Philadelphia Community Podcast

We’re joined by Keir Bradford‑Grey , one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys and a partner at Marrone Law . The former Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Keir has spent her career fighting for justice and equity. In this powerful conversation, we explore the real‑world impact of Trump‑era policies and recent Supreme Court rulings on civil rights — from voting an...

Despite a little rain, the Overbrook Night Market was back in full swing — celebrating five years of food, music, and community vibes! Held at 63rd & Lancaster Avenue, the event brought out hundreds of neighbors for an unforgettable night of live performances, family fun, and 30+ amazing food vendors. Presented by State Representative Morgan Cephas and Overbrook West Neighbors , the Night Mark...

🎙️ NRG’s 10th Annual Media Charity Flag Football Game We kick things off with an on-site interview featuring Dan McCunney , Senior Manager of Communications at NRG , during their 10th Annual Media Charity Flag Football Game . The event supports some of the region’s most impactful nonprofits and highlights how NRG customers can give back through their utility bills or receive rewards like airline m...

🎙️ Sheriff Rochelle Bilal Deputy Sheriff Recruitment Driv Today we welcome Sheriff Rochelle Bilal , the first African American woman elected Sheriff in the City of Philadelphia. She leads the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office with a commitment to transparency, reform, and community engagement. Sheriff Bilal joins us to discuss the upcoming Second Deputy Sheriff Recruitment Drive , a partnership with P...

Today’s guest is Dr. Bernadine Ahonkhai—educator, historian, and Founder of Coalition4Justice. A passionate advocate and author, Dr. Ahonkhai joins us to discuss her powerful new book, Reclaiming Our Forgotten Legacy: The African Blueprint for Educational Transformation. The book reclaims African history, examines the global diaspora, and celebrates a legacy of resilience, identity, and contributi...

🎙️ APM’s 21st Annual Sugarcane Festival I speak with Emily Cordero, Director of Communications for Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM)—a trusted nonprofit serving Philadelphia’s Latino community for over 55 years. Emily joins us to share details about the 21st Annual Sugarcane Festival—a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, food, music, and culture happening on Saturday, June...

🎙️ APM’s 21st Annual Sugarcane Festival  I speak with Emily Cordero, Director of Communications for Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM)—a trusted nonprofit serving Philadelphia’s Latino community for over 55 years. Emily joins us to talk about the 21st Annual Sugarcane Festival—a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, food, music, and culture happening Saturday, June 14, 2025, f...

🎙️ FreshStartPHL – Helping Renters Bridge the Gap We’re talking about a new initiative designed to help working Philadelphians move toward stable housing. Joining us is David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC—Philadelphia’s full-service community development organization. David shares insights about FreshStartPHL, a pilot program that helps renters cover the upfront costs of moving into a new home...

🎙️ Summer in New Hope, PA Today we’re heading to the vibrant and picturesque town of New Hope, Pennsylvania —a destination known for its charm, culture, and a summer lineup that lights up the night sky and brings the community together. Joining us are Michael Sklar , President of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Brashier , Vice President. Together, they lead both the Greater New...

🎙️ Honoring Fatherhood with Bilal Qayyum Today we’re joined by Bilal Qayyum, co-founder and president of the Father’s Day Rally Committee (FDRC)—an organization that has uplifted and empowered Black fathers and mentors for over three decades. We’ll discuss the 28th Annual Gerald Wright Fatherhood Awards Ceremony & Dinner, a signature event celebrating men who have stepped up for their children...

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati Presents: A Conversation with E.B. Lewis Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati highlights an exciting upcoming event presented by the Library Association in Philadelphia, featuring the renowned illustrator E.B. Lewis. With more than 70 acclaimed children’s books to his name—including Coming On Home Soon , The Other Side , and Preaching to the Chickens —Lewis has received prestig...

⚖️ SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo In our monthly SpeakOut segment, we welcome back Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and creator of the Caravan of Hope, a national initiative delivering free legal services to underserved LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S. Angela, a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ legal expert and advocate, brings us timely insights into the Defense Secretary’s recent deci...

🛑 United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), joins us to share details about the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, taking place on Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful event brings together families, advocates, and service provid...

🎯 Gun Violence Prevention & Mental Health Support Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), discusses the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, happening Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful gathering promotes awareness, healing, and community action in the face of gun violenc...

Arun Prabhakaran , Executive Director of the Urban Affairs Coalition , and Jeremy Williams , Producer of Philly Pride 365 , preview the 2025 Philadelphia Pride March and Festival on Sunday, June 1 . This year’s theme, “Philly L.U.V. – Legacy, Unity, and Visibility,” highlights expanded programming, a 600-foot progress pride flag, and inclusive spaces for all. 🌐 phillypride365.org/pride-weekend 📲...

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are: • Annette A. Anthony , author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir , who takes readers on a flavorful global journey root...

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are: • Annette A. Anthony , author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir , who takes readers on a flavorful global journey root...

Today we’re joined by Dan Drake , President and CEO of Trinity Health Continuing Care , to talk about an innovative and compassionate model of senior care— Trinity Health PACE . PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, helps older adults remain in their homes while receiving high-quality, nursing-home-level care. With a strong presence in the Delaware Valley under the...

I’m joined by two powerful voices in journalism and education — Yvonne Latty, executive producer of the new podcast MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy and director of the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting at Temple University, and Linn Washington, veteran journalist and podcast host who has reported on the MOVE story for more than 50 years. Their six-part podcast, produced in collaboration...

May 8th was Black Teacher Appreciation Day—a national celebration led by the Center for Black Educator Development to honor the “Dreamkeepers” who educate, empower, and inspire every day. Held during National Teacher Appreciation Week, this year’s theme is Radical Well-being, highlighting the urgent need to support the wellness and self-care of Black teachers in and beyond the classroom. Power99 i...

I’m joined by two powerful voices in journalism and education — Yvonne Latty, executive producer of the new podcast MOVE: Untangling the Tragedy and director of the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting at Temple University, and Linn Washington, veteran journalist and podcast host who has reported on the MOVE story for more than 50 years. Their six-part podcast, produced in collaboration...

Honoring Coach Fred Rosenfeld’s Legacy If you’re lucky, you’ve had a mentor like Coach Fred Rosenfeld —a Philadelphia legend whose impact as a teacher, track coach, and community builder lives on. Rachel Berger of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and Steven Bayne , a former political consultant and Overbrook Track alum, share efforts to rename a street in Fred’s honor and ra...

Bridging the Capital Gap We’re joined by Varsovia Fernandez , CEO of the Pennsylvania CDFI Network —a coalition of mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to closing the capital gap in underserved communities across Pennsylvania. Varsovia shares details on a new grant program designed to support small businesses—especially in regions that have historically lacked access to capital. 🔗 Lear...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati sits down with Zabeth Teelucksingh , President of the Global Philadelphia Association, to mark a major milestone— Philadelphia’s 10th anniversary as the first World Heritage City in the United States . They discuss how this designation has elevated the city's global profile and the events planned to celebrate its rich heritage.  🔗 Learn more: globalphiladelphia.o...

🏙 Affordable Housing & the Housing Trust Fund In Philadelphia, developers can pay a fee instead of including affordable units in their projects—with those funds intended for the City’s Housing Trust Fund. But communities haven’t seen the housing benefits they were promised. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier joins us to discuss a ballot question that could help make sure those developer payment...