The Spark

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We begin with the Art Association of Harrisburg, founded in 1926 by visionary civic leader Gertrude Olmsted McCormick. What began during the Coolidge presidency in a world shaped by world wars, the Great Depression, and seismic cultural change has grown into a 100‑year artistic anchor for the region. Through shifting art movements, evolving technology, and nearly twenty presidential administrations, the Association...

This episode includes all of our segments from Wednesday and Thursday this week from the 2026 Farm Show. All you need to know all in one place!

Featured this year is:

Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith

Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA, managing the Farm Show booth Gale Ferranto

President of PA alpaca owners and breeders' association- owner Crimson Skye Farm Karen Nace

Northwest Maple Association Member Laura Den...

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First, Mi Xian and Mark Fazollah of Spotlight PA join us to discuss their reporting on undercounted and misreported rapes in the State College area. Their investigation reveals how gaps in data, institutional practices, and reporting systems can obscure the reality of sexual violence. They walk us through what they uncovered, why these discrepancies matter, and how communities are affected when the numbers meant to prot...

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That uncertainty became real last fall, when cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) were confirmed in horses across Northumberland, Columbia, and Lancaster counties. With the virus spreading easily through direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated equipment, officials made the difficult call to cancel all equine‑related events at this year’s show. While EHM is serious, the Equine Dise...

The Spark went on a field trip to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show!

In this episode, you will hear the first half of interviews from our time at the farm show, with more to come tomorrow.

Featured in today's episode is:

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Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith

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Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA Gale Ferranto

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President of PA Alpaca Owners and Breeders' Association and Owner Crimson Skye Fa...

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In honor of Public Radio Broadcasting Day, this episode opens with a special “actors‑on‑actors” style conversation between Scott LaMar, former host of The Spark, and Asia Tabb, the show’s current host. In a rare dual‑interview format, Scott and Asia turn the microphones toward each other to explore their shared legacy, their different approaches to storytelling, the surprises of hosting live radio...

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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 piec...

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...

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose.

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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.

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 ...

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-edition Saturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebratin...

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service.

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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 th...

In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery.

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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 ...

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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 neighb...

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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

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. 

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Asia spotlights two powerful stories rooted in service, culture, and community.

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.