Ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District for our Congressional Candidate Conversations series.
The Chopper Foundation: Keeping Pets With Their Families
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On this episode of Off the Record with the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re highlighting The Chopper Foundation and the work they’re doing to help families access lifesaving veterinary care when money is tight, so people do not have to surrender a pet or make an impossible decision.
We’re joined by Sharon, Moreen, and Dr. Lee for a conversation about how The Chopper Foundation started, what the need looks like in real life, and how community partnerships make it possible to keep pets healthy and at home.
Sharon shares what she saw again and again when dogs were relinquished: lack of funds for care, or behavioral issues, often after a dog had already been rehomed. She talks about how the unexpected loss of Chopper became the turning point, and how she decided to turn that loss into action that helps other families keep their pets.
The episode also digs into what support can look like beyond emergency vet bills, including food distribution. The foundation has worked with community partners to provide large food donations and run what they call a “chow line,” with past stops in Reading, Allentown, and Bethlehem, and a goal of expanding to Easton. The point is simple: help families who are stretched thin so they do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.
Looking ahead to 2026, The Chopper Foundation shares plans for a low-cost vaccination clinic and ways local sponsors can help make basic care more accessible, including a “sponsor one shot” approach.
For more information and ways to support:
https://www.thechopperfoundation.org/
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David Bennett Cohen Trio Ticket Giveaway – Godfrey Daniels, Jan 24, 2026
Founding Country Joe & The Fish keyboardist David Bennett Cohen is bringing his trio to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8 p.m., for a night that traces six decades of blues and rock keyboard history.
To celebrate, we’re giving away two pairs of tickets (two seats each) to the Lehigh Valley’s original live music listening room.
Allentown Trombonist Brody Segan Talks Jazz, Yacht Rock, Original Music, And Life On A Ship
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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sit down with Allentown born trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator Brody Segan to talk about his original music, his independent label Brodacious Music, and his next big step as a showband musician with Royal Caribbean.
Brody has been busy releasing a string of projects, including the country rock single Make Lovin Great Again, the soundtrack to the short action film The Great Escape, and his final 2025 single Im Kinda Busy Now, a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know the people in our everyday lives.
Under his Brodacious Music label, Brody is building a catalog that pulls from country, rock, funk, blues, film music, and big band writing. Make Lovin Great Again was released August 1 on all major streaming services, with artwork by his father and an animated lyric video by Miami based animator Juan Menache that earned a Special Mention from the Global Shorts Film Festival. Brody and collaborator Michael Ford promoted the track on PA Live in Wilkes Barre.
Im Kinda Busy Now followed on October 24 as the final 2025 Brodacious Music single. Brody describes it as a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know those in our everyday lives. The track features music and lyrics by Brody Segan, mixed and mastered by Michael Ford, with Segan on lead and backing vocals and keys, Ford on electric guitar, electric bass, and cowbell, and Denisse Ferrara on backing vocals.
Beyond his singles, Brody composed the soundtrack for Sukavision’s short action film The Great Escape, recorded live at the Frost School of Music’s Weeks Recording Studio, and he continues to write for large ensemble. His big band chart Honk on This, a saxophone feature in the style of 1950s rock and roll, is available through JW Pepper.
Since graduating from UM in May 2025, Brody has stacked experience as both player and educator, including serving as low brass faculty for the PA Jazz Institute at Misericordia University, performing at the 20th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival, and working with groups across eastern and central Pennsylvania such as Panchito Bongo y Su Orquesta, Jessee Hernandez of La Maña Brava, Schutzengiggles Oompah Band, and M&J Big Band.
Next up, he performs with the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band for their Christmas Spectacular and then begins a contract as a showband trombonist with Royal Caribbean starting December 14, performing nightly while continuing to write and release new music under Brodacious Music.
Where To Listen And Follow Brody Segan
Website:
https://brodysegan.com
SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/brody-segan/
YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQSBUeq3kTCa8xFrboyNrOA
Facebook (Brodacious Music page):
https://www.facebook.com/p/Brodacious-Music-61560112600953/
Facebook (profile link):
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560112600953
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/brodysegan
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Jack McCallum on Bird vs today’s NBA, Victor Wembanyama, and storytelling in the AI era
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Today I’m joined by NBA and Lehigh Valley legend Jack McCallum, a New York Times bestselling author of “Dream Team” and “Seven Seconds or Less” who spent decades covering the league for Sports Illustrated.
I caught up with Jack at WDIY 88.1 FM before he recorded a Something to Say segment to talk about how today’s NBA compares to the Larry Bird era, why he would build the next decade around Victor Wembanyama, and what AI and changing media mean for storytelling.
We also revisit the time Michael Jordan called him during one of my Moravian University classes and get into what he is working on now, from a new novel to the short radio pieces he jokes are his Tuesday “elevator music.” Let’s get into it.
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Go Behind the Scenes of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem with Kris Kringle, Hanna Scotch, and Charlotte Surak.
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Today we’re getting into the holiday spirit with Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, coming to Wind Creek Event Center right here in Bethlehem, the Christmas City December 10 – 14!
In this episode you’ll hear from three members of the company: first, a visit from Kris Kringle himself; then Hanna Scotch, onstage swing and assistant dance captain who was actually born here in Bethlehem; and finally, eight-year-old Charlotte Surak, a precocious young actor who plays Susan Walker.
We’ll talk about bringing this classic story to the stage, what it’s like performing it in Bethlehem during the holidays, and what families can expect when they come out to the show.
For tickets and showtimes, head to windcreekeventcenter.com, and you can also enter to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets at lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com.
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Helping Kids Grow: Ivy Rehab for Kids Opens in Bethlehem and Allentown
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This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re talking with Megan Cara, Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Bethlehem.
Zoellner Arts Center Executive Director Mark Wilson on Pigeons, Partnerships, and a “Non-Shushing” Family FUN-A-PALOOZA November 1
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Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.
Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son’s lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area’s energy, trails, and sense of community.
When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations.
This year’s Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise.
“This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.”
The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner’s lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents.
“It’s the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.”
Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner’s fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra.
“We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it’s about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.”
He also points to Zoellner’s new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience.
“The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone’s physical or mental health. That’s where we’re headed too.”
Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner’s growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces.
“People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.”
Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University.
Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: www.lvwithlove.com
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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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This Survey Could Change the Lehigh Valley Arts Scene: Add Your Voice
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The Greater Lehigh Valley Arts + Culture Patron Survey is more than a questionnaire. It’s a region-wide effort to gather real data on how people engage with the arts, what gets in their way, and how we can create more inclusive, accessible cultural experiences.
In this episode of Off the Record, we’re joined by Meg Mikovits, Assistant Director and Research Manager at the Lehigh Valley Arts and Culture Alliance, and Marta Kepka, Director of Arts Marketing at Lafayette College. They share how this free, anonymous survey came together, what kinds of questions it asks, and why it’s so important that both individuals and organizations take part.
We talk about:
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Why the arts are essential to economic growth, public health, and social connection
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The surprising lack of existing audience data in the region
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What organizations can gain from distributing the survey to their audiences
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How the results will be shared and used across sectors
Whether you’re a mural lover, a Musikfest regular, a parent with kids in band, or someone who just wants to see more arts opportunities in your neighborhood, your voice matters.
🎭 Take the survey: https://bit.ly/LehighValleyArtsSurvey
🎧 Full episode and more: www.lvwithlove.com
Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/jyLmJr6pCGs
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From Bethlehem to Tuscany: The Story Behind Ciao, Amore Mio by J.A. Marz
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J.A. Marz joins the podcast to talk about his debut novella Ciao, Amore Mio… The Tale of Gabby and Gio, a romantic, emotional journey set in the hills of Tuscany. We dive into the story, the inspiration, and why readers are connecting with his work.
📖 Get the book: https://a.co/d/idjdbM0
🎧 Full episode + links: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/jamarz
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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
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🧠 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
Some of Lisa’s Favorite Cult Items | Lisa Joins a Cult at The Emmaus Theatre on February 23
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Guests:
- Lisa Van Arsdale – Storyteller and Performer, “Lisa Joins a Cult”
In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Van Arsdale to discuss her upcoming show, Lisa Joins a Cult, happening February 23 at 6 p.m. at the Emmaus Theatre. Lisa shares her journey of exploring fringe religious communities and collecting fascinating artifacts—like a “Jesus First” pin from the Jerry Falwell Museum, a protective card from Father Divine followers, and a pamphlet predicting Judgment Day in 2011.
Far from mocking these beliefs, Lisa approaches these groups with curiosity and respect, offering a unique lens into their cultures. We dive into the stories behind these artifacts and how they’ve shaped her show. If you’ve ever been curious about fringe communities, this episode is for you!
Links
- Lisa Joins a Cult Show Info & Tickets: https://emmaustheatre.com
- Learn More About Lisa: https://lisajoinsacult.com
Watch Episode
www.lvwithlove.com
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Allentown’s Proposed Transfer Tax Hike Explained
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4K VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE8zs4kaUaQ
Join us for a special Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast live stream where we discuss the upcoming transfer tax referendum in Allentown, which is set to appear on the November ballot. If you’re a renter, buyer, or seller in the city, this is something that could have a direct impact on you, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on!
We’ve invited three experts from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR) to walk us through everything you need to know about the proposed tax hike and answer your questions live.
These knowledgeable guests will explain what the proposal asks of voters, what a “Yes” or “No” vote means, and why GLVR is taking an active role in educating the public. They’ll also dive into why this matters for more than just the real estate community—anyone in Allentown should be paying attention to this referendum.
We’ll cover these important questions:
- What exactly does the referendum ask voters to decide on?
- What would a vote “Yes” mean? What about a vote “No”?
- Why is GLVR running a public information campaign around this referendum?
- Is GLVR telling voters how to vote, or is this campaign purely informational?
- Who should care about the outcome and why?
- If voters approve the referendum, will GLVR continue their involvement?
GUESTS
Asher Schiavone: Government Affairs Director for GLVR
Lori Campbell: President of GLVR and experienced Realtor
Mike Bernadyn: President-elect of GLVR and Military Relocation Professional
LINKS
More info: VoteNoAllentownTaxHike.com
Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast: Episode 017 (ArtsQuest’s Talent Buyer, Helen Smith!)
Have you ever wondered how ArtsQuest books all of their free stage acts for Musikfest? Wonder no more! On this episode, we have ArtsQuest Talent Buyer, Helen Smith. She gives us the ins and outs of Musikfest booking and even gives a few tips for your band.
She is also horrible at taking care of birds.
The Podcast is currently available on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and Pocket Casts.
As always, you can listen to the podcast directly on our website and insert it into your favorite player via our podcast feed.
This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)