The Spark

On today's special episode of The Spark Weekly, Marquis Lupton speaks with Kira St. Clair, who lost her brother in a tragic fire, Olliette Murry-Drobot about the murder of her father, and Grief Specialist Deborah Gonzalez about how people can live with tragic loss, and the and the effects it can have on the body.

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NPR's Hidden Brain's host Shankar Vedantam delves into the intricacies of his latest podcast series, US 2.0, challenging the prevailing narrative of a deeply divided America. Vedantam emphasizes that, contrary to popular belief, Americans share more common ground in their political views than it may appear. The insightful discussion explores the nuances of unity amidst perceived polarization, shedding light on the untold stories that bridge political divides.

US 2.0, as Vedantam elucidates, aims to showcase the multifaceted nature of American perspectives and experiences, transcending the often sensationalized portrayal of a fractured nation. Drawing from extensive research and compelling narratives, the podcast series delves into the shared values and aspirations that bind Americans together, fostering a deeper understanding of the collective national identity.

Vedantam's exploration challenges listeners to reconsider preconceived notions about the country's political landscape and encourages a more nuanced approach to understanding the complexities of American society. US 2.0 emerges as a platform for dialogue and connection, offering a refreshing perspective on unity in an era dominated by divisive narratives.

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In Harrisburg, the historic Lincoln Cemetery on South 30th Street is facing potential intentional damage, as two fallen trees have damaged headstones, according to the preservation group Saving Our Ancestors Legacy (SOAL). The group is seeking assistance to address the situation, emphasizing the cemetery's vulnerable history of vandalism. SOAL, currently assessing the extent of the harm, reveals that the cemetery gate was left wide open, contributing to concerns about intentional destruction.

Established as the oldest Black cemetery in Harrisburg, Lincoln Cemetery holds significant historical value with headstones dating back to 1812. SOAL Founder Rachel Williams highlights the cemetery's role as the final resting place for over 10,000 African Americans, including civil rights activists and Civil War veterans. Williams, motivated by a familial connection, initiated efforts to restore the cemetery grounds, having already repaired over 400 headstones and salvaged more than 1,000 sunken ones. The damage raises broader concerns about preserving the legacy and recorded history of those interred at the site.

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WITF's music director, Joe Ulrich, takes center stage as he continues to shine a spotlight on regional musical talents through his engaging episodes. As the mastermind behind the WITF Music program, Ulrich provides a platform for local artists to showcase their skills and perform their top hits. If you haven't yet tuned in to WITF Music, you're missing out on a treasure trove of exceptional music and insightful interviews.

Joe Ulrich's episodes are a curated blend of diverse musical acts, offering listeners a chance to explore the rich tapestry of regional talent. With a passion for promoting and celebrating local artists, Ulrich creates a space where musicians can jam out and share their unique sounds with a broader audience. The result is a vibrant collection of episodes that not only entertain but also foster a sense of community within the regional music scene.

WITF Music stands out as one of WITF's hottest programs, drawing in music enthusiasts and curious listeners alike. The program's success is attributed to Ulrich's dedication to showcasing the best of regional music, making it a must-listen for those eager to discover hidden gems and emerging talents. The carefully curated selection of top hits and engaging interviews adds an extra layer of depth to the overall listening experience.

In an exclusive interview, Joe Ulrich provided valuable insights into the inner workings of WITF Music. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the program's vision and the passion driving its success. As Ulrich shares his perspective, audiences are invited to connect with the stories behind the music and the artists who contribute to the program's dynamic playlists.

For music enthusiasts and those curious about the local music scene, tuning into WITF Music and exploring Joe Ulrich's episodes promises a journey filled with exceptional tunes and compelling narratives. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of the region and uncover the next big musical sensation with WITF Music.

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Harrisburg Vegan Chef, Chef Marilyn Christian has carved a distinctive niche in the culinary world with her soulful cuisine, marked by an unparalleled infusion of love and devotion in every delectable bite. In an exclusive interview, Chef Christian shed light on her culinary journey, a path guided by an unwavering passion for the art of cooking, and her Nana.

What sets Chef Marilyn Christian's soul food apart from the rest is its entirely vegan nature. In a culinary landscape often dominated by traditional ingredients, Chef Christian has redefined soul food by creating plant-based versions of classic dishes. This unique twist adds a health-conscious and environmentally friendly dimension to a cuisine known for its rich and hearty flavors.

Chef Christian's commitment to veganism goes beyond just dietary preferences; it reflects a broader ethos of sustainability and mindful eating. By substituting animal products with plant-based alternatives, she not only caters to the growing vegan community but also challenges preconceived notions about soul food. The chef's innovative approach demonstrates that indulging in soulful comfort food can align with ethical and health-conscious choices.

During the interview, Chef Marilyn Christian shared some of the secrets behind her favorite vegan soul food creations. Each dish, crafted with precision and care, encapsulates the essence of soul food while remaining entirely plant-based. Chef Christian revealed the meticulous selection of ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and culinary techniques that contribute to the distinctive taste of her creations.

One of the highlights of Chef Christian's vegan soul food repertoire is the ability to capture the essence of traditional soul food dishes without compromising on flavor. From savory collard greens to mouthwatering macaroni and cheese, her creations pay homage to the roots of soul food while embracing a modern, compassionate twist.

Chef Marilyn Christian's vegan soul food is a testament to the transformative power of culinary innovation. Her dedication to infusing love and passion into each dish has not only elevated the perception of soul food but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to gastronomy. As the culinary world continues to evolve, Chef Christian stands as a trailblazer, proving that soulful indulgence can align harmoniously with conscious and compassionate choices.

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Animal abuse is widely recognized as both a risk factor for and a potential consequence of interpersonal violence. In children, especially, factors such as dysfunctional families, antisocial personality, physical, psychological, or intimate abuse, and frequent exposure to domestic aggression or animal abuse have been confirmed as factors that can predispose young people to perform acts of animal cruelty. That’s according to the National Institutes of Health.

The FBI has recognized the connection between animal cruelty and violence toward humans since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children.

Obviously not everyone who hurts animals becomes a serial killer but there is a correlation between violence and animal cruelty.

On The Spark Thursday, Teresa Olsen, Program Director, Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect (SCAN), Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics quoted an eye-opening statistic,"There's an 88% chance that if there is child physical abuse, that there is animal abuse in the home at the same time."

Olsen addressed one scenario foir animal abuse,"The threat can be a big factor there. There might be sexual abuse going on, and they want that secrecy. So they'll be like, okay, well, if you say anything, that means I'm going to to hurt your belovd pet or kill your beloved pet. So it can be used in a variety of ways. But again, that kind of pecking order of who's the weakest in the family, and that person is going to get that abuse."

Kristen Tullo, the Humane Society of the United States, Pennsylvania Director talked about the organization's Keystone Links,"We aim to connect the dots between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, and our coalitions really come together dedicated to the prevention of protecting both humans and animals as victims of abuse.

Tullo indicated the FBI has understood the correlation between animal cruelty and violence and investigated animal abuse,"In 2016, the FBI actually began tracking animal abuse crimes into different categories. Prior to that, they were all lumped together. But now they're broken into four areas. The first is animal neglect. The second is intentional abuse and torture. The third is animal sexual assault, and the fourth is organized abuse, like rooster and dog fighting."

Animal sexual abuse? Tullo commented,"It is these most the most highly linked predictor of going on to child sexual abuse. And that's why it's so important that we intervene to get these preventative strategies in place to help protect people and pets."

Dana Herrmann-Hart, Director of Legal Services and the PAWS for Empowerment Program for Crisis Center North, works with victims of domestic violence,"We have women that are entering shelters report that pet abuse, use those perpetrators to manipulate and control their victims. They found that 71 to 83% of women that are entering into DV shelters report that their partners had abused or killed the family pet in the court system. I have seen it. I have heard it from people."

Herrmann-Hart said vistims of domestic violence often forma  bond with their pets and her organization helps to keep them together,"We work not only on educating the people about how do we identify this to get them services, but also to help them because that pet ownership can sometimes be a barrier to leaving. The abuser will say, if you leave, I'm getting the pet, or they don't want to leave their pet in an abusive situation, and they have that intensified emotional bond with that pet during the crisis. The second part of our program is that we will help them leave. We will help them get, if it's an emergency situation, a pet friendly hotel. We have, different kind of housing problems with pets. We help them financially with their pets way so that because they will not, they won't leave their pet if they believe that that pet is going to be harmed, abused or killed."

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Sammette George, a self-described "walking, talking, testifying miracle," recounts her remarkable healthcare journey spanning six months, which sheds light on her extraordinary resilience and unwavering faith.

It all began with a seemingly innocuous cough after a flight delay in Florida, prompting Sammette's visit to the emergency department where pneumonia was diagnosed. However, her persistent cough led to the discovery of a lung mass, swiftly followed by a devastating stage IV lung cancer diagnosis.

Undeterred by the grim prognosis, Sammette's faith guided her to trust the medical team at UPMC West Shore for her treatment. Despite subsequent discoveries of a brain mass and spinal issues necessitating emergency surgeries, Sammette maintained her optimism, believing in the silver lining amidst adversity.

Remarkably, both brain and spinal surgeries were successful, with the brain tumor proving non-cancerous, downgrading her lung cancer to stage III. Commencing chemotherapy, Sammette encountered minimal side effects, leading to a successful lobectomy to remove the cancerous lobe.

Today, Sammette stands cancer-free, attributing her recovery to the comprehensive care and efficiency of the UPMC team. Grateful for their familial support and swift actions, Sammette emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of challenges, advising others to have faith and resilience.

Her journey underscores the transformative power of faith, positivity, and exemplary medical care, encapsulating a story of hope, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. Sammette choice of UPMC exemplifies not only her resilience but also the profound impact of trust and optimism in overcoming life's greatest challenges.

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Almost every poll across the country indicates that the number one issue on Americans’ minds is the economy. Break it down even more and the answer is most often inflation.

Inflation has leveled off at about 3%, but that means prices are 3% higher than this time last year.

Heather Long, Washington Post Editorial Board member, columnist, former U.S. economics correspondent and Deputy Editor at the Patriot-News in Harrisburg writes that consumers don’t seem to think that way. Long wrote in a recent column that Americans tend to look back to before the COVID pandemic in early 2020, when prices on average were 20% lower than they are now.

Appearing on The Spark Wednesday, Long explained the mindset of many consumers,"It's really pretty simple. And that is that even though journalists are saying inflation has cooled, people think about inflation cumulatively. You remember what you paid for meat or for a house or for auto insurance three or four years ago. And you can see that the prices not only are they not coming down, but they're up massively. And in particular that overall, on average, prices are up 20%, since four years ago. Now the White House likes to say, hey, don't worry, don't worry. Your wages are up over 21%. So, you should still feel like you're better off. But the problem is, this is all averages. It's different for every family. And if you look at the basic necessities -- groceries, rent, gas, electricity --  you have to pay your electric bill every month. All of those items are up more than 20%. So those are the ones that are really crushing and that people are seeing week after week, month after month are all up more than 20% in the past four years."

According to Long's research, gas prices have increased 35%, groceries 21%, and electricity 28% since the beginning of 2020. Auto insurance is up a whopping 44%. In what may come as a surprise to many, health insurance premiums have actually gone down 21%, even though Long points out the formulas for determining those prices are convoluted.

Long said that the supply chain disruption for many products during and right after the COVID pandemic helped to fuel higher prices,"We couldn't produce enough for a long time."

She added there were other factors,"We also didn't have enough workers. In the United States, we laid off almost 20 million people. And so there weren't enough people in some cases to make things or to transport, things or cut through trains or trucks or whatnot to get them to the right spots. And so all of these different glitches, couldn't be solved. It took a lot longer to solve, many of these supply chain shocks, than I think anyone anticipated. And so, that turned out to be a major driver. Now, there will be an internal debate for years to come about the role that the stimulus packages played. Obviously, the United States opted to do historically large levels of aid during the pandemic. The federal government spending, the first two packages were bipartisan. The third package was passed by Democrats only and signed by President Biden in March of 2021, shortly after he took office. It's clear that that certainly helped drive some demand and probably put things over the top."

Some voters blame President Biden for inflation. Long was asked if Biden's policies contributed to higher prices,"If I had to put a number on it. And again, this will be debated for years to come. Inflation was probably 70% driven by supply, which really wasn't the Biden administration's fault. And, 30% probably driven by stimulus and government spending. You can debate what those exact percentages are. So, I'd say a little bit of blame. Probably not as much blame as he's getting. I think the hard part for President Biden is they kept saying in summer 2021, and then in 2022, it was going to be temporary, that this was a short term shock."

That also seems to be what many remember.

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In a captivating exploration of the ancient Greek concept of "doula's," today on The Spark we featured Rae Johnson-Bundy, the owner of DoulaRight Thing. Originating from Greece, the term "doula" initially referred to a female worker. However, its modern evolution has transformed it into a designation for women who provide crucial support to others, particularly during childbirth.

A doula's role extends beyond the delivery room, encompassing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support for women before, during, and after childbirth. This essential assistance is designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for expectant mothers. Doulas are trained professionals who offer expertise and guidance during significant health-related experiences, including childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion, stillbirth, and even non-reproductive events such as dying.

The expansive scope of a doula's impact is underlined by the multifaceted support they provide. Whether it's guiding a woman through the challenges of labor, offering comfort during a heartbreaking miscarriage, or providing solace during the difficult decision of induced abortion, doulas play a crucial role in the emotional well-being of those they assist.

Surprisingly, beyond the realm of reproductive experiences, doulas also extend their compassionate care to non-reproductive scenarios such as dying. This lesser-known aspect of their work sheds light on the broader spectrum of support they offer. Doulas like Rae Johnson-Bundy are instrumental in helping individuals navigate the complexities of life's most profound moments, offering a reassuring presence and expert guidance.

As the owner of DoulaRight Thing, Rae Johnson-Bundy is at the forefront of this transformative movement. Her dedication to the well-being of women and the broader community exemplifies the positive impact that doulas can have on individuals facing a variety of challenges. Through continuous learning, training, and a commitment to compassionate care, doulas like Johnson-Bundy are changing the narrative surrounding reproductive and health-related experiences.

The term "doula" has evolved from its Greek origins to become a symbol of unwavering support for women in various life experiences. Rae Johnson-Bundy's work with DoulaRight Thing exemplifies the profound impact doulas can have, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

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In his budget address last month, Governor Josh Shapiro called for the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. The latest Franklin and Marshall College poll found that almost two-thirds of Pennsylvania voters who were surveyed support marijuana for adult use being legal. Support is a trend that has been growing over the past decade. Several Republicans in key positions in the General Assembly have changed their positions and now favor legalization. Twenty-four states have legalized marijuana.

Gov. Shapiro estimated legal weed would generate $250 million for the state once it was up and running.

So, is it just a matter of time that marijuana is legalized in Pennsylvania?

Not so fast.

The federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance.Opponents say it needs more study, law enforcement organizations have mostly opposed legalization and some opponents have pointed out there's been an increase in vehicle crashes in states that have legalized.

Stephen Caruso is the Capitol Reporter for the online non-profit newsroom Spotlight PA and wrote a summary of where Pennsylvania stands on legalization. he talked about it on The Spark Tuesday.

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