Philadelphia Community Podcast

This week marks Black Maternal Health Week , a time to raise awareness about the alarming disparities in care experienced by Black mothers and babies. In this episode, we hear from Jenne Johns , founder of Once Upon a Preemie , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black families navigating the challenges of premature birth. Jenne recently testified before Philadelphia City Council to advocate for i...

Thinking about buying a pre-owned car? It can be a smart financial move—but only if you know what to look for. I’m joined by Joshua Blum of Joshua Motors to share expert advice on how to shop smart. From spotting red flags to avoiding common mistakes, Joshua breaks down what makes a reliable used car and how to ensure you're making a sound investment. Learn more at jmccauto.com   Books, big ideas,...

I’m joined by Gloria Malone from Vital Strategies and Keli McLoyd, Director of the Overdose Response Unit for the City of Philadelphia, to talk about the You Can Save Lives campaign. At a time when overdose deaths continue to rise in the Black community, this initiative raises critical awareness about the life-saving power of Naloxone and the urgent need for overdose prevention strategies that mat...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with acclaimed poet, performer, and recording artist Ursula Rucker in celebration of National Poetry Month this April. Follow Ursula on Instagram and Twitter:  @urucker for more of her powerful words and performances. Also featured in this episode is Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, First Lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, human rights activist, and children’s boo...

Kim Fraites-Dow , the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania joined us to talk about the highly anticipated GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way , happening on May 17, 2025 , at the Pennsylvania Convention Center . This event is designed to empower and inspire girls in grades K-12 , offering a full day of leadership, creativity, and fun. Kim will also share insights into the Calling All Girl Bosses in...

We’re excited to highlight an event that’s all about economic empowerment and uplifting local Black and minority-owned businesses. I speak to   Lori Noel —Chair of the Economic Development Committee of the South Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She’s here to talk about the Annual Black and Minority Business Expo, happening in collaboration with Cherry Hill West a...

We’re partnering with a coalition of Black community leaders, government officials, and health experts in Philadelphia and across seven cities today launched You Have the Power to Save Lives , a campaign to promote the use of the overdose-reversing naloxone in Black communities.  Here’s an excerpt of a news conference announcing the campaign to raise awareness about overdose and the availability f...

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode the latest executive orders impacting the community and the elimination of over 200 words on government websites that not only impact LGTQIA+ but individuals in the wider community. Giampolo Law Group    X: @Philly Gay Lawyer Instagram: @yourgaylawyer TikTo...

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode the latest executive orders impacting the community and the elimination of over 200 words on government websites that not only impact LGTQIA+ but individuals in the wider community. Giampolo Law Group    X: @Philly Gay Lawyer Instagram: @yourgaylawyer TikTo...

🎧 LIHEAP: Help Paying Utility Bills Struggling with utility bills? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers grants to help eligible households stay warm without needing to repay the funds. With millions in aid going unclaimed, PECO is encouraging customers to apply before the April 4, 2025 deadline. You don’t need to be on public assistance to qualify. 🎙️ Guest: Patricia King...

I speak to Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" Fayanju, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Penn Medicine.  Dr, Fayanju discusses the factors that have resulted in higher mortality rates for Black Women and the critical importance of early detection and knowing family history.   https://pennmedicine.org/BreastCancerCare  

💰 Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Times Worried about your 401K? Unsure how to manage your finances in today’s unpredictable market? We get expert advice from award-winning wealth manager Allie Plonska of Morgan Stanley on making smart, strategic financial decisions. 📩 Contact Allie Plonska ✉️ Email: alicja.plonska@morganstanley.com 📞 Phone: (215) 497-7074 🎧 Further Listening: Gain deepe...

The U.S. may be one of the world’s wealthiest nations, but when it comes to the health of pregnant Black women, our maternal health outcomes rank alongside those of developing countries. Black maternal morbidity—pregnancy-related complications that cause short- or long-term health problems—continues to be a crisis. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in collaboration with Birth Justice P...

Protecting Medicaid: The “Hands Off Medicaid”   Campaign Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for essential health care, from seniors in nursing homes to children and expectant mothers. However, recent proposals in Congress threaten to slash Medicaid funding, potentially stripping health care from 72 million Americans to finance tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporation s. 🎙️ Guest: Leslie Da...

🍪 Great News for Girl Scout Cookie Fans! Craving Thin Mints or Caramel deLites? You’re in luck! Girl Scout Cookies are available longer this year—now through April 12! Get your favorites shipped directly to your door while supporting Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP). I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for GSEP, about the impact of this annual fundraiser and how you...

🍪 Great News for Girl Scout Cookie Fans! Craving Thin Mints or Caramel deLites? You’re in luck! Girl Scout Cookies are available longer this year—now through April 12! Get your favorites shipped directly to your door while supporting Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP). I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for GSEP, about the impact of this annual fundraiser and how you...

Greg DeShields is Executive Director of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC , and the host of the podcast Something to Say with Greg DeShields . Launched in April 2024 , Something to Say amplifies the voices of diverse personalities making a meaningful impact. With a focus on passion, perseverance, and resilience , the podcast explores how overcoming adversity can lead to transformation and success. As...

Cleaning Up Philly: Mayor Parker’s “One Philly” Vision Philadelphia is working toward becoming "the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation with economic opportunity for all." To achieve this, the Office of Clean and Green is launching initiatives to transform public spaces, improve quality of life, and engage residents in the fight against waste. 🎙️ Guest: Carlton Williams, Director...

 Winter Assistance & LIHEAP: Keeping Families Warm Winter can bring financial strain for many families struggling to afford heating bills. Fortunately, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help. This federally funded program provides grants to eligible households, ensuring they can keep their homes warm without the burden of repayment. With millions of dollars in a...

Winter Assistance & LIHEAP: Keeping Families Warm Winter can bring financial strain for many families struggling to afford heating bills. Fortunately, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help. This federally funded program provides grants to eligible households, ensuring they can keep their homes warm without the burden of repayment. With millions of dollars in as...

What's Going On: LIHEAP: Keeping Families Warm, Cleaning Up Philly, The “Hands Off Medicaid” Campaign   February 28, 2025 • 30 mins Winter Assistance & LIHEAP: Keeping Families Warm Winter can bring financial strain for many families struggling to afford heating bills. Fortunately, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help. This federally funded program provides gr...

Spotlight on Beau McCall: The Button Man Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with artist Beau McCall, known as  “The Button Man” for his extraordinary work repurposing buttons into unique artwork. Originally from Philadelphia, McCall is set to transform select buttons gathered from the community into a special piece celebrating the rich musical legacy of Philadelphia International Records, th...

APM Job Fair   I speak with  Nilda Ruiz , CEO of Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha (APM) , about their upcoming job fair on February 27th , seeking passionate individuals to join APM’s Pradera adoption and foster care team . 📅 February 27, 2025 ⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM 📍 2637 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133 📞 Call: 267-234-7427 Info   🔗 More  The Wilma Theater’s  The Half-God of Rainfall We al...

The 13th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Dr. Patrick M. Oates, Senior Vice President at EMSCO Scientific Inc., and Richard Lee Snow, Regional Development Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region at UNCF, join me to discuss the upcoming 13th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball —a premier fundraising event aiming to raise $1 million to support Philadelphia-area students in their pursuit of higher education....

For 35 years, The Beech Companies and the Alston-Beech Foundation have supported North Philadelphia nonprofits, funding housing, education, mentorship, and essential services. Under Dr. Kenneth Scott’s leadership, Beech has awarded 500+ grants and leveraged $2 billion in community reinvestment funds. As funding challenges grow, Beech remains a vital resource for the city’s most vulnerable. Today,...