J Roundtable

Braver Angels

(00:00:00)

WITF’s Jaxon White breaks down Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026 budget address, delivered to the Pennsylvania legislature on Tuesday, Feb. 3. He explains the administration’s key priorities, proposed spending, and what the plan could mean for communities across the Commonwealth.

WITF reporter Jordan Wilkie also joins us to discuss his recent reporting on efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reinterpret or narrow long‑standing constitutional protections. He outlines what these actions look like on the ground, their potential legal implications, and how affected families are responding.

(00:22:37)

Later in the episode, Dr. Mary Theresa “Terry” Webb of Braver Angels shares why she believes the country is facing a dangerous moment of toxic politics and weakened leadership, and why courageous citizenship is more essential than ever.

Listeners interested in Braver Angels can visit braverangels.org, use the “Find My Alliance” tool to locate the Lower Susquehanna Alliance, or join for $12/year to receive national and local updates and access free virtual events.

(00:00:00)
WITF&rsquo;s&nbsp;Jaxon White breaks down Gov. Josh Shapiro&rsquo;s 2026 budget address, delivered to the Pennsylvania legislature on Tuesday, Feb. 3. He explains the administration&rsquo;s key priorities, proposed spending, and what the plan could mean for communities across the Commonwealth.
WITF reporter Jordan Wilkie also joins us to discuss his recent reporting on efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reinterpret or narrow long‑standing constitutional protections. He outlines what these actions look like on the ground, their potential legal implications, and how affected families are responding.
(00:22:37)
Later in the episode, Dr. Mary Theresa &ldquo;Terry&rdquo; Webb of Braver Angels shares why she believes the country is facing a dangerous moment of toxic politics and weakened leadership, and why&nbsp;courageous citizenship is more essential than ever.
Listeners interested in Braver Angels can visit braverangels.org, use the &ldquo;Find My Alliance&rdquo; tool to locate the Lower Susquehanna Alliance, or join for $12/year to receive national and local updates and access free virtual events.

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>.

Shapiro’s 2026 Budget, ICE and Constitutional Rights, and Why America Needs Courageous Citizenship

Linda Gottfried

Dan Tomaso

Cervical Cancer

(00:00:00)

Author Linda Gottfried joins us to share insights from her new book How to Live Your Life Like You’ve Already Won the Lottery, a guide to shifting perspective, embracing abundance, and finding purpose beyond financial luck. She invites readers to rethink what it means to “win” and to cultivate joy in everyday life.

(00:16:00)

Then, with a grateful heart, Dan Tomaso returns to walk us through last week’s powerful winter storm — what drove its intensity, how it compares to past systems, and what Pennsylvanians can expect for the rest of the season.

(00:27:29)

Finally, Dr. Josh Kesterson helps us mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with essential, empowering information. We discuss what cervical cancer is, the symptoms women should watch for, why HPV vaccination and regular screening remain the strongest tools for prevention, and how advances in imaging, treatment, and mobile health services are expanding access. Dr. Kesterson also outlines the resources available through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee‑Women for women who may face barriers to care.

(00:00:00)
Author&nbsp;Linda Gottfried joins us to share insights from her new book How to Live Your Life Like You&rsquo;ve Already Won the Lottery, a guide to shifting perspective, embracing abundance, and finding purpose beyond financial luck. She invites readers to rethink what it means to &ldquo;win&rdquo; and to cultivate joy in everyday life.
(00:16:00)
Then, with a grateful heart, Dan Tomaso returns to walk us through last week&rsquo;s powerful winter storm &mdash; what drove its intensity, how it compares to past systems, and what Pennsylvanians can expect for the rest of the season.
(00:27:29)
Finally, Dr. Josh Kesterson helps us mark Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with essential, empowering information. We discuss what cervical cancer is, the symptoms women should watch for, why HPV vaccination and regular screening remain the strongest tools for prevention, and how advances in imaging, treatment, and mobile health services are expanding access. Dr. Kesterson also outlines the resources available through UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee‑Women for women who may face barriers to care.

How to Live Abundantly, Prepare for Winter Storms, and Protect Women’s Health: Insights on Mindset, Weather, and Cervical Cancer Prevention

Renate Wildermuth

CCHS

(00:00:00)

We begin with Renate Wildermuth, author of Gone Before You Knew Me, a debut novel already earning international attention. Named a “Most Anticipated Book” by Indigo, reviewed by Booklist, and soon to be featured in Teach Magazine and on North Country Public Radio, the novel blends emotional depth with a gripping sense of mystery. It will even appear in the shop of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Wildermuth joins us to talk about the book’s themes, the craft behind its creation, and why stories about disappearance, identity, and the traces people leave behind resonate so widely.

(00:22:26)

Then we turn to a very different kind of narrative recovery. Dr. Lindsay Varner, Executive Director of the Cumberland County Historical Society, and Merri Lou Schaumann, an expert on 18th‑century Cumberland County, share their work on the BBC podcast Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley. The episode examines the life of Cloe, an enslaved woman executed in 1801 for the deaths of her enslavers’ children — a case explored in Dr. Nikki M. Taylor’s groundbreaking book Brooding Over Bloody Revenge. Varner and Schaumann helped the BBC team trace Cloe’s world, identify the landscape she would have known, and locate the site of the crime using historic maps and modern tools. Their research brings new clarity to a painful, often overlooked chapter of local history.

(00:00:00)
We begin with&nbsp;Renate Wildermuth, author of Gone Before You Knew Me, a debut novel already earning international attention. Named a &ldquo;Most Anticipated Book&rdquo; by Indigo, reviewed by Booklist, and soon to be featured in Teach Magazine and on North Country Public Radio, the novel blends emotional depth with a gripping sense of mystery. It will even appear in the shop of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Wildermuth joins us to talk about the book&rsquo;s themes, the craft behind its creation, and why stories about disappearance, identity, and the traces people leave behind resonate so widely.
(00:22:26)
Then we turn to a very different kind of narrative recovery. Dr. Lindsay Varner, Executive Director of the Cumberland County Historical Society, and Merri Lou Schaumann, an expert on 18th‑century Cumberland County, share their work on the BBC podcast Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley. The episode examines the life of Cloe, an enslaved woman executed in 1801 for the deaths of her enslavers&rsquo; children &mdash; a case explored in Dr. Nikki M. Taylor&rsquo;s groundbreaking book Brooding Over Bloody Revenge. Varner and Schaumann helped the BBC team trace Cloe&rsquo;s world, identify the landscape she would have known, and locate the site of the crime using historic maps and modern tools. Their research brings new clarity to a painful, often overlooked chapter of local history.

Hidden Lives, Recovered Histories: Renate Wildermuth and the Story of Cloe

Geology Lesson: Ringing Rocks

Dionn Renee

(00:00:00)

We begin with Dr. Brett McLaurin, Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences at Commonwealth University, who helps us understand why certain rocks can sing. Using the famous ringing rocks of Bucks County as a starting point, Dr. McLaurin explains how mineral composition, cooling rates, and internal stress create boulders that chime like bells when struck. From Pennsylvania to sites around the world, these “lithophonic” rocks reveal surprising truths about Earth’s processes — and why some landscapes literally hold their own music.

(00:23:17)

Then we shift from geological resonance to human resilience with international fine artist Dionn Reneé, a Harrisburg native whose original artwork was selected for the global marketing campaign of Sony’s The Woman King, starring Viola Davis. Dionn shares how her lifelong battle with lupus, her commitment to fitness and MMA training, and her deep connection to the film’s themes shaped her artistic approach. Her work — celebrated across the entertainment industry — reflects the same warrior spirit that defines the story on screen

(00:00:00)
We begin with&nbsp;Dr. Brett McLaurin, Professor of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences at Commonwealth University, who helps us understand why certain rocks can sing. Using the famous ringing rocks of Bucks County as a starting point, Dr. McLaurin explains how mineral composition, cooling rates, and internal stress create boulders that chime like bells when struck. From Pennsylvania to sites around the world, these &ldquo;lithophonic&rdquo; rocks reveal surprising truths about Earth&rsquo;s processes &mdash; and why some landscapes literally hold their own music.
(00:23:17)
Then we shift from geological resonance to human resilience with international fine artist Dionn Rene&eacute;, a Harrisburg native whose original artwork was selected for the global marketing campaign of Sony&rsquo;s The Woman King, starring Viola Davis. Dionn shares how her lifelong battle with lupus, her commitment to fitness and MMA training, and her deep connection to the film&rsquo;s themes shaped her artistic approach. Her work &mdash; celebrated across the entertainment industry &mdash; reflects the same warrior spirit that defines the story on screen

Shapiro’s 2026 Budget, ICE and Constitutional Rights, and Why America Needs Courageous Citizenship

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