Lancaster Connects

Hosted by Jeff Giagnocavo, Ben McClure

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272

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Lancaster Connects brings together local charities, local heroes, and local businesses to showcase the best of what Lancaster, PA has to offer so that in 2021 and beyond – our local neighbors and friends may thrive, be more productive, and live happily and generously. The Lancaster Connects Podcast is hosted weekly by Gardner's Mattress & More co-owners Ben McClure & Jeff Giagnocavo, and can be viewed on numerous streaming services as well as listed to on your favorite podcast platforms.

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60 recent

November 9, 20261 hr 6 min

Serving at The Highest Level Possible - Episode 271

In this episode, Ben and Jeff wrap up Gardner’s 36th Anniversary celebration with a look back at the exciting events, customer appreciation, giveaways, and memorable moments that made this milestone special. They thank customers for their continued support while sharing updates on the remaining $36,000 shopping spree dice rolls and anniversary prize wheel. The episode also highlights Gardner’s commitment to Serving at The Highest Level Possible, featuring a ScanFit demonstration, product highlights, and a first-time public reveal with Kevin Harrington. Plus, get a preview of the upcoming NO, NO, NOvember Sale, along with helpful mattress-buying tips, sleep-better advice, and a customer testimonial. Thank you for celebrating 36 years with Gardner’s and for watching Lancaster Connects! We showcase small business and small charity success in Lancaster County, highlighting the battle on Main Street, big vs. small, David vs. Goliath, and the best of what makes Lancaster so great! Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

November 2, 20261 hr 0 min

Creating a Buzz in Lancaster: Community Hive featuring Shirley Chapin - Episode 270

In this episode, we sit down with Shirley Chapin, Community Engagement Manager at Community Hive (formerly Ephrata Area Social Services), to talk about the power of community connection, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Shirley shares how she builds partnerships, supports fundraising and community events, and helps connect people throughout Northern Lancaster County to Community Hive’s mission of serving neighbors in need. Drawing on her nearly eight years of experience with United Way of Berks County before joining Community Hive in 2025, Shirley brings a passion for nonprofit work, storytelling, and creating opportunities for people to get involved and give back. Join us as we explore how strong community relationships and shared purpose can create lasting, positive change. ???? Connect with Shirley Chapin: ✅ Website: https://community-hive.org/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernLancoEASS/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Community-Hive ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommunityhive/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-community-hive Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

October 26, 20261 hr 0 min

Small Acts, Big Impact: Side Street Mission featuring Jessica Miller - Episode 269

In this episode, Jessica Miller, Founder and Executive Director of Side Street Mission, shares the heart behind the organization’s mission to serve unhoused and underserved neighbors with the love of Jesus. Through compassion, connection, and practical support, Side Street Mission is committed to meeting people where they are, building relationships rooted in dignity, and putting faith into action. Discover how this mission is making a difference in the community and bringing hope to those who need it most. ???? Connect with Jessica Miller: ✅ Website: https://www.sidestreetmission.com/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Side-Street-Mission/61564768486282/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

October 19, 20261 hr 6 min

Homefields: Growing More Than a Farm featuring Allison Hawthorne & Melissa Monti - Episode 268

In this episode, we’re joined by Allison Hawthorne, Executive Director at Homefields, and Melissa Monti, Shop Manager of the new Homefields & Friends Cottage Shop. Allison is passionate about building pathways for people with disabilities to discover their own ways to create purposeful lives and meaningful connections within their communities. She shares her perspective on inclusion, opportunity, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Melissa brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit world to her work at Homefields. In addition to juggling a variety of administrative responsibilities, she manages the new Homefields & Friends Cottage Shop. Melissa talks about her work at Homefields and the role the shop plays in connecting people and supporting the organization’s mission. Join us for an inspiring conversation about community, purpose, inclusion, and the people working to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. ???? Connect with Allison Hawthorne & Melissa Monti: ✅ Website: https://www.homefields.org/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomefieldsOrg/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homefieldsorg/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChoycSPeFtuBX7fIVNYJc2Q Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net #LancasterCounty #LancasterPA #LancasterCountyPA #LancasterConnects #Community #RetailExperience

October 12, 202650 min

Gardner’s Turns 36! Inside Our Biggest Anniversary Celebration Yet - Episode 267

Gardner’s 36th anniversary celebration takes center stage in this episode of Lancaster Connects, with five weeks of savings, contests, giveaways, and customer appreciation events planned throughout October. Ben and Jeff cover 36-month no-interest financing, qualifying purchases of $3,600 or more that include a luxury travel voucher, and prequalification savings of up to $500. Customers can also take advantage of 36-hour anniversary sales featuring mattresses, pillows, bamboo sheets, and mattress protectors, with select sleep essentials available for $36. The celebration includes a chance to win a $36,000 Gardner’s shopping spree by rolling eight dice to spell “Gardner’s,” plus Fit-to-Win pillow education and entries for cruise or condo-stay drawings. Saturday events will feature food trucks and local treats, including Egg Roll Lady, shoofly pies, and apple cider donuts. The episode also highlights Gardner’s tent sale, where clearance, closeout, floor-model, and comfort-exchange mattresses are priced at 50% off or more. Customers can register for the anniversary events, enter giveaways without making a purchase, and qualify for vendor prize drawings featuring mattresses, bed bases, pillows, sheets, and other sleep-related products. Thank you for listening to Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

October 5, 20261 hr 5 min

Gifts That Give Hope: Giving With Purpose featuring Jennifer Knepper - Episode 266

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer O. Knepper, GTGH Fair Coordinator for Gifts That Give Hope, about the story behind Lancaster’s unique alternative gift fair and the power of giving with purpose. Inspired in 2007 by a group of women in the Harrisburg area who created an alternative gift fair, Jenn brought the concept to Lancaster in 2008—and it has continued to grow ever since. Gifts That Give Hope creates meaningful gift-giving opportunities that support local nonprofits, social enterprises, businesses for good, and other organizations making a difference in the community. Jenn shares how GTGH encourages a holiday season focused on connection, generosity, and less material consumption, while helping people discover impactful ways to give. We’ll explore the organization’s origins, its mission, and how choosing gifts that give back can strengthen our communities and create lasting impact. Connect with Jennifer Knepper: ✅ Website: https://giftsthatgivehopelancaster.org/pages/giftfair ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftsThatGiveHopeLancaster ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcEIKlbND4M/?stkn=MWg1dmg1dDR1eHQwbA%3D%3D ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

September 28, 202657 min

Restoration, Recovery & Community with Stephen Zywko - Episode 265

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Zywko, CEO of Compleat, who took the helm in 2024 following his team’s acquisition of the company in 2023. Founded in 1978, Compleat has long been dedicated to helping people recover from disasters. Under its new leadership, the company has shifted its focus from traditional advertising to meaningful community engagement. From sponsoring local nonprofits and encouraging employees to volunteer, to offering scholarships and participating in community events, Compleat is committed to making a lasting positive impact. Join us as we explore how this community-focused approach not only strengthens local connections but also keeps Compleat top-of-mind when disaster recovery services are needed. ???? Connect with Stephen Zwyko and Compleat Restorations: ✅ Website: https://compleatrestorations.com/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compleatrestorations/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompleatRestorations/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compleat_restorations_/?hl=en Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

September 21, 20261 hr 4 min

Fighting Hunger with the Lancaster County Food Exchange featuring Terry Kile - Episode 264

In this episode, we sit down with Terry C. Kile, CEO and Founder of the Lancaster County Food Exchange, a free mobile web application created to help food pantries reduce food waste and connect families with the food they need most. Terry shares the inspiring story behind the platform and his mission to ensure that “no good food goes unused, and no family goes hungry.” With initial support from organizations including the Central PA Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, and Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, the Lancaster County Food Exchange has grown to serve 37 local agencies and more than 100 volunteers. Discover how technology, community partnerships, and passionate volunteers are coming together to create a more efficient food distribution network and make a meaningful difference for families throughout the community. ???? Connect with Terry Kile: ✅ Website: https://lancastercountyfoodexchange.org/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryckile/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

September 14, 20261 hr 4 min

Welcome to the Jungle: Finding Hope in a Broken World featuring Cara Joy Torres - Episode 263

If you're curious how one raw, unfiltered moment can turn into a mission that protects Lancaster County's most vulnerable kids, this episode is for you. Meet Cara Torres, a Hempfield grad, mom of three, Etsy shop owner, and forensic nurse practitioner whose front row seat to rising child advocacy referrals led her to blurt out five words that became a book title: "It's a Jungle out here." What started as a gut reaction and late night journal entries has grown into something bigger, and Cara opens up about the moment that changed everything. Tune in for an honest, witty conversation about resilience, purpose, and turning hard truths into hope for our community. ???? Connect with Cara Joy Torres: ✅ Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveDeliveredCo ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junglejanew2tj/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net

September 7, 20261 hr 6 min

The Great Social Enterprise Pitch Show featuring Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High - Episode 262

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Tuno, Women’s Business Center Manager, and Lindsay High, Business Development Officer at ASSETS Lancaster, to explore how entrepreneurship can create meaningful economic opportunities for underserved communities. Jessie shares her experience guiding early-stage entrepreneurs through the Idea Incubator, helping transform business ideas into sustainable ventures, while Lindsay brings her expertise in business development and supporting entrepreneurs through their growth journey. Jessie also draws from more than 25 years in the restaurant industry and her experience as the owner of Butter and Bean Café to offer practical insights on building and growing a successful business. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community impact, business development, and empowering women to turn their ideas into thriving ventures. ???? Connect with Jessie Tuno and Lindsay High: ✅ Website: https://assetspa.org/womens-business-center/ ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assetslancaster ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assets.pa/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assets-lancaster/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-better LIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects: ✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnects Lancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net