susquehanna Art Museum. Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab and Rachel O’Connor, the museum’s new Director of Exhibitions, joined us in the studio to talk about Future Fossils, their latest exhibition that’s sparking big questions—and imaginations.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Spark’s Journalist Roundtable, we tackle a major shakeup in Pennsylvania higher education: the closure of seven Penn State campuses, a decision formally approved by the university’s Board of Trustees in a 25 to 8 vote. Joining us to unpack the story are Anne Danahy, reporter for WPSU, and Wyatt Massey, education reporter with Spotlight PA. The closures, announced as part of a sweeping cost-cutting and restructuring effort, have stunned students, staff, and communities that have long relied on Penn State’s commonwealth campus system to provide accessible and affordable education across the state.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of Americans are now breathing unhealthy air — and much of Pennsylvania is among the hardest-hit, according to the American Lung Association’s newly released 2025 State of the Air report. The annual analysis, now in its 26th year, found significant declines in air quality across the state, with Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and Dauphin counties receiving failing grades for both ozone and fine particle pollution.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever marveled at the massive Greyhounds that crisscrossed the country or wondered what public transit looked like decades ago, the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a destination worth pulling over for. And there’s no better time to visit than during its signature event: Spring Fling, happening this June.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kaushal Kapadia’s path to opening his own dental practice in York, Pennsylvania, began with a self-conscious middle schooler’s smile and a compassionate orthodontist in a small town in India. Today, as the owner of White Rose Family Dental, he brings a lifetime of experience, empathy, and global perspective to his patients—thanks to a journey filled with determination, hardship, and heart.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Alvernia University launched its engineering program in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more than an academic initiative — it was a bet on the future of Reading, Pennsylvania. Today, that gamble is paying off with a powerful partnership between the university and local industry, most notably Brentwood Industries. Peter Rye, CEO of Brentwood Industries, brought a global mindset to his leadership — shaped by life in Denmark, Canada, and now Reading — that emphasizes outward-looking innovation.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you walk into the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg, you’ll find more than old fire trucks and helmets. You’ll step into a story of service, family tradition, and decades of dedication to preserving local history—thanks in large part to one man: Dave Houseal.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, Project SHARE marks a major milestone: 40 years of nourishing the Carlisle community and awakening hope for those experiencing food insecurity. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has grown from a centralized food distribution initiative into a multifaceted support network addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to balancing love, duty, and family, retired military couple Dale and Jan Hamby have lived what many might consider the impossible dream. Both dedicated to decades of service in the U.S. Armed Forces—Dale in the Army, Jan in the Navy—their journey has spanned continents, deployments, and deep personal sacrifice. But their bond only grew stronger through it all.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the nation observes Memorial Day, many Americans pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service. For Patricia Bowers of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, that solemn remembrance is a year-round mission. Bowers has made it her life’s work to honor the veterans of World War II, particularly those of the 17th Airborne Division—where her late father, Thomas Miller, served. What began as a personal tribute has become a powerful example of living patriotism, community service, and intergenerational memory Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly; Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market. Also, on the program Chrissie Senecal rejoins Asia on the Spark to talk all about the history of Birth ControlSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode of The Spark on WITF, democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie joined host Asia Tabb to break down the results and implications of Pennsylvania’s 2025 municipal primary elections. Statewide voter turnout hovered around 20%—typical for an odd-year primary with closed primaries, where only voters registered with major parties can participate. As Wilkie noted, about 15% of voters are shut out of these races due to registration restrictions.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pivotal case now before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could determine whether the state continues participating in a key carbon-reduction program known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The outcome may have lasting implications for Pennsylvania’s energy policy, economy, and environmental health.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Memorial Day weekend, the skies over Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) will roar with precision, speed, and spectacle as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take over Central Pennsylvania—a first for the region and a homecoming for the event’s promoter.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dr. Hagir Elsheikh’s son, Kareem, was diagnosed with autism, she found herself navigating an under-resourced system. Determined to change that reality for other families, she founded Kareem’s Mission—a nonprofit dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and education for individuals with autism across Central Pennsylvania and beyond.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homefields Care Farm is set to launch its 26th growing season on May 30, 2025. This milestone underscores its enduring commitment to providing meaningful work and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When people talk about the history of civil rights in America, they usually mention famous names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. But there are other important people, like William Miller Barbour from Middletown, Pennsylvania, who don’t get as much attention even though they did a lot for the movement. Recently, researchers at Elizabethtown College have been working to bring more attention to Barbour and everything he did.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Christine Senecal, Associate Professor of History at Shippensburg University, delved into the multifaceted history of birth control. Drawing from her extensive background in medieval history and women's studies, Dr. Senecal provided a comprehensive overview of how family planning has evolved across different cultures and eras.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History isn't always written in the halls of government or on the battlefields of revolution. Sometimes, it's tucked into the rugged edges of Pennsylvania’s landscapes — like the Welsh Mountains of Lancaster County, where the Buzzard Gang built their legend. On a recent episode of The Spark, I sat down with historian and criminal justice expert Michael Zimmerman to explore the dark and fascinating legacy of this infamous local family of outlaws. Zimmerman, who grew up on the edge of the Welsh Mountains himself, has spent decades researching the Buzzards — a group of six brothers and their extended gang who terrorized southeastern Pennsylvania from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of Harrisburg, there’s a hidden gem — 24 miles of scenic trail connecting neighborhoods, natural spaces, and historic landmarks. It’s called the Capital Area Greenbelt, and it’s more than just a path. At the center of its most festive celebration is Tour de Belt, the annual bike ride that brings thousands of riders together and highlights the Belt’s significance.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our journalist roundtable segment for May 16 included Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Kara Jeffers of Lilly Broadcasting, who discussed the latest developments in Pennsylvania's push to legalize recreational cannabis.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly; Ashlie Crosson, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves. Also, on the program. A Pennsylvania Senate panel has rejected a bill advanced by Democrats that would permit the sale of recreational cannabis to adults at state-owned stores.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A national podcast about deaths at the Dauphin County Prison from award-winning journalist Joshua Vaughn. Asia speaks with Joshua about the podcast.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) will hold a press conference to call for urgent legislative action on cyber charter funding reform. Education leaders from across the Commonwealth will gather on the front steps of the Capitol to highlight the financial impact on public schools and outline specific, actionable reforms to improve fairness, accountability, and transparency in cyber charter operations. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History buffs and curious visitors alike will have the rare opportunity to experience early American industry in action during the upcoming Open House at the Bowmansville Roller Mill on May 17, hosted by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Built in 1850—and with roots going back to 1737, even before George Washington was born—the Bowmansville Roller Mill stands as one of Lancaster County’s last two fully functional water-powered mills. On May 17, guests will not only tour this remarkable structure but also witness live milling and sawmill demonstrations, offering an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a new exhibit, York College students are breathing life back into one of York’s long-silent landmarks: Zion Lutheran Church. The church, which has been vacant for more than 30 years, is the centerpiece of a student-led public history project that uncovers not only its architectural grandeur but its deep-rooted legacy of community outreach, social justice, and cultural connection. The project is the product of a collaboration between York College's Museum Studies course and the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA). For Associate Professor Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, who teaches the course, the exhibit represents the kind of hands-on, community-engaged work that transforms student learning.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlie Crossan, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Harrisburg, a small team is taking a new approach to curb gun violence—one that places empathy, community engagement, and early intervention at its core. Group Violence Intervention (GVI), led by Angelo Bailey and Gina Vasquez, aims to interrupt cycles of violence by connecting high-risk individuals with resources, not just repercussions. The program, supported by law enforcement but driven by community partnership, is actively shifting the narrative around crime prevention.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. This week, Dickinson College President John Jones and Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green joined more than 300 higher-education leaders in publicly condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference endangering American education and public research funding." also, on the program, Acclaimed award-winning author Dan E. Hendrickson shines a powerful light on female empowerment through his gripping novels centered around heroic women who lead with courage, conviction, and heart.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s journalist roundtable dove into the growing staffing shortages impacting all corners of the justice system—from sheriff’s deputies to public defenders. Joining the conversation were Dan Nephin, reporter for LNP/LancasterOnline, and Kara Jeffers, multimedia journalist at Lilly Broadcasting. Both shared insights from their reporting and on-the-ground observations, highlighting how vacancies in law enforcement and legal defense are straining local justice systems across Pennsylvania.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, author Dan E. Hendrickson joins The Spark to share a story rooted in love, legacy, and liberation. His latest novel, Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, continues the saga of a woman pirate turned abolitionist, capturing both swashbuckling adventure and heartfelt family moments.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spring, as we look forward to harvesting homegrown produce and gifting fresh flowers for Mother’s Day, horticulturalist Erica Jo Schaffer joined The Spark to share her expert advice on everything from planning your first vegetable patch to reviving cut blooms.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paralegal-by-day and debut novelist by night Doug Peiffer joined us on The Spark to discuss his six-year labor of love, Big Blue, “a parable of modern-day migration” that explores the fraught relationship between the United States and Mexico through the eyes of ordinary—and extraordinary—individuals.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. This spring, the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS) unveiled Contrasting Photos: Behind and in Front of the Camera at the Carlisle Indian School, a groundbreaking exhibition featuring over 300 rarely seen images that reveal how students reclaimed their own representation at the controversial boarding school. Many of these photographs are on public display for the first time, offering visitors a richer, more nuanced understanding of life at Carlisle between 1879 and 1918.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. This week, Dickinson College President John Jones and Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green joined more than 300 higher-education leaders in publicly condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference endangering American education and public research funding.” In a statement circulated nationally, the signers affirmed their commitment to campuses as “centers of open inquiry where, in the pursuit of truth, faculty and students … are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, and deportation.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Spark, Asia Tabb sat down with Paul Schaeffer—longtime spokesperson for ENIAC, the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer—to explore how a 1940s Army weapons project gave birth to the digital age and why its lessons still matter. ENIAC, unveiled in February 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Engineering, was originally built “to solve a problem the Army was having,”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LancasterHistory is a nonprofit museum preserving the county’s heritage since 1886. We dove into Lancaster’s rich past with Robin Surratt, President and CEO of LancasterHistory.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past three years, Woodward PA’s 90-mile-from-Harrisburg action-sports summer camp has been forging a unique blend of elite coaching and genuine camaraderie. Camp Program Director Eric Brown and Olympic gold-medalist Charlotte Worthington joined The Spark to explain what makes Woodward’s “wheeled sports” experience unlike any other—and why campers keep coming back for more.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Thursday, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to halt federal funding for NPR and PBS. For WITF and hundreds of other public media stations nationwide, that order—and a pending congressional budget vote—could have serious implications. WITF’s Chief Impact Officer Cassie Farrelly and Vice President of Media and Production Fred Vigeant joined The Spark to break down what this all means for local journalism.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Pennsylvania’s primary election just weeks away, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined WITF’s The Spark to walk voters through the critical deadlines and options for casting their ballots. “The primary in Pennsylvania is May 20th,” Secretary Schmidt reminded listeners, noting that “the last day to register to vote is May 5th” and “the last day to apply to vote by mail … is May 13th.” For people of faith, civil discourse often begins in recognizing the image of God and/or the inherent dignity in our conversation partner. As a result, Braver Angels approach involves mutual respect. Respect, not agreement, is an essential key for a healthy discussion. Asia speaks with two representatives of Braver Faith to speak on their process and the benefitsSupport WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Lucieu and Sue Gleiter of PennLive joined our journalist roundtable to dissect their compelling feature on “Dueling Downtowns: How Lancaster Thrives as Harrisburg Struggles to Reinvent Itself.” Drawing on extensive reporting, John and Sue explored why Lancaster’s revitalized riverfront development, bustling arts scene, and strategic public–private partnerships have sparked a renaissance, while Harrisburg wrestled with vacant office towers, a sluggish retail core, and the challenges of post-industrial reinvention. Their insights offered a vivid, data-driven comparison of two neighboring capitals on very different trajectories.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On May 2, Braver Angels’ own Red Co-Chair of Braver Faith, Lenny Greenberg, and Reverend Chad Butz joined The Spark to explore how faith communities can heal our fractured political landscape. Lenny, a retired high-tech executive, explained that “we must learn to talk to each other about our disagreements in a civil way again,” while Pastor Chad reflected on the shared mission of church and Braver Angels: “Relationship is at the heart of what it means to be Christian… and Braver Angels teaches us to compromise for the benefit of the relationship.” Both guests underscored the importance of releasing our need to be right so that love and care for our fellow humans can guide us toward a more united future.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the juvenile treatment facility where Jack Berkenstock Jr., MHS Executive Director of the Bodhana Group —and several colleagues—worked closed its doors, he and his friends faced an unexpected question: “What’s next?” As Jack recalls, “we decided to start a nonprofit to help other organizations know about unique and innovative treatment opportunities.” Their answer was unconventional—and inspired by an activity Jack knew well from childhood: gaming.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Pennsylvania’s primary election just weeks away, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined WITF’s The Spark to walk voters through the critical deadlines and options for casting their ballots. “The primary in Pennsylvania is May 20th,” Secretary Schmidt reminded listeners, noting that “the last day to register to vote is May 5th” and “the last day to apply to vote by mail … is May 13th.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum celebrates its centennial, honoring a vision born nearly a century ago when brothers Henry and George Landis “started collecting as boys” to “protect and collect all Pennsylvania German history that [they] were seeing disappear from the area,” explains longtime curator Jennifer Royer. Their early passion has blossomed into a sprawling living-history campus of more than 30 historic buildings, over 200,000 artifacts, and award-winning exhibits that continue to draw newcomers and generations of locals alike.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This interview was recorded on Monday, April 28. Two wildfires that tore through the Michaux State Forest last week are now largely under control, even as foresters warn that dry conditions could fan new blazes.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since it opened in 1968, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion has stood as a deliberate statement of state pride—and a beacon of resilience. “It was the first one that was actually built to be a governor’s residence,” explains David Morrison of the Historic Harrisburg Association. Prior to its construction, gubernatorial families lived in purchased townhouses on Harrisburg’s Front Street, retrofitted to serve their needs. When the Commonwealth decided it needed a purpose-built home—complete with security features, public meeting rooms, and private living quarters—it commissioned architect George Ewing to evoke early American manor houses like William Penn’s Pennsbury Manor and Virginia’s colonial estates.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.