Jimmy Stewart

Moravian Star

(00:00:00)

In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, whose deep pride in his Indiana, Pennsylvania roots led to the creation of a humble yet powerful museum honoring his life as an actor, WWII hero, family man, and global citizen. From sacred symbols to silver-screen legends, this episode celebrates the enduring impact of history preserved close to home. 

(00:22:42)

Then, we explore the beloved Moravian star, an Advent symbol that shines in homes and churches around the world and the surprising discovery of its original maker, found not in Germany, but in the Moravian Archives of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

(00:00:00)
In this episode, we uncover two remarkable stories where tradition and place intersect in unexpected ways. First, we turn to the quiet legacy of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, whose deep pride in his Indiana, Pennsylvania roots led to the creation of a humble yet powerful museum honoring his life as an actor, WWII hero, family man, and global citizen. From sacred symbols to silver-screen legends, this episode celebrates the enduring impact of history preserved close to home.&nbsp;
(00:22:42)
Then, we explore the beloved Moravian star, an Advent symbol that shines in homes and churches around the world and the surprising discovery of its original maker, found not in Germany, but in the Moravian Archives of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

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>.

Hidden Histories & Hometown Legacies

Philly Joy Bank

Fortune Telling Laws in PA

(00:00:00)

SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who’s being helped, who’s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward?

(00:22:27)

We’re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even realize is still illegal in parts of Pennsylvania: tarot reading. After being threatened with arrest by the Hanover Borough Police Department in October 2023, Beck has been fighting back against an outdated law that criminalizes spiritual practices.

From putting food on the table to the freedom to run a small business without fear, this episode digs into what happens when the rules don’t reflect real life, and what it takes to push for change.

(00:00:00)
SNAP benefits are coming back&mdash;but is that actually good news for everyone? We&rsquo;re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who&rsquo;s being helped, who&rsquo;s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward?
(00:22:27)
We&rsquo;re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even realize is still illegal in parts of Pennsylvania: tarot reading. After being threatened with arrest by the Hanover Borough Police Department in October 2023, Beck has been fighting back against an outdated law that criminalizes spiritual practices.
From putting food on the table to the freedom to run a small business without fear, this episode digs into what happens when the rules don&rsquo;t reflect real life, and what it takes to push for change.

Food, Freedom, and Fighting Back: The Philly Joy Bank and The Serpent's Key Shoppe

Magic School Bus LIVE

Tariffs and Christmas Shopping

(00:00:00)

Hop on the Magic School Bus for an interplanetary adventure, both on stage and in the real world. In this episode, we look at The Magic School Bus Live! a new musical adaptation that sends Ms. Frizzle and her class hurtling through the solar system when a field trip goes delightfully off course. As our local NPR/PBS station, we explore why high-quality live shows like this matter, what goes into producing them, and how educational programming strengthens learning across our state.

(00:22:44)

Then, we shift from the world of theatre to the world of supply chains with Bucknell University professor Jimmy Chen, who explains how global tariff pressures are already affecting toy and electronics inventory this season. From turbulent sourcing strategies to shrinking holiday selections, we unpack what families can expect on store shelves, and why shopping early may be more important than ever.

An episode that blends creativity, curiosity, and real-world context: how we learn, how we produce, and how big systems shape the everyday lives of kids and parents alike.

(00:00:00)
Hop on the Magic School Bus for an interplanetary adventure, both on stage and in the real world. In this episode, we look at&nbsp;The Magic School Bus Live! a new musical adaptation that sends Ms. Frizzle and her class hurtling through the solar system when a field trip goes delightfully off course. As our local NPR/PBS station, we explore why high-quality live shows like this matter, what goes into producing them, and how educational programming strengthens learning across our state.
(00:22:44)
Then, we shift from the world of theatre to the world of supply chains with Bucknell University professor Jimmy Chen, who explains how global tariff pressures are already affecting toy and electronics inventory this season. From turbulent sourcing strategies to shrinking holiday selections, we unpack what families can expect on store shelves, and why shopping early may be more important than ever.
An episode that blends creativity, curiosity, and real-world context: how we learn, how we produce, and how big systems shape the everyday lives of kids and parents alike.

Seatbelts Everyone! The Magic School Bus, Kids’ Learning & What’s on the Shelves This Season

Historian Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Senecal walked through what comets actually are, where they come from, and how ancient observers first recognized them as something different from stars or planets—often seeing them as omens or messages rather than natural objects.

Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record—while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.

<a href="https://chrissysenecal.com/">Historian</a>&nbsp;Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Senecal walked through what comets actually are, where they come from, and how ancient observers first recognized them as something different from stars or planets&mdash;often seeing them as omens or messages rather than natural objects.
Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record&mdash;while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.

Hidden Histories & Hometown Legacies

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