Philadelphia Community Podcast

  I'm going to guess that you know someone who has type two diabetes. I have a close family member who's currently on dialysis and another dealing with pre-diabetes. It's an epidemic - but you know what? it's doesn't have to be that way. with the right kind of lifestyle changes a person with pre-diabetes and prevent the disease from becoming full blown. Diabetes is serious stuff- not only does it...

We have an online feature highlighting CEO’s You Should know. I want to share this interview with our broadcast and streaming audience because Corrine O’Connell – CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadephia blew me away with the work her organization is doing to fulfill a vision where “everyone has a decent place to live.” https://www.habitatphiladelphia.org/ First – let’s get an Eagles history lesson...

When I was in high school, I knew by reputation about an extraordinary young man.  He was one grade up – I was a sophomore, and he was a junior at Potomac Sr. High School in PG County Maryland.  He was president of his class and an award-winning track star.  He seemed to have everything, popular smart handsome and an athlete.  One evening in the basement of his home – this boy took his life.  The...

Romona Riscoe Benson is PECO’s Director of Corporate and Community Impact.  She’s also an accomplished Jazz vocalist.  I speak to Romona about her music and in honor of Women’s History Month we talk about some of the iconic women Jazz musicians who’ve been an influence.  Romona is performing live Sunday March 17th at SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club at 6 pm and 8:30 pm when she’ll be celebrating Gre...

There are a million and one scams out there but there are red flags everyone should know about.  I speak to U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark who gives us the inside scoop. https://www.uspis.gov/ https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/money-mules Finally - There was not a dry eye in the house when Jason Kelce  announced he’s retiring from the Philadelphia...

I speak to Salima Suswell - Founder & CEO, Black Muslim Leadership Council who talks about the mission and purpose of BMLC. blackmuslimleadership.org @blackmuslimlead on X, Instagram and Threads Black Muslim Leadership Council on Facebook There is a great organization assisting with returning citizens.  I speak to Kelly Rascoe, Program Director of the Institute for Community Justice.   www.icj...

There are a million and one scams out there but there are red flags everyone should know about.  I speak to U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark who gives us the inside scoop. https://www.uspis.gov/ https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/money-mules

One of the most important moments in the early history of the civil rights movement was the performance by opera star and Philadelphian Marian Anderson. Anderson performed at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939 and this concert became iconic because it was arranged after Anderson was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall by the daughters of the American Revolution due to her race. No...

Vanesse speaks with celebrity Journalist Flo Anthony. For "What is Philadephia Reading" Vanesse speaks to Tanesha Sample is the owner of Tissa Rose Florist and an exhibitor who will be featured at the Philadelphia Flower Show. www.tissarose.net

One of the most important moments in the early history of the civil rights movement was the performance by opera star and Philadelphian Marian Anderson. Anderson performed at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939 and this concert became iconic because it was arranged after Anderson was denied permission to perform at Constitution Hall by the daughters of the American Revolution due to her race. No...

Are you frustrated with symptoms with no diagnosis? Is your doctor gaslighting you? I speak with Romy Braunstein with the Getting Up Organization, a nonprofit focused on educating people about invisible symptoms of disease and cures for rare diseases. www. GETTINGUP.org My father fought in the Korean War. He passed away in 1989 and as these vets pass on – we are losing their stories. Library of Co...

Are you frustrated with symptoms with no diagnosis? Is your doctor gaslighting you? I speak with Romy Braunstein with the Getting Up Organization, a nonprofit focused on educating people about invisible symptoms of disease and cures for rare diseases. www. GETTINGUP.org First, Love Now Magazine is an impact focused magazine that serves as a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change....

BEBASHI was tackling HIV and AIDS in the Black in the eighties when nobody was addressing the crisis in our community. During Black History Month – BEBASHI will be honored for its groundbreaking work. I speak to Sebrina Tate president and CEO of BEBASHI www.bebashi.org 215-769-3561

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s IF I CAN QUIT, SO CAN YOU campaign is designed to stop tobacco-use among all smokers, but particularly those in high-risk groups including: ● Those in recovery from substance use, including opioid use ● Pregnant or new moms ● Identify as LGBTQIA+ ● Individuals who work at places where tobacco use and exposure are high (e.g., food service, hospitality...

I speak with Dr. Nikia Owens, President/CEO Campaign for Working Families which provides an invaluable service to individuals and families through it’s free tax preparation services as a pivotal resource in the community for financial empowerment, access to tax credit, error reduction and fraud prevention and economic stimulus. For information on more financial resources, CWF locations, make appoi...

I talk to Jenne Johns who has created a nonprofit, Once Upon a Preemie to address the health disparities black families face when a child is born prematurely. www.onceuponapreemie.org @onceapreemie (IG) once-upon-a-preemie-academy (LI) @onceuponapreemie (FB)

Media portrayals of immigrants can perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation, influencing Americans' perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants. Negative stereotypes may contribute to fear, prejudice, and discrimination, making it difficult to foster empathy and understanding. That’s why bringing in a quarterly segment produced by the Welcoming Center and hosted by its CEO Anuj Gupta. The Center...

East Falls is a rapidly evolving neighborhood with vibrant new businesses, housing and recreational opportunities. To tell us more I speak to Michelle Feldman, Executive Director of East Falls Development Corporation. https://discovereastfalls.org/ If I asked you to guess the number one killer of children and teens – what would be your answer? Shocking but true - It’s gun violence. I speak to Scot...

Media portrayals of immigrants can perpetuate stereotypes and misinformation, influencing Americans' perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants. Negative stereotypes may contribute to fear, prejudice, and discrimination, making it difficult to foster empathy and understanding. That’s why bringing in a quarterly segment produced by the Welcoming Center and hosted by its CEO Anuj Gupta. The Center...

Every year, over 23,000 kids age out of foster care in the United States. Of that 23,000, 7 out of 10 of young women become pregnant before their 21st birthday (source: The National Foster Youth Institute) To combat that issue, in the State of Delaware, Duffy’s Hope Inc. announced the 2024 launch of Duffy’s H.O.P. E. Transitional Residence Program. Hope stands for Housing Opportunity for Personal...

Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection between intimate companions. So what better time to have a conversation about Love? Conversation on Love: Messy love, self-love, crazy love, unconventional love -- the whole shebang features a panel of award-winning authors with books on love who will discuss what love is, where to find it, and what you need to do and have to make...

If I asked you to guess the number one killer of children and teens – what would be your answer? Shocking but true - It’s gun violence. I speak to Scott Charles Trauma Outreach Manager at Temple University about a collaboration between local hospitals to raise awareness about gun safety. www. HospitalsTogether.com https://www.templesafetynet.org/ I talk to Michele Carreras Morales from Xiente abou...

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati interviews Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of the Philadephia Tribune, the oldest continuously running Black newspaper in the country. For her monthly segment “What is Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse speaks to author Omar Tyree. https://www.phillytrib.com/ https://omartyree.substack.com/subscribe

Diversity in children's literature allows young readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth. Additionally, exposure to diverse characters and cultures promotes empathy, understanding, and acceptance of others who may be different from them. By featuring a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, diverse children's lit...

In this segment of Insight, I speak with Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati, founder of the African American Children’s Book Fair which takes place Saturday, February 3rd, 1:00-4:00PM at The Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th Arch Streets. I also speak to some of the award-winning authors and illustrators featured at the Fair including writers Nikki Grimes, Renée Watson and illustrators Ekua Holmes and Fran...