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 SparkJustice, Faith, and the Fight to Move Forward
This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose. (00:00:00) WITF’s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist…
The SparkFilm, America 250, and The Anxieties of the Atomic Age.
Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of…
The SparkBreaking Barriers & Bobbling Heads
This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold. (00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students…
The SparkStreet Corner Talking: Kim Simmonds’ Blues Legacy, and Building Pathways for Veterans in Healthcare
In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service. (00:00:00) First, we honor the life and music of the late Kim Simmonds…
The SparkAwareness and Recovery: Understanding Human Trafficking and the Rise of Dry January
In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery. (00:00:00) First, we explore human…
The SparkIn Memory of Lenwood Sloan (Re-Broadcast) and Braver Angels
(00:00:00) PennLive has reported that Lenwood Sloan passed away on December 26th at the age of 77. Lenwood was a passionate historian, educator and advocate…
The SparkVoter Data, Democracy, and Pennsylvania’s Past: Power, Privacy, and the People in Between
(00:00:00) This episode explores two very different stories unfolding in Pennsylvania. Both centered on who is counted, who is protected, and who holds power…
The SparkThe Spark Weekly Holiday Edition: Kwanzaa Celebrations and Church Choirs in Pa.
Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, joins us to talk about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration and the…
The SparkMilestones & Music: A New Mayor and the Sounds of Christmas
(00:00:00) This episode brings together two moments of community significance across Pennsylvania. First, we look at history in the making in Lancaster, where…
The SparkHealing, Heritage, and Community Impact: From Schreiber’s 90-Year Legacy to Celebrating Kwanzaa at the Penn Museum
Asia spotlights two powerful stories rooted in service, culture, and community. (00:00:00) One guest shares a remarkable personal connection to the Schreiber…
The SparkThe Spark Weekly 12.21.2025: How Cash Support Can Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Pa. and Moravian Star History Shines Light on Pennsylvania Holiday Tradition
Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel…
The SparkA Year in Review with Pennsylvania Journalists, and What to Know About Crohn’s Disease.
(00:00:00) Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of…
The SparkBreaking Barriers & Building Futures: Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne and New Interim President and CEO of Pennon Tom Baldridge
(00:00:00) In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary…
The SparkFood, Freedom, and Fighting Back: The Philly Joy Bank and The Serpent's Key Shoppe
(00:00:00) SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for…
The SparkHidden Histories & Hometown Legacies
(00:00:00) In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of…
The SparkSeatbelts Everyone! The Magic School Bus, Kids’ Learning & What’s on the Shelves This Season
(00:00:00) Hop on the Magic School Bus for an interplanetary adventure, both on stage and in the real world. In this episode, we look at The Magic School Bus…
The SparkThe Spark Weekly 12.14.2025: World Record Pickleball Game and Comets, Christmas, and the Cosmos.
Historian Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science…
The SparkBeyond the Headlines: Political Transparency, the Economy & HIV Care in Pennsylvania
In this episode, we dive into three critical conversations shaping Pennsylvania’s political, economic, and public-health landscape. (00:00:00) First, Angela…
The SparkLocal Pickleball Players Smash World Record With 48-Hour Marathon Match
(00:00:00) We explore a growing challenge facing millions of Americans: the nationwide doctor shortage that’s making routine appointments harder to get…
The SparkSigns in the Sky & Seasons on Earth: Winter Legends, Meteors, and the Magic of December Nature
This episode weaves together the wonder of winter—from the skies above to the houseplants on your windowsill. (00:00:00) We explore how ancient cultures…
The SparkMyth Busting Smoking. Plus, Dan Tomaso Talks All Things Weather.
(00:00:00) Pam Miller, UPMC Tobacco Cessation Health Educator talks with Asia Tabb about the myths and misconceptions around smoking and vaping. (00:22:03) Dan…
The SparkHoliday Magic, Honor Roll Highlights & America 250: A Celebration Across Pennsylvania
In this festive episode, we explore the magic behind American Music Theatre’s 2025 Christmas Show, celebrating the sights, sounds, and spirit of the season. We…
The SparkThe Spark Weekly 12.07.2025: Journalist Roundtable and Holiday Book Recommendations.
Chesapeake Bay officials elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead a regional agreement to help clean and restore the waterway. he first-term Democrat will take the…
The SparkTips for Navigating Hard Conversations During the Holidays; Plus, The Weekly Journalist Roundtable.
(00:00:00) Chesapeake Bay officials elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead a regional agreement to help clean and restore the waterway. he first-term Democrat will…
The SparkBreakthrough Migraine Study in Lancaster; Plus, Gettysburg's Mayor-Elect.
(00:00:00) Chad-Alan Carr is the new Mayor of Gettysburg, after his November election win. Carr defeated incumbent Rita Frealing in the May Democratic primary…
The SparkPhiladelphia Mom Freed From Probation in Time for Thanksgiving and a Look into the Secret Lives of Chickens
(00:00:00) Justina remained stuck on probation. Not because she posed any safety risk, but because she couldn’t afford the last $500 of restitution she owed…
The SparkHoliday Book Picks and a Call for Equality: Local Experts Share Seasonal Reads as PA Faith Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Pass LGBTQ+ Protections.
(00:00:00) We are joined once again by Catherine Lawrence of Midtown Scholar and Travis Kurowski of York College to recommend some holiday book selections for…
The SparkThe Spark Weekly 11.30.25: elf The Musical and Epilepsy Awareness Month
Broadway comes to Lancaster this holiday season with Elf the Musical, and local audiences are in for a treat. Ben Fankhauser, who plays Buddy the Elf, said…
The SparkHow Dan Tomaso and Asia Tabb Stole Christmas. Plus, Public Health Updates.
(00:00:00) November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and the call to action is "All in for National Epilepsy Awareness Month.” (00:21:59)…
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Lancaster Artist Jesse Krimes on Art, Incarceration, and Transformation
Lancaster native Jesse Krimes has turned personal experience into a powerful artistic voice. While serving a prison sentence in his twenties, Krimes used art…
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"Serving Together, Growing Together": The Story of Dale and Jan Hamby’s Military Marriage"
"Serving Together, Growing Together": The Story of Dale and Jan Hamby’s Military Marriage"