Feedback with Toni Reece

On today's episode of FEEDBACK, Bill Saunders is joined by Alvernia Political History Professor Dr. Tim Blessing to break down the latest headlines shaping the nation. They discuss the political future of Senator John Fetterman, President Trump's recent address, tensions with Iran, immigration and ICE enforcement, and other major developments from Washington. Listen in for a thoughtful analysis, historical context, and a closer look at the stories driving today's national conversation. 

On today's episode of FEEDBACK, we discuss Amtrak's agreement to restore passenger rail services between Reading and Philadelphia, the political factors behind rising electric bills in Pennsylvania, and the Trump administration's efforts to recover hundreds of millions in fraudulent unemployment payments. In our second hour, we sit with Perfetto Insurance to discuss insurance coverage, industry insights, and what consumers should know. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on the issues impacting our community and beyond. 

On today's episode of FEEDBACK, we cover the Pennsylvania House's vote on year-round daylight savings time, a possible Social Security boost for retirees, Reading's proposed crackdown on excessive noise, new crime statistics from Pottstown, and two major developments involving ICE. Listen in for a thoughtful discussion and local perspective on today's top headlines. 

Welcome back to FEEDBACK here on 830WEEU, where Bill Saunders will be opur interim host! Today was full of welcoming messages from guests as we covered some local news throughout Berks & Beyond. 

Our guest is Dr. Charles Barbera, President and CEO of Reading Hospital.  What is remarkable about Dr. Barbera is that even as President and CEO, he still puts on scrubs and works in the Emergency Department.  He spends time walking with employees one-on-one, works alongside different departments throughout the hospital and believes that leadership begins with understanding the people you serve.  This is an episode about how a leader chooses to lead, leading from the front lines.

This episode we are joined by two women whose friendship, shared passion, and willingness to embrace a new chapter led them to create Rockland Roots Native Pant Nursery. Jessica Smith, owner and Allyson Coffin, co-owner of Rockland Roots remind us that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. Sometimes life plants us exactly where we are meant to grow.

Every community has moments that bring people together.  Sometimes it’s a parade, a celebration or an historic event that reminds us where we have been and perhaps where we are going.  This year’s Independence Day celebrations gave Berks County, PA several of those moments.  Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, Berks and Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance join this episode of Real Life to talk about economic impact and business impact these events make and why they matter.

Carmen Bloom is an attorney, a mother, Mrs. East Coast International 2026 and an ambassador for Red Sneakers for Oakley.  She is using her voice to educate families and communities about severe food allergies and anaphylaxis.  When Carmen’s son was one year old when he experienced and went into anaphylaxis and ended up in the ER.  She discovered that her son suffered from severe food allergies.  She turned her fear into purpose and advocacy.  

In this episode we are talking about the power of connection and why every generation needs the other generations.  Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership and Missy Hassler, Membership Coordinator with Greater Reading Chamber Alliance share how experience and innovation work together, why mentorship is more important than ever and how GRCA help create opportunities for those relationships to happen naturally.

“I was once part of the problem, but now I am part of the solution.” - Shawn Bridges, Owner of BridgesinSpirit, shares his story of second chances, redemption, and purpose as he is joined by Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership in this episode of the GRCA’s Member Spotlight.   Shawn’s story reminds us that our past doesn’t have to define our future.  It also reminds us that business can be about much more than making a living.  It can become a platform for serving others, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for people who simply need someone to believe in them.

Local government impacts our daily lives in ways we often don’t think about, from the roads we drive on and the parks our children play in to the public safety, neighborhood improvements, economic development, and community events.  This episode of Real Life is about helping residents better understand what’s happening in Reading, what’s coming next, and how they can become more engaged in the future of their city.  Jack Gombach, Managing Director for the City of Reading and Robert Leonard, II, Fire Chief for the City of Reading give us the City Update.

In this episode of Real Life, we are talking about a group of people that many of us never think about until someone’s loved one is missing.  A child wanders away.  A hiker doesn’t return.  An elderly person suffering from dementia disappears.  A family waits, hoping and praying that someone can bring their loved one home.  Those ’someones’ are volunteers.  Scott Hertzog, President and Chairman of Berks County Search and Rescue and Brian Winterstein, Chief of Berks County Search and Rescue join us in studio to talk about service, leadership, purpose and why ordinary people choose to do extraordinary things.

In this episode of Real Life we are talking about preserving the past, connecting generations, and why local history still matters.  Rachael and Gene Kehler, board members of Boyertown Area Historical Society, believe that our local history deserves to be remembered because it tells us not only where we have been but who we are.

For generations, county fairs have been part of the fabric of small-town America. But county fairs have had to evolve.  They are balancing tradition with changing interests, finding new ways to engage younger generations while preserving the agricultural roots that made them so important.  Christopher Garcia and Amber Fessler, board member of the Berks County Fair join us on this episode of Real Life to share with us why county fairs are so important and how they are shaping one of Berks County’s longest-standing traditions.

The Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays.  It’s a time for family, backyard barbecues, parades and of course fireworks.  Understanding the law, respecting the power of fireworks, and knowing what to do in an emergency can help protect your family, your neighbors, and first responders.  In this episode of Real Life, we are joined by Reading Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss and Lieutenant Nick Epolito, Commander of the Bomb Squad.  They are here to separate fact from fiction, explain Pennsylvania’s fireworks laws and share simple steps every family can take to enjoy a safe Independence Day.

Sometimes a rumor spreads faster than the facts.  This episode of Real Life sets the record straight about the Meals on Wheels program.  The mission remains the same, making sure older adults receive nutritious meals, remain independent, and continue living safely in their own homes.  LuAnn Oatman, President and CEO of Berks Encore and Jessica Jones, Director of Berks County Area Agency on Aging, provide updates, resources and information that help older adults remain healthy, independent, connected, and supported.

When most people think about agriculture, they picture fields, tractors, and barns.  What they do not see are the families who have spent generations adapting to changing times while working to preserve a way of life.  Dan Brown is a third generation farmer, the owner of Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery, and the President of B.A.R.N. (Berks Agricultural Resource Network).  His family experienced firsthand how agriculture has evolved from diary farming to vineyards, tourism, and new ways of connecting consumers with local agriculture.

Our guest today believes second chances don’t simply change lives, they create opportunities to help others.  Ryan Bradley is the Clean City Coordinator for the City of Reading.  Every day he works alongside residents, churches, schools, businesses, and volunteers to make Reading cleaner, safer and stronger through the Adopt-a-Block program.  But before Ryan helped restore neighborhoods, he had to rebuild his own life!  Ryan talks about what it takes to make a community strong, vibrant, collaborative and safe!

Lisa Ashcroft, Vice President, Wealth Trust Advisor and Thomas Miller, Director of Investment Strategy, Senior Vice President both of Girard, a Univest Wealth Division talk about the Mid-Year Market Check.  What’s working, what’s not and what investors should do next!

Real Life’s guest today believes every family has stories waiting to be discovered, not just names on a family tree, but ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.  Laurel Miller is the Director of the Womelsdorf Community Library, and the founding President and current librarian of the Berks County Genealogical Society and someone who has spent decades uncovering the remarkable stories hidden within family histories.  

We live in a world that goes incredibly fast.  We scroll, we skim, we react.  Yet stories still have the power to slow us down, challenge us, comfort us, and help us understand each other.  Marian Wolbers is the guest today on Real Life.  Marian is an author, playwright, teacher, editor, and the founder and publisher of Pretzel City Press.  She has written novels, poetry, nonfiction, and drama, but perhaps one of her greatest accomplishments is helping other writers find their voice.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, affecting one in five people during their lifetime.  The encouraging news is that it’s also one of the most preventable cancers when we build good habits and catch problems early.  On this episode of Real Life, we are talking to Andrew Kay, Executive Vice President of Growth for Dermatology Partners about a new initiative called Play Sun Safe, a partnership between Dermatology Partners, the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation and Baseball Hall of Fame, Mike Schmidt.  Together they are taking an important message directly to youth ballfields, families, and communities across our region.

Cindy Silverman grew up knowing only fragments of her family’s past.  She knew her grandparents spoke with thick German accents.  She knew they had escaped Vienna.  She knew relatives had perished during the Holocaust.  But whenever questions were asked, the answer was always the same:  “You shouldn’t know from this.”  Years later, after her grandmother passed away, a forgotten box of letters was discovered.  Inside were documents, handwritten letters, and voices from family members whose lives had been interrupted by history.  This inspired Cindy Silverman to write a book, “You Shouldn’t Know From This: Letters from Nazi Vienna” and put her on a mission to ensure those voices continue to be heard.

Most of us have thousands of photographs on our phones.  We scroll past them.  We delete a few.  Every once in a while,  a photograph becomes something completely different, it becomes the last picture.  The last smile.  The last hug.  The last ordinary day that suddenly becomes extraordinary because there will never be another one.  Real Life’s guest is co-owner of Arcanum Lens Imagery, Alyssa Sumski, a photographer who doesn’t simply capture images but preserves moments that people don’t yet realize will someday; become priceless.  Alyssa understands this in a very deeply personal way and shares her story with us on Real Life.

There are moments in life that change us forever.  Some moments fill us with joy.  Others leave wounds that take years to understand, years to heal, and sometimes a lifetime to transform into something meaningful.  Cathleen Palm is the founder of the Center for Children’s Justice, an organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening systems designed to keep them safe.  But long before she became an advocate, she was a child whose own life was shaped by childhood trauma.  Her story reminds us that trauma does not have to write the final chapter of our lives and healing is possible.

Every person is living a story.  Not just the famous people.  Not just the people making headlines.  All of us.  The challenge is that most of us only see life through our own experiences.  Our own struggles.  Our own generation.  Our own circumstances.  It is easy to assume everyone sees the world the same way we do.  But they don’t.  That’s what Real Life is about.  It’s about looking through someone else’s window and understanding life through different lenses.  In this episode, we are talking about generational differences.  Jenny Chrupcala (21), Producer of Real Life, Carter Watt (19), Intern for WEEU Radio Station and Laural Miller (40), Founder of Shade Tree Embodies Wellness share their thoughts on success, challenges, fears and hopes from their perspectives and experiences.  

So many people are exhausted.  They are carrying stress, anxiety, family responsibilities, caregiving duties, workplace pressures, and unresolved experiences from years ago.  Many are functioning but they are not thriving.  Laural Miller, Founder of Shade Tree Embodies Wellness has spent much of her life exploring those questions.  Her practice is dedicated to helping people understand stress, trauma, burnout and the connection between mind and body.

June is Men’s Health Month and a time we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and honoring the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans.  As we reflect on freedom, equity, and opportunity, it is important to recognize that health and wellness are essential components of thriving communities.  Greg Day, Lead Therapist - Caron Outpatient Treatment Centers, Stephan Faines, Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, Berks Community Action Program and Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist, Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) address the health parities, the value of preventive care, mental wellness and the role that families and communities play in supporting healthier lives.

Sometimes the most profound life lessons don’t come from textbooks or classrooms.  They come from life itself.  From the challenges we didn’t choose, the people we love, and the moments that force us to discover strengths we didn’t know we had.  The guest on Real Life today is Erica Hesselson, owner of Ahava Counseling and Wellness Services.  Erica’s story is about getting over the fear of talking about the tough stuff and asking for help.  Erica is a sex therapist and encourages people to talk about the tough topics as she herself shares how hard it was for her to ask for help as a mother of a child with Down syndrome.  This conversation is about mental wellness, resilience, parenting, advocacy, community, and what it really means to ask for help.

Sometimes the biggest movements begin with the simplest question - what can we do to help?  The guests on this episode of Real Life are proof that you do not need a large organization, a huge budget, or a national platform to make a meaningful impact.  Sometimes all it takes is a group of friends, a shared purpose, and a willingness to show up for others.  Nearly a decade ago, four longtime friends came together to organize a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  What started as a single event eventually became something much bigger.  Today 4 Girls on a Mission has become a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult challenge.  Sheri Golembiewski and Cathy Davidson, share the journey of 4 Girls on a Mission.

When most people think about agriculture, they picture tractors, barns, and fields.  But agriculture is much more than that.  It’s food.  It’s family businesses. It’s technology.  It’s economics.  It’s innovation.  And ultimately, it’s about the future of our communities.  Berks County has long been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’ agricultural leaders.  Through decades of land preservation efforts, more than 80,000 acres of farmland have been protected for future generations.  But preserving the land is only part of the story.  The bigger question is how do we preserve, protect, and support the people who farm it?  Kim Fies, Executive Director of the Berks County Department of Agriculture talks about the economic impact, the challenges and the opportunities happening in agriculture and why it is so much more than cows and plows.

Real Life’s guest in this episode knows what it means to experience profound loss, not once, but twice.  As a freshman in high school, Natalie Jacob-Bell lost her father to addiction.  Years later, she lost her childhood best friend, Kennedy Albright, to suicide.  Many people would be consumed by grief.  Natalie chose a different path.  She transformed that grief into purpose by creating Kennedy’s Kause, an initiative dedicated to mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, education, and building stronger systems of support.

Sometimes the things that challenge us the most become the very things that shape our purpose.  Lexi Hull knows this firsthand.  Lexi Hull is Mrs. Pennsylvania 2026 for American Royal Beauties, but her story is about much more than a title or a crown.  It’s about overcoming dyslexia and learning disabilities, finding confidence in herself, and using those experiences to inspire the next generation. In this episode we are talking about her journey, her mission, and why literacy, confidence and perseverance matter more than ever.

Heather McCool, Executive Director of Phoebe Ministries’ Berks Campus and Founder of Dementia Friendly joins us to help us understand more about dementia.  Heather’s message is an important one - accepting a diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up hope.   It means learning how to provide the best possible support medically, socially, physically, and emotionally.  It also means remembering that people living with dementia are still people first.  People with stories, relationships, accomplishments and lives that matter.  

This episode is another Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Member (GRCA)  Spotlight!  Joining us in studio today is Jackie Stiles, V.P. Business and Special Programs and Melissa Hassler, Membership Coordinator (both with GRCA) and Yurico Rodriguez-Batista, Founder and CEO of Rena-SER Business Solutions.  Rena-Ser Business Solutions is a company that helps individuals and entrepreneurs navigate taxes, business formation, financial planning, and the often-complicated world of running a business.  But as we will discover, her story is about much more than numbers.  It’s about entrepreneurship, perseverance, taking risks, building trust and helping others pursue their dreams.

Joining us on Real Life is Scott Hoh of Resolution Law Group.  None of us like to think about losing a loved one, but eventually every family faces that reality.  When it happens, grief often arrives at the same time as confusion, paperwork, decisions, deadlines, and family dynamics.  Today’s conversation with Scott Hoh is about helping families understand what happens after someone passes away, how to avoid common mistakes, and why planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts we leave behind for the people we love.

My guest today has dedicated her life to standing beside people during some the of the most difficult moments they will ever face.  Moments of fear. Moments of uncertainty.  Moments when having someone who will listen, believe, advocate and help can make all the difference.  Beth Garrigan is the CEO of SAFE Berks, an organization that provides hope, safety, advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Berks County.  Beth’s story reminds us that resilience is often more complicated than it appears, that asking for help is a sign of strength and that one person willing to listen without judgment  can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Monica Reyes is the Vice President for Programs and Initiatives at the Berks County Community Foundation, where she helps oversee grant making and community programs that impact countless lives throughout our region.  Monica’s story reflects the experiences of so many people in our communities.  It’s a story about opportunity, resilience, believing in yourself and choosing to use your talents to make a difference.  Monica’s journey was not an easy path but with gratitude for the sacrifices her immigrant parents have made for their family and the hard working values and the spirit of always giving back, Monica believes investing in people and communities can change lives.

Many people dream about owning their own business.  They imagine being their own boss, creating something unique, and building a life around their passion.  What they don’t see are the early mornings, late nights, difficult decisions, financial risks, and sheer determination it takes to turn that dream into a reality.  My guest is Rachel Adams, Owner, Rachel’s Cafe and Creperie in downtown Lancaster, PA.  Rachel had a vision for a small cafe unlike anything else around.   Her story reminds us that passion, hard work, and a commitment to serving others can create something extraordinary.

Success often looks seamless from the outside.  We see the titles, the positions, and the accomplishments.  What we don’t see are the years of learning, adapting, taking risks, overcoming obstacles and saying yes to opportunities when they appear.  In this episode we talk to Chris Cappel, General Manager, Stokesay Castle and Marty Brintzenhoff, Cocktail Creator, Stokesay Castle.  This conversation matters because everyone is on a journey.  Whether you are building a career, leading a team, considering a new opportunity, or simply trying to find your place in the world, there are lessons to be learned from people who have dedicated themselves to growth, excellence and service.

Have you ever wondered if there is something more you are supposed to be doing with your life?  A gift you haven’t fully used.  A dream that you put on hold.  Laurie Dawkins, Founder of Straight Paths Entrepreneurship Resource Center, believes that every person has been given unique talents, experiences, and opportunities, not by accident, but for a reason.  Laurie is a faith based leader, educator, entrepreneur, mentor and community builder whose mission is to help others discover their purpose and use it to impact the world around them.

Every city has challenges.  Every city has opportunities.  The question is:  How do you balance growth, investment, public safety, neighborhood quality of life, and preserving what makes a community unique?  Those are some of the conversations happening right now in the City of Reading.  From redevelopment projects and housing concerns to public safety initiatives and upcoming community events, city leaders are making decisions that will impact residents for years to come.  Jack Gombach, Managing Director for the City of Reading, talks about what’s happening in the city today, where Reading is headed tomorrow and how residents can become part of that future.

For many people, there comes a point when careers slow down, children grow up, and life changes.  The questions become:  Where do I put my time?  Where do I put my heart?  Tom Frebel, Volunteer for Baseballtown Dream League, found the answers to those questions with the Dream League.  Baseballtown Dream League  is a program that provides children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball, teamwork, friendship, and community.  It doesn’t just change the lives of the athletes but as Tom’s story validates, it changes the volunteers too!

Planning with purpose.  Turning your money into meaning.  Chris Briscoe, Senior Vice President and Director of Financial Planning and Lisa Ashcroft, Vice President and Wealth Advisor both of Girard, a Univest Wealth Division provide important information answering the question - why financial planning matters.  They teach us in this episode that financial planning isn’t just about preparing for the future, it’s about giving you the confidence to live fully today.  When your money is aligned with your purpose, you are not just building wealth, you are building a life that truly means something.

We are getting to know a woman who has spent much of her life serving the City of Reading, not just as an elected official but as a storyteller, community advocate, preservationist, and civic leader.  Meet Donna Reed, the President of Reading City Council.  Donna has dedicated decades to serving Reading and helping preserve its history, strengthen its neighborhoods and advocate for its residents.  Whether you live in Reading or are simply interested in the people who help shape our communities, this interview offers an opportunity to learn from someone whose life has been deeply connected to the city she serves.

Did you know that Berks County, PA is home to one of the most unique aviation museums in the county and host of World War II Weekend. Bruce Pollock, Mid-Atlantic Air Museum joins us to tell us about how thousands of visitors travel from across the country and around the world to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, music, aircrafts, vehicles and stories of the Greatest Generation.  It’s more than an air show.  It’s more than a reenactment.  It’s a living history experience that honors the men and women who lived through one of the most significant periods in world history!

This episode of Real Life with Toni Reece is filled with laughter as we talk to Pat Cinfici, President of Boscov’s Travel!   This conversation is about travel, adventure, resilience, leadership and the stories that happen when people step outside of their everyday lives and explore the world. Pat rarely talks about herself, but after listening to today’s show, she leaves you wanting more of her wit, experience and her amazing stories from over 50 years in the travel business.

Today is a big day!  FEEDBACK becomes Real Life, A different kind of talk radio!  Hosted by Toni Reece. In our second hour we welcome Andrea Ebling, a Certified Breast Health Coordinator with Tower Health, talking about Mammogram Monday, prevention, and early detection.