Shows / The Spark
The Spark
When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.
Episodes
- The Spark
How Community Giving Strengthens Lives - Moms on The Move and The Hazel I. Jackson Foundation
We explore Mothers on the Move (MOM), a Penn State College of Medicine-led initiative founded by Dr. Vida Abedi to support first-time mothers and their…
- The Spark
How Entrepreneurs Are Creating Lasting Change
What happens when a personal health concern sparks a thriving business? Katie and Eric Roering, founders of Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Fontana Candle…
- The Spark
Meeting the Hikers of the Appalachian Trail: Stories from the Swatara Trail
More than 220 miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through Pennsylvania, winding across mountains, valleys, and streams—and right through the heart of central…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | August 16 | Tourism in PA and The Dangers of Kratom
As summer wraps up in Pennsylvania, Asia Tabb sits down with Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan for a postmortem look at how the Commonwealth…
- The Spark
Kratom Concerns in Central PA
Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick is calling for stricter regulations, and potentially an outright ban, on kratom, a widely available but largely…
- The Spark
PeaceFest 2026 and a New Era for Harrisburg Opera
This episode features Rev. Jim Grossnickle-Batterton and Rebekah Priest, organizers of PeaceFest: Forging Peace & Cultivating Justice Together, a…
- The Spark
How Communities Learn, Work, and Stay Informed
We explore the power of university-employer partnerships in shaping the next generation of leaders. Joining us are Alix J. Rouby, Director of Internships and…
- The Spark
Pennsylvania's Summer Success and Antique Treasure
Step inside the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne, the largest antique mall in Pennsylvania, and discover the stories behind one of Central PA's most unique…
- The Spark
Strait Planetarium, Pennsylvania Stargazing, Dark Skies & How ZeroEyes AI Detects Firearms to Help Prevent Violence
Join Dr. Elaine Farkas, Associate Professor of Physical and Environmental Sciences at Commonwealth University, for a fascinating conversation about the Strait…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | August 9 | The War They Won and 3 Environmentalist's Awarded for Efforts
On The Spark, we spoke with Peter Kistler, editor of The War They Won, a remarkable book preserving the firsthand accounts of more than 200 World War II…
- The Spark
From Susquehanna Trails to Plastic-Free Initiatives, Local Events Showcase Community Stewardship
Keystone Trails Association is bringing its annual Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend to the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape in Lancaster and York…
- The Spark
From Friday Night Lights to Lights in the Sky: Stories of Resilience and the Future of Celebration
We welcome Marvin D. Bryson, author, screenwriter, former television editor, and caregiver advocate, to discuss his latest novel, August Heat. Set in the early…
- The Spark
Preserving the Voices of World War II
In this episode, we talk with Adam F. Buck, President of the World War II American Experience Museum. What began as the Buck family’s private passion for…
- The Spark
The Road to Esports Nationals and the State of Pennsylvania's Waters
What does Pennsylvania's 2026 Integrated Water Quality Report reveal about the health of the Commonwealth's rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, and why…
- The Spark
Welcome to PENCILvania: Exploring Handcrafted Pencils, Sustainable Creativity and The Whiskey Rebellion
In this episode, we meet the maker behind the Creative Toolkit, a unique wearable box designed to capture ideas anytime, anywhere. What started in 2022 as a…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | August 2nd | Crossing the English Channel and 50 Years of Sight and Sound
Crossing the English Channel is one of the world's most demanding endurance challenges. For Camp Hill swimmer Jeannie Zappe, completing the feat for a second…
- The Spark
Celebrating 50 Years of Sight & Sound and a Landmark Weekend in Mt. Gretna
Kerry Royer, director of the Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show, and Nancy Gates, president of Visit Lebanon Valley, will discuss one of the region’s premier summer…
- The Spark
Hidden History of Pennsylvania: Harris Interlocking Tower and The Poison Rings of Philly
From royal courts and rural villages to South Philadelphia, poison has long been a weapon of choice for those seeking a discreet way to kill, sometimes…
- The Spark
Mechanicsburg Woman Swims the English Channel for a Second Time, Plus Insights into Lifeguard Training
Jeannie Zappe, a Mechanicsburg-area swim coach, successfully completed her second 21-mile English Channel crossing at age 60, finishing the swim in 15 hours…
- The Spark
Tick Season Returns and the Pride of the Susquehanna Sets Sail
Tick season is back in Pennsylvania, and experts say 2026 is shaping up to be another challenging year. In this episode, we talk about how severe tick activity…
- The Spark
History and Mystery: New Books Murder at University Park and Native Americans and Pennsylvania
Murder at University Park by Dr. Cheryl Dellasega is a campus thriller set in 1998 that explores corruption, power, and misconduct within academia. Drawing on…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | July 26 | The Northern Harrier Project and What to Know About Allergies
On The Spark, Sean Murphy, ornithologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission; Jen Sliko, landscape program specialist with Audubon Mid-Atlantic; and Bracken…
- The Spark
How a Changing Climate is Affecting Our Gardens, Plus Analysis of Trump's July 16th Address
Erica Jo Shaffer discusses the unique challenges gardeners face in Central Pennsylvania during the summer growing season. Erica explains that the region's hot…
- The Spark
Understanding Allergies and Rediscovering Joy Through Adult Camps
Dr. Timothy Craig of Penn State Health breaks down the basics of allergies and how they impact millions of people every day. He explains what allergies are…
- The Spark
Northern Harrier Conservation & Sweet Maple's Genre-Blending Sound
The Hawk Mountain Northern Harrier Project, a Pennsylvania-based research initiative that is gathering public sightings and scientific data to better…
- The Spark
Advancing Maternity Care and Pioneering Undergraduate AI Research in Pennsylvania
Amid ongoing concerns about maternal health, healthcare workforce shortages, and access to care in underserved communities, leaders from the American College…
- The Spark
Tarot on Trial, Ice Cream Trails & Energy Saving Tips for Summer
Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary in Hanover, Pennsylvania, is challenging a state law that criminalizes paid tarot readings…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | July 19 | Remembering 9/11 at 25 and Exploring the Stories That Connect Us
Professional genealogist and forensic researcher Sarah Fullem joins the podcast to share how historical records, DNA evidence, and investigative research help…
- The Spark
New Reads: Exploring Our Friend the Hedgehog and We Are All Americans
Lauren Castillo’s Our Friend the Hedgehog: School for Woodland Creatures is a charming new installment in her acclaimed woodland series, following Hedgehog and…
- The Spark
Understanding ADA Access at Amusement Parks and the Inspiration Behind Pennsylvania Leaders of Color in America 250
Disability Rights PA Staff Attorney Rocco Iacullo will discuss the complex issue of accessibility at amusement parks, including why accommodations matter, how…
- The Spark
Taij and Reign Lemonade, Freedom Fuel Gas Prices, and a PBS Finding Your Roots Update.
Sisters Taij and Reign Saunders turned a neighborhood lemonade stand into RNT Lemonade, a growing business they launched in 2019 at just 11 and 9 years old…
- The Spark
The Next Generation and the Art of Finding Common Ground
First, we explore Saint Joseph’s University’s inaugural Future Health Leaders Camp in Lancaster, where high school students from the School District of…
- The Spark
Understanding Belief, Misinformation, and the Power of Public Support Through Education
Jon Heinly, Lancaster Public Library’s Director of Donor Advising, discusses the tremendous impact of the Big Book Sale, a community-driven fundraiser that…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | July 12 | Democracy In Action with Braver Angels and Quill-adelphia
We sit down with a longtime public servant and community leader—a retired CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, former Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary…
- The Spark
From the Constitution to Comfort Food: Celebrating History, Community and Soul
QUILL-ADELPHIA highlights the often-overlooked contributions of middle-class citizens, women, and abolition advocates during the Constitutional Convention. The…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | Spark Travels to the York County History Center for Documentary Screening
Last Friday, WITF and The York County History Center hosted a screening of the documentary After Ike – a documentary about the longest motorized military…
- The Spark
Experts Reflect on ‘The Journey That Changed America’ Following After Ike Screening in York
Last Friday, WITF and The York County History Center hosted a screening of the documentary After Ike – a documentary about the longest motorized military…
- The Spark
River City Stories Comes to Fringe Festival as Gettysburg Foundation Explores Independence Celebration
Erika Eberly is a cast member in River City Stories, a collaborative film project created by playwright-screenwriter Paul Hood and journalist-filmmaker Wallace…
- The Spark
A Look at Homelessness in Pennsylvania
This episode explores how the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count measures homelessness on a single January night by combining local insights with statewide data…
- The Spark
How Pennsylvania Is Recognizing Men’s Mental Health Month This June
This Men’s Health Month, The Spark brings two powerful, conversations focused on mental and physical wellness for men. First, Dr. Luke Piper, psychiatrist at…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | June 28 | Pa Trails and Gun Violence with Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
Gun violence prevention requires more than policing—it takes community investment, opportunity, and collaboration. That was the message from Pennsylvania…
- The Spark
Introducing Susquehanna Scout + Gardening Tips with Erica Jo Shaffer
Susquehanna Scout is a podcast that explores the Susquehanna River and its ripple effects across Pennsylvania and beyond. Listen to the first episode after…
- The Spark
Protecting Pennsylvania: Violence Prevention with Lt. Governor Davis and Event Readiness with PA's Doctors
We discuss the urgent issue of gun violence and community safety across Pennsylvania, following recent incidents such as the shooting at the Carlisle Sports…
- The Spark
Exploring Pennsylvania’s Natural Wonders and the Healing Power of Community & Music
Author and outdoor explorer Tory Mather shares how her passion for discovering Pennsylvania’s hidden gems inspired her new book Scenic Natural Wonders of…
- The Spark
The Spark Asks: Can We Break Kids’ Screen Time Habits?
In this episode, we tackle the growing challenge of children’s screen time and how families can help kids unplug and reconnect with the world around them…
- The Spark
Juneteenth in Central Pennsylvania: Stories from the Commonwealth
We explore the deeper meaning of the holiday and its connection to history, memory, and community reflection. Dr. Miner discusses “A Place for All”, a…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | June 21 | Paul Miller's Law and Jawon Chisholm on Mental Health
In recognition of Men’s Health Month, we feature former Pittsburgh Steeler turned certified personal trainer Jawon Chisholm. He shares what it really takes to…
- The Spark
Pennsylvania Prepares: New Distracted Driving Law Takes Effect
Paul Miller’s Law is a Pennsylvania distracted driving law that prohibits the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. It targets a major cause of…
- The Spark
Staying Strong with Jawon Chisholm & Weaving Community Connections
In recognition of Men’s Health Month, we feature former Pittsburgh Steeler turned certified personal trainer Jawon Chisholm. He shares what it really takes to…
- The Spark
Beyond the Binary: Gender Diversity in the Ancient World & a Civil Rights Legacy Rediscovered
We explore the rich and often overlooked history of gender diversity in Ancient Rome and Medieval Europe, uncovering stories of people who lived beyond…
- The Spark
Power, Progress & Celebration: The Big Boy 4014 Arrival and JuneteenthHBG
Megan Stevens of Steamtown National Historic Site explores the historic arrival of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 in Scranton. We discuss the significance of…
- The Spark
A Thrill of a Lifetime: Central Pennsylvania's Amusement Parks
On this episode of The Spark, we bring you inside the world of Pennsylvania’s top amusement parks with a special series of interviews focused on guest…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | June 14 | Ben Gallaher and Braver Angels
We spoke with country rock artist Ben Gallaher about his musical journey, Pennsylvania roots, and growing national recognition. Dr. Beth Malow and Douglass…
- The Spark
From Caramels to Chocolate: Milton Hershey’s Sweet Turning Point
In this episode, we’re joined again by Amy Ziegler to talk about an exciting new immersive event at The Hershey Story Museum: “A Sweet Beginning: Milton…
- The Spark
Tradition, Taste, and Talking Across Divides
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ingrid Natale, a leader connected with the renowned Miesse Candies brand, to explore the intersection of tradition…
- The Spark
From Trails to Trends: PA's Outdoor Industry & The 2026 Kids Count Data Book
Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry is stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, we’re joined by three leaders at the forefront of that movement: Marci Mowery…
- The Spark
Central Pennsylvania Voices: Mom’s Agenda & Ben Gallaher
We discuss the recent Mother’s Day of Advocacy at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where organizations including MCC, MomsRising, Planned Parenthood, and others…
- The Spark
Adventure and Connection in Pennsylvania’s Wild Spaces
Meet the founders behind Susquehanna Trekkers. From branding and storytelling to logistics and outreach, each brings their own passion: Sophia’s creative eye…
- The Spark
The Spark Weekly | June 7 | New Celiac Clinic in Pa. + The Impact Race Has On Infrastructure
Dr. Kofi Clarke, Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, joins The Spark to discuss celiac disease and…
- The Spark
Preserving the Story of The Underground Railroad While Rethinking America’s Infrastructure
Peter Miele, Senior Project Leader with the Susquehanna National Heritage Area, joins the show to explore how the region’s natural landscapes, waterways, and…