Dairymen's

Mushroom Farmers

Alpacas

Maple Syrup

The Spark went on a field trip to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show!

In this episode, you will hear the first half of interviews from our time at the farm show, with more to come tomorrow.

Featured in today's episode is:

(00:00:00)

Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith

(00:13:18)

Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA Gale Ferranto

(00:23:11)

President of PA Alpaca Owners and Breeders' Association and Owner Crimson Skye Farm Karen Nace

(00:32:37)

and Northwest Maple Association Member Laura Dengler

The Spark went on a field trip to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show!
In this episode, you will hear the first half of interviews from our time at the farm show, with more to come tomorrow.
Featured in today's episode is:
(00:00:00)
Dairymen's Executive Director Dave Smith
(00:13:18)
Committee Member of The Mushroom Farmers of PA Gale Ferranto
(00:23:11)
President of PA Alpaca Owners and Breeders' Association and Owner Crimson Skye Farm Karen Nace
(00:32:37)
and Northwest Maple Association Member Laura Dengler

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>.

The Spark Takes on The 2026 Farm Show

Scott LaMar and Asia Tabb

Tariffs and The Bridal Industry

(00:00:00)

In honor of Public Radio Broadcasting Day, this episode opens with a special “actors‑on‑actors” style conversation between Scott LaMar, former host of The Spark, and Asia Tabb, the show’s current host. In a rare dual‑interview format, Scott and Asia turn the microphones toward each other to explore their shared legacy, their different approaches to storytelling, the surprises of hosting live radio, and the moments that shaped their time behind the mic. It’s a warm, insightful exchange that celebrates the craft of public broadcasting and the people who keep its spirit alive.

(00:25:08)

Then, we shift from the studio to the bridal boutique for a timely and eye‑opening conversation about how current tariffs are affecting the wedding dress industry. With insight from Taylor of Taylored for You Bridal Boutique and expertise from Unveiled Bridal and Formal, we break down what brides rarely see: rising material costs, designer challenges, supply‑chain pressures, and where tariffs show up in the final price of a gown. We explore how shops and designers are navigating these changes, whether absorbing costs, sharing them, or helping brides make informed decisions.

This episode brings together two very different worlds, public radio and bridal fashion. Revealing the passion, craftsmanship, and behind‑the‑scenes realities that shape both.

(00:00:00)
In honor of&nbsp;Public Radio Broadcasting Day, this episode opens with a special &ldquo;actors‑on‑actors&rdquo; style conversation between Scott LaMar, former host of The Spark, and Asia Tabb, the show&rsquo;s current host. In a rare dual‑interview format, Scott and Asia turn the microphones toward each other to explore their shared legacy, their different approaches to storytelling, the surprises of hosting live radio, and the moments that shaped their time behind the mic. It&rsquo;s a warm, insightful exchange that celebrates the craft of public broadcasting and the people who keep its spirit alive.
(00:25:08)
Then, we shift from the studio to the bridal boutique for a timely and eye‑opening conversation about how current tariffs are affecting the wedding dress industry. With insight from Taylor of Taylored for You Bridal Boutique and expertise from Unveiled Bridal and Formal, we break down what brides rarely see: rising material costs, designer challenges, supply‑chain pressures, and where tariffs show up in the final price of a gown. We explore how shops and designers are navigating these changes, whether absorbing costs, sharing them, or helping brides make informed decisions.
This episode brings together two very different worlds, public radio and bridal fashion. Revealing the passion, craftsmanship, and behind‑the‑scenes realities that shape both.

On the Air & At the Altar: Stories of Craft, Change, and Conversation

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 Takes on The 2026 Farm Show

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