Philadelphia Community Podcast

Philadelphia Community Podcast

Each week, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks to community leaders and groups in the Philadelphia region about topics affecting our local communities and upcoming events. Insight airs Sunday on WDAS FM 6-7 am and 7-7:30 am on Power 99. What's Going On airs Sundays on Q102, ALT 104.5, and 1480 Breakthrough Radio.

Episodes

August 29, 2025 30 mins
🎙️ 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, and X/Twitter.  

 After reading an eloq...
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 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 Fraternity, Inc.—is presenting the ina...
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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 Heart Walk, happening Sunday, Septemb...
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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 2011 gave him 12 more years of life, du...
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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 Wanamaker Organ, and created cherished memo...
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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 year’s event takes place Sunday, August ...
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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 cherished memories in the heart of Center Cit...
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  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 turf—with refined design, dining, wel...
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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 service have earned him numerous cita...
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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 back through my archives, I found an...
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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 a deep commitment to those they serv...
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🎙️ 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 Philadelphia Association, to talk about th...
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🎙️ 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 Philadelphia Association, to talk about th...
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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, making it difficult to breathe or work. B...
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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 projects are making an impact—from ad...
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  🎧 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 storytelling in reshaping the national conv...
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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 the festival promotes safety, wellness,...
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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 Tuesday, August 6 at 6 PM at Barnes &...
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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 inviting families, students, and staff to he...
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In this episode, we’re highlighting three powerful voices working at the intersection of opportunity, advocacy, and artistry.

🎧 Omar Nelson, Executive Director of the Samuel Staten, Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program (SSSPAP), shares his journey from social services to leading one of the region’s most impactful workforce development initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in case management and workforce programming, Omar is help...
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