Mark Wilson – Executive Director, Zoellner Arts Center
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Wilson, Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center, to discuss the exciting lineup for the 2025 season. We kick things off with a deep dive into Kings Return, the acclaimed a cappella group known for their seamless blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical music, set to perform on February 7. Mark also highlights the pre-show roundtable on mental health featuring Dr. Phillip A. Davis, emphasizing the importance of integrating meaningful discussions with artistic performances.
We then explore other standout events in Zoellner’s season, including:
The Aluminum Show (February 22): A dynamic performance combining dance, visual theater, and humor.
Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna (March 28): A Chilean ensemble bringing a fusion of traditional Latin American music with contemporary influences.
The Sound of (Black) Music (March 29): A reimagined take on the classic, infusing it with gospel, funk, and R&B elements.
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company (April 4): Presenting “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo” through vibrant dance and storytelling.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (April 6): A powerful tribute celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin.
Mark shares insights into Zoellner’s commitment to diverse programming, community engagement, and the vision for the arts center’s future in the Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re an arts enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what’s in store for audiences this season.
In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, hosts George Wacker and Jeff Warren continue their mental health series, focusing on the resources, challenges, and stories shaping mental health in the Lehigh Valley. Joined by three local experts, they explore the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding therapy, the critical need for community resources, and how programs like the Clubhouse of Lehigh County provide hope and healing.
Jacquelyn Otto, a licensed professional counselor, discusses how the stigma surrounding therapy has shifted, particularly for younger generations. She explains how normalizing therapy and fostering open conversations are critical steps forward: “The more we talk about it, the more we chip away at the stigma.”
The Clubhouse Model
Ronnie Nase shares how the Clubhouse of Lehigh County uses peer-to-peer support to provide a sense of belonging for those with mental illness. “Our members own this space,” Ronnie says. “It’s their place to connect, build skills, and feel supported.”
Therapy for the Next Generation
Dr. Amy Saborsky highlights the growing number of children and young adults seeking therapy post-pandemic. “It’s amazing to see a 16-year-old introduce me as their therapist to their friends,” she shares. “This generation is embracing mental health in a way we’ve never seen before.”
Tailored Treatment
From addressing substance use disorders to offering specialized care for OCD and anxiety, the guests discuss how therapy must adapt to meet individual needs. Jacquelyn emphasizes the importance of flexibility: “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.”
Looking Forward
As mental health awareness continues to grow, the guests emphasize the need for systemic change, better resources, and increased collaboration. “Tracking outcomes is critical,” Ronnie adds. “We need to show decision-makers the real impact of our work.”
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for more resources and support.
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate an incredible year for the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast. This year, we reached an extraordinary milestone: 2.7 million hits across all of our episodes, showcasing the power of community storytelling and local connections.
With 47 episodes in 2025, we’ve shared countless stories that celebrate the heart of the Lehigh Valley and beyond. From exclusive celebrity interviews like Tony Danza, to exploring local landmarks such as The Sayre Mansion and The Dery House, to diving into community-focused initiatives like New Bethany Ministries’ Turkey Drive and Festival Unbound, our podcast covered an incredible breadth of topics this year.
Thanks to your support, we connected with people from all walks of life, sharing the stories that make the Lehigh Valley truly special.
We’re proud of every episode we released this year, but here are a few that truly stood out:
Tony Danza: Standards & Stories – Tony joined us to share insights from his career and his one-man show at SteelStacks, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his life in entertainment. Listen / Watch here.
New Bethany Ministries Turkey Drive – We highlighted the incredible work of New Bethany Ministries in supporting our community during the holiday season. Listen / Watch here.
Festival Unbound with Touchstone Theatre – A deep dive into this vibrant annual festival celebrating creativity and community. Listen / Watch here.
Lafayette College Arts Tour – Exploring the rich arts culture on campus with exclusive insights. Listen / Watch here.
Toured The Sayre Mansion – An exclusive look at this historic gem in Bethlehem. Listen / Watch here.
Learned to Swim with Goldfish Swim School – A fun and educational episode about fostering water safety. Listen / Watch here.
Toured The Dery House in Catasauqua – Discovering the history and beauty of this iconic property. Listen / Watch here.
Celebrated 90 Years at Shankweilers Drive-In – A nostalgic dive into America’s oldest drive-in theater. Listen / Watch here.
These episodes, among many others, exemplify the diversity and richness of stories we’re privileged to share with our listeners. Your engagement—from sharing episodes to leaving comments—helped make this possible.
Wind Creek Event Center – Hosting incredible events! Link
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate – Connecting us to our community. Link.
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub – Fueling our team with great food and energy. Link
The Coop Sports Bar & Kitchen – Fueling our team with Dinosaur Eggs. Link
Banko Beverage Company – Helping us keep the conversation flowing. Link
Lehigh Valley Health Network – Keeping us healthy! Link
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us bring these stories to life.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For more updates, episodes, and ways to connect with us, visit our website: www.lvwithlove.com.
We’re already planning for an even bigger and better year ahead, and we want YOU to be part of it! Whether you have a story to share, a business to spotlight, or an idea for collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out this form to get involved: https://forms.gle/3AXv59fdXrVirXke9.
Are you interested in being a guest on our podcast? Share your story with us by filling out our guest form here: https://forms.gle/V6czQLymPp1B31GW8.
Join the Conversation
Stay tuned for more incredible stories in 2025, and thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another amazing year of connecting, sharing, and loving the Lehigh Valley!
