Philadelphia Community Podcast

The Opioid epidemic is taking a record number of lives and – stigma keeps people living with substance use disorder from seeking help and families silent because of shame. We spotlight a major effort sponsored by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation that aims to reduce stigma. I. I speak to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President of Communi...

For this end of the year program I’m reairing two interviews. One is with the fabulous cat whisperer Jackson Galaxy. I meet a lot of celebrities in my job but as the devoted owner of a 21 year old devon rex kitty I admit I totally geeked out https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/ It’s been an incredibly stressful time with the pandemic but I’m here to tell you that what’s helped me navigate these trying t...

For my end of the year show I decided to focus on re-airing interivews around music. My first is with Ashley Dubose who is a performing and recording artist from Philly but based in Minneapolis. I had the chance to check in with Ashley whose music is both beautiful and socially conscious. https://www.ashleydubose.com/home I had some fun with a very cool acapella group devoted to music and diversit...

I’m re-airing an interview with Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, authors of GLORY: Magical Visions of Black Beauty, a spectacular book with stunning images children with natural hair and gorgeous, inventive visual storytelling, GLORY has more than 100 breathtaking photographs and a collection of powerful essays about the children. http://creativesoulphoto.com/glory/

The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women it comes to employment with women losing nearly 5 and a half million jobs. I speak to Cheryl Brubaker, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center which provides resources, tools and support to help women survive and thrive during this “shesession.” www.womensresourcecenter.net WRC Helpline 701-314-HELP There are good contractors and develop...

The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women when it comes to employment with women losing nearly 5 and a half million jobs. I speak to Cheryl Brubaker, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center which provides resources, tools and support to help women survive and thrive during this “shesession.” www.womensresourcecenter.net WRC Helpline 701-314-HELP I chat with Paula Chase, a young...

There are good contractors and developers but the housing boom in Philadelphia has attracted plenty of shady practitioners who are working without permits and using subpar demolition and construction practices. I speak to Jason Sherman who’s produced a documentary on the topic called "Cutting Corners" which shines a light on how these practices impact a community with a focus on neighborhoods in P...

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s “Someone You Know,” is a multimedia campaign and outreach program addressing the stigma associated with opioid dependency - inspiring hope in those seeking help with addiction and recovery. In this week’s excerpt from a recent town hall on the campaign, I speak with Roland Lamb, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Di...

Are you at risk of losing your home or car because you’re behind in your payments? There’s help and its free. I talk with Joan Reading, President of the Credit Counseling Center, which offers a HUD certified Foreclosure Prevention Program and a host of other supports to help deal with credit and debt issues. Call 215-348-8003 or go to www.creditcounselingcenter.org . Twitter @counselcredit Faceboo...

The Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s “Someone You Know,” is a multimedia campaign and outreach program addressing the stigma associated with opioid dependency - inspiring hope in those seeking help with addiction and recovery. In this week’s excerpt from a recent town hall on the campaign, I speak with Roland Lamb, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Di...

Urban renewal in the sixties and seventies was supposed to revitalize neighborhoods living in poverty. Instead, this government funded program erased many black communities including a neighborhood in Athens, Georgia called Linnentown. I speak to author and activist Hattie Thomas Whitehead who chronicled efforts to seek justice on behalf of Linnentown and it’s first descendants in her book “Giving...

During my years in public-school there have been teachers who truly made an impact on my life. In Philadelphia you can honor an outstanding teacher or principal by nominating them for the Lindback Award. I speak Angela Crawford, who received the 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers and Brian Johnson, recipient of a 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals. Monica Lewis, School Di...

Whether you’re a senior or there is a beloved elder you care about, know that the deadline is fast approaching for Medicare and Medicare Advantage Programs. We’ll be talking with Courtney Cruz from Independence Blue Cross on what you need to know. https://www.ibx.com/medicare or call 800-303-0656. During my years in public-school there have been teachers who truly made an impact on my life. In Phi...

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati speaks with James Jackson, Executive Producer at Light Thief Productions about ways to capture family history through video and advice on video production. Jackson is also the guest for the monthly feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” https://lightthiefproductions.com/ 347-735-6762

This holiday season there will be too many family gatherings with an empty chair or two because of Covid or Philadelphia’s record gun violence deaths. Just one of the many factors impacting our mental health. I speak with Dr. Jill Bowen, Philadelphia Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectually DisAbility Services about their “Boost Your Mood” which offers access to free...

Rodney Wescott survived a nearly fatal case of Covid last year. Wescott was hospitalized for 5months and on the ventilator for 50 plus days and nearly died. Shortly after being released Rodney started a nonprofit group Covid V Conquerors to raise about the importance of getting vaccinated; as well as provide support to other Covid conquerors who are trying to overcome the effects. Sunday 11/28/21...

The nation was riveted by the tragic case of Gabby Petito, the young Instagram Travel influence who went missing then was found murdered by her fiancé. The case was solved thanks to massive news and social media coverage of the story and the hard work of law enforcement. Gabby’s family were able to bring their daughter home – but what about the thousands of black and brown men, women and children...

We offer another excerpt from a recent town hall highlighting the Independence Blue Cross Foundation's “Someone You Know” campaign designed to inspire hope and support recovery for those experiencing addiction, on the path to recovery, or supporting a loved one’s journey. This week we highlight Tony Luke Jr., restaurateur, musician, and actor who created a nonprofit after the overdose death of his...

The Opioid epidemic is taking a record number of lives and stigma keeps many people living with substance use disorder from seeking help. I speak to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross about “Someone You Know,” a multimedia campaign and outreach program addressing the stigma associated with o...

When Gabby Petito went missing there was a massive nationwide search and international media attention. The case ended tragically when the young Instagram Influencer was found murdered. But what about the thousands of people of color who go missing and receive no attention? I speak to Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles, two of the directors of the new HBO documentary “Black and Missing” which fol...

When Gabby Petito went missing there was a massive nationwide search and international media attention. The case ended tragically when the young Instagram Influencer was found murdered. But what about the thousands of people of color who go missing and receive no attention? I speak to Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles, two of the directors of the new HBO documentary “Black and Missing” which fol...

Did you know that in the U.S 1 in 10 babies are born preterm? November is Prematurity Awareness Month. I speak to Dr. James Cook, Director of Newborn Services for Geisinger Health System and a member of the March of Dimes Market Board in Philadelphia about the work of the organization which helps fund research on preventing prematurity and provides resources to the health of moms and babies. www.m...

Vince DiPasquale is a local legend in the world of recovery. A former Priest, DiPasquale and his organization Starting Point is a lifeline for people with mental health and addition problems. We’ll be talking about the documentary based on his life and impact on those he’s helped over the years with Vince, Founder and Clinical Director, Loretta Depka, Executive Director of Starting Point and Scott...

Movita Johnson Harrell has been through it all, overcoming the trauma of sexual abuse, recovering from substance misuse disorder, losing two sons to gun violence. And still she rises. Movita chronicles the first part of her journey in a new memoir Phoenix Ascending. https://www.movitajohnsonharrell.com/ Vince DiPasquale is a local legend in the world of recovery. A former Priest, DiPasquale and hi...

The Mission of the Hispanic Heritage Association is to empower, educate, develop partnerships and relationships within the Montgomery county region to unite Hispanic communities and the local communities through various forms of professional and educational outlets. I speak with HHA President Jacqueline Rocco, Jennefer Rivera, Vice President, Charles Dowdy, Chair of the Education Committee and Dr....