Philadelphia Community Podcast

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support c...

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia will soon close the special exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso. This exhibit highlights the story of the Nisei, or second-generation American-born individuals of Japanese descent, and explores their unique contributions to Shofuso, including their activism during the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Rob Buscher, Market...

To say that I’m travel phobic might be going too far – but it’s true that I haven’t scheduled a real vacation since my mini honeymoon almost four years ago  Well I’m taking the plunge and going abroad for a whole week  I speak to Travel guru and Lisa Niver who is  celebrated for inspiring others to seek out new experiences and embrace the transformative power of travel. https://lisaniver.com/ Firs...

As women we often put everybody else first before ourselves but at least we are working on self-care – aren’t we? But what about men? You deserve to treat yourself and Avenue 215 might just be the place for you. I speak to Chyvonne Shackelford and Tomika Branch, co-owners of Avenue 215 Self Care Studio about Avenue M - a new venture specifically designed for men, offering services tailored to thei...

Fresh from her trip to the Olympics in Paris, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati talks about her travels.  She also speaks to Kimberly A. Lloyd, President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, a public/private community development corporation that focus on neighborhoods and commercial corridors.  Lloyd is also President of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Soror...

 The Please Touch Museum is a haven for learning through play. I’ll share information The Ready-Set-School program which provides free admission Community Days on the last Sundays of June, July, and August, in partnership with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.  I speak with Patricia (Trish) D. Wellenbach, President and CEO, Please Touch Museum and Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, I...

Oronde McClain was nearly killed by gunfire at 10 and overcame incredible odds, not only surviving but thriving as a powerful advocate for survivors of gun violence. His journey has been chronicled in news stories and documentaries, and now, a feature film about his life is in the works. I speak with Zonsiluo Gompah, President and Producer of Esther Egg Inc. Instagram: estheregginc#iamoronde https...

There’s an exciting partnership between Community College and Google that will give students access to certificate programs that offering skills training that could lead to life sustaining careers in tech. I speak to Rob Magliaro who  is the Ecosystem Partnerships Lead at Grow with Google. More information, including how to register for courses, is available here . Google Career Certificates   AI...

Celebrating America's 250th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation's journey, honor its democratic principles, and acknowledge the diverse contributions of its people. This milestone allows Americans to unite in commemorating their shared history, learning from past challenges and triumphs, and envisioning a future rooted in equality, freedom, and justice. PHILADELPHIA250 is la...

Calling All Girl Bosses was developed by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) as a blueprint to give Philadelphia girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to identify a community problem and take action to find a solution. Girls will discover their agency to make real, sustainable changes in their neighborhoods while working towards the highest awards in Girl Scouting. We speak with Kim...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

We are living in politically divisive times, and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump last weekend shocked the nation. The spread of misinformation and the rise of echo chambers amplify misunderstandings and deepen divides. This environment can lead to heightened stress and anxiety as individuals navigate conflicting ideologies in their communities, workplaces, and even withi...

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the start of the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Carpenters’ Company, a nonprofit organization founded in 1724 that owns and operates Carpenters’ Hall, is partnering with National History Day, Generation Citizen, and a network of history and civic organizations to present the Young People’s Continental Cong...

The very best nurses go above and beyond for their patients and so Its with great pleasure I interview three who are receiving recognition for their excellence through Independence Blue Cross’ Celebrate Caring – their  annual campaign to recognize outstanding nurses in the Greater Philadelphia region.  I speak to Allison Denman, MS, BSN, RN, SANE-A – Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, Ja...

The very best nurses go above and beyond for their patients and so Its with great pleasure I interview three who are receiving recognition for their excellence through Independence Blue Cross’ Celebrate Caring – their  annual campaign to recognize outstanding nurses in the Greater Philadelphia region.  I speak to Allison Denman, MS, BSN, RN, SANE-A – Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, Ja...

The very best nurses go above and beyond for their patients and so Its with great pleasure I interview three who are receiving recognition for their excellence through Independence Blue Cross’ Celebrate Caring – their  annual campaign to recognize outstanding nurses in the Greater Philadelphia region.  I speak to Allison Denman, MS, BSN, RN, SANE-A – Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center, Ja...

I speak to Wynne alexander civil right author, filmmaker investigative journalist and  WDAS  alum about the state of news in these polarized times.     WDAS History.org

In Street Smart Safety for Women, retired Deputy Sheriff Joy Farrow and technologist Laura Frombach, herself a survivor of a violent household, draw on their experiences both personal and professional to provide those answers. I speak to the authors about  educating women in personal safety and showing them a defensive living strategy and trusting in themselves can reduce their probability of beco...

I speak to State Senator Sharif Street about his upcoming "Community Baby Shower" on Saturday july 13th.  There will be free baby supplies and a host of resources for new parents.   Event Timing: SATURDAY, July 13, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Event Address: Aramark Student Training & Recreation (STAR) Complex., 1816 N. 15th ST (at Montgomery) Contact  (215) 227-6161 or Aissia. Richardson@pasenate.com...

Vanesse speaks to Dr.  Monique Wells,   founder Entre to Black Paris about the upcoming Olympics and her company that provides historical tours of Black Paris. https://www.entreetoblackparis.com/ Stephanie Daniel  Tennis Instructor, visual art instructor and art consultant will be heading to the Olympics.  Daniel provides this month's "What is Philadelphia Reading?"

It always seems too early, until it is too late. Advance directives, also known as living wills, are legal documents that allow you to name the person who should make healthcare decisions for you in case you cannot speak for yourself due to illness or injury. Advance directives also allow you to document the kinds of care you want, or do not want. I speak toJoanne Rosen, Chief Marketing & Publ...

First I speak with Josette Adams founder of Sequoya and Jaylin's Gourmet Barbecue Sauce who got her start with Brown's Shoprite business incubator program.  Adams is relaunching her barbecue sauce names after her children on July 1st 1-3 at Brown's Shoprite Market at 3400 Fox St.  Instagram: Sequoya.and. JaylinsGourmetFood Tiktok and Facebook: sequoyaandjaylinsgourmetfoods If I asked you to guess...

Talk with Chad Eric Smith, Senior Director of Communications and Brand Management for Mural Arts Philadelphia about forty years of supporting art that transforms communities. https://www.muralarts.org/

For the first time in five years, Philadelphia FIGHT is bringing its HIV Education Summit back to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., on Thursday, June 27th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.    Keep Going, Keep Moving, A Cure is in Sight is the theme for the event Philadelphia FIGHT will spearhead in honor of AIDS Education Month. The annual summit raises awareness about the latest innova...