October 21, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Asia Tabb
Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.
AIRED; October 20, 2025
Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.
CeaseFirePA recently hosted a discussion titled “Most Gun Deaths Are Suicide—It’s Time to Act”, drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of gun violence. “Most people aren’t aware that the majority of gun-related deaths are from suicide, and the rates and frequency of firearm suicides have increased dramatically over the past 20 years,” said Dr. Jay Breneman, CeaseFirePA’s Director of Firearm Suicide Prevention. “If we can intervene between someone and the method, we can end up saving lives, because the vast majority of people who survive do not go on to reattempt.” In Pennsylvania, nearly 60% of firearm-related deaths are suicides, with some rural counties—like Lancaster—experiencing rates much higher than the state average. Breneman noted, “Rural counties have triple the firearm suicide rates you see in urban counties. Firearm suicide is the leading form of violent death in those communities.”
The discussion also highlighted the personal impact of this epidemic. Maura Condon Umble shared her family’s story after losing her 24-year-old son Alex to firearm suicide. “He was facing depression… and one day he decided to buy a gun. We are not a gun family, but he figured out that a gun was the way to do it,” she said. Remembering Alex, she reflected, “He was a kind young man, sensitive and shy, and at the same time an aggressive athlete. He left behind a really devastated family… and we’re all trying to cope after such a devastating loss.” Maura has since become active with CeaseFirePA and Moms Demand Action, finding community and purpose in advocacy.
Breneman emphasized the importance of confronting both suicide and firearms together. “There’s a lot of stigma around suicide and mental health. Most people who attempt suicide do so not necessarily because of a mental health diagnosis, but because of everyday stressors,” he said. He explained that the presence of firearms dramatically increases the likelihood of a fatal attempt: “The vast majority of people who attempt suicide survive—but with firearms, the fatality rate is 95%. Putting space between someone and their chosen method, even for a few minutes, can save a life.” CeaseFirePA’s initiative aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote safe firearm practices to prevent suicide across Pennsylvania.
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