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PODCAST

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, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

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All Episodes

25:20

Bringing History to Life: The Work Behind...

The Spark ·

2025/07/28

As tens of thousands of visitor's flock to Gettysburg each year to witness dramatic Civil War reenactments, what they see on the battlefield is just the tip of the iceberg. The team behind these large-scale events—including reenactors Chris and Doug Jones—is already deep in planning mode for 2026.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

42:58

The Spark Weekly 7.25.2025: Cost of Raising Children...

The Spark ·

2025/07/27

As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview onThe Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at thePennsylvania Policy Center, shared how childcare expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices. also, on the program. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is going through a remodeling overhaulstarting Spring

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22:31

Franklin County Honors America’s 250th with Living...

The Spark ·

2025/07/26

As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is taking a dynamic and deeply local approach to honoring the milestone through the statewide initiative, America 250PA. With a strong focus on community, heritage, and education, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau is leading the charge to ensure their corner of Pennsylvania—and the nation’s history—is not overlooked.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for

en-US

22:22

Big Changes Ahead for the State Museum of Pennsylvania

The Spark ·

2025/07/25

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has announced a $55 million, multi-year revitalization of the State Museum of Pennsylvania — the largest investment in the museum’s history since it opened in 1964. The sweeping renovation project is set to begin in spring of 2026 and will include major infrastructure upgrades, accessibility improvements, new exhibit spaces, and even a rooftop event terrace with views of the Susquehanna River and State Capitol. Executive Director

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17:38

WITF Faces Uncertain Future as Congress Cuts Federal...

The Spark ·

2025/07/25

In a sweeping decision with far-reaching consequences, Congress has officially cut federal funding for public media with the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025. The legislation not only halts future appropriations—it also pulls back already-promised funds, leaving public media outlets like WITF reeling and planning for an uncertain future.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

23:39

Child Care Costs in Pennsylvania Remain Unaffordable...

The Spark ·

2025/07/24

As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how child care expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

25:18

Living History Comes Alive at Fort Ligonier: A...

The Spark ·

2025/07/23

At Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County, history is more than something to read about — it’s something to experience. The reconstructed 18th-century fort, which played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War, offers visitors a full immersion into colonial life, complete with authentic artifacts, historical interpreters, and a sprawling museum collection.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

13:18

Fashion and History Come to Life at Shippensburg...

The Spark ·

2025/07/23

At the Fashion Archives & Museum at Shippensburg University, fashion isn’t just about style—it’s a portal to the past. Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, director of the museum, calls it her “dream job,” and she’s using it to bring centuries of history to life through original clothing and textiles.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:20

Band Camp Builds More Than Music at Hershey High School

The Spark ·

2025/07/22

As the summer sun blazes on, the sounds of marching steps and brass instruments echo from Hershey High School, where band camp is in full swing. Director of Bands Brandon Buterbaugh says while the rehearsals may be long—spanning eight to nine hours a day—the energy and excitement among students are unmistakable.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

29:37

“Look Up, Look Out” Campaign Reimagines Harrisburg’s...

The Spark ·

2025/07/22

A new campaign in Harrisburg is working to reconnect Pennsylvanians with a powerful—but largely erased—chapter of the capital city's history. The “Look Up, Look Out” campaign seeks to reimagine Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that was demolished in the 1910s to make way for Capitol Park. The effort uses historical research and digital tools to draw connections between the once-thriving community and today’s cityscape of state

en-US

24:10

Messiah University's Hoverter Course Opens Doors to...

The Spark ·

2025/07/21

For adults who may have once believed college was out of reach, Messiah University’s Hoverter Course in the Humanities is proving that it’s never too late to return to the classroom. Run by the Center for Public Humanities, the program offers tuition-free, college-credit humanities courses to community members who’ve faced financial, educational, or personal barriers to higher education.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

41:41

The Spark Weekly 7.20.2025: Erica Jo Shaffer and...

The Spark ·

2025/07/20

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: 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 designerErica JojoinedThe Sparkto share essential tips for summer plant care, from watering techniques to fertilizing container gardens. Also on the program, at age 60, Carla Fisher never expected to begin again. But after losing her husband, she pivoted from a long career in

en-US

22:01

Journalist Roundtable: PA Budget Still Delayed as...

The Spark ·

2025/07/19

As Pennsylvania’s budget remains more than two weeks overdue, this week’s Journalist Roundtable takes a closer look at the gridlock in Harrisburg—and what voters say they want their leaders to focus on. Joining the conversation are Jordan Wilkie, Regional Democracy Reporter for WITF and LNP, and Stephen Caruso, State Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:41

Meeting the Hikers of the Appalachian Trail: Stories...

The Spark ·

2025/07/18

More than 220 miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through Pennsylvania, winding across mountains, valleys, and streams—and right through the heart of central PA. This iconic footpath stretches 2,197 miles from Georgia to Maine, challenging hikers from all walks of life to take part in one of the most grueling and inspiring outdoor adventures in the country. This week, The Spark team set out to meet some of these determined “thru-hikers” by offering a little surprise comfort along

en-US

23:18

Living the Experience’ Brings Lancaster’s Underground...

The Spark ·

2025/07/18

For more than two decades, Living the Experience has invited audiences to take a powerful walk through history—right into the heart of Lancaster’s role in the Underground Railroad. What started as a church initiative has grown into an immersive reenactment that’s now drawing new attention under the direction of Ondra Haywood.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

21:48

What’s at Stake for WITF and Public Media as Senate...

The Spark ·

2025/07/17

A bill that could reshape the future of public media in the U.S. is one step closer to becoming law. Early Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4 – The Recessions Act of 2025, a measure that would completely eliminate federal funding for public media, including funding for WITF in Central Pennsylvania. Now, with the bill heading back to the House for a final vote—expected as soon as Friday—the potential consequences are looming large for stations across the country and for

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23:15

Shippensburg’s Storied Past: From Colonial Frontier...

The Spark ·

2025/07/17

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

en-US

23:50

Immigration Enforcement on Pennsylvania Farms Raises...

The Spark ·

2025/07/16

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.

en-US

27:15

Immigration Enforcement on Pennsylvania Farms Raises...

The Spark ·

2025/07/16

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.

en-US

28:40

"It's Never Too Late": Carla Fisher’s Award-Winning...

The Spark ·

2025/07/15

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.

en-US

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