The Spark

WITF
  • 4.5 (32)
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When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

  1. 4h ago

    Preserving the Voices of World War II

    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.

  2. 1d ago

    The Road to Esports Nationals and the State of Pennsylvania's Waters

    What does Pennsylvania's 2026 Integrated Water Quality Report reveal about the health of the Commonwealth's rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands, and why should residents care? On this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the state's most important environmental assessments with Jill Whitcomb, Deputy Secretary for Water Programs, and Dustin Shull from the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Clean Water. Do esports athletes still play for fun, or does competing turn their favorite games into work? On this episode, we explore the balance between passion and competition with Central Pennsylvania esports players Brady Mace and Collin Lehman, along with coach Johnathan Walker of Valhallan Esports Training. They discuss how competitive gamers choose the titles they dedicate themselves to, whether they play the same games outside of competition, and how they keep gaming enjoyable while striving to win at the highest level.

  3. 2d ago

    Welcome to PENCILvania: Exploring Handcrafted Pencils, Sustainable Creativity and The Whiskey Rebellion

    In this episode, we meet the maker behind the Creative Toolkit, a unique wearable box designed to capture ideas anytime, anywhere. What started in 2022 as a hand-carved pencil made for a pencil-loving girlfriend grew into a small production line of handcrafted pencils and upcycled creative kits. We explore the story behind the first pencil, the sustainable packaging made from reclaimed pizza boxes, the QR-code system that lets users recreate their own boxes, and the mission to inspire creativity on the go. A conversation about craftsmanship, sustainability, and turning a simple idea into a growing passion project. Go behind the scenes of The Whiskey Rebellion with Kristian Berg, Senior Producer at WPSU-TV, and special guest Gary Smith, a local historian, Revolutionary-era music expert, and film participant. Kristian shares the story of producing the documentary, bringing 18th-century Pennsylvania to life on screen, and exploring the events that shaped one of the young nation's first major challenges to federal authority. Gary offers a unique perspective from both in front of and behind the camera, including his role as an excise tax inspector in the film and his deep knowledge of the Revolutionary period. Join us for a conversation about history, storytelling, and the lasting legacy of the Whiskey Rebellion.

  4. 4d ago

    The Spark Weekly | August 2nd | Crossing the English Channel and 50 Years of Sight and Sound

    Crossing the English Channel is one of the world's most demanding endurance challenges. For Camp Hill swimmer Jeannie Zappe, completing the feat for a second time was about much more than athletic achievement—it was a mission fueled by love, resilience and a desire to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease.  Kim Miller, the eldest daughter of Sight & Sound founders Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, will discuss the theater’s 50-year journey, sharing personal stories about its history, the 1997 fire, the rebuilding process, and the ministry’s growth and expansion. The interview will reflect on Sight & Sound’s milestone anniversary, exploring how the organization has evolved from its early years to where it stands today.

  5. 5d ago

    Celebrating 50 Years of Sight & Sound and a Landmark Weekend in Mt. Gretna

    Kerry Royer, director of the Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show, and Nancy Gates, president of Visit Lebanon Valley, will discuss one of the region’s premier summer events, taking place August 15-16, showcasing hundreds of artists and attracting thousands of visitors. They can also highlight how the art show coincides with the Mt. Gretna International Film Festival on the same dates, creating a unique weekend that celebrates both visual arts and independent film in the Mt. Gretna community. Kim Miller, the eldest daughter of Sight & Sound founders Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, will discuss the theater’s 50-year journey, sharing personal stories about its history, the 1997 fire, the rebuilding process, and the ministry’s growth and expansion. The interview will reflect on Sight & Sound’s milestone anniversary, exploring how the organization has evolved from its early years to where it stands today.

  6. 6d ago

    Hidden History of Pennsylvania: Harris Interlocking Tower and The Poison Rings of Philly

    From royal courts and rural villages to South Philadelphia, poison has long been a weapon of choice for those seeking a discreet way to kill, sometimes spawning organized networks of murder motivated by money, power, or escape from unhappy lives. This episode explores three of history’s most notorious poison rings: the Affair of the Poisons in Louis XIV’s France, Hungary’s Angel Makers of Nagyrév, and the deadly Philadelphia Poison Ring of the 1930s, an alleged murder conspiracy that may have claimed dozens of victims. Join the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for a behind-the-scenes look at Harris Tower and the Power Directors Office, two remarkable pieces of Pennsylvania Railroad history hidden in plain sight. Chapter leaders and historians share how this once-bustling rail hub operated, why its 113-lever interlocking machine was a marvel of its time, and how volunteers are preserving its legacy for future generations.

  7. Jul 29

    Mechanicsburg Woman Swims the English Channel for a Second Time, Plus Insights into Lifeguard Training

    Jeannie Zappe, a Mechanicsburg-area swim coach, successfully completed her second 21-mile English Channel crossing at age 60, finishing the swim in 15 hours and 10 minutes. Inspired by her husband Chris's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, she undertook the challenge to raise funds for Alzheimer's research and has raised more than $27,000 for the Clear Thoughts Foundation. Also on the program, we focus on the rigorous training and responsibilities of lifeguards, with Wyatt Werneth, the American Lifeguard Association's Public Service Spokesperson, drawing on decades of experience in lifeguarding, marine operations, military service, and aquatic safety education, Werneth promotes safe water practices nationwide through media interviews, public outreach, and the development of health and safety programs.

  8. Jul 28

    Tick Season Returns and the Pride of the Susquehanna Sets Sail

    Tick season is back in Pennsylvania, and experts say 2026 is shaping up to be another challenging year. In this episode, we talk about how severe tick activity is across the state, what’s driving tick populations, and the health risks Pennsylvanians should be aware of this summer. Dr. Erika Machtinger, Associate Professor of Entomology and Extension Vector-borne Disease Team Lead at Penn State, explains what experts are seeing this season and how residents can protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses. Emily Struckhoff, Extension Program Specialist with Penn State Extension, shares practical guidance for families, including prevention tips, tick checks, and what to do if you find a tick attached.The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat continues to be an iconic attraction on the Susquehanna River, connecting residents and visitors with the region’s history, recreation, and tourism opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Snyder, Riverboat Administrator/Manager, to discuss the riverboat’s role in the community, upcoming events, and its impact on local tourism and economic development. We’ll also talk about the recent approval of a $25,000 Dauphin County tourism grant, which will help support efforts to attract new visitors and strengthen the regional economy.

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4.5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

Information

  • Creator
    WITF
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    212
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Spark

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