The Rediscover State College Podcast

Penn State Women's Soccer Coach Erica Dambach on Finding Her Village

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Erica Dambach is the head coach of the Penn State women’s soccer team.

In this episode, she shares how her career and coaching style have evolved over the years. She also talks about the tight-knit athletics community and how she found her village in State College.

Erica also reflects on life in a multi-generational household and spending time in nature with her family. Toward the end of the episode, she offers an inside look at what it was like working with the U.S. women’s national soccer team. Plus, we hear about some of her favorite spots in and around the State College area.

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Amy and Jeremy Frank on Business, Family, and Finding Home in State College

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Amy Frank is the founder and owner of The Makery, a community art studio and local artist market located in downtown State College. Jeremy Frank is a founder and the CEO of KCF Technologies, a tech company based in downtown State College that works with industry partners across the country.

In this episode, the couple shares how they fell in love with both the natural beauty and the vibrant downtown scene of State College. They talk about raising their kids—now in their teens and 20s—in a place filled with opportunities to connect with nature.

They also reflect on their individual experiences launching businesses in the area. Amy shares the origin story behind opening The Makery, while Jeremy offers insight into valuable resources for entrepreneurs just starting out.

And toward the end of the episode, they reveal their favorite spots in and around State College to grab food and drinks.

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Reverend Jes Kast and Dr. Jessy Defenderfer on Faith, Community, and Belonging in State College

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Reverend Jes Kast is a pastor at Faith United Church of Christ in downtown State College, and Dr. Jessy Defenderfer is a political science professor at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg.

In this episode, the couple shares how they came to call State College home, why they’ve found it to be a welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and what the faith community is like downtown. They also talk about what they love about living in Bellefonte and how the region’s political diversity fosters growth and connection across communities.

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Tiny Tastebuds, Big Business: Running Yummy Toddler Food from Happy Valley

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Amy Palanjian is the creator of Yummy Toddler Food — a media company with 1.5 million Instagram followers that offers recipes and food advice for little ones ages 1 to 3.

In this episode, Amy shares how she came to launch her own media company, what goes on behind the scenes as a food blogger, and tips for parents whose kids are hesitant to try new foods. She also talks about why she loves running her business from Happy Valley and how she found her community here.

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Discovering Happy Valley with Local Influencer Hannah Morris

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This episode features an interview with Hannah Morris, better known as Happy Valley Hannah. With more than 16,000 Instagram followers, Hannah has become a local celebrity thanks to her uplifting and informative account. She highlights upcoming events in Happy Valley, offers a behind-the-scenes look at new businesses and restaurants, and focuses on sharing family-friendly opportunities in the area.

In this episode, we talk about how Hannah found her community in State College, what inspired her to launch Happy Valley Hannah, and what she hopes to see more of in the region.

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Bikes, Breathwork, and Brews: The Bestwicks’ State College Story

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Jamie and Kerry Bestwick are a dynamic State College couple who are building community and running businesses side by side. Kerry owns the popular fitness center PYP Studio, and just next door, Jamie co-owns Rothrock Coffee, a local coffee shop.

Originally from the UK, they made the leap to Happy Valley and immediately fell in love with the area.

In this episode, we discuss how Camp Woodward, an extreme sports mecca just 40 minutes outside of State College, was a major selling point for Jamie, an X Games legend and current USA National BMX Freestyle Coach.

We’ll also talk about how Kerry built her yoga studio and a thriving community from the ground up.

Towards the end of the episode, they’ll share what makes State College so special to them—and how you can get more involved in Happy Valley.

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Season 3 Trailer: Finding Your Footing in State College with Local Icons

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In Season 3 of The Rediscover State College Podcast, we’re sitting down with local icons who moved here and built something special. They share their struggles when they first arrived, how they found their footing, and what ultimately helped them succeed.

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Season 2 Trailer: The Great Outdoors

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Season 2 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is all about exploring the great outdoors — the sports, activities, and adventures just waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard.

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Conserving Nature, Climbing Rocks: A Guide to Outdoor Adventures

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Bridget leads outdoor activities for the greater State College community through Clearwater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors program and is an avid member of the local rock climbing community. In this episode, we explore how Bridget found her way back to State College and why she believes the climbing community is unique. Stick around for “How to Do the Thing,” where Bridget will share three actionable steps for getting involved with outdoor adventures in the State College area.

Clearwater Conservancy is a local non-profit dedicated to conserving and restoring central Pennsylvania's natural resources.

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From Trails to Taps: Outdoor Advocacy with Boal City Brewing

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Gordy discusses the plans for the new skate park in State College and how he designed Boal City Brewing to be a hub for the outdoor community. Make sure to stick around for “How to Do the Thing,” where Gordy will share three actionable steps for getting involved in advocacy groups in the State College area.

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Ride the Rapids, Explore the Depths: Kayaking and Caving in State College

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Abbe Hamilton, a local adventurer, shares her journey back to State College—not just once, but three times! We’ll also dive into the local caving community and the vibrant whitewater kayaking scene. Stay tuned for our segment “How to Do the Thing,” where Abbe will provide three actionable steps for paddling the waters around State College.

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Iron Mayor: Biking, Triathlons, and Training for Ironman in State College

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Ezra Nanes is not only the mayor of State College but also an avid outdoorsman. Known as the "Iron Mayor," he’s a triathlete who recently participated in the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley race and enjoys biking around the area. In this episode, we cover the types of bikes to consider owning in State College, the Borough Council’s plans to enhance biking infrastructure, and Ezra’s Ironman training schedule. Stick around for “How to Do the Thing,” where Ezra will share three actionable steps for training for an Ironman race in State College.

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Hooked on Fly Fishing: Why State College is THE Fly Fishing Destination

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Jamie is the owner and guide for American Fly Fishing Company, leading guided fly fishing trips, and she also serves as a guide for TCO Fly Shop. Previously the president and now a board member of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, she brings her expertise to the table. In this episode, we’ll delve into what a fly fishing trip entails, why the State College area is renowned as one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world, and how you and your kids can get involved in the sport. Stay tuned for our segment “How to Do the Thing,” where Jamie will provide three actionable steps for fly fishing in and around State College.

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Hiking for Hidden Gems: Exploring Pennsylvania with Purple Lizard Maps

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we discuss why Michael focuses on mapping central Pennsylvania and explore the endless opportunities for discovering these woods, regardless of your experience level. Make sure to stick around for our segment called “How to Do the Thing,” where Michael will share three actionable steps for hiking in and around State College.

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Owning a Real Estate Investment and Interior Design Company

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Josh and Lizzie Parra’s cool job in State College: owners and founders of Parra Design & Build, a real estate investment and interior design company.

Josh and Lizzie Parra met while serving at Champs on North Atherton, and promptly moved to Boston once Lizzie graduated from Penn State. They started a petcare business and began their real estate journey while in Boston, falling in love with being their own bosses. Once they had their first child, they found themselves moving back to State College to be closer to family, bringing their modern and urban-influenced home design style with them to launch Parra Design & Build.

In this episode, Josh and Lizzie talk about how they developed a passion for homes and interior design, the real estate market in State College, and their unique and thriving AirBnB business.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Josh and Lizzie will give you three actionable steps you can take towards successfully working in real estate and interior design in State College.

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Becoming a Professional Musician in State College

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Eric Ian Farmer’s cool job in State College: professional musician.

Eric was born in State College but grew up in North Carolina. He found his way back to Penn State for graduate school, and that's when his music career began. Eric is a singer, songwriter, and educator. His music is inspired by musicians such as Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley, and he describes his music as heartfelt and passionate.

In this episode, Eric talks about why he decided to pursue his music career in State College, how the music scene in State College has evolved, and what it's like making it as a musician in the area.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Eric will give you three actionable steps you can take towards getting involved with the music scene professionally in State College.

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Opening a Restaurant and Music Venue in the State College Area

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Liz Grove's cool job in State College: owning and running Pine Grove Hall, an upscale restaurant, bar, and music venue.

Liz Grove grew up in State College, went to Penn State, then moved to New York City for 20 years. She came back to the area to help her dad with his business. The decision came once again as to whether she should move to a big city or stay in State College. The lack of music venues in the area is both what made her almost leave, and ultimately drove her to stay and start her own.

In this episode, Liz talks about how she came upon the opportunity to purchase and open what is now Pine Grove Hall. She also talks about how she got connected to Pine Grove Hall's chef, how they persevered through the pandemic, and the growing music and restaurant scene in the State College area.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Liz will give you three actionable steps you can take towards opening a restaurant and music venue in the State College area.

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Running a Children's Musical Theatre Program

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Leah Mueller and Jared Yarnall-Schane's cool job in State College: owning and running Singing Onstage, a children's musical theatre program.

Leah and Jared are both life partners and business partners. Leah grew up performing in and around State College, taught music at a local school, and went on to pursue her MFA in acting. Jared went to Penn State State, stuck around to launch an urban agriculture startup, and has been working in the startup space ever since.

In this episode, Leah and Jared talk about how they ended up purchasing a property in State College that was not just an existing business, but also a house. They discuss the theatre scene in the area, as well as the opportunities that exist for young people to purchase existing businesses.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Jared and Leah will give you three actionable steps you can take towards buying a small business in State College.

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Teaching Full-time at Penn State without a PhD

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Bill Zimmerman's cool job in State College: Teaching full-time in the Penn State Bellisario College of Communications, without a PhD.

Bill wrote for his hometown paper, the Indiana Gazette, for several years right out of college. Although he enjoyed the experience, he was ready to move on from the hectic newsroom job.

Bill moved to State College to work at Penn State's PR office, and quickly fell in love with the campus, the community, and - something he didn't anticipate - teaching.

In this episode, Bill talks about how he was able to start teaching college classes, why teaching at the university level is a rewarding experience, and the benefits of being a lecturer.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Bill will give you three actionable steps you can take towards teaching at the university level without a PhD.

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Working a Big City Tech Job Remotely from State College

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Trevor Calabro's cool job in State College: Working remotely as the lead UX researcher for Bowery Valuation, a NYC based appraisal firm.

Trevor built up his manufacturing industry background at companies you'd be surprised are located right in State College: Minitab, one of the largest statistical software companies in the country, and multinational technology conglomerate Siemens.

Trevor came to the area with no ties to Penn State or State College - he came to start his career, and ended up falling in love with the area as a place to stay and raise a family.

In this episode, Trevor talks about his career journey, the young professional networking opportunities in State College, and how he was able to negotiate for exactly what he was looking for in his current remote job.

Make sure you stick around through the end of the episode - we'll enter our segment called "How to Do the Thing," where Trevor will give you three actionable steps you can take towards working remotely in State College.

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Season 1 Trailer: People with the Coolest Jobs in State College

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Season 1 of the Rediscover State College Podcast is all about people who have what we think are some of the coolest jobs in State College.

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Welcome to The Rediscover State College Podcast

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

This is the Rediscover State College Podcast. On this show, we talk to locals about how they were able to find their happy place in happy valley.

We can't wait to give you a glimpse into the communities that make State College so special - listen to this trailer to learn more!

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