Philadelphia Community Podcast

We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair , happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center , 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia . Joining us are Gordon C. James , award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Libra...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati previews one of Philadelphia’s most beloved literary traditions—the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair , taking place Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center , 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia . Joining Vanesse is Renée Watson , Caldecott Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author, whose powerful...

Today we’re celebrating harmony, community, and a fun way to surprise someone special this Valentine’s Day. The Pine Barons Chorus, part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is hosting its 2026 Singing Valentine fundraiser. For just $65, you can reserve a live performance on February 13th, 14th, or 15th, featuring two songs, a rose, chocolates, a personal card, and two tickets to the Pine Barons’ sp...

In this episode, we celebrate Millianie Vásquez , winner of Power 99’s Hometown Heroes , sponsored by Chase Bank , and founder of the Soles Foundation . Inspired by the legacy of her late husband, Mikey Soles, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit provides new sneakers and socks to children in need—helping young people walk with dignity, confidence, and comfort. 🔗  Soles Foundation 🌐 Website: https:/...

Meet the Twin Sister Docs—Dr. Elana McDonald, a Board Certified Pediatrician, and Dr. Delana Wardlaw, a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. On their biweekly podcast, now streaming on YouTube and Spotify, they break down health topics that matter most to our communities—from nutrition and mental health to the impact of social media.  🌐 Website: thetwinsisterdocs.com 📸 Instagram / Threads...

We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, helping girls build essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, go...

We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, helping girls build essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, go...

Empowering Girls & Building Beloved Community Today’s episode highlights two powerful examples of leadership and civic engagement—one centered on youth empowerment, the other on community action rooted in justice and nonviolence. We begin with  Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow , Chief Executive Officer, along with two i...

Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia We’re joined by Tanyika Rickard , Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase , to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial healt...

Leading Through the Storm: Crisis Communication, Reputation, and Authentic Leadership Today we’re joined by Mayra Hernandez Bergman , founder and CEO of Crisis+ Strategies , a firm that helps organizations anticipate reputational risk and communicate with clarity during their most challenging moments. A nationally recognized crisis-communications expert and Top Women in Communications awardee, May...

A New Approach to Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine at Jefferson Health As obesity rates and chronic disease continue to rise, Jefferson Health is taking a more accessible, prevention-focused approach by integrating evidence-based weight management and lifestyle medicine directly into primary care. Backed by a $2.4 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with award-winning children’s book author Alice Faye Duncan for her monthly feature VLS Journeys .   Alice has two new books released in January 2026: BLUES BOY (The B.B. King Story) and THE DREAM BUILDER’S BLUEPRINT (Dr. King’s Message to Young People) . The Dream Builder’s Blueprint centers on Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful 1967 visit with Philad...

Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together . FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey. We welcome Elizab...

Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together . FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey. We welcome Elizab...

Today we’re joined by Carolina Vargas , Director of Marketing for Philadelphia Theatre Company . Originally from Mexico, Carolina is a seasoned marketing professional and graphic designer with nine years of experience crafting creative strategies that drive engagement and audience growth. She’s here to share details about Havana Hop , a joyful, family-friendly performance coming to PTC over MLK We...

On today’s episode of What’s Going On , we spotlight community giving and innovative approaches to better health , featuring two powerful conversations making a real difference in Philadelphia. Rodney McLeod & Change Our Future Holiday Giveaway We begin with former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl champion Rodney McLeod and his wife Erika , who continue their commitment to service through the...

Free Holiday Giveaway in Bridgeton, New Jersey Next, we head to Bridgeton, NJ , where Tony Hill , founder of Games on the Go Mobile Entertainment and the Keeping Young Minds Occupied Foundation (KYMO) , is leading a massive holiday celebration for families in Cumberland and Salem Counties . Partnering with Santa, Games on the Go, KYMO, and the Bridgeton Auto Mall, this free holiday giveaway includ...

Today, we’re spotlighting women-owned businesses and the power of collaboration in Chester, Pennsylvania. I’m joined by Janell Johnson, founder of The Suite by J. Nicole & Co., and Bria Graves, owner of Tru Breeze Candlez—both located inside The Marketplace at 2300 West 4th Street in Chester. The Suite by J. Nicole & Co. is more than a boutique—it’s a shared retail space designed to uplift...

Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia We’re joined by  Tanyika Rickard , Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase , to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial heal...

On this episode, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law for our monthly SpeakOUT segment, which explores issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community and how they intersect with the broader population. Angela breaks down current trends affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, including healthcare access and job discrimination, and discusses alarming new legislation that could have serious implication...

Segment 1: Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church & Bells Across PA We speak with Reverend Carolyn Cavaness , Pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church —the oldest continuously Black-owned church property in the United States and the church founded by Bishop Richard Allen . As the first woman to lead this historic congregation , Reverend Cavaness discusses the unveiling of the Bells Across PA sculpture at Mo...

On this episode, we’re joined by Dwuan Gandy II, creative director and communications leader with You Deserve More Media (YDMM)—a full-service media, storytelling, and public relations company committed to elevating nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and underserved communities through strategy-driven messaging and culture-forward content. Dwuan shares why equitable storytelling matters, what organiz...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Philadelphia Councilmember Nina Ahmad , who is leading a critical new initiative to combat human trafficking across the city. Her proposed legislation—developed in partnership with the Red Card Philly campaigns call for a multilingual, citywide public-education effort featuring posters, PSAs, social media messaging, and outreach in transportation hubs and other...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Philadelphia Councilmember Nina Ahmad , who is leading a critical new initiative to combat human trafficking across the city. Her proposed legislation—developed in partnership with the Red Card Philly campaigns call for a multilingual, citywide public-education effort featuring posters, PSAs, social media messaging, and outreach in transportation hubs and other...

We bring you VLS Journeys , the monthly literary and cultural spotlight on Insight , hosted by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati . Once a month, we explore the journeys of authors, thinkers, and creators shaping our world through story and scholarship. Today, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz — award-winning author, educator, and producer. Dr. Shabazz has written five acclaimed historical novels,...