The Week on WURD

Thank you so much for listening to The Week on WURD — and for being part of our community. We really appreciate you spending time with us and following along with the podcast. While this chapter is coming to a close, WURD is just getting started. We’ve got more podcasts on the way, so stay connected. In the meantime, you can keep up with some of our best interviews and conversations by signing up...

Attorney  Michael Coard  joined  Evening WURDs  after the National Park Service removed the President’s House slavery memorial in Philadelphia. Coard outlined a lawsuit against the federal government and emphasized the site’s historic significance as the first federal slavery memorial—warning that further dismantling could follow without public and legal pressure. University of Texas law professor...

Jeff Jones , a national award–winning organizer and social impact strategist from Germantown, joined Evening WURDs to talk about reimagining public safety in Philadelphia beyond traditional policing. Drawing on more than two decades of grassroots work, he discussed community-centered approaches rooted in education, sustainability, and economic opportunity, arguing that long-term safety comes from...

The Year on WURD is a one-hour recap of the conversations that shaped 2025 — featuring powerful interviews, timely analysis, and moments that helped listeners make sense of a challenging year. From national politics and democracy to local accountability, justice, business, culture, and community, this special brings together voices from across WURD Radio’s programming. These are the conversations...

Film critic Tim Gordon joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to unpack the shifting media landscape driven by a high-stakes bidding war between Paramount and Netflix over Warner Bros. Discovery. Gordon examined how growing media consolidation increases political influence, limits creative independence, and ultimately harms consumers and media integrity. Leigh Owens , education and advocacy d...

Dr. Nola Haynes , national security and foreign policy expert, joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to unpack several unfolding global crises. She raised concerns about the scarcity of information surrounding the shooting of two National Guard soldiers, examined the potential illegality of recent Venezuelan boat strikes, and assessed why peace negotiations in Ukraine continue to fail. Hay...

Dr. Terence Keel , UCLA professor of Human Biology and Society and author of  The Coroner’s Silence: Death Records and the Hidden Victims of Police Violence , joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to examine the country’s broken system for tracking deaths in police custody. He outlined how coroners and medical examiners often obscure or misclassify police-involved deaths — a crisis that hi...

Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton and State Representative Jordan Harris , chair of the House Appropriations Committee, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to break down the newly passed $50.1 billion state budget after months of delays. They highlighted major victories — including historic school funding increases, a new tax credit for working families, and restored resources fo...

Mustafa Rashed , president and CEO of  Bellevue Strategies , joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to break down the results of Tuesday’s elections across the country. Rashed highlighted key  Democratic victories , examined what effective political messaging looks like in 2025, and warned of the  Supreme Court’s growing threat to Black voting rights . S. Mitra Kalita , veteran journalist a...

CNN anchor Abby Phillip joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss her debut book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power. Phillip reframes Rev. Jesse Jackson not as a fringe figure, but as a foundational architect of modern progressive politics — connecting his legacy to Barack Obama’s coalition-building and today’s struggles for voting rights and demo...

WVON host  Cleopatra Draper  joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to share firsthand insight into what’s unfolding in Chicago following the deployment of the National Guard and ICE. Draper described how these actions are heightening fear and tension in Black neighborhoods and reflected on how residents are organizing and responding in real time. Evening WURDs  with Dr. James Peterson feat...

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner  joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to respond to the Trump Administration’s deployment of the National Guard in Democratic-led cities, many governed by Black mayors. Krasner argued such actions are unconstitutional without a legitimate emergency, warned of the risk of authoritarian overreach, and shared what Philadelphians can do to protect...

Trymaine Lee , Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, joined  Evening WURDs  with Dr. James Peterson to discuss his new book  A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America . Lee spoke about the history of African Americans and guns, his reporting on the gun industry, and his own lived experience—including surviving a heart attack at 38, which forced him to confront the dee...

Herb Murrell , Philadelphia native, founding member, and longtime vocalist of The Stylistics, joined  The Midday Break Room  with Tiffany Bacon to preview the group’s upcoming performance. He reflected on The Stylistics’ legacy, their chart-topping classics like  “You Make Me Feel Brand New”  and  “Betcha by Golly, Wow” , and their impact on Philadelphia’s music scene. Gregory Jackson , former Bid...

Richard Lawson , actor best known for roles in Dirty Harry, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Grey’s Anatomy and more, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black. He also reflected on his 50-year career and the ways Perry has supported Black media professionals in Hollywood. Angela Matthews , investment strategist and founder of the Happy Investor Method, jo...

Luenell , the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy” and one of  LA Magazine’s  top 25 funniest people in Los Angeles, joined  Evening WURDs  with Dr. James Peterson for a candid and hilarious conversation. She talked about the comedians who inspired her, life on the road touring city to city, and her thoughts on the next wave of up-and-coming women in comedy. Vanessa German , nationally acclaimed artist,...

Philadelphia District Attorney  Larry Krasner  joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to weigh in on the federal takeover of the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Krasner discussed whether a similar intervention could occur in Philadelphia and explained the state laws that shape how such actions can be applied. Gia Peppers , award-winning journalist and producer, joined  Evening WURDs  wit...

John Graham , founder and CEO of Upfront Marital Technologies, joined Dr. James Peterson on  Evening WURDs  to discuss the state of Black marriage and the historical forces that have strained Black relationships over generations. He spoke about the structural barriers couples face, the role strong families play in building thriving communities, and how he hopes his app Upfront — a platform designe...

SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to explain the public transit agency’s ongoing structural budget deficit and what it means for Philadelphia commuters. He outlined the potential for widespread service cuts and fare hikes if lawmakers don’t reach a budget agreement by August 24. Justin Hunte , journalist and media critic, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. Jame...

Film critic Tim Gordon  joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to reflect on the career and cultural impact of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Gordon discussed Warner’s legacy within the Black community and how his role on  The Cosby Show  shaped his identity as “America’s son.” Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett , former chief diversity and equity officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined  The Mi...

Congresswoman  Summer Lee —the first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania—joined  Wake Up With WURD  guest hosts James Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to break down the new student loan law, the lack of federal aid, and how it could impact Black students and families. PA State Rep.  Andre Carroll  talks with  Evening WURDs  guest host P.O.C. about House Bill 1506, which would make it...

Angela Rye , award-winning legal analyst, social justice advocate, and podcast host, stopped by Evening WURDs to talk about the State of the People Tour, a national initiative focused on reclaiming democracy and mobilizing marginalized communities ahead of the 2024 election through conversation, connection, and culture. Rye offered insight on today’s most pressing political issues and shared detai...

Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta , who serves the 181st District, joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to break down what he calls the Trump “mega bill.” He outlined how the legislation would raise taxes on economically disadvantaged Americans, channel billions toward ICE and the military, and slash funding for vital programs like Medicare—directly impacting seniors and...

Actress, comedian, author, and host of the Daytime Emmy-nominated talk show  Sherri , Sherri Shepherd joined  The Midday Break Room  with Tiffany Bacon to discuss her career journey, her struggles in the entertainment industry, and her latest role in Tyler Perry’s new film,  Straw . Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined  Wake Up With WURD  with Solomon Jones to discuss his delayed budget proposal...

Pinky Cole  joined Dr. James Peterson on  Evening WURDs  to share how she turned Slutty Vegan into a $100 million brand, lost ownership during a 2025 restructuring, and bought it back. She also previewed her June 22 visit to Philly for the  Blueprint to Empire  brunch where she offered her insights on entrepreneurship and resilience. Jordyn Jay , founder and executive director of BTFA (Black Trans...