Philadelphia Community Podcast

On this edition of   What’s Going On , we celebrate compassion, creativity, and the next generation of changemakers.   First, we spotlight the extraordinary nurses whose care extends far beyond medicine. Koleen Cavanaugh , Chief Marketing Officer at Independence Blue Cross, joins us along with the three recipients of the 2026 Celebrate Caring Sunshine Awards : Sarah Bruno of Children’s Hospital of...

On Part Two of Insight , we celebrate compassion, creativity, and the next generation of changemakers. First, we spotlight the extraordinary nurses whose care extends far beyond medicine. Koleen Cavanaugh , Chief Marketing Officer at Independence Blue Cross, joins us along with the three recipients of the 2026 Celebrate Caring Sunshine Awards : Sarah Bruno of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I...

On Part One of Insight , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Roger C. Aden , Charles E. Zumkehr Professor of Speech Communication at Ohio University and author of Upon the Ruins of Liberty: Slavery, the President’s House at Independence National Historical Park, and Public Memory . Aden’s book chronicles the years-long effort to ensure that the President’s House site in Philadelphia told not only...

On this episode of What's Going On , we explore two conversations centered on health, hope, and strengthening our communities. First, we welcome David St. Denis , President of Anteris Technologies , for an important discussion about why heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States and why women with heart valve disease are often diagnosed later and experience poo...

On this edition of Insight , we celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that strengthen our communities through culture, music, and the power of storytelling. First, we welcome Ken Scott , President and CEO of Beech Companies , to discuss the 17th Annual Beech Jazz on the Ave Music Fest , one of Philadelphia's premier summer traditions. For 17 years, this free, family-friendly celebration ha...

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet too many women remain undiagnosed or receive treatment later than they should. On this episode, we welcome David St. Denis, President of Anteris Technologies, for an important conversation about women and heart valve disease, why outcomes can differ between men and women, and how innovation may help improve the future...

On this episode of What’s Going On we dedicate the entire show to  legendary Philadelphia sports journalist, broadcaster, and author Ray Didinger joins us to discuss his newest book, Look What the Kid Wrote Today: Quotes, Anecdotes and Other Musings , which will be released this October. For more than 50 years, Ray has chronicled some of the greatest moments in sports while earning a reputation as...

On this episode of Insight , we spotlight three conversations that celebrate leadership, community, culture, and the power of bringing people together. First, Jared Armstrong , Founder and CEO of the JAB Classic , joins us to discuss the inaugural JAB Classic , a first-of-its-kind global basketball tournament coming to Philadelphia. Featuring NBA, former NBA, and top international professional pla...

On this episode of Insight, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati spotlights two inspiring conversations celebrating Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage and literary community. First, Vanesse speaks with Connie Ragsdale, President of the Committee of 1926 for Historic Strawberry Mansion, about the groundbreaking exhibition From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color . Opening September 1...

On this episode of What's Going On , we explore two powerful conversations about justice, compassion, and the people working to create a more equitable society. First, Pulitzer Prize-winning podcaster, educator, and returning citizen Suave Gonzalez joins Julietta Martinelli , senior producer and reporter with Futuro Media, to discuss the extraordinary story of Frank Ross , who was released from pr...

In Part Two of Insight , we explore three stories that celebrate community, civic engagement, and the voices shaping tomorrow. First, Loraine Ballard Morrill previews the 24th Annual Nicetown CDC Giveback Festival with Zakariyya Abdur Rahman , President & CEO of Nicetown CDC, and Majeedah Rashid , Chief Operating Officer. They discuss how this beloved North Philadelphia tradition has united fa...

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, and delays in treatment caused by insurance denials can make an already difficult situation even more stressful. On this episode of Insight , Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Avishek Kumar , a board-certified medical oncologist with Regional Cancer Care Associates in Edison, New Jersey, about how patients and families can successfully navigate the insuran...

 🎙️ The Future of Entry-Level Jobs in the Age of AI Landing that first job after college is becoming increasingly challenging as employers adopt artificial intelligence and rethink entry-level hiring. What does that mean for the Class of 2026 and the workforce of tomorrow? Our guest is  Julia Toothacre , Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com . With nearly 15 years of experience in career...

Pulitzer Prize-winning podcaster, educator, and returning citizen  Suave Gonzalez joins us with Julietta Martinelli , senior producer and reporter at Futuro Media , to discuss the remarkable story of Frank Ross , who was released from prison at the age of 93 after serving nearly 50 years. Ross's release raises important questions about compassionate release, aging in prison, and whether our justic...

Philadelphia is strengthening its response to sexual violence. The Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC) has officially transitioned to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, ensuring stable funding and continued access to 24/7, trauma-informed medical and forensic care for survivors. On this episode of  Insight , Philadelphia City Council At-Large member and Public Health Com...

What if Benjamin Franklin was America's very first rock star? On this episode of What's Going On , we meet the creative team behind The Sound of America, an original Philadelphia musical that reimagines one of our nation's Founding Fathers through 23 original rock songs, an all-Philadelphia cast, and an unforgettable theatrical experience. Actor Kohl Pilgrim, who stars as Benjamin Franklin and Kae...

On this episode of Insight , we discuss two important issues affecting our communities today. First, following the attempted arson attack at the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, we speak with Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director of CAIR-Philadelphia, about the impact of the attack, the community's response, the importance of interfaith solidarity, and how residents can stand against hate and...

We head to Oaks for one of the nation's largest celebrations of gluten-free living. Abby Helman Kelly, founder of the Wicked Gluten Free Expo & Food Festival, joins us to talk about creating a safe and delicious experience for people living with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and food allergies. Learn what visitors can expect from more than 110 gluten-free vendors, cooking demonstrations,...

Building the Dream of Homeownership with Wells Fargo Homeownership remains one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, strengthen communities, and create generational opportunity. On this episode of  Insight , we're joined by Ernest L. Campbell Sr. and Gustavo Laserna from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Together, they discuss practical steps first-time homebuyers can take to prepare for homeownersh...

Building the Dream of Homeownership with Wells Fargo Homeownership remains one of the most powerful ways to build wealth, strengthen communities, and create generational opportunity. On this episode of  Insight , we're joined by Ernest L. Campbell Sr. and Gustavo Laserna from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Together, they discuss practical steps first-time homebuyers can take to prepare for homeownersh...

This week on Insight, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti uncovers hidden chapters of American history with renowned historical archaeologist, author, and preservationist Dr. Cheryl LaRoche. Dr. LaRoche discusses her latest book, Apostle of Liberation: AME Bishop Paul Quinn and the Underground Railroad , and shares how archaeology, historical research, and storytelling are helping preserve the lega...

On this episode of What's Going On, we explore two inspiring stories about creating opportunities, building community, and empowering people to thrive. First, we travel to the Jersey Shore to learn about Compassion Cafe, a unique nonprofit coffee shop that is changing lives through meaningful employment. Sue Sharkey, Co-Founder and Trustee of Compassion Cafe, joins us to discuss the organization's...

This week on Insight, we spotlight three powerful stories that celebrate opportunity, culture, and community engagement across Philadelphia. First, as Philadelphia prepares to host Major League Baseball's 96th All-Star Game, we speak with Kenny Johnson, Community Engagement Manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, about the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball. Co-created by Baseball Hall...

On this episode of Insight, we sit down with J. Jondhi Harrell, a nationally recognized community activist, reentry advocate, and Executive Director of the TCRC Community Healing Center. Through innovative programs focused on food rescue, conflict resolution, and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, TCRC is helping tackle some of Philadelphia’s most pressing challenges—food insecurity, c...

Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration Philadelphia’s Africatown community is preparing for one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations of the summer. In this episode, we welcome Kou Dolo, Communications Director for the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), to discuss the upcoming Africatown Diaspora Festi...