Philadelphia Community Podcast

On What’s Going On  Loraine Ballard Morrill celebrates teachers, community service and the power of the arts. We spotlight local honorees of the iHeartMedia and Boost Mobile Thank a Teacher campaign: Christine Durante of Riverton Public School, Kashmir Fluellen of Camden Promise Charter, Chef Kenneth McDuffie of Simon Gratz Mastery Charter and Michael Winterbottom of Marple Newtown High School. Th...

Loraine Ballard Morrill explores family legacy, second chances and the power of the arts with three Philadelphia changemakers. Author Rashida Jones-Aiken discusses her memoir, The Rhythm That Remained , and how grief led her to discover family history, explore her identity and establish Kiren House Publishing. Her Rhythm That Remained Book Experience takes place Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 3–7...

Loraine Ballard Morrill talks with Jillian Patricia Pirtle, CEO of the Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society, and Azsherae Gary of the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Paul Robeson House & Museum, about preserving the legacies of two extraordinary artists and civil rights champions. They preview Marian and Paul: The Music and the Oration, a tribute concert bringing Marian Anders...

Fairmount Park Conservancy CEO Tony Sorrentino reflects on his first year leading the organization and shares fall programs that bring recreation, wellness and community connection to Philadelphia’s parks. We also discuss Play for Parks , a free celebration on Friday, October 16, from 7–9 p.m. at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain in West Fairmount Park. Enjoy Chill Moody’s Klubbhouse, special guest...

Fairmount Park Conservancy CEO Tony Sorrentino reflects on his first year leading the organization and shares fall programs that bring recreation, wellness and community connection to Philadelphia’s parks. We also discuss Play for Parks , a free celebration on Friday, October 16, from 7–9 p.m. at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain in West Fairmount Park. Enjoy Chill Moody’s Klubbhouse, special guest...

On VLS Journeys, we explore Black creativity through comic books and contemporary dance. I talk with Sean Quimby, Associate Vice Provost and Director of Penn’s Kislak Center, about The Black Hero’s Journey, an exhibition tracing the evolution of Black comic book characters and creators—from harmful stereotypes to groundbreaking superheroes—and their connections to Philadelphia. Exhibition: October...

A mammogram can find breast cancer before symptoms appear but making that appointment can be easy to put off. WDAS FM’s Frankie Darcell knows how personal this issue is. She joins me to share her breast cancer journey, why she founded Sista Strut, and her message to Black women about protecting their breast health. For listeners: Find a location or schedule a screening mammogram at iheart media pa...

This week, we spotlight Philadelphia organizations and changemakers using the arts, community investment and celebration to make a difference. Kofi Asanté, Executive Producer of No Longer Bound – The Musical , shares how music, dance and storytelling bring the African American journey from enslavement to freedom to the stage. The production comes to the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, Octob...

Workers’ compensation with David Stern What happens to your benefits after a workplace injury—and what does it mean when a doctor says you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement? David Stern, founding partner of Stern & Cohen, joins us to discuss Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, common claim mistakes, returning to work, and what to do if benefits are reduced or stopped. Stern & Cohen wa...

  Loraine Ballard Morrill talks with Sharana Worsley about Emerald Renaissance , a juried art exhibition celebrating the Philadelphia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated’s 80th anniversary and honoring co-founder Margaret Rosell Hawkins. Hear how the exhibition connects Black women’s artistic legacy with the chapter’s tradition of service. The anniversary celebration takes place Saturday, November...

In this episode of What’s Going On , Loraine Ballard Morrill highlights resources, events and people strengthening Philadelphia communities. David S. Thomas, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), discusses affordable housing, homeownership and programs helping Philadelphians buy, repair and remain in their homes. He also shares information about the city’s H...

This episode of Insight connects listeners with important Philadelphia resources focused on housing, mental health and suicide prevention, and domestic violence support . David S. Thomas, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), discusses affordable housing, homeownership and programs that help residents repair and remain in their homes. He also previews the PH...

The relationship between a mother and child can profoundly shape identity, faith and emotional well-being—but what happens when that relationship leaves behind pain that never fully heals? In this episode, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Sarita Lyons, psychotherapist, speaker, ministry leader and author of Honor Thy Mother: How to Grieve, Heal, and Make Peace With Your Mother Wounds . Dr....

In this episode of What’s Going On , Loraine Ballard Morrill examines three urgent issues affecting individuals and families across our region. First, Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, explains why problem gambling is a public health issue—not a moral failing. He discusses the hidden emotional, financial and family consequences of gambling addic...

In Pt. 2 of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill highlights three important issues affecting individuals, families and communities. First, Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, explains why problem gambling is a public-health issue—not a moral failing—and discusses warning signs, vulnerable populations, responsible-gambling practices and pathways to rec...

In Part One of  Insight , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Sharana Worsley, co-chair of Emerald Renaissance , a juried art exhibition celebrating the Philadelphia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated’s 80th anniversary. Worsley discusses the exhibition’s tribute to chapter co-founder, artist and educator Margaret Rosell Hawkins; the enduring influence of Black women in the arts; and how visual ar...

 In this episode of What’s Going On , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) , about strengthening trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and protec...

In this episode of Insight , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), about building trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and helps protect their r...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati presents her monthly segment, “VLS Journeys,” featuring Kimberly A. Lloyd, President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC). Lloyd discusses her leadership journey, OARC’s work and the Second Annual Uptown Rhythm Festival, formerly known as Night Market on Ogontz Avenue.   The festival takes place Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4–9 p.m....

Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history, the fight against human trafficking and support for North Korean escapees are featured on this episode of Insight . Colleen Murphy of the Philadelphia Visitor Center introduces the free Out & About Fridays series at the Philly Pride Visitor Center, 1139 Locust Street. Upcoming programming includes Plantie Mame , a family-friendly plant swap with “Positivity Pots,...

The 11th Annual World Heritage City Celebration Philadelphia takes its place on the world stage as Global Philadelphia Association prepares for the 11th Annual World Heritage City Celebration. Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association, about Philadelphia’s distinction as America’s first World Heritage City and the cultural, educationa...

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal explains the new  Philadelphia Sheriff’s Auction Search Platform , designed to make Sheriff Sale property information easier to find and understand. She discusses how the tool works, what prospective buyers should know before bidding and how it supports her office’s broader modernization and transparency efforts. Property research begins at PhillySheriff.com ; r...

 On this edition of What’s Going On, we spotlight three organizations creating opportunity, strengthening families and investing in the next generation. First, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Peggy Dolan, Founder of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, and Danielle Griffith, Executive Director, as the organization celebrates 50 years of helping families caring for children with serious illnesse...

In this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill explores Alzheimer’s and its disproportionate impact on Black families, children’s mental health, and one man’s extraordinary journey from surviving gun violence to helping fathers and families thrive. Alzheimer’s Association — Amba Kasongo Amba Kasongo, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, discusse...

Barbers Who Care — Mike Monroe  For 17 years, Barbers Who Care has been helping Philadelphia children head back to school looking good, feeling confident and ready to learn. In this episode of Insight , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Mike Monroe, barber and Advisory Board Member of Barbers Who Care , about the organization’s 17th Annual Free Haircut & Educational Resource Fair and why the...