WDIY 88.1 FM is set to light up the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton with Lehigh Valley “Hollywood” Squares, a live game show fundraiser happening Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. The event will combine comedy, trivia, and community spirit, all in support of public radio across the Lehigh Valley.
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
Subscribe for more conversations about the people and issues shaping the Lehigh Valley.
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.
Did you know that 62% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but only 2–3% actually do?
In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, we sit down with Rami Nemeh, President & CEO, and Lina Barbieri, VP of Communications and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, to explore the very real crisis facing our region’s blood supply — and what it will take to fix it.
With cohost Jeff Warren, we hear powerful stories of survival (including one that hits close to home for Jeff), and we learn how Miller-Keystone is using apps, AI, and even virtual reality to modernize donation and inspire the next generation of donors.
💡 Key stats we discuss:
– 62% of Americans can give blood, but only 2–3% do
– Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood
– 60% of local donors are over age 55
– Only 5% are ages 18–25
The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast has been named Best Local Podcast by readers of Lehigh Valley Style in the publication’s 2025 “Best of the Lehigh Valley” awards — marking the podcast’s second win, with its first honor coming in 2020.
Launched in 2018, Lehigh Valley with Love has become a leading local podcast by doing what it does best — telling the stories of the Lehigh Valley’s people, places, and pulse. Whether it’s sitting down with community leaders, walking through neighborhoods and festivals, or simply chasing a good story with a camera in hand, the podcast continues to evolve as a trusted voice for the region.
“We try to tell the kinds of stories you don’t always hear elsewhere, or at least not in the same way.” said George Wacker, host and founder. “And over the past year especially, we’ve really leaned into getting out into the community, not just recording episodes, but filming them, walking with our guests, and showing people what the Lehigh Valley looks like right now. There’s so much out there.”
In 2024, the podcast introduced Off The Record, a subseries co-hosted by Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren. It brings a more serious tone to discussions around mental health, incarceration and reentry, and regional development — without losing the podcast’s grounded, conversational feel.
Episodes in the Off The Record series include:
Watch the full series on YouTube: Off The Record Playlist
In addition to audio interviews, many episodes now include full video walk-throughs — giving audiences a more immersive look at life across the region. From parks and food trucks to holiday drives and music festivals, recent episodes highlight the breadth and depth of the Lehigh Valley:
🎧 Watch or listen to the full archive:
The podcast’s continued growth and recognition wouldn’t be possible without its loyal audience, generous guests, and the support of local sponsors. A sincere thank-you to:
Interested in being on the show, or becoming a sponsor?
📧 Email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
🌐 Visit www.lvwithlove.com
Guests:
In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the region: the Lehigh Valley warehouse boom. They’re joined by Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Susan Lawless, a Supervisor in Hanover Township, Northampton County, to explore how warehouses became such a dominant force in our local economy, what the future holds, and how local governments can navigate the challenges that come with rapid industrial growth.
If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:
📚 Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga
If you’ve driven through the Lehigh Valley recently, you’ve likely noticed a skyline of massive warehouse buildings appearing along major roadways. But why has this explosion in warehouse development happened, and what does it mean for the future of the region?
According to Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), the warehouse boom is not a coincidence—it’s the result of a perfect storm of economic conditions, geographic advantages, and shifting supply chains.
“Our region is now competing with the Port of New York and New Jersey in terms of industrial footprint.” — Becky Bradley
The question now is: What’s next?
The growth of the warehouse and logistics industry has created tens of thousands of jobs, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the Lehigh Valley.
On the surface, this seems like a positive economic boost. However, Susan Lawless, Supervisor of Hanover Township (Northampton County), warns that the benefits need to be weighed against the costs.
Some key challenges include:
“Some townships love the tax revenue, but they won’t say it publicly.” — Becky Bradley
With warehouse developments expanding rapidly, many residents and officials are asking: How do we balance economic growth with preserving the Lehigh Valley’s character?
One major concern is farmland loss. The Lehigh Valley has a rich agricultural history, but as more farmland is sold for industrial development, that legacy is at risk.
For local governments like Hanover Township, the key is zoning and planning ahead. However, Pennsylvania’s zoning laws limit how much control townships actually have.
“If a local government has a use allowed in its zoning, you can’t really deny it.” — Becky Bradley
Susan Lawless emphasized that municipalities need to be proactive in revising ordinances if they want to guide development in a way that benefits residents.
“Development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We have to think about how it fits into the fabric of our community.” — Susan Lawless
With the Lehigh Valley’s industrial footprint now rivaling the Port of New York and New Jersey, the warehouse boom is far from over. But what does the future hold?
To navigate these changes, local officials, businesses, and residents need to work together to ensure sustainable growth. That means investing in infrastructure, improving zoning laws, and exploring ways to diversify the economy beyond warehousing.
If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:
📚 Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga
Guests:
In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild to discuss her time in office, the current state of politics, and the future of the Lehigh Valley. From advocating for lower prescription drug prices to ensuring the Lehigh Valley gets the attention it deserves on the national stage, Susan shares insights from her career and what comes next.
Susan Wild reflects on her six years representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and shares how she’s still deeply involved in advocating for local organizations and causes. While she has not yet made a final decision about running for office again, she emphasizes the importance of supporting Democratic candidates who can challenge Ryan Mackenzie in the next election.
“I think it’s really important that somebody run on the Democratic side who can beat Ryan Mackenzie… If it’s not me, I will be getting behind whoever the strongest Democratic candidate is.”
Wild discusses how the Lehigh Valley has historically been overshadowed by Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when it comes to securing federal funding. During her tenure, she made it a priority to ensure that the Lehigh Valley received its fair share of resources.
“We’re the third largest and fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania, and I made it my mission to bring millions of dollars back to the Lehigh Valley.”
She also highlights the critical need for continued support for local organizations, especially as political shifts at the national level could lead to funding challenges for nonprofits, education, and healthcare.
One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her work on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, particularly insulin. She explains how she came to realize the severity of the issue through conversations with constituents and how it became a legislative priority.
“I made it my mission to push for reduced drug prices, and we finally made breakthroughs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin costs have come down, and we’re continuing to negotiate lower prices for other life-saving medications.”
The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape, where Wild discusses how modern political figures are more focused on gaining attention than governing. She criticizes the influence of money in politics and how viral moments often dictate fundraising success.
“Some of the craziest things we’ve seen—like people suggesting we put Donald Trump on a $250 bill—are done for attention because they know it will bring in donations.”
She also highlights the challenges of being a moderate politician in today’s political climate, where bipartisan efforts often go unnoticed compared to the more extreme voices on both sides.
Looking ahead, Wild expresses optimism about the Lehigh Valley’s growth but warns about the challenges of urban sprawl and warehouse expansion. She stresses the importance of balancing economic development with responsible planning.
“We need to ensure that we don’t turn the Lehigh Valley into just another suburb of Philadelphia. Growth is great, but it has to be done in a way that maintains our region’s character.”
As the discussion wraps up, Wild talks about the need for younger voices in politics and her desire to mentor future leaders.
“If I decide not to run, it will be because I believe in mentoring and passing the baton. We need more young people in politics, and we have to give them the support they need.”
She shares her vision of creating an initiative in the Lehigh Valley to educate and engage young people in public service, whether through running for office or getting involved in advocacy work.
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
Hosts: George Wacker and Jeff Warren
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Read more in Lehigh Valley News
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/OOnTDxlVhU8
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.
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/UfuLmTTqolI?si=WsaxXw72a4hXLRk9
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.
VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/CtvA3aSQtZc
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!
Jeremy Joseph – Founder
Art Charlton – Trombone
Kevin Hudson – Drums
Melanie Thiel – Supporter
Sebastian Stanton – Sousaphone
Steve Ruhmel – Trombone
Big Easy Easton Brass: www.bigeasyeastonbrass.com
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.
This episode is brought to you by Made Possible in the Lehigh Valley
Learn more about how they are telling Lehigh Valley stories and how it can help you!
Welcome to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.
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.
This episode is brought to you by Made Possible in the Lehigh Valley
Learn more about how they are telling Lehigh Valley stories and how it can help you!
Welcome to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.
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.
