The Spark

WITF, Inc.
  • 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. 4H AGO

    Keystone Curious | A New Podcast by Susquenita High School and 4th Grade Students

    A new student-led podcast is bringing Pennsylvania history to life in a whole new way. High school and elementary students are teaming up to research, write and produce original audio stories that explore the people, places, and events that shaped the Commonwealth. The project blends classroom learning with real world media experience, giving students the chance to step into the role of storytellers, researcher, and producers.  Recorded live in front of a classroom audience at WITF's Public media center, where students got a firsthand look at how public media storytelling happens. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement, Legal Protections, and How to Prepare

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, and Andrew Brananoksi, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, with additional insight from Lize Miller of PIRC’s Removal Defense Team. Together, they break down how Pennsylvania’s immigrant advocacy and legal defense organizations support individuals and families facing immigration enforcement. Our guests explain the distinct roles their organizations play—from statewide policy advocacy and community coordination to direct legal representation for people in detention or at risk of removal. The conversation explores how their work has shifted amid an escalation of immigration enforcement, who qualifies for legal defense services, and the constitutional rights immigrants—including undocumented immigrants—continue to have. Listeners will hear practical guidance on what to do (and not do) if questioned by immigration officers, what documents people should have ready, and which documents should never be shown without legal advice. We also cover critical issues around home entry and warrants, including the difference between judicial warrants and administrative immigration warrants, and why that distinction matters. The episode closes with guidance for families on preparing in advance, creating emergency plans, and taking immediate steps if a loved one is detained. This episode is essential listening for immigrants, allies, and anyone seeking clear, grounded information about rights, risks, and protections under today’s immigration enforcement landscape. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  3. 2D AGO

    The Spark Travels to Penn State Harrisburg with Braver Angels: Skills for Disagreeing Better

    The Spark, hosted by Asia Tabb, will feature a 40‑minute conversation presented in two informal, discussion‑focused segments centered on the theme of learning how to disagree more constructively. In the first half, Asia is joined by Nita Landis, moderator of the Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop, and Dr. Jonathan Woodall, Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication at Penn State Harrisburg. Their conversation explores the value of sharing perspectives, listening with intention, and being open to learning practical skills that help people navigate disagreement in healthier, more productive ways. Drawing from the workshop’s core ideas, they reflect on why these skills matter in classrooms, communities, and everyday conversations. In the second half, Michael Lippert, president of the Young Americans for Freedom student club, and Elijah Espaillat, co‑founder of the Capital College Democrats Club, join Asia to discuss their personal takeaways from the workshop. They share what motivated them to participate, how the skills resonated with their own experiences across political differences, and why they believe others—especially students—can benefit from learning how to disagree with respect and understanding. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  4. 4D AGO

    The Spark Weekly | April 5 | Wildfires and Hemp Fiber

    As wildfire season ramps up across the state, The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused—often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes—making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk. On a recent episode of The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of Thomas Jefferson University and Mike Roth of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges—like processing infrastructure—that are shaping the industry’s growth in the state. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  5. 6D AGO

    From Generational Market Leadership to Industrial Innovation: How the West Shore Farmers Market and Pennsylvania’s Hemp Revival Reflect a Growing Sustainable Future

    (00:00:00) Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market’s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir. (00:23:06) Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector—especially fiber hemp—thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  6. APR 1

    Match Madness & Women in the Judiciary: Championing Community Health and Judicial Leadership in PA

    (00:00:00) We’re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits: Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits—all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact. (00:22:31) In recognition of National Women’s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022–2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career—from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues. We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min

  7. MAR 31

    Honoring Kevlar’s Creator and Preparing for Wildfire Season: A Deep Dive into Innovation and Safety

    (00:00:00) Stephanie Kwolek (July 31, 1923 – June 18, 2014), born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was an American chemist whose groundbreaking work in polymer science led to the invention of Kevlar — the exceptionally strong, lightweight fiber widely used in bullet‑resistant vests. (00:22:09) Then we speak with Mike Kern: Chief, Division of Forest Fire Protection and Matt Reed: Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning both with Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry about wildfire season and safety protocols we should follow. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  8. MAR 30

    From Rising Facility Fees to Women’s Health and the Arts: This Week’s Stories from Central PA

    (00:00:00) Syndey Roaches new feature series digging into a rising problem in the State College area: facility fees. They’re extra charges meant for hospital costs… but more and more patients are getting them at non‑hospital offices — with no warning. Sometimes adding hundreds of dollars to a bill. We’ll also look at the growing national debate around these fees, and what Pennsylvania lawmakers are doing as hospitals continue to consolidate. One local lawmaker shared a case where a patient was told to expect an eighteen‑hundred‑dollar bill… and instead was charged more than three‑thousand.  (0:34:26) March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we’re raising awareness in the media about endometriosis  (0:22:32) Pennsylvania Regional Ballet (PRB) is a nonprofit pre-professional training school committed to providing high-quality dance education, performance opportunities, and artistic development for dancers of all ages. We offer a full range of classes — from creative movement and beginner ballet to pointe, modern, jazz, and our intensive pre-professional track — all designed to nurture strong technique, confidence, and creativity. The Spring Gala is one of the signature performances on our annual calendar, giving dancers a chance to shine onstage while bringing our community together to celebrate the art of dance. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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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, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WITF
  • Show Website
    The Spark

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