Feedback with Dan Holzman

Alexa Freeman, Creator of Berks Nostalgia, joins us in our first hour of FEEDBACK WEEU.  For nearly a decade, Alexa has been documenting the rich and often overlooked history of Berks County - using writing, photography, videography and even drone footage to bring the past to life for a new generation.  In our second hour we speak to renowned musician and composer, Jill Haley.  Jill is a remarkable oboist, English horn player, pianist, and composer.  Jill has spent time as an Artist in Residence in ten National Parks, creating original compositions inspired by the natural beauty she experiences while living in these parks.   Jill also gifts us with samples of two of her compositions that were inspired by those residencies.

First up on this episode of FEEDBACK WEEU are guests Christine Nepple, Clinical Director and Yomari Salvatore-Rivera, Program Supervisor of Tower Health, Street Medicine.   Street Medicine is dedicated to bringing healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness or extreme vulnerability.  The program meets patients where they are, whether that’s on the streets, in shelters, or encampments, providing medical care, resources and compassion to those who might otherwise go without.  In our second hour on FEEDBACK WEEU we welcome Linda Kelleher, City Clerk, City of Reading.  Linda brings a wealth of experience, insight, and dedication to the work she does, and her contributions have made a meaningful impact on people and communities she serves.  She is a feisty woman who has in her fingers in many pots!

This episode on FEEDBACK WEEU focuses on belonging and not quitting.  Our first hour we talk about something that is subtle but essential - belonging.  Most of us know instantly when we don’t belong.  We feel it in rooms, in conversations, in the way people look past us, or through us.  We share stories that have been brought to our attention painting different scenarios that impact our sense of belonging and offer our opinions on where the accountability lies.  The second episode of FEEDBACK we speak to Theron Cook, an award winning muralist, brand strategist, and founder of Don’t Quit Ominiversity and TCA Don’t Quit Foundation.  He speaks passionately about the power of communication and storytelling within a community through visual arts.  His philosophy is simple, but powerful:  Don’t Quit!

Today on FEEDBACK WEEU - In the first hour we spoke to Minerva Ocasio, better known in the community as Minnie!  Her mission is to transform trauma into strength, to empower others through movement, creativity, and leadership, and to help people truly stand in their power.  The second hour of FEEDBACK our guest was Attorney Scott Hoh of Resolution Law Group.  Scott shared important information about Estate Planning and cracked a few bad jokes too!  

On this edition of FEEDBACK, out first hour we spoke to Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Scott Gardner, Owner, Retro Fitness.   Scott shares his journey of being an intern to owning the business.  He is real, passionate, and dedicated to both his members and his community.   Our second hour is dedicated to the “helpers”.  The quiet ones who just jump into situations to help.  We talk about helper burnout, sometimes feeling invisible, yet always willing. . .to help.

Have you ever experienced homelessness or housing insecurity?  Have you ever helped someone during a Code Blue night?  Alyssa Bushkie, CEO of Opportunity House joins us in our first hour of FEEDBACK.  Alyssa helps us understand what Code Blue means when it is in action and how much support is needed to provide a warm, safe night to sleep when the weather is too cold.  Our second hour is a conversation with Ebony McNeil,  Founder and Executive Director of The Forge, a men’s organization focused on growth, accountability, and healing.  Two powerhouse people doing work that matters in this edition of FEEDBACK WEEU.

This episode of FEEDBACK finds us on location at Classic Harley Davidson at the 11th Annual Blankets of Hope Chili Fest, featuring Chef Tim’s award-winning chili!  This is a fun episode that spotlights members of the Berks County community who are passionate about doing work that matters.  Listen to conversations that are not promoting or asking for anything other than explaining how this community collaborates and supports those in need!

Let’s talk about the “P” words.  Period poverty is the topic today in the first hour of FEEDBACK.  Period poverty is real.  It’s quiet.  It’s hidden.  For thousands of girls and women in our own communities, it means missing school, missing work, or making impossible choices between food, rent, and basic hygiene.  Meet Suzanne Cody, Co-Founder of Help a Girl Out and learn how one tiny organization is collecting over 80,000 products for girls and women in need.  In our second hour of FEEDBACK, we are joined by Dr. Valerie Trollinger, Principal Bassoonist for the Reading Symphony Orchestra.  Dr. Trollinger shares not only her journey as a Bassoonist but also how she works in performing arts medicine and works with remediating damaged musicians- people who are injured by playing instruments.

On this edition of FEEDBACK, our first hour we talk about the social, community and economic impact of social doers. We share stories about small business owners, tradespeople, shopkeepers, and problem solvers - the folks who do not wait for permission to care - they just do something.  In our second hour we have a conversation with Kara J. Seawell, Manager of External Events and Weddings, Reading Public Museum and Brayden Stone, Wedding Coordinator for the Reading Public Museum.  We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including a caller asking if the mummy can be included in a wedding to story book weddings in the Planetarium!