Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of philosophical insight, teaching experience, and public-facing film programming.

This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science fiction, using classic and contemporary movies to examine cultural ideals, fears, and evolving ideas of what it means to be human. The discussion emphasizes film’s power to spark accessible moral and civic conversations, the importance of independent cinemas in fostering dialogue, and why these themes remain especially relevant during moments of national reflection.

Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of philosophical insight, teaching experience, and public-facing film programming.
This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science fiction, using classic and contemporary movies to examine cultural ideals, fears, and evolving ideas of what it means to be human. The discussion emphasizes film&rsquo;s power to spark accessible moral and civic conversations, the importance of independent cinemas in fostering dialogue, and why these themes remain especially relevant during moments of national reflection.

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.

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&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

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 start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

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 start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Film, America 250, and The Anxieties of the Atomic Age.

Dickinson Promise

National Bobblehead Day

This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold.

(00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students and redefining affordability in higher education.

(00:22:21) Meanwhile, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum marks National Bobblehead Day by unveiling a limited-edition Saturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebrating creativity, nostalgia, and cultural history. From serious strides in educational access to lighthearted pop culture collectibles, we cover how innovation can take many forms.

This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold.
(00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students and redefining affordability in higher education.
(00:22:21) Meanwhile, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum marks National Bobblehead Day by unveiling a limited-edition&nbsp;Saturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebrating creativity, nostalgia, and cultural history. From serious strides in educational access to lighthearted pop culture collectibles, we cover how innovation can take many forms.

Breaking Barriers & Bobbling Heads

Street Corner Talking

The Clearing House

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service.

(00:00:00)

First, we honor the life and music of the late Kim Simmonds, legendary blues guitarist and founder of Savoy Brown, through his newly completed autobiography, Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown. Before his passing in 2022, Simmonds spent years writing the story of his remarkable six-decade journey in blues-rock. from discovering the blues in post–World War II Wales to leading one of Britain’s most enduring bands and achieving lasting success in the United States with classic albums like Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train.

Kim’s wife, Debbie Lyons Simmonds, joins the conversation to discuss how she carefully compiled his original writings so the book could be published exactly as he intended. As Debbie explains, “It’s all Kim’s words, I didn’t add, I didn’t delete, I didn’t change anything.” Music historian and author Robert Schaffner also joins us, sharing how he has been instrumental in helping promote the book and preserve Kim’s place in blues history. Together, they reflect on Savoy Brown, the early British blues movement, and the personal stories behind the music.

Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown is available now for preorder, ahead of its January 28, 2026, release.

(00:22:29)

In the second half of the episode, we shift to an important and timely discussion on healthcare and veteran employment. Daniel Perkins, founder and principal scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, joins us to talk about a recent forum held in Harrisburg examining how states across the country are creating structured pathways for military medics to transition into civilian healthcare roles. These models may offer valuable insights for Pennsylvania as it looks to address healthcare workforce shortages while supporting veterans and their families.

In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of legacy, leadership, and service.
(00:00:00)
First, we honor the life and music of the late Kim Simmonds, legendary blues guitarist and founder of Savoy Brown, through his newly completed autobiography, Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown. Before his passing in 2022, Simmonds spent years writing the story of his remarkable six-decade journey in blues-rock. from discovering the blues in post&ndash;World War II Wales to leading one of Britain&rsquo;s most enduring bands and achieving lasting success in the United States with classic albums like&nbsp;Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train.
Kim&rsquo;s wife, Debbie Lyons Simmonds, joins the conversation to discuss how she carefully compiled his original writings so the book could be published exactly as he intended. As Debbie explains, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all Kim&rsquo;s words, I didn&rsquo;t add, I didn&rsquo;t delete, I didn&rsquo;t change anything.&rdquo; Music historian and author&nbsp;Robert Schaffner also joins us, sharing how he has been instrumental in helping promote the book and preserve Kim&rsquo;s place in blues history. Together, they reflect on Savoy Brown, the early British blues movement, and the personal stories behind the music.
Street Corner Talking, The Autobiography of Kim Simmonds: The Life and Music of the Founder and Guitarist of Savoy Brown is available now for preorder, ahead of its January&nbsp;28, 2026, release.
(00:22:29)
In the second half of the episode, we shift to an important and timely discussion on healthcare and veteran employment. Daniel Perkins, founder and principal scientist of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, joins us to talk about a recent forum held in Harrisburg examining how states across the country are creating structured pathways for military medics to transition into civilian healthcare roles. These models may offer valuable insights for Pennsylvania as it looks to address healthcare workforce shortages while supporting veterans and their families.

Street Corner Talking: Kim Simmonds’ Blues Legacy, and Building Pathways for Veterans in Healthcare

Human Trafficking Awareness

Dry January

In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery.

(00:00:00)

First, we explore human trafficking as a serious human rights abuse, breaking down what trafficking is, how force, fraud, and coercion are used to exploit victims, and why any minor who exchanges sex for something of value is legally considered a trafficking victim. We also discuss the reality that human trafficking is a crime prosecuted at both the federal and state levels, and why public awareness is critical to prevention and victim support.

(00:22:29)

In the second half of the episode, we shift to Dry January and recovery-focused conversations. We discuss why so many people choose to participate in Dry January, the physical and mental benefits that motivate the challenge, and how it can serve as a turning point for individuals questioning their relationship with alcohol. We also examine practical tools that people in sober living or rehab settings can use during Dry January, as well as whether treatment centers tend to see an increase in admissions during the month of January.

In this episode, we take a closer look at two important and timely topics centered on protection, prevention, and recovery.
(00:00:00)
First, we explore human trafficking as a serious human rights abuse, breaking down what trafficking is, how force, fraud, and coercion are used to exploit victims, and why any minor who exchanges sex for something of value is legally considered a trafficking victim. We also discuss the reality that human trafficking is a crime prosecuted at both the federal and state levels, and why public awareness is critical to prevention and victim support.
(00:22:29)
In the second half of the episode, we shift to Dry January and recovery-focused conversations. We discuss why so many people choose to participate in Dry January, the physical and mental benefits that motivate the challenge, and how it can serve as a turning point for individuals questioning their relationship with alcohol. We also examine practical tools that people in sober living or rehab settings can use during Dry January, as well as whether treatment centers tend to see an increase in admissions during the month of January.

Film, America 250, and The Anxieties of the Atomic Age.

In 1 playlist(s)

The Spark

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips