Conversations Live


Watch on the PBS app

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.

Episodes

Football resting on field next to a large stack of 100 dollar bills.

A Conversation on the NCAA and NIL

Season 14 Episode 5 | 57 min

Join us as we discuss the effects that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have had on the NCAA, student-athletes and universities as a whole. We'll talk about what the future holds for NIL, and what some negative consequences might unfold. Watch »

Aired 03/20/25

 

cell phone screen show incoming call from unknown.

Avoiding Scams

Season 14 Episode 4 | 57 min

Host Carolyn Donaldson talks with our guests on some of the latest scams people have encountered, how to spot them, keeping your private information safe, and more. Watch »

Aired 02/20/25

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian 2024

Season 14 Episode 3 | 57 min

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

Aired 11/21/24

 

Line of people waiting to vote.

The 2024 Election

Season 14 Episode 2 | 57 min

The November 5 election is fast approaching, and Pennsylvania is a battleground state. We'll talk with two experts about Pennsylvania’s role as a swing state, what we can and can’t learn from polls, the race for U.S. Senate, and which issues are important to voters. Watch »

Aired 10/24/24

 

Close up of pair of male hands folded together with a female's hand reaching and embracing the male's wrist.

Suicide Prevention

Season 14 Episode 1 | 57 min

Guest experts discuss actions to support those at risk of dying by suicide and what we can do as a community. Featuring Marisa Vicere, founder of the Jana Marie Foundation, and Elisabeth James, M.Ed., LPC, mental health clinician at State College Area High School. Watch »

Aired 09/19/24

 

Close up of hands in yellow gloves planting a white flower in a garden.

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 2024)

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 spring gardening tasks, to updated hardiness zone maps. Watch »

Posted on April 12, 2024

 

A smart phone with the word NEWS on the screen, with the words FAKE and REAL on either side of the phone.

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. Watch »

Posted on March 25, 2024

 

a blue screen with stock market figures.

The State of the Economy

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. Watch »

Posted on February 23, 2024

 

Bare feet stepping on a scale.

Ozempic, Weight Loss and Health

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. Watch »

Posted on January 26, 2024

 

A chalkboard with the worlds TEACHERS WANTED written on it.

A Conversation on School Teacher Shortages

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. Watch »

Posted on November 17, 2023

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian 2023

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

Posted on October 20, 2023

 

canning

Gardening and Canning

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. Watch on the PBS App »

Posted on September 22, 2023

 

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

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. Watch »

Aired 05/25/23

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 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. Watch »

Posted on April 26, 2023

 

Sharenting

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? Watch »

Posted on March 24, 2023

 

Making Sense of the Economy

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. Watch »

Posted on February 23, 2023

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder

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. Watch »

Posted on January 27, 2023

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (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. Watch »

Posted on November 30, 2022

 

voting booths

2022 Midterm Elections

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. Watch »

Posted on October 21, 2022

 

canning

Gardening and Canning

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. Watch »

Posted on September 30, 2022

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 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. Watch »

Posted on April 15, 2022

 

Pennsylvania Redistricting

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. Watch »

Posted on March 18, 2022

 

older people jogging in a park

Healthy Aging

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? Watch »

Posted on February 25, 2022

 

Gambling in Pennsylvania

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. Watch »

Posted on December 17, 2021

 

Ask a Veterinarian (2021)

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

Posted on November 19, 2021

 

coronavirus

COVID-19 in 2021-22 

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. Watch »

Posted on September 30, 2021

 

gardening

Get Your Garden On! (Summer 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. Watch »

Posted on June 30, 2021

 

Marijuana Plant

Legalizing Marijuana

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. Watch »

Posted on May 21, 2021

 

cooking ingredients on countertop

Cooking at Home

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? Watch »

Posted on May 3, 2021

 

Get Your Garden On!

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 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. Watch »

Posted on March 23, 2021

 

glass viles

COVID-19 Vaccination

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"? Watch »

Posted on March 5, 2021

 

Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (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. Watch »

Posted on December 18, 2020

 

speaking grief

Children’s Grief

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. Watch »

Posted on November 20, 2020

 

Photo of 'I Voted' sticker

The 2020 Election

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?  Watch »

Posted on October 25, 2020

 

coronavirus

COVID-19

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. Watch »

Posted on September 25, 2020

 

speaking grief

Speaking Grief

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

Posted on May 29, 2020

 

Get Your Garden On!

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 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! Watch »

Posted on May 3, 2020

 

glaciers

Climate Change

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

Posted on March 3, 2020

 

vaping

Vaping and the Opioids Crisis

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? Watch »

Posted on February 4, 2020

 

dog

Ask a Veterinarian (November 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. Watch »

Aired 11/21/19

 

Get Your Garden On Fall 2019

Get Your Garden On! (Fall 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. Watch »

Posted on October 4, 2019

 

Ask a Veterinarian

Ask a Veterinarian (June 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. Watch »

Aired 06/20/19

 

living your best life

Living Your Best Life

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

Posted on May 31, 2019

 

Get Your Garden On

Get Your Garden On! (Spring 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. Watch »

Posted on April 22, 2019

 

Host Lindsey Fenton and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Aging in Place

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. Watch »

Posted on April 27, 2018

 

Host Bill Hallman and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Parenting

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

Posted on March 30, 2018

 

Host Lindsey Fenton and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Seasonal Affective Disorder

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. Watch »

Posted on March 27, 2018

 

Carolyn Donaldson and guests on the set of Conversations Live

Diet and Nutrition

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. Watch »

Posted on January 26, 2018

 

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Penn State President Eric Barron and guests on the set of Digging Deeper

Digging Deeper

Posted on December 3, 2014

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Young kid celebrates with Penn State Students at THON

Why We Dance: The Story of THON

Posted on November 27, 2021

Why We Dance: The Story of THON is a documentary project that chronicles the student-run philanthropy, THON, and the children, families, and students who are changed by their experience.

 

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The People’s Business: A Town Hall with Congressman Glenn Thompson

Posted on August 11, 2017

WPSU Penn State hosted a community town hall with 5th District Congressman Glenn Thompson on Thursday, August 10, at our studio in Innovation Park. This program is part of WPSU’s mission to stimulate dialogue and empower citizens to engage in the democratic process.