Philadelphia Community Podcast

Rodney Wescott survived a nearly fatal case of Covid last year. Wescott was hospitalized for 5months and on the ventilator for 50 plus days and nearly died. Shortly after being released Rodney started a nonprofit group Covid V Conquerors to raise about the importance of getting vaccinated; as well as provide support to other Covid conquerors who are trying to overcome the effects. Sunday 11/28/21...

The nation was riveted by the tragic case of Gabby Petito, the young Instagram Travel influence who went missing then was found murdered by her fiancé. The case was solved thanks to massive news and social media coverage of the story and the hard work of law enforcement. Gabby’s family were able to bring their daughter home – but what about the thousands of black and brown men, women and children...

We offer another excerpt from a recent town hall highlighting the Independence Blue Cross Foundation's “Someone You Know” campaign designed to inspire hope and support recovery for those experiencing addiction, on the path to recovery, or supporting a loved one’s journey. This week we highlight Tony Luke Jr., restaurateur, musician, and actor who created a nonprofit after the overdose death of his...

The Opioid epidemic is taking a record number of lives and stigma keeps many people living with substance use disorder from seeking help. I speak to Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross about “Someone You Know,” a multimedia campaign and outreach program addressing the stigma associated with o...

When Gabby Petito went missing there was a massive nationwide search and international media attention. The case ended tragically when the young Instagram Influencer was found murdered. But what about the thousands of people of color who go missing and receive no attention? I speak to Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles, two of the directors of the new HBO documentary “Black and Missing” which fol...

When Gabby Petito went missing there was a massive nationwide search and international media attention. The case ended tragically when the young Instagram Influencer was found murdered. But what about the thousands of people of color who go missing and receive no attention? I speak to Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles, two of the directors of the new HBO documentary “Black and Missing” which fol...

Did you know that in the U.S 1 in 10 babies are born preterm? November is Prematurity Awareness Month. I speak to Dr. James Cook, Director of Newborn Services for Geisinger Health System and a member of the March of Dimes Market Board in Philadelphia about the work of the organization which helps fund research on preventing prematurity and provides resources to the health of moms and babies. www.m...

Vince DiPasquale is a local legend in the world of recovery. A former Priest, DiPasquale and his organization Starting Point is a lifeline for people with mental health and addition problems. We’ll be talking about the documentary based on his life and impact on those he’s helped over the years with Vince, Founder and Clinical Director, Loretta Depka, Executive Director of Starting Point and Scott...

Movita Johnson Harrell has been through it all, overcoming the trauma of sexual abuse, recovering from substance misuse disorder, losing two sons to gun violence. And still she rises. Movita chronicles the first part of her journey in a new memoir Phoenix Ascending. https://www.movitajohnsonharrell.com/ Vince DiPasquale is a local legend in the world of recovery. A former Priest, DiPasquale and hi...

The Mission of the Hispanic Heritage Association is to empower, educate, develop partnerships and relationships within the Montgomery county region to unite Hispanic communities and the local communities through various forms of professional and educational outlets. I speak with HHA President Jacqueline Rocco, Jennefer Rivera, Vice President, Charles Dowdy, Chair of the Education Committee and Dr....

November 10th, the Pennsylvania Conference for Women returns to Philadelphia virtually and the theme is on point for the times we’re living in. The Conference’s theme is focused on helping women navigate the new post-pandemic world of work and getting those who lost their jobs due to COVID back to work. There will outstanding keynote speakers including Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all tim...

November 10th, the Pennsylvania Conference for Women returns to Philadelphia virtually and the theme is on point for the times we’re living in. The Conference’s theme is focused on helping women navigate the new post-pandemic world of work and getting those who lost their jobs due to COVID back to work. There will outstanding keynote speakers including Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all tim...

We continue to shine a light on people making a difference in the effort to reduce violence in Philadelphia. I speak with Atlas X, Director of Operations for the Power Platforum and Mazzie Casher, business owner, local hip hop artist and creator of the app Philly Truce. They are part of a coalition working on a campaign called Opposition to Community Gun Violence Epidemic which seeks to (among oth...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati returns for her once a month feature, VLS Journeys. She speaks with Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, Owner & CEO, Founder and Owner of Down North Pizza, the mission-driven restaurant that exclusively hires formerly incarcerated individuals and serves up pies with a purpose in the Strawberry Mansion community in Philadelphia. For Vanesse’s feature “What is Philadelphia Reading...

Legendary Attorney Mike Papantonio has worked on major cases targeting wrongdoing by Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry. He’s also written a series of legal thrillers informed by his work. Papantonio’s latest novel Inhuman Trafficking is based on a current case which addresses the 150-billion-dollar human trafficking business. The novel co-authored with Alan Rus...

Legendary Attorney Mike Papantonio has worked on major cases targeting wrongdoing by Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry. He’s also written a series of legal thrillers informed by his work. Papantonio’s latest novel Inhuman Trafficking is based on a current case which addresses the 150-billion-dollar human trafficking business. The novel co-authored with Alan Rus...

Legendary Attorney Mike Papantonio has worked on major cases targeting wrongdoing by Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry. He’s also written a series of legal thrillers informed by his work. Papantonio’s latest novel Inhuman Trafficking is based on a current case which addresses the 150-billion-dollar human trafficking business. The novel co-authored with Alan Rus...

We continue our series on the Pennsylvania Conference for Women highlighting local women leaders. We’ll be talking with Loren Hudson is SVP and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Cable a sponsor of the Conference which takes place virtually November 10th. Hudson shares strategies for creating a work environment that goes beyond hiring underrepresented groups but supporting them to thrive. https:/...

Do you know the number one killer of women and men? It’s heart disease and if this pandemic taught us anything – it might be the important of taking care of your body, mind and spirit. The American Heart Association has resources to help you become or stay heart healthy, less stressed and more fit. I speak with Earnestine Walker, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Philadelphia ab...

Do you know the number one killer of women and men? It’s heart disease and if this pandemic taught us anything – it might be the important of taking care of your body, mind and spirit. The American Heart Association has resources to help you become or stay heart healthy, less stressed and more fit. I speak with Earnestine Walker, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Philadelphia ab...

The nonprofit organization Fix Foster Care says there is clear evidence of frequent systemic abuses by the for-profit foster care industry. I speak with Peter Samuelson, Co-Founder and President of FirstStar, national children’s charity that educate high school aged youth in foster care and support them in attaining a college degree. Samuelson and a coalition of advocates have a campaign to collec...

The Pennsylvania Conference for Women returns to Philadelphia November 10th. This year’s goal is helping women navigate the new post-pandemic world of work. To tell us more about the Conference And Virtual Career Fair on Nov 9th - Toni Brock, VP at Bristol Myers Squibb one of the major sponsors. https://www.paconferenceforwomen.org/ https://www.paconferenceforwomen.org/careerfair/

The pandemic has left tens of thousands of people jobless without enough income to pay for their energy bills. You’ll want to hear my interview with Funmi Williamson, PECO’s Chief Customer Officer, who shares with us programs that can help. https://www.peco.com/help The Pennsylvania Conference for Women returns to Philadelphia November 10th. This year’s goal is helping women navigate the new post-...

The pandemic has left tens of thousands of people jobless without enough income to pay for their energy bills. You’ll want to hear my interview with Funmi Williamson, PECO’s Chief Customer Officer, who shares with us programs that can help. https://www.peco.com/help The Pennsylvania Conference for Women returns to Philadelphia November 10th . This year’s goal is helping women navigate the new post...

From the archives: An interview with author Donald Bogle who has written at book Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers which uncovers the little known history of Black Filmaking