Philadelphia Community Podcast

Media coverage of gun violence can do more harm than good and retraumatize survivors and their family and friends.   I speak to Jim MacMillian and Oronde McClain from the Philadephia Center for Gun Violence Reporting about the Philadelphia premiere of a powerful documentary “The Second Trauma” what shows the harmful effects of episodic gun violence and how the media can do better.  The event takes...

  Think college isn’t for you.  Think you can’t afford it?  Consider Community College of Philadelphia which will close down 17th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill Streets for a big block party with food, music, swag and more to announce the new college brand. I speak to Dr. Shannon Rooney, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications, Community College of Philade...

  Think college isn’t for you.  Think you can’t afford it?  Consider Community College of Philadelphia which will close down 17th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill Streets for a big block party with food, music, swag and more to announce the new college brand. I speak to Dr. Shannon Rooney, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications, Community College of Philade...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks to Astronomer and author Deborah Skapik about the upcoming total eclipse of the sun. Her book is "Look UP, Below!  an educator's guide to the April 8, 2024 total eclipse of the Sun" available at tinyurl.com/debseclipsebook Skapik recommends Glasses must be ISO 12312-2 rating. No glasses?  Use a kitchen colander to project the image of the Sun onto the groun...

Want to have a fabulous time for a great cause – look no further than the AIDS Fund’s Black-Tie Gay Bingo which takes place April 6th at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. I speak to this year’s honoree Dr. Ronald (Ron) Collman, Director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research and a professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and...

Want to have a fabulous time for a great cause – look no further than the AIDS Fund’s Black-Tie Gay Bingo which takes place April 6th at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. I speak to this year’s honoree Dr. Ronald (Ron) Collman, Director of the Penn Center for AIDS Research and a professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and...

First, while Kensington is in the news for its many challenges - there are individuals who are working to make the community a place to grow and thrive.  I speak to Nicole Moy, whose family has called Kensington home for decades.  Moy has created "The Bridge" an art gallery and event space in her neighborhood.  The first major show is a pop-up exhibit "The Bridge to Kensington" featuring two activ...

Are you a Philly high school student passionate about the creative arts or business?  Check out the   I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard. You can submit now to win $1,000 and take the stage at this year’s Wawa Welcome America Festival. To tell us more I speak to Kelly Staskel, Director of the Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program and PhillyGoes2College at the Philad...

Are you a Philly high school student passionate about the creative arts or business?  Check out the   I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard. You can submit now to win $1,000 and take the stage at this year’s Wawa Welcome America Festival. To tell us more I speak to Kelly Staskel, Director of the Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program and PhillyGoes2College at the Philad...

Are you a Philly high school student passionate about the creative arts or business?  Check out the  I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard. You can submit now to win $1,000 and take the stage at this year’s Wawa Welcome America Festival. To tell us more I speak to Kelly Staskel, Director of the Philadelphia Postsecondary Success Program and PhillyGoes2College at the Philade...

  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...