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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, 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.

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All Episodes

19:14

Harrisburg Nonprofit Leader Wins NPR’s Sunday Puzzle

The Spark ·

2025/06/28

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.

en-US

21:49

Journalist Roundtable: Pennsylvania Budget Deadline...

The Spark ·

2025/06/27

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

en-US

20:36

Heat Dome Triggers Scorching Start to Summer Across...

The Spark ·

2025/06/27

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.

en-US

21:56

Pennsylvania Safety Experts Urge Caution on Roads...

The Spark ·

2025/06/26

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

en-US

21:58

Experts Warn Medicaid Cuts Could Devastate Small...

The Spark ·

2025/06/26

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.

en-US

22:21

Parts of Susquehanna River Near Harrisburg Deemed...

The Spark ·

2025/06/25

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.

en-US

23:35

How Social Media Use Is Impacting Teen Mental Health,...

The Spark ·

2025/06/25

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.

en-US

23:11

Whitaker Center Marks 25 Years of Science, Art, and...

The Spark ·

2025/06/24

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.

en-US

23:26

Protecting Reporters: Safety, Press Freedom, and...

The Spark ·

2025/06/24

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.

en-US

24:02

How Music, Mentorship, and Mental Health Support Are...

The Spark ·

2025/06/23

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

en-US

43:12

The Spark Weekly 6.22.2025: Stella Boheme and Erica...

The Spark ·

2025/06/22

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,

en-US

25:55

Journalist Roundtable: York County Teen Convicted in...

The Spark ·

2025/06/21

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

en-US

24:03

Inside the World of All-Star Cheerleading

The Spark ·

2025/06/20

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

en-US

22:25

Remembering Homer C. Floyd

The Spark ·

2025/06/19

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.

en-US

22:53

Rainy Season Challenges Local Gardens: Gardening Tips...

The Spark ·

2025/06/18

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.

en-US

12:40

Cumberland County Historical Society Receives Gift to...

The Spark ·

2025/06/18

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.

en-US

11:46

ABC27’s Dan Tomaso on What’s Next for Central PA Weather

The Spark ·

2025/06/18

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.

en-US

24:44

Starman Tarot Returns: Davide DeAngelis on Bowie,...

The Spark ·

2025/06/17

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.

en-US

22:14

Stella Boheme’s Debut Book Read Like a Queen Blends...

The Spark ·

2025/06/17

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,

en-US

22:12

New Novel “Great Black Hope” Explores Race, Identity,...

The Spark ·

2025/06/17

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

en-US

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