Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us The D&L Trail is one of Pennsylvania’s most significant outdoor corridors, stretching 165 miles through five counties and connecting communities along the historic canal and rail routes that once fueled the American Industrial Revolution. To understand the impact of the trail today, we visited Hugh Moore Park in Easton, Pennsylvania, home of the National Canal Museum and one of the most historically rich sections of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re talking with Megan Cara, Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Bethlehem. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us The Lehigh Valley’s comedy scene takes center stage this fall with the premiere of Popcorn Pushers: Season 01, a darkly funny new sitcom from creator Jiah Peck and his production team, Pigeon City. The series follows the eccentric staff of a struggling movie theater secretly owned by loan sharks, inspired by Peck’s real-life experiences working at Regal Cinemas in Quakertown and the County Theater in Doylestown. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we talk with Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Development and Communications for Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, about what happens when politics stall and how delayed budgets are putting real lives at risk. (more…)

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner! Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University. Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son’s lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area’s energy, trails, and sense of community. When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations. This year’s Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise. “This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.” The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner’s lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents. “It’s the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.” Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner’s fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. “We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it’s about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.” He also points to Zoellner’s new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience. “The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone’s physical or mental health. That’s where we’re headed too.” Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner’s growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces. “People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.” Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University. Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events. Listen to the full episode: www.lvwithlove.com Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner! WDIY is celebrating 30 years of community radio from its home in Bethlehem’s historic Flatiron Building. Since first going on air in January 1995, the station has become a hub for local voices, diverse music, and civic engagement across the Lehigh Valley. We had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Margaret McConnell on the roof of the Flatiron Building, overlooking the valley WDIY serves. She talked about everything from the station’s ten-year founding journey, to its 130 dedicated volunteers, to the challenge of replacing federal funding cuts. “Try to replace 15 percent of your personal budget,” McConnell said. “That is a part time job. We have to fill that gap.” We also talked about WDIY’s commitment to future generations through its youth media program, which has already trained more than 200 students to host shows and create podcasts. “Through WDIY we combat homelessness, address mental health, prevent teen suicide, alleviate senior citizen loneliness, and spread joy,” McConnell said. “WDIY is not just a radio station. It is a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for everyone in our community.” The 30th anniversary celebrations continue with concerts, community programming, and a unique new fundraiser at the State Theatre in Easton — Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares. Learn more about Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares at: https://www.wdiy.org/lehigh-valley-hollywood-squares Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/1f3M-X8Iw88 Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley is heading back to Bethlehem for a special night of music and message. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear bring the Do the Reggae Tour to the Wind Creek Event Center. We had a chance to sit down with Ziggy for a quick conversation ahead of the show, and he talked about everything from his new children’s book Pajamming, to family collaborations, to carrying forward the legacy of his father, Bob Marley. Ziggy also shared his memories of playing Musikfest in Bethlehem, where our late friend Reverend Hopeton Clennon once introduced him on stage. “People need this music, people need this message,” Ziggy said. “They need the joy and togetherness right now.” Beyond the tour, Ziggy says he’s already looking ahead: “Right after this tour is finished, I’m going in the studio to make one of the greatest albums ever.” Tickets for Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear at the Wind Creek Event Center are available now: Get Tickets Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/g4G_KtQKo7s Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com We sat down with Jane Ervin, Board Chair of The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth, and Bob Black, Event Chair of Pickleball for a Purpose and Chair of St. Luke’s Board. The Fund has been serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 30 years, providing critical support to abused, neglected, and at-risk children — from beds and tables to utility help and enrichment programs. In this episode we cover: How The Fund fills urgent needs that government and community agencies can’t Why pickleball was chosen to launch their first-ever tournament fundraiser What attendees can expect on October 11 at St. Luke’s SportsPlex Why 100% of donations go directly to helping kids Learn more about Pickleball for a Purpose → https://helplehighvalleychildren.org/Pickleball/ Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxgOoWhrDMw Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com We visited The Foundry Recording Studio in Bethlehem to talk with co-directors Jason Wegfahrt and Justin Blackstone. The Foundry was created to be more than a professional recording space. It is also a community hub where musicians, producers, and engineers can work, learn, and connect. In this episode we cover: How the idea for The Foundry began in local classrooms Why access, community, and education guide everything they do How they make recording more approachable and less intimidating Their vision of helping put the Lehigh Valley on the national music map Learn more about The Foundry → https://thefoundryrecordingstudio.com Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHeS48ACiA Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Lesbians Connect is one of the fastest-growing community movements in the Lehigh Valley. On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with founders: Meagan and Rebecca, Founders of Lesbians Connect We talk about:• How Lesbians Connect started and quickly grew from small meetups to major mixers• The importance of safe and empowering spaces for lesbians, queer women, trans women, and non-binary individuals• Why their events are welcoming and community-focused• How connections made at mixers are building lasting friendships• Their biggest upcoming event — Lez Bash: The Autumn Remix at Big Woody’s in Bethlehem on September 27 LinksLesbians Connect: https://linktr.ee/lesbiansconnect Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/C1rOVk5SDAE Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Housing is one of the hottest topics in the Lehigh Valley right now. On this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with two leaders on the frontlines: Gina Loiacono, Director of Community Engagement and Grants at Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley Marc Rittle, Executive Director at New Bethany We talk about:• Habitat’s 142 homes in the Valley and what it takes for families to qualify• The reality of transitional housing and how New Bethany is adapting programs to meet demand• The difference between affordable housing and attainable housing• The stigma around low-income housing and how nonprofits are working to change it• Habitat’s ReStores in Hellertown and Whitehall and how donations fuel more homebuilding “No child should ever wonder where to lay their head at night.” — Gina Loiacono“At the end of the day, there is more power in the private sector than the public sector when it comes to housing.” — Marc Rittle Links https://habitatlv.org/https://newbethany.org/ Subscribe for more conversations about the people and issues shaping the Lehigh Valley. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/lISGtsiMk6s Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Stirner Modern Gallery in Easton presents the Louis Lamont Exhibition, opening September 13. Curated and installed by Bibi Monahan, this exhibition brings together nearly 100 works of Lamont’s vibrant folk art, blending them with furnishings, masks, and artifacts from the Karl Stirner collection. Hear from: Jonas Stirner, gallery founder and sculptor, on continuing his father Karl’s legacy Bibi Monahan, curator and designer, on creating the show’s loft-like installation The story of Louis Lamont, outsider artist and friend of Karl Stirner, whose paintings tell raw and colorful stories of everyday life “His paintings have such a sincere perspective of the world… weddings with drunken brides, the chain lady, snow scenes, Allentown, Chicago, New Orleans.” – Jonas Stirner “They were dusty, they hadn’t been shown or hung or dusted off in years. They were just waiting to be rediscovered.” – Jonas Stirner Stirner Modern Gallery, Easton Exhibition opens September 13 More info: stirnermodern.com Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM Follow us on Substack. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/LNeLUT6rQtM?si=et7JPuXmx_UaSJ5E Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast sits down with the featured authors of the Society of the Arts’ Cocktails with the Authors (October 15, 2025) and Luncheon with the Authors (October 16, 2025). This year’s lineup includes:• Adriana Allegri, debut author of The Sunflower House• Alison Gaylin, Edgar and Shamus Award–winning author of We Are Watching• Jason Rekulak, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding These events bring acclaimed authors to Allentown for conversations, panel discussions, and book signings. Proceeds benefit arts education at the Allentown Art Museum, the SOTA Print Fund, and the SOTA Education Endowment. Tickets and info: https://www.sotapa.org/lwta More episodes: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM Follow us on Substack. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/05iM_rx7rPE Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com For more than a century, A-TREAT has been part of the Lehigh Valley story. The sodas and seltzers we grew up with, the flavors that feel like home. Now the brand is doing something new: using that fizz to fight pediatric cancer. In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast we are on site at the A-TREAT facility with Luke Jaindl, Vice President of Jaindl Companies, and Michele Zenni-Rounds, Executive Director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV). Together they share the story behind “Fizz That Fights” Lemon Twist Seltzer, a limited edition release that puts community first. Every bottle helps raise awareness and support for PCFLV’s mission to provide hope, programs, and direct assistance to more than 450 local families navigating childhood cancer. We talk about: How the A-TREAT and PCFLV partnership came to life Why local matters, from Jaindl’s rescue of A-TREAT in 2015 to PCFLV’s hyperlocal mission The importance of awareness initiatives like “30 Days, 30 Stories” during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month A-TREAT’s unique place in Lehigh Valley history, from Big Blue to holiday flavors, and what the future looks like Listen in for community, history, and a whole lot of fizz. Learn more about PCFLV: https://www.pcflv.org/ Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/7RpzdyyKQ_A Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with Michael Fickes, songwriter and frontman of Roman Patterns, to talk about the band’s debut full-length album Somewhere on the Highway, out now on Shaky Records. The album follows their 2024 Darts EP and features 11 brand new tracks, including the singles Modern Man and Daylight Saloon, plus a reimagined cover of Fuel’s hit Hemorrhage (In My Hands). Recorded and produced at Shaky Records, the album blends grunge and alternative rock influences from the late 90s and early 2000s with modern indie rock sensibilities. Michael shares how his creative partnership with producer Shaky reignited after a long break from music, how family and friends contributed to the record, and why Roman Patterns is focused on the studio rather than the stage — at least for now. Listen to Somewhere on the Highway:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vEwJRWduyQ&feature=youtu.be Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re joined by Devika Knafo, the organizer behind The Mom Market, a vibrant new pop-up event coming to the Bethlehem Rose Garden on August 24. The Mom Market is designed to celebrate and support mom and women entrepreneurs in the Lehigh Valley, featuring artisan goods, local businesses, wellness vendors, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly community setting. We talk about how Devika came up with the idea, the challenges moms face balancing business and family, and why creating spaces for women to connect, collaborate, and grow is so important. She also gives us a preview of the day’s schedule, from community yoga to kids’ storytime and even Disney princess dance-offs, and shares what’s next for this seasonal series of markets. Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast The Mom MarketAugust 24, 9:30 AM–3 PMBethlehem Rose GardenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsmeetmarket Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/dKoVJFn6DP8 Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re joined by Kenna DeValor, a poet, publisher, and founder of FlowerMouth Press. Kenna’s new poetry collection DISCOFRUIT is a shimmering celebration of queer identity, vulnerability, and joy. We talk about how the book was born in a small Poconos café under a disco ball, Kenna’s creative upbringing in Coopersburg and Charter Arts, and how FlowerMouth Press grew from a solo idea in 2019 into a nonprofit platform amplifying Gen Z voices around the world. We also explore the importance of art, physical media, and why the next generation isn’t done with poetry. Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast Grab DISCOFRUIT:Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/discofruit-kenna-devalorBlurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site Submit to FlowerMouth Press:Website: https://flowermouthpress.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowermouthpress Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/42ZFIC_813k Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com What started as three filmmakers meeting at a Wegmans café has grown into one of the Lehigh Valley’s most collaborative creative communities. In this episode, George talks with Dawn Daignault, Michael Sheridan, and Vince Stahl, the founders of Route 22 Filmworks — a grassroots filmmaking group that now boasts more than 200 members and an annual film festival at Bethlehem’s Ice House. We discuss the group’s origins, how they’ve built a space where newcomers and seasoned pros collaborate on no-budget films, and why their festival focuses on showcasing local talent. They also share behind-the-scenes stories, the unique challenges of keeping films under 20 minutes, and why they believe the Valley’s indie film scene is thriving. Learn more: Route 22 Filmworks → http://route22filmworks.com/ All episodes → www.lvwithlove.com Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/hbiRvFFAneQ?si=noUjK-WpNWLt8uLe Thank you to our Partners! WDIY 88.1 FM Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com The Greater Lehigh Valley Arts + Culture Patron Survey is more than a questionnaire. It’s a region-wide effort to gather real data on how people engage with the arts, what gets in their way, and how we can create more inclusive, accessible cultural experiences. In this episode of Off the Record, we’re joined by Meg Mikovits, Assistant Director and Research Manager at the Lehigh Valley Arts and Culture Alliance, and Marta Kepka, Director of Arts Marketing at Lafayette College. They share how this free, anonymous survey came together, what kinds of questions it asks, and why it’s so important that both individuals and organizations take part. We talk about: Why the arts are essential to economic growth, public health, and social connection The surprising lack of existing audience data in the region What organizations can gain from distributing the survey to their audiences How the results will be shared and used across sectors Whether you’re a mural lover, a Musikfest regular, a parent with kids in band, or someone who just wants to see more arts opportunities in your neighborhood, your voice matters. Take the survey: https://bit.ly/LehighValleyArtsSurvey Full episode and more: www.lvwithlove.com Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/jyLmJr6pCGs Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Recorded at City Hall’s Payrow Plaza, it’s the Mayor’s Musikfest Podcast 2025, hosted by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Lehigh Valley with Love Media’s George Wacker. This year’s episode highlights the people powering Musikfest behind the scenes and on stage: Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, shares what’s new and what keeps the festival going after 42 years Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer of ArtsQuest, talks booking hundreds of bands and building a “city within a city” Dave Fry, local music icon who’s performed at every single Musikfest since 1984, joins the conversation and performs live Laura Waits and Cathy Campanaro of Sync Recovery, along with Northampton County Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner, talk about the launch of SoberPlatz, a new alcohol-free space at the festival Meet the Mayor, a long-time local band, reflects on playing Musikfest for the past 8 years Bren closes out the episode with thoughts on artistry, identity, and what it means to perform at Musikfest Listen for honest conversations, local stories, and a look at how community and music come together every summer in Bethlehem. Musikfest starts Friday, August 1.Thank you to everyone who helps make Bethlehem such a special place to live, visit, and celebrate.Have a great Fest. Watch Episode https://youtu.be/VSV_onIlqok Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company