We’re excited to announce that George Wacker, founder of Lehigh Valley with Love Media, will be a panelist at the Young Professionals Council’s Leadership Summit on February 21, 2025, at DeSales University!
As part of the “Building Your Personal Brand” breakout session, George will share insights from over a decade of experience in media and storytelling. With more than 15 million video views and 8 million podcast downloads, Lehigh Valley with Love Media has been recognized regionally and nationally for creative and impactful work that connects businesses, nonprofits, and communities with their audiences.
This is an amazing opportunity to learn how to leverage storytelling, build a personal brand, and make an impact. We’re proud to contribute to this event and share some of the strategies and lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Click to learn more about the event and secure your spot: 📅 2025 Leadership Summit Details: https://bit.ly/3O1D1TR
Guests: Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure
In this debut episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, George Wacker and Jeff Warren tackle the pressing issue of mental health with guests Rep. Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. From personal stories to systemic challenges, they delve into the stigma, funding gaps, and actionable solutions to improve mental health care in the Lehigh Valley.
Mental health is an issue that affects us all, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. In the debut episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren dive headfirst into this critical topic. Joined by Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, the conversation explores the challenges, solutions, and deeply personal stories tied to mental health in the Lehigh Valley.
Vulnerability in Leadership: Mike Schlossberg’s Story
The episode begins with Rep. Mike Schlossberg recounting his decision to publicly share his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Inspired by the tragic death of Robin Williams in 2014, Schlossberg wrote a powerful op-ed to destigmatize mental illness and spark a public conversation. His courage not only helped many find their own voice but also lent credibility to his advocacy for better mental health policies and funding in Harrisburg.
“Until we invest in behavioral health professionals and infrastructure, we will continue to fall short as a community,” Schlossberg emphasizes.
The Funding Crisis
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure paints a stark picture of the funding gaps plaguing mental health services. With one in five Northampton County residents living with a diagnosable mental illness, the demand far outweighs the resources available. The conversation underscores the “desert” of care left when private insurance and medical assistance run out, pushing many with severe mental illnesses into prisons or onto the streets.
“Prisons are no place for someone with schizophrenia,” McClure stresses, highlighting the systemic failures that leave vulnerable individuals without adequate support.
Lessons from the Past
The history of mental health care in the United States is a critical part of understanding today’s challenges. From the closure of state hospitals like Allentown State Hospital to the inadequacies of privatized care, the system has shifted but not always for the better. McClure points to the unintended consequences of legal victories that shuttered institutions without ensuring robust community support systems were in place.
The Pandemic’s Ripple Effect
The pandemic amplified existing issues and brought new challenges. Schlossberg reflects on the long-term impacts of a society increasingly reliant on digital connections at the expense of face-to-face interactions. Children and young adults, in particular, have borne the brunt of this shift, with rising rates of anxiety and depression.
“Breaking away from physical social interaction breaks something in people,” Schlossberg observes, stressing the need for renewed focus on in-person connections and community.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation wraps up, both Schlossberg and McClure outline their priorities for the future. Schlossberg is advocating for updates to the Mental Health Procedures Act and increased funding for workforce development in behavioral health. McClure remains committed to securing resources to support those with severe mental illnesses, ensuring they have access to safe housing and essential services.
Lehigh Valley with Love is honored to have been a part of this incredible video project and event!
“Love Letters to Bethlehem” is a documentary project developed by Brian Rashid, CEO of Brian Rashid Global and supported by the City of Bethlehem, the Bethlehem Marketing Council, and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. The documentary showcases the compelling and intimate narratives of Bethlehem’s residents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders as they share their journeys, significant relationships, and achievements throughout the city.
J. William Reynolds, Mayor of Bethlehem
Neville Gardner, Donegal Square
Ann Marie Supinski, AM Luxe Apparel
Veronica & Quartez Moore, The Taste Smokers
George & Crystal Wacker, Lehigh Valley with Love Media
Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest
Derek Wallen, Lehigh Valley Printing,
Roasted and Country Club Brewing
Guillermo Lopez, The Guillermo Lopez DEI Institute
We take an exclusive tour of the historic Sayre Mansion with General Manager and Director of Sales, Sarah Trimmer. Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, PA, this meticulously restored mansion beautifully blends historic charm with modern comfort. Sarah shares captivating stories about the mansion’s original owner, Robert Sayre, a key figure in Bethlehem’s industrial past.
We explore the mansion’s exquisite rooms, each uniquely decorated with period antiques and contemporary amenities. Among the highlights is the stunning Conservatory with its 180-degree view of Bethlehem and the cozy Robert Sayre Library suite, once part of Sayre’s private collection. Sarah reveals a beautiful ceiling uncovered during restoration and recounts the mansion’s colorful past as a fraternity house.
We learn about the variety of events hosted at the mansion, from elegant weddings to corporate retreats, all set in this historic gem. And for those interested in the supernatural, Sarah shares some friendly ghost sightings that add a touch of mystery to the mansion’s allure.
Whether you’re visiting for business, a romantic getaway, or to soak in history, the Sayre Mansion promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the rich tales and cultural significance of this Bethlehem landmark.
GUESTS
Sarah Trimmer – General Manager and Director of Sales
We jump into the Goldfish Swim School – Bethlehem to learn essential summer swim safety tips.
As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to ensure kids know how to stay safe around water. We explore everything Goldfish Swim School has to offer, from invaluable safety tips to their extensive community involvement.
We also get into the water and demonstrate three basic water safety techniques for kids.
Hear from Ruth, the General Manager, and Holly, the Assistant General Manager, about the school’s mission and why swim safety should be at the top of your summer checklist.
In this episode, we sit down on location with a few members of the ever expanding Big Easy Easton Brass band! Big Easy Easton Brass was formed by Jeremy Joseph in 2018 and has taken the Lehigh Valley one performance at a time.
Learn more about the infectious nature of this New Orleans style second line band and how you can join!
Thank you again to Jeremy for hosting us for this podcast and for all the members coming out and chatting!
In this episode we talk with WFMZ reporter and anchor, Will Lewis.
Will moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2010 after working at TV stations in Portland, Maine, Charlotte, North Carolina, and several other markets. Because of his love of traveling and various job assignments, he has driven across country seven times. Will has also lived in, visited, or driven through all 50 states.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Will left the Pacific Northwest to attend The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. We talk about his journey to the Lehigh Valley, how he snuck into grunge gigs in Seattle, why he loves the Lehigh Valley and some other stuff.
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.
On this episode we talk to Ronnie, Paul, and Susie from Soul Perspective, LLC. Susie and Paul have been friends since they were kids and they picked up Ronnie along the way to form a trinity of entrepreneurship.
Their first project is a children’s book entitled “Simeon Bleeker’s Magical Sneakers.” In this series, the main character, Simeon, gets to experience life through the perspective of someone that’s different from him, to essentially “live a day in her shoes,” to gain a better understanding of how they see and live life.
We talk about how this idea got started and how you can help make it come to fruition. We also make plans to hang out because i need more friends.
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.
We speak with James P. Jordan, Artistic Director at Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, about performing during COVID, adapting, thinking way outside of the box, and looking to the past for guidance.
Be sure to check out their website for upcoming performances.
Simply put, Google Drive is a free, easy to use, comprehensive cloud file service. It allows users to create, organize, store, and share files in the “cloud,” which allows access across your desktop, phone, and other supported devices.
