Theburg Podcast

Resilience is a muscle many of us flexed, or became aware of, amid the pandemic. And it’s very much still in our vocabulary!   ·         How do we build resilience against health issues and disease, especially among Latinos? ·         And, in a region where many of us see the Susquehanna River and its creeks and streams every day, how do we build resilience against climate change and Pennsylvania’s number one threat, flooding?   Our guests include: George Fernandez, CEO, Culture & Culture Jeff Jumper, Emergency Management Program Manager for Resiliency, with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Andrew Dehoff, Executive Director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission   This podcast is sponsored by Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg and their brand-new Fleet Feet Harrisburg location, in the High Pointe Commons shopping plaza.   This episode marks a banner anniversary! It’s been three years since we launched TheBurg Podcast in this magazine-style format. Thanks for listening, sharing and helping the podcast g

This special year-long podcast project reveals special people—unsung heroes—in our midst. For a whole year, podcast host and producer Karen Hendricks asked TheBurg Podcast guests the same question: If you could identify an unsung hero in the Harrisburg area, who would it be and why?   Except, instead of airing all their answers, we’ve been saving and compiling them, so that we could release them all collectively in this special Unsung Heroes of Harrisburg Podcast on Valentine’s Day.   Think of this show, released on Valentine’s Day, as an audio Valentine that shares some community love for Harrisburg!   Hosting: Karen is joined by Lawrance Binda, publisher and editor of TheBurg.   Many thanks to two podcast sponsors: Hero in the Fight, whose mission is to break the stigma often associated with addiction, because living in active recovery is a heroic act, every day. For help, support and facts, visit herointhefight.org/. Goodwill Keystone Area: And you probably know that the Goodwill store is a great community

Harrisburg’s health, from head to toe: February’s guests explore health from lots of fascinating angles. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, we even talk about the heart of the city via residents’ healthy civic engagement. Guests include: ·         Jelissa Gilmore explains how her women-focused fitness studio, FLY Fitness, is taking off—with a message that’s reaching and resonating with Black women. ·         Fred Joslyn talks about the expansion of Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg into a new Fleet Feet Harrisburg location, giving the small business owner a footprint across both shores of the Susquehanna. ·         Cindy Thomasson explains how a therapeutic ice skating program provides balance a strength—along with joy—to our local special needs population. ·         Plus Lawrance Binda, publisher/editor of TheBurg, shares his “most Harrisburg thing” for February and it ties right into Harrisburg’s community health. Stay tuned for our bonus Valentine’s Day edition of TheBurg Podcast being released on February 1

We kick off a new year by talking about climate change, science, as well as storytelling. Climate change is a new subject for TheBurg in 2023, and we look forward to exploring the topic—on the podcast as well as in the magazine—through a special six-part series.   Special thanks to January podcast sponsor, Fleet Feet Mechanicsburg, announcing the grand opening of their Fleet Feet Harrisburg location in February 2023.   Guests include:   Greg Czarnecki, Director of Applied Climate Science for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He explains how his mom influenced his career in climate science (really!), and explains how each one of us has the ability to impact climate change. We look forward to weaving climate change guests into TheBurg Podcast throughout 2023, in conjunction with TheBurg magazine’s 6-part climate change series.   Jessica Rudy, Director of Marketing & Group Sales for Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater. She describes the incredible significance and impact of

It’s a great time of year for reflection and perspective. This month’s podcast guests offer their life wisdom on career paths, retirement, and what makes Harrisburg a great place to live.   Guests include: Freelance writer Diane McCormick, who previews her upcoming story about Harrisburg ranking #2 on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Retire in the U.S. Thomas Sweet, newly-retired pastor of Harrisburg’s Market Square Presbyterian Church, who shares the best advice he ever received—and much more. Carl Shuman, a retired Harrisburg lawyer who has found a new career as a writer and children’s book author. Plus Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, pops in for his monthly feature, “The Most Harrisburg Thing”—and ties into this theme of beginnings and endings in a very Harrisburg way.   Special thanks as always to Harrisburg band YamYam for our podcast music.   Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: A Real Joy | Timeless Tales | Editorial: Greetings, Governor   Every month, TheBurg Pod

We are thrilled to share conversations with three Harrisburg-area women who have forged nontraditional or unprecedented career paths:   Lesa Brackbill, who successfully advocated for updated newborn screening laws in Pennsylvania, and is continuing her advocacy journey across the country and world, driven by the death of her daughter. Andrea Grove of Elementary Coffee on why there are so few women coffee roasters and woman-owned coffee shops. Sandy Lockerman who created an environmental education career as the field evolved. She currently volunteers with a saw-whet owl research project operated by the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art.   Many thanks to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau and Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, Pennsylvania’s destination for business—and leisure, for sponsoring this episode of TheBurg Podcast. For more information, see cumberlandbusiness.com.     Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: Birthing a Legacy | Support Us | Night Watch | Editori

As hard as the pandemic was, and continues to be, for many people, there also continue to be glimmers of light, silver linings, business expansions, and stories about people helping others—doing the right thing. And that’s the theme that links all of today’s podcast interviews, together: Peter Leonard, CEO/Owner of Little Amps Coffee Roasters, location of the Green Street Community Pantry Kristin Messner-Baker, owner of The Vegetable Hunter, whose Harrisburg restaurant has expanded to Carlisle and Hershey Kellie Black of Middletown, who recently launched Harrisburg’s chapter of the 40+ Double Dutch Club Many thanks to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this episode of TheBurg Podcast, through their Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, with 29 locations—including Harrisburg—where everyone can find their flavor. For more information, see VisitCumberlandValley.com. Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: Mini but Mighty | Market Launch | Jump for Joy Every month, TheBurg Podcast ex

On the basketball court, a full court press is an all-out effort… putting pressure on the opposing team. How does this concept tie into September’s podcast?   “The Most Harrisburg Thing” these days is the Knead Pizza story. An all-out effort by employees, to unionize, resulted in the shop’s closing. The story has gotten a lot of press, but editor of TheBurg Lawrance Binda, in conversation with TheBurg Podcast’s Karen Hendricks, adds new insights and context.   Josiah Peay of Middletown has mounted a full court press to bring professional basketball to the Harrisburg area, through the Central PA Kings.   Dennis Reardon of Camp Hill mounted a full court press of his own, as he pushed toward the finish line of last year’s Harrisburg Marathon relay. He pushed himself so hard, he nearly lost his life—but he also gained new perspective on life.   Karen Good of Harrisburg, who works at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, has volunteered to co-chair the Harrisburg Marathon medical tent for 15 years running. What motivates her

From a famous Harrisburg clock, to a longtime YMCA professional who’s new to Harrisburg, plus a mentorship program that improves relationships between youth and police during these current times, even a little “island time” in the middle of the Susquehanna River:   Our August podcast is chockful of fascinating conversations about time.   We introduce you to: David Ozmore, new president and CEO, Harrisburg Area YMCA Lt. Adam Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police, also a “Bigs in Blue” mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, with “The Most Harrisburg Thing”   Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.” TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by award-winning Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks.   Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: So Noted, TheBurg, August 2022 including David Ozmore and Chockablock Clock news

Has “Pursuit” been adopted, as a result of being TheBurg magazine’s “cover doggy?” Our July edition of TheBurg Podcast asks that question—and many more pet-related questions to celebrate these dog days of summer.   As a companion to TheBurg magazine, this month’s podcast welcomes the following guests:   Amy Kaunas, executive director of the Harrisburg Humane Society Natahnee Miller of the nonprofit Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program Elle Lamboy of the Gettysburg Foundation, including the new children’s museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863   Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, also pops in with his monthly “The Most Harrisburg Thing.” TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by award-winning Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.”   Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: See Pursuit’s portrait on TheBurg’s July cover | Good Dogs, Made Great | Hands-On History   DYK? TheBur

Revitalization is the focus of our June podcast, as we expand three stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine’s June issue: 50 years later, what’s Harrisburg’s legacy from Hurricane Agnes? David Morrison, executive director, Historic Harrisburg Association explains how revitalization efforts continue impacting the city today. Revitalization is thriving, in many Pennsylvania towns and cities, thanks in great part to the Harrisburg-based organization, The Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Executive director Julie Fitzpatrick shares her insights—including downtown success stories—as PDC celebrates its 35th anniversary. Philadelphia is considered the model city for one specific and unique type of revitalization, worldwide: murals. Chad Eric Smith, communications director for Mural Arts Philadelphia, explains how Philly’s murals “beautify, inspire and empower.” June’s “most Harrisburg thing” could truly revitalize your life. Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, issues a challenge, in his monthly feature. Tune in, to se

We celebrate a whole lotta culture on TheBurg Podcast’s May episode: AAPI culture, soccer culture, and the culture of family-owned restaurants. Meet three Harrisburg-area personalities, all featured within TheBurg magazine’s May issue: Ellen Min, with the Harrisburg Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage group known as HAAPI Toan Ngo, head coach for Pennsylvania’s first and only semi-professional women’s soccer team debuting this month, Eagle FC Otis “O.D.” Harrison, owner of OD’s Fish House, Harrisburg In this month’s “The Most Harrisburg Thing (TMHT)” editor of TheBurg Lawrance Binda drives home a point, about major city projects underway.   TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Every month, TheBurg Podcast expands stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.”   Backstories that coordinate with this episode include: Heritage Heralded | Kicking Off | Food and Family   DYK? TheBurg Podcast has received

It’s a “wild” time of year—a time to come out of hibernation and rediscover the great outdoors. Our April podcast guests explore Harrisburg’s and Pennsylvania’s wild side, from the Susquehanna River to its parks and outdoor recreation.   The state’s first director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner explains how big of an outdoor gem Pennsylvania really is.   The Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat’s new president of the board Kim Board explains what it means to be responsible for such an iconic symbol of Harrisburg, as the riverboat gets ready to launch a new season.   Richelle Corty of Harrisburg’s Wildwood Park previews this year’s Art in the Wild exhibit—composed of all-natural materials—and explains what that artwork naturally does for the community.   This month’s “Most Harrisburg Thing” is off the wall. Really. Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, sorts out a recent controversy that started with grocery store artwork.   TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen

How would you define a “hero?” Two of our guests focus on heroes in our midst—those who are in active recovery from substance use. Meet Dan Albert, founder of Hero in the Fight, a Central PA-based organization dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with addiction, and supporting the active recovery community. He’s very open about his substance use in our magazine story—and he explains why, on the podcast. What can we, as a society, do to support those in active recovery? What language should we use? And what causes surges in substance use such as the opioid epidemic? Weston Kensinger, Director of the Douglas W. Pollock Center for Addiction Outreach and Research at Penn State Harrisburg, answers those questions and more for a fascinating deep dive into the subject. Have you seen TheBurg’s March 2022 cover art? Meet Pamela Black, the artist who created this month’s beautiful, bright artwork. Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, goes uptown for this month’s “The Most Harrisburg Thing.” And host Karen Hendrick

What are the hidden gems of Harrisburg? And where are these sparkling treasures?   That’s what we asked nearly all of our podcast guests over the past year. But—surprise, surprise—we saved these audio treasures for this bonus Valentine’s Day episode.   This special Valentine’s Day edition of TheBurg Podcast is sponsored by Explore HBG.   Nearly 25 guests reveal their favorite, go-to places they consider unique to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And some of the answers may surprise you: They range from sparkling gems of nature to the capital city’s cultural gems, outstanding restaurants and businesses, iconic architectural gems, plus even a few quirky local gems. Some are truly hidden, off-the-beaten-path gems.   Discover the hidden gems of the Burg, on TheBurg Podcast: Hosted by Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg; and Karen Hendricks, TheBurg Podcast’s host and producer.   Guests, sharing their hidden gems, include: Melissa Brown, UPMC Central PA Fred Burton, Harrisburg-based writer George Conrad, president, Standi

Every month, we expand three stories from the pages of TheBurg magazine because “there’s always more to the story.” On the February podcast:   Dr. Kimeka Campbell reflects on her one-year anniversary as host of Harrisburg Black Newsbeat. We also learn more about her background, as well as her work with Young Professionals of Color-Greater Harrisburg.   Sue Kunisky, Vice President of Operations at Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, explores the Black Travel Experience—the organization’s latest trail experience which markets Harrisburg’s Black-owned businesses, Black cultural and historical landmarks, and more.   We also go beyond the surface of artist Wendy Allen’s nearly 40-year career of painting Abraham Lincoln, from her Gettysburg gallery Lincoln into Art. She explains why she strives to keep Lincoln’s legacy alive and relevant through each painting.   If there was ever a historical figure who stood up for minorities and equality for all, it was Abraham Lincoln.   All of the podcast’s stories give voice to pe

New Year, New You? Nope, we’re not going there in 2022.   Public sentiment amid a pandemic calls for a new slogan. We propose “New Year, New Issues” and our podcast stories help you navigate through a number of current issues.   Seth Dellinger of Harrisburg is director of community engagement for Animal Advocates of South Central PA, an organization dedicated to supporting the vegan community. He debunks the common misconceptions—and dives into some of the issues--about veganism.   Author Fred Burton of Harrisburg used a controversial topic—fracking—to reach people on both sides of the issue and help them see the other side’s point of view, through the characters in his book. He walks us through the pros and cons of fracking—an issue vital to Pennsylvania.   Harrisburg runner Clare Flannery recently ran the race of a lifetime, the iconic Boston Marathon. She shares her insights, for a dose of “New Year, New You” inspo.   Plus our esteemed editor Lawrance Binda shares his “most Harrisburg thing” for January—an

DEI is much more than a buzzword. How would you define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? You can compare your definition with one shared by a local expert—who’s actually a national expert on the subject. Monica Gould of Strategic Consulting Partners provides plenty of food-for-thought, including three tips for how we can be more mindful of DEI in our daily lives, especially in the new year.   SAD is another timely acronym. Dr. Melissa Brown of UPMC Central PA explains how to keep Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay through the dark winter months. SAD can turn darker, toward suicidal thoughts—and she tells us how to recognize those warning signs as well.   NLP is a local acronym associated with warm, neighborly connections. Neighbors of Lower Paxton has spun off a new nonprofit, Bike a Better Path, and executive director Forrest Healey shares some of their heartwarming holiday success.   It’s full steam ahead, into the holiday season, for Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, in his “Most Harrisburg Thing.”   TheBu

This month’s podcast is like a giant pot of gumbo, chock-full of Harrisburg happenings. First, we talk soup, and so much more, with Dr. Rod Mortel of the High Hopes for Haiti Foundation. He explains why he’s not worried about his foundation’s school, and its many additional programs, despite the country’s struggles. Meet TheBurg’s resident film critic Sammi Leigh Melville, and enjoy an expanded “The Most Harrisburg Thing” with Lawrance Binda, TheBurg’s editor extraordinaire. Every month, TheBurg Podcast introduces you to some of Harrisburg’s most fascinating people. Their stories start on the pages of TheBurg magazine, and are expanded here on TheBurg Podcast… because “there’s always more to the story.” TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks. Visit her website here.  Backstories: This episode is based upon the following November magazine stories: High Hopes for Haiti | Now We’re Cooking: “Julia” | Surf’s Almost Up, at Harrisburg Beach Club DYK? TheBurg

Art is at the heart of this month’s podcast:   First, Crystal Skotedis of Harrisburg recounts her quest to find a long-forgotten elk statue. She takes us along for all the twists and turns—with a surprise ending that adds to our magazine story.   What was it like to see 230 feet of the Mulberry Street bridge transformed by murals? Harrisburg native Ian Potter shares his reflections on this incredible experience—and he explains how painting sets for Gamut Theatre propelled him into a career as a muralist in New York City.   Harrisburg area kids can’t get enough art, especially amid the pandemic, and that’s why business is booming for Maureen Marks Art of Harrisburg.   People and politics: Lawrance Binda, editor of TheBurg, shares two “Most Harrisburg Things” for October.   Backstories: This episode is based upon the following October magazine stories: A Statue Story | Portrait of the Community | Art on the Mark   TheBurg Podcast is hosted and produced by longtime Harrisburg-area journalist Karen Hendricks.