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
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.
Thursday, May 25, at 6:00 p.m.
You can join the conversation. Email your questions to connect@wpsu.org.
Episodes
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Posted on November 1, 2021
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. Continue »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Posted on November 21, 2019
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. Continue »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Posted on June 4, 2018
Host Bill Hallman leads a discussion on gardening with Penn State gardening experts Tom Butzler, John Esslinger, and Justin Wheeler. Continue »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Posted on March 20, 2017
Our panel of experts discuss the latest techniques for developing resilience and keeping you on track toward your goals. They also take your questions. Continue »
Posted on January 31, 2017
Why aren’t more Americans demanding action on climate change, despite the overwhelming evidence? And what’s at stake? Continue »
Posted on December 20, 2016
Experts say every community in Pennsylvania has a heroin problem. Recent reports place some of the blame on easy access to prescription painkillers, gateway drugs for many users. What can we do about Pennsylvania’s heroin epidemic? Our experts will discuss causes and solutions. Continue »
News & Public Affairs
Posted on November 23, 2016
WPSU's Patty Satalia and guest experts discuss ways to prevent teenage depression, and what actions to take if you recognize it. Continue »
Culture & Society|Health
Posted on October 27, 2016
amatic, surreal, unprecedented…those are just a few of the words that describe the 2016 election season. With election day less than two weeks away, all eyes are on Pennsylvania. Tonight, our panel of political analysts will dissect the evolving issues—and what they might mean for the future of our democracy. Continue »
Culture & Society|News & Public Affairs|Politics
Posted on October 5, 2016
Patty Satalia and guest experts share what they've encountered this growing season, and provide a checklist of garden chores to do before the chilly weather kicks in. They also take viewer questions. Continue »
More from WPSU
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.
Posted on February 28, 2023
The Local Groove Presents is a spin-off of our popular radio show and features musical performances by Pennsylvania artists at WPSU’s studio. The series features a variety of genres from indie rock to folk and bluegrass from local bands and songwriters. Passport members can watch episodes early in the PBS App before they air on WPSU-TV.
Posted on December 2, 2014
Veteran interviewer Patty Satalia hosts in-depth conversations with a broad range of remarkable people.