Conversations Live
Guest experts discuss local and national issues as they take your questions. During the 60-minute program, we will take phone calls, emails, and questions via Twitter. WPSU-TV gives the audience an opportunity to help shape the content with this monthly call-in program.
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Episodes
The Future of AI
Season 14 Episode 7 | 57 min
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and touch nearly every part of our lives, there are increasing concerns surrounding its impact. There continue to be questions on how AI will affect the arts and technology, but also news, education and more. Watch »
Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2025)
Season 14 Episode 6 | 57 min
Penn State Extension educators share their expertise on everything from taking care of your lawn, to spring gardening tasks, to proper watering. Watch »
A Conversation on the NCAA and NIL
Season 14 Episode 5 | 57 min
Join us as we discuss the effects that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have had on the NCAA, student-athletes and universities as a whole. We'll talk about what the future holds for NIL, and what some negative consequences might unfold. Watch »
Avoiding Scams
Season 14 Episode 4 | 57 min
Host Carolyn Donaldson talks with our guests on some of the latest scams people have encountered, how to spot them, keeping your private information safe, and more. Watch »
Ask a Veterinarian 2024
Season 14 Episode 3 | 57 min
Local veterinarians answer viewer pet-related questions such as proper diet, exercise, and more! Watch »
The 2024 Election
Season 14 Episode 2 | 57 min
The November 5 election is fast approaching, and Pennsylvania is a battleground state. We'll talk with two experts about Pennsylvania’s role as a swing state, what we can and can’t learn from polls, the race for U.S. Senate, and which issues are important to voters. Watch »
Suicide Prevention
Season 14 Episode 1 | 57 min
Guest experts discuss actions to support those at risk of dying by suicide and what we can do as a community. Featuring Marisa Vicere, founder of the Jana Marie Foundation, and Elisabeth James, M.Ed., LPC, mental health clinician at State College Area High School. Watch »
Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2024)
Season 13 Episode 7 | 57 min
Gardening season has arrived. Whether you’re growing cool season crops or getting ready to plant tomatoes — now is the perfect time to get tips to help your garden grow. Penn State Extension educators share their expertise on everything from taking care of your lawn, to spring gardening tasks, to updated hardiness zone maps. Watch »
Media Literacy
Season 13 Episode 6 | 57 min
Host Bill Hallman will be joined by Penn State experts Prof. Matt Jordan and Prof. Kelley Cotter as they discuss what constitutes quality journalism, choosing legitimate news sites, the role of social media on news, the potential impacts of AI on news and media, and other related topics. And we want to hear from you. Watch »
The State of the Economy
Season 13 Episode 5 | 57 min
Though fears of a recession seem to have subsided, people still have concerns about the economy. Food prices are still rising, and other aspects, like childcare, high interest rates, and the housing market are a stuggle for some families. Watch »
Ozempic, Weight Loss and Health
Season 13 Episode 4 | 50 min
A new class of weight-loss drugs is helping a growing number of people lose weight and keep it off. We talk with two experts about the role of genetics, diet and exercise when it comes to weight, and medications like Ozempic. Watch »
A Conversation on School Teacher Shortages
Season 13 Episode 3 | 57 min
School districts across Pennsylvania are grappling with teacher and administrator shortages. In a conversation on WPSU, we'll speak with experts about the worker shortages in education. Watch »
Ask a Veterinarian 2023
Season 13 Episode 2 | 27 min
Local veterinarians answer viewer pet-related questions such as proper diet, exercise, and more! Watch »
Gardening and Canning 2023
Season 13 Episode 1 | 57 min
Fall gardening is here. There’s plenty to do to get ready for winter. Everything from canning the vegetables you grew to putting your garden to bed. We talk with Penn State horticulture experts on gardening and preserving. Watch »
A Special Conversation on the U.S. Farm Bill: Why It Matters
Season 12 Episode 8 | 57 min
The U.S Farm Bill is up for renewal this year. It will impact farmers, but also programs like food stamps and disaster aid. In this special conversation we'll talk with a panel to discuss why the U.S. Farm Bill is important for the lives of Pennsylvanians and all Americans. Watch »
Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2023)
Season 12 Episode 7 | 57 min
Gardening season has arrived. Whether you’re growing cool season crops or getting ready to plant tomatoes — now is the perfect time to get tips to help your garden grow. Penn State Extension educators share their expertise on everything from taking care of your lawn to planting for pollinators. Watch »
Sharenting
Season 12 Episode 6 | 57 min
In this age of social media, it’s not uncommon for people to share aspects of their lives, not just with friends and family, but with the public. But what happens when parents overshare the lives of their children? What are the consequences, especially when it involves sensitive content? Watch »
Making Sense of the Economy
Season 12 Episode 5 | 57 min
Unemployment is low, and wages are rising. But the cost of living, from groceries to paying for a home, has gone up. And the possibility of a recession or economic slow down looms. We'll talk with experts about changes in the economy, and what they mean for everyday people. Watch »
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Season 12 Episode 4 | 57 min
Our panel of experts discuss what leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder, methods for treating it, and ways to stay healthy and active during the winter months. Watch »
Ask a Veterinarian (2022)
Season 12 Episode 3 | 57 min
Caring for a pet is a real commitment requiring time, patience, and tender, loving care. It can sometimes be challenging knowing what's best for your animal and who to turn to for those questions. WPSU welcomes local veterinarians who give us insight on our pet-related questions. Watch »
2022 Midterm Elections
Season 12 Episode 2 | 57 min
2022 is a midterm election year, and Pennsylvania is a battleground state. Voters will pick a new governor and a new U.S. Senator, in races that have been playing out in national news. We talks with two experts about how elections are shaping up in Pennsylvania. Watch »
Gardening and Canning
Season 12 Episode 1 | 57 min
Fall gardening is here. There's plenty to do to get ready for winter. Everything from canning the vegetables you grew to putting your garden to bed. We talk with Penn State horticulture experts on gardening and preserving. Watch »
Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2022)
Season 11 Episode 7 | 57 min
Gardening season has arrived. Whether you’re growing cool season crops or getting ready to plant tomatoes — now is the perfect time to get tips to help your garden grow. Penn State Extension educators share their expertise on everything from taking care of your lawn to planting for pollinators. Watch »
Pennsylvania Redistricting
Season 11 Episode 6 | 57 min
Pennsylvania’s primary elections are coming up and redistricting means voters will see changes in the state and Congressional legislative maps. We’ll talk with a panel of experts about how the new districts were drawn, what they mean for communities in Pennsylvania, and who decides what’s fair. Watch »
Healthy Aging
Season 11 Episode 5 | 57 min
With one in every seven Americans now over the age of 65, it’s no wonder adult development and aging is a rapidly expanding field of study. What’s normal aging? What’s not? And what control do we have over our own aging process? Watch »
Gambling in Pennsylvania
Season 11 Episode 4 | 57 min
Gambling is a growing business in Pennsylvania. Along with traditional casinos and online gaming are mini-casinos. Including one proposed for State College. While the industry is generating record-breaking revenues, there are questions about mental health and safety. Watch »
Ask a Veterinarian (2021)
Season 11 Episode 3 | 57 min
Veterinarians Debra Smart and Andrea Loar answer viewer pet-related questions such as proper diet and exercise, and more! Watch »
A Special Conversation on Race Relations in Central PA
Season 11 Episode 2 | 57 min
Watch this special pre-recorded conversation on race in Central PA with two panels of experts as they talk about issues related to Communities and Police, and Education and Race. Watch »
COVID-19 in 2021-22
Season 11 Episode 1 | 57 min
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it can be hard to keep up with the information. We'll talk with a panel of experts about vaccines and booster shots, the impact of the pandemic on mental health particularly children, and what we need to know about "breakthrough" cases. Watch »
Growing season is in full swing — flowers are blooming and summer veggies are on the way. But questions are starting to crop up too. Penn State Extension educators Tom Butzler and Tom Ford share their gardening expertise on everything from keeping weeds at bay to knowing how much to water your plants. Watch »
As more states legalize recreational marijuana, will Pennsylvania follow suit? We talked with a panel of guests to discuss the pros and cons of marijuana legalization. Watch »
Cooking at home has taken on a whole new life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay-at-home orders and self-quarantining have left millions of people not just with spare time to cook, but a necessity to cook at home. How have our attitudes towards cooking and food changed over the last year? How has it affected where we get our food and our local restaurants? And what kind of cooking trends are likely to remain in a post-pandemic world? Watch »
Gardening is more popular than ever. And it's no surprise. At a time when you're looking for something enjoyable to do that's close to home, gardening is a great choice. We'll talk with Penn State Extension educators Tom Butzler and Tom Ford, on what we can do this spring with our gardens. Watch »
As COVID-19 vaccines are distributed in Pennsylvania and across the country, there are still questions and concerns. How effective are the vaccines? Can someone transmit the virus even after getting vaccinated? When will things return to "normal"? Watch »
Do you have questions about your pet? Or maybe you’re thinking of adopting one. We talk about all things pets with veterinarians Fred Metzger and Debra Smart. Watch »
How do children grieve? Is it different from the way adults grieve? And how does grieving change as children grow? Our panel answers these questions and more. Watch »
WPSU's Anne Danahy talks with the Director of the Franklin and Marshall College Poll, Terry Madonna, and Penn State Political Scientist Candis Watts Smith about the 2020 election. How will the use of mail-in voting and drop boxes affect the election? How are opinions being influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic? And, what issues are important to Pennsylvania voters? Watch »
Is there any “right” way to grieve? WPSU Speaking Grief producer Lindsey Fenton and guests will answer this question and more. Watch »
It’s growing season, and during this time many of you are turning to gardening as a hobby to enjoy at home and as a way to stock your kitchens. You'll get tips on growing fruits and vegetables, canning for winter, making the most of small spaces, and more! Watch »
What are the latest forecasts for our changing climate? Are there solutions that can reverse current trends? Our panel answers these questions and more. Watch »
News on vaping is increasingly making the headlines as new studies are showing adverse health effects related to the habit. But what is vaping exactly? Can it be safer than smoking cigarettes? And how is it regulated? Also, is there any connection between vaping and the opioid crisis? Watch »
Ask a Veterinarian (November 2019)
Season 9 Episode 2 | 57 min
Local veterinarians answer questions about your pets, from proper diet and exercise to the physical and mental benefits of adding a pet to your family. Watch »
What worked in your garden this season? Where could you have used a little expert advice? Tune in to discuss these questions and make a to-do list for winter. Watch »
Experts discuss your pet-related questions, including proper diet and exercise, to the physical and mental benefits of adding a pet to your family. Watch »
Drawing on the organizing craze inspired by Marie Kondo, we take a look at other aspects of organizing such as nutrition, health, and finance. Watch »
Waking up the garden to a new growing season is about more than soil and seedlings. Spring is a pick-me-up for the home gardener as well. On this Spring 2019 edition of Get Your Garden On!, we discuss preparing your garden for the summer with Penn State Extension educators Tom Ford and John Esslinger. Watch »
Host Bill Hallman leads a discussion on gardening with Penn State gardening experts Tom Butzler, John Esslinger, and Justin Wheeler. Watch »
What does it mean to age in place? What care options are available? How do you make a home elder-friendly? Our guests provide answers to these questions and more. Watch »
More from WPSU
SciTech Now captures the latest breakthroughs in science and technology. Each week we talk to the innovators at the forefront of their fields and explore the mysteries of the scientific world. Watch »
In this public television special, campers, mentors and instructors at the Penn State Science-U summer science camp show off the ways parents and caregivers can bring the wonder of science home to kids. Watch »
This WPSU original series tells the stories of people and places in our area that use food to connect with the world around them. These restaurateurs and artisans create more than culinary experiences, they also create connections to their patrons, communities, and cultures. Watch »
