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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In this episode, we explore the rich history and founding of Lititz, Pennsylvania, with Cory Van Brookhoven , President of the Lititz Historical Foundation. A third-generation Lititz historian, Cory has led the Foundation since 2013, authored four books on Lancaster County history, and written more than 300 local history articles. He shares the fascinating story of Lititz's origins, dating back to…
What began with opening a family home to wounded soldiers has grown into one of Pennsylvania's leading veteran support organizations. In this episode, Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors co-founder Helen Sajer reflects on two decades of helping veterans in crisis, inspired by gratitude for her son's military service. Joining her is Dennis Leonard, a combat veteran who lost both legs in Iraq and whose…
We explore Mothers on the Move (MOM) , a Penn State College of Medicine-led initiative founded by Dr. Vida Abedi to support first-time mothers and their families through partnered dance, social connection, and community engagement. Joined by community leaders Priscilla Fias and Janeen Christ, the program aims to reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and create a supportive network for new…
What happens when a personal health concern sparks a thriving business? Katie and Eric Roering, founders of Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Fontana Candle Company, set out to create non-toxic candles after traditional candles caused headaches. What began as a small operation in their home has grown into a nationwide manufacturing business with a 22-person team and customers across the country.…
More than 220 miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through Pennsylvania, winding across mountains, valleys, and streams—and right through the heart of central PA. This iconic footpath stretches 2,197 miles from Georgia to Maine, challenging hikers from all walks of life to take part in one of the most grueling and inspiring outdoor adventures in the country. This week, The Spark team set out to…
As summer wraps up in Pennsylvania, Asia Tabb sits down with Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan for a postmortem look at how the Commonwealth handled a busy summer filled with major events, festivals, and visitors. They discuss what went well, the challenges along the way, the economic and tourism impacts across the state, and what Pennsylvania learned from the experience. It's a…
Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick is calling for stricter regulations, and potentially an outright ban, on kratom , a widely available but largely unregulated substance sold in convenience stores and gas stations across Pennsylvania. Hetrick says the drug, which has opioid-like effects, has been linked to local deaths and poses serious health risks, including seizures, liver failure, and, in…
This episode features Rev. Jim Grossnickle-Batterton and Rebekah Priest , organizers of PeaceFest: Forging Peace & Cultivating Justice Together , a family-friendly community event taking place September 19, 2026, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Representing local Church of the Brethren congregations, Jim and Rebekah share the vision behind PeaceFest and the importance of fostering peace, justice, and…
We explore the power of university-employer partnerships in shaping the next generation of leaders. Joining us are Alix J. Rouby , Director of Internships and Experiential Learning at Shippensburg University Career Center, and Angela Meyers , Director of Talent Acquisition at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. Step back in time and discover the enduring legacy of Central Pennsylvania’s general…
Step inside the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne , the largest antique mall in Pennsylvania, and discover the stories behind one of Central PA's most unique destinations. Home to more than 275 vendors , the historic property has evolved from a 1913 bakery and horse stable to a thriving marketplace filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, and small businesses. Earlier this summer, we…
Join Dr. Elaine Farkas, Associate Professor of Physical and Environmental Sciences at Commonwealth University, for a fascinating conversation about the Strait Planetarium on the Mansfield Campus and its role in connecting communities to the wonders of the universe. Named in honor of beloved educator George “Daddy” Strait, the planetarium serves as a gateway to science, discovery, and lifelong…
On The Spark , we spoke with Peter Kistler, editor of The War They Won , a remarkable book preserving the firsthand accounts of more than 200 World War II veterans. The project began with Peter’s brother, Hobart Kistler, who spent 17 years interviewing veterans after starting the effort while still in high school. Following Hobart’s untimely death, Peter completed the manuscript, ensuring those…
