The Spark

WITF
  • 4.5 (32)
  • News
  • Updated Daily

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. 19h ago

    Fall Gardening Tips with Erica Jo Shaffer & the Dark Fairy-Tale World of Jonathan Edward Durham’s Winterset Hollow

    Fall is one of the most important seasons in the garden, and Erica Jo Shaffer joins The Spark to share practical tips for making the most of the autumn growing season. From fall planting and lawn care to soil preparation, pruning, and winter protection, Erica discusses the essential horticulture tasks that help gardens thrive through the colder months and set the stage for success in the spring. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, this conversation offers expert advice for keeping your landscape healthy, productive, and beautiful all season long Pennsylvania author Jonathan Edward Durham joins the program to discuss his horror-fantasy novel, Winterset Hollow, and its journey from indie sensation to traditional publication. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in Eastern Pennsylvania, Jonathan explores how nostalgia, fairy tales, and darker themes helped shape the haunting world of the novel. He also reflects on how his background in neuroscience, screenwriting, and digital content creation influenced his storytelling approach. In addition, Jonathan shares insights into building a large online following through humor and balancing life as both an author and social media creator, while celebrating the book’s release with a special Halloween-themed event in Lancaster County.

  2. 1d ago

    Diary of a Bestseller: Jeff Kinney on 21 Books and a Worldwide Following

    #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney is hitting the road to celebrate the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid #21: Fight or Flight, and bringing fans an unforgettable live experience. In this episode, we sit down with the creator of one of the most successful children's book series of all time to discuss the newest Wimpy Kid adventure, his remarkable journey as an author, and the enduring appeal of Greg Heffley for readers around the world. With more than 330 million copies sold globally, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has become a cultural phenomenon, spanning 75 languages, Disney+ adaptations, a stage musical, and generations of young readers. We also talk about Kinney's nationwide Fight or Flight Tour, traveling in the famous "Wimpy Wagon," and the interactive Fight or Flight Show, where audience members join him onstage for hilarious head-to-head challenges. Artificial Intelligence may seem to exist in the cloud, but its rapid growth is creating very real impacts on communities across Pennsylvania. As developers propose massive AI data centers in areas such as Archbald and Allenwood, questions are mounting about electricity demand, water consumption, environmental impacts, economic development, and the future of the state's energy infrastructure. In this episode, we explore the growing debate surrounding AI data centers and what their expansion could mean for Pennsylvania residents. Why is Pennsylvania becoming a prime destination for AI infrastructure? Can the power grid handle the surge in demand? What effect could these facilities have on local water resources and ecosystems? And how are policymakers responding as data center development becomes an increasingly important political issue? Joining us are Dr. Brian R. King, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Faculty Fellow for the Dominguez Center for Data Science at Bucknell University, and Dr. Benjamin Hayes, Program Director of Watershed Sciences & Engineering in The Ecology Center at Bucknell. Together, they examine the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, energy consumption, water resources, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship.

  3. 2d ago

    Building Hershey’s Dream & Celebrating John Coltrane’s Legacy

    What role did architecture play in transforming a rural Pennsylvania landscape into the world-famous town of Hershey? In this episode, we explore Urban & The Chocolate King, the new book by architect, author, and architectural historian Gregory J. Scott that uncovers the remarkable partnership between chocolate entrepreneur Milton S. Hershey and Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban. September 23 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, whose influence continues to shape music decades after his untimely death in 1967 at age 40. Renowned as a virtuoso performer, innovative composer, and visionary bandleader, Coltrane transformed jazz through his groundbreaking work in bebop, hard bop, modal jazz, and free jazz. From his beginnings in North Carolina and musical development in Philadelphia to his collaborations with icons such as Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, Coltrane's career redefined the possibilities of the saxophone and modern jazz. His later work, including the landmark album A Love Supreme, reflected a deep spiritual quest that continues to inspire musicians and listeners around the world.

  4. 3d ago

    The Human Impact of Conservation and Cancer Research

    What does a purchase made in Central Pennsylvania have to do with protecting the Peruvian rainforest? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Campbell Plowden, Founder and Executive Director of Amazon Ecology, a Camp Hill-based nonprofit celebrating 20 years of connecting fair-trade economic opportunities with rainforest conservation. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but new research and emerging treatments are offering renewed hope for patients and families. In this episode, we welcome Matt Crosby, who lost his wife, Diane, to pancreatic cancer, and Dr. Lily Shah of Andrews Patel/Penn State Health to discuss the latest breakthroughs in treatment, ongoing research, and the importance of early awareness.

  5. 5d ago

    The Spark Weekly | October 11 | The Governor's Race Recap

    WITF’s Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie leads a discussion with Pennsylvania’s leading government reporters about what Governor Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacey Garrity revealed in Wednesday night's gubernatorial debate.  He’s speaking with Haley O’Brien with WITF, Kate Huangpu with Spotlight P-A, and Gillian McGoldrick with the Philadelphia Inquirer.  Two Central Pennsylvania entrepreneurs recently got the chance to pitch their invention to millions of viewers on Shark Tank. Andrew Brown and Kevin Langdon are part of the team behind Ball 2, an interactive ball designed to get people moving, playing and creating together. The ball contains sensors that track things like how high it is thrown, how fast it spins and how hard it is thrown or caught. It connects to a phone or tablet and can be used to play hundreds of games.

  6. 6d ago

    The Race for Governor and The International Ballet Academy

    WITF’s Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie leads a discussion with Pennsylvania’s leading government reporters about what Governor Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacey Garrity revealed in Wednesday night's gubernatorial debate.  He’s speaking with Haley O’Brien with WITF, Kate Huangpu with Spotlight P-A, and Gillian McGoldrick with the Philadelphia Inquirer.   This episode features Viktor Yeliohin, Director and Owner of Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy, creator and sponsor of Arabesque, and a celebrated dance educator marking 50 years in dance. Also joining the discussion is Hannah Woodward, Associate Director of Community Fundraising for Four Diamonds, who shares how proceeds from the event will help local children and families facing childhood cancer. Host and guest Rachel Male, Marketing Coordinator for Arabesque and a teacher at Viktor's studio, discusses the inspiration behind the event, the collaboration between the arts and philanthropy, and the community impact of this meaningful Thanksgiving-season fundraiser.

  7. Oct 8

    The Afterlife and Life After Prison: Death, Dissection, and the Challenges of Life After Jail

    We explore the dark and unsettling world of 19th century grave robbing, body snatching, and the notorious practice of "Burking" — murder committed for the purpose of selling victims' bodies to medical schools. As demand for cadavers grew with the rise of medical education, networks of so-called resurrectionists raided cemeteries and supplied anatomy classrooms, sparking public outrage and fear. What happens when people leave jail and try to rebuild their lives? This episode explores the challenges of reentry through the lens of the Lebanon County Reentry Simulation, an immersive community event designed to help participants experience the barriers faced by individuals returning from incarceration.

  8. Oct 7

    Keeping Lincoln’s Legacy Alive, Growing Conservation Leaders

    For 20 years, the Wildlife Leadership Academy has been shaping future conservation leaders. Sara Mueller, Ph.D. shares the impact of the program, highlights the upcoming anniversary celebration, and discusses the importance of connecting young people with wildlife and conservation. What does it take to recreate one of the most iconic moments in American history? Wendy Allen discusses the planning, passion, and purpose behind Lincoln at Gettysburg: Shall Not Perish, a living history experience commemorating Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

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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
    272
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Spark

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