The Spark

We go behind the scenes with the team at Gamut Theatre Group to explore their bold new production of The Tempest, running October 3–18 in Harrisburg. Directed by Diego Sandino, this fresh interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic relocates the story to the magical island of Ometepe, Nicaragua, blending timeless themes with rich Latin American culture.

We sit down with Jessica Eaton Guyer, Curator of the Tuscarora Academy Museum, President of the Juniata County Historical Society, and Juniata County Advisor for America250PA. Jessica shares her passion for preserving local history and highlights the important work of the Historical Society, whose mission is to discover, preserve, and share the rich heritage of Juniata County.

We sit down with Wesley Warshawer, a Fulbright Scholar and data analyst with more than a decade of experience in the semiconductor industry, to discuss a journey that transformed his perspective on America. After an eye-opening realization that his life in Silicon Valley had left him disconnected from many of his fellow citizens, Wesley sold most of his belongings, left behind his apartment, and spent 18 months traveling through some of the most rural and conservative communities in the United States.

Join us for a fascinating look at the life and legacy of Stephen Smith, widely regarded as the richest Black man in 19th-century America. This episode explores how Smith built extraordinary wealth and influence during a period marked by racial discrimination, while also examining his lasting impact on Black entrepreneurship, abolition, education, and community development.

What happens when scientists connect an electronic device directly to the nervous system to help restore access to sound? On The Spark, we’ll talk with neuroscientist and cochlear implant pioneer Michael Merzenich, PhD, about the development of cochlear implants and how the technology changed the way scientists understand hearing and the brain. Merzenich and his team at the University of California, San Francisco began researching the neurophysiological basis of cochlear implants in the 1970s, helping advance the development of multichannel implants and eventually contributing to their commercialization.

We sit down with Wesley Warshawer, a Fulbright Scholar and data analyst with more than a decade of experience in the semiconductor industry, to discuss a journey that transformed his perspective on America. After an eye-opening realization that his life in Silicon Valley had left him disconnected from many of his fellow citizens, Wesley sold most of his belongings, left behind his apartment, and spent 18 months traveling through some of the most rural and conservative communities in the United States.

We sit down with Pablo Lopez, Film Production Manager, to discuss the growing film industry in Central Pennsylvania and the mission behind Film Happy Valley PA. Pablo shares how the organization provides production-ready support for filmmakers, including locations, crew, vendors, hotels, permitting assistance, and local business connections.

We welcome Michael Martone, Founder and President of CineSpark, alongside McCaffrey Martone, writer, multimedia artist, and CineSpark team and board member, and Darien Reimold, award-winning filmmaker, Penn State York film production student, and founder of Crying Light Studios.

Did you know that Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was once the capital of the United States... for exactly one day? In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Tim Austin, Planning Committee Chair of Lancaster Capital Day, and Christina McSherry, Executive Director of Historic Rock Ford, to explore one of the most remarkable and little-known stories of the American Revolution.

How can dance, music, and culture help build healthier communities? In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lark Daniel, Artistic Director and founder of Dwennimmen African Dance Community, a nonprofit cultural arts organization dedicated to promoting wellness, cultural awareness, and community connection through traditional African dance and drumming.

We highlight a powerful example of grassroots advocacy in action. On September 29, 2026, prostate cancer advocates, survivors, patients, caregivers, and community members will gather at the Pennsylvania Capitol to meet with state legislators and discuss the importance of men's health, with a focus on prostate cancer awareness, education, and screening.

What if an electronic device could connect directly to the nervous system and restore access to sound? In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of the cochlear implant, a breakthrough medical technology that has helped more than one million people worldwide hear and engage in spoken communication.

We welcome Chuck Waters, a Lancaster County native, massage therapist, and author of the new memoir 50 Things at 50. What began as a personal challenge to complete fifty experiences around his fiftieth birthday, from travel and outdoor adventures to learning to ride a Onewheel and confronting long-held fears, evolved into a much deeper exploration of life's unexpected turns.

We explore the many pathways to a career in theater with guests Jane Brockman and Kim Barger, Education Supervisor at Hershey Theatre. They join us to discuss "Your Next Act: Exploring Careers in Theater," a special event on October 4 designed for students interested in pursuing theater-related careers after high school.

Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and founding member of both Graham Nash and the legendary groups Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Hollies, is bringing more than six decades of iconic music to the Luhrs Center in Shippensburg on October 9.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, Quest for Learning has spent five decades providing educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for individuals of retirement age. Diane and Joe share the organization’s history, its mission of lifelong learning, and how it continues to connect and inspire older adults through engaging programs and experiences.

We headed to the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, to learn more about how gliding works and what it takes to get a glider off the ground. Watch here:

The Spark Features: The Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association

The American paddlefish is a prehistoric-looking fish that can grow up to five feet long and weigh as much as 60 pounds. Its long, flat snout can make up about a third of its body and helps the fish sense what is happening in the water.

Derek Smith, director of Dive Every Puddle, wants more Pennsylvanians to know about the species through the Keystone Paddlefish Campaign.

In this episode, we examine the severe tornado outbreaks that struck York and Lancaster counties in August, leaving a trail of damage across the region, including significant destruction at Eastern York High School. County emergency management officials discuss ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts, coordination with state and federal agencies, and the challenges facing affected residents and businesses. We also explore this summer’s unusual tornado activity in central Pennsylvania, as the National Weather Service confirmed multiple tornado touchdowns across York and Lancaster counties, and what communities can learn from these devastating weather events.

We Love PA History! is a biweekly podcast from the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation that brings Pennsylvania’s rich past to life through engaging conversations with historians, authors, museum leaders, preservationists, and other experts. Each episode explores the people, places, and events that have shaped Pennsylvania and influenced American history, from the colonial and Revolutionary eras to modern preservation efforts. Through stories of historic communities, landmark sites, and influential individuals, the podcast highlights the importance of history, heritage, and storytelling in helping audiences better understand the past and its connection to the present.