In this episode of The Lead Lamp Podcast, Brett sits down with Ash Zimmerman, the creative mind behind The Plant Witch, a new shop in the heart of downtown Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square. Ash shares her journey from casually thrifting plants and pots to unexpectedly launching a brick-and-mortar business built around sustainability, mindfulness, and self-expression.

She opens up about what inspired her to bring a retail experience back to downtown Harrisburg, how she sources ethically and locally, and her vision for The Plant Witch as more than a store — a community space for healing, creativity, and connection. From piano music drifting through her shop to workshops on plant care, tarot, and self-love, Ash blends the metaphysical and the practical in an approachable, uplifting way.

The conversation explores the courage it takes to start fresh, the importance of following intuition, and how slowing down — even for five minutes — can help us reconnect with ourselves.

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, Brett sit down with Andrea Grove, founder of Elementary Coffee Co., to explore how a simple love of coffee grew into a thriving local brand and community hub in Harrisburg, PA. Andrea shares her journey from roasting coffee at home to opening at the Broad Street Market, surviving setbacks like a devastating fire, and growing into two successful locations. We dive into her passion for third spaces, why coffee is more than just a drink, and how collaboration over competition is shaping the future of local business.

Topics in this episode include: The spark that led Andrea to start Elementary Coffee in 2014. Why coffee shops are vital “third spaces” for connection. Lessons from rebuilding after loss and growing with grit. The balance of staying small, local, and true to your mission.

If you love coffee, entrepreneurship, or stories about building authentic community, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Elementary Coffee Co.: https://www.elementarycoffee.co

Dive into the story behind Goodall Pools & Spas, a family-owned business that has been creating sparkling water and lifelong memories in Central PA since 1962. In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, Brett sits down with Rob Goodall and Katelyn from Goodall Pools & Spas to talk about the company’s rich history, how the pool industry has evolved over the decades, and what it takes to be more than “just a pool company.”

From building custom in-ground pools and luxury spas to helping families reimagine their backyards, Goodall Pools has seen it all—including a massive surge in demand during the pandemic. They share insights into industry trends like fiberglass pools, swim spas, and wellness-focused features, as well as stories about their award-winning installations and deep commitment to the local community.

You'll learn how this company has adapted over the years and embraced not only new trends with the types of pools people are buying, but also how they've incorporated new technology like VR into their designing process when prepping a new build. Both Rob and Katelyn provide their unique perspectives as they have spent the majority of their working career at Goodall Pools & Spas with some longer tenured employers clocking in over 40 years!

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a pool or just love stories of local businesses making a big impact, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Goodall Pools & Spas: https://goodallpools.com/

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In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Shade Byerts from the historic Carlisle Theatre to explore the magic, challenges, and community impact of this 1939 art deco gem. Ashley shares the theatre’s remarkable journey—from surviving closures and revitalization efforts to hosting concerts, plays, film series, and even ghost tours. We dive into what it takes to run a nonprofit performing arts center, the importance of collaboration with local businesses, and how theatre can transform both audiences and volunteers. From $2.5 million renovations to unforgettable productions like Songs for a New World and Dracula, discover how Carlisle Theatre is keeping the arts alive for the next generation. Learn how you can support, get involved, and experience the magic yourself—whether through attending a show, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. You can learn more about the Carlisle Theatre and their events at: https://carlisletheatre.org/

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we sit down with Casey, the owner of Three Dog Bakery in Mechanicsburg, PA, to hear the inspiring story behind her journey from science teacher to dog bakery entrepreneur. Casey shares how her love of dogs and a major life transition led her to open a bakery that celebrates pets as part of the family. We talk about everything from what goes into making safe, all-natural dog treats (yes, they’re human grade!) to the booming industry of pet celebrations like birthdays, gotcha days, and even gender reveals. Casey also dives into the creative side of custom cakes, the fun of seasonal events like trick-or-treat and holiday meals for pups, and the rewarding role her shop plays in the local dog-loving community. Whether you’re a pet parent, a small business owner, or just love hearing stories about passion turned into business, this episode will make you smile — and maybe even crave a peanut butter bone. You can learn more about Three Dog Bakery at: https://www.facebook.com/mechanicsburgtdb

or https://mechanicsburg-pa.threedogstores.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMcTwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRSG9sV3F6MjRtcmxvcVUxAR5rLyH2dr8Y9e9RrKhQmjFL--j0ecOLoRdwlGH8QaCbH9sMQEka0LuMctNQPg_aem_X_mrM7UrSzScXW1CjyJYlQ

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we sit down with Latricia Eberly, founder of Complete Safaris, to hear how a passion for elephants turned into a business crafting once-in-a-lifetime African safari experiences.

Latricia shares the incredible story of meeting her now–business partner, Anthony, in Kenya, the challenges of launching an international travel company, and the art of tailoring every trip to each traveler’s dreams — whether that’s seeing all three species of giraffes in Kenya, going birding on Lake Victoria, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes.

We cover:

How a bucket list trip became a business venture 

The behind-the-scenes logistics of booking personalized safaris,

The role of trust and safety for solo travelers, especially women,

Wildlife stories that will make you want to pack your bags now,

Why Kenya should be on your travel radar for more than just safaris,

If you’ve ever dreamed of an African safari — or you’re curious about what it takes to run a boutique travel business across continents — this episode is packed with inspiration and insider tips.

You can learn more about Complete Safaris at: https://www.completesafaris.com/

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we’re joined by Darren Henry, founder of Barracks Baristas Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee company with a mission far beyond the mug. Darren shares how his military career in the Pennsylvania National Guard inspired his entrepreneurial journey, how nearly burning his kitchen down helped him perfect his roast, and why giving back—especially to veteran mental health causes—is at the core of everything he does. Tune in as we explore: The wild learning curve of roasting coffee at home Building a mission-driven brand from the ground up Navigating the saturated coffee industry with passion and purpose The story behind his “Perseverance” roast supporting the Headstrong Project This conversation is equal parts inspiring, insightful, and energizing—just like a great cup of coffee. Learn more about Darren’s mission at https://www.barracksbaristas.com/

Dr. Caissa Troutman, quadruple board-certified MD and founder Midlife reMDy, joins Brett to get real about the science (and the stigma) surrounding women’s health, weight loss, hormones, and perimenopause. Dr. Troutman opens up about her personal health journey, burnout in the medical field, and why she turned her own struggles into a mission to help others—especially women navigating midlife. From debunking weight loss myths to unpacking the truth about hormone therapy and perimenopause, this episode is full of eye-opening, empowering, and science-backed insights.

Topics Covered:

Why “calories in, calories out” isn’t the full picture

The 3 health handbrakes: hormones, habits, and headspace

How hormone therapy is misunderstood—and how it can change lives

Why midlife is more than just hot flashes

How men can better support their partners through perimenopause

You can learn more about Dr. Troutman and Midlife reMDy at: https://weightremdy.com/ 

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, Brett Wiley sits down with Tim Dexter, founder of Dexterity Depot—a world-class Ninja Warrior, parkour, and chase tag training facility right here in Central PA. Tim shares how a childhood dream, sparked by early exposure to Ninja Warrior, turned into a thriving business that’s changing lives. From building backyard obstacles to coaching world champions, Tim’s story is packed with passion, persistence, and purpose. You’ll hear how Dexterity Depot builds more than just athletes—it builds confidence, community, and life skills that stick. Whether you're a parent looking for a positive outlet for your kids or an adult wanting a fresh way to get active, this episode shows that fitness can be fun, strategic, and transformative. Learn more about Dexterity Depot at: https://www.dexteritydepot.com/

In this episode of the Lead Lamp Podcast, we sit down with Vinny Epifanotto, the passionate owner of Amici Pizza, to talk about what it really takes to build a beloved local pizza shop from the ground up. Vinny shares his journey—from growing up in Sicily and helping his father run pizza shops across Pennsylvania, to taking over the business and turning Amici into a household name in Mechanicsburg and now Camp Hill.

In this episode, we dive into the sauce that makes Amici Pizza and running a family business work so well. We also get into their marketing efforts on social media, fundraising, and what it means to believe prioritize  consistency and loyalty to the customer. 

Whether you're a small business owner, foodie, or just love a good underdog story—this episode is for you.

Visit Amici Pizza in Mechanicsburg or Camp Hill

https://www.amicipizzamechanicsburg.com/