x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

22:24

Stroud Water Research Center leading the way in water...

The Spark ·

2025/03/11

The Stroud Water Research Center has been focused on the science of rivers and streams since 1967. Scientists at the center conduct studies on these systems and how to protect them. They work hard to advance our knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration. In this episode of The Spark, we spoke with Jessica Provinski, Director of Development, Lisa Blazure, Soil Health Coordinator, and David Bressler, Community Science Facilitator,

en-US

22:24

Discovery Space of Central PA needs help naming new...

The Spark ·

2025/03/10

Located in State College, Pennsylvania is Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania. Discovery Space is a non-profit science center designed to provide engaging experiences with the experience of technology that sparks curiosity and creativity. Michele Crowl Executive Director of Discovery Space and The Rivet, says the center opened back in 2011 and has grown ever since. “We've since moved to a larger facility. We've been able to expand the programs that we offer. So, we started out with a lot

en-US

42:11

The Spark Weekly 3.9.2025: Avian Flu and Braver Angels

The Spark ·

2025/03/09

Coming up on this week's edition of the spark weekly. Avian Flu has been impacting Pennsylvania’s farms for nearly two years now. The virus has had a major impact on poultry farmers across the state. Our Braver Angels segment for the month of March was about the Braver Angels National Community Debate – National Debate Series: Trump’s First 100 days. This free national debate offers participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their

en-US

21:57

Braver Angels: National Debate Series: Trump’s First...

The Spark ·

2025/03/08

Our Braver Angels segment for the month of March was about the Braver Angels National Community Debate – National Debate Series: Trump’s First 100 days. This free national debate offers participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. There will also be opportunities for participants to share their experiences in the past 100 days as well. John Wood Jr, National Ambassador for Braver Angels provided insight into the new

en-US

22:21

Journalist Roundtable: Broad Street Market Town Hall

The Spark ·

2025/03/07

Our journalist roundtable segment for March 7 included Diane McCormick of The Burg, and Sue Gleiter of Pennlive. During the segment, we discussed a recent town hall meeting where Harrisburg residents voiced their concerns and heard plans about the restoration of the historic Broad Street Market. Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:31

River City Stories Tells the Story of Those Who Call...

The Spark ·

2025/03/07

Two local filmmakers set out to tell stories about Harrisburg that transcend boundaries of race, class, gender and geography.The result is the film River City Stories, which is screening this week at the West Shore Theater in New Cumberland.WITF's Rachel McDevitt spoke with the film's creators Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey. According to McKelvey, he loved the City of Harrisburg, and wanted to portray that in a film. “I just feel like there's so much more to the city that people think is

en-US

22:19

Free screening of the documentary, The Philadelphia...

The Spark ·

2025/03/06

The documentary The Philadelphia Eleven tells the powerful story of eleven women who in 1974 shattered barriers by becoming the first female priests ordained in the Episcopal Church – challenging tradition, defying expectations, and paving the way for future generations. Margo Guernsey, Director and Producer of the Philadelphia Eleven, felt it was important to tell their story. “I felt like a little bit like I'd been punched in my gut and been told a story that having been an avid

en-US

27:43

Stronger Together Impact Project working to address...

The Spark ·

2025/03/06

Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes from economic hardship, housing shortages, and unexpected crisis. The Stronger Together Impact Project brings together officials from various governmental agencies to the issue of homelessness, seeking new solutions to an issue with a variety of causes. The Stronger Together Impact Project was created by Sonia Pitzi, Director of Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness and Lincoln Area Intermediate Unite #12, and Chris Kapp,

en-US

24:17

The Impact of Avian Flu on PA Poultry Farmers,...

The Spark ·

2025/03/05

Avian Flu has been impacting Pennsylvania’s farms for nearly two years now. The virus has had a major impact on poultry farmers across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, it is very devastating to farmers after their farm has been hit by the virus. “Nobody wants to do what these farms are required to do. You have to put flocks down. But you have to contain and suppress the virus as quickly as you can. It's the first principle of eliminating

en-US

21:24

National Marching Band Day: Inside the Keystone...

The Spark ·

2025/03/05

The Keystone Indoor Drill Association (KIDA) is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, serving the region since its inception in 1981. The organization sponsors competitive events for Indoor Color Guard, Percussion, Dance, and Winds. “Back in the day, we used to also have a competition with majorettes and drill teams. We don't have any of those anymore, but we're, you know. very, very strong with our members for Color Guard and Indoor Drumline, “said Matt Carraher,

en-US

25:58

National Marching Band Day: Temple University and...

The Spark ·

2025/03/04

March 4th is National Marching Band Day, a day to march forth and celebrate the vibrant tradition of marching bands across the nation. To celebrate, we spoke with Directors of two of Pennsylvania’s premiere marching ensembles-Dr. Matthew Brunner from the Temple University Diamond Band and Dr. Brad Towsend, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band. For Brad, he knew early on he wanted to pursue a career in music as a high school band director. But that changed when he took

en-US

25:36

History of the Civic Club of Harrisburg

The Spark ·

2025/03/04

The Civic Club of Harrisburg is a service organization that supports and initiates community projects, provides scholarships and offers services to instill civility and create civil engagement within Harrisburg. To celebrate Women’s History Month, the civic club has a special event on March 24th to honor the past and present women shaping the City of Harrisburg. “So, we are going to be having at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, the Historic Harrisburg Association come and really enlighten

en-US

20:17

Pa. women who made history in the 19th century

The Spark ·

2025/03/03

Pennsylvania has graced the world with an inordinate number of influential women throughout its history but looking with a sharper lens at four women in particular highlights not just their achievements, but also key trends in the U.S. and Pennsylvania in the 1800’s. Dr. Christine Senecal, Medieval Historian, shared some of the most important women from Pennsylvania whose lives made a positive impact on the world today. Mary Cassatt was the only American to exhibit alongside the French

en-US

43:00

The Spark Weekly 3.2.2025: Road Salts Effect on the...

The Spark ·

2025/03/02

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Winter road treatments help to keep us safe on the roads, however there are some hidden dangers of road salt and our freshwater ecosystem. Dr. John Jackson, Senior Research Scientist of Stroud Research Center, shared how the road salt makes its way into our fresh water. Also, on the program: Lisa Zoll is a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Grief Relief in Harrisburg. Grief Relief specializes in grief and trauma therapy for adults and first

en-US

22:31

Journalist Roundtable: Protests held in Pa. in...

The Spark ·

2025/03/01

Our journalist roundtable for February 28 included WPSU’s Sydney Roach and WITF’s Jordan Wilkie. Jordan recently covered a protest where more than 300 people marched to the capitol to protest the Donald Trump administration. Sydney discussed her report on the protest in Centre County where people protested the Trump administration’s recent actions, which included pauses on federal funding and Eldon Musk’s involvement in the government. Listen to the podcast to hear the

en-US

22:16

Pa. Scientist shares dangers of road salt...

The Spark ·

2025/03/01

Winter road treatments help to keep us safe on the roads, however there are some hidden dangers of road salt and our freshwater ecosystem. Dr. John Jackson, Senior Research Scientist of Stroud Research Center, shared how the road salt makes its way into our fresh water. “a portion, maybe half, maybe a little more, maybe less, immediately goes into our waterway by way of the snow melt and runoff. So, we'll see a spike in salt in the stream within hours of snow, or especially an ice event. icing

en-US

22:41

Pa. Author shares about Amish experience in...

The Spark ·

2025/02/28

Much has been written about the Amish in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, but little of that comes from the Amish themselves. Author Brad Igou seeks to change that with his compilation, Amish: In their own words. The book is compiled from the first 25 years of Family Life Magazine. Igou says his inspiration to write this book was born out of an experience living with an Amish family. “I'd read a lot about the Amish, but I found a publication they had called Family Life, which was written by Amish

en-US

22:35

Grief and trauma explained by a PA social worker

The Spark ·

2025/02/27

Lisa Zoll is a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Grief Relief in Harrisburg. Grief Relief specializes in grief and trauma therapy for adults and first responders within Pennsylvania. Grief is described as the loss of something significant loss and trauma is an event that causes some significant level of distress and anguish for someone. Asia Tabb, host of The Spark asked Lisa how grief and trauma intertwine following a tragic event. “There is a term, traumatic grief, which is

en-US

26:18

How mass transit is evolving in Central and Eastern PA

The Spark ·

2025/02/27

Public transportation plays a critical role in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania’s lives whether they’re trying to get to work, run errands, or get to their medical appointments. The mass transit is changing, pitting traditional methods against things like rideshare services. According to Richard Farr, Executive Director of Rabbit Transit, technology has been a game changer in services they provide the public. “Now we're paying by cell phones. We used to have to print hundreds of

en-US

21:55

Franklin County's involvement in the Underground...

The Spark ·

2025/02/26

Franklin County played an important role in the Underground Railroad. It’s location on the Mason-Dixon Line signaled escaping slaves entry through the north, and the mountainous terrain afforded numerous hiding places in caves and wooded areas. “Over the years I've heard research historians refer to South Central Pennsylvania as ground zero of the Underground Railroad. Over the years I've heard research historians refer to South Central Pennsylvania as ground zero of the Underground

en-US

1,108 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS News

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci