Philadelphia Community Podcast

Today we’re joined by Dr. Alycia Marshall, the newly appointed seventh president of Community College of Philadelphia. A mathematician, educator, and nationally respected community college leader, Dr. Marshall previously served as CCP’s provost and interim president. She steps into this role with a clear vision for expanding access, strengthening student success, and deepening the College’s impact...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Alycia Marshall, the newly appointed seventh president of Community College of Philadelphia. A mathematician, educator, and nationally respected community college leader, Dr. Marshall previously served as CCP’s provost and interim president. She steps into this role with a clear vision for expanding access, strengthening student success, and deepening the College’s impact...

The Affordable Care Act’s tax credits have made dependable health coverage possible for millions of families, seniors, patients, and small business owners. But those vital subsidies are set to expire unless Congress acts in the coming weeks. Today is Katie Berge , Senior Director of Federal Affairs at Blood Cancer United — formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — the largest global nonprofit...

The holidays are right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift can be a challenge — but Fine Wine & Good Spirits makes it easy to surprise and delight everyone on your list. Joining us is  Russell Johnson, Wine Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits , to share smart and festive gift ideas for wine and spirit lovers this season. 🌐 Fine Wine & Good Spirits — Website & Social...

The holidays are right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift can be a challenge — but Fine Wine & Good Spirits makes it easy to surprise and delight everyone on your list. Joining us is , Russell Johnson, Wine Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits , to share smart and festive gift ideas for wine and spirit lovers this season. 🌐 Fine Wine & Good Spirits — Website & Socia...

As temperatures drop, the risk of home fires rises — especially in communities where space heaters, extension cords, and older heating systems are part of everyday life. Ensuring families stay safe is a year-round mission for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and this season they’re teaming up with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey through the United We Prepare initi...

Each November, Gift of Life Donor Sabbath brings together faith leaders from diverse traditions to share a vital message: organ and tissue donation is an act of love, compassion, and charity. All major religions in the United States support donation as a selfless gift that saves lives.   Joining us for this inspiring conversation are:  Imam Dr. Raymond Brock-Murray, Masjid Baitul Nasr Pastor Charl...

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be behind us, but the fight against breast cancer continues every day. With 1 in 8 women in the U.S. expected to develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have — reducing the risk of death by more than 30%. Joining us is Jennifer Pantleo, Certified Breast Care Nurse and Vice President of Cli...

In our first segment, we welcome Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) — a nationally recognized leader working to rebuild the Black teacher pipeline and advance educational equity. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and movement-builder, Sharif shares how CBED is transforming the educational landscape through professional...

In this segment of Insight, a show about empowering our community, host Loraine Ballard Morrill explores a powerful new resource for families in Delaware County. Family Village, launched by The Foundation for Delaware County, brings together comprehensive, wraparound services — from pregnancy to early childhood — all under one roof. Loraine is joined by Joanne Craig, Chief Impact Officer, who shar...

🎧 Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia A great education can change everything — but for many Philadelphia families, financial barriers make that dream harder to reach. The Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) is closing that gap by providing thousands of scholarships so children can attend safe, quality K–8 tuition-based schools. Joining us is Keisha Jordan, President & CEO of...

🎧 Save the Cecil B. Moore Library Coalition The Save the Cecil B. Moore Library Coalition is a grassroots movement uniting neighbors, community leaders, and local organizations to protect and restore one of North Philadelphia’s most vital public spaces. Rooted in the legacy of civil rights leader Cecil B. Moore, the coalition is demanding transparency and the release of over $5.8 million in publi...

 North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn North Philadelphia has always been a powerhouse of culture, activism, and resilience — a cornerstone in America’s ongoing freedom story.  North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn is bringing that legacy to life through intergenerational storytelling, docent training, and community celebration. Joining us are Dr. Victoria Best, CEO of Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring S...

🎙️ WHAT’S GOING ON with Loraine Ballard Morrill Episode: Redefining Pain Management, Homeownership, and Remembering a Radio Legend In this episode of What’s Going On, we’re shining a light on health innovation, homeownership, and a heartfelt tribute to one of Philadelphia’s most beloved radio voices. First, we speak with Dr. Asif M. Ilyas, President of the Rothman Opioid Foundation — an organizati...

🎙️ INSIGHT with Loraine Ballard Morrill Episode: Elevating Voices, Inspiring Change In this episode of Insight, we’re celebrating leadership, empowerment, and second chances across our community. First, we talk with Maria DiCostanzo, Executive Vice President of ALPFA Philadelphia, about Women of ALPFA Presents: Elevating Voices, Inspiring Change — a celebration of leadership, allyship, and collect...

 🎙️ Insight — Part 1 Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati talks with Swati Chaturvedi , founder of the Community Bollywood Dance Project , about leading interactive Bollywood movement workshops at the Barnes Foundation PECO Free First Sunday —a day of free admission, family art activities, and access to Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets . Workshops celebrate rhythm, joy, and community for all ages...

As we approach the 2025 elections, we turn our focus to Pennsylvania’s children and families.  Kevin Burgess from the Children First Action Fund joins us, along with parents Samia Evans-Bolling , Regina Brown , and Jazmin Banks , to discuss how judicial elections impact school funding, child welfare, and public safety — and why it’s essential for voters to make informed choices this November. 🌐 L...

🎙️ WHAT’S GOING ON with Loraine Ballard Morrill In this week’s episode of What’s Going On , we highlight organizations and individuals making a lasting difference in our communities. First, we’re joined by Leah Yaw , Senior Vice President at Devereux , one of the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral healthcare organizations. For more than a century, Devereux has supported children, adolescents, a...

🎙️ INSIGHT with Loraine Ballard Morrill In this episode of Insight , we celebrate the power of art, advocacy, and community. First, we’re joined by the legendary Melba Moore — Tony Award-winning singer, actress, and trailblazer — along with Dyana Williams , acclaimed radio personality and music activist, and David Weisberg , Chief Development Officer at the Mazzoni Center . Together, they’ll share...

We’re  joined by Leah Yaw , Senior Vice President at Devereux , one of the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral healthcare organizations. For more than a century, Devereux has been supporting children, adolescents, and adults living with emotional, behavioral, and cognitive differences, helping them build fulfilling, independent lives. On Saturday, November 8 , Devereux Pennsylvania will host its...

💼 APM Job Fair Looking to make an impact and grow your career? Join Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) for their Job Fair on October 22nd from 10 AM to 3 PM at 730 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia . APM is hiring across multiple fields—child welfare, foster care, early childhood education, community, and economic development—and offers top-tier benefits including medical, dental, vision, lif...

🎨 Salvador Jiménez-Flores: Raíces & Resistencias (Roots & Resistances) Now on view at Grounds For Sculpture from September 28, 2025, to August 1, 2027 , this powerful exhibition brings together sculpture, installation, mural, and ceramic work exploring migration, cultural hybridity, memory, and resilience. Through layered visual storytelling, Jiménez-Flores traces his own multi-generation...

Girl Scouts of Eastern PA - Calling All Girl Bosses  I welcomed four inspiring guests from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Calling All Girl Bosses initiative —a free, yearlong leadership program helping girls in grades 6–12 become confident changemakers in their communities. Joining us are two remarkable Girl Scouts: Jasmine Wielgoszinski from Northeast Philly and Kinsley Jackson from We...

Segment 1: East Falls Development Corporation — Building Community and Connection Today we’re spotlighting one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant and scenic neighborhoods — East Falls . Joining us is Michelle Feldman , Executive Director of the East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) . Since 2021, Michelle has led initiatives that support small businesses, strengthen community partnerships, and enha...

Segment 1: AIDS Walk Philly and AIDS Fund — Honoring a Legacy of Care   We’re joined by Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with and affected by chronic illnesses, including HIV.   Evelyn shares insights into the organization’s ongoing work to promote health and wellness, along with details about their upcoming spe...