Philadelphia Community Podcast

  🏙 Affordable Housing & the Housing Trust Fund In Philadelphia, developers can pay a fee instead of building affordable housing—with those funds intended for the City’s Housing Trust Fund. But the reality hasn’t matched the promise. We’ll speak with City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier about a new ballot question that could change that and help ensure these payments actually support affordable h...

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...

This week, we sit down with Loree Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, to discuss the organization’s 40th anniversary and the mounting challenges in the fight against hunger. As federal funding cuts slash critical food programs and inflation drives grocery prices higher, Philabundance is doubling down on its mission to feed communities across Southeastern PA and Southern NJ. Hear how the loss of pro...

This April, we recognize National Reentry Month by spotlighting the work of the Philadelphia Office of Reentry Partnerships and Executive Director Assata Thomas . We discuss the city's commitment to supporting justice-impacted individuals, along with several key events happening throughout the month—from job fairs to expungement clinics. 🗓️  Upcoming Events: April 25: Investafest (9AM–3PM) – Energ...

In this episode, we sit down with Louis King , President of OIC of America , to discuss their national impact, the urgency of diversifying the construction trades, and how the Pennsylvania Gas Tax plays a key role in funding opportunity. King breaks down who really benefits from the gas tax, the current diversity challenges within PennDOT’s workforce, and how community engagement can help drive so...

We shine a light on the life-saving work of the  Gift of Life Donor Program , now celebrating its 50th anniversary . We’re joined by Richard Hasz , President & CEO of Gift of Life, and Justin Trotman , a Philly native, husband, father, and kidney transplant waitlist patient. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest organ procurement organizations, Gift of Life continues to lead in organ and t...

This week, we meet an extraordinary young hero: 6-year-old Nikos Kaymakcian , New Jersey’s 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion . Diagnosed with the most serious form of Spina Bifida before birth, Nikos has overcome tremendous challenges with the support of his family and care team at Children’s Specialized Hospital . A wheelchair basketball player, NY Giants superfan, and proud big brother, N...

🌈 In our SpeakOUT segment, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo , a nationally respected attorney, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ+ activist. Founder of Giampolo Law Group (GLG) , Angela specializes in LGBTQ+ legal advocacy, estate planning, civil rights, and family law. We discuss the impact of Trump-era executive orders on the LGBTQIA+ community —and what that means for civil rights, safety, and equality in...

This week, we meet an extraordinary young hero: 6-year-old Nikos Kaymakcian , New Jersey’s 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion . Diagnosed with the most serious form of Spina Bifida before birth, Nikos has overcome tremendous challenges with the support of his family and care team at Children’s Specialized Hospital . A wheelchair basketball player, NY Giants superfan, and proud big brother, N...

This week, we bring you two powerful conversations about justice, community, and hope. First, we speak with Reverend Gregory Holston , founder of Just Nation , an organization dedicated to fighting racism at every level of government. Reverend Holston shares details about the upcoming Coalition to Defend Democracy Mass Rally , happening Tuesday, April 22, from 6–8 PM at 10th Memorial Baptist Churc...

This week marks Black Maternal Health Week , a time to raise awareness about the alarming disparities in care experienced by Black mothers and babies. In this episode, we hear from Jenne Johns , founder of Once Upon a Preemie , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black families navigating the challenges of premature birth. Jenne recently testified before Philadelphia City Council to advocate for i...

Thinking about buying a pre-owned car? It can be a smart financial move—but only if you know what to look for. I’m joined by Joshua Blum of Joshua Motors to share expert advice on how to shop smart. From spotting red flags to avoiding common mistakes, Joshua breaks down what makes a reliable used car and how to ensure you're making a sound investment. Learn more at jmccauto.com   Books, big ideas,...

I’m joined by Gloria Malone from Vital Strategies and Keli McLoyd, Director of the Overdose Response Unit for the City of Philadelphia, to talk about the You Can Save Lives campaign. At a time when overdose deaths continue to rise in the Black community, this initiative raises critical awareness about the life-saving power of Naloxone and the urgent need for overdose prevention strategies that mat...

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with acclaimed poet, performer, and recording artist Ursula Rucker in celebration of National Poetry Month this April. Follow Ursula on Instagram and Twitter:  @urucker for more of her powerful words and performances. Also featured in this episode is Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, First Lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, human rights activist, and children’s boo...

Kim Fraites-Dow , the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania joined us to talk about the highly anticipated GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way , happening on May 17, 2025 , at the Pennsylvania Convention Center . This event is designed to empower and inspire girls in grades K-12 , offering a full day of leadership, creativity, and fun. Kim will also share insights into the Calling All Girl Bosses in...

We’re excited to highlight an event that’s all about economic empowerment and uplifting local Black and minority-owned businesses. I speak to   Lori Noel —Chair of the Economic Development Committee of the South Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She’s here to talk about the Annual Black and Minority Business Expo, happening in collaboration with Cherry Hill West a...

We’re partnering with a coalition of Black community leaders, government officials, and health experts in Philadelphia and across seven cities today launched You Have the Power to Save Lives , a campaign to promote the use of the overdose-reversing naloxone in Black communities.  Here’s an excerpt of a news conference announcing the campaign to raise awareness about overdose and the availability f...

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode the latest executive orders impacting the community and the elimination of over 200 words on government websites that not only impact LGTQIA+ but individuals in the wider community. Giampolo Law Group    X: @Philly Gay Lawyer Instagram: @yourgaylawyer TikTo...

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode the latest executive orders impacting the community and the elimination of over 200 words on government websites that not only impact LGTQIA+ but individuals in the wider community. Giampolo Law Group    X: @Philly Gay Lawyer Instagram: @yourgaylawyer TikTo...

🎧 LIHEAP: Help Paying Utility Bills Struggling with utility bills? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers grants to help eligible households stay warm without needing to repay the funds. With millions in aid going unclaimed, PECO is encouraging customers to apply before the April 4, 2025 deadline. You don’t need to be on public assistance to qualify. 🎙️ Guest: Patricia King...

I speak to Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" Fayanju, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Penn Medicine.  Dr, Fayanju discusses the factors that have resulted in higher mortality rates for Black Women and the critical importance of early detection and knowing family history.   https://pennmedicine.org/BreastCancerCare  

💰 Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Times Worried about your 401K? Unsure how to manage your finances in today’s unpredictable market? We get expert advice from award-winning wealth manager Allie Plonska of Morgan Stanley on making smart, strategic financial decisions. 📩 Contact Allie Plonska ✉️ Email: alicja.plonska@morganstanley.com 📞 Phone: (215) 497-7074 🎧 Further Listening: Gain deepe...

The U.S. may be one of the world’s wealthiest nations, but when it comes to the health of pregnant Black women, our maternal health outcomes rank alongside those of developing countries. Black maternal morbidity—pregnancy-related complications that cause short- or long-term health problems—continues to be a crisis. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in collaboration with Birth Justice P...

Protecting Medicaid: The “Hands Off Medicaid”   Campaign Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for essential health care, from seniors in nursing homes to children and expectant mothers. However, recent proposals in Congress threaten to slash Medicaid funding, potentially stripping health care from 72 million Americans to finance tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporation s. 🎙️ Guest: Leslie Da...

🍪 Great News for Girl Scout Cookie Fans! Craving Thin Mints or Caramel deLites? You’re in luck! Girl Scout Cookies are available longer this year—now through April 12! Get your favorites shipped directly to your door while supporting Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP). I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for GSEP, about the impact of this annual fundraiser and how you...