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 her decision to walk away from a dream job for the sake of self-care, time with her family, and a career pivot.

Melanie is pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to 'have it all,’ and tells us why women need to redefine the meaning of ‘having it all.’

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org
Chasing the Rainbows: https://chasingtherainbows.org/

Episode links:

Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Learn more about Sara's work: saraviteri.com
Connect with Sara on Instagram: @saralaprincesa
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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 nomination from our March feature guest, Marci Lesko (President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley), as part of our efforts to highlight the powerful network of women uplifting the Lehigh Valley.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Andrene Nowell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrene-nowell/
Fine Feather Foundation: https://www.finefeatherfoundation.org/
Allentown School Board: https://www.allentownsd.org/schoolboard/meet-the-school-board-of-directors
Missed our main March 2026 episode? Watch our conversation with Marci Lesko here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns6PlAjDsVs
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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 mothers and empowering women in a male-dominated industry.

From navigating major life changes to constantly innovating with craft cider and spirits, Elaine proves that passion, community, and environmental stewardship are the ultimate business strategy.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Franklin Hill Vineyards: https://www.franklinhillvineyards.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopRXWD_t7DglurzsgjbQWEBf0qiMmpQaEH8JYST_fBrD5vGbGyc
Connect with Elaine on Instagram: @elainepivinski
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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, Marci Lesko, doesn't just lead the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, she leads with a vulnerability that is rare in the C-suite. In this episode, Marci opens up about the small-town roots that grounded her and the lived experience with loss that gives her a profound, empathetic "why" behind her work addressing the region’s mental health crisis. It is an honest, raw, and ultimately hopeful conversation about authenticity, leadership, and the thin line between personal loss and public service.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley: https://unitedwayglv.org
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County  - LOSS Team (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors):
https://suicidepreventionlc.org/loss-team-2/
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention:
https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Mental-Health/Crisis-Intervention
Northampton County Crisis Resources :
https://norcopa.gov/crisis-resources
Prevent Suicide PA:
https://preventsuicidepa.org/
Suicide Prevention Alliance  - Task Force:
https://www.suicidepreventionalliance.org/resources/pennsylvania-suicide-prevention-task-forces/

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 adjunct professor, and busy mom of three, Larissa uses her incredibly diverse background to make wellness accessible to everyone. In addition to her yoga therapy practice, she is a national speaker and a passionate advocate for special needs families right here in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley.

In this episode, Larissa shares why mindfulness isn't just about sitting still on a meditation cushion. She explains exactly how she has applied it to navigate her everyday life as a mother, small business owner, teacher, and cancer survivor, and shares how you can do the same.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania / Family Connections for Language and Learning: https://www.parenttoparent.org/family-connections-for-language-and-learning/
Larissa's book: The Adventures of Pyrgos: https://www.lovelylittlelotus.com/kids-yoga-storytime
Connect with Larissa on Instagram: @thelovelylittlelotus
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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 curtain on the "having it all" myth, how to practice real self-care when you have a million plates spinning, and how you can start making an impact in your own community without feeling intimidated. If you’ve ever wanted to give back, pivot your career, or just need a dose of inspiration from a powerhouse woman, this episode is for you!

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Keela Vincent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keelavincentmba/
Family Connection of Easton: https://www.familyconnectionofeaston.org/
Northampton Community College: https://www.northampton.edu/
Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley:  https://www.volunteerlv.org/
African American Business Leaders Council: https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/africanamericanbusinessleaderscouncil.html
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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.

Lindsay is refreshingly honest about the realities of reinventing yourself, sharing her own journey of building multiple award-winning businesses like FIA NOW Workforce Solutions and Joy Fluent.

In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges, the successes, and the mindset shift required to chase your dreams. Lindsay’s passion is helping women recognize their true value and connect with the right opportunities.
Whether you are actively planning your next move or just need a spark of inspiration to own your worth, Lindsay’s perspective is pure gold.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Lindsay R. Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaywatsonhr/
Lindsay R. Watson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayrwatson/
FIA NOW Workforce Solutions: https://www.fianow.com/
Joy Fluent: https://www.joyfluent.com/
Echoes of Freedom: The African American Experience in the Lehigh Valley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3wL8wgPg7g
WDIY: Influence Unplugged: Celebrating Black Legacy: https://www.wdiy.org/people/lindsay-watson
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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 University Health Network. We talk about her journey to start a family, which involves harrowing challenges. It’s a great interview — Kelly gets brutally honest about the impact birth trauma, including being diagnosed with preeclampsia, has had on her life, and about the ups and downs of trying to lose weight after having a baby. She also shares why GLP1’s were just one step in her process. Today, she’s a firm advocate for her health — and shares a message of encouragement for all women to advocate to get the best health care possible.

Episode links:

Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
Learn more about preeclampsia: preeclampsia.org
Connect with Kelly on Instagram: @makeurmark_
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews

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.

As an author and expert in the field, Nancy has seen firsthand how a shift in mindset and the application of evidence-based psychological tools can completely rewrite a person’s daily experience.

In alignment with our most recent focus on self-care and work-life balance, Nancy joins us to discuss how these practices aren't just "feel-good" ideas- they’re essential strategies for staying grounded and resilient in a world that rarely slows down.

Episode links:
Sign up for our Common Threads newsletter: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/
The Power of a Pivot -: How changing your mindset can bring you more joy in every aspect of your life By Kim Howie and Nancy Werteen: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Pivot-changing-mindset-aspect/dp/0692956921
The Power Of A Pause: How turning inward is the catalyst you need to find more joy By Kim Howie and Nancy Werteen - https://www.amazon.com/Power-Pause-Turning-Inward-Catalyst-ebook/dp/B08JNGKXB1/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.je3tGk8mi9n4djWRaGcEEKs68345Kfs0m0mWl2B9-0I.yQo6V_LmZ9hTZ51vEGw5EqfNOjqcjuU0gk2Ip5-K6AQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+power+of+a+pause+nancy+werteen&qid=1778521407&sr=8-1
Connect with Megan on Instagram: @meganfranknews