Two new children’s picture books will soon be released that tackle concepts like gratitude and celebrating the experience of people who look at the world differently and live with disorders.

Jessica Whipple, Lancaster poet and author of Enough Is and I Think I Think a Lot joined us on The Spark Tuesday to discuss her books, poetry, and connection to her work.

Two new children’s picture books will soon be released that tackle concepts like gratitude and celebrating the experience of people who look at the world differently and live with disorders.
Jessica Whipple, Lancaster poet and author of Enough Is and I Think I Think a Lot joined us on The Spark Tuesday to discuss her books, poetry, and connection to her work.

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, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon 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 <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

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, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Lancaster author shares her experience with OCD and new children's picture books that address complex emotions

The Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962 may have been the closest the world has come to a nuclear war.

The Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba – just 90 miles of the coast of Florida.

President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premiere Nikita Khrushchev stared one another down as the U.S. demanded the missiles be removed.

New York Times best-selling novelist Jeff Shaara’s new book The Shadow of War, tells the tension-filled story of those two weeks through the eyes of major figures in the crisis, including Khrushchev and Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who was his brother's closest adviser, but not the president,  John Kennedy.

On The Spark Thursday, Shaara was asked why he decided to write the books through different characters, but not the president,"Through Bobby's eyes, through his brother's eyes, you get the opportunity to see what Kennedy is going through, to see the impact of other people on who have their different philosophies. Plus Bobby, also a family man and who's also deeply concerned about the world blowing up. He's the one who ends up being the conduit between the Americans, the American government and the Russian ambassador who's in Washington passing a long negotiation on just how they can settle this. That to me, that's one of the the most fun scenes to write. And it's all historically accurate, of what it was like at the end when these two sides got together through the eyes of these two men who end up sort of hammering out what has to happen. The Russians have to save face. They can't simply I mean, Khrushchev can't say to his Presidium and in the Kremlin, oh, I've decided to chicken out. I just pulled the missiles out. No, he can't do that. So there's got to be some face saving. And it's a very sort of complex negotiation, very complex issue."

There are other major characters who aren't as well-known but provide examples of what ordinary Americans were thinking and feeling at the time and on people close to Kennedy and Khrushchev from both sides.

Another unique aspect of the book is the Khrushchev is not portrayed as a one-dimensional character bent on destroying the United States. Shaara said he used Khrushchev's memoir as a resource for his characterization,"This is a two sided story. And it will actually, if you include Castro, it's a three sided story. Khrushchev realizes he's sort of surprised, and then he's not surprised by how belligerent Castro is and when the Russians are trying to keep all this quiet, they're trying to keep the secret of what they're doing, Castro is shooting his mouth off. There are there are Spanish language newspapers in Miami who are printing things that Castro is saying, because he's saying them publicly. And, Kennedy knows that. And then the CIA is picking up all this information, and then Khrushchev realizes it as well. But for Khrushchev, it's a problem because he's giving away the store. At the at the end of this when they do pull the missiles out, and that's not giving anything away because we're all alive today because they pulled the missiles out. But when he does that, Castro is furious because there goes his muscle. He likes the idea of threatening United States any time he feels like it. And suddenly that goes away and it changes the whole relationship."

Shaara writes about another frightening, true story in the book, "A Soviet submarine commander who was out there in the Caribbean, whose job has been to protect the Soviet merchant ships to make sure the Americans don't start sinking them, which will start a real mess. But this guy, I love the fact he been under water for quite a while. His batteries are low, and he can't raise his base back in the Soviet Union with his radio. That tells him the war has started. He's actually convinces himself that it's on, and he's got nuclear missiles in his sub or nuclear torpedoes. He's ready to go. He's ready to fire them. And it's one of his subordinates who talks him out of that. You have to wonder what the world would be like today with that one scene on that submarine had it gone differently?"

The Cuban Missile Crisis in October, 1962 may have been the closest the world has come to a nuclear war.
The Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba – just 90 miles of the coast of Florida.
President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premiere Nikita Khrushchev stared one another down as the U.S. demanded the missiles be removed.
New York Times best-selling novelist Jeff Shaara’s new book <a href="https://jeffshaara.com/product/the-shadow-of-war-hardcover/">The Shadow of War</a>, tells the tension-filled story of those two weeks through the eyes of major figures in the crisis, including Khrushchev and Attorney General Robert Kennedy, who was his brother's closest adviser, but not the president,  John Kennedy.
On The Spark Thursday, Shaara was asked why he decided to write the books through different characters, but not the president,"Through Bobby's eyes, through his brother's eyes, you get the opportunity to see what Kennedy is going through, to see the impact of other people on who have their different philosophies. Plus Bobby, also a family man and who's also deeply concerned about the world blowing up. He's the one who ends up being the conduit between the Americans, the American government and the Russian ambassador who's in Washington passing a long negotiation on just how they can settle this. That to me, that's one of the the most fun scenes to write. And it's all historically accurate, of what it was like at the end when these two sides got together through the eyes of these two men who end up sort of hammering out what has to happen. The Russians have to save face. They can't simply I mean, Khrushchev can't say to his Presidium and in the Kremlin, oh, I've decided to chicken out. I just pulled the missiles out. No, he can't do that. So there's got to be some face saving. And it's a very sort of complex negotiation, very complex issue."
There are other major characters who aren't as well-known but provide examples of what ordinary Americans were thinking and feeling at the time and on people close to Kennedy and Khrushchev from both sides.
Another unique aspect of the book is the Khrushchev is not portrayed as a one-dimensional character bent on destroying the United States. Shaara said he used Khrushchev's memoir as a resource for his characterization,"This is a two sided story. And it will actually, if you include Castro, it's a three sided story. Khrushchev realizes he's sort of surprised, and then he's not surprised by how belligerent Castro is and when the Russians are trying to keep all this quiet, they're trying to keep the secret of what they're doing, Castro is shooting his mouth off. There are there are Spanish language newspapers in Miami who are printing things that Castro is saying, because he's saying them publicly. And, Kennedy knows that. And then the CIA is picking up all this information, and then Khrushchev realizes it as well. But for Khrushchev, it's a problem because he's giving away the store. At the at the end of this when they do pull the missiles out, and that's not giving anything away because we're all alive today because they pulled the missiles out. But when he does that, Castro is furious because there goes his muscle. He likes the idea of threatening United States any time he feels like it. And suddenly that goes away and it changes the whole relationship."
Shaara writes about another frightening, true story in the book, "A Soviet submarine commander who was out there in the Caribbean, whose job has been to protect the Soviet merchant ships to make sure the Americans don't start sinking them, which will start a real mess. But this guy, I love the fact he been under water for quite a while. His batteries are low, and he can't raise his base back in the Soviet Union with his radio. That tells him the war has started. He's actually convinces himself that it's on, and he's got nuclear missiles in his sub or nuclear torpedoes. He's ready to go. He's ready to fire them. And it's one of his subordinates who talks him out of that. You have to wonder what the world would be like today with that one scene on that submarine had it gone differently?"

Novelist Jeff Shaara talks about his new book on Cuban Missile Crisis

As the curtains draw close on the fantastical production of "Seussical" at Theatre Harrisburg, audiences are left enchanted by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss characters brought to life on stage. Since its opening on April 26th, the musical has captivated hearts and minds with its tale of friendship, loyalty, and community. In an exclusive interview with Lorien Reese Mahay, the Executive Director of Theatre Harrisburg, and Becky Mease, the chair of the board of Directors, insights were shared on the success of the season and the compelling reasons why theater enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to witness the magic of "Seussical" before it bids adieu. "The response to 'Seussical' has been overwhelmingly positive," Mahay beams, reflecting on the journey of Horton the Elephant as he embarks on a daring adventure to safeguard Jojo and the Whos. "It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss's timeless characters and themes."

Mease echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the profound resonance of the production's themes of friendship, loyalty, and community. "In a world filled with challenges, 'Seussical' reminds us of the importance of standing together and supporting one another," she asserts. Adapted from Dr. Seuss's beloved stories, "Seussical" follows Horton's quest to protect the Whos, encountering trials and tribulations along the way. From facing ridicule to braving danger, Horton's unwavering dedication is a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance. "Seussical" not only delights audiences with its vibrant performances but also provides a platform for creative expression through its inventive set designs, lighting, and costumes. The musical's alternate orchestration offers a fresh take, catering to diverse interpretations of the beloved characters.

With its universal appeal and family-friendly charm, "Seussical" promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. As the final performances approach, Mahay and Mease extend a heartfelt invitation for theater enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Dr. Seuss one last time. And as the curtain falls on "Seussical," Theatre Harrisburg leaves an indelible mark on its audience, reminding them of the enduring power of imagination, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit.

As the curtains draw close on the fantastical production of <a href="https://theatreharrisburg.com/shows/seussical/">"Seussical" at Theatre Harrisburg</a>, audiences are left enchanted by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss characters brought to life on stage. Since its opening on April 26th, the musical has captivated hearts and minds with its tale of friendship, loyalty, and community. In an exclusive interview with Lorien Reese Mahay, the Executive Director of Theatre Harrisburg, and Becky Mease, the chair of the board of Directors, insights were shared on the success of the season and the compelling reasons why theater enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to witness the magic of "Seussical" before it bids adieu. "The response to 'Seussical' has been overwhelmingly positive," Mahay beams, reflecting on the journey of Horton the Elephant as he embarks on a daring adventure to safeguard Jojo and the Whos. "It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss's timeless characters and themes."
Mease echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the profound resonance of the production's themes of friendship, loyalty, and community. "In a world filled with challenges, 'Seussical' reminds us of the importance of standing together and supporting one another," she asserts. Adapted from Dr. Seuss's beloved stories, "Seussical" follows Horton's quest to protect the Whos, encountering trials and tribulations along the way. From facing ridicule to braving danger, Horton's unwavering dedication is a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance. "Seussical" not only delights audiences with its vibrant performances but also provides a platform for creative expression through its inventive set designs, lighting, and costumes. The musical's alternate orchestration offers a fresh take, catering to diverse interpretations of the beloved characters.
With its universal appeal and family-friendly charm, "Seussical" promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. As the final performances approach, Mahay and Mease extend a heartfelt invitation for theater enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Dr. Seuss one last time. And as the curtain falls on "Seussical," Theatre Harrisburg leaves an indelible mark on its audience, reminding them of the enduring power of imagination, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Seussical: A Whimsical Journey of Friendship and Triumph at Theatre Harrisburg

There are about 200 million working animals around the world. Here in Pennsylvania, we’re most familiar with farm horses, search and rescue dogs, dogs used by law enforcement and therapy animals.

The Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundationhas plans to honor these animals with a granite memorial wall in Mechanicsburg on June 1.

On The Spark Wednesday was Terri Heck, President of the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation, who talked about why working animals are being memorialized,"People don't realize all that they do, or they don't realize the hours of training that goes into these animals. They don't realize the cost of being able to offer these services to the people. So, to me is it's more of not taking it for granted, but the realization is not there. People don't know. So we want people to know, and we want the handlers of these animals and the entities that support them, whether there are nonprofit like my search-and-rescue dogs and all the people and businesses that are willing to donate to us, or it's the sheriff's department in York County that I know spend hours doing fundraising, so it doesn't cost the citizens anything, to have the canines. I just want to make people more aware of all that goes into having these animals there to find the lost child, to get the criminal off the streets, to give that person in the wheelchair the freedom they need to be able to make that person that's in the hospital feel better, more relaxed. Just all of this, to me, it's a knowledge based thing. So the more that we share that, I think the more that these animals will be appreciated along with their handlers and supporting agencies and should be."

There are about 200 million working animals around the world. Here in Pennsylvania, we’re most familiar with farm horses, search and rescue dogs, dogs used by law enforcement and therapy animals.
<a href="https://pswaf.org/">The Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation</a> has plans to honor these animals with a granite memorial wall in Mechanicsburg on June 1.
On The Spark Wednesday was Terri Heck, President of the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation, who talked about why working animals are being memorialized,"People don't realize all that they do, or they don't realize the hours of training that goes into these animals. They don't realize the cost of being able to offer these services to the people. So, to me is it's more of not taking it for granted, but the realization is not there. People don't know. So we want people to know, and we want the handlers of these animals and the entities that support them, whether there are nonprofit like my search-and-rescue dogs and all the people and businesses that are willing to donate to us, or it's the sheriff's department in York County that I know spend hours doing fundraising, so it doesn't cost the citizens anything, to have the canines. I just want to make people more aware of all that goes into having these animals there to find the lost child, to get the criminal off the streets, to give that person in the wheelchair the freedom they need to be able to make that person that's in the hospital feel better, more relaxed. Just all of this, to me, it's a knowledge based thing. So the more that we share that, I think the more that these animals will be appreciated along with their handlers and supporting agencies and should be."

Lancaster author shares her experience with OCD and new children's picture books that address complex emotions

In 1 playlist(s)

The Spark

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips