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Public Media for Central Pennsylvania

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.


Coming Up on Conversations Live

Media Literacy

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.

Thursday, March 21, at 8:00 p.m.

You can join the conversation. Email your questions to connect@wpsu.org.


Episodes

The State of the Economy

Posted on February 23, 2024

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. Continue »

 

Ozempic, Weight Loss and Health

Posted on January 26, 2024

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. Continue »

 

A Conversation on School Teacher Shortages

Posted on November 17, 2023

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. Continue »

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian

Posted on October 20, 2023

Local veterinarians answer viewer pet-related questions such as proper diet, exercise, and more! Continue »

 

canning

Gardening and Canning

Posted on September 22, 2023

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. Continue »

 

A Special Conversation on the U.S. Farm Bill: Why It Matters

Posted on May 2, 2023

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. Continue »

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On!

Posted on April 26, 2023

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. Continue »

 

Sharenting

Posted on March 24, 2023

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? Continue »

 

Making Sense of the Economy

Posted on February 23, 2023

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. Continue »

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted on January 27, 2023

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. Continue »

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (2022)

Posted on November 30, 2022

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. Continue »

 

voting booths

2022 Midterm Elections

Posted on October 21, 2022

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. Continue »

 

canning

Gardening and Canning

Posted on September 30, 2022

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. Continue »

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2022)

Posted on April 15, 2022

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. Continue »

 

Pennsylvania Redistricting

Posted on March 18, 2022

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. Continue »

 

older people jogging in a park

Healthy Aging

Posted on February 25, 2022

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? Continue »

 

Gambling in Pennsylvania

Posted on December 17, 2021

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. Continue »

 

Ask a Veterinarian (2021)

Posted on November 19, 2021

Veterinarians Debra Smart and Andrea Loar answer viewer pet-related questions such as proper diet and exercise, and more! Continue »

 

coronavirus

COVID-19 in 2021-22 

Posted on September 30, 2021

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. Continue »

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On! (Summer 2021)

Posted on June 30, 2021

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. Continue »

 

Marijuana Plant

Legalizing Marijuana

Posted on May 21, 2021

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. Continue »

 

cooking ingredients on countertop

Cooking at Home

Posted on May 3, 2021

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? Continue »

 

Get Your Garden On!

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2021)

Posted on March 23, 2021

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. Continue »

 

glass viles

COVID-19 Vaccination

Posted on March 5, 2021

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"? Continue »

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (2020)

Posted on December 18, 2020

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. Continue »

 

speaking grief

Children’s Grief

Posted on November 20, 2020

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. Continue »

 

Photo of 'I Voted' sticker

The 2020 Election

Posted on October 25, 2020

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?  Continue »

 

coronavirus

COVID-19

Posted on September 25, 2020

We answer your questions on the COVID-19 pandemic. We cover topics suchas as how much longer the pandemic willlast, when we will get a vaccine, how havepeople of color been disproportionately impacted, and more. Continue »

 

speaking grief

Speaking Grief

Posted on May 29, 2020

Is there any “right” way to grieve? WPSU Speaking Grief producer Lindsey Fenton and guests will answer this question and more. Continue »

 

Get Your Garden On!

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2020)

Posted on May 3, 2020

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! Continue »

 

glaciers

Climate Change

Posted on March 3, 2020

What are the latest forecasts for our changing climate? Are there solutions that can reverse current trends? Our panel answers these questions and more. Continue »

 

vaping

Vaping and the Opioids Crisis

Posted on February 4, 2020

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? Continue »

 

Get Your Garden On Fall 2019

Get Your Garden On! (Fall 2019)

Posted on October 4, 2019

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. Continue »

 

Ask a Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (June 2019)

Posted on June 13, 2019

Experts discuss your pet-related questions, including proper diet and exercise, to the physical and mental benefits of adding a pet to your family. Continue »

 

living your best life

Living Your Best Life

Posted on May 31, 2019

Drawing on the organizing craze inspired by Marie Kondo, we take a look at other aspects of organizing such as nutrition, health, and finance. Continue »

 

Get Your Garden On

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2019)

Posted on April 22, 2019

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. Continue »

 

Host Lindsey Fenton and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Aging in Place

Posted on April 27, 2018

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. Continue »

 

Host Bill Hallman and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Parenting

Posted on March 30, 2018

Our panel has a conversation about parenting and children, answering viewer questions and providing information on where parents can turn for good advice. Continue »

 

Host Lindsey Fenton and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted on March 27, 2018

Our panel of experts discuss what leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder and methods for treating it. They also talk about ways to stay healthy and active during the winter months. Continue »

 

Carolyn Donaldson and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Diet and Nutrition

Posted on January 26, 2018

Our guests discuss ways to prevent gaining that dreaded winter weight. We’ll also get their nutrition tips for eating healthy in the new year. They also take viewer questions. Continue »

 

Host Lindsey Fenton and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Opioid Crisis in Pennsylvania

Posted on December 15, 2017

We explore the human impact of the opioid epidemic by talking to guests who have been personally affected by addiction. We’ll also talk about Pennsylvania’s $20 million effort to address it. Continue »

 

Carolyn Donaldson and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Ask The Doctor

Posted on November 17, 2017

As the seasons change and the temperature drops, we become more susceptible to seasonal bugs and other illnesses. Doctors from local healthcare providers explain how to stay healthy heading into winter and what symptoms look like for more common viruses at this time of year. Continue »

 

Host Bill Hallman and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Get Your Garden On! (Fall 2017)

Posted on October 27, 2017

It's fall. That means it's time to think about what worked in your garden this season...and where you could have used a little expert advice. Our guests discuss the growing season, plus we'll get their post-season to-do lists. Continue »

 

Carolyn Donaldson and guests on the set of Conversations Live

A Time To Heal

Posted on September 15, 2017

Following the premier of A Time to Heal, the WPSU community was invited to participate in a live broadcast discussion about the documentary and memories and thoughts about how the Vietnam War redefined American attitudes and pop culture. Continue »

 

Patty Satalia and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2017)

Posted on June 1, 2017

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. Penn State Extension specialists and a master gardener join us to share their tips for the best growing season ever. They also take viewer questions. Continue »

 

Set of Conversations Live

Revisiting Climate Change

Posted on May 5, 2017

President Trump has ordered an about-face on U.S. energy policy, walking back Obama-era policies aimed at curbing emissions and preparing the United States for the impacts of climate change. Will that stop the clean energy transition now underway—and what’s at stake? Continue »

 

Patty Satalia and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Immigration

Posted on April 18, 2017

Our expert panel discusses the social, economic and security consequences of legal and illegal immigration to the United States. They also take viewer questions. Continue »

 

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Making the Blue Band title card, view of Blue Band member performing from the stands in Beaver Stadium

Making the Blue Band

Posted on December 14, 2021

The Penn State Blue Band is one of the nation’s premier college marching bands. Follow eight freshmen hopefuls through auditions, cuts, and the grueling days of band camp to find out who has what it takes to make the band.

 

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SciTech Now

Posted on October 24, 2015

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.