Philadelphia Community Podcast

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...

This week, we remember Anita Conner, Co-Founder of the breast cancer awareness and resource nonprofit  Praise Is the Cure , who was laid to rest alongside the memory of her late daughter, Kerri Conner Matchet. Anita and her family launched the organization to provide life-saving resources and mammograms, partnering with trusted messengers in faith-based institutions to reach women in need. Looking...

IBX Celebrate Caring 2025 – Honoring Nurses Who Inspire We’re proud to highlight the 2025 Celebrate Caring campaign by Independence Blue Cross (IBX) —a heartfelt initiative launched during National Nurses Week that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact nurses make in our communities. This annual campaign recognizes nurses who go above and beyond, demonstrating compassion, resilience, and...

🎙️ Insight Episode: Philadelphia’s Global Impact and IBX Celebrate Caring In this episode, we spotlight two powerful stories—one celebrating Philadelphia’s global identity and another honoring nurses making an extraordinary difference in our communities. 🌍 Part 1: World Heritage City Celebration with Zabeth Teelucksingh We’re joined by Zabeth Teelucksingh , President & CEO of the Global Phila...

🎙️ Insight Episode: Philadelphia’s Global Impact and IBX Celebrate Caring In this episode, we spotlight two powerful stories—one celebrating Philadelphia’s global identity and another honoring nurses making an extraordinary difference in our communities. 🌍 Part 1: World Heritage City Celebration with Zabeth Teelucksingh We’re joined by Zabeth Teelucksingh , President & CEO of the Global Phila...

August is recognized in the U.S. as National Minority Donor Awareness Month , an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging organ, eye, and tissue donation within multicultural communities.  This morning we tell the story of Joshua Lee, Lung Transplant Recipient – Age 64 . Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis as a teen, Joshua Lee’s condition eventually damaged his lungs, maki...

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 West Philadelphia. They’ll share how their Gold Award...

  🎧 What’s Going On – Changing the Narrative on Gun Violence + Wilmington Heart Walk Spotlight This week on What’s Going On , we speak with Sammy Caiola , Co-Director of the Association of Gun Violence Reporters , and Eric Marsh Sr. , Director of Operations at the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting . They discuss the urgent need for trauma-informed journalism and community-centered st...

In this episode of Insight , we’re highlighting three powerful community events making a difference in our region. First, we spotlight the Nicetown CDC Giveback Festival , an annual North Philly tradition filled with music, resources, and empowerment. Guests Majeedah Rashid , COO of Nicetown CDC, Zakariyya Abdur Rahman , President & CEO, and Tammy Boney , Production Manager and host, share how...

n this episode, host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with award-winning author Jason Mott, whose latest novel People Like Us delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the power of story. Mott, a National Book Award winner, shares his creative process, his thoughts on representation in literature, and what continues to inspire his work. 📚 Join Jason Mott in Philadelphia! He’ll be appearing on T...

Today’s episode is packed with powerful voices and community-driven stories—from educational planning and youth leadership to rising music talent.   First, we’re joined by Colonel Oz Hill , Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the School District of Philadelphia . With decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to community engagement, Colonel Hill shares how the District is invitin...