The Rediscover State College Podcast

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

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. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/newsletter/] Check out our blog [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/blog/] Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverstatecollege/]

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

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. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/newsletter/] Check out our blog [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/blog/] Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverstatecollege/]

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

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. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/newsletter/] Check out our blog [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/blog/] Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverstatecollege/]

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

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. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/newsletter/] Check out our blog [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/blog/] Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverstatecollege/]

Discovering Happy Valley with Local Influencer Hannah Morris

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. Sign up for the Rediscover State College newsletter [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/newsletter/] Check out our blog [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/blog/] Check out our State College merch store and show your townie pride! [https://www.rediscoverstatecollege.com/shop/] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverstatecollege/]