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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

44:41

The Spark of Creation and the Power of Advocacy:...

The Spark ·

2026/01/13

(00:00:00) In this episode, we begin with the inspiring journey of Kelly Anoka, a devoted maker whose woodworking story is rooted, quite literally, in family history. Kelly shares how a set of walnut trees planted by her great‑grandfather more than 80 years ago sparked her passion for transforming reclaimed Pennsylvania wood into meaningful, functional art. From foraging fallen branches to collaborating with clients on custom pieces, Kelly walks us through her process, and her love of learning.

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44:21

The Spark Weekly 1.11.2026: Film, America 250,...

The Spark ·

2026/01/12

This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science fiction, using classic and contemporary movies to examine cultural ideals, fears, and evolving ideas of what it means to be human. The discussion emphasizes film’s power to spark accessible moral and civic conversations, the

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44:27

Justice, Faith, and the Fight to Move Forward

The Spark ·

2026/01/10

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose. (00:00:00) WITF’s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist Mennonites calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and how their faith-driven activism also centers on supporting immigrants in the United States. Emily Previti of the PA Capitol Star breaks down new Pennsylvania legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, what’s in the bills, why they matter, and what comes next. (00:23:01) We

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21:30

Film, America 250, and The Anxieties of the Atomic Age.

The Spark ·

2026/01/09

Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of philosophical insight, teaching experience, and public-facing film programming. This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science

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43:56

Breaking Barriers & Bobbling Heads

The Spark ·

2026/01/08

This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold. (00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students and redefining affordability in higher education. (00:22:21) Meanwhile, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum marks National Bobblehead Day by unveiling a limited-editionSaturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebrating creativity, nostalgia, and cultural history. From serious strides in educational access to lighthearted pop

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44:26

Street Corner Talking: Kim Simmonds’ Blues Legacy,...

The Spark ·

2026/01/07

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service. (00:00:00) First, we honor the life and music of the late Kim Simmonds, legendary blues guitarist and founder of Savoy Brown, through his newly completed autobiography, Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown. Before his passing in 2022, Simmonds spent years writing the story of his remarkable six-decade journey in blues-rock. from

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44:29

Awareness and Recovery: Understanding Human...

The Spark ·

2026/01/06

In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery. (00:00:00) First, we explore human trafficking as a serious human rights abuse, breaking down what trafficking is, how force, fraud, and coercion are used to exploit victims, and why any minor who exchanges sex for something of value is legally considered a trafficking victim. We also discuss the reality that human trafficking is a crime prosecuted at both the federal and state

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51:00

In Memory of Lenwood Sloan (Re-Broadcast) and Braver...

The Spark ·

2025/12/31

(00:00:00) PennLive has reported that Lenwood Sloan passed away on December 26th at the age of 77. Lenwood was a passionate historian, educator and advocate for preserving the story of Harrisburg's old 8th ward. In this conversation, originally broadcast on July 21 he and Dr. Andrew Hermeling discuss the “Look Up, Look Out” campaign that 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

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45:07

Voter Data, Democracy, and Pennsylvania’s Past:...

The Spark ·

2025/12/30

(00:00:00) This episode explores two very different stories unfolding in Pennsylvania. Both centered on who is counted, who is protected, and who holds power. We begin with an investigation into the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against states, including Pennsylvania, for refusing to hand over voter registration rolls. Drawing on a December 5th Mother Jones report, we examine the push to compare state voter data with commercial datasets and the broader effort to build the nation’s

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44:48

The Spark Weekly Holiday Edition: Kwanzaa...

The Spark ·

2025/12/29

Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, joins us to talk about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration and the meaningful partnerships with local communities, artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses that make the event possible. also on the program... Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for Church choir directors. We'll check in with 2 Harrisburg church musicians to see how they prepare, the process of choosing among a wide

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44:55

Milestones & Music: A New Mayor and the Sounds of...

The Spark ·

2025/12/24

(00:00:00) This episode brings together two moments of community significance across Pennsylvania. First, we look at history in the making in Lancaster, where Jaime Arroyo has been elected the city’s first Latino mayor, winning 85% of the vote ahead of his January 5, 2026 inauguration. We discuss what this milestone means in a city where more than 40% of residents identify as Hispanic, and Arroyo’s vision for affordable housing, small business growth, and a more responsive local

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44:48

Healing, Heritage, and Community Impact: From...

The Spark ·

2025/12/23

Asia spotlights two powerful stories rooted in service, culture, and community. (00:00:00) One guest shares a remarkable personal connection to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, which celebrates its 90th anniversary next March. Seventy-four years ago, Schreiber (then the Easter Seals Society) helped correct a severe speech impediment, setting the stage for a 30-year career in education and later national recognition as a speaker on the importance of American Heroes. Today, Schreiber

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44:36

The Spark Weekly 12.21.2025: How Cash Support Can...

The Spark ·

2025/12/22

Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and Research Chair of the mothers and Infants Cash Coalition, has spent years studying how cash transfers can improve reproductive and maternal health outcomes. Thomas McCullough, assistant archivist of the Moravian Church Northern Province, traced the deep historical roots behind one of Pennsylvania’s most

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44:50

A Year in Review with Pennsylvania Journalists, and...

The Spark ·

2025/12/20

(00:00:00) Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of 2025 in this special year in review journalist roundtable. (00:22:28) Crohn’s disease is part of a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long-term, condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive system. Dr. Matthew

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35:10

Breaking Barriers & Building Futures: Special...

The Spark ·

2025/12/19

(00:00:00) In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities. (00:22:30) Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and CEO of Pennon, joins us to discuss leadership, vision, and what’s next as he steps into his role

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44:28

Food, Freedom, and Fighting Back: The Philly Joy Bank...

The Spark ·

2025/12/18

(00:00:00) SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who’s being helped, who’s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward? (00:22:27) We’re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even

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44:58

Hidden Histories & Hometown Legacies

The Spark ·

2025/12/17

(00:00:00) In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, whose deep pride in his Indiana, Pennsylvania roots led to the creation of a humble yet powerful museum honoring his life as an actor, WWII hero, family man, and global citizen. From sacred symbols to silver-screen legends, this episode celebrates the enduring impact of history preserved close to home. (00:22:42)

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44:47

Seatbelts Everyone! The Magic School Bus, Kids’...

The Spark ·

2025/12/16

(00:00:00) Hop on the Magic School Bus for an interplanetary adventure, both on stage and in the real world. In this episode, we look atThe Magic School Bus Live! a new musical adaptation that sends Ms. Frizzle and her class hurtling through the solar system when a field trip goes delightfully off course. As our local NPR/PBS station, we explore why high-quality live shows like this matter, what goes into producing them, and how educational programming strengthens learning across our state

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44:46

The Spark Weekly 12.14.2025: World Record Pickleball...

The Spark ·

2025/12/14

HistorianChrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Senecal walked through what comets actually are, where they come from, and how ancient

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44:39

Beyond the Headlines: Political Transparency, the...

The Spark ·

2025/12/12

In this episode, we dive into three critical conversations shaping Pennsylvania’s political, economic, and public-health landscape. (00:00:00) First, Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA joins us to discuss her reporting on the use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades at Governor Josh Shapiro’s private residence. She explains what her investigation uncovered, why the spending matters, and how it fits into larger questions of transparency and public trust. Then, we turn to national

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1,108 results

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