Smart Talk

As Pennsylvania towns go, few can rival the historical breadth and regional impact of Shippensburg. Founded in the early 1730s, Shippensburg began as a frontier settlement and grew into a critical transportation, military, and industrial hub. This week on The Spark, John Miller of the Shippensburg Historical Society joined host Asia Tabb to shed light on the borough’s deep historical roots and the people who helped shape it.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As federal immigration enforcement ramps up across the country, Pennsylvania’s farms are increasingly on edge—and experts say the ripple effects could impact everything from food prices to local economies.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill in Steelton—an industrial cornerstone since 1868—went idle as of June 30, sending shockwaves through the community and across the Commonwealth. Once a thriving symbol of American industrial might, the mill's closure left residents grappling with the loss of both jobs and a deeply personal legacy.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 60, Carla Fisher never expected to begin again. But after losing her husband, she pivoted from a long career in finance to become an award-winning fiber artist with her work exhibited in London, Italy, South Korea, and beyond. Her story isn’t just about art—it’s about courage, healing, and proving that transformation can begin at any stage of life.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) is helping residents of all ages and backgrounds discover the wonders of the night sky—whether through the lens of a telescope or simply with the naked eye.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Central Pennsylvania swelters under a July heat dome, many gardeners are left wondering how to care for their plants in extreme heat. Gardening expert and landscape designer Erica Jo joined The Spark to share essential tips for summer plant care, from watering techniques to fertilizing container gardens. One of her biggest takeaways: you still need to water your plants—especially the new ones.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on the Spark Weekly: With thousands of dams scattered across its waterways, Pennsylvania has a complicated relationship with its aquatic infrastructure. But a growing number of those dams—especially small, aging, and obsolete ones—are being taken down. And for good reason. Also, on the program The Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) is responsible for far more than checking IDs at bars or inspecting bottles at restaurants. Officer Kristyn Plowden, who works in the bureau’s Training and Recruitment Unit for the Central Section, joined The Spark to share the behind-the-scenes role BLCE officers play in promoting public safety across the Commonwealth.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of American industry is deeply woven into the steel beams, machine tools, and echoes of labor found inside the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On The Spark, host Asia Tabb spoke with museum curator Andria Zaia and historian Mike Piersa about the museum’s roots, its Smithsonian affiliation, and how it brings the legacy of industrial America to life.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Chrissy Senecal joined host Asia Tabb to uncover new and evolving discoveries about early humans—from our earliest ancestors in Africa to the impact of DNA inherited from long-extinct relatives like Neanderthals and Denisovans. The conversation explored groundbreaking insights into how humans evolved and what modern science is teaching us about our ancient past.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For students across the Keystone State, the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad offers more than just a test of knowledge—it’s a hands-on, high-energy academic experience that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in science, technology, engineering, and math.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is returning this summer with a vibrant and inclusive lineup that organizers say will reflect the region’s artistic spirit while drawing visitors from far and wide. Executive Director Pamela Snyder Etters says this year’s event is bigger, more diverse, and more accessible than ever before.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now in its third year, the Harrisburg Fringe Festival has quickly become a vibrant celebration of bold, experimental, and uncensored art that’s energizing the capital city’s creative community.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) is responsible for far more than checking IDs at bars or inspecting bottles at restaurants. Officer Kristyn Plowden, who works in the bureau’s Training and Recruitment Unit for the Central Section, joined The Spark to share the behind-the-scenes role BLCE officers play in promoting public safety across the Commonwealth.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now in its 58th year, Art of the State continues to serve as a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s rich and vibrant arts community. Hosted by the State Museum of Pennsylvania in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, this annual juried exhibition features an impressive range of work—painting, photography and digital media, crafts, sculpture, and works on paper—highlighting the diverse artistic voices from across the Commonwealth. This year’s exhibition includes 94 works selected from a staggering 2,344 entries—the second-highest submission count in the exhibition’s history. Ninety-five artists from more than 30 counties are featured in the 2025 show, which runs from June 8 through September 14 at the State Museum in Harrisburg.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the rich scent of homemade vanilla ice cream to the creak of wooden barn doors, farm life runs deep for Brittany Snyder and Charlene Espenshade—two Pennsylvania women working to make agriculture education more accessible for the next generation.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With thousands of dams scattered across its waterways, Pennsylvania has a complicated relationship with its aquatic infrastructure. But a growing number of those dams—especially small, aging, and obsolete ones—are being taken down. And for good reason.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more women seek answers about the physical and emotional changes that come with aging, UPMC Nurse Practitioner Melissa Laidacker is helping lead the conversation through a new podcast series dedicated to menopause and perimenopause.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. David Blankenhorn, a Harvard graduate and cofounder of Braver Angels, has stepped down after nine years as President of the nonprofit organization he helped launch in response to America’s growing political polarization. also, on the program. More than a decade after the loss of 19-year-old Peyton Walker to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the foundation created in her name is saving lives across Pennsylvania and beyond.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Blankenhorn, a Harvard graduate and cofounder of Braver Angels, has stepped down after nine years as President of the nonprofit organization he helped launch in response to America’s growing political polarization.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Americans get ready to celebrate Independence Day, the bald eagle—a powerful symbol of freedom and the nation itself—continues to be a soaring success story in Pennsylvania. Once nearly wiped out due to pesticide use, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback across the Commonwealth.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of downtown Lancaster, a new museum is preparing to open its doors — one that highlights a powerful, and often overlooked, chapter of American history. The Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is set to open next spring, led by LancasterHistory, the organization behind the museum's development.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As temperatures soar and heatwaves become more common in Pennsylvania, health experts are urging people to understand the dangers of extreme heat — and how to protect themselves and others.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mount Gretna may be a small Pennsylvania town, but it’s home to something historically unique: the only remaining Chautauqua in the state. For more than 130 years, the Mount Gretna Chautauqua has championed the same four foundational pillars—arts and culture, education, religion, and recreation—that began with the movement’s founding in 1874.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a decade after the loss of 19-year-old Peyton Walker to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the foundation created in her name is saving lives across Pennsylvania and beyond.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local educator, historian, and adventurer Adam Zurn has taken his passion for Pennsylvania’s hidden history from blog to bookshelf. In his debut children’s book Canassatego and His Six Arrows, Zurn tells the powerful story of unity shared by the Onondaga chief Canassatego during the 1744 Treaty of Lancaster—a message that helped shape America’s earliest ideas of governance.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the heart of downtown Harrisburg, Gamut Theatre Group is doing more than just putting on plays — it’s reimagining the way stories are told and connecting them to the community it calls home.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Congress considers what could be the most significant Medicaid cuts in U.S. history, experts are sounding the alarm about the far-reaching consequences—especially for small businesses and rural communities. Also, on the program. For children affected by parental incarceration, the trauma can be deep, isolating, and difficult to express. But in Lancaster, a unique nonprofit is helping those children find their voice — through music. Scaling Walls a Note at a Time (SWAN) was founded in 2011 by violinist and educator Diana Vuolo to serve children impacted by the incarceration of a parent. The organization offers free music instruction, performance opportunities, Bible and trauma management classes, and immediate access to mental health care — all under one roof. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With summer temperatures climbing and heat waves becoming more frequent, energy bills can quickly get out of hand. But there are simple, affordable ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. Dan McCunney, Senior Communications Manager at NRG Energy, joined The Spark to share expert tips on how to lower energy usage while staying comfortable indoors.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harrisburg’s own M. Travis Dinicola had his public radio dreams come true when he was selected as the winner of NPR’s Sunday Puzzle segment on Weekend Edition. A long-time listener, public media volunteer, and nonprofit fundraiser, Dinicola represented Central Pennsylvania on the national airwaves with enthusiasm and humility.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pennsylvania's June 30 state budget deadline approaches, lawmakers in Harrisburg remain at odds—especially over the controversial issue of whether to tax so-called "skill games." On this week’s Journalist Roundtable, The Spark explored the state budget standoff with Spotlight PA reporters Katie Meyer and Stephen Caruso, who outlined the widening rift among Republicans and what’s at stake.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As summer kicks off, much of the East Coast — including Pennsylvania — has already endured a punishing stretch of extreme temperatures, thanks to what meteorologists are calling a "heat dome." According to ABC 27 Meteorologist Dan Tomaso, the phenomenon is a classic — but intense — example of high-pressure systems trapping heat across large regions.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As vacation season heats up, safety officials are reminding Pennsylvanians to travel smart, buckle up, and never drive impaired — especially with increased traffic expected around the July 4th holiday. In a recent conversation on The Spark, Kelly Whitaker with the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project (PA TIPP) outlined critical safety tips and state efforts to reduce crashes this summer.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Congress considers what could be the most significant Medicaid cuts in U.S. history, experts are sounding the alarm about the far-reaching consequences—especially for small businesses and rural communities.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (LSRA) has sounded an alarm for outdoor enthusiasts this summer: several locations along the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg are currently unsafe for recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing due to dangerously high levels of E. coli and other bacteria.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As conversations around mental health and social media continue to intensify, one expert says there’s growing evidence that screen time—especially among teens—is doing real harm. On The Spark, WITF’s Asia Tabb spoke with Dr. Yann Poncin, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, about what research is revealing and how families can respond.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts is celebrating a major milestone — 25 years of engaging the Central Pennsylvania community with its unique blend of science, art, and education. We spoke with President and CEO Mary Oliveira, who reflected on the center’s legacy and shared how it’s planning for the future.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalists have long risked their safety to report the news — but in today's political and digital climate, that danger is only growing. Whether on the frontlines of protests or facing online harassment, reporters are increasingly “in the line of fire” in more ways than one.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For children affected by parental incarceration, the trauma can be deep, isolating, and difficult to express. But in Lancaster, a unique nonprofit is helping those children find their voice — through music. Scaling Walls a Note at a Time (SWAN) was founded in 2011 by violinist and educator Diana Vuolo to serve children impacted by the incarceration of a parent. The organization offers free music instruction, performance opportunities, Bible and trauma management classes, and immediate access to mental health care — all under one roof.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Stella Boheme received the first physical copy of her debut book, Read Like a Queen, she was overcome with emotion. “Oh my gosh… the word that just comes to mind for me is surreal,” she said in an interview on The Spark. “It went from an idea that I had to start writing and every step of the way it just felt like, am I really doing this? And when I finally got the physical advanced copy, it finally hit me that yeah, this is happening.” Coming out this September, Read Like a Queen is a bold reimagining of the traditional tarot guide, wrapped in the sparkle, empowerment, and self-discovery that defines Boheme's unique life as both a seasoned tarot reader and a dynamic drag performer. Also, on the program As Central Pennsylvania faces one of its soggiest seasons on record, gardeners are feeling the effects—and wondering how to keep their plants thriving. On a recent segment of The Spark, WITF’s resident gardening expert Erica Jo returned to share timely tips and tricks for navigating rain-soaked soil, fungal threats, invasive pests, and more.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s edition of Journalist Roundtable, the focus turned to a deeply troubling and emotionally charged case that’s raised pressing questions about youth violence, accountability, and the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania. A 15-year-old York County teen was recently convicted of third-degree murder in the shooting death of a 12-year-old, a case that has shaken the local community and drawn wide attention. Joining the discussion were Jonathan Bergueller of PennLive and Aimee Ambrose of the York Dispatch, two journalists who have been following the story closely.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a childhood curiosity led to a lifelong career for Season Daugherty, a cheerleader-turned-executive who’s been part of the competitive cheer world for decades. She now works with Varsity Spirit, one of the largest cheerleading organizations in the country. In a recent interview, Daugherty took us behind the scenes of All-Star Cheerleading—a fast-paced, high-stakes sport that’s often misunderstood.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homer C. Floyd, who led the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) for over 40 years, passed away on June 9 at the age of 89. Widely regarded as the “Dean of Civil Rights in Pennsylvania,” Floyd leaves behind a monumental legacy of civil rights advocacy, policy reform, and unwavering dedication to fighting discrimination.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Central Pennsylvania faces one of its soggiest seasons on record, gardeners are feeling the effects—and wondering how to keep their plants thriving. On a recent segment of The Spark, WITF’s resident gardening expert Erica Jo returned to share timely tips and tricks for navigating rain-soaked soil, fungal threats, invasive pests, and more.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS) is celebrating a transformative gift that will fund a long-vacant museum director position, thanks to the generosity of longtime supporters Pat and Ron Ferris. The newly endowed position ensures that the organization can better care for its vast collection, curate compelling exhibitions, and deepen community engagement.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of persistent rain, cloudy skies, and cooler-than-normal temperatures, it looks like Central Pennsylvania is finally on the cusp of a dramatic weather shift. Meteorologist Dan Tomaso joined The Spark this week to explain what’s been driving the recent soggy stretch and what we can expect as we head into mid-June.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world that’s transformed since 2018, artist and designer Davide DeAngelis felt called—by something beyond himself—to return to Starman Tarot, the vibrantly metaphysical deck he originally created in collaboration with the late David Bowie. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Stella Boheme received the first physical copy of her debut book, Read Like a Queen, she was overcome with emotion. “Oh my gosh… the word that just comes to mind for me is surreal,” she said in an interview on The Spark. “It went from an idea that I had to start writing and every step of the way it just felt like, am I really doing this? And when I finally got the physical advanced copy, it finally hit me that yeah, this is happening.” Coming out this September, Read Like a Queen is a bold reimagining of the traditional tarot guide, wrapped in the sparkle, empowerment, and self-discovery that defines Boheme's unique life as both a seasoned tarot reader and a dynamic drag performer.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the latest episode of The Spark, Rob Franklin—writer, educator, and creative force—joined us to discuss his buzzed-about debut novel, Great Black Hope. The book, which was released June 10, is already drawing critical acclaim for its raw and resonant portrayal of identity, addiction, and Black excellence. “It’s super exciting and gratifying, especially for a first book,” Franklin said of the attention the novel has received. “I think it really just validates the project…to hear that writers I really admire have thought about it carefully and admired parts of it—that’s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Central Pennsylvania, LGBTQ+ youth are navigating increasingly complex and often dangerous environments at home, in school, and in their communities. Advocates Amber Roadcap, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, and Hope Dehnert, a local LGBTQ+ youth advocate and researcher, joined The Spark to speak candidly about the challenges these young people face—and what all of us can do to support them. also, on the program; As concerns about student mental health continue to rise, two Pennsylvania colleges—Bucknell University and Pennsylvania College of Technology—are being recognized for their leadership in suicide prevention and mental health services. Both institutions recently received the PA CARES designation, a recognition from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for campuses that demonstrate a strong commitment to student mental wellness.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, a religious tradition born during the Protestant Reformation that has since spread across the globe.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once a dominant player in the American pharmacy world, Camp Hill-based Rite Aid is now struggling to survive after filing for bankruptcy for the second time. With hundreds of stores slated for closure, the company’s downfall marks a dramatic turn for one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable corporate names.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.