This episode we are joined by two women whose friendship, shared passion, and willingness to embrace a new chapter led them to create Rockland Roots Native Pant Nursery. Jessica Smith, owner and Allyson Coffin, co-owner of Rockland Roots remind us that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Sometimes life plants us exactly where we are meant to grow.

Every community has moments that bring people together.  Sometimes it’s a parade, a celebration or an historic event that reminds us where we have been and perhaps where we are going.  This year’s Independence Day celebrations gave Berks County, PA several of those moments.  Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, Berks and Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance join this episode of Real Life to talk about economic impact and business impact these events make and why they matter.

Carmen Bloom is an attorney, a mother, Mrs. East Coast International 2026 and an ambassador for Red Sneakers for Oakley.  She is using her voice to educate families and communities about severe food allergies and anaphylaxis.  When Carmen’s son was one year old when he experienced and went into anaphylaxis and ended up in the ER.  She discovered that her son suffered from severe food allergies.  She turned her fear into purpose and advocacy.  

In this episode we are talking about the power of connection and why every generation needs the other generations.  Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership and Missy Hassler, Membership Coordinator with Greater Reading Chamber Alliance share how experience and innovation work together, why mentorship is more important than ever and how GRCA help create opportunities for those relationships to happen naturally.

“I was once part of the problem, but now I am part of the solution.” - Shawn Bridges, Owner of BridgesinSpirit, shares his story of second chances, redemption, and purpose as he is joined by Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership in this episode of the GRCA’s Member Spotlight.   Shawn’s story reminds us that our past doesn’t have to define our future.  It also reminds us that business can be about much more than making a living.  It can become a platform for serving others, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for people who simply need someone to believe in them.

Local government impacts our daily lives in ways we often don’t think about, from the roads we drive on and the parks our children play in to the public safety, neighborhood improvements, economic development, and community events.  This episode of Real Life is about helping residents better understand what’s happening in Reading, what’s coming next, and how they can become more engaged in the future of their city.  Jack Gombach, Managing Director for the City of Reading and Robert Leonard, II, Fire Chief for the City of Reading give us the City Update.

In this episode of Real Life, we are talking about a group of people that many of us never think about until someone’s loved one is missing.  A child wanders away.  A hiker doesn’t return.  An elderly person suffering from dementia disappears.  A family waits, hoping and praying that someone can bring their loved one home.  Those ’someones’ are volunteers.  Scott Hertzog, President and Chairman of Berks County Search and Rescue and Brian Winterstein, Chief of Berks County Search and Rescue join us in studio to talk about service, leadership, purpose and why ordinary people choose to do extraordinary things.

In this episode of Real Life we are talking about preserving the past, connecting generations, and why local history still matters.  Rachael and Gene Kehler, board members of Boyertown Area Historical Society, believe that our local history deserves to be remembered because it tells us not only where we have been but who we are.

For generations, county fairs have been part of the fabric of small-town America. But county fairs have had to evolve.  They are balancing tradition with changing interests, finding new ways to engage younger generations while preserving the agricultural roots that made them so important.  Christopher Garcia and Amber Fessler, board member of the Berks County Fair join us on this episode of Real Life to share with us why county fairs are so important and how they are shaping one of Berks County’s longest-standing traditions.

This episode of Real Life is Part Two of our conversation with Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jay Ostrich, Director of Berks County Veterans Affairs and Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Ret.) Will Tobin, Deputy Director, Berks County Veterans Affairs.  In the first hour we talked about the challenges many veterans face after military service.  But this hour isn’t about statistic, it’s about hope.  Jay Ostrich and Will Tobin share the stories of building programs that reconnect veterans with one another, providing innovative mental health care and reminding every veteran that they are never alone.