The Spark

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PennLive has reported that Lenwood Sloan passed away on December 26th at the age of 77. Lenwood was a passionate historian, educator and advocate for preserving the story of Harrisburg's old 8th ward. In this conversation, originally broadcast on July 21 he and Dr. Andrew Hermeling discuss the “Look Up, Look Out” campaign that seeks to reimagine Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that was demolished in the 1910s to make way for Capitol Park. 

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Maury Giles is stepping into his new role as CEO of Braver Angels after spending five years with the organization as a volunteer, a transition he describes as both unexpected and deeply purposeful.

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This episode explores two very different stories unfolding in Pennsylvania. Both centered on who is counted, who is protected, and who holds power. We begin with an investigation into the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against states, including Pennsylvania, for refusing to hand over voter registration rolls. Drawing on a December 5th Mother Jones report, we examine the push to compare state voter data with commercial datasets and the broader effort to build the nation’s first federal voter database, one that could include sensitive personal information such as voting history, party affiliation, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license data.

Critics warn that such a database could expose millions of Americans to data breaches, reinforce false claims of widespread voter fraud, and provide political cover for purging eligible voters from the rolls. Potentially undermining future elections.

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In the second half of the episode, we turn to one of Pennsylvania’s most distinctive and often misunderstood communities: the Amish. With insights informed by scholarship from the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, we explore Amish history, religious beliefs, and cultural practices, and consider what their commitment to community, privacy, and separation from state power can teach us about democracy, citizenship, and life beyond constant surveillance.

Together, these conversations ask a larger question: in an age of data collection and political control, what does it mean to truly respect individual freedom and community autonomy?

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Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, joins us to talk about the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration and the meaningful partnerships with local communities, artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses that make the event possible. 

also on the program...

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for Church choir directors. We'll check in with 2 Harrisburg church musicians to see how they prepare, the process of choosing among a wide variety of carols and hymns, how one year's service differs from another, and what are some of their holiday favorites.

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This episode brings together two moments of community significance across Pennsylvania. First, we look at history in the making in Lancaster, where Jaime Arroyo has been elected the city’s first Latino mayor, winning 85% of the vote ahead of his January 5, 2026 inauguration. We discuss what this milestone means in a city where more than 40% of residents identify as Hispanic, and Arroyo’s vision for affordable housing, small business growth, and a more responsive local government.

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Then, we shift to the season of Christmas, one of the busiest times of the year for church choir directors. We check in with two Harrisburg church musicians about how they prepare for the holidays, how they choose from a wide range of carols and hymns, what changes from year to year, and which songs remain their personal holiday favorites. Together, these stories highlight leadership, tradition, and the ways communities come together, through both civic change and music.

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Asia spotlights two powerful stories rooted in service, culture, and community.

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One guest shares a remarkable personal connection to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, which celebrates its 90th anniversary next March. Seventy-four years ago, Schreiber (then the Easter Seals Society) helped correct a severe speech impediment, setting the stage for a 30-year career in education and later national recognition as a speaker on the importance of American Heroes.

Today, Schreiber continues to serve children and young adults across Lancaster and surrounding areas with physical and mental disabilities. As part of its anniversary celebration, the Center is searching for the oldest living former client, and right now, this guest holds that distinction. Listeners are invited to help spread the word.

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Also joining Asia is Dr. Tia Jackson-Truitt, Director of Staff & Community Engagement at the Penn Museum, who discusses the Museum’s upcoming Kwanzaa celebration and how it brings together local communities, artists, performers, and Black-owned businesses.

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Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and Research Chair of the mothers and Infants Cash Coalition, has spent years studying how cash transfers can improve reproductive and maternal health outcomes. 

Thomas McCullough, assistant archivist of the Moravian Church Northern Province, traced the deep historical roots behind one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable holiday symbols: the Moravian star. McCullough explained that the Moravian Church dates back to 1457 and originated in what is now the Czech Republic, later spreading across Europe and eventually to Pennsylvania in 1740.

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Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of 2025 in this special year in review journalist roundtable.

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Crohn’s disease is part of a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long-term, condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive system. Dr. Matthew Coates, a gastroenterologist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center tells us all we need to know about this condition.

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In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

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Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and CEO of Pennon, joins us to discuss leadership, vision, and what’s next as he steps into his role guiding the organization forward. Together, these conversations explore perseverance, mission-driven leadership, and how individuals can create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

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SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who’s being helped, who’s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward?

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We’re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even realize is still illegal in parts of Pennsylvania: tarot reading. After being threatened with arrest by the Hanover Borough Police Department in October 2023, Beck has been fighting back against an outdated law that criminalizes spiritual practices.

From putting food on the table to the freedom to run a small business without fear, this episode digs into what happens when the rules don’t reflect real life, and what it takes to push for change.

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In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, whose deep pride in his Indiana, Pennsylvania roots led to the creation of a humble yet powerful museum honoring his life as an actor, WWII hero, family man, and global citizen. From sacred symbols to silver-screen legends, this episode celebrates the enduring impact of history preserved close to home. 

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Then, we explore the beloved Moravian star, an Advent symbol that shines in homes and churches around the world and the surprising discovery of its original maker, found not in Germany, but in the Moravian Archives of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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