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The Butler Eagle has been reporting the daily news since 1870, bringing the facts, real stories of real events happening in our community and now we are here to bring you the voices to those stories. Each season is dedicated to bringing you local perspectives on a variety of topics we feel impact the day to day lives of our community. The Eagle is excited to enter the podcast world and bring the stories of Butler County to a whole new platform. Follow us & Subscribe: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alter.eagle.podcast?lang=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb-z83gFTCMhQve_mwV2JEQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altereaglepodcast/

Episodes

December 10, 2025 71 mins

Today's episode features a candid and engaging conversation with Jake and Mallory Merda Adams, a couple who have spent the last decade building parallel careers in the fast-paced world of sports journalism.

Jake, a Temple grad originally from Northampton, PA, has spent nearly twelve years in the field, serving as a sports editor at The Carlisle Sentinel, Madison.com, and the Louisville Courier Journal. H...

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On this episode, Laura welcomes Heidi Nichols Bowser, a respected leader within the Butler YMCA community and an accomplished athlete with a lifelong love of sports. Heidi shares how she got her start in speed skating, the dedication that carried her through college tennis, and the career decisions that led her to Butler.

 

Together, they explore themes of personal growth, community connect...

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November 26, 2025 12 mins

This Thanksgiving, I'm sharing a story from my time living in New York with roommates from all over the world — people who, just a month earlier, were complete strangers to me.

 

It was their first Thanksgiving, and our tiny apartment became a place where different languages, spices, cultures, and expectations collided into one shared meal. That night reminded me how quickly strangers can b...

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Sometimes, the stories that stop us in our tracks are the ones we never see coming. After traveling 100 miles on the roof of a moving car, RayRay the Cat became a local legend — and a symbol of survival, connection, and second chances. Laura talks with RayRay's human, Margaret about that unbelievable day, the outpouring of support that followed, and how one small cat reminded everyone just how big love can be.

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In this final chapter of The Maze series, we meet Rob Raifsnider — the creative force behind Ravenswood Manor and the original 3D Maze at The Beacon. Rob shares his passion for haunting artistry and decades of dedication to Halloween. Then, take one last ride through the Corn Maze with us — sights, sounds, and scares included.

 

Sponsors:

 

https://www.betterhelp...

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Part Two of The Beacon Hotel: The Haunt is here — and this time, I'm joined by Jordan Grady from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Audrianna Bly!

Jordan and I relive our trip through the haunted maze, talk about what makes The Haunt such a Butler County favorite, and share some of the video and photos from that night (yes, the screams are real). I also continue my conversations with family member...

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Step inside the Beacon Hotel — a Butler County landmark where history, community, and a good scare all come together. In this first part of my Beacon Hotel Halloween special, I sit down with Nick, Roni, and Jamie — the creative forces behind The Haunt. We talk about what it takes to bring this annual Halloween experience to life, the pride they have in their community, and how the Beacon has become a place that connec...

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She's the queen of celebrations — and a Halloween enthusiast through and through! Kristen Kane of Kristen Kane Events shares how she built her thriving event company, what inspires her signature style, and how her Ghouls for Good initiative is helping kids enjoy the magic of Halloween.

 

Sponsors:

 

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

 

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Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl album brought back all the memories — because Jen and I actually were showgirls! We danced together in the legendary Jubilee show at Bally's Las Vegas, surrounded by the stunning Bob Mackie costumes that are now making their way into pop culture again.

 

In this conversation, we talk about what it was really like behind the feathers and rhinestones, how...

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In Part II of our series with Mr. Pflugh, we hear directly from the man behind the classroom. He shares what first inspired his love for history, how he creates engaging lessons, and why connecting with students matters just as much as the material itself. If you enjoyed hearing his students' voices in Part I, you'll love getting to know Mr. Pflugh's perspective in this insightful interview.

 

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In this first part of our Teacher Appreciation series, we hear directly from the students of Mr. Pflugh, a history teacher who has been shaping young minds at Knoch High School for 27 years. Members of his History Club share what makes his classroom unique, the teaching style that keeps them engaged, and how his influence goes far beyond textbooks. Their stories rem...

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Part 2 we step inside ICON, Zelienople's newest fine art gallery, for an inspiring conversation with founders Lauren and Jason. In this episode, we talk about the creative freedom they had in designing the space, the history behind its original tin ceiling, and their vision for what ICON brings to the local arts community. Whether you're an art lover or just curious about the story behind a stunning new cultural spot,...

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In this first of a two-part conversation, Jason and Lauren, the visionaries behind Curio Art Studio, share the story of building a vibrant art and education space that inspires creativity in the community. From fostering connection through workshops to cultivating a studio where all ages can explore, Curio is more than a studio—it's a movement. Join us as we dive into their passion, purpose, and the journey that broug...

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Ken and Liz Smith of Hobnob Theatre Company share their passion for storytelling, community, and the craft of live performance. From behind-the-scenes insight to the excitement of opening night, this episode pulls back the curtain on how Hobnob creates theater that's intimate, impactful, and unforgettable.

www.hobnobtheatre.com

 

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp....

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In Part II of my conversation with author Sue Tidwell, we continue exploring the powerful lessons she learned while immersed in rural Tanzanian life. From the people she met to the challenges of reconciling Western privilege with African realities, Sue shares how her time in the bush forever shifted her perspective.

We talk about community, resourcefulness, and the deep respect rural Africans have for th...

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In Part I of this two-part series, author Sue Tidwell shares the emotional and eye-opening story behind her book Cries of the Savanna. What began as a reluctant hunting trip to Tanzania turned into a profound reckoning with grief, identity, and the often-misunderstood role of hunting in African conservation.

Sue opens up about the loss of her brother, the eerie coincidence of sharing her journey with two...

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What does it take to turn a small burger joint into a beloved Zelienople and Pittsburgh food institution? In this episode, we sit down with chef, entrepreneur, and food visionary Fiore Moletz, the force behind Burghers. From his farm-to-table philosophy to the creative chaos of opening new locations, Fiore shares the story behind the brand, the risks he's taken, and why community is at the heart of everything he does....

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Bonnie Cahill has worn many hats, some literally. With a career that spans science, psychology, and shuffling decks on cruise ships, Bonnie brings unmatched life experience to every role she plays. A staple of the Butler Little Theatre since the 1960s, her stories span the outrageous, the heartfelt, and the hilariously theatrical. In this episode, we explore her decades on stage, her favorite (and most challenging) ch...

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In this special episode, host Laura Crago sits down with Sue Collar, Dennis Casey, and Nedra Casey — three passionate & legendary members of the Butler Little Theatre family — to celebrate the magic, memories, and community that define this beloved stage. From decades of performances to the friendships built along the way, we go behind the curtain to explore what makes BLT such a vital part of Butler's cultural history.

This is par...

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Recorded live at the Monroe Hotel bar, this episode takes you inside the 45-year journey of one of Butler's most beloved spots. From the sizzling kitchen to the loyal staff and the regulars who feel like family, we celebrate the stories, the spirit, and the legacy of a true hometown treasure.

Sponsors:

https://www.betterhelp.com/altereagle

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