Fizz That Fights: A-TREAT Partners with PCFLV for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

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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 Michelle Zenie 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

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Roman Patterns Channel 90s Alt-Rock on Debut Album

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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!

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Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

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The Mom Market Comes to Bethlehem

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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 Market
August 24, 9:30 AM–3 PM
Bethlehem Rose Garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsmeetmarket

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/dKoVJFn6DP8

 

 

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Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

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DISCOFRUIT and the Power of Diverse Poetry with Kenna DeValor of Flowermouth Press

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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-devalor
Blurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site

✍️ Submit to FlowerMouth Press:
Website: https://flowermouthpress.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowermouthpress

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/42ZFIC_813k


 

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How Route 22 Filmworks is Uniting Independent Filmmakers in the Lehigh Valley

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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!

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Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

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Banko Beverage Company


Why Blood Donation is as Important as Ever with Miller-Keystone Blood Center

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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

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/93n9HoweDDQ 

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


From Beirut to Easton: Sure Fix Remodeling’s Story with Henry Rouhana

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In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Henry Rouhana, founder of Sure Fix Remodeling in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Henry’s story begins in Lebanon, where he spent summers on construction sites and found inspiration watching architects bring spaces to life. After earning his architecture degree from ALBA in Beirut, Henry immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children.

Starting over was not easy. With no money and no resources beyond his determination, Henry launched Sure Fix Remodeling. Over time, his business grew to include a full showroom and a trusted team of family members.

Today, Sure Fix is known for its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and treating every client like family.

🏡 Explore Sure Fix Remodeling: www.surefixremodeling.com

Watch Episode

Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

WDIY 88.1 FM

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

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Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


The Perfect Fit: 25 Years of Empowering Women in the Lehigh Valley

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What started with a single blazer in the trunk of a car has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful stories of community-driven change.

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Sarah Barrett, Executive Director of YWCA Allentown, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Perfect Fit, a workforce empowerment program that’s helped more than 13,000 women step into new careers with confidence.

Topics include:

  • How The Perfect Fit began as a grassroots effort

  • Why clothing is just a tool, and the real heart is community support

  • Career workshops, tech certifications, and professional mentoring

  • What’s next for the next 25 years

  • TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Join the Celebration: Outfit to Empower Luncheon
 Friday, October 24, 2025
 Renaissance Hotel, Allentown, PA

 Learn more or get involved: ywcaallentown.org/perfect-fit

Watch Episode

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


L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery — Making the Outdoors Accessible (and Fun) for Everyone

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George, Crystal, and Dahlia from Lehigh Valley with Love spent the day at Lake Nockamixon State Park with the team from L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs to try out just a few of the activities they offer throughout the summer.

From archery to kayaking to full moon paddles, these programs are built to help anyone, regardless of experience, get outside and try something new.

They spent time with Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, who shared how these programs are designed for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They also met with instructors Ruth, Craig, Dylana, and Sarah, who bring passion, experience, and approachability to everything from kayaking to archery, helping make the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone.

L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs are based at Lake Nockamixon and the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, offering kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, fly casting, guided hikes, and more. With options for beginners, group outings, and even night paddles under the full moon, there’s something for everyone looking to get outside.

Learn more and book your next adventure!

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/ByiRCy4oizo

Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


A Day Outside with L.L. Bean — And Why More People Need to Do This

You don’t usually associate archery safety talks with jokes about Sasquatches or see your kid aim an arrow at a tennis ball in the rain and absolutely light up. But that’s exactly what happened when we spent a day with the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs at Lake Nockamixon.

This wasn’t just a video shoot or podcast episode. It was the kind of day that sticks with you. Not because it was perfect (it rained), but because it was real. And more people need this kind of real right now.

🎧 Listen to the Episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery

🌐 Explore the Programs
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania


“We want to give you the best first experience you could have.”

That’s what Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, told us early on. And it’s not something you’d expect to take seriously — until you spend time with the instructors she works with.

People like Ruth, who’s been doing this for 15 years and still lights up when she talks about getting people on the water.
Or Craig, who took a kayak class in college and came back to it in retirement, just because it made him feel something.
Or Dylana and Sarah, who took our family (and a camera crew) through the archery basics without a hint of condescension, even when we had absolutely no idea what we were doing.

This is what makes this program work: not the gear or the branding — but the people. These instructors aren’t reciting from a script. They believe in this stuff. And they’re patient enough to help you believe in it too.


The Outdoors Is Not a Vibe. It’s a Reset Button.

We talk a lot about “disconnecting” these days. But for most people, that still means standing around staring at your phone with a different background. This wasn’t that.

Out at Lake Nockamixon, even with raindrops on the camera lens and a soggy hoodie, things felt clearer. Dahlia learned how to shoot a bow. Crystal got advice on safety lines and string tension from someone who could probably teach blindfolded. We paddled. We laughed. We dried off. We reset.

You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” to do this. That’s the point. These programs are built for beginners. You don’t need to own anything. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to show up.

“Even if you’ve never been to a lake before,” Lindsey told us, “we want you to feel like this is a place for you.”

It is.


Why This Stuff Matters

We asked about accessibility. They talked about the ADA-accessible boat launch and helping kids from the Boys & Girls Club feel safe getting in the water for the first time.

We asked about skill levels. They said they welcome people who’ve never touched a paddle and also offer sea kayaking, rescue courses, and night paddles under the full moon.

We asked about groups. They’ve worked with Girl Scouts, bachelor parties, corporate team-building retreats, and even entire families who want to do something different for their reunion.

So yeah, this is recreation. But it’s also something bigger.

This is how you build confidence in kids. This is how you reconnect with your spouse. This is how you remember what it feels like to be out of your head for a while.

And if all you take home is a few mosquito bites and a blurry photo of your first bullseye, honestly? That’s still a win.


📍 Plan Your Visit
https://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania
🏪 The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley
🎧 Listen to the Episode → www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery

Get Outta Your Booth! Voiceover, Community, and Why AI Can’t Replace You

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Guests:

  • Mike Cunningham, voice actor, conference organizer, VP of the National Sokols Lodge #93
  • Jen Taphoney, professional voice actor, co-host of VO Booth Besties

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with the organizers of Get Outta Your Booth!, a new kind of voiceover conference happening June 27–29, 2025 at National Sokols Lodge #93 in Bethlehem, PA.

This isn’t your average industry meetup — Get Outta Your Booth! is designed around accessibility and community. With just 100 attendees, sessions led by working pros, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke socials, and zero profit motive, it’s built to bring voice actors together without the pressure or price tag of larger events.

  • Why voiceover is about more than “having a good voice”

  • How to go pro from your home studio — no LA or NYC required

  • Building community in a solo-heavy career

  • The scary reality of AI voice theft — yes, it’s happening

  • What most beginners get wrong (and how to do it right)

🎟 Learn more + get tickets → getouttayourbooth.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode → lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Watch Episode


https://youtu.be/1_E-uufQJl4
———-
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Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

WDIY

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 Outta Your Booth! — A Voiceover Conference with Community (and Karaoke) at Its Core

“It’s a crock pot career. It’s not a drive-through.” — Jen Taphoney

That quote pretty much says it all.

In this companion piece to the latest episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we dive into the story behind Get Outta Your Booth!, a voiceover conference built on community, accessibility, and a whole lot of real-world wisdom.

Hosted by George Wacker, the episode features co-organizers Mike Cunningham and Jen Taphoney, who share how the idea for the event came to life—and why it’s so different from your typical industry gathering.

Listen to the Episode

https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Conference Info

https://www.getouttayourbooth.com


From Pottsville Attic to Microsoft Explainers

Jen Taphoney’s journey started in a 1928 house in Schuylkill County. After years in radio, she built a studio in her attic and began producing commercials for $100 a pop.

“When I left the radio station, I still had clients who wanted me on their commercials,” she says. “So I put a studio in my attic… sound treatment was super awesome. Yeah.”

She’s since built a thriving VO career with clients like Microsoft.

“They do a little explainer thing. I’ve been working with them for eight years now. They just send me the copy.”


Getting In (and Getting Real)

Mike Cunningham’s path to voiceover started in the military and IT. Then the pandemic hit.

“My friend was like, ‘Why don’t you do voiceover?’ The pandemic is happening. There’s nothing else to do,” he recalls.

He joined a program, trained, and stuck with it—turning his home setup into a launchpad for commercial work, video games, and narration.

“It kind of grew into an obsession out of spite… I’m going to do it. I’m going to make it work. And I don’t care what it’s going to take.”


Why Beginners Struggle

“A lot of people come in and say, ‘My friend told me I have a good voice,’” Jen says. “That’s not enough.”

“There’s a certain amount of instinct involved,” Mike adds, “but it takes training. And you have to be prepared to not hear back at all.”

“You don’t often get, ‘Sorry, we went with somebody else,’” Jen explains. “You just have to keep going. Audition after audition, day after day, year after year.”

Mike sums it up: “Most people start out trying too hard. Just be you.”


AI, Stolen Voices, and the Future of the Industry

Both guests have strong words about AI’s impact on the industry.

“It undermines our entire industry,” Jen says. “Whether it’s music production or art or writing or voiceover… it’s not human.”

Mike’s voice was actually cloned by a foreign studio and used in a live service video game—without his consent.

“I heard it. I’m like, ‘I didn’t say that,’” he says. “The falsification of humanity is not something I’m a fan of.”


So What Is Get Outta Your Booth?

The conference is designed to be small (100 people max), affordable, and stress-free—held at SOKOL Club in Bethlehem, a venue with a bar, shuffleboard, and a bowling alley.

“There’s no pressure,” Mike says. “If you want to bowl all day, go bowl all day. If you want to sit and drink, do that. If you want to watch sessions and learn something, do that too.”

The sessions cover:

  • VO genres and niches

  • Branding your VO business in Canva

  • Making vocal efforts

  • How to construct your own sound panel

“We’re not trying to make money,” Mike adds. “Everything we get goes right back into the event—for food, prizes, drinks. That’s the point.”


Why It Matters

This episode isn’t just about voiceover—it’s about building something that helps people connect.

“We’re all stuck in little booths,” Mike says. “It’s a lonely kind of existence.”

Jen adds, “Having that community to connect with and ask questions instead of trying to figure it out on your own… it makes such a big difference.”

George wraps it up: “It’s really cool that you’re doing this. If somebody had just given me this piece of advice a couple years ago, it would’ve saved me months.”

Mike replies, “Or thousands of dollars.”

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre

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Guests:

  • Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre

  • Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

🎟 Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🧠 Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

Watch Episode

Watch On Youtube
———-
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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


🧠 Episode Recap

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre
What happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.

Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival.

Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year’s production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight.

“It’s not just a performance,” says Mary. “It’s a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.”

With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most treasured arts traditions.

🌐 Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20
📲 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Wins “Best Local Podcast” from Lehigh Valley Style Readers

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.”

Deeper Dives with Off The Record

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

Community, Culture & Visual Storytelling

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:

Powered by the Community

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:

  • Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • WDIY
  • Wind Creek Event Center
  • Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
  • Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
  • Banko Beverage Company

Interested in being on the show, or becoming a sponsor?
📧 Email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
🌐 Visit www.lvwithlove.com

 

Tumor Baby by Kat Aldrich at SteelStacks on April 12

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Guests:

  • Kat Aldrich

🎤 In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with comedian, writer, and performer Kathleen Aldrich, whose brand-new one-woman show Tumor Baby premieres April 12 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

We talk about how Kathleen got her start in the Lehigh Valley comedy scene over a decade ago, what it was like turning a real-life medical emergency into a heartfelt (and hilarious) show, and how Tumor Baby blends storytelling, vulnerability, and humor into something totally unique. From sketch comedy with Pigeon City to personal pieces in Dear Diary, Kathleen’s journey is as inspiring as it is funny.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together—from handwritten journal entries to Google Docs and years of performance experience—and why this isn’t stand-up, but something more intimate and impactful.

👉 Catch Tumor Baby on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM at SteelStacks
🎟️ Tickets & info: www.steelstacks.org/event/16872/tumor-baby

Watch Episode

https://youtube.com/live/fX8dV3Tt3DI

www.lvwithlove.comLV With Love Logo

Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


🧠 Episode Recap

Kathleen Aldrich and the Comedy of Crisis in TUMOR BABY

“I’ve been talking about doing a one-woman show since 2014.”

For comedian and writer Kathleen Aldrich, Tumor Baby isn’t just a show—it’s a culmination of more than a decade of finding her voice in the Lehigh Valley comedy scene. What started as strange abdominal pressure and a reluctant trip to the ER turned into a 10-pound tumor and, eventually, the foundation for a deeply personal, unexpectedly hilarious one-woman show.

From Improvised Bits to Intimate Storytelling

Kathleen’s journey began in 2012 with improv classes at ArtsQuest, where she found her creative tribe and a passion for performance. Over the years, she honed her craft with local favorites like Dear Diary, Pigeon City Sketch, and Improvised Stand Up. Her work is rooted in real life—often uncomfortable, always honest—and Tumor Baby is no exception.

“It’s not stand-up,” she explains. “I’m a storyteller.”

Kathleen weaves her cancer diagnosis into a broader narrative—childhood memories, messy relationships, weird blog awards, and moments that are just too good not to share. It’s comedy that doesn’t flinch. And it’s all been years in the making.

The Writing Process (and a Lot of Google Docs)

So how do you write something like Tumor Baby? According to Kathleen, it all starts with pen and paper. She breaks down memories into moments, finds the funny in the pain, and then builds the show line by line.

“I write down the significant moment first,” she says. “Then I ask—how do I make this funny?”

With guidance and mentorship from fellow comic Alia Brown, Kathleen transformed those raw stories into a full-length show. It’s not just about a tumor—it’s about life, survival, and making people laugh in the face of the absurd.

A Decade of Comedy and One Big Stage

One of Kathleen’s proudest moments? A sketch she wrote for Pigeon City called Sex in Senior Living—a drag parody imagining the Sex and the City crew as Golden Girls. “The crowd just loved it,” she says. “That moment… it was electric.”

Now, with Tumor Baby, Kathleen steps into the spotlight solo. It’s vulnerable, funny, and full of heart—and it all happens live this weekend.

🎟️ Don’t Miss It
Catch Tumor Baby on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM
📍 Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks
🎟️ Tickets & info: steelstacks.org

Lehigh Valley Comic Author Ian Mondrick Explores Suburban Horror in STASH BOX

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Guests:

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Ian Mondrick, a comic author and Lehigh Valley native whose latest project, STASH BOX, is currently live on Kickstarter.

We talk about how Ian got started in comics, what goes into writing a horror book that’s equal parts terrifying and thoughtful, and how STASH BOX draws from both retro horror aesthetics and modern anxieties. Set in a quiet suburban home and spiraling into surreal terror, the book explores themes of identity, love, and transformation—wrapped in the gory fun of classic horror.

You’ll also hear about the behind-the-scenes process of comic creation, what makes Kickstarter such a powerful platform for indie creators, and why supporting projects like this matters.

👉 To learn more or support the campaign, visit: www.StashBoxComic.com

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/lAQ-7BO0YcI

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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


🧠 Episode Recap

Comic Author Ian Mondrick and the Dark Side of Suburbia in STASH BOX

“This book is for horror fans first and foremost.”

Ian Mondrick opens the conversation with a clear warning—STASH BOX is not for the faint of heart. It’s violent, strange, and deeply unsettling. But beneath all the gore is a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of young love, change, and the anxiety of growing up in a world that feels like it’s shifting under your feet.

That layered tension—between blood and meaning—is exactly what STASH BOX was built on.

From Script to Scare: Writing Comics from the Lehigh Valley

Ian shares how his journey into comics began in the Lehigh Valley and evolved into scripting indie horror books like Tomb of the Black Horse and now STASH BOX. He breaks down the mechanics of writing a comic—what goes into a script, how he collaborates with artists like Frederik Hornung, and why writing for comics is not like writing a novel.

“There’s a language to comics that you have to learn,” Ian says. “It’s not just writing dialogue—it’s pacing, paneling, page turns. You’re writing something someone else is going to draw, and you have to trust that relationship.”

The Horror of Transformation

At the center of STASH BOX are two characters—Harrison and Lou—caught in the kind of one-night suburban misadventure that goes from strange to full-on horrifying. Ian explains how the comic plays with body horror and psychedelic imagery to reflect the fear of growing up, losing control, and becoming something… else.

“It’s about transformation—physical and emotional,” he says. “And it’s not always pretty.”

The comic’s tone is inspired by classic EC Comics, Creepshow, and films like Videodrome and The Thing. But don’t expect a nostalgia piece—STASH BOX is modern in its themes, experimental in its presentation, and printed on retro newsprint to give it a haunting, vintage feel.

Kickstarter and the Power of Direct Support

Ian talks about why launching STASH BOX on Kickstarter was the right move—not just for funding, but for community.

“When someone backs a Kickstarter, they’re saying, ‘I believe in this idea,’” he says. “And for indie comics, that kind of support is everything.”

The campaign offers a variety of rewards: alternate covers, original art, mystery sketches, and even a chance to have your own comic cover drawn by artist Frederik Hornung. It’s not just a comic—it’s a piece of horror ephemera for collectors and fans.

Backing Creators, Supporting Local Voices

Though STASH BOX is set in a fictional suburban street, Ian admits that its quiet unease and layout were very much inspired by his own upbringing in the Lehigh Valley. That connection to place shows in the comic’s atmosphere—a mix of the familiar and the uncanny.

When asked why people should support this project, Ian puts it simply: “Because you’re helping stories like this exist.”

Final Takeaway

This episode isn’t just about a horror comic—it’s about storytelling, risk-taking, and the power of direct creative connection. With STASH BOX, Ian Mondrick is building something weird, thoughtful, and terrifying—and he’s doing it from the Lehigh Valley.

If you love horror, independent art, or just want to see something new, this is the kind of project worth backing.

👉 Back the comic or learn more at: www.StashBoxComic.com

E-Bikes, Raves, FEAT, and Sokols: A Few of Our Favorite Things

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Guests:

  • Jackie Bzura – Bicycle Motor Works
  • Megan Lysowski – FEAT (Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation)

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Jackie Bzura of Bicycle Motor Works and Megan Lysowski of FEAT—Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation. They discuss how a grassroots effort to provide e-bikes to those in need grew into a nonprofit with community partnerships, real impact, and a 90s-themed fundraiser to help fund their next set of bikes.

FEAT is a Bethlehem-based nonprofit providing electric bikes, safety training, and gear to people in the Lehigh Valley who need reliable, affordable transportation. The idea came together through Bicycle Motor Works and expanded with the support of Chris Briggs of Bethlehem eBike, who played a key role in bringing the initial team together and helping shape the program from the ground up. With leadership from community advocate Megan Lysowski, FEAT has grown into a fully active nonprofit.

EVENT PAGE: www.bicyclemotorworks.com/event-list

FEAT page: www.featpa.com/

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/CpIFveEnMTY

www.lvwithlove.com
LV With Love Logo

Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company


Episode Recap

Pedaling for Change: How a Grassroots Effort Became a Community-Driven E-Bike Movement

Partnering with organizations like Café the Lodge and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, FEAT identifies individuals who would benefit most from access to an e-bike. Using a one-to-one model—one person, one bike—they equip recipients with more than just wheels. Each person receives the tools and training they need to ride safely and confidently, including gear like locks, air pumps, and backpacks.

The organization officially became a nonprofit under the fiscal sponsorship of Humanitarian Social Innovations in early 2024. That milestone has allowed FEAT to grow its fundraising efforts and expand community outreach.

One of their first major fundraisers is happening on April 5: Rave Revival – Pedaling for Change, a 90s-themed dance party at Sokols in South Bethlehem. The event features DJ Brad Scott, glowsticks at the door, and plenty of nostalgia-fueled energy. Tickets are $15 at the door or online at bicyclemotorworks.com under the Events tab.

All proceeds will go directly toward placing another e-bike with someone in need, as identified by FEAT’s outreach partners. With the rising cost of transportation and growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives, FEAT is helping to bridge the gap—one bike at a time.

To learn more about FEAT or get involved, visit featpa.com.