Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Majors Martin and Leanne Cordner discuss their experiences relocating from their native UK – Leanne is from Northern Ireland and Martin, England – to a post in the US, the differences and the things that remain the same, everyone needs a bed and a way to put food on the table. They spoke of their mission and the Salvation Army’s commitment to serving Delawareans where they live, with programming f...

Erin McLeary, PhD, Senior Director of Collections and Research, and Sara Ray, PhD, Senior Director of Interpretation and Engagement, and co-leaders of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia discussed the history and ongoing mission of the fabled institution. We discussed medical education in the 18 and 19th centuries, its reliance on personal...

William Baldwin, Esquire, CEO, Mary Anders, Deputy Executive Director and Katie Moyer, Development Director, of Montgomery Child Advocacy Project discussed their mission is to end and prevent child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County through legal services, advocacy, and education.  Their team of staff and trained volunteer attorneys represent and support child victims of abuse, neglect an...

Ellie Ettman Director of Clinical Services, and Kayla Jasper, Clinical Team Leader, discussed the work of FamilyMatters, providing barrier-free, personalized in-home support services to children and families facing crisis, trauma or overwhelming life challenges. They describe their work as ‘navigators,’ empowering families - many with a-typical to neurodivergent children - with the resources, skil...

Michael F. Lamma, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discussed their mission, to help people better understand suicide, give them the tools to help others in crisis and address a leading cause of death through direct education, state and federal advocacy, and loss and healing support for anyone affected by suicide. He notes AFSP...

Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director A.J. Schall discussed their charge, coordinating the State’s efforts to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, including hurricanes, flooding, chemical spills or accidents. Preparing involves us and he advises us make a plan, have a kit ready for evacuation or sheltering in place, have an emergency contact list and a meeting point, downl...

Zabeth Teelucksigh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association discussed the association that acts as liaison between the city, the Organization of World Heritage Cities and the 200 area cultural organizations that make Philadelphia a dynamic, international city.  She discussed Philadelphia’s multi-cultural vibe, their slogan is ‘Meet the World Here,’ showcasing the incredible opportunities...

Brandon Trombetta, Executive Director of Keystone Opportunity Center discussed its simple mission, to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability and independence through integrated services in case management, education, food, and housing.  Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Souderton, Keystone annually supports more than 5000 families and individuals in need through a array of so...

Valerie Gay discussed Philadelphia’s newest office, Creative Philadelphia, overseeing the city’s arts and culture and its creative economy. She discussed how it will offer opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. Known before as the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, their goals are to increase public access to arts and culture, partner with local creative c...

Deborah Buckson, Executive Director of Historic Odessa Foundation discussed their mission, to preserve and promote the five buildings and nearly 70 acres of surrounding landscape, outbuildings, and gardens, helping educate the public on the history of the town and the state of Delaware in the 18th and 19th centuries. We talked about its history and its programming for children and families, schola...

Dennis Pullin, health-care executive and author of “Suited for Leadership: How to Show Up with Purpose and Have a Lasting Impact” discussed his new book on developing your leadership skills. Using the metaphor of a well-fitted suit— fit, confidence, and attention to detail—he explains how true leadership requires emotional intelligence, integrity, vision, and purpose. We discussed his Texas upbrin...

We Can't To We Can founder and President Trinity Jagdeo, discusses the non-profit organization for families with disabilities that she founded at the age of 18. Trinity spoke of her friend, Alexus and how her battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA, revealed to her the lack of opportunities and role models her friend had. She began with a series of ‘superhero’ books based on kids wi...

Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center returns to discuss their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act as it celebrates its 35th anniversary.   We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activi...

Kim Hollenback, Managing Attorney of the Media Office of Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania and VOCA Supervising Attorney spoke about the Victim of Crimes Act and the civil legal services for victims of domestic violence and other crimes her program offers. We discussed the different kinds of abuse, physical, mental and financial, and she reminds us that it is between partners, that it is not...

Richard A.J. Prebil, Esq., Supervising Attorney of the Veterans Advocacy Project of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA discussed his program which provides legal services to veterans who are unhoused, at-risk of homelessness, seniors, living with severe disabilities, low-income, and sometimes those who are incarcerated. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA provides free legal services to low-income individuals,...

Debby Derricks, Director of Development for the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), discussed the non-profit, founded in 1980 by local Vietnam Veterans, who built a memorial along the Philadelphia waterfront and created a community of vets helping vets.  Today the VMC serves over 6,500 Veterans and families annually with drop in facilities, shelters and centers throughout the tri-state area. The...

Amy Needle, CEO and President of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. discussed the summer activities planned for Franklin Square, the Betsy Ross House and throughout the Olde City historic district.  The brainchild of former Mayor Ed Rendell, Historic Philadelphia was founded to package and promote the tourism impact of the many historic sites and the pivotal events that happened here.  Today it oversees...

Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq., Executive Director the American Psychiatric Association Foundation discussed workplace mental health.  In a recent study they found 80% say they feel stress at work. .One-third of Americans say work has an adverse effect on their mental health.  They estimate that depression alone costs employers in the U.S. $43B annually.    He notes that work is one of the most reported...

David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC, Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization dedicated to its neighborhoods and the people in them.  We support them with Working with our public, private and nonprofit partners and the boards of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and Philadelphia Land Bank – they offer housing options, repurposed vacant land, and community assets.  ...

Alexandra Deutsch, the John L. and Marjorie P. McGraw Director of Collections, at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library and Dr. Jonathan Michael Square, Assistant Professor of Black Visual Culture at Parsons School of Design, and Guest curator of Almost Unknown, The Afric-American Picture Gallery, discussed the exhibit now on view through January 4, 2026 at Winterthur. Prompted by an 1859 essay by...

Kate McGeever, Executive Director of the Delaware County Workforce Development Board discussed the Delaware County Career Link, the local face of the federal American Job Center Network employment support system is our guest. We begin with PACareerLink’s efforts to support the workers laid off from the Crozer Health closings affecting Delaware County and the surrounding areas. The Crozer Health Jo...

From the Museum of the American Revolution James Taub,  Associate Curator of Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags , and Rebecca Franco, Family Programs Manager, discussed their current exhibition and the reopening of the renovated  Revolution Place  family discovery center. Jim discussed the museum’s kick-off to America’s Semiquincentennial with  Banners of Liberty...

Dan Drake, President and CEO of Trinity Health PACE, discussed how a PACE comprehensive community-based approach can allow older adults continue to live at home as long as possible. Trinity Health PACE, a member of Trinity Health, provides comprehensive medical, health, recreational, and social services to qualified elderly individuals, allowing them to remain at home while receiving essential car...