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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

22:08

Exploring History at Meadowcroft Rockshelter

The Spark ·

2025/04/24

Nestled in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village offers a captivating journey through nearly 19,000 years of human habitation. We sat down with David Scofield, the site’s director for the past 31 years, to uncover how this nationally recognized landmark brings prehistory and pioneer life vividly to public view.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:20

Building Media Literacy, WITF's Creator Academy

The Spark ·

2025/04/23

At a time when digital media shapes everything from global news to everyday conversations, a new generation of communicators is finding its voice—right here in Central Pennsylvania. In this installment of The Spark, host Asia Tabb goes behind the scenes of WITF’s Creator Academy to explore how college students are learning to craft their own stories and why media literacy matters more than ever.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

22:55

Inside the Pa American Treasure Tour Museum

The Spark ·

2025/04/23

In a former tire factory in Oaks, Pennsylvania, the AmericanTreasureTour Museum unfolds like a pop‑culture funhouse, where vintage cars, mechanical music machines, and stuffed animals coexist in kaleidoscopic harmony. “If you have a concept of a museum, I can almost100percent guarantee this isn’t it,” says director Ross Brakman, who delights in upending every expectation of quiet glass cases and hushed galleries.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See

en-US

35:19

The importance of Earth Day, Keep Pa Beautiful

The Spark ·

2025/04/22

Since its founding in 1990, Keep PA Beautiful has removed 161million pounds of trash across all 67 counties—with over threemillion volunteers contributing to litter pickups, planting events, and stewardship programs.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

23:18

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Honoring Child...

The Spark ·

2025/04/22

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to spotlight the importance of keeping children safe and supporting families through education, community awareness, and access to critical resources. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) leads the way with its annual Blue-Ribbon campaign and an array of statewide initiatives dedicated to prevention.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

29:41

Why Johannes Kelpius and his followers traveled from...

The Spark ·

2025/04/21

In the shadowy woods above the Wissahickon Creek in present-day Philadelphia, legend has it that a mystic once awaited the end of the world. His name was Johannes Kelpius—a German-born spiritual seeker who led a small band of followers from Europe to the wilds of Pennsylvania in 1694. Their purpose? To prepare for the second coming of Christ and live lives of contemplation and purity. On a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Dr. Patrick M. Urban, professor of American

en-US

42:45

The Spark Weekly 4.20.2025: Arson Attack on The...

The Spark ·

2025/04/20

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly... We’ll discuss the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence with Peter Hall and Ian Karbal of the PA Capital Star, along with Laura Esposito of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who wrote a story earlier this year on political violence in Pennsylvania. also, on the program. When Dr. James P. Delgado took his first dive to the Titanic in 2001, he expected awe. What he didn’t expect was tears. Delgado—one of the world’s foremost

en-US

22:11

Untold Stories from the Revolutionary War Pa Winter...

The Spark ·

2025/04/19

During one of the darkest chapters of the American Revolutionary War, George Washington’s army settled into winter quarters at Valley Forge. What followed was a six-month ordeal that tested the endurance, resilience, and unity of a nation. On a recent episode of The Spark on WITF, host Asia Tabb welcomed Adam Gresek, Director of Community Engagement at Valley Forge National Historical Park, to take listeners deep into the story of that pivotal winter encampment.Support WITF:

en-US

22:10

Journalist Roundtable: Journalists discuss Arson...

The Spark ·

2025/04/18

In this episode of The Spark, we confront a disturbing incident that has shaken Pennsylvania’s capital: the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. As law enforcement continues its investigation, we turn to journalists who have been closely following this developing story and the broader rise in political violence across the state. Joining the conversation was Peter Hall and Ian Karbal of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, who have been reporting on the investigation into the

en-US

48:19

Two more former refugees deported to Bhutan to be...

The Spark ·

2025/04/17

At least two more Pennsylvania residents have beendeported to Bhutan. That brings the total to eight Bhutanese refugees from Pennsylvania and 20 from across the country who have been deported back to Bhutan, according to leaders from those communities who have been tracking cases. In early March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents began arresting members of the Bhutanese refugee community in Central Pennsylvania. The first deportation flightcame on March 26, less than three weeks after the

en-US

24:05

The Pony Express Rides Again, Pa rider shares how she...

The Spark ·

2025/04/17

Every June, hundreds of riders saddle up for an epic journey spanning eight states and nearly 2,000 miles — all in the name of history. On a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb caught up with Petra Keller and Linda Jenny of the National Pony Express Association to talk about the enduring legacy of the legendary Pony Express and how it continues to ride strong today.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

23:05

How Local Library Systems Are Supporting Communities...

The Spark ·

2025/04/16

As part of National Library Week, we took a closer look at the critical and evolving role libraries play in our lives. To help us understand, we welcomed two local leaders in library services—Ryan McCory, Executive Director of theDauphin County Library System, and Carolyn Blatchley, Executive Director of theCumberland County Library System. Together, they painted a vibrant picture of how libraries have become vital hubs of connection, learning, and community.Support WITF:

en-US

20:23

HAP Report Outlines Plan of Action to Improve...

The Spark ·

2025/04/16

As maternal health outcomes worsen across the nation, Pennsylvania’s hospital leaders are taking action. Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), joined WITF’s The Spark to discuss the group’s new maternal health report and the sweeping recommendations it offers.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:44

Dr. James Delgado on the Titanic's Tragic Legacy and...

The Spark ·

2025/04/15

When Dr. James P. Delgado took his first dive to the Titanic in 2001, he expected awe. What he didn’t expect was tears. Delgado—one of the world’s foremost marine archeologists—spoke with Asia Tabb for The Spark aboutwhat it was like to descend two and a half miles beneath the ocean's surface and come face-to-face with the wreck of the Titanic, a site as iconic as it is tragic.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

22:07

The History of the Kennett Square Underground...

The Spark ·

2025/04/15

Inside Chester County lies Kennett Square, a town known for its mushroom farms. But hidden beneath its surface is a powerful history—one that reveals the courage, solidarity, and risk that defined the Underground Railroad. Today, that legacy lives on through the work of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC), where volunteers are striving to preserve a story too long overlooked.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

21:40

“A Very Serious Problem”: Mental Health Crisis in...

The Spark ·

2025/04/14

During a recent public hearing hosted by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, lawmakers, mental health professionals, and advocates came together to examine the escalating mental health crisis in the Commonwealth’s rural communities. The hearing, which featured testimony from experts and those with lived experience, laid bare the complex web of challenges facing rural Pennsylvanians—from a lack of providers to geographic isolation and the heavy toll of stigma.Support WITF:

en-US

42:20

The Spark Weekly 3.13.2025: How to Help Your Child...

The Spark ·

2025/04/13

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Saving money is one of the most important habits a young person can develop—but for students and families alike, navigating the many savings options can be overwhelming. From traditional savings accounts to 529 college plans, understanding which tools to use and when can make all the difference in building a solid financial future. also, on the program A study from the Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education and Policy Analysis

en-US

30:01

Journalist Roundtable: Hands off demonstrations in...

The Spark ·

2025/04/11

Last weekend saw the largest wave of nationwide demonstrations since the start of the Trump Administration, as protesters rallied under the banner of “Hands Off” to push back against a range of federal policy changes. The protests, which spanned cities across the United States, focused on opposition to the administration’s stances on the economy, immigration, foreign relations, and sweeping efforts to cut federal jobs and programs. To understand the scope of the protests and their

en-US

18:33

Horticulturist Erica Jo Schaeffer Talks Lawn Care,...

The Spark ·

2025/04/11

As spring kicks into gear, many homeowners are turning their attention to lawn care. But on a recent episode of The Spark, horticulturist Erica Jo Schaeffer encouraged listeners to look beyond traditional approaches—and question what a “perfect lawn” really means.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

16:59

Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park: Round-the-Clock Care...

The Spark ·

2025/04/10

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park is one of Pennsylvania’s unique attractions. It’s the country’s only all-water cavern and farm-nature-wildlife attraction. Recently, Mark Watson, Executive General Director, and Jeanine Watson, Executive Business Director, joined Asia Tabb on The Spark to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to manage the cavern and wildlife.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

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