Life and...

Tonyehn Verkitus is the Executive Director of the Northeast Counties Medical Society and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. Her work in the nonprofit world has mostly centered on health and food though she also spent many years training organizations and communities on fundraising and telling their mission-based stories. In 2007, Tonyehn along with other family members and friends started Africa Community Exchange, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support an effective model of education for youth and educators. Currently their work centers in Liberia with plans to expand to neighboring countries. Tonyehn also sits on the boards of the Lackawanna County Arts, Culture and Education Department; WVIA Community Advisory Board; and NEPA Health Care Foundation where she is the Grants Committee chair. As a Wholistic Life Coach and writer, Tonyehn is interested in the intersection between personal stories and community activism. As a person with many personal stories that shatter and empower she has developed and facilitated workshops on healing and reducing personal trauma through self-care and shared stories. Tonyehn shares her story of living a nomadic childhood and how it impacted her home views. She talks about living all over the world and the memories she carries with her. Tonyehn also opens up about finding community with her neighbor Sheila in Liberia and working at a tavern in colonial Williamsburg. Now with children of her own, Tonyehn reflects on creating stability while still embracing change. An inspiring tale of embracing life's journey and discovering home isn't defined by walls.

Alicia Gregais a published poet and award-winning playwright, theatrical artist, performance coach and educator. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and the Lackawanna County Council on Arts, Culture, and Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from Drew University and an MFA in Writing for Screen and Stage from Point Park University and has received grants from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and an NEA Arts Journalism Institute fellowship.  Alicia shares her vision for the perfect retirement home - a storybook cottage on a lake surrounded by her favorite plants from places she's lived. She discusses creating a welcoming space for community while also valuing solitude. Alicia explores how studying Buddhism has helped her find happiness in the present moment. Tune in to hear insights on downsizing from memories to what matters most.

Maureen Maher-Gray is an activist, community organizer, and nonprofit leader. Maureen is the founder and Executive Director of the NEPA Youth Shelter. The NEPA Youth Shelter serves as a safe place for at-risk teens to go after school. At the center, teens can do homework, socialize, and rest; the center also provides clothing, school supplies, food, and job resources for those who need them.  Maureen shares her story of being adopted at a young age into a large, loving family. She talks about growing up feeling fully part of her adoptive "Brady Bunch" family. Years later, her curiosity leads her to research her biological roots. After unexpected DNA matches, Maureen discovers long-lost siblings and learns the identity of her biological father. She describes the emotional experience of meeting her newfound biological relatives and reconciling her two families into her concept of "home."

Mary Pat Ward serves as the Development Director for the Catherine McCauley Center. She started her career as a Paralegal for the Women’s Resource Center and was there for close to 10 years. Mary-Pat currently serves on the Board of Directors for NeighborWorks NEPA. She plays roller derby with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Roller Radicals and resides in Scranton with her husband, Doug. Their daughter, Izzy, is a Freshman at Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. Mary Pat shares her journey of finding home after losing her parents at a young age. From surviving in shelters to creating a loving home for her daughter, she discovered home is about shared memories and adventures, not things or houses. Now an empty nester, she's letting go of possessions to start a new chapter. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience and how she now helps others find home.  

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration! The special guest for this, our finale of season 3, is Conor Kelly O'Brien.  Conor is an actor, theatre-maker, and arts advocate. He has performed Off-Broadway, on stages across the country as well as a few small TV & film roles. His works as a playwright have seen several productions, both in the US and United Kingdom and he is a state-rostered artist within Pennsylvania where he serves as a resident artist & educator. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Scranton Fringe Festival as well as a proud member of the Dramatist Guild of America. You can learn more by visiting www.conorkellyobrien.com.    Please note, that this story touches upon the very real challenges of coming to terms with sexual or gender identity in your youth, including some abrasive language. A great resource to explore is the national nonprofit organization, The Trevor Project. Any listener that would benefit from this inclusive LGBTQ resource, or knows of someone who would should visit www.thetrevorproject.org for more information. 

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration! Please note, this episode discusses, among many things, mental health and suicide ideation. If any of our listeners, or someone you know, is in need of help - a fantastic resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  You can reach this lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Monica Simon is a writer, artist, and web content creator from Scranton, Pa. She believes in the power of empathy and love which are transmitted through the power of storytelling. She enjoys catching live music, painting, and chasing her bunny around the living room. She aspires to grow old and look back at her life with amusement about what a ride it was!

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration! In this episode, we are thrilled to feature Amber Viola! Amber Viola graduated from North Pocono high school and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving honorably for eight years. While in the military, she advanced to the rank of  Gunner’s Mate Second Class and was a Naval Military Training Instructor and a Department of Defense Victim Advocate. While serving as a Victim Advocate, Amber realized that she wanted to spend her life serving people and her community. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Marywood University and is currently working towards her master's degree. Amber served as the Human Resources Director for the city of Scranton and sits on multiple boards. She is the Commander of the Gouldsboro American Legion and a mother to five-year-old Jacquelyn Viola. She is a community activist and an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Please note this episode discusses intimate health concerns including antenatal care.  Life and... is produced by Tonyehn Verkitus, Dan Kimbrough, Elizabeth Bohan & Conor Kelly O'Brien. Graphics by Jess Meoni & original music by DJ Williams. 

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration! The storyteller for this, our premiere episode of Life and Celebration is Mandy Pennington! Mandy Pennington is a writer, marketer, teacher, and speaker. By day, she is the Director of Digital Strategy at Wilkes University. By night, she is a student in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing. She is proud to be a member of the theatre community in Northeastern Pennsylvania as a founding member of the New Vintage Ensemble and a frequent volunteer with the Scranton Fringe Festival. She lives in Scranton, PA with her husband, Brent, and two mischievous cats. You can follow her on Twitter @mandybpenn. Produced by Tonyehn Verkitus, Dan Kimbrough, Elizabeth Bohan & Conor Kelly O'Brien. Graphics by Jess Meoni & original music by DJ Williams.

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.    Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our focus to another all too common experience that, given current circumstances, is more relevant than ever -- isolation.   The storyteller for this episode is Simone Daniel. Simone is a Temple University graduate, an award-winning theatre and filmmaker, and while based in New York City, is an active member of the Northeast Pennsylvania arts community.

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.    Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our focus to another all too common experience that, given current circumstances, is more relevant than ever -- isolation.   The storyteller for this episode is Courtney Phillips. Courtney is a mental health advocate whose outreach initiative, Hope for Invisible Wounds, provides resources and tools for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorder. Reaching over 6000 people daily, she works to provide a voice to the voiceless and make invisible wounds visible through the power of storytelling.

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.    Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our focus to another all too common experience that, given current circumstances, is more relevant than ever -- isolation.   The storyteller for this episode is Dan Kimbrough. Dan is no stranger to the microphone or the world of podcasting - in fact, he’s not even a stranger to THIS podcast. In addition to being the owner of Park Multimedia, Dan serves as the technical director for Scranton Fringe and co-producer of Life And. With almost 20 years of media experience, he has worked with ESPN, as a documentary filmmaker, production manager, professor, podcast producer, photographer, editor, and more.

Welcome back to a new season of Life and!    Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   Last season, we centered our stories on substance misuse and its wide-reaching impact. This season, we turn our focus to another all too common experience that, given current circumstances, is more relevant than ever -- isolation. Michaela Moore, the guest for our first episode of season two, has graciously offered to share her powerful story of family, isolation, loss and forgiveness.  An NYU graduate, Michela Moore is an international theatre maker, educator and creative entarepuer.  Please note, this episode may have content that is triggering for some listeners. Al-Anon is one of the oldest and largest support groups in the world for friends and family of alcoholics.  You can learn more at al-anon.org or call  1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666).

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!    This episode, the fourth in our first season, features Ryan Taylor. Ryan is a person in recovery who uses his experience to help others. Please be aware this episode may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs assistance, one resource we suggest is SAMHSA. Their toll-free line is 1-800-662-4357    Please be sure to like, subscribe and review this podcast wherever you may find it!

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode will feature a different storyteller who will tell their story, in their own words, and then will have a brief engaging conversation with our host, Tonyehn Verkitus.  This episode features the powerful story of Alyssa, a survivor of sex trafficking and an incredible individual currently in recovery.  Please note, this episode may have content that is triggering for some listeners.  One resource we highly suggest is the National Human Trafficking Hotline - which you can call for free at 1-888-373-788, at any time, to speak to a network of trained advocates in over 200 langauges!  Please subscribe, share and eview this podcast wherever you are listening to it! 

Life and - is a new storytelling podcast centered on first person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.      Each episode will feature a different storyteller who will tell their story, in their own words, and then will have a brief engaging conversation with our host, Tonyhen Verkitus.    We continue our first season, exploring unique experiences and narratives dealing with substance misuse. This episode's featured guest is  American poet, essayist, and professor, Sheryl St. Germain.    Please remember to subscribe and review this podcast wherever you are listening to it and be sure to share on your own social media! We appreciate your support and! 

Life and - is a new storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.    Each episode will feature a different storyteller who will tell their story, in their own words, and then will have a brief engaging conversation with our host, Tonyehn Verkitus.  Our premiere episode features the artist Allison LaRussa and will outline her own experiences with substance misuse and the impact the creative arts have had in her life.  Please remember to subscribe and review this podcast wherever you are listening to it and be sure to share on your own social media! We appreciate your support and!

After a short hiatus, "Life and" is returning on all podcasting platforms!

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia. Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our spotlight onto a seemingly joyful, albeit very complex theme - celebration! Our special guest for this episode is David Hicks!  David Hicks was born and raised in New York and lived in Colorado for twenty years before moving to Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the author of many short stories and the novel White Plains, which was named the #1 book by Colorado authors by Westword Magazine and was a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.  David has a Ph.D. from NYU and has taught at Pace University in New York, Marywood University in Scranton, and Regis University in Denver. He is the Director of Creative Writing at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. David is currently on a Fulbright Scholarship in the Czech Republic, teaching at Charles University in Prague.  This podcast is produced by Tonyehn Verkitus, Dan Kimbrough, Elizabeth Bohan & Conor Kelly O'Brien. Graphics by Jess Meoni & original music by DJ Williams.

Life and - is a storytelling podcast centered on first-person, true experiences, created in partnership between the Lackawanna & Luzerne Medical Societies, Scranton Fringe & Park Multimedia.   Each episode features different storytellers telling their experiences, in their own words, as well as an engaging conversation between the storyteller and our host, Tonyehn Verkitus!   This season, we turn our focus to another all too common experience that, given current circumstances, is more relevant than ever -- isolation. The storyteller for this episode is Keith Williams. Keith Williams is the Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator for the Mycil Center for Independent Living. Keith is a graduate of the University of Scranton and King's College. He is the chair of the Lackawanna County Disability Action Committee, whose mission is to advise policymakers regarding the accessibility of county facilities and programs for people with disabilities, resulting in a more inclusive community. Keith shares his perspective about the isolation, and inclusion, that affect people with any kind of disability in today's society.   If you'd like to submit and join this podcast next season as a featured storyteller, complete the form you will find at www.luzlackmedsoc.org or by visiting the Life And podcast page on Facebook!