Philadelphia Community Podcast

Breaking Free: Addressing Tobacco Use in the LGBT+ Community While tobacco use has declined in many populations, some groups—like the LGBT+ community—continue to be disproportionately affected due to targeted advertising and misleading campaigns by the tobacco industry. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effe...

Breaking Free: Addressing Tobacco Use in the LGBT+ Community While tobacco use has declined in many populations, some groups—like the LGBT+ community—continue to be disproportionately affected due to targeted advertising and misleading campaigns by the tobacco industry. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effe...

The Sweetest Season: Girl Scout Cookies Are Back! I sit down with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), to talk about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and...

Today, it’s all about love ! 💕 First, if you're looking for a unique and heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift , we’ve got you covered. Members of the Pine Barons Barbershop Chorus join us to share their Singing Valentine’s Program , a special initiative delivering live serenades, chocolates, a rose, and tickets to their Spring Show—all to spread love through music. Representing the newly formed quartet...

I speak with Dr. Jessica H. Beard, a trauma surgeon, researcher, and advocate for ethical reporting on gun violence. Dr. Beard, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Temple University and Director of Trauma Research, discusses her groundbreaking study on harmful news reporting of community firearm violence (CFV). Her research highlights how media coverage can exacerbate trauma and perpetuate racial...

Today, I’m speaking with Vernon Ray , founder of Shoot Cameras, Not Guns , a movement using photography to inspire and uplift communities. Vernon’s work empowers young people to choose creativity over violence, turning the lens into a tool for change. Let’s dive into his journey and the impact of his mission. Instagram: @allmoneyshots

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Individuals with Autism Fostering equity and accessibility means creating environments where everyone feels welcome. At Comcast, this mission has come to life through the development of a sensory-friendly room—designed to support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Christina Wong, Comcast’s Executive Director and Producer of Experiential Content, joins...

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Individuals with Autism Fostering equity and accessibility means creating environments where everyone feels welcome. At Comcast, this mission has come to life through the development of a sensory-friendly room—designed to support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Christina Wong, Comcast’s Executive Director and Producer of Experiential Content, joins...

VLS Journeys with Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati In this month's edition of VLS Journeys , guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati interviews award-winning children's book author Kelly Starling Lyons . With over 30 books to her name, including Going Down Home with Daddy , Sing a Song: How "Lift Every Voice & Sing" Inspired Generations , and the Jada Jones and Miles Lewis series, Kelly is a celebrated teachi...

Join us for a preview of the 33rd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 1st, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. I speak with visionary founder Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati and some of the remarkable featured authors and illustrators reshaping children’s literature. ✨  Bea Jackson shares her inspiring journey as a writer and illustrator, with highlights from her...

I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and online. But this is more than just a cookie sale; it’s a uniq...

I chat with Grace Sica, Executive Director of Operation Warm , about their incredible work providing brand-new coats and shoes to under-resourced children and teens. Grace shares how families in poverty spend over 80% of their income on essentials like food and housing, leaving little room for clothing, and explains how you can help through their impactful partnership with Subaru. 💻 Learn more ab...

I share the inspiring story of Kalyn Walker, who was granted parole from SCI Phoenix and released on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Kalyn graduated from the F.A.C.T. Experience ( Fathers and Children Together ) with his daughter in 2023, a transformative program that strengthens connections between incarcerated fathers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of incarceration. To celebrate his rel...

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode focuses on Meta’s decision to end third-party fact-checking on platforms like Facebook, raising concerns about misinformation and its impact on marginalized groups. We’ll also discuss the growing movement within the LGBTQ+ community to leave Facebook due to...

I address the pressing issue of tobacco use, which disproportionately affects Philadelphia communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the military. These groups are often targeted by the tobacco industry through aggressive advertising and disinformation campaigns. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at t...

In this episode, I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and online. But this is more than just a cookie...

I share the inspiring story of Kalyn Walker, who was granted parole from SCI Phoenix and released on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Kalyn graduated from the F.A.C.T. Experience ( Fathers and Children Together ) with his daughter in 2023, a transformative program that strengthens connections between incarcerated fathers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of incarceration. To celebrate his rel...

I speak with State Senator Sharif Street about the transformative Welcome to Wellness Pop-Up, hosted in collaboration with One Day At A Time (ODAAT) and artist Shanina Dionna. Taking place on Saturday, January 25th, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM at 2532 N. Broad Street in Pennsylvania's 3rd Senatorial District, this event focuses on expressive arts healing. Attendees will gain tools and resources to manage...

The African American Children's Book Project's 33rd Annual Book Fair is happening on Saturday, February 1st, from 1 to 4 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This free event brings together bestselling authors Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Mbalia, Bryan Collier, and other award-winning Black authors and illustrators. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, and a bookstore with affordable books for purcha...

The African American Children's Book Project's 33rd Annual Book Fair is happening on Saturday, February 1st, from 1 to 4 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This free event brings together bestselling authors Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Mbalia, Bryan Collier, and other award-winning Black authors and illustrators. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, and a bookstore with affordable books for purcha...

Children and young people dealing with grief, addiction, and other challenges often face an overwhelming mix of emotions, including confusion, fear, and isolation. Without proper support, these experiences can deeply affect their mental health, relationships, and development. Access to compassionate resources is vital for building resilience and fostering healing. In this episode, we speak with Sa...

Guillermo Santos is a human rights advocate, poet and author originally from  Kensington in Philadelphia. He shares his story through his literary work. Connect with Guillermo Santos: 🌐 Website: guillermoasantos.com 📱 Instagram: @guillermoasantos

Guillermo Santos is a human rights advocate, poet and author originally from  Kensington in Philadelphia. He shares his story through his literary work. Connect with Guillermo Santos: 🌐 Website: guillermoasantos.com 📱 Instagram: @guillermoasantos

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati conducts an inspiring conversation with award-winning author and illustrator Gordon C. James and talented author Quartez Harris .They share their creative journeys and the storytelling behind  Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became an Author . Discover how they bring Baldwin’s legacy to life for a new generation. Connect with the authors: Connect with the authors: G...

We re-air an interview originally broadcast in August of 2024. In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took...