The Spark

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association is highlighting both the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease and increasing public interest in brain health.

A new report is offering a closer look at preschool education across the country and where states stand when it comes to early learning access and quality.

We sit down with Vashti DuBois, Founder and Executive Director of The Colored Girls Museum (TCGM) in Philadelphia—a groundbreaking, place-based “living museum” dedicated to honoring the “ordinary extraordinary” lives of Black women and girls.

Shimera Dennis shares the inspiring story behind D&D Journey – Children with Disabilities Matter, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum and their caregivers. Motivated by her own experience raising two children with autism, Shimera created the organization to fill critical gaps in local resources and advocacy. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, she opens up about her journey, the challenges families face, and the impact of building a supportive community for those navigating autism.

In honor of Community Action Month, this conversation with Vanessa Philbert (CAP Lancaster) and Robin Rohrbaugh (Community Progress Council) explores how local agencies support families with young children through programs like Head Start and WIC, and how a two-generation approach can help break cycles of poverty. The episode highlights the challenges facing low-income families in Pennsylvania and the community-wide solutions driving long-term economic stability.

A deep dive into the 2025 NIEER State of Preschool Yearbook with lead author Allison Friedman-Krauss and Director Steve Barnett, exploring national trends and what they reveal about the quality, access, and funding of early childhood education—plus a closer look at where Pennsylvania stands. This conversation offers listeners a clear, data-driven snapshot of how states are supporting (or falling short in supporting) young learners.

Join Chris Vera in person as he shares the history and hidden stories of Zion Hill Cemetery and its role in Columbia’s past. Learn why preserving this site still matters today.

Also on the program: Dr. Christopher Weber of the Alzheimer’s Association to break down the latest Facts and Figures report, including new insights on brain health, midlife prevention, and the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease. Learn what the latest data reveals and what individuals can do now to protect their cognitive health.

Zachary Adams, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, leads a critical conversation from the first public hearing in a statewide series on data center development. Joined by Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess and Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson, the discussion explores how the rapid growth of data centers is shaping rural communities across Pennsylvania.

Also, we highlight Farm Sanctuary’s 40th anniversary and the evolution of the global farm animal protection movement. Featuring insights connected to Sanctuary Day and the organization’s founding vision, the conversation reflects on how one rescue in 1986 grew into an international network of sanctuaries transforming public awareness.

We sit down with David Leidholdt, Artistic Director of Millbrook Playhouse, a renowned summer stock theater rooted in tradition and creativity. David shares insights into the unique world of summer stock, how Millbrook balances classic productions with fresh, contemporary work, and what it takes to lead a dynamic, seasonal company. From behind-the-scenes stories to the challenges of shaping a vibrant theatrical experience, this conversation offers a compelling look at the passion and artistry that keep live theater thriving.

up next is a conversation with leaders and a rising star from the PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic. Executive Director Garry Cathell and COO Nicole Whitmire share the impact, history, and community spirit behind one of the nation’s premier high school all-star games, while Trinity High School standout Marcus Yeager—headed to the University of Richmond—gives a player’s perspective on earning a spot on Team PA. We also highlight the exciting lineup of Memorial Day Weekend events, from girl's flag football and the Fan Fest to the iconic Big 33 game, all celebrating talent, service, and opportunity.

A proposal in Pennsylvania aims to change how police interrogations are handled—by requiring certain custodial interviews to be recorded. Supporters, including the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, say the measure could help prevent false confessions while also protecting law enforcement by creating a clear record of what happens during questioning. Similar policies are already in place in many other states.

up next is a conversation with leaders and a rising star from the PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic. Executive Director Garry Cathell and COO Nicole Whitmire share the impact, history, and community spirit behind one of the nation’s premier high school all-star games, while Trinity High School standout Marcus Yeager—headed to the University of Richmond—gives a player’s perspective on earning a spot on Team PA. We also highlight the exciting lineup of Memorial Day Weekend events, from girl's flag football and the Fan Fest to the iconic Big 33 game, all celebrating talent, service, and opportunity.

We talk with Karen M. Dixon, Transportation and Community Planner at the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, about her research along Interstate 81 in Cumberland and Franklin Counties. Karen explores how transportation infrastructure intersects with environmental conservation, with a focus on wildlife crossings and their role in improving road safety and ecosystem connectivity. We also discuss Pennsylvania’s growing momentum around wildlife corridor planning, including a new statewide working group developing a comprehensive blueprint to protect habitats while supporting resilient transportation systems.

we’re also joined by Elena Cuffari, a cognitive science researcher and feminist philosopher at Franklin & Marshall College, to unpack the complex relationship between exercise, body image, and gender. Drawing on her work in embodiment and lived experience, Elena explores how agency, personal style, and pleasure shape the way we move and care for our bodies. Together, we examine the cultural pressures surrounding “bikini body” narratives, the impact of evolving beauty standards, and how fitness can be reframed as a source of empowerment rather than expectation.

Pennsylvania’s newest — and most unique — state park is officially open, and it’s unlike anything else in the system. In this episode, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Laurel Caverns Park Manager Corie Eckman break down what makes Laurel Caverns worthy of becoming the state’s first underground park, from its status as the largest cave in Pennsylvania to its decades-long legacy as a public attraction

With Skilled Trades Day May 6th, this episode brings together two perspectives shaping Pennsylvania’s workforce future. Secretary of Policy and Planning Akbar Hossain outlines the statewide strategy to expand access to skilled trades and strengthen the economy, while Tec Centro Workforce Network CEO Carlos Graupera shares what that work looks like on the ground in communities.

First, we sit down with Sue Gleiter, longtime dining reporter for PennLive and The Patriot-News, to talk about how the central Pennsylvania restaurant scene has changed—and where it may be headed next. With more than 25 years covering restaurant openings and closings, food trends, and beloved local institutions, Sue brings deep perspective on what’s thriving, what’s disappeared, and why.

Then, we take a close look at a critical criminal justice reform effort in Pennsylvania: a pending bill supported by the Pennsylvania Innocence Project that would require law enforcement to electronically record custodial interrogations for certain serious crimes. While many states already mandate recorded interrogations, Pennsylvania does not—despite strong evidence that recordings reduce false confessions, strengthen the integrity of investigations, and protect officers from unfounded claims about what occurred behind closed doors.