As summer wraps up in Pennsylvania, Asia Tabb sits down with Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan for a postmortem look at how the Commonwealth handled a busy summer filled with major events, festivals, and visitors. They discuss what went well, the challenges along the way, the economic and tourism impacts across the state, and what Pennsylvania learned from the experience. It's a chance to assess the results of the preparation efforts discussed earlier this year and explore what the season ultimately meant for Pennsylvania's communities, businesses, and tourism industry.

Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick is calling for stricter regulation, and potentially a statewide ban, on kratom, a widely available substance he says has been linked to deaths in central Pennsylvania. Sold in gas stations and convenience stores with few restrictions, kratom has sparked growing concern among public health and medical professionals. On this episode of The Spark, we examine what kratom is, why some people use it, the health risks associated with it, and the debate over regulation. Experts in addiction medicine, toxicology, and emergency care join the conversation to discuss the science, public safety concerns, and what Pennsylvanians should know about this controversial substance.

Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick is calling for stricter regulations, and potentially an outright ban, on kratom, a widely available but largely unregulated substance sold in convenience stores and gas stations across Pennsylvania. Hetrick says the drug, which has opioid-like effects, has been linked to local deaths and poses serious health risks, including seizures, liver failure, and, in some cases, death. He is urging parents to be aware of its availability and calling on state lawmakers to take action.

Joining the conversation are Dr. Sara Kawasaki, Division Director of Addiction Services at Penn State College of Medicine, and Dr. Robb Bassett, Associate Medical Director of the Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and an expert in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and addiction medicine. Together, they discuss what kratom is, why it remains controversial, the potential benefits and risks associated with its use, and what increased regulation could mean for public health and safety in Pennsylvania.

This episode features Rev. Jim Grossnickle-Batterton and Rebekah Priest, organizers of PeaceFest: Forging Peace & Cultivating Justice Together, a family-friendly community event taking place September 19, 2026, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Representing local Church of the Brethren congregations, Jim and Rebekah share the vision behind PeaceFest and the importance of fostering peace, justice, and community engagement in today's world.

Harrisburg Opera Association is launching its first complete season in more than 20 years, marking a major milestone in the organization's evolution toward a multidisciplinary arts festival serving Central Pennsylvania. Artistic and Executive Director Tami Swartz joins us to discuss the exciting 2026 season, which includes the free outdoor concert Opera in the Park: Battle of the Sexes featuring Broadway, television, and film star Rachel York, a new visual arts and therapeutic program, and the world premiere of The Velveteen Rabbit, a children's opera by composer Michael Gamon.

We explore the power of university-employer partnerships in shaping the next generation of leaders. Joining us are Alix J. Rouby, Director of Internships and Experiential Learning at Shippensburg University Career Center, and Angela Meyers, Director of Talent Acquisition at Hershey Entertainment & Resorts.

Step back in time and discover the enduring legacy of Central Pennsylvania’s general stores. Once the cornerstone of colonial settlements and early American communities, these stores served as much more than places to shop. They were gathering spaces where neighbors connected, news was shared, and new merchandise arrivals became community events.

and finally,

We sit down with Katie Knol of WITF to discuss the stories she's currently reporting, recent pieces she's published, and the role local journalism plays in informing and connecting communities across the region.

Step inside the Antique Marketplace of Lemoyne, the largest antique mall in Pennsylvania, and discover the stories behind one of Central PA's most unique destinations. Home to more than 275 vendors, the historic property has evolved from a 1913 bakery and horse stable to a thriving marketplace filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, and small businesses.

Earlier this summer, we discussed how Pennsylvania was preparing for a packed season of major events, tourism, and travel. Now, we're closing the loop with a post-summer look back.

Joining us is Anne Ryan, Pennsylvania's Deputy Secretary of Tourism, to discuss how the summer unfolded, the impact of high-profile events across the Commonwealth, and what the season meant for Pennsylvania's tourism industry, businesses, communities, and visitors. We'll explore what worked, the challenges that emerged, economic impacts, visitor trends, and the lessons learned as Pennsylvania looks ahead to future opportunities.

Join Dr. Elaine Farkas, Associate Professor of Physical and Environmental Sciences at Commonwealth University, for a fascinating conversation about the Strait Planetarium on the Mansfield Campus and its role in connecting communities to the wonders of the universe. Named in honor of beloved educator George “Daddy” Strait, the planetarium serves as a gateway to science, discovery, and lifelong learning for residents across north-central and central Pennsylvania. We explore why astronomy matters and how understanding the cosmos helps us better understand our own planet, our place in the universe, and the scientific discoveries shaping our future. Dr. Farkas discusses the unique opportunities for stargazing in Pennsylvania, the importance of protecting dark skies from light pollution, and how partnerships with organizations like the PA Wilds Astronomy Club inspire hands-on exploration for all ages.

How can AI help stop violence before it happens? In this episode, we talk with Kieran Carroll, Chief Strategy Officer, and Dr. Christopher Heilig, EVP of School Safety and Technology, from ZeroEyes, the Pennsylvania-based company using artificial intelligence to detect visible firearms and other weapons through existing security cameras. Founded in 2018 by a team of former Navy SEALs and technologists in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, ZeroEyes was built with a mission to proactively protect schools, hospitals, businesses, and public spaces. Carroll and Heilig share the company’s origin story, how a simple observation about unattended security cameras sparked an idea, and how their technology has evolved from school safety to broader public security applications.

On The Spark, we spoke with Peter Kistler, editor of The War They Won, a remarkable book preserving the firsthand accounts of more than 200 World War II veterans. The project began with Peter’s brother, Hobart Kistler, who spent 17 years interviewing veterans after starting the effort while still in high school. Following Hobart’s untimely death, Peter completed the manuscript, ensuring those stories would reach future generations. With fewer than 0.5% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II still alive, the book serves as a lasting record of their experiences.

Move Past Plastic will be recognizing local South Central PA Community Activists:

Keystone Trails Association is bringing its annual Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend to the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape in Lancaster and York counties this fall, set against the backdrop of peak autumn foliage. Based near Columbia, PA, the four-day event (Thursday–Sunday, October 22–25) offers something for every kind of adventurer, including:
 
 - Guided hikes for all skill levels
 - Road and gravel biking
 - River paddling
 - Overnight backpacking and bikepacking
 - Birding walks and a mushroom ID hike
 - Nature journaling and yoga
 - Stewardship projects
 - Tours highlighting the region's Underground Railroad history 

Move Past Plastic will be recognizing local South Central PA Community Activists:

We welcome Marvin D. Bryson, author, screenwriter, former television editor, and caregiver advocate, to discuss his latest novel, August Heat. Set in the early 1980s, August Heat is a compelling coming-of-age story that explores how the game of football shapes the lives, character, and resilience of young men. Rather than focusing on superstar athletes or championship glory, Bryson turns his attention to the millions of players who never make it to the professional level, revealing the personal victories, struggles, and life lessons that emerge far beyond the scoreboard.

During our conversation, Marvin shares the inspiration behind August Heat, lessons from a career spanning television and publishing, insights into family caregiving, and his perspective on how the entertainment industry has evolved over the past two decades.

Also, on the program 

we speak with Sky Elements Drone Shows, one of the industry leaders in aerial drone entertainment and holder of 17 Guinness World Records, to explore the future of public celebrations. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of traditional fireworks, including environmental concerns, impacts on pets and wildlife, PTSD triggers, fire dangers during droughts and burn bans, safety risks, legal restrictions, and rising costs. We also examine how drone shows offer an alternative, with lower noise levels, reusable technology, and the ability to operate in conditions where fireworks may be restricted.

In this episode, we talk with Adam F. Buck, President of the World War II American Experience Museum. What began as the Buck family’s private passion for collecting and preserving WWII artifacts evolved into a public mission more than two decades in the making. Today, the museum brings history to life through authentic WWII vehicles, uniforms, artifacts, immersive dioramas, educational seminars, guest speakers, and even hands-on vehicle experiences. Adam shares how the organization works to preserve, educate, and honor the stories of the Greatest Generation while connecting visitors to the experiences of Americans from Gettysburg, Adams County, and beyond.

Staying on the topic of WWII, 

Peter shares the remarkable story behind a unique WWII oral history project that began with his brother, Hobart. Starting in high school, Hobart spent 17 years interviewing more than 200 World War II veterans, preserving their firsthand accounts before his untimely death. Peter later completed the mission by bringing Hobart’s manuscript to publication.

The result is a powerful book that captures the war through the voices of those who lived it. Designed for young adults, students, and non-military readers, it includes maps, photos, explanatory notes, and even a guide on how to interview veterans. With fewer than 0.5% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII still living, this conversation highlights the urgency and importance of preserving these stories for future generations.