Episodes

Earth Day 2024 is upon us! With it comes the ever-present dream of making the Earth a better place. The Pocono Environmental Education Center – or PEEC—has a rich history of working with and for nature. A former honeymoon resort, PEEC uses the architectural remains for sustainable exhibitions such as a beaver lodge in a former indoor swimming pool. PEEC is one of only a handful of educational camps actually housed inside a national park. Host Lisa Champeau talks with Kelly Daly, Marc Gold and Jo...

Juan Espino marries architecture, history and the human experience to create some of the most “smile-inducing” paintings of our time. Working in the “Art Naïve” or, Folk-Art style. Guest Host Todd Stephens, and Juan discuss his use of painting as a form of therapy before relocating to the United States from his native Mexico. He is now the owner of Looking Glass Art Gallery, in Northeast Pennsylvania. www.lookingglassartgallery.com. Find Todd Stephens at: @toddjstephens (Twitter) @tjstephens ...

As spring approaches, a group of community-minded art lovers in and around Hawley, Pennsylvania, prepares to launch a vibrant initiative: Paint the Town. Hawley is the hometown of Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania’s third largest man-made lake and a huge tourist destination. Paint the Town is designed to brighten up the streets and entice visitors to check out all the small borough has to offer. Host Lisa Champeau talks to Janet Gaglione and Kate Hayes about the influence of public art on a town’...

His life’s work is focused on “creating better humans” through his involvement in the children’s summer camp industry. Hear entrepreneur and philanthropist, Skip Vichness, talk about how his diverse life, career path and willingness to be completely involved, have led him to the service of others.

In honor of Black History Month, we revisit Greg Frigoletto’s conversation with Glynis Johns, the Founder of the Black Scranton Project. Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Glynis Johns dreamed of one day moving to New York City to explore the arts, fashion and to further her education. While attending St. John’s University and establishing herself as a Brooklynite, Glynis found her calling and her passion. In this episode, Glynis speaks with Greg Frigoletto about her fascinating journey from...

Peter Bohlin, the architect behind many iconic structures, including the Apple store on 5th Avenue in New York, the Barn at Fallingwater and Bill Gates’ Seattle-area mansion, talks to host Lisa Champeau about creating works that are not only sustainable but “humane.” Find out how Peter Bohlin followed his calling.

Congratulations to Celeste Mergens, founder of the global nonprofit Days for Girls International, on the publication of her new book, The Power of Days. Mergens’ programs to fight menstrual stigma can now be found in 140+ countries. She spoke with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau in 2022 about her own journey from an impoverished youth to crusader for women’s rights. Her new book, released October 3, 2023, has many poignant—sometimes painful but always moving—stories of struggle and resilience. C...

He's a businessman and a grandfather, she's a spirited young artist and mother. Different, yes, but with a shared passion. Henry Skier and Jill Carletti chat with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau about how they came together to grow Harmony Presents from a small performance space in an old silk mill to a successful, sophisticated yet rustic outdoor performance venue in Hawley, Pennsylvania, called Harmony in the Woods.

Well-known portrait artist Oliver Johnson sat down with Lisa Champeau to discuss his art and tumultuous youth in and out of reform schools and prisons, and how during these confinements he always painted. Prison provided him with the tools he needed: canvas, paint, and, of course, plenty of time. Oliver talks about his journey of teaching art to his fellow inmates, and how, by the time he was paroled, he had a waiting line to attend his classes. Since Oliver Johnson’s untimely death due to illne...

Funky bluesy riffs—a Southern pace out of a New York base! The Gold Magnolias talk with Lisa Champeau about how their dream to make music became a “golden” reality. Based in Brooklyn, Daniel Foose, Hudson Mueller, Evan Felts, Ryan Anselmi and Jeff Barton evoke jam-band sounds reminiscent of the Alabama Shakes and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Their melodies pay homage to their musical heroes, including Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers and Stevie Wonder. This interview first aired in J...

Carpenter turned brew master! Travis Rivera, the founder of Black and Brass Coffee Roasting Company, talks to host Lisa Champeau about the fast-rising success of his brand from one store to a national business. Travis shares why he almost but didn’t give up when the going got rough and a little secret about his tv appearance on a reality show.

Pete Muller, singer-songwriter and founder of the Kindred Souls, talks to host Lisa Champeau about his successful careers in music, mathematics— and crossword puzzles! A quantitative math wizard and Wall Street hedge fund executive before forming his band, Muller’s songs and melodies reflect his life and passions. Since this interview was recorded in September, 2021, Muller has dropped two albums, Spaces and a covers album Hello Outside. Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls return to the Harmony in...