Philadelphia Community Podcast

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

We reair an important interview about  a major legal decision with Quinn Cozzens of the Abolitionist Law Center. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling in Commonwealth v. Lee has declared mandatory life-without-parole sentences for second-degree murder unconstitutional—impacting more than 1,000 people across the state and raising critical questions about sentencing and reform. Learn more at 🌐 ab...

On this edition of *What's Going On *, we focus on two topics that will have a major impact on the lives of Philadelphia-area residents: workers' rights and Philadelphia's historic future. First, we speak with David Stern, founding partner of Stern & Cohen, a firm recently recognized as a 2025 Gold Winner for Philadelphia's Favorite Workers' Compensation Firm. David helps us understand the bas...

On this edition of Insight , we examine three important issues impacting our communities: justice and accountability, youth empowerment, and the fight against cancer disparities. First, we discuss the growing community movement seeking justice for 19-year-old Wyleek Tinsley, who was fatally shot by Abington Township police officers inside his home on March 6, 2025. Joining us are Wyleek's brother,...

We look ahead to Philadelphia's historic 2026 celebration with Michael Newmuis, Director of Philadelphia 2026, and Deputy Director Tyrone Dixon. As the city prepares to welcome more than half a million visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and America's 250th birthday, our guests discuss how Philadelphia is preparing for this unprecedented moment. We explore op...

On this episode of What's Going On , we explore two very different but equally important stories about health, healing, and hope. First, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Philip Pearson, colorectal surgeon, educator, and social media personality known as the "Singing Surgeon," about anal fistula, a painful and often misunderstood condition that affects thousands of people each year. Dr. Pear...

Community College of Philadelphia’s Rhythm and RISE Celebration This week on  Insight , we're celebrating 60 years of transforming lives through education at the Community College of Philadelphia. Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Alycia Marshall, the College's seventh president, about the institution's lasting impact on Philadelphia, its commitment to student success, workforce development,...

  This week on Insight , guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti explores two fascinating stories rooted in Philadelphia’s culture, history, and creativity. First, Vanessa speaks with artist and cultural historian V. Shayne Frederick about Pepperpot , a multimedia, multidisciplinary performance project celebrating the history of the traditional spicy tripe and vegetable stew made famous by Black street...

We  highlight the next generation of women leaders with Himakshi Shastri, Vice President of Philanthropy for Wharton Women at the University of Pennsylvania, discussing how students are providing pro bono consulting support to nonprofits across Philadelphia and New York City. Learn more at   Wharton Women . Follow on social media: Instagram  @whartonwomen , TikTok @wharton.women, X @WhartonWomenUG...

We discuss homeownership and financial empowerment with  Ernest L. Campbell Sr., Mortgage Retail Sales Senior Manager and Executive Director of Residential Lending at Wells Fargo, along with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia ahead of the free Homebuyer Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p....

This week on Insight, we’re focusing on building stronger communities through homeownership, fatherhood, and education. First, Ernest L. Campbell Sr., Mortgage Retail Sales Senior Manager and Executive Director of Residential Lending at Wells Fargo, along with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia discuss th...

We explore the rich history, culture, and flavors of Somalia through food and storytelling. Joining us is Somali-born writer, chef, and recipe developer Ifrah F. Ahmed, author of the new cookbook Soomaaliya . Through more than 70 recipes, Ifrah shares the traditions, resilience, and global influences that have shaped Somali cuisine for generations — from fragrant xawaash spice blends and spiced te...

Today, we’re taking a flavorful journey to Jamaica through food, culture, and storytelling. Joining us is celebrated chef, three-time Chopped champion, and culinary ambassador Chef Andre Fowles, whose new cookbook, My Jamaican Table: Vibrant Recipes from a Sun-Drenched Island, shares more than 100 recipes inspired by the warmth, resilience, and rich traditions of Jamaica. From authentic jerk cooki...

  Injection Drug Use & Infectious Disease Crisis This week on  Insight , we’re discussing a growing public health crisis tied to injection drug use and the serious infections impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems across Philadelphia. From hepatitis and HIV to life-threatening heart and skin infections, medical experts across the region are working together to develop compassi...

Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia Today, we’re celebrating culture, community, and the growing impact of the Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia. Joining us is Araceli Guenther, Board Chair of the organization, to reflect on the recent Friends of Mexico Awards Luncheon and discuss the vision for the future — including plans for a permanent cultural home and upcoming programs that will continue...

On this week’s edition of What’s Going On we feature our monthly segment SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo and we’re talking about the power of ritual, connection, and why gathering together may be more important now than ever.   Bestselling author Bruce Feiler joins us to discuss his new book, A TIME TO GATHER: How Ritual Created the World—and How It Can Save Us which explores how rituals—from weddin...

On this episode of Insight, we’re celebrating leadership in education and the extraordinary impact school principals have on students, families, and entire communities. The School District of Philadelphia and the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation recently honored seven outstanding school leaders with the 2026 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals. Joining us are two of this year’s...

Today, we’re highlighting a powerful new literary work that explores identity, truth, and resilience. A Life Wrapped in Lies: Searching for Truth by Gwen Stokes takes readers on an emotional journey through deception, discovery, and ultimately, self-understanding. The book is now available in print and digital formats through Wordeee and major book retailers. Joining us to talk about this compelli...

Philadelphia is preparing for a once-in-a-generation moment—a historic summer in 2026 that will bring the world to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2026 and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, more than half a million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director for 2026, along with...

Philadelphia is preparing for a once-in-a-generation moment—a historic summer in 2026 that will bring the world to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2026 and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, more than half a million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia’s Director for 2026, along with...

How is healthcare showing up where it’s needed most? Today, we explore how Temple Health is transforming community care in North Philadelphia through innovative partnerships and neighborhood-based services. At the center of this effort is the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center, a groundbreaking initiative developed in collaboration with community leaders and organizations like Called to...

Today, we’re talking about something that impacts thousands of workers across Pennsylvania—workers’ compensation. Whether you’ve experienced a workplace injury or are navigating benefits, understanding your rights is essential. Joining us is David Stern, founding partner of Stern and Cohen, a Philadelphia-based workers’ compensation law firm recently recognized as a 2025 Gold Winner for Philadelph...

Today, we’re talking about something that impacts thousands of workers across Pennsylvania—workers’ compensation. Whether you’ve experienced a workplace injury or are navigating benefits, understanding your rights is essential. Joining us is David Stern, founding partner of Stern and Cohen, a Philadelphia-based workers’ compensation law firm recently recognized as a 2025 Gold Winner for Philadelph...

For Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati’s monthly feature “VLS Journeys,” she speaks  with Shakia Williams, founder of Cyrenity Sips Winery—a Black woman–owned, family-run micro-winery just outside Philadelphia. Cyrenity Sips is a boutique winery where everything—from fermentation to bottling—is done on-site, creating a hands-on, community-centered experience. One of the few Black woman–owned wineries in the c...

At every stage of life, more people are rethinking what it truly means to live well—seeking balance, connection, and affordability in an increasingly complex world. What if the future of living isn’t about going it alone, but about building community with intention? In this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Cohn, Founder and President of My Inspirement, a nonprofit platform helping people design m...