On the latest episode of The Spark, Rob Franklin—writer, educator, and creative force—joined us to discuss his buzzed-about debut novel, Great Black Hope. The book, which was released June 10, is already drawing critical acclaim for its raw and resonant portrayal of identity, addiction, and Black excellence.

“It’s super exciting and gratifying, especially for a first book,” Franklin said of the attention the novel has received. “I think it really just validates the project…to hear that writers I really admire have thought about it carefully and admired parts of it—that’s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

On the latest episode of The Spark, Rob Franklin&mdash;writer, educator, and creative force&mdash;joined us to discuss his buzzed-about debut novel, Great Black Hope. The book, which was released June 10, is already drawing critical acclaim for its raw and resonant portrayal of identity, addiction, and Black excellence.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s super exciting and gratifying, especially for a first book,&rdquo; Franklin said of the attention the novel has received. &ldquo;I think it really just validates the project&hellip;to hear that writers I really admire have thought about it carefully and admired parts of it&mdash;that&rsquo;s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.&rdquo;

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>.

New Novel “Great Black Hope” Explores Race, Identity, and the Fragile Promise of the American Dream

Kells Wood

Maureen Powers

(00:00:00)



In this episode, we begin with the inspiring journey of Kelly Anoka, a devoted maker whose woodworking story is rooted, quite literally, in family history. Kelly shares how a set of walnut trees planted by her great‑grandfather more than 80 years ago sparked her passion for transforming reclaimed Pennsylvania wood into meaningful, functional art. From foraging fallen branches to collaborating with clients on custom pieces, Kelly walks us through her process, and her love of learning.



(00:22:39)

We then shift to a conversation with Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster, as we honor the life and legacy of Maureen Powers. A longtime director and unwavering advocate for women’s rights and racial equity, Maureen’s impact continues to shape the community she served with courage and conviction. Stacie reflects on Maureen’s leadership, her vision, and the profound mark she leaves behind.

This episode brings together stories of creation, purpose, and the enduring influence of those who shape our communities—whether through craft, advocacy, or a lifetime of service.

(00:00:00)

In this episode, we begin with the inspiring journey of Kelly Anoka, a devoted maker whose woodworking story is rooted, quite literally, in family history. Kelly shares how a set of walnut trees planted by her great‑grandfather more than 80 years ago sparked her passion for transforming reclaimed Pennsylvania wood into meaningful, functional art. From foraging fallen branches to collaborating with clients on custom pieces, Kelly walks us through her process, and her love of learning.

(00:22:39)
We then shift to a conversation with Stacie Blake, CEO of YWCA Lancaster, as we honor the life and legacy of Maureen Powers. A longtime director and unwavering advocate for women&rsquo;s rights and racial equity, Maureen&rsquo;s impact continues to shape the community she served with courage and conviction. Stacie reflects on Maureen&rsquo;s leadership, her vision, and the profound mark she leaves behind.
This episode brings together stories of creation, purpose, and the enduring influence of those who shape our communities&mdash;whether through craft, advocacy, or a lifetime of service.

The Spark of Creation and the Power of Advocacy: Kells Wood and Maureen Powers.

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.

and

Dry January is more than just a social media trend or New Year’s challenge—it’s a chance for people to reset their relationship with alcohol, and for some, it can reveal deeper issues that might otherwise go unaddressed. That’s the perspective shared by Zach Whipperman, director of community outreach at Arkview Behavioral Health, during a recent conversation about why so many people are drawn to the month-long pause from drinking.

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.
and
Dry January is more than just a social media trend or New Year&rsquo;s challenge&mdash;it&rsquo;s a chance for people to reset their relationship with alcohol, and for some, it can reveal deeper issues that might otherwise go unaddressed. That&rsquo;s the perspective shared by Zach Whipperman, director of community outreach at Arkview Behavioral Health, during a recent conversation about why so many people are drawn to the month-long pause from drinking.

The Spark Weekly 1.11.2026: Film, America 250, Anxieties of the Atomic Age and Dry January

Journalist Roundtable

Charlie Brenneman

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose.

(00:00:00)

WITF’s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist Mennonites calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and how their faith-driven activism also centers on supporting immigrants in the United States.

Emily Previti of the PA Capitol Star breaks down new Pennsylvania legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, what’s in the bills, why they matter, and what comes next.

(00:23:01)

We also sit down with Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman for a straightforward look at his unlikely path. From high school wrestler to Spanish teacher, Pros vs. Joes winner, UFC fighter, and now speaker, podcaster, and coach. He talks about chasing dreams, finding purpose beyond competition, and his personal mission to speak at every State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania.

Three conversations, one episode. Focused on justice, conviction, and what drives people to act.

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose.
(00:00:00)
WITF&rsquo;s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist Mennonites calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and how their faith-driven activism also centers on supporting immigrants in the United States.
Emily Previti of the PA Capitol Star breaks down new Pennsylvania legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, what&rsquo;s in the bills, why they matter, and what comes next.
(00:23:01)
We also sit down with Charlie &ldquo;The Spaniard&rdquo; Brenneman for a straightforward look at his unlikely path. From high school wrestler to Spanish teacher, Pros vs. Joes winner, UFC fighter, and now speaker, podcaster, and coach. He talks about chasing dreams, finding purpose beyond competition, and his personal mission to speak at every State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania.
Three conversations, one episode. Focused on justice, conviction, and what drives people to act.

New Novel “Great Black Hope” Explores Race, Identity, and the Fragile Promise of the American Dream

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