The Rediscover State College Podcast

Welcome to 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 the trailer to learn more!

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

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.

  • Season 3 / Episode 1

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

    Jamie and Kerry Bestwick share how they built a life and community in State College through BMX, yoga, and coffee.

  • Season 3 / Episode 2

    Discovering Happy Valley with Local Influencer Hannah Morris

    Happy Valley Hannah shares how she built a local following by spotlighting events, businesses, and family-friendly fun in State College.

  • Season 3 / Episode 3

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

    Amy Palanjian shares her journey as a food blogger, parenting tips, and why she loves living and working in Happy Valley.

  • Season 3 / Episode 4

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

    Jes and Jessy share their journey to State College and what they love about the region’s community and diversity.

  • Season 3 / Episode 5

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

    Amy and Jeremy reflect on raising a family, launching businesses, and building a life rooted in creativity, nature, and entrepreneurship in State College.

  • Season 3 / Episode 6

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

    Erica shares her coaching journey, life in State College, and behind-the-scenes stories from working with the U.S. women’s national team.

Season 2: The Great Outdoors

  • Season 2 / Episode 1

    Hiking for Hidden Gems: Exploring Pennsylvania with Purple Lizard Maps

    Michael Hermann’s outdoor connection: He is the founder and lead cartographer at Purple Lizard Maps, dedicated to uncovering hidden gems in places like Rothrock State Forest

  • Season 2 / Episode 2

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

    Jamie SanFilippo’s outdoor connection: She is a local fly fishing guide for both American Fly Fishing Company and TCO Fly Shop in State College.

  • Season 2 / Episode 3

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

    Ezra Nanes’s outdoor connection: He competed in the Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley race and is the mayor of State College!

  • Season 2 / Episode 4

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

    Abbe Hamilton’s outdoor connection: An avid adventurer, Abbe is passionate about whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, gravel biking, caving, hiking, and climbing.

  • Season 2 / Episode 5

    From Trails to Taps: Outdoor Advocacy with Boal City Brewing

    Gordy Kauffman’s outdoor connection: He is the owner of Boal City Brewing and an avid mountain biker.

  • Season 2 / Episode 6

    Conserving Nature, Climbing Rocks: A Guide to Outdoor Adventures

    Bridget Whyte’s outdoor connection: She is the adventure coordinator at Clearwater Conservancy, a local non-profit dedicated to conserving and restoring central Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Season 1: Locals with the Coolest Jobs

  • Season 1 / Trailer

    People with the Coolest Jobs in State College

    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.

  • Season 1 / Episode 1

    Working a Big City Tech Job Remotely from State College

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

  • Season 1 / Episode 2

    Teaching Full-time at Penn State without a PhD

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

  • Season 1 / Episode 3

    Running a Children’s Musical Theatre Program

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

  • Season 1 / Episode 4

    Opening a Restaurant and Music Venue in the State College Area

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

  • Season 1 / Episode 5

    Becoming a Professional Musician in State College

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

  • Season 1 / Episode 6

    Owning a Real Estate Investment and Interior Design Company

    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.