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. Growing Community: Inside Conestoga Valley SEEDS Featuring Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey - Episode 226

    6D AGO

    Growing Community: Inside Conestoga Valley SEEDS Featuring Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey - Episode 226

    In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey, Co-Directors of Conestoga Valley SEEDS, as they share the heart, vision, and impact of this growing community initiative. Celebrating three years of service as of October 2025, SEEDS was birthed from the passion of CV social worker Katie Reiff and a desire to cultivate a healthy, thriving Conestoga Valley community. Michelle and Kristen discuss how SEEDS enriches lives by connecting neighbors to vital housing resources, educational supports, and health services—walking alongside individuals and families to remove barriers through tools, resources, and meaningful relationships. ???? Connect with Michelle Kime and Kristen Hershey:  ✅ Website: https://seedscv.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Conestoga-Valley-SEEDS/100087483900730/  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedscv/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cvseeds/  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 2m
  2. Building Ability Through Fitness: Special Strong Comes to Lancaster Featuring Ruth Polillo - Episode 225

    12/22/2025

    Building Ability Through Fitness: Special Strong Comes to Lancaster Featuring Ruth Polillo - Episode 225

    In this episode, we sit down with Ruth Polillo, Owner and Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer at Special Strong Lancaster County. A seasoned physical therapist and mom of four—including two children with special needs—Ruth shares how her personal and professional journeys came together to fuel her passion for adaptive fitness. She explains why she launched Special Strong Lancaster County and how she’s helping individuals of all abilities access empowering, personalized fitness training. We also highlight the origin of Special Strong, founded by Daniel Stein, who overcame his own disabilities through exercise and created the program to help people build strength, confidence, and healthier lives. Together, Ruth’s expertise and Daniel’s vision showcase a powerful mission: making fitness inclusive, accessible, and transformative for every person. ???? Connect with Ruth Polillo:  ✅ Website: https://specialstronglancastercounty.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialstronglancastercounty  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialstronglancastercountypa/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-polillo-4ba00a58/   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
  3. Gifts with Purpose: The Story of Lancaster Gift Box Featuring Gabriel Luber - Episode 224

    12/15/2025

    Gifts with Purpose: The Story of Lancaster Gift Box Featuring Gabriel Luber - Episode 224

    In this episode, we sit down with Gabriel Luber, Chief Generosity Officer at Lancaster Gift Box, a mission-driven gifting company rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Gabriel shares how Lancaster Gift Box thoughtfully curates Pennsylvania-made products while championing farmland preservation and strengthening local communities. He discusses the company’s expanding mission—including its new e-commerce platform and retail space—and how intentional gifting can create deeper connections between people. This conversation explores the power of generosity, the impact of supporting small makers, and the importance of aligning business with purpose. ???? Connect with Gabriel Luber:  ✅ Website: https://lancastergiftbox.com/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-luber/   ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancastergiftbox/   ✅ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LancasterGiftBox/  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
  4. Theatre for All: How Servant Stage Makes the Arts Accessible Featuring Andrew Zahn - Episode 223

    12/08/2025

    Theatre for All: How Servant Stage Makes the Arts Accessible Featuring Andrew Zahn - Episode 223

    In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Zahn, a key leader in Development at Servant Stage Company, a Lancaster, PA–based nonprofit theater and theater education organization. Andrew shares how Servant Stage has spent more than 12 years bringing high-quality performances and youth arts education to communities across Central Pennsylvania — all through their inspiring pay-what-you-will model that ensures theater is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. We talk about the company’s mission, its impact on young performers, how community-focused arts can transform lives, and what it takes to sustain an inclusive and thriving arts organization. ???? Connect with Andrew Zahn:  ✅ Website: https://servantstage.org/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServantStage  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servantstage/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/servantstage  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
  5. Where Adventure Shines: The Magic & Mission of Refreshing Mountain Featuring Phil True - Episode 222

    12/01/2025

    Where Adventure Shines: The Magic & Mission of Refreshing Mountain Featuring Phil True - Episode 222

    In this episode, we’re joined by Phil True, Fun Specialist at Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, for an inside look at the mission, magic, and momentum behind one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved adventure destinations. Phil shares how Refreshing Mountain has grown from humble beginnings in 1983—when founders Marlin and Sharon Harnish transformed a run-down horse camp with just two bunkhouses and a stable—into a vibrant, year-round retreat center that now welcomes hundreds of groups and thousands of guests each year. Together, we explore what makes Refreshing Mountain a uniquely uplifting place for families, teams, and thrill-seekers alike, from its intentional hospitality to its ever-expanding lineup of outdoor experiences. Whether you’re curious about the heart behind the organization or the adventures waiting on property, this conversation shines a light on why Refreshing Mountain continues to inspire connection, rest, and unforgettable fun. ???? Connect with Phil True:  ✅ Website: https://refreshingmountain.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RefreshingMountain  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refreshingmountain/#  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refreshing-mountain/  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfaDpxUJjD60GcSS3LrmzPA  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
  6. From Connections to Community Impact: Inside Referral Partners Plus Featuring Aubrey Montgomery - Episode 221

    11/24/2025

    From Connections to Community Impact: Inside Referral Partners Plus Featuring Aubrey Montgomery - Episode 221

    In this episode, we sit down with Aubrey Montgomery, Executive President of Referral Partners Plus (RPP)—a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping professionals and business owners grow through meaningful connections. Aubrey shares how RPP has built a powerful network across 11 active chapters in Lancaster and Berks Counties, offering exclusive industry representation and creating spaces for dynamic networking and educational experiences. We also explore how philanthropy remains a cornerstone of RPP’s mission, driving members to not only grow their businesses but also make a lasting impact in their communities. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to expand your professional circle, this conversation highlights the value of authentic relationships, collaboration, and giving back as key ingredients to sustainable business success. Tune in to learn how RPP is redefining professional networking and empowering local leaders to thrive—together. ???? Connect with Aubrey Montgomery:  ✅ Website: https://referralpartnersplus.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/referralpartnersplusofpa  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/referralpartnersplus/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/referralpartnersplus/  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
  7. Restoring Purpose: One Veteran’s Journey from Service to Sobriety Featuring Joe Yurick - Episode 220

    11/17/2025

    Restoring Purpose: One Veteran’s Journey from Service to Sobriety Featuring Joe Yurick - Episode 220

    In this episode, we sit down with Joe Yurick, U.S. Army Veteran and host of This Sober Vet Podcast. Joe served in the Air Defense Artillery, working with the PATRIOT Missile System and deploying during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After years of self-medicating with alcohol and nearly losing everything, Joe made the life-changing decision to get sober — and has now been sober for over three years. Today, he’s on a mission to normalize sobriety among Veterans who struggle with substance use and the hidden wounds of service. Through his podcast, This Sober Vet, Joe provides honest conversations, community, and hope for those ready to break free from self-medication and find purpose in recovery. Tune in to hear Joe’s powerful story, his insights on the challenges Veterans face with addiction and recovery, and how he’s using his platform to help others live sober, strong, and connected. ???? Connect with Joe Yurick:  ✅ Website: https://thissobervet.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/This-Sober-Vet-Podcast/61567537590503/  ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissobervetpodcast/   ✅ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thissobervetpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  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
  8. A Brighter Lancaster - The Ongoing Mission of Newly Restored Featuring Kapp Brown - Episode 219

    11/10/2025

    A Brighter Lancaster - The Ongoing Mission of Newly Restored Featuring Kapp Brown - Episode 219

    In this episode, we sit down with Kapp Brown, Owner of Newly Restored, a fast-growing service business based in Elizabethtown. What began in 2014 as a small, two-person operation focused on tile, grout, and concrete cleaning has expanded into a thriving company offering a full range of services — including carpet cleaning, power washing, window cleaning, and even Christmas light installation. From humble beginnings in a home and rented barn to a 5,500-square-foot shop and office, Kapp shares the story of steady growth, team building, and community impact. Tune in to hear how a commitment to quality, adaptability, and customer care helped transform Newly Restored into a trusted name — and what’s next for this dynamic local business. ???? Connect with Kapp Brown:  ✅ Website: https://newlyrestored.com/  ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newlyrestoredhscr/  ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newly-restored  ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKAwNs0-4H4Z96m3BQob5g  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
See All (227)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lancaster Connects
  • Show Website
    Lancaster Connects