The Spark

We’re joined by Sarah Corcoran, Deputy Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, to spotlight the powerful impact of local environmental action. Sarah shares how grassroots organizations across Pennsylvania are protecting natural resources, educating communities, and inspiring meaningful, lasting change—proving that building a healthier planet truly starts close to home.

We also explore the legacy of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, founded in the early 1970s and based in Harrisburg since 1983. With more than 25,000 members and an all‑volunteer executive committee, the Chapter continues to shape conservation, policy, and civic engagement efforts across the state. This conversation is a reminder that through local involvement and everyday choices, we can all help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We’re also joined by Craig Samborski, creator and owner of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, just as the iconic duck makes a splash in Pittsburgh ahead of the NFL Draft. From first sightings that stop people in their tracks to the logistics of transporting and setting up something this massive, Craig shares the fascinating story behind how a simple rubber duck became a global phenomenon.

We talk about where the idea began, when Craig realized the duck was more than a novelty, and why people of all ages connect so deeply with something so playful and joyful. The conversation explores the duck’s impact on major events, unforgettable cities it’s visited, challenges like wind and weather, and what its popularity says about what people are craving right now—connection, wonder, and a little happiness. Plus, where the duck is headed next and what it would take to bring it to Central Pennsylvania. 🦆

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this episode features Lily Duarte‑Evans, Vice President of the YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, and Mallory Michel, Prevention & Evaluation Coordinator at PCAR. Together, they discuss what sexual violence is, how it impacts individuals and communities, and why awareness and prevention matter. The conversation highlights consent education, bystander intervention, survivor support, and the importance of communities working together to create safer, more compassionate environments.

This episode also features Angie Dickinson, Co‑Chief Encouragement Officer, and Michael Gingerich, Co‑Founder and Chief Values Officer of Someone To Tell It To, along with filmmaker Benjamin Wagner of Friends & Neighbors. The conversation explores the mission and impact of Someone To Tell It To, their work fostering connection and empathy, and the inspiration behind the documentary Friends & Neighbors. The episode also highlights the South Central PA premiere of the film, happening Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m. at the Public Media Center, and why community storytelling matters now more than ever.

 Philly Jazz Month is a citywide celebration of Philadelphia’s deep and influential jazz heritage, featuring a full month of live performances, educational programs and community events. From intimate local venues to partner cultural organizations, audiences of all backgrounds are invited to experience the energy of live jazz, participate in interactive workshops and connect with the music’s history and future. Highlighting local artists and fostering community through creativity, Philly Jazz Month honors the city’s enduring role in shaping the sound of jazz.

This episode explores the broad history of the American Civil War, examining its causes, major battles and lasting impact on the nation. Central to the discussion is the Battle of Gettysburg, a defining moment and widely recognized turning point of the war. Fought on Pennsylvania soil in 1863, Gettysburg halted the Confederate army’s momentum, shifted the balance of power and reshaped the course of the conflict. Its outcome—and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address—cemented the battle’s place as a critical chapter in American history.

On April 18 – World Heritage Day – the Colonial Industrial Quarter (CIQ) comes alive with artisans, demonstrators and faces of the past. Family fun takes center stage as you experience life in the 1700s through hands-on activities and living history demonstrations,
 uncovering the crafts and trades that made early Bethlehem the industrial heart of a young nation.

MADD’s mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support victims of these crimes, and prevent underage drinking and other substance use. A key initiative highlighted is MADD’s Promposal, a free 30–45 minute presentation for high school juniors and seniors that addresses the risks of underage substance use and impaired driving, while empowering students to make safe, memorable prom experiences through MADD’s High School Programs.

MADD’s mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support victims of these crimes, and prevent underage drinking and other substance use. A key initiative highlighted is MADD’s Promposal, a free 30–45-minute presentation for high school juniors and seniors that addresses the risks of underage substance use and impaired driving, while empowering students to make safe, memorable prom experiences through MADD’s High School Programs.

We speak with Ted Evgeniadis of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper about the ongoing legal battle surrounding J&K Salvage in York County. The conversation focuses on environmental concerns following a fire at the site, the Riverkeeper’s lawsuit to halt operations, and a recent federal ruling denying that request. Evgeniadis also discusses what the decision means moving forward and the broader effort to protect the Susquehanna River from pollution.

Santino Lauricella, Education Manager at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, explores the vital role native wildflowers play in healthy ecosystems. From spring ephemerals and pollinator-supporting plants to invasive species management and endangered plant protection, this episode highlights how the Preserve safeguards biodiversity in Bucks County’s Pidcock Creek Valley. Listeners will also learn why native plants outperform non‑native ornamentals, how they reduce water use and maintenance, and which species can thrive in home gardens—all while discovering the ecological richness of Bowman’s Hill’s trails, forests, and meadows.

Jill Manley, Senior Director at The M.S. Hershey Foundation, joins the podcast to discuss the long‑awaited reopening of the historic Hershey Theatre following a comprehensive 13‑month renovation. The episode explores how modern infrastructure upgrades—from new seating and lighting to advanced stage technology and accessibility improvements—were carefully balanced with preserving the theater’s 1933 architectural character and Milton S. Hershey’s legacy. Listeners will also hear about the Theatre’s rich history, upcoming 2026 performances, behind‑the‑scenes Spotlight Tours, and why Hershey Theatre remains a cultural cornerstone for Central Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Eley – Director of Education at Pennon Education and Caley McGuigan - Secondary Education Program Coordinator at Pennon Education tell us all about what Pennon Education has coming up for the spring and summer at WITF's Public Media Center and Schools across the commonwealth.

Legal expert Michael R. Dimino, Professor of Law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, and Fred Vigeant, Vice President of Media, Production, and Technology at WITF, break down a recent federal court ruling affecting public media and a Trump-era executive order. The conversation clarifies what the ruling does and does not mean for NPR, PBS, WITF, and other public media outlets—especially the key point that federal funding has not been restored. 

In this episode, we explore three topics that touch us all in different ways: the impact of organ donation, the beauty of The Blossom Belt, and the stress (and strategy) behind tax season. It’s a down-to-earth discussion about giving, growth, and navigating the responsibilities of adult life.

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis joins us to discuss his work protecting the Susquehanna through education, water‑quality monitoring, pollution patrols, and legal action. As Riverkeeper and Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Ted has built a reputation as both a coalition‑builder and an unrelenting advocate for clean, healthy waterways.

We also break down the latest developments in LSRA’s legal fight with J&K Salvage, a York scrapyard the Riverkeeper has accused of polluting local waterways. A judge has denied the Riverkeeper’s request to temporarily shut the facility down, leaving the case to continue through the courts as LSRA pushes for stronger environmental accountability.

Steve Kurtz and Lisa Smith join us to share the story behind The Downbeat Foundation, created in memory of Lisa’s son, Benjamin, who died at age 39 from an aortic aneurysm. A Central Dauphin graduate and accomplished drummer who played through high school, college, and with the band Dreading Monday, Ben’s lifelong love of music now fuels a mission to open doors for young musicians.

The foundation provides free drum lessons, a full drum kit, and transportation for Harrisburg‑area students in grades 4–12 who want to learn but lack financial access. With applications rising, Steve and Lisa talk about the growing need, the students they’re reaching, and how music can change a young person’s trajectory.

They also preview May Jam, coming May 16, 2026, at Royal Winery — a community concert featuring local bands, with proceeds supporting future Downbeat students.

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As more than 165,000 college students prepare to graduate from Pennsylvania schools this May, the job search looks very different than it did just a few years ago. In this timely conversation, Pamela Hill, Owner of Signature Staffing in Lemoyne, and Dr. Mohammad Rahman, Professor of Marketing and Director of the MBA Program at Shippensburg University, explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping hiring—and why many young job seekers feel shut out before they ever speak to a real person.

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Clutter isn’t just about stuff—it’s about time, money, and stress. In SORT and Succeed, Certified Professional Organizer Darla DeMorrow shares a practical, judgment‑free system that helps people get organized and stay organized using five simple, repeatable steps. Rather than pushing extreme minimalism or quick‑fix solutions, DeMorrow focuses on finding what matters, stopping clutter before it starts, and creating systems that work in real life—even for people who feel overwhelmed or have ADHD.