Lancaster Connects

Jeff Giagnocavo, Ben McClure
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 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. Lancaster’s Favorites: The Businesses We Love & Why Your Vote Matters - Episode 247

    2D AGO

    Lancaster’s Favorites: The Businesses We Love & Why Your Vote Matters - Episode 247

    In this episode, hosts Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo team up as Lancaster’s local “dynamic duo” to break down the LNP Reader's Choice Awards — what they are, why they matter, and how community support can make a real impact on local businesses like Gardner's Mattress & More. The guys share why voting in local awards helps spotlight trusted businesses, strengthens the local economy, and builds stronger community connections. They’ll also share their official voting link for the mattress store category: https://lnpmediagroup.voterfly.com/category/11525/mattress-store    Plus, Ben and Jeff dive into some of their favorite local businesses around Lancaster and discuss the people, products, and experiences that keep them coming back. ???? 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

    1h 3m
  2. Answering the Call: The Future of Blue Rock Fire Rescue Featuring Duane Hagelgans - Episode 246

    MAY 18

    Answering the Call: The Future of Blue Rock Fire Rescue Featuring Duane Hagelgans - Episode 246

    In this episode, Duane Hagelgans shares his decades of experience in the fire service and his ongoing commitment to community safety. As Fire Commissioner for Blue Rock Fire Rescue—an organization he helped establish in 2011—Duane discusses the department’s role serving six miles of Manor Township and Millersville Borough, as well as the current campaign to build a new station for its dedicated volunteers. With an impressive 48-year career, including his retirement from Lancaster City in 2011, Duane offers valuable insights into leadership, emergency response, and the evolution of fire services. He also reflects on his work shaping future professionals as a professor and program coordinator of emergency management at Millersville University. ???? Connect with Duane Hagelgans:  ✅ Website:https://www.bluerockfire.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Blue-Rock-Regional-Fire-District/100064674767355/#  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

    58 min
  3. 2026 Memorial Day Preview at Gardner's Mattress & More - Episode 245

    MAY 11

    2026 Memorial Day Preview at Gardner's Mattress & More - Episode 245

    In this episode, Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo preview the 2026 Memorial Day event at Gardner’s Mattress & More, focusing on how upgrading your sleep can help you feel more energized all summer long. The conversation covers why quality rest matters, what to consider when choosing a new mattress, and how holiday promotions can make better sleep more attainable. Tune in for practical tips on boosting comfort, supporting overall wellness through sleep, and making the most of limited-time savings. 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

    1h 7m
  4. Meet Drew Bleil, Lancaster’s Newest Sleep Science Coach - Episode 244

    MAY 4

    Meet Drew Bleil, Lancaster’s Newest Sleep Science Coach - Episode 244

    In this episode, we meet Drew Bleil, Sales Manager at Gardner’s Mattress & More and Lancaster’s newest sleep science coach. Drew shares how over a decade in the mattress industry has shaped his passion for helping people improve their health, recovery, and daily performance through better sleep. He talks about his thoughtful, no-pressure approach to working with customers, why personalized sleep solutions matter, and what people often get wrong when choosing a mattress. We also dive into Drew’s life outside the showroom—from his background as a classically trained pianist to his love of roller coasters and all things Star Trek—offering a well-rounded look at the person behind the expertise. ???? Connect with Drew Bleil:  ✅ Website: https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardnersmattressandmore  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

    1h 3m
  5. More Than a Brewery: Inside One of Lancaster’s Most Unique Experiences Featuring Sam Allen - Episode 243

    APR 27

    More Than a Brewery: Inside One of Lancaster’s Most Unique Experiences Featuring Sam Allen - Episode 243

    In this episode, we sit down with Bube’s Brewery Dining and Entertainment owner Sam Allen, who shares his four-decade journey of restoring and reinventing one of America’s last remaining lager-era breweries. A Penn State graduate with backgrounds in business and psychology—and a deep passion for theatre—Sam took ownership in 1982 and transformed the historic site into a one-of-a-kind destination blending dining, culture, and immersive entertainment. He reflects on preserving heritage while innovating for modern audiences, and how storytelling, hospitality, and history come together to create unforgettable experiences. ???? Connect with Sam Allen:  ✅ Website: https://bubesbrewery.com/  ✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bubesbrewery  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubesbrewery  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BubesBrewery/  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

    1h 25m
  6. Changing Lives One Note at a Time: The Next Chapter of SWAN Featuring Diana Vuolo - Episode 242

    APR 20

    Changing Lives One Note at a Time: The Next Chapter of SWAN Featuring Diana Vuolo - Episode 242

    In this episode, we’re joined by Diana Vuolo, Founder and Executive Director of SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time. A professional violinist trained under the legendary Dorothy DeLay, Diana has performed at Carnegie Hall and alongside renowned orchestras such as The Philly Pops and the Saint Louis Symphony. With more than 40 years of teaching experience, she brings a deep passion for music and mentorship to her work. In 2011, she founded SWAN to support children impacted by trauma, using music as a pathway for healing, connection, and growth—integrating mentoring and mental health care to help young people build resilience and find their voice. ???? Connect with Diana Vuolo:  ✅ Websites: https://swan4kids.org/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-vuolo-64002047/  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swan4kids_pa/   ✅ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/SWAN4kids/?_rdc=1&_rdr#  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

    1h 4m
  7. More Than Insurance: Helping Families & Businesses Sleep at Night Featuring Brian Mahon - Episode 241

    APR 13

    More Than Insurance: Helping Families & Businesses Sleep at Night Featuring Brian Mahon - Episode 241

    In this episode, we sit down with Brian Mahon, founder of Igloo Insurance, an independent agency dedicated to providing transparent and practical risk advice for business owners and families. Based in Lititz, Pennsylvania and working out of Middletown, Brian shares his expertise in cyber liability insurance and why it’s becoming essential in today’s digital landscape. Beyond his professional work, Brian offers insight into balancing entrepreneurship with family life as a husband and father of two (soon to be three), while also pursuing his MBA at Penn State Harrisburg. He also discusses his commitment to community service through his roles on the boards of the Manheim Township Public Library Foundation and Referral Partners Plus, highlighting the importance of giving back and building strong local networks. ???? Connect with Brian Mahon:  ✅ Websites: https://www.iglooins.com/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmmahon/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianmmahon  ✅ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/Igloo-Insurance/61576235800018/  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

    1 hr
  8. Saving Lancaster’s Roots: The Future of Farmland Preservation Featuring Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann - Episode 240

    APR 6

    Saving Lancaster’s Roots: The Future of Farmland Preservation Featuring Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann - Episode 240

    In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann of Lancaster Farmland Trust to explore the urgent mission of protecting one of America’s most productive agricultural regions. Together, they share how their organization—one of the nation’s oldest and most successful farmland preservation groups—is working to accelerate the permanent protection and stewardship of farmland across Lancaster County. With over 38,000 acres already preserved through conservation easements, Jeff and Amy discuss the scale of impact achieved so far, and the growing challenges ahead as the county continues to lose roughly 3,000 acres of farmland each year to development. They unpack why preserving farmland isn’t just about saving open space—it’s about protecting food systems, water quality, local economies, and generational farming traditions. You’ll hear how their team partners with farmers and communities, the strategies driving their next phase of growth, and why collective action is critical to safeguarding the future of Lancaster’s land. This conversation is both a wake-up call and an invitation to be part of a movement to preserve what matters most. ???? Connect with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann:  ✅ Websites: https://lancasterfarmlandtrust.org/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-farmland-trust  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancasterfarmlandtrust/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancasterfarmland  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

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
5 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
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lancaster Connects
  • Show Website
    Lancaster Connects