Philadelphia Community Podcast

Today we’re joined by members of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Pierians, Inc. — Felicia Collins , Chapter President, and event Co-Chairs Meridel Peterson and Donna Drake . They’re here to share details about the Inaugural Scholarship Fashion Show and Live Arts Brunch , happening Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Brossman Center, United Lutheran Seminary (7301 Germantown Avenue, Philad...

Keep It Clean With Raylene & Cleaning for a Reason We highlight an interview conducted by iHeartMedia Q102’s Rach on the Radio about Keep It Clean With Raylene , a Philadelphia-based cleaning company making a difference through its 18-year partnership with Cleaning for a Reason , the nonprofit that provides free home cleanings to cancer patients. Hear how Raylene Arko and her team bring hope,...

African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) We’re joined by Regina Hairston , President & CEO of AACC. Under her leadership, the Chamber continues to advocate for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, providing vital resources and opportunities to grow and thrive. The Chamber is preparing for its 32nd Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6–9 PM at the Bel...

We’re joined by  Dr. Heather K. Beasley , a leading cancer researcher and MAGEC Fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As Chair of the AACR Associate Member Council, Dr. Beasley is advancing research on cancer disparities, particularly in underserved communities. • AACR –  www.aacr.org

Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy E. Holland , Executive Director of Elevate 215 . With 30 years of experience creating educational solutions for children, Dr. Holland is helping to align Philadelphia’s education community around a shared vision: ensuring every child has access to a quality school that prepares them to thrive. She shares insights on School Selection Month , the new Philly Schools Co...

Today we’re joined by Dr. Stacy E. Holland , Executive Director of Elevate 215 . With 30 years of experience creating educational solutions for children, Dr. Holland is helping to align Philadelphia’s education community around a shared vision: ensuring every child has access to a quality school that prepares them to thrive. She shares insights on School Selection Month , the new Philly Schools Co...

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with celebrated children’s book author Sharon Flake , whose powerful stories have inspired young readers for over two decades. Sharon is also the featured guest in Vanesse’s monthly segment “What is Philadelphia Reading?” , where she shares her literary journey and the impact of her award-winning books. Connect with Sharon Flake 🌐 Website: sharongflake .co...

🌟 HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy – 4th Annual Community Day We’re joined by Christina Service, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, and Ceciry Pimentel Rodriguez, Director of Community Engagement at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. For more than 140 years, HMS has been a vital resource for children with complex physical and communication needs, creating a supportive...

Today on the show, we bring you three powerful conversations centered on health, awareness, and empowerment in our communities. 🩺 Men’s Health Awareness Event We’re joined by Dr. John Porter, Director of the Trauma Center at Cooper University Health Care, to discuss a life-saving event dedicated to men’s health. 📢 Attention, men—and those who love them! Join us for a FREE Men’s Health Awareness...

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...

Today we’re spotlighting The Velvet Whip Arts and Social Club, one of Philadelphia’s newest hubs for live entertainment, culture, and community. Joining us is Nasir “Mizzy” Mack, Creative Executive Officer of SERF, a full-service creative agency behind major events like Wawa Welcome America, The Atlantic Festival, and the upcoming launch of Velvet Whip. Nasir shares insights on Velvet Whip’s excit...

🎙️ Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) with Steve Luxton Today we’re joined by Steve Luxton, CEO & Executive Director  and Lorraine Horton  the Director of Community Programs at the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) . Since 1984, ECA has worked to end energy poverty in Philadelphia. Through its 16 Neighborhood Energy Centers , ECA provides bill payment help, energy education, housing counseling, a...

Today we’re joined by Reverend Zemoria Brandon (she/her) , Administrator and Social Worker for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America – Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter (SCDAA-PDVC) . Reverend Brandon is a passionate advocate for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease. She leads outreach, education, and advocacy efforts, and also chairs the SiNERGe “Shine the Light on...

We’re joined by Tracy Davidson — award-winning journalist, breast cancer survivor, and co-anchor of NBC10 News at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tracy is also the founder and host of Lifting Your Voice , a powerful retreat designed to help women reset, refocus, and recharge. With more than 30 years in broadcast journalism and 14 Emmy Awards, Tracy is a fierce advocate for resilience, community, and purpose. Sh...

We’re joined by Tracy Davidson — award-winning journalist, breast cancer survivor, and co-anchor of NBC10 News at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tracy is also the founder and host of Lifting Your Voice , a powerful retreat designed to help women reset, refocus, and recharge. With more than 30 years in broadcast journalism and 14 Emmy Awards, Tracy is a fierce advocate for resilience, community, and purpose. Sh...

  Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with Michael Harriot , an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, celebrated poet, and public historian hailed as “one of the most eloquent writers in America.” Since its 2023 release, his New York Times bestseller Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America has been the top-selling Black history book in the country. He is also the founder...

🎙️ In this episode, we spotlight two dynamic changemakers in Philadelphia: Erikka Goslin , Executive Director of Taller Puertorriqueño , who invites us to the Feria del Barrio Festival —a free, family-friendly celebration of Latino culture on Sunday, September 7, 2025 (12–5 PM) along North 5th Street—with music, dance, food, and art. Visit tallerpr.org or follow @tallerpr on Instagram, Facebook, a...

 In this episode, I speak with Bruce Rush , Treasurer of the Achievement Foundation and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, and Keith Ellison , President of the Achievement Foundation. As part of its yearlong 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Kappa Achievement Center (5521 Germantown Avenue, Germantown), the Achievement Foundation—the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi F...

I speak to   Dr. Kirk Noel Garratt , Medical Director of the Center for Heart and Vascular Health at ChristianaCare and former president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. A nationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology, Dr. Garratt shares his insights on prevention, education, and equity in cardiovascular care—and invites listeners to the 2025 Wilmington...

Honoring Minority Organ Donor Awareness Month In recognition of August as Minority Organ Donor Awareness Month, we’re sharing powerful stories that highlight the lifesaving impact of organ donation within communities of color. This episode features  Maxine Williams of Audubon, PA, widow of Al Williams — a U.S. Navy veteran, General Mills employee, coach, and kidney recipient. Al’s transplant in 20...

Saving the Wanamaker Light Show Today we’re joined by  Kathryn Ott Lovell , President & CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, to talk about an exciting campaign to bring back two of Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village . For generations, families have gathered under the glow of the Light Show, listened to the majestic sounds of the Wana...

Barbers Who Care Free Haircut & Back-to-School Drive Today we’re joined by  Kenny Duncan , CEO and co-founder of Barbers Who Care — a celebrity barber, salon owner, and nationally recognized educator. For 16 years, Kenny and his team have been uplifting Philadelphia youth through mentorship, health and wellness, and their annual Barbers Who Care Free Haircut & Back-to-School Drive . This y...

Today we’re joined by Kathryn Ott Lovell , President & CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, to talk about an exciting campaign to bring back two of Philadelphia’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village . For generations, families have gathered under the glow of the Light Show, listened to the majestic sounds of the Wanamaker Organ, and created cherishe...

  I speak with David Gutstadt , a Philadelphia-based hospitality and real estate executive with over two decades of experience in hotels, leisure, fitness, and real estate. He is the founder and CEO of Ballers , a hospitality-forward social sports brand launched in 2023. Ballers redefines urban recreation by combining elevated sport experiences—like pickleball, padel, squash, golf simulators, and...

In this episode, I speak with Reverend Steven T. Robinson —Founder, Chairman, and Director of the Inter-Faith Social Change Movement, and Pastor of God’s Missionary Baptist Church. Widely recognized as one of Philadelphia’s most innovative and outspoken spiritual leaders, Rev. Robinson is a pioneer in the education of disadvantaged children, an accomplished author, and a musician. His decades of s...