Pocono Mountains Podcast

Season 6, Episode 17 - Explore Skytop Lodge's seasonal Butterfly House with Naturalist Theresa as she shares the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, their role as pollinators, and how guests can experience this unique attraction. Plus, learn about Skytop's guided hikes, conservation efforts, and simple ways to create a pollinator-friendly habitat at home.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 16 (Flashback to Season 5, Episode 16) - A flashback to a favorite in our series ⁠Exploring State Parks in the Poconos⁠. Jim explored ⁠Promised Land State Park⁠ which is in Pike County - not far from Interstate 84. We learned some great insights from Park Manager Sara Jade Woodsmith about the park's beach, campgrounds, history and more. We also paddled for a bit around the lake with Kara Derry, who's helped lead the new group ⁠Friends of Promised Land⁠. And we learned a lot about the history of the park, one of the oldest in the state and with ties to the New Deal programs.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it's the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠ or watch ⁠Pocono Television Network⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 15 - Discover why Whitewater Rafting Adventures offers everything from whitewater rafting and ziplining to biking and paintball in one location. In this episode, owner Steve shares the company's story, the joy of introducing guests to new adventures, and what makes the experience memorable for families, groups, and thrill-seekers alike.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine, mark a major milestone for the United States with a patriotic show at Pocono Raceway honoring veterans and active duty service members as well as highlighting America250PA's role in the lead-up to 2026 and the U.S. Semiquincentennial! Jim Hamill celebrates and shares America's Birthday with this inside scoop.Whether staying overnight or visiting for the day, Brianna Strunk shows off unique ways to experience Two Creek Farm, a 600-acre regenerative organic farm fostering harmony with animals and the land.Join Deanna Fontanez for a visit to Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort, where over 70 years of family tradition have made this lakeside campground a beloved destination for generations. Explore the stories behind its past, present, and future.You've heard of snow tubing in the snow, but what about in the sunshine? Join Bri & Dee for a summer snow tubing adventure at Blue Lightning, one of the many activities at Pocono Mountain Villas by Exploria Resorts.If you’re looking for a destination where everyone in the group can find their thrill, find out how Whitewater Rafting Adventures checks every box, all in one stop.Cross the river and explore the borough of Lehighton at the southern end of the Pocono Mountains to discover unique dining experiences, locally crafted tastes, outdoor adventures, vintage and homemade shopping spots, plus great downtown Lehighton festivals: it's all here!Watch a historic recap of Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, including its stop in the Poconos as part of a coast-to-coast tour celebrating America's 250th birthday.Finally, don't miss the latest episode of Pocono Showcase featuring Project 9, a high-energy, alt-rock local band.

Season 6, Episode 14 - We’re right in the heart of summer, with the Fourth of July weekend bringing together everything we love about this time of year—camping, swimming, fishing, and time on the water, all mixed with patriotic parades and fireworks across the Pocono Mountains.

As we get ready for a brand-new episode of Pocono Mountains Magazine airing Sunday, July 5th, we’re heading to Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort near Waymart. It’s a special place where one family’s roots stretch back more than 200 years—and for over 70 years, generations of visitors have returned again and again to create lasting memories.

And yes… Jim may have even spent a summer or two lifeguarding there about 20 years ago.

In this episode, Diana Fontanez sits down with the Keen sisters to talk about how Keen Lake began, how it has grown over the decades, and how the next generation is carrying that legacy forward—while staying true to what makes it feel like home.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 13 - A century ago, the landscape around part of the Poconos looked much different. What once was a flowing river - surrounded by small communities and early industry was transformed into a massive man-made lake we know today as Wallenpaupack.

While we look to celebrate 250 year of these United States - we're also celebrating the centennial of Lake Wally - and the Wallenpaupack Historical Society has a special book up for sale this summer: Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial Anniversary: 1926 to 2026—An Illustrated History.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 12 - As we reflect on 250 years of the American experiment and other significant milestones across the Poconos, this episode highlights the newly expanded home of the Monroe County Historical Association in Stroudsburg, where history comes to life in a bigger, more dynamic way.

Brianna takes listeners inside the recently unveiled Heritage Center at the historic Stroud Mansion on Main Street. The expansion complements the original 1795 building, doubling exhibit space and introducing a new community room designed to bring people together through shared history and storytelling.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

This month on Pocono Mountains Magazine: summer arrives with a celebration of Lake Wallenpaupack's 100th! Jim Hamill shares Tiki Boat Cruises stocked with food and drink departing from Silver Birches Resort and captained by Pocono Action Sports, plus the history of the lake in a new book. 

See a side of zoo life most visitors never get to experience as Deanna Fontanez visits Claws 'N' Paws in Lake Ariel. Next, Brianna Strunk explores Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a former golf course transformed into a retreat where all ages can enjoy nature, wildlife, and public programming. 

Join Bri & Dee for a 25-mile bike ride on the D&L Trail with Pocono Biking, which offers a variety of day and multi-day trips for different ages and abilities. Pocono Television also checks in with Rob Kobrzynski from Three Hammers Winery to learn about the property  and his new venture, a Poconos wine brand inspired by locations throughout our destination. 

Meet Jerry McAward, a passionate young paddler who evolved into a community visionary and founded the Lehighton Outdoor Center, using his personal expertise to build a hub that redefined Lehighton’s relationship with the outdoors. 

Journey to downtown Stroudsburg to step inside the new Heritage Center, an extension of the Stroud Mansion, where the Monroe County Historical Association brings history to life.

Finally, in the newest Pocono Perspectives segment, Chris Barrett speaks with Visit PA'sAnne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of the PA Office of Tourism. Anne shares her thoughts on the Pennsylvania travel industry, its economic impact on the commonwealth, and trends for the summer. 

Click here to browse even more Pocono Television Network segments by topic!

Season 6, Episode 11 - Step into Claws 'N' Paws in Lake Ariel—where you’re just as likely to hear wolves howling in the distance as you are to meet a giraffe reaching out for a carrot.

In this episode, Deanna takes you behind the scenes with the team who makes it all possible, ahead of an upcoming feature in Pocono Mountains Magazine. From caring for more than 100 species to building meaningful bonds with the animals, you’ll hear what it really takes to run a zoo in the woods—plus unforgettable stories you won’t expect, like raising a porcupine at home.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.

Season 6, Episode 10 - Tourism touches every corner of our region. It's more than just a weekend getaway here in the Pocono, it's our heartbeat, our economy, and our way of sharing what makes this place so special.

In this episode, we're joined by someone who knows Pennsylvania tourism inside and out—Deputy Secretary of Tourism, Anne Ryan. From small-town roots to world-class city experiences, Ryan brings a unique perspective on how travel connects people, fuels communities, and continues to evolve in a changing world.

The Poconos is a year-round destination for millions and with 24-hundred square miles of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers with historic downtowns and iconic family resorts, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or an entire week. You can always find out more on ⁠⁠PoconoMountains.com⁠⁠ or watch ⁠⁠Pocono Television Network⁠⁠ streaming live 24/7.