Philadelphia Community Podcast

Health, education, and compassion are at the heart of this episode of Insight with Loraine Ballard Morrill, as we highlight three organizations making a powerful difference in our communities. Black Men’s Wellness Day Philadelphia   Black men face some of the most significant health disparities in the United States, including higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and limited access to preventat...

Alzheimer’s disease continues to impact millions of families across the country. Here in our region alone, hundreds of thousands of older adults are living with Alzheimer’s while loved ones step in every day as caregivers. Raising awareness about the early warning signs, the importance of diagnosis, and the need for greater participation in research is critical—especially in communities that have...

🎙️Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers: Echo and Flame — A Final Home Season We’re joined by Katie Moore-Derkits, Executive Director of Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers — one of the nation’s premier Asian American contemporary dance companies. This spring, KYL/D presents its final home season in Philadelphia: Echo and Flame / Fenghuang Awakens , March 27–28 at the Mandell Theater at Drexel University. The program is a powerf...

🎙️ Designing for Healing in Germantown Today’s conversation is about  community care, healing, and lasting impact . Determined by Design® has launched its first social impact campaign in partnership with EMIR Healing Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit supporting families impacted by homicide. Together, they are transforming EMIR’s new Germantown space into a restorative environment rooted in a...

🎙️ VLS Journeys: Women Stepping Out on Faith VLS Journeys is our monthly feature with guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati  exploring travel, books, art, and entertainment. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights women who understand the power of stepping out on faith and trusting their creative vision. 🌸 In Bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show Our first guest is  Nya Mooze...

Every year, thousands of families are given a second chance at life because someone said “yes” to organ donation. In 2025, the Gift of Life Donor Program reached a historic milestone — coordinating 1,955 organ transplants , the most in U.S. history. That includes record-setting numbers of kidney, liver, and heart transplants, reinforcing our region’s leadership in lifesaving innovation.   Joining...

Every year, thousands of families are given a second chance at life because someone said “yes” to organ donation. In 2025, the Gift of Life Donor Program reached a historic milestone — coordinating 1,955 organ transplants , the most in U.S. history. That includes record-setting numbers of kidney, liver, and heart transplants, reinforcing our region’s leadership in lifesaving innovation.   Joining...

On this episode, we’re joined by Richard Snow, Regional Development Director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), to talk about one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated philanthropic evenings — the 2026 UNCF Philadelphia Mayor’s Masked Ball . Taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026 , at the Downtown Marriott Hotel (12th & Market Streets, Center City Philadelphia) , this elegant and impactful...

Today we’re joined by Sharon Snyder , Executive Director of Kisses for Kyle —and Kyle’s mom—along with Jessica Baskin , Community Outreach Specialist and a direct beneficiary of the organization’s support.   As Kisses for Kyle celebrates its 25th year of service, Sharon reflects on a journey born from love, loss, and an unwavering promise to her son. What began as one mother’s mission has grown in...

This episode features two timely conversations impacting our region—from small business growth to public education. First, we spotlight BAILS , a one-stop resource event for entrepreneurs happening Tuesday, February 18th at SEPTA Headquarters . BAILS stands for Banking, Bonding, Accounting, Insurance, Legal Matters, and Social Media , bringing trusted experts together to help small businesses prot...

We’re talking about healthcare equity and making sure every neighbor has access to quality care. Joining us is Sarah Messina, LMFT , Director of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention at Child Guidance Resource Centers. She’s a featured panelist at “Bridging the Gap: Better Health for Every Neighbor,” a free community awareness event happening Saturday, February 28th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m...

This episode features two timely conversations impacting our region—from small business growth to public education. First, we spotlight BAILS , a one-stop resource event for entrepreneurs happening Tuesday, February 18th at SEPTA Headquarters . BAILS stands for Banking, Bonding, Accounting, Insurance, Legal Matters, and Social Media , bringing trusted experts together to help small businesses prot...

As we head into Valentine’s Day, we’re pausing to reflect on the endurance of love—what it looks like over time, through change, challenge, and growth. Joining us today are longtime Philadelphia journalist, radio personality, and nationally syndicated columnist Solomon Jones , and his wife LaVeta Jones , Community Initiative Specialist for the Philadephia Police Department, for a thoughtful and in...

Joining us today is  LaVante’ N. Dorsey , therapist, author, and Founder & CEO of LaVante’ N. Dorsey & Associates. She’s the author of Crushed After a Breakup , a compassionate, practical guide for navigating heartbreak, grief, and emotional healing—especially during the Valentine’s season. LaVante’ shares why breakups can hurt physically, common post-breakup pitfalls, how to process grief...

We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair , happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center , 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia . Joining us are Gordon C. James , award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Libra...

We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair , happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center , 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia . Joining us are Gordon C. James , award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Libra...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati previews one of Philadelphia’s most beloved literary traditions—the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair , taking place Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center , 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia . Joining Vanesse is Renée Watson , Caldecott Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author, whose powerful...

Today we’re celebrating harmony, community, and a fun way to surprise someone special this Valentine’s Day. The Pine Barons Chorus, part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is hosting its 2026 Singing Valentine fundraiser. For just $65, you can reserve a live performance on February 13th, 14th, or 15th, featuring two songs, a rose, chocolates, a personal card, and two tickets to the Pine Barons’ sp...

In this episode, we celebrate Millianie Vásquez , winner of Power 99’s Hometown Heroes , sponsored by Chase Bank , and founder of the Soles Foundation . Inspired by the legacy of her late husband, Mikey Soles, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit provides new sneakers and socks to children in need—helping young people walk with dignity, confidence, and comfort. 🔗  Soles Foundation 🌐 Website: https:/...

Meet the Twin Sister Docs—Dr. Elana McDonald, a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. On their biweekly podcast, now streaming on YouTube and Spotify, they break down health topics that matter most to our communities—from nutrition and mental health to the impact of social media.  🌐 Website: thetwinsisterdocs.com 📸 Instagram / Threads...

We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, helping girls build essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, go...

We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, helping girls build essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, go...

Empowering Girls & Building Beloved Community Today’s episode highlights two powerful examples of leadership and civic engagement—one centered on youth empowerment, the other on community action rooted in justice and nonviolence. We begin with  Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow , Chief Executive Officer, along with two i...

Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia We’re joined by Tanyika Rickard , Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase , to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial healt...

Leading Through the Storm: Crisis Communication, Reputation, and Authentic Leadership Today we’re joined by Mayra Hernandez Bergman , founder and CEO of Crisis+ Strategies , a firm that helps organizations anticipate reputational risk and communicate with clarity during their most challenging moments. A nationally recognized crisis-communications expert and Top Women in Communications awardee, May...