Lancaster Connects

Jeff Giagnocavo, Ben McClure
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Lancaster Connects brings together local charities, local heroes, and local businesses to showcase the best of what Lancaster, PA has to offer so that in 2021 and beyond – our local neighbors and friends may thrive, be more productive, and live happily and generously. The Lancaster Connects Podcast is hosted weekly by Gardner's Mattress & More co-owners Ben McClure & Jeff Giagnocavo, and can be viewed on numerous streaming services as well as listed to on your favorite podcast platforms.

  1. 2d ago

    Gifts That Give Hope: Giving With Purpose featuring Jennifer Knepper - Episode 266

    In this episode, we talk with Jennifer O. Knepper, GTGH Fair Coordinator for Gifts That Give Hope, about the story behind Lancaster’s unique alternative gift fair and the power of giving with purpose. Inspired in 2007 by a group of women in the Harrisburg area who created an alternative gift fair, Jenn brought the concept to Lancaster in 2008—and it has continued to grow ever since. Gifts That Give Hope creates meaningful gift-giving opportunities that support local nonprofits, social enterprises, businesses for good, and other organizations making a difference in the community. Jenn shares how GTGH encourages a holiday season focused on connection, generosity, and less material consumption, while helping people discover impactful ways to give. We’ll explore the organization’s origins, its mission, and how choosing gifts that give back can strengthen our communities and create lasting impact. Connect with Jennifer Knepper:   ✅ Website: https://giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org/pages/giftfair  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftsThatGiveHopeLancaster  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcEIKlbND4M/?stkn=MWg1dmg1dDR1eHQwbA%3D%3D  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

    Gifts That Give Hope: Giving With Purpose featuring Jennifer Knepper - Episode 266

  2. Sep 28

    Restoration, Recovery & Community with Stephen Zywko - Episode 265

    In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Zywko, CEO of Compleat, who took the helm in 2024 following his team’s acquisition of the company in 2023. Founded in 1978, Compleat has long been dedicated to helping people recover from disasters. Under its new leadership, the company has shifted its focus from traditional advertising to meaningful community engagement. From sponsoring local nonprofits and encouraging employees to volunteer, to offering scholarships and participating in community events, Compleat is committed to making a lasting positive impact. Join us as we explore how this community-focused approach not only strengthens local connections but also keeps Compleat top-of-mind when disaster recovery services are needed.  ???? Connect with Stephen Zwyko and Compleat Restorations:   ✅ Website: https://compleatrestorations.com/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compleatrestorations/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompleatRestorations/  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compleat_restorations_/?hl=en  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    Restoration, Recovery & Community with Stephen Zywko - Episode 265

  3. Sep 21

    Fighting Hunger with the Lancaster County Food Exchange featuring Terry Kile - Episode 264

    In this episode, we sit down with Terry C. Kile, CEO and Founder of the Lancaster County Food Exchange, a free mobile web application created to help food pantries reduce food waste and connect families with the food they need most. Terry shares the inspiring story behind the platform and his mission to ensure that “no good food goes unused, and no family goes hungry.” With initial support from organizations including the Central PA Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, and Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, the Lancaster County Food Exchange has grown to serve 37 local agencies and more than 100 volunteers. Discover how technology, community partnerships, and passionate volunteers are coming together to create a more efficient food distribution network and make a meaningful difference for families throughout the community. ???? Connect with Terry Kile:   ✅ Website: https://lancastercountyfoodexchange.org/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryckile/  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    Fighting Hunger with the Lancaster County Food Exchange featuring Terry Kile - Episode 264

  4. Sep 14

    Welcome to the Jungle: Finding Hope in a Broken World featuring Cara Joy Torres - Episode 263

    If you're curious how one raw, unfiltered moment can turn into a mission that protects Lancaster County's most vulnerable kids, this episode is for you. Meet Cara Torres, a Hempfield grad, mom of three, Etsy shop owner, and forensic nurse practitioner whose front row seat to rising child advocacy referrals led her to blurt out five words that became a book title: "It's a Jungle out here." What started as a gut reaction and late night journal entries has grown into something bigger, and Cara opens up about the moment that changed everything. Tune in for an honest, witty conversation about resilience, purpose, and turning hard truths into hope for our community.  ???? Connect with Cara Joy Torres:   ✅ Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveDeliveredCo  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junglejanew2tj/  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    Welcome to the Jungle: Finding Hope in a Broken World featuring Cara Joy Torres - Episode 263

  5. Sep 7

    The Great Social Enterprise Pitch Show featuring Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High - Episode 262

    In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Tuno, Women’s Business Center Manager, and Lindsay High, Business Development Officer at ASSETS Lancaster, to explore how entrepreneurship can create meaningful economic opportunities for underserved communities. Jessie shares her experience guiding early-stage entrepreneurs through the Idea Incubator, helping transform business ideas into sustainable ventures, while Lindsay brings her expertise in business development and supporting entrepreneurs through their growth journey. Jessie also draws from more than 25 years in the restaurant industry and her experience as the owner of Butter and Bean Café to offer practical insights on building and growing a successful business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community impact, business development, and empowering women to turn their ideas into thriving ventures. ???? Connect with Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High:   ✅ Website: https://assetspa.org/womens-business-center/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assetslancaster  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assets.pa/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assets-lancaster/  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    The Great Social Enterprise Pitch Show featuring Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High - Episode 262

  6. Aug 31

    The Real Cost of Bad Sleep and Why Gardner’s Is Making Better Sleep Easier This Labor Day - Episode 261

    In this episode, Ben and Jeff explore the real cost of bad sleep and why finding the right mattress is about more than simply finding a great price. With Labor Day being one of the biggest mattress-shopping periods of the year, they discuss Gardner’s Mattress & More’s FREE • FREE • FREE event, featuring FREE Sales Tax, No Interest. No Money Down. Financing Through 2030, and a FREE Gift With Purchase. The conversation also covers common mattress-shopping mistakes, signs it may be time for a replacement, and why expert guidance can make finding the right mattress easier. Ben and Jeff also debate whether online mattress shopping has made the process more convenient—or more confusing—and why experiencing a mattress in person still matters. If you’ve been putting off better sleep, this episode is a reminder that what you sleep on every night deserves attention. Don’t just shop the Labor Day Sale. Come experience FREE • FREE • FREE at Gardner’s Mattress & More. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    The Real Cost of Bad Sleep and Why Gardner’s Is Making Better Sleep Easier This Labor Day - Episode 261

  7. Aug 24

    The Scoop on Nikki’s Custard: Catching Up with Nicole Dannehl - Episode 260

    In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Dannehl, Owner & CEO of Nikki’s Custard, to explore how her Midwestern roots and lifelong love of frozen custard inspired her to build a woman-owned, family-run business in Lancaster, PA. Nicole shares her journey from raising three children and building careers in educational and healthcare fundraising and construction management to turning her passion for frozen treats, creativity, and community into a business in 2022. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and following a lifelong passion.  ???? Connect with Nicole Dannehl:   ✅ Website: https://www.nikkiscustard.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkiscustard/  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiscustard/  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    The Scoop on Nikki’s Custard: Catching Up with Nicole Dannehl - Episode 260

  8. Aug 17

    Exploring Lancaster's Hidden Past with Adam Zurn - Episode 259

    In this episode, we sit down with Adam Zurn, founder of Uncharted Lancaster, to explore the fascinating intersection of history, folklore, and adventure. Adam shares how he uncovers forgotten stories, local legends, and hidden places throughout Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, bringing the region's rich past to life through immersive storytelling, treasure hunts, guided explorations, and kayak tours to the ancient Safe Harbor petroglyphs along the Susquehanna River. A technology education teacher with more than two decades of experience, Adam discusses his passion for preserving local history, his work with historical organizations, and the inspiration behind his books, which span Revolutionary War history, ghost stories, hidden landmarks, and children's literature. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventurer, or simply curious about the stories hiding in plain sight, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on discovering the remarkable history and mysteries of your own backyard.  ???? Connect with Adam Zurn:   ✅ Website: https://unchartedlancaster.com/   ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unchartedlancaster/  Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.  ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net  ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS:  ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net

    Exploring Lancaster's Hidden Past with Adam Zurn - Episode 259
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Lancaster Connects brings together local charities, local heroes, and local businesses to showcase the best of what Lancaster, PA has to offer so that in 2021 and beyond – our local neighbors and friends may thrive, be more productive, and live happily and generously. The Lancaster Connects Podcast is hosted weekly by Gardner's Mattress & More co-owners Ben McClure & Jeff Giagnocavo, and can be viewed on numerous streaming services as well as listed to on your favorite podcast platforms.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Giagnocavo, Ben McClure
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    267
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lancaster Connects
  • Show Website
    Lancaster Connects