Cloth of the Nation brings forward powerful stories from veterans navigating life during and after military service. On The Spark, we speak with Dale and Jan Hamby about the inspiration behind the podcast, the voices it aims to amplify, and what they hope listeners will take away from these deeply personal stories of identity, transition, and community.

Author Lindsey Smith joins The Spark to discuss her new book Summer Haters Club, the first traditionally published work to explore seasonal affective disorder during the summer months. The conversation dives into how rising global temperatures are making extreme heat more difficult for many—especially those experiencing summertime SAD—and how the book encourages readers to better understand mental health through a climate-awareness lens.

In this episode, we welcome Sam Horvath, Executive Director of the Perry County Council of the Arts (PCCA), to talk about his journey back to central Pennsylvania and his vision for strengthening the arts in Perry County.

Bestselling author and entrepreneur Lindsey Smith joins us to talk about her groundbreaking new book, Summer Haters Club, the first traditionally published book to explore seasonal affective disorder in the summer. Lindsey sheds light on a condition that’s often misunderstood or overlooked, inviting readers—and listeners—to rethink mental health during the warmest months of the year.

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Cloth of the Nation is a podcast hosted by veterans Dale and Jan Hamby, sharing the voices and experiences of military veterans across our region. The podcast will feature honest conversations about military service, life after the uniform and continued service to the community. Through stories of challenge, resilience and purpose, Cloth of the Nation will offer insight and understanding for both veterans and those who want to better understand their experiences.

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The Greatest Show on Earth® is back. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey return with a high‑energy, music‑driven circus experience featuring world‑class performers, jaw‑dropping stunts, and nonstop audience fun. It’s a modern, family‑friendly celebration of human talent that turns the arena into the ultimate party.

A new student-led podcast is bringing Pennsylvania history to life in a whole new way.

High school and elementary students are teaming up to research, write and produce original audio stories that explore the people, places, and events that shaped the Commonwealth. The project blends classroom learning with real world media experience, giving students the chance to step into the role of storytellers, researcher, and producers.

Recorded live in front of a classroom audience at WITF's Public media center, where students got a firsthand look at how public media storytelling happens.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, and Andrew Brananoksi, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, with additional insight from Lize Miller of PIRC’s Removal Defense Team.

Together, they break down how Pennsylvania’s immigrant advocacy and legal defense organizations support individuals and families facing immigration enforcement. Our guests explain the distinct roles their organizations play—from statewide policy advocacy and community coordination to direct legal representation for people in detention or at risk of removal.

The conversation explores how their work has shifted amid an escalation of immigration enforcement, who qualifies for legal defense services, and the constitutional rights immigrants—including undocumented immigrants—continue to have. Listeners will hear practical guidance on what to do (and not do) if questioned by immigration officers, what documents people should have ready, and which documents should never be shown without legal advice.

We also cover critical issues around home entry and warrants, including the difference between judicial warrants and administrative immigration warrants, and why that distinction matters. The episode closes with guidance for families on preparing in advance, creating emergency plans, and taking immediate steps if a loved one is detained.

This episode is essential listening for immigrants, allies, and anyone seeking clear, grounded information about rights, risks, and protections under today’s immigration enforcement landscape.

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The Spark, hosted by Asia Tabb, will feature a 40‑minute conversation presented in two informal, discussion‑focused segments centered on the theme of learning how to disagree more constructively.

In the first half, Asia is joined by Nita Landis, moderator of the Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop, and Dr. Jonathan Woodall, Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication at Penn State Harrisburg. Their conversation explores the value of sharing perspectives, listening with intention, and being open to learning practical skills that help people navigate disagreement in healthier, more productive ways. Drawing from the workshop’s core ideas, they reflect on why these skills matter in classrooms, communities, and everyday conversations.

In the second half, Michael Lippert, president of the Young Americans for Freedom student club, and Elijah Espaillat, co‑founder of the Capital College Democrats Club, join Asia to discuss their personal takeaways from the workshop. They share what motivated them to participate, how the skills resonated with their own experiences across political differences, and why they believe others—especially students—can benefit from learning how to disagree with respect and understanding.

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As wildfire season ramps up across the state, The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused—often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes—making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.

On a recent episode of The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of Thomas Jefferson University and Mike Roth of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges—like processing infrastructure—that are shaping the industry’s growth in the state.

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Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market’s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir.

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Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector—especially fiber hemp—thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

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