Episodes

Sept. 3, 2025

Transforming Lives: The Impact of Project Flex with Zachary Wahl-Alexander

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Greg Frigoletto speaks with Zachary Wahl- Alexander, a professor and co-founder of Project Flex, a program aimed at providing life skills and physical activity to incarcerated youth. Zach shares his journey from education to working with at-risk populations, emphasizing the importance of relationships and transformational experiences in both educational and correctional settings. The conversation delves into the demographics of the youth involved in Project F...
Aug. 27, 2025

The Power of Media and Information with Lisa Bu

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau is joined by Lisa Bu who shares her inspiring journey from a young girl in China with dreams of becoming a gymnast and opera singer to a prominent figure in public media and TED Talks. She discusses the impact of media on her worldview, her experiences as an immigrant in the U.S., and her passion for writing, particularly her current project—a libretto inspired by a famous Chinese opera singer. Lisa emphasizes the importance of pursuing dreams,...
Aug. 20, 2025

The Power of Community in Recovery with David Millar

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews David Millar, an ultramarathoner and medical student who shares his inspiring journey from addiction to recovery. David discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of community support, and how he found purpose in helping others. He emphasizes the significance of long-term thinking in recovery, the role of faith, and the need to break the stigma surrounding addiction. David also draws parallels between the struggles of recovery...
Aug. 13, 2025

HarmonyTALK Presents Echoes of the Sky

Echoes of the Sky celebrates how the actions and words of five remarkable lives continue to leave their imprint, resonating in the hearts of all who hear their stories.
Aug. 13, 2025

From the Stage of Harmony in the Woods with The String Queens

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto engages with the String Queens after a performance at Harmony in the Woods. They discuss their mission to inspire diverse audiences through music, the importance of education in their lives, and the challenges they face as minority musicians in a predominantly white industry. The conversation also touches on their experiences on the road, the creative process behind their music, and their commitment to increasing representation in classical m...
Aug. 6, 2025

Civic Dialogue and Community Engagement with The River Reporter’s Laurie Stuart

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau speaks with Laurie Stuart, the publisher of The River Reporter, a community newspaper that has thrived for 50 years despite the decline of local journalism across the United States. They discuss the history of the paper, its role in community engagement, and the challenges it has faced, including controversies and personal hardships. Laurie shares her journey from artist to advocate for local journalism, the importance of community dialogue, an...
July 30, 2025

Defining Sucess in Real Estate with Allison Chiaramonte

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau interviews top-performing real estate broker Allison Chiaramonte, co-founder of Atelier Compass. Alli shares her unique journey, highlighting her experiences in fashion, in real estate, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the real estate market in New York City, the importance of client relationships, and the strategies that set her apart in a competitive industry. Alli emphasizes t...
July 23, 2025

Mission-Driven: From Army Pilot to Tech Founder with Lindsey Chrismon

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto interviews Lindsey Chrismon, a trailblazer in both military and business sectors. Lindsey shares her journey from a young girl with dreams of attending West Point to becoming the first female pilot of the AH-6M Little Bird helicopter. She discusses her leadership experiences at West Point, her transition to Harvard Business School, and the founding of Oply, an innovative app designed to simplify home maintenance through predictive technology....
July 16, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Music with Regina Sayles

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau interviews singer-songwriter Regina Sayles, who shares her journey from a young singer in Ohio to a successful musician and educator. Regina discusses her musical influences, her education in music production, and her advocacy for women in the music industry. She reflects on her collaboration with Christian Porter and her commitment to empowering young artists. The conversation also touches on Regina's upcoming performances and projects, includ...
July 9, 2025

The Visuality of Music with Jazz Guitarist David Becker

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews renowned jazz guitarist David Becker, who shares his journey from aspiring airline pilot to celebrated musician. Becker discusses his early influences, the evolution of his musical dreams, and the improvisational nature of jazz. He reflects on the visual aspects of music, his unique guitar techniques, and the importance of teaching and giving back to the music community. The conversation also touches on handling rejection and the exc...
July 2, 2025

Buliding a Community of Inclusivity and Possibility with Isabel Bohn and Jeff McGinnis, Founders of the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports

Isabel Bohn and Jeff McGinnis founded the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports to fill a gap in available recreation and sports activities for the disabled on the East Coast. Thirty-five years and mountains of challenges later, they are thriving. The Center has produced 11 Paralympians, but more than that, it’s “really changed people in so many positive ways” and built a flourishing community of inclusivity and possibility. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List:...
June 25, 2025

Inspiring Generations to Transform Their Struggles Into Strength with Mitch Leff

In this heartfelt episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stevens sits down with Mitch Motivates, author of “My Addiction, My Superpower.” Mitch opens up about his early struggles with substance abuse and the turning point that led him to a life of sobriety and purpose. In 2006, one week shy of his 19th birthday, Mitch Leff found himself in rehab for drug addiction. After spending time in rehab, halfway houses, and collegiate recovery programs, he moved to New York and made something special of his l...
June 18, 2025

Mighty Gorgeous: A Journey of Self-Love with Author Amy Ferris

Author Amy Ferris has just published a new memoir that lives up to its title-- Mighty Gorgeous, a Little Book About Messy Love.” From her home in northeastern Pennsylvania, Amy chats with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau about everything from dropping out of high school at age 15 to being nominated for a big award in Hollywood. But most significantly, Amy talks from the heart about how important it is to embrace who you are and how you got there. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Jo...
June 11, 2025

Up Against Big Chocolate with Moka Origins Founder Jeff Abella

Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau chats with social impact entrepreneur Jeff Abella, who co-founded a bar-to-bean chocolate and coffee business called Moka Origins. Hear Jeff reveal how his team helps farmers and the environment in developing countries and somehow gets all the cacao and coffee beans across oceans to the U.S. to roast, package and sell. A small company up against Big Chocolate and doing pretty well! FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www....
June 4, 2025

Rediscovering Ann Head: Nancy Thode on Her Mother's Trailblazing Journey

First-time author Nancy Thode has written a biography of her mother, the writer Ann Head, whom Nancy describes as a woman “very much ahead of her time.” Ann Head supported her family through her writing, something very rare in the 1940s and 50s, and even in the 1960s. Her short stories were published widely by the magazines of the day, such as McCall’s and Colliers, and one of her novels, Mr. & Mrs. Bo Jones was made into a movie. She was a mentor to fellow writer Pat Conroy, who sang her praise...
May 28, 2025

Traveler and Lifelong Educator Professor Ed Williams

It started with a stamp from the Belgian Congo and took Professor Ed Williams around the world—along with hundreds of students, older adults, and college deans. “It” is the retired professor’s passion for travel, and not just any travel. Learning Vacations. Ed shares his journey with host Lisa Champeau on how he made a career of travel education with a focus on China, the “sleeping giant” who sleeps no more. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://www.har...
May 21, 2025

Exploring Family History Through Art with Akea Brionne

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto engages with Akea Brionne, an interdisciplinary researcher and artist, exploring her journey from a young dreamer to an accomplished artist. Akea shares her early experiences with art, the impact of her environment on her creativity, and the significance of family history in her work. They discuss her film 'Mississippi Goddamn,' the recognition she has received in the art world, and how becoming a parent has influenced her artistic perspectiv...
May 14, 2025

Building Character Through Camp with Jay Jacobs, CEO and Founder of Timber Lake Camps

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau interviews Jay Jacobs, the CEO and Founder of Timberlake Camps Family Group. Jay shares his journey from a young camper to a successful camp owner, discussing the importance of camp in building character, community, and resilience in children. He elaborates on his innovative approaches to camp programming, the significance of the SCOPE initiative in making camps accessible to underprivileged children, and how he balances his dual roles in camp ...
May 7, 2025

Transforming Education Through STEM: Educators Bob Budah and Leslie Watnik

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Greg Frigoletto engages with Bob Buda and Leslie Watnik, two passionate educators dedicated to transforming children's learning experiences through STEM education. They share their journeys from traditional teaching roles to innovative camp experiences, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning and critical thinking. The conversation explores the evolution of the camp industry, the significance of building confidence in children, and the launch of thei...
April 30, 2025

Creating Emotion Through Sound: Chris Thomas's Story

In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews Chris Thomas, an award-winning composer known for his work in film, television, and theme parks. Chris shares his journey from a young music enthusiast to a professional composer, discussing the support he received from his family, his passion for cinema, and the collaborative nature of film music. Chris also addresses the impact of AI on music composition and emphasizes the importance of teaching the next generation of composers. Th...
April 23, 2025

Serving the Community with Dr. Julie Byerley, President and Dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth

Summary In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Lisa Champeau interviews Dr. Byerley, the Dean and President of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. They discuss the founding vision of the medical school, its mission to serve the community, and the innovative educational programs in place to train future physicians. Dr. Byerley shares insights into the importance of community engagement, the challenges of retaining medical professionals in the area, and the exciting research initiatives at ...
April 16, 2025

The Healing Power of Music with Musician Nicole Zuraitis

Nicole Zuraitis is a 2X GRAMMY® winning and 4X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer- songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader, and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole is a trailblazing artist who is redefining vocal jazz, earning her a place as one of the top artists and "prolific songwriters" (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond. As a recording artist, Nicole has...
April 9, 2025

Achieving Childhood Dreams with Sports Broadcaster, Marc Zumoff

He has one of the most iconic voices in Philadelphia sports history. On August 17, 1994, Marc Zumoff was named the television voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, fulfilling his childhood dream. His career spanned four decades and includes covering the Rio Olympics in 2016 for NBC, assorted assignments for Turner Sports, NBA-TV, the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Union and various other pro, college and high school events. He’s also been an anchor, producer and reporter and spent the first five y...
April 2, 2025

Challenges in the Entertainment Industry with Brian Balthazar

Brian Balthazar is a TV personality and executive producer who has built a career creating, producing, and appearing on some of the country’s most popular networks and programs. Brian has amassed more than 300 appearances as a television host, journalist, and pop culture guest on a variety of shows including The TODAY show, The Talk, Good Morning America, and more. This is a great peek behind the curtain from an entertainment professional who took a dream and made it into a successful career in...