Philadelphia Community Podcast

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...

May is World Heritage Month, and Philadelphia is taking center stage as the first World Heritage City in the United States. In this episode, we’re joined by Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association, to talk about how this month-long celebration highlights the city’s global significance, rich history, and vibrant cultural diversity. World Heritage Month features a wide...

Today, we’re sharing two powerful stories about the impact of compassion, mentorship, and showing up for others. First, we’re joined by Monique Thomas Fillis , a dedicated direct service provider whose life changed when she stepped in to support Isaiah, a man living with Down Syndrome and Autism. What began as a professional role has grown into a nine-year bond rooted in trust, advocacy, and chose...

April is Earth Month, and on this episode of Insight , we’re celebrating the beauty, impact, and future of Philadelphia’s incredible park system. Joining us is Tony Sorrentino of the Fairmount Park Conservancy to talk about how the Conservancy helps care for more than 10,000 acres of public green space across the city—and how you can be part of it. From free Earth Month events to hands-on voluntee...

A powerful new investigative podcast is shining a light on a crisis that often goes unseen—the growing number of aging and dying individuals behind bars. In Dying on the Inside: Women Lifers at Muncy Prison , Cherri Gregg explores the human, moral, and financial realities facing women serving life and long-term sentences in Pennsylvania. The five-part series launches April 22, 2026, and is produce...

Today, we’re highlighting a powerful milestone for an organization that has been a lifeline for thousands of survivors across Philadelphia. Women Against Abuse is celebrating 50 years of advocacy, support, and hope—and they’re marking the occasion with a special event that brings together purpose and culinary excellence. It’s called Dish It Up , a one-of-a-kind evening featuring some of Philadelph...

A powerful new investigative podcast is shining a light on a crisis that often goes unseen—the growing number of aging and dying individuals behind bars. In Dying on the Inside: Women Lifers at Muncy Prison , host WHYY’S  Cherri Gregg explores the human, moral, and financial realities facing women serving life and long-term sentences in Pennsylvania. The five-part series launches April 22, 2026, a...

April is National Donate Life Month, and on this episode of Insight, we highlight the life-saving impact of organ and tissue donation. We’re joined by Gift of Life Donor Program President and CEO Richard Hasz, Jr., along with transplant recipient and ambassador Keath Gerald, who shares his powerful journey and how donation gave him a second chance at life. We also spotlight the 29th Annual Gift of...

April is Earth Month, and on this episode of Insight, we celebrate the beauty and impact of Philadelphia’s expansive park system. Joining us is Tony Sorrentino, CEO of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, to talk about how the Conservancy is caring for more than 10,000 acres of green space across the city—and how you can be part of it. From free Earth Month events to hands-on volunteer opportunities, t...

This week on What’s Going On , we spotlight the power of investing in our young people, honoring legacy, and celebrating creativity in our community. First, we talk with Darryl Bundrige of City Year Philadelphia about how Student Success Coaches are helping students in under-resourced schools thrive—and their upcoming Red Jacket Gala . 📍 Wednesday, April 29 📍 VIE, North Broad Street, Philadelphi...

This week on Insight , we explore justice, education, and creativity shaping our communities. First, we discuss 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 ra...

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati joins us for her monthly feature on Insight—VLS Journeys. This month, she speaks with author and pastor Michael Eric Dyson, joined by Rev. Royal S. Todd, Assistant to the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, who share an inspiring Easter Sunday message. For her feature, “What’s Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse also speaks with Nyisha Chapman, Manager of Community Part...

How is Temple Health showing up in your neighborhood? I’m Loraine Ballard Morrill with Care that Connects. Join me for stories that uplift, inform, and inspire you to take control of your health—and connect to care right where you live. This episode features  Dr. Nina O’Connor, Chair of Family and Community Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Reverend Mike Major, Sr....

How is Temple Health showing up in your neighborhood? I’m Loraine Ballard Morrill with Care that Connects—bringing you stories that uplift, inform, and inspire you to take control of your health and connect to care where you live. In this episode, we explore how Temple Health and Project HOME are working together to address addiction and housing insecurity through a compassionate, coordinated appr...

 How is Temple Health showing up in your neighborhood? I’m Loraine Ballard Morrill with Care that Connects—bringing you stories that uplift, inform, and inspire you to take control of your health and connect to care where you live. In this episode, we talk with Lakisha Sturgis, Director of Community Care Management at Temple Health, and Reverend Leroy Miles of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church about...

How is Temple Health showing up in your neighborhood? I’m Loraine Ballard Morrill with Care that Connects—bringing you stories that uplift, inform, and inspire you to take control of your health and connect to care right where you live. In this episode, we’re joined by Lakisha Sturgis, Director of Community Care Management at Temple Health. With more than 20 years of experience, Lakisha is leading...