Watch past episodes of the Lancaster Podcast here:
Episode 18 - Today we're joined by Dawn Tluczek who is the Donor and Church Liaison for Bethany Christian Services . Bethany believes every child deserves to be safe, loved, and connected. For more than 75 years, their faith has inspired them to stand for children close to home and around the world. Together, we can change the world through family.
Episode 17 - This week we were pleased to have Jessica Meyer from White Chimneys a 300-year-old historical homestead and events venue on the show. We discussed the history of her property, the second oldest building in Lancaster county.
Bonus Video! Ben and Jeff discuss an interesting history nugget with Adam Zurn of Uncharted Lancaster.
Episode 16 - This week we were pleased to have Aaron Spangler from The Lancaster County Community Foundation. We discussed at length their new initiative Lancaster Snapshot. Lancaster Snapshot seeks to build an interactive personal road map of all things Lancaster that each of us holds dear.
Episode 15 - On Episode 15 of Lancaster Connects, we’re joined by Jonina Turzi to tell us about the important work done by Lancaster Farm Sanctuary to help rescued farm animals live a happy life. As the co-founder of the Farm Sanctuary, Jonina shares some stories and clips with us that will brighten up your day!
Episode 14 - On Episode 14 of Lancaster Connects, we’re joined by Mike Reynolds, General Manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers. Ben talked to Mike about the Barnstormers’ 2021 summer baseball season, new game rules, the huge role played by the team and Clipper Magazine Stadium in the community – and how you can catch a game for free AND earn $20 for United Way of Lancaster County, PA, just by volunteering as an usher at the stadium.
Episide 13 - Clip Show! - This week, we changed things up a bit and put together a highlight reel of the best from our first 12 episodes. It highlights many of the great guests and non-profits we had on the show, and has a ton of funny moments and bloopers. We also talked to friend of the show Benton Webber about the Lancaster Conservancy Water Week.
Episode 12 - On Episode 12 of Lancaster Connects we we joined by Ann Marie Shaw representing Building Bridges Foundation. An amazing horse therapy farm and ranch here in Lancaster County specializing in stress, anxiety, and PTSD therapy for our Veterans. And also Larry Alexander who you may recognize the name from Lancaster Newspapers. A long-time journalist turned author and history expert. Larry spent time with us discussing Major Richard “Dick” Winters of the 101st Easy Company made famous by the mini-series Band of Brothers.
Episode 11 - On Episode 11 of Lancaster Connects, we took a deep into Lancaster City with Anne Williams from Lancaster City Alliance and Chris Trendler from Decades “bowl-cade.” With the city as our county hub a thriving city makes for a stronger county and we dug into all that makes Lancaster City thrive.
Episode 10 - On Episode 10 of Lancaster Connects, we were joined by Penny Talbert from The Ephrata Public Library. The library is more than just books, in fact we likely spent only a minute or two on books. The resources offered to the community are amazing. We also talked Rob Reed from the Lancaster Science Factory. The science factory focuses on STEM - science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and focused way where kids think they are playing but are really learning and most importantly striking a fire within themselves to discover what they are excited about.
Episode 9 - On Episode 9 of Lancaster Connects, we were joined by Janelle Esbenshade & Alicia Corrado - from North Star Initiative. They help victims of sex trafficking right here in Lancaster County. It’s incredible to me that we have this problem here in our own backyard, even more incredible that an organization like North Star exists. And we're also joined by Mike Simmons - from LoKal Experiences. Pronounced Lou-call, Lokal Experiences is an experience based guided tour company who give craft-brewed highly specialized tours of our county. If your far away travel plans are still on hold maybe a more local staycation is in order which includes a guided tour from Lokal.
Episode 8 - On Episode 8 of Lancaster Connects, we were joined by Lynda Charles from Help The Fight in Mountville an amazing charity born right here in Lancaster out of the need to help those battling breast cancer who face unexpected expenses one might think insurance would cover. And also John Hockley from Weaver Associates. Weaver is a one stop shop for all your printing needs ranging from printers, toner, paper, print projects, signs, direct mail, logo’d apparel, logo’d giveaway items and more. Weaver Associates also gives back to non profits each year, and offers them special discounts too.
Episode 7 - On Episode 7 of Lancaster Connects, we were joined by Howard Hershey -who has served the Lafayette Fire Company here in Lancaster for 52 years! Amazing man, with a giver's heart. Imagine anything continuing for 52 years, and by the way - everyday year in and year out as a volunteer! Thank you Howard! Also on the show was Marisa Seubert from Lancaster EMS. They dispatch thousands upon thousands of rescue calls annually and while recording our show the calls didn’t stop. Certainly a critical part of our community and without direct funding they need our help. And finally, Elizabeth Berthaud who is the administrator of the Ephrata Cloister a local treasure chock full of history they too function as a non profit organization and welcome visitors right now.
Episode 6 - On Episode 6 of Lancaster Connects, we were joined by Michelle & Joe from the Wolf Sanctuary along with Vivian and Violet from the Serenity wolf pack. This is an amazing charity and entertainment venue right in our own backyard. You can visit for tours, even adopt a wolf for the year! Lots to take in, and you get outside for the day, create family memories and unplug from the daily grind. In light of Covid the sanctuary could use your support and as spring is here with summer around the corner a trip to the sanctuary might be just what you need and they would appreciate the support. Be sure to watch the episode to see Vivian and Violet howling for the episode too! Our business guest this week was Holly Lyle from Sierra Pacific Mortgage. We’ve known Holly personally for years now as part of our referral group. She is a true professional and is more than happy to start a conversation today that may, or may not, end up with a mortgage six months, a year, or more from now. She is truly here to serve her client’s needs and answer their questions.
Episode 5 - On Episode 5 of the Lancaster Connects Podcast, we're joined by Audrey Lilley a volunteer board member with Pitties Love Peace, an Elizabethtown based rescue organization. They are 100% volunteer run utilizing their network of foster homes and veterinary offices to help bully breed dogs in need. We had a great discussion about the bully breed and how they can best succeed in new homes. They are always in need of volunteers, foster homes and of course donation. Our business guest this week was Matthew Roda from Roda Marketing. He helps businesses to meet their customers online as they search for their products and services. As we discussed last year we found Matthew had a giving heart when he helped his clients navigate the pandemic by extending added services at no extra charge.
Episode 4 - On Episode 4 of the Lancaster Connects Podcast, we're joined by none other than Local Lancaster Man, Keeper of the Gap Lighthouse, and all-around good guy - Pete Ruggieri. Pete is somewhat of a local celebrity due to his connections into the community with all of his efforts for the Lancaster City Mounted & K-9 Unit. He also works with dog rescues and the Masons. Our business guest this week was Claire Chivington of The Realty One Group. I’ve known Claire personally for 5 years now and have seen firsthand via our weekly referral group meet-ups her passion and dedication to her customers to find the perfect fit in a new home.
Episode 3 - On Episode 3 of the Lancaster Connects Podcast, we're joined by Dave Bleil representing the Hempfield Food Pantry. We had an in-depth discussion on the need this food pantry fills and the stories of how they help our community, no more than ever in the time of COVID. Our business guest this week was Kyle Slaymaker owner and founder of The Slaymaker Method. He served in the Navy for 4 years saw time in the Persian Gulf during Operation Iraqi Freedom and then served 2 years in reserves. Now his company helps other businesses to better define their sales process without resulting in high pressure tactics so their customers have a 5-star experience.
Episode 2 - On Episode 2 of the Lancaster Connects Podcast, we're joined by Marsha Wagner, of the Wagner family from Quarryville - an amazing group of people who have adopted 11 children, most with special needs. Over the years, two children have sadly passed away and as such this family is deeply connected to Make A Wish, having raised about $95,000 to grant wishes to children. Also joining us was Kendra Campbell from Natural Awakenings Lancaster and she publishes a great magazine all about natural, healthy, and organic living, and really the magazine serves to highlight amazing businesses helping you live better. Typically, one would think these businesses exist only in larger cities, but in reality, Lancaster County offers a plethora of options to help you live more naturally and healthier. Also joining us was Gary Griffith from Painting With a Twist. Gary and his wife Sue offer an alternative to the typical entertainment options available to us here in Lancaster. And even in light of COVID precautions they can still offer an incredible experience where you can create amazing paintings and memories together with your friends and families. The best part is that if you have a charity you work with you can host painting parties and a portion of the fee is donated to your cause.
Episode 1 - On Episode 1 of the Lancaster Connects Podcast, we're joined by Chuck Sierk who is a Lancaster-based Realtor and founder of the Rockstar Connect Lancaster business owner group. Also joining us is long-time friend John Erisman from Doceo business solutions and Lena Hohenadel from Off the Streets, a local charity helping get folks off the streets and into housing.
