Theburg Podcast

This might be the only podcast in history that brings together an ice skater, violinist and illustrator. The fact that all three have ties to Harrisburg? We call that quirky cool.   Ice skater Kasey Jordan of Harrisburg explains how she helps her Central PA-based team, Revolution Ice Unity, with both physical and mental health. And she shares her thoughts on the greater conversation about the mental health of athletes.   Peter Sirotin of Market Square Concerts explains how truly rare and special it is, to be marking a 40th anniversary in chamber music (Philadelphia’s equivalent is younger!), and he explains how classical music and the arts impact our everyday lives—from favorite movies, pandemic pick-me-ups, to even social media scrolling.   Illustrations by Rich Hauck grace nearly every issue of TheBurg magazine, but this podcast marks the first time he’s been interviewed and shared his words with TheBurg. Meet this talented illustrator and designer.   Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, share his “Most Harri

Powerful poetry, capturing racial injustice: It’s what three Harrisburg women wrote, back in the 1930s, during the Harlem Renaissance. Harrisburg’s connection and contributions to this flowering of African American arts and culture was only recently discovered. Writer Diane McCormick explains how she uncovered this story for TheBurg—and she reads one of their full-length poems.   Children’s voices—virtual and harmonious: Andy Williams of the Harrisburg area connects music students throughout the state as a teacher for the statewide Reach Cyber Charter School. We hear one of his most popular, moving musical montages, showcasing his students. And he explains his take on the pandemic’s educational effects.   Sweet wheels: The childhood thrill of riding a bike is now captured in a mural at the nonprofit Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg. Volunteer and board member Jenifer Donnelly explains why children are at the heart of the organization’s mission—and new mural.   TMHT: And in this month’s “most Harrisburg thing,” edit

Whether you’re on team dog or team cat, we have you covered in this month’s pet-themed podcast.   “Second lady of Pennsylvania” Gisele Fetterman explains why she—along with her famous rescue dog Levi—will continue advocating for legislation to increase state dog licenses.   Then we go “behind the cover” of TheBurg’s July issue. Harrisburg artist Steph Perez explains how she created Mack the cat’s portrait—along with more than 100 others—through her popular pet portrait business Fur and Feather.   Our musical friends, Harrisburg band Yam Yam, stop by to chat about—and preview—their new single and upcoming new album.   Every podcast ends with a final word from Lawrance Binda, Editor of TheBurg, as he shares his monthly TMHT (“the most Harrisburg thing”). July’s TMHT marks a turning point in Harrisburg’s pandemic recovery.   TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.    Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s

Are you easing, or careening, into post-pandemic life?   Either way, our latest podcast can help, by adding a touch of drama and adventure to your June plans.   Melissa Nicholson of Gamut Theatre describes what it’s like to return to live, outdoor theatre in Harrisburg, with Shakespeare in the Park’s “Hamlet.” You never know what’s going to happen, with live theatre—she shares funny stories of summers’ past. Plus, she previews the 2021 summer theatre lineup.   Live life on the edge, through Julie McKelvey of Lemoyne: She explains the driving forces propelling her—and the life lessons she’s gained—in attempting to climb the Seven Summits. Plus, she describes how she’s “giving back.”   Step into a Central PA hiking adventure: George Conrad, president of the Standing Stone Trail Club, shares the latest news from the Thousand Steps Trail and beyond.   It’s pretty rare for Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, to be “stunned.” He describes something he’s never witnessed, in all his years in Harrisburg, in this month’

Do you have a spring in your step?   Harrisburg’s street dining is back, with Saturday Nights in the City. Todd Vander Woude, executive director of the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District explains how dining alfresco may become a regular thing, post-pandemic, in the capital city.   The return of minor league baseball is major news for many. Kevin Kulp, president of the Harrisburg Senators talks about what it means to play ball once again.   May is when we see an uptick in tick activity. Whether you’re venturing out in your backyard or hitting the trails, your chance of coming into contact with a tick carrying Lyme disease is unfortunately on the rise in PA. Amy Tiehel of the PA Lyme Resource Network has tips on how to stay safe this spring and summer.   Plus: Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, casts his vote for May’s “Most Harrisburg Thing.”   Because “there’s more to the story,” this episode expands several stories from the pages of May’s magazine: Dining to Return to Harrisburg Streets / Back in the

What are some of Harrisburg’s challenges—and successes—in terms of breaking down barriers? Brad Jones, Harristown President and CEO, talks about reinventing the city of Harrisburg’s image through economic development and adaptive reuse projects. Maestro Stuart Malina of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra explains how the 90-year old organization continues to break down the barriers and stereotypes that often prevent people from enjoying the arts. And are you a Friend of TheBurg? Kelsey Tatge and Lawrance Binda of TheBurg address how the membership program Friends of TheBurg breaks down barriers and establishes closer ties between the public and our very own news organization. TMHT: Editor of TheBurg Lawrance Binda plants a springy “The Most Harrisburg Thing” to wrap up the show. Because “there’s more to the story,” this episode expands several stories from the pages of April’s magazine: “We Re-Built This City” / “Turning the Page” / And Friends of TheBurg celebrates its one-year mark with membership availabl

Covering TheBurg’s news through a pandemic has been a challenging experience filled with equally rewarding, innovative, heartbreaking and humorous moments for four of our freelance writers. Writers Diane Mc-Cormick, Gina Napoli and Susan Ryder join Karen Hendricks for a conversation that expands upon “Pandemic Perspectives,” their essays published in the March 2021 issue of TheBurg. From innovative interviews, poignant social justice stories, pivots in theater performances, challenging work-from-home environments, pandemic pet adoptions, and healthy doses of humor, our writers summarize a year’s worth of highs and lows. Not to be outdone, Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, delivers this podcast’s “icing” on the cake through his “Most Harrisburg Thing.” We give a warm welcome to podcast sponsor, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of their 90th birthday and special online performance this month. This episode marks the one-year anniversary of TheBurg Podcast’s magazine style format produced and h

What do you love about the Burg? That’s what we asked nearly all of our podcast guests over the past year. But—surprise, surprise—we saved the audio for this bonus Valentine’s Day episode. Nearly 25 guests share their stories about Harrisburg and what makes this Pennsylvania city so livable—and lovable. This special show is co-hosted by Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg; and Karen Hendricks, host of TheBurg Podcast. Guests, sharing the love for Harrisburg, include: Joe Arthur, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Amie Bantz, Harrisburg-based artist Linda Beck, Harrisburg, of Braver Angels Karen Cotter of Better Angels Sheila Dow-Ford, Impact Harrisburg Dani Fresh, Harrisburg-based photojournalist Phil George, area artist and radio personality Cindy Gorski, Harrisburg Bicycle Club Wendell Hoover, Iron Valley Real Estate Andrea Karns, Karns Quality Foods Peter Leonard, Little Amps Coffee Sam Levine, Red Door Consignment Gallery Blake Lynch, Harrisburg Bureau of Police Bob MacGinnes, Bob’s Art Blog for TheBurg Diane

This year has been one for the record books. It’s also been a year when many people have turned to books—for escape and education, insights and information. But when you talk about the role books have played in our lives—especially during the past year—you find the conversation also touches on pandemic pivots, African American literature, Black-owned businesses and the role of libraries within communities. The February episode of TheBurg Podcast pulls two people from the pages of our February magazine, to expand upon their stories, in their own words: Karen Cullings, executive director of the Dauphin County Library System (from the magazine story “Pandemic Plot Twists”) Stefan Hawkins, who recently launched two Black-owned businesses on Harrisburg’s Third Street, including Good Brotha’s Book Café (from the magazine story “Cup of Culture”) Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, shares a positive, “developing” story, in this month’s “Most Harrisburg Thing.” TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by Karen Hendri

We’ve cooked up a podcast lineup filled to the brim with warm topics. From the surprising trends in Harrisburg’s pandemic purchases, to her own go-to meals at home, Andrea Karns of Karns Quality Foods explains how grocery stores have shelved their traditional operations and how shoppers are setting some hot, and sometimes spicy, trends. Not only is food writing Stephanie Kalina Metzger’s bread and butter, but she’s an expert at making bread and butter pickles. Meet one of TheBurg’s foodie writers and hear her recommendations for local pandemic takeout. Harrisburg Bicycle Club member Cindy Gorski explains why she prefers wintertime bike riding over summer spins. And she shares her inspirational story of how she logged 100,000 miles. Plus TheBurg’s editor Lawrance Binda shares warm thoughts about 2021, in his Most Harrisburg Thing for January. All three guests expand upon January magazine stories: Crisis in Aisle 12 / Grains of Taste / Snowball Effect TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by Karen Hendricks

In this special holiday edition of TheBurg Podcast, we wrap up 2020 by unwrapping some creative “gifts”  from an artistic lineup of guests. Artist Amie Bantz explains her inspiration behind TheBurg’s December magazine cover. Megan Caruso, co-founder of Sprocket Mural Works, previews the 2021 Harrisburg Mural Festival—an expansion of our magazine story, “Walls of Hope.” Three of the Yams, from Harrisburg band Yam Yam, stop by with an exciting holiday gift: They debut a new song from their upcoming album, on the podcast. Bob MacGinnes, who writes Bob’s Art Blog for TheBurg, paints a picture of “the year in art.” And editor Lawrance Binda pops by with his “most Harrisburg thing” for December. TheBurg Podcast is hosted by Karen Hendricks, a lifelong journalist who also dabbles in PR/Marketing. Visit her website here.  TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pa.; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor. https://theburgnews.com/ Interested in sponsoring TheBurg Podcast? Contact Lauren (lmills@thebu

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania takes center stage in this episode. First, Lawrance Binda provides his insights, as editor of TheBurg, into the capital city’s unique role through 2020’s pandemic and political landscape. Expanding on two stories within the pages of our November issue: Wendell Hoover of Iron Valley Real Estate describes Harrisburg’s sizzling hot real estate market and explains why the city is perfectly positioned to capitalize on pandemic lifestyles. Although he’s helped to furnish Harrisburg homes for nearly 10 years, Sam Levine of Red Door Consignment Gallery has never experienced a business boon like 2020’s pandemic-induced one. He explains what Harrisburg homeowners and buying and selling—and why. Additionally, we head north along the Susquehanna River to chat with Central Pennsylvania podcaster, Peterson Tuscano of Susquehanna Life Out Loud. Reciprocally, TheBurg Podcast’s Karen Hendricks is a guest on his winter episode. TheBurg Podcast is hosted by Karen Hendricks, a lifelong journalist who als

Have opinions about reds and blues? Do you even attempt to talk politics? Whether you answered these questions with a sigh or snark, this podcast is for you. It’s your survival guide to election season, with tools and tips for holding civil conversations, maintaining relationships and navigating social media. Three guests, all members of the nonprofit organization Braver Angels, offer their advice and wisdom for bridging the political divide: Linda Beck of Harrisburg, Dauphin County’s first moderator for Braver Angels. Karen Cotter, Braver Angels’ blue state coordinator, eastern Penn. Karen Ward, Braver Angels’ red state coordinator, western Penn. This episode is an expansion of “On the Side of the Angels,” from the Oct. 2020 pages of TheBurg. And “The Most Harrisburg Thing” for October is a colorful counterpoint to pandemic life, according to TheBurg Editor Lawrance Binda. TheBurg Podcast is hosted by Karen Hendricks, a lifelong journalist who also dabbles in PR/Marketing. Visit her website here. TheBurg is

TheBurg Podcast’s September episode expands three stories from our magazine's "food issue"--and all three serve up a healthy helping of hope. Peter Leonard, CEO of Little Amps Coffee, explains how the Harrisburg-based business has stayed strong through this challenging year—and he even reveals Little Amps’ big plans for expansion. When you consider Jason Meckes’ title (Experience Development Director) at Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, you might wonder what kind of tourism experience is possible amid 2020’s landscape, but he explains how he brewed one up—the Brew Barons Beer Trail. There’s no question that the restaurant industry is struggling amid the pandemic. In order to help them, Carlisle’s Phil George took a creative approach. His story is proof that one person can indeed make a difference. How do you describe the personality of Harrisburg? Editor Lawrance Binda tackles that question in his monthly feature, “The Most Harrisburg Thing”—and he serves up a smorgasbord in September. Meet some of the Harrisb

Mike Fitzgerald and Gary Dutson, both of Harrisburg, were the driving force behind Harrisburg’s Black Lives Matter mural. They explain, in their own words, what motivated them to create the mural, and they explain what the phrase “Black Lives Matter” means to them. Tim Eller of Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), based in Harrisburg, expands upon the sky-high interest in Pennsylvania’s public cyber charter schools—and dispels many of the myths associated with online learning. And he explains how CCA gives back to the Harrisburg community. Tourism is one of the hardest-hit industries as a result of COVID-19. We follow up with Mary Smith of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg for an update. She navigates through the bleak landscape but offers a few glimmers of hope. Plus, she shares staycation ideas you can find right here in your own backyard. Plus editor of TheBurg, Lawrance Binda stops by for August’s “most Harrisburg thing”—and it’s a real treat. Links to the stories featured and expanded on this month’s podcast

It may feel challenging to maintain a sense of community throughout the pandemic—but that’s the challenge all of our guests tackle in this episode. First, we welcome Blake Lynch, Community Policing Coordinator for the Harrisburg Police Bureau. His voice is one of several in the July issue’s, “Voices of Our Community,” which highlights perspectives from Harrisburg’s Black community. On the podcast, we dive deeper into his unique position as Community Policing Coordinator--which he describes as “a bridge,” plus he shares his thoughts on the “defund the police” movement and more. Community can grow from a garden (“Tough Times, Green Times”). Harrisburg’s community gardens are thriving—and they’re producing more than flowers and vegetables. On the podcast, writer Deb Schell expands on the many benefits of pandemic gardening. Plus Deb explains how she made a pandemic pivot to found a new venture, Find Calm Here. Harrisburg is easing back into a cultural sense of community, with 3rd in the Burg events starting ba

TheBurg’s June 2020 podcast focuses on innovation!   First, innovative strategies are helping to feed the hungry—and capitalizing on the timing of the summer produce season—at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Joe Arthur, executive director, provides details. (Based on the magazine story, “Hunger Pains.”)   Secondly, we hear from Sheila Dow-Ford, executive director of Impact Harrisburg. Their innovative grant program swung into action in record time, to help city businesses lessen the pandemic’s impact—with a significant portion going to minority-owned businesses. (Based upon the magazine’s “News Digest.”)   Editor of TheBurg Lawrance Binda reflects on the links between tension and change, city and state, in his reoccurring TMHT feature (“the most Harrisburg thing”).   Finally, we switch gears, to innovation with a “fun factor.” Straight from the front cover of TheBurg’s June issue, we bring you an exclusive interview with Harrisburg’s newest celeb, “Sharkman” himself. (Here’s our digital June issue.)   Mee

Overwhelmed by pandemic news? This month’s podcast provides the antidote—we talk around “it” without focusing on “it.”   Behind the lens: Harrisburg-based photographer Dani Fresh shares her insights, from her photo essay of street scenes, “Silent City.”   Missing sports? Culture? Alice Anne Schwab of the Susquehanna Art Museum goes to bat for you, explaining how you can still catch the museum’s current exhibit “Separate and Unequaled” detailed in “Diamonds are Forever: SAM exhibit honors Negro Leagues centennial.”   Cat chat: Writer Diane McCormick expands upon her story “Pets & Pandemic” to share timely information for animal lovers.   And running along the Susquehanna River sparked the idea for editor Lawrance Binda’s monthly TMHT, “the most Harrisburg thing.”   Meet some of the Harrisburg area’s most fascinating people, and hear their own authentic stories, straight from every month’s issue—with a different twist—on TheBurg Podcast. Because there’s always “more to the story.” Hosted by Karen Hendricks.

Meet some of the Harrisburg area’s most fascinating people, and hear their own authentic stories, straight from every month’s issue—with a different twist—on TheBurg Podcast. Because there’s always “more to the story.” Hosted by Karen Hendricks. TheBurg is a monthly community magazine based in Harrisburg, Pa.; Lawrance Binda, co-publisher/editor.   Susan Ryder has written a series of stories about the homeless for TheBurg. In the March 2020 magazine (“Lend A Hand—A beginner’s guide to helping the homeless”), she compiles resources to guide the good intentions of donors. On the podcast, she talks about her personal connection to this issue, the evolution of her stories on the homeless, and some of the commonly held misconceptions people often have about the homeless.   Think about your favorite hometown pizza, and chances are, it’ll cook up a nostalgic memory. Jennie O’Neill of Knead Pizza hopes her pies have all the right ingredients to create those memories for current Harrisburg residents. She talks about h