Philadelphia Community Podcast

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,...

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...