The Spark

WITF’s Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie leads a discussion with Pennsylvania’s leading government reporters about what Governor Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacey Garrity revealed in Wednesday night's gubernatorial debate.  He’s speaking with Haley O’Brien with WITF, Kate Huangpu with Spotlight P-A, and Gillian McGoldrick with the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Two Central Pennsylvania entrepreneurs recently got the chance to pitch their invention to millions of viewers on Shark Tank.

Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon are part of the team behind Ball 2, an interactive ball designed to get people moving, playing and creating together. The ball contains sensors that track things like how high it is thrown, how fast it spins and how hard it is thrown or caught. It connects to a phone or tablet and can be used to play hundreds of games.

WITF’s Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie leads a discussion with Pennsylvania’s leading government reporters about what Governor Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacey Garrity revealed in Wednesday night's gubernatorial debate.  He’s speaking with Haley O’Brien with WITF, Kate Huangpu with Spotlight P-A, and Gillian McGoldrick with the Philadelphia Inquirer.  

This episode features Viktor Yeliohin, Director and Owner of Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy, creator and sponsor of Arabesque, and a celebrated dance educator marking 50 years in dance. Also joining the discussion is Hannah Woodward, Associate Director of Community Fundraising for Four Diamonds, who shares how proceeds from the event will help local children and families facing childhood cancer. Host and guest Rachel Male, Marketing Coordinator for Arabesque and a teacher at Viktor's studio, discusses the inspiration behind the event, the collaboration between the arts and philanthropy, and the community impact of this meaningful Thanksgiving-season fundraiser.

We explore the dark and unsettling world of 19th century grave robbing, body snatching, and the notorious practice of "Burking" — murder committed for the purpose of selling victims' bodies to medical schools. As demand for cadavers grew with the rise of medical education, networks of so-called resurrectionists raided cemeteries and supplied anatomy classrooms, sparking public outrage and fear.

What happens when people leave jail and try to rebuild their lives? This episode explores the challenges of reentry through the lens of the Lebanon County Reentry Simulation, an immersive community event designed to help participants experience the barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration.

For 20 years, the Wildlife Leadership Academy has been shaping future conservation leaders. Sara Mueller, Ph.D. shares the impact of the program, highlights the upcoming anniversary celebration, and discusses the importance of connecting young people with wildlife and conservation.

What does it take to recreate one of the most iconic moments in American history? Wendy Allen discusses the planning, passion, and purpose behind Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish, a living history experience commemorating Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon, the innovators behind Ball 2, a sensor-equipped smart ball that combines active play with the power of conversational AI. Fresh from their appearance on Shark Tank, they share the story behind creating a toy that keeps kids moving, engaged, and entertained through endless AI-generated games and challenges. We discuss the future of interactive play, how technology can encourage physical activity, and the entrepreneurial journey of bringing a groundbreaking product to market. Whether you're a parent, educator, tech enthusiast, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers an exciting look at the intersection of play and innovation.

We explore Murder the Page, a unique collection of rage-writing journals by author Jillian Biehl Morrison. Created for those moments when life, relationships, work, family, hormones, or everyday frustrations push us to the edge, these journals offer a safe space to release anger, process emotions, and put unfiltered thoughts onto the page. Jillian shares the inspiration behind the collection, her passion for personal growth and self-understanding, and how her work helps people navigate confidence, communication, and emotional well-being. Discover why sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is write it down.

After four decades of leadership, Carrie Wissler-Thomas is retiring as President and Executive Director of the Art Association of Harrisburg. A lifelong artist, educator, and advocate for the visual arts, Carrie has played a pivotal role in shaping Harrisburg’s arts community since the 1980s. 

A new nationwide analysis reveals that 21.4 million women in the United States who need subsidized birth control live in counties with limited access to affordable contraceptive care. In this episode, we explore the findings from two reproductive health organizations, Power to Decide and the Guttmacher Institute, which have developed updated county-level maps highlighting contraception access gaps across the country.

Juniata County’s history comes to life through the work of the Jessica Eaton Guyer, curator of the Tuscarora Academy Museum, president of the Juniata County Historical Society, and county advisor for America250PA. In this episode, we explore the mission of the Juniata County Historical Society and its efforts to discover, preserve, and share the rich history of the county.

The penny has been part of American life for more than 230 years, but Congress has decided its time has come to an end. On this episode, we speak with leaders of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists about the decision to stop minting the one-cent coin, the economic factors behind it, and what the change means for collectors and consumers.

Erica Jo joins us as we explore the world of seasonal transitions that make autumn a critical time for gardeners and growers. Erica shares practical tips for fall planting, garden maintenance, soil preparation, and protecting plants as temperatures begin to cool. We also discuss the beauty of the autumn landscape, ways to extend the growing season, and how thoughtful fall gardening can set the stage for a healthier, more vibrant garden in the spring. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, this episode offers timely advice and inspiration for making the most of the October growing season.

We speak with Hong Huo, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design & Digital Media at Messiah University, about Dirty Laundry: The Hidden History, an exhibition that explores Chinese immigration history through art, design, and dance. Inspired by choreographer Li Chiao-Ping’s multimedia dance project, the exhibition brings together creative research, visual storytelling, and interdisciplinary collaboration to uncover overlooked historical narratives.

Celebrate 80 years of music, community, and artistic excellence as we preview the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-2027 80th Anniversary Season with Executive Director Guy McIntosh. In this episode, we explore a landmark season featuring nine unforgettable concerts, from The Music of Queen and Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight to A Broadway New Year and Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony.

The penny has been a part of American life for more than 230 years, but Congress has decided its days are numbered. In this episode, we talk with leaders of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists about the decision to end production of the one-cent coin and what it means for consumers, collectors, and the future of U.S. currency.

We speak with Michael Gamon, composer of The Velveteen Rabbit and Creative & Fine Arts Chair at Harrisburg Academy; Ava Rooney, Harrisburg Academy student and performer in the title role; and Tami Swartz, Artistic & Executive Director of Harrisburg Opera Association and production manager for the opera. Together, they discuss the creative journey of adapting a cherished story for the stage, the importance of children's opera, and the unique educational opportunities created through Harrisburg Opera Association's collaboration with Harrisburg Academy and Silver Academy. Hear how young performers work alongside professional artists, develop valuable skills, and help bring this heartwarming new work to life ahead of its world premiere performances on October 23 and 25, 2026.

We also re-air a conversation with Food writer, librarian and research historian Becky Libourel Diamond joins The Spark to discuss her new book, City Tavern: The Founding Table—Colonial Dining, Revolutionary History, and the Restaurant at the Center of It All. The book explores Philadelphia’s iconic City Tavern and its role as a gathering place during the American Revolution, where Continental Congress delegates and other influential figures met, shared ideas and conducted business over food and drink.