Welcome to 2022, we’re looking forward to continuing to tell the stories of the Lehigh Valley and we think you’ll enjoy what we have in store.
I’d like to welcome on former NFL running back with the Giants and Chargers, one of the best running backs in college football history at Boston College finishing his career 5th all time for most yards rushed in a single season with 2,177, Heisman finalist, Parkland High graduate, and now a local business owner with a really interesting concept: Andre Williams!
Andre is the owner of AW Selvedge, a high end denim retailer located at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.
We talk about how he continues to use the tenacity that made him successful in athletics, successful in his new endeavor. We also talk about why the Lehigh Valley and exactly what goes into choosing the best in quality denim, along with some of his other interests.
Seth Witcher – “Jingle Bell Rock”, “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas”,
“The Christmas Song”, ”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” starts at 0:02:30 Carver Commodore – “Wonderful Christmas Time”, “Blue Christmas”,
“You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch”, “Sleigh Ride” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” 0:15:27 Corinne Mammana – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” and “Loveliest Gift” (original) 0:28:10 Gangstagrass – “Santa’s Favorite” and “Please Christmas Don’t Be Late” 0:36:05 Jon Worthy and Kiki Halliday – “Last Christmas” 0:42:45 Hannah Gill – “Thinking of You (Social Distancing Blues)” (original), “Blue Christmas”
and “Home For The Holidays” (original) 0:46:15 Eljuri – “The Little Drummer Girl” 0:56:15 Robbie Lawrence – “Santa Must be Polish” 0:59:29 Dirty Dollhouse – “Party Dress”(original) 1:03:30 Pepperwine – “This Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Comin to Town” 1:06:43 Ryan Tennis – “Coming Home” (original) and “All Through The Night” 1:13:34 Puddles Pity Party – “Oh Holy Night” and “Silent Night” 1:20:08
Full Lehigh Valley Holiday Spectacular Stream Below
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
Join hosts George Wacker and Phil Reese on for the Lehigh Valley with Love Holiday Spectacular recorded live on December 7, 2021 with some super special musical guests live or recorded including:
Puddles Pity Party Eljuri Hannah Gill Pepperwine Gangstagrass Ryan Tennis Corinne Mammana Jon Worthy Carver Commodore and more!
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
In this episode, we talk with Touchstone Theatre General Manager/Ensemble Member, Emma Ackerman; Artistic Director, James P. Jordan; and ensemble member and creator Samantha Beedle; to talk all things Christmas City Follies on the very stage it will be taking place.
Christmas Ciy Follies runs December 2 – 19, 2021!
“Kick off the holiday season with jingle bells, ukuleles, and the return of our annual winter vaudeville! Join us for the twenty-second iteration of this homegrown variety show, celebrating the season through music, merriment, and traditions new and old. Touchstone is ready to help you ring in the holidays!” – Visit www.touchstone.org for more information.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
On the heels of the holiday season, we sat down with Dave and Leliah, owners of White Elephant Online, an online version of the popular gift-swap game that they launched out of their Lehigh Valley home last year. We speak with them about Leliah’s Lehigh Valley roots, how they met in college, how their individual careers intersected, and where they see the future going for their young endeavor. Join the thousands of companies that bring their remote teams together with White Elephant Online, or play your favorite gift-swap game virtually with family & friends!
Dave has spent his career building software at tech startups and was most recently the Senior Director of Product at a property-tech firm in New York City. In addition to his role at White Elephant Online he is also the founder of Remotely Useful, a weekly newsletter for remote workers & managers. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Entrepreneurship from Babson College.
Leliah brings a diverse background to the White Elephant Online Team. She started her career in Finance and worked for several major banks before breaking out on her own to start a real estate investment company in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to being a co-founder of White Elephant Online, she is also the co-founder of NILETA, a womenswear company based out of New York City. She has a bachelor’s degree in both Economics and Philosophy from Wellesley College.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love Music, co-hosts George Wacker and Phil Reese speak with three musical artists who all played Musikfest this past summer.
We recently interviewed Eljuri, Ryan Tennis, and Argonaut & Wasp and combined them into one episode. You can also listen/watch their individual episodes at the links below.
Thank you to our sponsors, Michael Bernadyn with Re/Max Realty and Molly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub!
Born in Guayaquil Ecuador and raised in New York City, Cecilia Villar Eljuri is a compulsive genre-fuser writing songs that mirror the experiences of her life. Touted as one of the top Latina guitar players in the world, she blends the sounds and rhythms she heard from her mother’s piano, her father’s vinyl records, her siblings’ CDs and from the clubs she frequented on Manhattan’s lower east side. WEBSITE / VIDEO EPISODE
Hailing from Philadelphia, America’s City of Brotherly Love, Ryan Tennis’ music is all about dismantling boundaries and bringing people together. Genre-defiant by nature and with diversity at its core, his rousing songs are infused with the rhythms from the many countries he’s visited during his extensive tours. While his performances are dynamic and danceable, Tennis’ voice and songs have a disarming sweetness that lowers your defenses and lets you breathe easy. WEBSITE / VIDEO EPISODE
Argonaut & Wasp was created with the goal of combining the vulnerability of a rock show with the energy of a house club. Formed in the dorms of the University of Vermont in 2013 the band started as a DJ / live show, playing packed basement parties to sold out festivals. In 2015, they packed their gear and moved to Brooklyn where they built a studio in Crown Heights. After releasing numerous singles and EP’s independently, they signed with +1 Records and are released their debut album, STARLIGHT 99 on April 30 2021. WEBSITE / VIDEO EPISODE
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
Special thank you to Carver Commodore, argonaut&wasp and Blair Crimmins for allowing us to use selections of their songs for our opening, transitions and closing music. Please check out their music and give them a follow on Spotify and social media.
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast my musical co-host Phil Reese and I travel to the Newtown Book and Record Exchange in Newtown, Pennsylvania to talk to singer songwriter, and shop owner, Chelsea Mitchell.
Chelsea is the founder of Dirty Dollhouse, a band that played this past Musikfest in Bethlehem and is made up of..
Chelsea Mitchell Guitar / Lead Vocals
Eric Lawry Drums / Percussion / Backing Vocals
August John Lutz II Electric Guitar
Joshua Machiz Bass
Atwood Magazine had this to say about Dirty Dollhouse…
“In all Dirty Dollhouse’s musical works, you can feel the homey Nashville vibe, wrapped like a warm blanket around your body. Her music is inspired by folk, country, and pop so as to create a brand new intimate genre of her own. She is often compared to artists like Nicole Atkins, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandi Carlile. Mitchell, who has got a very unique vocal range, considers herself a singer/songwriter; as her songs represent an autobiographical vibe, it almost feels like reading and flicking through someone else’s diary pages.”
We encourage you to watch the video portion of ths podcast, which you can find in the show notes, to see what the Newtown Book and Record Exchange looks like as we were balancing microphones before this interview.
Of course, thank you to our sponsors, Michael Bernadyn of Re Max Realty and MOlly’s Irish Grille and Sports Pub in Bethlehem.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
In this episode we talk with Lehigh Valley attorney Briana Gaumer about moving across the country for softball (then coming back again), AND Lehigh Valley hot dogs. (Plus more)
Thank you to our sponsors Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Venture X, and Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub in Bethlehem!
Attorney Briana M. Gaumer’s practice focuses almost exclusively on family law matters such as divorce, custody, and support as well as estate planning, including drafting Powers of Attorney, Wills, and estate documents. Attorney Gaumer has successfully litigated custody and divorce matters up and through Trial. She is well-versed in unique issues that may arise such as jurisdiction disputes, custody relocation, complex equitable distribution, grandparents’ custody, and matters that have involved severe domestic violence.
Attorney Gaumer graduated from Lehigh University with a double major in Political Science and Religion while simultaneously being a full-time student-athlete on the Lehigh University Women’s Softball Team. Attorney Gaumer received her law degree from Widener University School of Law. During law school, Attorney Gaumer participated in the Widener Civil Law Clinic where she represented low-income clients in various civil actions, with a focus on family law.
Attorney Gaumer is the recipient of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Eric D. Turner Award and the Widener University School of Law Outstanding Service Award.
A Lehigh Valley native, Attorney Gaumer enjoys spending time in the community in which she serves. She is also a member of the Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe County Bar Associations.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
We were lucky enough to sit down with Second Lady of Pennsylvania, Gisele Fetterman, and Lehigh County Judge candidate, Maraleen Shields, to talk more about their individual stories, discuss the importance of diversity in elections and leadership, and pierogies.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
We were lucky enough to sit down with Joetta Clark-Diggs, aka Joetta, to talk about her amazing career and continued work as an author, motivational speaker, and business woman.
Joetta is a..
4-time Olympian, (2000 captain)
15-time All American
9-time NCAA Champion
11-time USA National Champion
Member of the USA track and field hall of fame
Motivational Speaker
Health/Wellness & Achievement Authority
Joetta is an Olympic athlete who has made an indelible impact in sports and business after her legendary 24-year elite career as a half-mile runner representing the United States of America at the 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
Joetta is the President of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC (www.joettasportsandbeyond.com), where she inspires people to “Discover their Champion.” She authored a book entitled Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success: Life Lessons Learned from Track & Field. The acclaimed book has been considered a tremendous resource to both corporate executives and to the youth.
Joetta’s father is Joe Clark, who was played by Morgan Freeman in the film “Lean on Me.” Joetta’s daughter, Talitha, is a Saucon Valley Graduate and accomplished athlete in her own right, competing in most recent Olympic trials.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
This October 15th is White Cane Safety Day which is an awareness day to highlight the challenges that individuals living with visual impairments face and educate the public on vision loss. White Cane Safety Day has been celebrated on October 15 of each year since 1964. The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
We talk with Christe Konopitski – Director Of Advancement for Sights for Hope. The organization, known formerly as Center for Vision Loss, transforms lives by removing the barriers to independence and success caused by visual impairments: https://sightsforhope.org/
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
In this week’s episode, we are talking with Mackenzee Warnke of Bethlehem. She is a student at East Stroudsburg University and is an aspiring editor.
We talk at length about the many food spots in this area, including the Hellertown Diner, Inside Scoop, and the Keystone Pub just to name a few. We also discuss how the people of the Lehigh Valley have impacted her life in a positive way and how starting her college career at NCC shaped who she is today. We also talk about the many entertainment offerings in this area from going out of the area a bit to Hershey, PA for the amusement park and concert venue, to staying a bit more local and seeing events at the PPL Center or a game at the IronPigs!
You can check her out on Twitter @mackdubzz and on her YouTube channel Mack.
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
In this episode we’re talking with author, firefighter, and all around inspirational person, Eric Bartosz. We cover a bunch of topics, such as deciding to move to the Lehigh Valley instead of going into the NYPD, being an advocate for the area, work and life balance, and that extra grind, which includes his own book, Bar40 (he has a day job, too!)
One of the core components of BAR40 is personal accountability in making every day and week count. Listen for more details!
Thank you to Venture X for making this interview and series “The Future of the Lehigh Valley Workforce” possible.
If you’d like to get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities, email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or hit up our show notes.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
Manal Omar is founder of Across Red Lines which is dedicated to women’s leadership through accessing life force energy & deeper understanding of rights through a faith lens. Manal designed & led multiple development & training projects in the Middle East and Africa, & provided media & policy support on youth & gender on a global scale.
According to the Huffington Post, Manal Omar is a Fellow with the Truman National Security Project who serves on the boards of IREX and AltMuslimah.org.
She is the founder of #AcrossRedLines dialogue series and Safina Fellowship for Muslim women.
Manal Served as the Associate Vice-President for the Middle East and Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.
Manal has over fifteen years working in the field of women’s rights, peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and development. She is also a member of the board for IREX, a nonprofit global education and development organization. She is also an altMuslimah Advisory Board Member – an online media platform that is wholly dedicated to stories and commentary on gender-in-Islam from the male and female, Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives.
Manal is a former fellow for Foreign Policy Interrupted, and is currently a Truman National Security Project fellow. She is dedicated to creating a safe space for dialogue on current events in the Muslim and Arab world on identity, civil society, and women’s rights.
She was named among Top 500 World’s Most Influential Arabs by Arabia Business Power in 2011 and 2012, and among the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by Georgetown University and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in 2009. In 2007, Islamic Magazine named her one of the ten young visionaries shaping Islam in America.
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It’s safe to say I am honred to have Manal on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and I encourage you to learn more about Across Red Lines at acrossredlines.com
Thank you to Venture X for making this interview and series “the future of the Lehigh Valley Workforce” possible!
If you’d like to get in touch with us about sponsorship opportunities, email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or hit up our show notes.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or through our various social media channels.
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast is everything Lehigh Valley. Get in touch!
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk to three musicians (links below) who recently played at Musikfest and we love. I want to thank Phil Reese for his support and work on this podcast. We’re looking forward to many more.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast and the opportunities we can provide through sponsorship and collaboration, be sure to reach us at info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com or through our various social media channels.
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast is everything Lehigh Valley. Get in touch!
