Philadelphia Community Podcast

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...

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...