In the shadowy woods above the Wissahickon Creek in present-day Philadelphia, legend has it that a mystic once awaited the end of the world. His name was Johannes Kelpius—a German-born spiritual seeker who led a small band of followers from Europe to the wilds of Pennsylvania in 1694. Their purpose? To prepare for the second coming of Christ and live lives of contemplation and purity.

On a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Dr. Patrick M. Erben, professor of American literature at the University of West Georgia and a scholar of early German American culture, to uncover the story of this lesser known but deeply fascinating figure.

In the shadowy woods above the Wissahickon Creek in present-day Philadelphia, legend has it that a mystic once awaited the end of the world. His name was Johannes Kelpius&mdash;a German-born spiritual seeker who led a small band of followers from Europe to the wilds of Pennsylvania in 1694. Their purpose? To prepare for the second coming of Christ and live lives of contemplation and purity.
On a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Dr. Patrick M. Erben, professor of American literature at the University of West Georgia and a scholar of early German American culture, to uncover the story of this lesser known but deeply fascinating figure.

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>.

Why Johannes Kelpius and his followers traveled from Europe and settled in Pa

Frank Langfitt

Jenna Wise

Pi Day

(00:00:00)

In today’s episode, we go inside Pennsylvania’s pivotal 10th Congressional District to hear how voters are processing the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Reporter Frank Langfitt brings us voices from Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, where Trump supporters and swing voters alike are weighing the president’s promise to end “forever wars” against yet another military strike abroad. What are people saying on the ground? And how might these views shape one of the most closely watched midterm races? Frank also talks about revealing conversations from across Pennsylvania, where Republican voters are responding to President Trump’s repeated claims that Democrats can only win the midterms by cheating—and that he plans to stop them. Frank shares some of the candid, surprising, and deeply varied reactions he heard from conservative voters as they grapple with the president’s rhetoric, election trust, and the stakes of the upcoming vote.

(00:11:09)

Up next, Jenna Wise takes us inside two Pennsylvania cities—Harrisburg and York—to examine how each is tackling gun violence through Group Violence Intervention programs. She talks with community leaders, law enforcement, and residents to understand why Harrisburg’s initiative is struggling while York’s is thriving. 

(00:23:18)

Just in time for "Pi" Day, we travel to Lancaster County to meet Donna Alexander, owner of Pies Galore & More. Since opening in 2012, Donna has dreamed of more than serving great pie—she’s built a warm, nostalgic gathering place where neighbors come for coffee, conversation, and “food for the soul.” We explore how her bakery has become a community hub, the inspiration behind her classic recipes, and why a simple slice of pie can bring people together.

(00:00:00)
In today&rsquo;s episode, we go inside Pennsylvania&rsquo;s pivotal 10th Congressional District to hear how voters are processing the recent U.S. attack on Iran. Reporter Frank Langfitt brings us voices from Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, where Trump supporters and swing voters alike are weighing the president&rsquo;s promise to end &ldquo;forever wars&rdquo; against yet another military strike abroad. What are people saying on the ground? And how might these views shape one of the most closely watched midterm races? Frank also talks about revealing conversations from across Pennsylvania, where Republican voters are responding to President Trump&rsquo;s repeated claims that Democrats can only win the midterms by cheating&mdash;and that he plans to stop them. Frank shares some of the candid, surprising, and deeply varied reactions he heard from conservative voters as they grapple with the president&rsquo;s rhetoric, election trust, and the stakes of the upcoming vote.
(00:11:09)
Up next, Jenna Wise takes us inside two Pennsylvania cities&mdash;Harrisburg and York&mdash;to examine how each is tackling gun violence through Group Violence Intervention programs. She talks with community leaders, law enforcement, and residents to understand why Harrisburg&rsquo;s initiative is struggling while York&rsquo;s is thriving.&nbsp;
(00:23:18)
Just in time for "Pi" Day, we travel to Lancaster County to meet Donna Alexander, owner of Pies Galore &amp; More. Since opening in 2012, Donna has dreamed of more than serving great pie&mdash;she&rsquo;s built a warm, nostalgic gathering place where neighbors come for coffee, conversation, and &ldquo;food for the soul.&rdquo; We explore how her bakery has become a community hub, the inspiration behind her classic recipes, and why a simple slice of pie can bring people together.

PA Stories of Conflict, Community, and a Slice of Comfort

John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

Also on the program:

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

John Chapman (1774&ndash;1845), better known as&nbsp;Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.
Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.
Also on the program:
Join Harrisburg University&rsquo;s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin &amp; Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece.&nbsp;

The Spark Weekly | March 15th | Johnny Appleseed and a Lost American Colony.

WITF Music

Tax Season

Lost American Colony Found

(00:00:00)

17 years is a long time for any relationship. Local Celtic rock band Kilmaine Saints has not only survived that long but thrived during their time together. They describe themselves as equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. The band is celebrating its enduring power this Saturday with a show at XL Live in Harrisburg, which is going to be recorded for a future album. WITF Music’s Joe Ulrich sat down with piper Bill Brown and drummer John Kramer to hear about some highlights from the band’s career, their upcoming album and their favorite drinks.

(00:12:05)

Tax season is halfway over, and many Americans still haven’t filed—despite new tax law changes affecting tips, overtime pay, senior deductions, car interest and more. Tax experts warn that waiting can lead to errors, especially for workers with multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, will explain why now is the time to file, common mistakes people are making, how updated rules affect nontraditional income, and why working with a tax professional can reduce stress and improve accuracy.

(00:22:58)

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

(00:00:00)
17 years is a long time for any relationship. Local Celtic rock band Kilmaine Saints has not only survived that long but thrived during their time together. They describe themselves as equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. The band is celebrating its enduring power this Saturday with a show at XL Live in Harrisburg, which is going to be recorded for a future album. WITF Music&rsquo;s Joe Ulrich sat down with piper Bill Brown and drummer John Kramer to hear about some highlights from the band&rsquo;s career, their upcoming album and their favorite drinks.
(00:12:05)
Tax season is halfway over, and many Americans still haven&rsquo;t filed&mdash;despite new tax law changes affecting tips, overtime pay, senior deductions, car interest and more. Tax experts warn that waiting can lead to errors, especially for workers with multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, will explain why now is the time to file, common mistakes people are making, how updated rules affect nontraditional income, and why working with a tax professional can reduce stress and improve accuracy.
(00:22:58)
Join Harrisburg University&rsquo;s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin &amp; Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece.&nbsp;

Why Johannes Kelpius and his followers traveled from Europe and settled in Pa

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