In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Henry Rouhana, founder of Sure Fix Remodeling in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Henry’s story begins in Lebanon, where he spent summers on construction sites and found inspiration watching architects bring spaces to life. After earning his architecture degree from ALBA in Beirut, Henry immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children.

Starting over was not easy. With no money and no resources beyond his determination, Henry launched Sure Fix Remodeling. Over time, his business grew to include a full showroom and a trusted team of family members.

Today, Sure Fix is known for its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and treating every client like family.

Explore Sure Fix Remodeling: www.surefixremodeling.com

J.A. Marz joins the podcast to talk about his debut novella Ciao, Amore Mio… The Tale of Gabby and Gio, a romantic, emotional journey set in the hills of Tuscany. We dive into the story, the inspiration, and why readers are connecting with his work.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/idjdbM0 Full episode + links: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/jamarz

What started with a single blazer in the trunk of a car has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful stories of community-driven change.

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Sarah Barrett, Executive Director of YWCA Allentown, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Perfect Fit, a workforce empowerment program that’s helped more than 13,000 women step into new careers with confidence.

Topics include:

How The Perfect Fit began as a grassroots effort

Why clothing is just a tool, and the real heart is community support

Career workshops, tech certifications, and professional mentoring

What’s next for the next 25 years

Join the Celebration: Outfit to Empower Luncheon Friday, October 24, 2025 Renaissance Hotel, Allentown, PA

 Learn more or get involved: ywcaallentown.org/perfect-fit

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker welcomes Rebecca Francis, a leading luxury real estate agent in the region, for a thoughtful look at why the Lehigh Valley has become such a magnet for new residents.

Rebecca shares insights from her own journey, returning to the Valley after years overseas, and how she has seen its appeal grow. From great schools and respected health systems to vibrant farmers markets and a thriving restaurant scene, the Lehigh Valley blends small-town feel with big-city access.

Buyers today are looking for lifestyle as much as a house. They want nearby trails, community events, block parties, parks, and quick drives to New York or Philadelphia. Rebecca explains why those factors increasingly matter more than square footage.

She also talks about challenges, like limited inventory, the “lock-in effect” of low interest rates, and how new development is expanding into places like Macungie, Palmer, and Nazareth. The conversation also highlights how diversity, educational opportunities, and mixed-use developments are shaping what comes next for the region.

If you want to better understand what makes the Lehigh Valley so attractive, this is the episode to hear.

Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccafrancisrealtors.com

Read along on Substack

The SouthSide Film Festival is proud to present Rooted — a new documentary tracing 50 years of creative life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with three of the artists featured in the film: Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, and Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels. Together, they reflect on what it means to create and collaborate in a post-industrial city shaped by both hardship and hope.

We talk about the early days of the Lehigh Valley arts scene, the personal and cultural challenges that defined their work, and how a community of artists helped transform Bethlehem from a steel town into a space for bold, grassroots creativity.

Rooted Screening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM Location: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center Tickets: Get them here

Listen to the podcast: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/rooted

Southside Film Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org

The SouthSide Film Festival is turning 21 — and it’s still one of the Lehigh Valley’s most vibrant, volunteer-driven cultural events.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan to talk about the grassroots origins of the fest, how they choose which films to feature (“Would you pay $10 to see it?”), and what makes this year’s event more international and community-driven than ever.

We get into past favorites like Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, this year’s picks like 25 Cats from Qatar and 40 Watts from Nowhere, and how the SouthSide Film Festival remains a celebration of weird, wonderful cinema — built by and for the Lehigh Valley.

Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org

https://youtu.be/wErRTUrvj1Y

The SouthSide Film Festival returns June 10 through 14 in South Bethlehem. In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, host George Wacker talks with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan about what makes this grassroots, international film event so unique.

It began as a casual idea between friends at a coffee shop. Two decades later, it has become a fully independent, volunteer-powered celebration of independent film with global reach and deep local roots.

“We are an international film festival. We have films from Qatar and Cyprus this year. Ireland.

George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region’s housing challenges.

From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next.

“We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don’t have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz“If we don’t address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn

Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley.In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work:Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, andMichael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

Listen to the Episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

The numbers speak for themselves.

“We’re anticipating that we’re going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that’s in addition to what we’ve already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz

But this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building the right kinds of homes in the right places.

“People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can’t always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz

“The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn

George, Crystal, and Dahlia from Lehigh Valley with Love spent the day at Lake Nockamixon State Park with the team from L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs to try out just a few of the activities they offer throughout the summer.

From archery to kayaking to full moon paddles, these programs are built to help anyone, regardless of experience, get outside and try something new.

They spent time with Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, who shared how these programs are designed for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They also met with instructors Ruth, Craig, Dylana, and Sarah, who bring passion, experience, and approachability to everything from kayaking to archery, helping make the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone.

L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs are based at Lake Nockamixon and the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, offering kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, fly casting, guided hikes, and more. With options for beginners, group outings, and even night paddles under the full moon, there’s something for everyone looking to get outside.

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/ByiRCy4oizo

You don’t usually associate archery safety talks with jokes about Sasquatches or see your kid aim an arrow at a tennis ball in the rain and absolutely light up. But that’s exactly what happened when we spent a day with the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs at Lake Nockamixon.

This wasn’t just a video shoot or podcast episode. It was the kind of day that sticks with you. Not because it was perfect (it rained), but because it was real. And more people need this kind of real right now.

Guests:

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with the organizers of Get Outta Your Booth!, a new kind of voiceover conference happening June 27–29, 2025 at National Sokols Lodge #93 in Bethlehem, PA.

This isn’t your average industry meetup — Get Outta Your Booth! is designed around accessibility and community. With just 100 attendees, sessions led by working pros, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke socials, and zero profit motive, it’s built to bring voice actors together without the pressure or price tag of larger events.

Why voiceover is about more than “having a good voice”

How to go pro from your home studio — no LA or NYC required

Building community in a solo-heavy career

The scary reality of AI voice theft — yes, it’s happening

What most beginners get wrong (and how to do it right)

Learn more + get tickets → getouttayourbooth.com Listen to the full episode → lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Guests:

Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre

Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/ Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

Watch On Youtube———-www.lvwithlove.com

Episode Recap

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone TheatreWhat happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.