Philadelphia Community Podcast

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati Presents: A Conversation with E.B. Lewis Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati highlights an exciting upcoming event presented by the Library Association in Philadelphia, featuring the renowned illustrator E.B. Lewis. With more than 70 acclaimed children’s books to his name—including Coming On Home Soon , The Other Side , and Preaching to the Chickens —Lewis has received prestig...

⚖️ SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo In our monthly SpeakOut segment, we welcome back Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and creator of the Caravan of Hope, a national initiative delivering free legal services to underserved LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S. Angela, a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ legal expert and advocate, brings us timely insights into the Defense Secretary’s recent deci...

🛑 United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), joins us to share details about the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, taking place on Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful event brings together families, advocates, and service provid...

🎯 Gun Violence Prevention & Mental Health Support Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), discusses the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, happening Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful gathering promotes awareness, healing, and community action in the face of gun violenc...

Arun Prabhakaran , Executive Director of the Urban Affairs Coalition , and Jeremy Williams , Producer of Philly Pride 365 , preview the 2025 Philadelphia Pride March and Festival on Sunday, June 1 . This year’s theme, “Philly L.U.V. – Legacy, Unity, and Visibility,” highlights expanded programming, a 600-foot progress pride flag, and inclusive spaces for all. 🌐 phillypride365.org/pride-weekend 📲...

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are: • Annette A. Anthony , author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir , who takes readers on a flavorful global journey root...

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are: • Annette A. Anthony , author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir , who takes readers on a flavorful global journey root...

Today we’re joined by Dan Drake , President and CEO of Trinity Health Continuing Care , to talk about an innovative and compassionate model of senior care— Trinity Health PACE . PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, helps older adults remain in their homes while receiving high-quality, nursing-home-level care. With a strong presence in the Delaware Valley under the...

I’m joined by two powerful voices in journalism and education — Yvonne Latty, executive producer of the new podcast MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy and director of the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting at Temple University, and Linn Washington, veteran journalist and podcast host who has reported on the MOVE story for more than 50 years. Their six-part podcast, produced in collaboration...

May 8th was Black Teacher Appreciation Day—a national celebration led by the Center for Black Educator Development to honor the “Dreamkeepers” who educate, empower, and inspire every day. Held during National Teacher Appreciation Week, this year’s theme is Radical Well-being, highlighting the urgent need to support the wellness and self-care of Black teachers in and beyond the classroom. Power99 i...

I’m joined by two powerful voices in journalism and education — Yvonne Latty, executive producer of the new podcast MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy and director of the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting at Temple University, and Linn Washington, veteran journalist and podcast host who has reported on the MOVE story for more than 50 years. Their six-part podcast, produced in collaboration...

Honoring Coach Fred Rosenfeld’s Legacy If you’re lucky, you’ve had a mentor like Coach Fred Rosenfeld —a Philadelphia legend whose impact as a teacher, track coach, and community builder lives on. Rachel Berger of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and Steven Bayne , a former political consultant and Overbrook Track alum, share efforts to rename a street in Fred’s honor and ra...

Bridging the Capital Gap We’re joined by Varsovia Fernandez , CEO of the Pennsylvania CDFI Network —a coalition of mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to closing the capital gap in underserved communities across Pennsylvania. Varsovia shares details on a new grant program designed to support small businesses—especially in regions that have historically lacked access to capital. 🔗 Lear...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati sits down with Zabeth Teelucksingh , President of the Global Philadelphia Association, to mark a major milestone— Philadelphia’s 10th anniversary as the first World Heritage City in the United States . They discuss how this designation has elevated the city's global profile and the events planned to celebrate its rich heritage.  🔗 Learn more: globalphiladelphia.o...

🏙 Affordable Housing & the Housing Trust Fund In Philadelphia, developers can pay a fee instead of including affordable units in their projects—with those funds intended for the City’s Housing Trust Fund. But communities haven’t seen the housing benefits they were promised. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier joins us to discuss a ballot question that could help make sure those developer payment...

  🏙 Affordable Housing & the Housing Trust Fund In Philadelphia, developers can pay a fee instead of building affordable housing—with those funds intended for the City’s Housing Trust Fund. But the reality hasn’t matched the promise. We’ll speak with City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier about a new ballot question that could change that and help ensure these payments actually support affordable h...

Meet the Twin Sister Docs—Dr. Elana McDonald, a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. On their biweekly podcast, now streaming on YouTube and Spotify, they break down health topics that matter most to our communities—from nutrition and mental health to the impact of social media.  🌐 Website: thetwinsisterdocs.com 📸 Instagram / Threads...

This week, we sit down with Loree Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, to discuss the organization’s 40th anniversary and the mounting challenges in the fight against hunger. As federal funding cuts slash critical food programs and inflation drives grocery prices higher, Philabundance is doubling down on its mission to feed communities across Southeastern PA and Southern NJ. Hear how the loss of pro...

This April, we recognize National Reentry Month by spotlighting the work of the Philadelphia Office of Reentry Partnerships and Executive Director Assata Thomas . We discuss the city's commitment to supporting justice-impacted individuals, along with several key events happening throughout the month—from job fairs to expungement clinics. 🗓️  Upcoming Events: April 25: Investafest (9AM–3PM) – Energ...

In this episode, we sit down with Louis King , President of OIC of America , to discuss their national impact, the urgency of diversifying the construction trades, and how the Pennsylvania Gas Tax plays a key role in funding opportunity. King breaks down who really benefits from the gas tax, the current diversity challenges within PennDOT’s workforce, and how community engagement can help drive so...

We shine a light on the life-saving work of the  Gift of Life Donor Program , now celebrating its 50th anniversary . We’re joined by Richard Hasz , President & CEO of Gift of Life, and Justin Trotman , a Philly native, husband, father, and kidney transplant waitlist patient. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest organ procurement organizations, Gift of Life continues to lead in organ and t...

This week, we meet an extraordinary young hero: 6-year-old Nikos Kaymakcian , New Jersey’s 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion . Diagnosed with the most serious form of Spina Bifida before birth, Nikos has overcome tremendous challenges with the support of his family and care team at Children’s Specialized Hospital . A wheelchair basketball player, NY Giants superfan, and proud big brother, N...

🌈 In our SpeakOUT segment, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo , a nationally respected attorney, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ+ activist. Founder of Giampolo Law Group (GLG) , Angela specializes in LGBTQ+ legal advocacy, estate planning, civil rights, and family law. We discuss the impact of Trump-era executive orders on the LGBTQIA+ community —and what that means for civil rights, safety, and equality in...

This week, we meet an extraordinary young hero: 6-year-old Nikos Kaymakcian , New Jersey’s 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion . Diagnosed with the most serious form of Spina Bifida before birth, Nikos has overcome tremendous challenges with the support of his family and care team at Children’s Specialized Hospital . A wheelchair basketball player, NY Giants superfan, and proud big brother, N...

This week, we bring you two powerful conversations about justice, community, and hope. First, we speak with Reverend Gregory Holston , founder of Just Nation , an organization dedicated to fighting racism at every level of government. Reverend Holston shares details about the upcoming Coalition to Defend Democracy Mass Rally , happening Tuesday, April 22, from 6–8 PM at 10th Memorial Baptist Churc...