Common Threads Lehigh Valley
A podcast for Lehigh Valley women! 💖 Welcome to the Common Threads, Lehigh Valley podcast! Created by women, for women, and hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Megan Frank. This is a space for women who live and work in the Lehigh Valley to share their perspectives, personal stories and find community. Because everyone has a story to tell — and our stories show us what we have in common.
"Traffickers Target Vulnerability:" Inside the Fight to Help Survivors Rebuild with Carol Andersen
Content Warning: This episode contains candid discussions regarding violence against women, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Please take care of yourself as you listen.
Need Immediate Support?
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 | Text 233733
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text "START" to 88788
Human trafficking and sexual exploitation aren't just issues happening "somewhere else” - they are occurring right here in our local communities.
In this episode of Common Threads, host Megan Frank sits down with Carol Andersen, CEO of Bloom, a Lehigh Valley no...
How PA’s First Female Winery Founder Built a Sisterhood & Sustainable Empire | Elaine Pivinski
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Who knew a hippie from New Jersey with zero farming experience could start a revolution in Pennsylvania’s wine country? 🍇🍷
In this episode of Common Threads, host Megan Frank sits down with Elaine Pivinski, the founder of Franklin Hill Vineyards, the very first winery established in the Lehigh Valley.
Elaine shares her inspiring journey of planting the region’s first wine grapes, pioneering sustainable farming practices, and building a thriving business rooted in sisterhood. Long before "flexible work culture" was a buzzword, Elaine created a workplace centered around family, offering flexible hours to local m...
From Wall Street to the Yoga Mat: How to Actually Practice Mindfulness with Larissa Noto
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Are you overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Hit pause for just a second, take a deep breath, and join us for this episode of Common Threads. Today, we are diving deep into a word you hear everywhere, but might not actually know how to apply: Mindfulness.
Our guest, Larissa Noto, has a story that will inspire you to rethink your daily routine. She traded her fast-paced career as a Wall Street legal analyst for the yoga mat, founding her wellness business, The Lovely Little Lotus.
A breast cancer survivor, Penn State...
Secrets of a Local Shero: Keela Vincent’s Playbook for Impact 💥🤝💖
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What does it actually look like to drive massive change in your hometown while juggling a demanding career, serving on multiple boards, and raising two kids as a single mom? Hint: It takes a total Shero! ✨
In this episode of Common Threads, host Megan Frank sits down with the multi-talented Keela Vincent, Executive Director of Family Connection of Easton (and local billboard star!). Keela opens up about why she walked away from a corporate career to serve thousands of children and families every year in the Lehigh Valley.
We’re pulling back the...
Know your worth & claim your dreams with Lindsay R. Watson🎙️🎯 💼✨
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Ever find yourself looking at your current professional situation and wondering, “Is it time for a change?” If you’ve been contemplating a career pivot, you are not alone, and this month’s episode of Common Threads is exactly what you need to hear.
We sat down with the incredible Lindsay R. Watson, a powerhouse entrepreneur, workforce strategist, and media trailblazer (making history as the first woman of color to lead a public affairs show at WDIY!). She’s also the host and producer of the recently released Lehigh Valley Public Media documentary, Echoes of Freedom...
Harnessing the Power of Positive Psychology with Nancy Werteen
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In this special episode of Common Threads, we explore the incredible, transformative power of Positive Psychology with dedicated practitioner, Nancy Werteen.
Nancy is a celebrated journalist, author, and practitioner of Positive Psychology. Through her books (see links below) and her "Life Lessons" segments on WFMZ, she is dedicated to helping people unlock their potential and find deeper meaning in their personal and professional lives.
You may recognize Nancy as a long-standing anchor at WFMZ. She says one of her deepest passions in life is studying and sharing the science of human flourishing.
Melanie Falcon: Why I Walked Away from the Anchor Desk 📺✨
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Two heart surgeries. A career in the spotlight. But what happens when the 'story' is your own survival?
Melanie Falcon is one of the most recognizable faces in local news. Earlier in 2026, she traded the view from the anchor desk for the one that mattered most to her: the view at home with her family.
In this episode of Common Threads, Melanie is moving beyond the news desk to talk about work-life balance and self-care. She talks with us about emergency surgeries and pregnancy loss, all while in the public eye, and...
Doing the Work for Allentown’s Next Gen: Andrene Nowell
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For Andrene Nowell, the mission is simple: Don't give up on kids. 🎨🤝🏫🎒🎓
In this Common Threads mini-episode, we’re sitting down with Andrene Nowell. Between her role as Allentown School Board President and her work running the Fine Feather Foundation, Andrene is the definition of "doing the work."
She’s not just talking about youth mental health, she’s using art and mentorship to actually change the narrative for students across Allentown. If you want to learn about what real community impact looks like, this conversation is for you.
This episode was inspired by a nom...
The Powerhouse Next Door: Marci Lesko
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What does it actually look like to "make history" in our own backyard? This Women’s History Month, we’re moving past the textbooks and learning from a Lehigh Valley woman who serves our community on many fronts.💓
This segment includes an open conversation about suicide. We encourage viewers to prioritize their well-being while watching. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. All calls are free and confidential. Help is also available by texting the PA Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Our guest...
Scams, Scandals & Sacrifices: Emmy Winning Actress Shares Truths About Tough Industry
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Common Threads Lehigh Valley is a podcast for women by women who live and work in the Lehigh Valley. It’s hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Megan Frank. This episode is about the arts and entertainment industry, including the dark side. Emmy-winning actress and producer Sara Viteri is a woman who embodies the arts in her everyday life. We talk about her journey in the film and modeling industries, her production company, La Princesa Productions, and her short film ‘Life Happens, Then You Cry.’ She shares horror stories from her early days in the industry — and how she came...
You Deserve to Be Healthy & Feel Great!
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Common Threads Lehigh Valley is a podcast for women by women who live and work in the Lehigh Valley. It’s hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Megan Frank.
Right now, many of us are focused on our goals for the new year, especially when it comes to improving our health and well-being.
Our guest this episode is a woman who is working hard to live her best — and healthiest — life! Kelly Chando is a Lehigh Valley wife and mom of two young boys. She works as the Director of Development at St. Luke’s Univer...
