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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.

news

All Episodes

22:53

Exploring the History of Birth Control: Insights from...

The Spark ·

2025/05/21

In a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Christine Senecal, Associate Professor of History at Shippensburg University, delved into the multifaceted history of birth control. Drawing from her extensive background in medieval history and women's studies, Dr. Senecal provided a comprehensive overview of how family planning has evolved across different cultures and eras.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:26

Judith D. Cassel Unpacks the Challenges Facing...

The Spark ·

2025/05/21

Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

32:10

Uncovering the Buzzard Gang in Lancaster County

The Spark ·

2025/05/20

History isn't always written in the halls of government or on the battlefields of revolution. Sometimes, it's tucked into the rugged edges of Pennsylvania’s landscapes — like the Welsh Mountains of Lancaster County, where the Buzzard Gang built their legend. On a recent episode of The Spark, I sat down with historian and criminal justice expert Michael Zimmerman to explore the dark and fascinating legacy of this infamous local family of outlaws. Zimmerman, who grew up on the edge of the

en-US

22:41

The Capital Area Greenbelt and Tour de Belt Celebrate...

The Spark ·

2025/05/17

In the heart of Harrisburg, there’s a hidden gem — 24 miles of scenic trail connecting neighborhoods, natural spaces, and historic landmarks. It’s called the Capital Area Greenbelt, and it’s more than just a path. At the center of its most festive celebration is Tour de Belt, the annual bike ride that brings thousands of riders together and highlights the Belt’s significance.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

22:59

Journalist Roundtable: Pa Recreational Cannabis...

The Spark ·

2025/05/16

Our journalist roundtable segment for May 16 included Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Kara Jeffers of Lilly Broadcasting, who discussed the latest developments in Pennsylvania's push to legalize recreational cannabis.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

37:04

Journalist Joshua Vaughn on Deaths, Conditions, and...

The Spark ·

2025/05/16

In his in-depth investigative podcast Death County, PA, PennLive journalist Joshua Vaughn dives deep into a troubling pattern of deaths and alleged abuse at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) — a facility many incarcerated individuals describe as so inhumane, they’d rather die than remain inside.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

43:13

The Spark Weekly 5.18.2025: Legalization of Cannabis...

The Spark ·

2025/05/16

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly; Ashlie Crosson, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves. Also, on the program. A Pennsylvania Senate panel has rejected a bill advanced by Democrats that would permit the sale of recreational cannabis to adults at

en-US

21:45

Education Leaders Call for Cyber Charter School...

The Spark ·

2025/05/15

As the debate over public education funding continues in Pennsylvania, a concern from school administrators and business officials are calling for urgent reform of how cyber charter schools are funded. At the heart of their concern: a decades-old funding formula they say unfairly drains resources from public schools and lacks accountability.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:59

Bowmansville Roller Mill Hosts Historic Open House on...

The Spark ·

2025/05/15

History buffs and curious visitors alike will have the rare opportunity to experience early American industry in action during the upcoming Open House at the Bowmansville Roller Mill on May 17, hosted by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Built in 1850—and with roots going back to 1737, even before George Washington was born—the Bowmansville Roller Mill stands as one of Lancaster County’s last two fully functional water-powered mills. On May 17, guests will not

en-US

23:32

York College Museum Exhibit Project; Zion Lutheran...

The Spark ·

2025/05/15

Asia Tabb spoke with Kim Hogeman, Erin Igo and Abby Buchan about York Colleges Museum Exhibit Project. For this exhibit, we focused on the Zion Lutheran Church, which is located on South Duke Street in York City. This exhibit focused on three subtopics within Zion Lutheran Church's history: creating, designing, and reviving the community. Each section focuses on different attributes of the church. More specifically, the creating community aspect of the exhibit discusses the church's contributions to

en-US

22:58

National Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson

The Spark ·

2025/05/14

Ashlie Crossan, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

23:13

Harrisburg's Group Violence Intervention Program

The Spark ·

2025/05/14

In Harrisburg, a small team is taking a new approach to curb gun violence—one that places empathy, community engagement, and early intervention at its core. Group Violence Intervention (GVI), led by Angelo Bailey and Gina Vasquez, aims to interrupt cycles of violence by connecting high-risk individuals with resources, not just repercussions. The program, supported by law enforcement but driven by community partnership, is actively shifting the narrative around crime prevention.Support WITF:

en-US

43:05

The Spark Weekly 5.11.2025: Pa. College Leaders...

The Spark ·

2025/05/11

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. This week,Dickinson CollegePresident John Jones andSusquehanna University President Jonathan Green joined more than 300 higher-education leaders in publicly condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference endangering American education and public research funding." also, on the program, Acclaimed award-winning author Dan E. Hendrickson shines a powerful light on female empowerment through his

en-US

22:06

Journalist Roundtable: Shortages in the Justice System

The Spark ·

2025/05/10

This week’s journalist roundtable dove into the growing staffing shortages impacting all corners of the justice system—from sheriff’s deputies to public defenders. Joining the conversation were Dan Nephin, reporter for LNP/LancasterOnline, and Kara Jeffers, multimedia journalist at Lilly Broadcasting. Both shared insights from their reporting and on-the-ground observations, highlighting how vacancies in law enforcement and legal defense are straining local justice systems across

en-US

22:32

Fierce and Fearless: Author Dan E. Hendrickson...

The Spark ·

2025/05/09

Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, author Dan E. Hendrickson joins The Spark to share a story rooted in love, legacy, and liberation. His latest novel, Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, continues the saga of a woman pirate turned abolitionist, capturing both swashbuckling adventure and heartfelt family moments.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:15

Grow Your Own Veggies—and Keep Blooms Fresh—With...

The Spark ·

2025/05/09

This spring, as we look forward to harvesting homegrown produce and gifting fresh flowers for Mother’s Day, horticulturalist Erica Jo Schaffer joined The Spark to share her expert advice on everything from planning your first vegetable patch to reviving cut blooms.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

21:43

Doug Peiffer on Big Blue: A Parable of Modern-Day...

The Spark ·

2025/05/08

Paralegal-by-day and debut novelist by night Doug Peiffer joined us on The Spark to discuss his six-year labor of love, Big Blue, “a parable of modern-day migration” that explores the fraught relationship between the United States and Mexico through the eyes of ordinary—and extraordinary—individuals.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:17

New Exhibit at Cumberland County Historical Society...

The Spark ·

2025/05/08

Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. This spring, the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS) unveiled Contrasting Photos: Behind and in Front of the Camera at the Carlisle Indian School, a groundbreaking exhibition featuring over 300 rarely seen images that reveal how students reclaimed their own representation at the controversial boarding school. Many of these photographs are on public display for the first time, offering visitors a richer, more nuanced understanding of life at

en-US

23:13

Pa College Leaders Challenge Federal Overreach,...

The Spark ·

2025/05/07

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. This week, Dickinson College President John Jones and Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green joined more than 300 higher-education leaders in publicly condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference endangering American education and public research funding.” In a statement circulated nationally, the signers affirmed their commitment to campuses as “centers of open inquiry

en-US

17:07

ENIAC’s Legacy, the world's first general-purpose...

The Spark ·

2025/05/07

On The Spark, Asia Tabb sat down with Paul Schaeffer—longtime spokesperson for ENIAC, the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer—to explore how a 1940s Army weapons project gave birth to the digital age and why its lessons still matter. ENIAC, unveiled in February 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Engineering, was originally built “to solve a problem the Army was having,”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See

en-US

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