May 21, 2026 • 28 mins
Today, we’re taking a flavorful journey to Jamaica through food, culture, and storytelling. Joining us is celebrated chef, three-time Chopped champion, and culinary ambassador Chef Andre Fowles, whose new cookbook, My Jamaican Table: Vibrant Recipes from a Sun-Drenched Island, shares more than 100 recipes inspired by the warmth, resilience, and rich traditions of Jamaica. From authentic jerk cooking and curry goat to modern Caribbean-inspired creations, Chef Fowles discusses how food reflects history, culture, and community — and why preserving culinary traditions matters. We also talk about his inspiring journey from Kingston to becoming one of the most recognized Jamaican chefs in the world, along with his commitment to giving back through community and recovery efforts in Jamaica. My Jamaican Table: Vibrant Recipes from a Sun-Drenched Island was published by Artisan Books on March 10, 2026. Learn more:
• My Jamaican Table by Andre Fowles Follow on social media:
• Instagram: @cheffowles
World Ovarian Cancer Day & OCRA
May 8 marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global effort to raise awareness about one of the most difficult cancers to detect early. Today, we’re joined by Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing ovarian and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and caregivers through education, advocacy, and critical resources. We discuss the warning signs and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, the importance of understanding family history and genetic testing, and how women can advocate for their health in medical settings. Audra also shares details about OCRA’s groundbreaking Community Accelerated Research Exchange and “Living Lab,” an innovative initiative designed to transform how patient experiences inform cancer research in real time.
Learn more:
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
Follow on social media:
• Instagram: OCRA Instagram
• X/Twitter: OCRA X/Twitter
• My Jamaican Table by Andre Fowles Follow on social media:
• Instagram: @cheffowles
World Ovarian Cancer Day & OCRA
May 8 marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global effort to raise awareness about one of the most difficult cancers to detect early. Today, we’re joined by Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing ovarian and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and caregivers through education, advocacy, and critical resources. We discuss the warning signs and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, the importance of understanding family history and genetic testing, and how women can advocate for their health in medical settings. Audra also shares details about OCRA’s groundbreaking Community Accelerated Research Exchange and “Living Lab,” an innovative initiative designed to transform how patient experiences inform cancer research in real time.
Learn more:
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
Follow on social media:
• Instagram: OCRA Instagram
• X/Twitter: OCRA X/Twitter
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to what's going on a show
about making a difference in our lives in our communities.
I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow. This week, we celebrate Jamaican culture and
cuisine with Chef Andre Fowls, raise awareness about women's health
with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and we bring you
a special feature where Courage Lives. Stories of courage and
connection stay with us. We're taking a flavorful journey to
(00:23):
Jamaica through food, culture and storytelling. My guest is a
celebrated chef, three time Chopped Champion and culinary Ambassador, Chef
Andre Fowls, whose new cookbook, My Jamaican Table, Vibrant Recipes
from a sun Drenched Island, shares more than a hundred
recipes inspired by the warmth, resilience, and rich traditions of Jamaica,
(00:46):
from jerk chicken and curry goat to modern twists on
Caribbean classics. Chef Fowls is bringing the heart and soul
of Jamaican cuisine to kitchens everywhere. So Chef Andre, congratulations
on My Jamaican Table. What inspired you to create this
cookbook and what story did you most want readers to experience?
Through these recipes.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, now, thank you so much for having me, and
thank you for such a wonderful introduction. To be honest,
this cookbook has been, you know, my lifelong dreams, you know,
as a young chef growing up in Jamaica and then
eventually migrating here to the States, I've always wanted to
create a book that pays homage to Jamaica and to
help people recreate these amazing recipes, and then of course
(01:30):
along the way being a classically trained chef. This book
really tells a story of traditional and creativity all wrapped
into one beautiful package. And it's it's it's visually stunning,
but the recipes are so thoughtfully done that even a
novice cook a somebody that's you know, whether you're a
Jamaican or non Jamaican, and like this book is for you.
(01:50):
There's just a wide range of recipes from the classics,
like the jerk chicken, like you mentioned, the ox steal,
the rice and piece, things that are synonymous to jam
and cuisine, and then from like oxialnokita coffee, cocoa land chops,
like stuff that are more creative and more refined. There
is something there in the book Yeah, but I really
(02:11):
wanted to tell my story and what food Jamaican cuisine
means to me as a chef as well.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
You described Jamaican food as a reflection of history, resilience,
and celebration. How do the many cultural influences in Jamaica's
shape the Islands cuisine and the cuisine that you promote today.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
There's there's something that we say in Jamaica.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
It's it's our motto and it's called out of many
one people, and that what really means is that Jamaica
has a very eclectic influence, starting with the local indigenous
people those were called the Taiano's people, and then income
the Spanish, and income the British and then Africans, and
so we have a very diverse influence when it comes
(02:56):
to the food. And when you see the landscape of
the cuisine, for instance, correct goat Indian as well. And
then you have the patties, which is more British, which
is a play a play a play off their traditional
Cornish pasty. So the cuisine has a lot of layers
to it, and you know, and then when you think
about the Spanish influence with it with the saltfish, the
(03:16):
buccalo and the escavat fish, and it's just a very
delicious cuisine. And in the book, I tell a beautiful
story of all those steps in history in terms of
the migration of people and ingredients and where and pretty
much why we cook the way we cook and why
it is that, you know, we're so proud of it.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Jerk cooking has become popular worldwide. But you say jerk
is a technique, not a trend. What do people misunderstand
most about authentic Jamaican jerk cooking.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think the misconception of jerk tends to be it's
a spicy chicken, you know. Are is just something that's
just you know, throw it down a grilla. It's it's
a combination of seasoning and technique. So the first first
lens itself to the ingredients. So you have to have
a certain amount of ingredients to make it authentic. Jerk
(04:08):
are close to it as possible. The first one includes
the odd spice berry, the pimento that gives you a
very rich notes of like sweet warm spices. Then you
have the Scotch budy. Then you have your garlic, your
ginger and stuff like that. So you create a marination
from that, a wet marination, a wet paste. And then
you have to then marinate your meats whatever, chicken, pork,
(04:29):
whatever it is. You have to allow that seasoning blend
to then penetrate you know, your meats. And then the
cooking technique has to have smoke to it. There has
to be a smoky element. Whether it's a traditional road
that they do in Jamaica that they slow roasted over
pimental wood arts on a jerk grill, that's fine, but
you have to follow those two steps in terms of
(04:51):
the seasoning process and the cooking process. But in the
book as well, obviously a lot of people may not
have access to an outdoor grill. You can do it
in the Oven's perfectly fine. You'll get a similar flavora
butle you won't get that real smoky flavorable. Once you
have that season in down, it's going to be delicious regardless.
But yeah, I just wanted to tell the story of
(05:12):
how Jerk came a boat, So in the book, I
delve deeply into the history of Jerk.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
You know, the past and the present.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
You're making me so hungry right.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now, accomplish yes.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
Now, beyond the food, you are deeply involved in community
work through the Rock House Foundation and Hurricane Melissa recovery
efforts in Jamaica. Why is it important for you to
connect food with giving back and also uplifting communities.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
It's one of the most deep roofy thing that you
can do as a human being, is to offer nourishment
to someone being that food. That's been a focal point
of my life because growing up in Jamaica, my childhood
was really rough, you know, and oh my mom and
grandmother show their love was through a well foutled, well
prepared meal. So I've grown up with that valid that
(06:02):
food is more than just something that's on a plate.
It's a story, it's kindness, it's like being thoughtful in
such it seems so simple, but it means so much.
So when Jamaica got hit by Melissa, obviously we all.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Know the news because it was everywhere.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It definitely it ravaged one section of the island and
then people were cut off, but you know, they couldn't
get food, they couldn't get those basic essentials. So being
Jamaican and being a chef, it really hits home in
so many ways because it's obviously my homeland and seeing
you know, seeing people being deprived of food and everything,
(06:40):
I had to do something, so I immediately got on
a flight. I teamed up with the World's Central Kitchen
and started to cook as much as we can. I've
raised We've raised a lot of money as well, to
give back to the Rock House Foundation and to help
to you know, to supply warm meals to each and
every one that we could, and it it made me
(07:00):
feel just something good inside because I did what I
could to help, you know, get people back on their feet.
And there were a few stories along the way where
I was out in the field handing out package up
of cooked meals and someone came up to me and
say that we're doing great work here where they're so
thankful that you guys are here because everyone wants a
(07:22):
warm meal. And it's just one of those things that
really made it feel extra special. So it's something that
I'm really proud of to to find ways to give
back culinarily, you know, to everyone that's in need.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Now there's a little side note that I heard that
you actually cook for Bruce Springsteen.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Is that right? That is correct? Tell me more.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
How did you hook up with Bruce Springsteen?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I met Bruce through his great friends Sting, so I
also cook a Sting as well.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
So okay, yeah, it's a great group of people.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
I'm very fortunate and lucky to have them because they're
just the most incredible people you can ever meet. They're gracious,
they're amazing, they're kinder, thoughtful, they're appreciative of the cuisine
that I cook. They just happen to be really famous people,
you know, but you couldn't tell because they're just the
most genuine, kind hearted people. Yes, I met Sting first,
(08:21):
and then Stink introduced me to Bruce, and I've been
cooking for them for the last five years. And yeah,
Bruce is just really incredible and his family lives out
in New Jersey, so I'm going I go back and
forth from New York to New Jersey, you know, on
a weekly basis. And again, it goes back to food, because,
as you know, Bruce has been around for a very
(08:43):
long time, so he has eaten at some of the
best restaurants.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
He has seen it all, taste it all.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
And when once he tasted my food and his wonderful
wife Patty tasted my food and their family, it was
just something special about the food because how I cook,
I cook on a modern approach, but I always inject
my Caribbean roots and my Caribbean flavors into everything that
I do, and that's what really won them over. It's
(09:10):
like this food is so incredible that they've never tasted
anything like this. So it's just a wonderful tree to
go in every day knowing that my clients absolutely adore
my cuisine and their respect and love who I am
as a person. So it doesn't feel like work, honestly,
it just feels like I'm lis saying, you know, with
my friends and family.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Oh that's beautiful, and it's nice to know that those
two icons are nice people, so great.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
To take amazing people. Yes, that is fantastic. Well, your
book is out, how do we get a copy? And
also how do we follow you on social media or
do you have a website?
Speaker 4 (09:42):
Tell us all that stuff?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Absolutely, thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah, my website, so my Taggi Chef Foods, the c
h Ef, my last name fow l Ees on all
social platforms Instagram, Facebook, I'm not getting into TikTok. There's
so many social media pla from these days, and my
website is the same thing. If you go to Google
chef falls that will pop up an take you to
(10:06):
my website. And in regards to getting the book, the
most convenient way to get it is obviously Amazon, that's easy,
or you can get it at any major local bookshops.
Bookstores are on Ashed Publishing website. It's all it's it's
a globally published book, so it's easily available Target, Barnes
(10:26):
and Noble, William's, Nooma, it's really everywhere, so it's my
jamaicaan table.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Well, I thank you so much for joining us today
and taking us through this flavorful journey through food, culture
and storytelling. The book again is My Jamaican Table, vibrant
recipes from a sun drenched island, chef files bringing the
heart and soul of Jamaican concine to kitchens everywhere.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
Thank you so much, Thank you so much, Rovinman. This
was a wonderful interview. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Looking for a fun, family friendly day, it makes a
real difference. Joys for the New Hope Dog Festival ten
am to four pm on Saturday, June sixth. This one
of a kind event brings together dog lovers, rescue organizations,
and adaptable pets all in one place enjoy live music, agility, demos, vendors,
and great food, plus the chance to meet your new
best friend is at Rice's Market sixty three, twenty six
(11:19):
Green Hill Road in New Hope. Learn more at dog
daddyfest dot org, the New Hope Dog Festival where community, compassion,
and canines come together. May eighth marked World Ovarian Cancer Day,
a global effort to raise awareness about one of the
(11:40):
most difficult cancers to detect early. Today we're joined by
Adra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance,
which is the world's largest organization dedicated to advancing ovarian
and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and caregivers through education, advocacy,
and critical resources. We'll talk about prevention, the importance of
(12:04):
knowing your family history, and a groundbreaking new initiative designed
to inform how patient experiences shape medical research in real time.
So Adra, thank you so much for joining us here
today on this very, very critical topic for listeners who
may not realize it. Why is ovarian cancer often referred
to as one of the hardest cancers to detect early?
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Well, With ovarian cancer, there is no screening test and
I know a lot of people believe that when you
got your gonocologist and you get a PAP test and
you know you checked out, that they're checking for everything,
and they are to a certain degree, but there's no
actual screening test PAP test check for cervical cancer, and
with ovarian the symptoms are so vague, things like bloating,
public pain, feeling full quickly. You know, these are symptoms
(12:50):
that most women have almost every month and throughout their lives.
So the issue is that they're persistent, obviously someone should
be checked, but they're also so subtle, and so that's
really part of the difficulty and detecting a varying cancer.
The other piece is that most, if not all, but
at least eighty percent of a varying cancer actually starts
in the fallopian tubes and migrates to the ovaries over time,
(13:12):
and so it's believed that to actually detect it, we
may have to detect it up to five years before
symptoms even start, and right now there's just no technology
that does that.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
What are some of the warning signs you talk about
how it's very easy to mistake typical symptoms that women
have every month with potential warning signs and risk factors.
So what should people pay attention to and why is
understanding family history so important?
Speaker 6 (13:38):
Understanding your personal at risk is really key. A varying
cancer does have a genetic component, especially with mutations like
BRCA one and BRCA two. A lot of people are
familiar with those having a linkage to breast cancer, and
they do, but they're also related to a varying cancer.
So if you know that you have BRCA one or
two in your family, that's certainly something to talk to
your doctor about because there actually are preventive surgery that
(14:00):
you could do in advance if you knew this information,
But of course that comes through genetic testing. It also
matters for people that have a varying cancer for treatment decisions.
But family history also matters, particularly a variant breast, uterine
or colon cancers, if you have those on either side
of your family, so your mother or father's side, it's
very important to know that and if you do talk
(14:21):
to your doctor about that. But you know, genetic testing
to go back to that for a second is a
really powerful tool and it can identify risk early. So
that's why it's so so important, but it's sometimes hard
to access and at ocare. We do actually offer free
testing through our website for those who qualify, and then
there is another preventative option for people who aren't planning
to have children or who are beyond their child marrying years.
(14:43):
If you're having another pelvic surgery, you can talk to
your doctor about having your filopian tubes actually removed at
the same time, and that can reduce risk bay up
to seventy percent, which is amazing. So that's certainly something
that we want people to know about.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Yeah, No, that's new information for me and very important
to convey. Let's talk about some of the other risk factors,
because in addition to potentially having some genetic predisposition, there
has been a lot of discussion about fertility drugs, especially
in the early days of fertility treatments, putting women at
(15:17):
higher risk. But there has been some confusion whether or
not that is in fact a factor. So I was
wondering if you have any information on that.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
You know, it's they always say the jury's out, and
you know, the research is sometimes not always definitive, and
so I think there's been a lot of looking at
that as well as looking at the use of TALC,
which I'm sure you've heard about as well, and some
research supports.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
That it could potentially have had an impact.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
And we're talking about older type of fertility drugs at
this point, and some research does it, and so I
think the jury is still out. But certainly, if you're
concerned about it, if it's something that you did and you're.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Worried, that is a conversation to have with your doctor.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
A lot of women struggle to have their concerns taken
seriously in medical settings. What advice do you have for
women not advocating for their health and navigating conversations with doctors.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
You know, we hear this time and again.
Speaker 6 (16:06):
It's so distressing when we hear that someone has symptoms
and they go to their doctor and they say, yeah,
you know, i'm feeling bloated, I'm feeling this in that
and they know it's different, and then they're dismissed with, oh,
it's guests or intestinal or whatever. You know, in the past,
we've used the phrase, you know, will prove to me
that I don't have ovarian cancer, let's talk about that.
I think it's you know, being comfortable enough to push
back with your doctor and also having clear communication about
(16:30):
your family history. About exactly what those symptoms are and
your concerns, and also if you share that history. I
think doctors, especially today, they can definitely assess risk pretty well.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
So I think that's a conversation you can have.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
But it's also important to ask questions, trust your instincts,
and get a second opinion if you need to. And
I think a lot of people are afraid to do
that and they're afraid their doctor will be mad at them,
or you know, it's uncomfortable, but we highly encourage a
second opinion if you're feeling not heard.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
The Ovarian Cancer Research A Line and SO has just
launched a new community accelerated research Exchange and living lab.
Tell us how this first of its kind of initiative
works and how it could change the future of cancer research.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
Yes, we just launched this last week and we're really
excited about it. We call it the Research Exchange, and
it really has it's a global platform online, but it
also has two we think them as two sides to it.
There's the Discovery Lab, which is for scientists, and that
is an AI enabled platform that's powered by Amazon Web
Services where researchers from around the world can securely share
(17:34):
data collaborate in real time and uncover insights faster, which
is amazing. It's hard to believe in this day and age,
but sometimes researchers are sharing data by sending large files
by email, and you know it's hard. This platform actually
enables you to share that data within the platform in
real time and you know, get people access. You can
make it private, you can make it open, you compare
(17:55):
it to compared to different data sets that exist within
the Discovery Lab. And then the other side of the
Research Exchange is the Living Lab, and this is a
patient registry for women with ovarian and uterine.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Cancers and you can join.
Speaker 6 (18:08):
Anybody that's a patient can join, and it's a secure registry.
Ata is de identified, so there's no risk of you
being identified as the person. But what it does is
it aggregates all of this and it lets people directly
contribute their experiences in data.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
So this really will drive research forward.
Speaker 6 (18:25):
There are lots of patient registries, but they're usually small
and within one institution, and it's not being shared widely
and it's not being compared to other data sets. The
Research Exchange changes all of that, and so that's why
we're so excited about it.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
We just launched it.
Speaker 6 (18:40):
We have almost one hundred people signed up just from
our recent launch, which is really exciting, but we want thousands.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
We really need everyone to come in check it out
and feel comfortable with it. Call us if you have questions.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
But the more data and the more people we have,
the faster we're going to move things forward.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Andrew, what do you see as the future of varying
cancer detection, Because as we've already discussed, it's very difficult
to get a good diagnosis. What's the future there?
Speaker 6 (19:07):
You know, there are a lot of tests on the
market now. They're called multi cancer early detection tests. They're
really they're they're exciting because they are detecting.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Cancer and lots of different types of cancer.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
Some of them have detected ovarian but they're not necessarily
detecting them at a point where it impacts mortality where
we would have, you know, any impact, And that's where
we that's where we have to move the needle. And
I think, as I said before, we're going to need
to based on a big study that they did in
the UK a couple of years ago, they truly believe
they only need to identify the cancer in the Floppian tubes,
probably up to five years prior. So right now we
(19:39):
don't know that that test exists. It might maybe we
just haven't found the utility for it yet. But I
think that's going to be the future for early detection,
where that's where we hope we're headed.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
And with AI and having these this large amount of.
Speaker 6 (19:51):
Data, we may begin to see patterns that we hadn't
seen before. And then who knows, there may be some
type of test we can't even conceive yet.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
I love that we talk origin stories. Everyone has a
reason why they do what they do. What is your
origin story?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
I started?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Actually, I've worked in a nonprofit my entire life. I've
had three nonprofit jobs. In the job right before I
came to OCRA was in medical research, but for mental illness,
and so I have a very strong background and love
medical research in believing that this is the way we're
going to cure, you know, any sort of human condition
that affects us. And of course, being a woman, I
was very interested in women's health. So when I came
(20:29):
those were my reasons initially. And now I've been there
sixteen years and in that time I've met so many
amazing women and lost many of them who became dear,
dear friends. We do this for all of them. We
do this for everybody, and we do serve all gynecologic cancers.
And I just can't say what an amazing community it
is and how everyone bonds together.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
I think maybe for perhaps.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
Because you know, varians a rare disease, and when you
meet somebody with a varian cancer, sometimes at a conference,
in the first person that you've met that's ever had this.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
That's why we do it.
Speaker 6 (21:01):
We want to create a community, we want to cure
this disease, and we want to help women.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
Yeah, that's so important because I think that when you
have a rare cancer, you do feel very isolated and
alone and not having really a community to share your
experiences in your path and what you're going through. So
this is a wonderful opportunity to create that community. Now,
people I'm sure out there would love to support a
very in cancer awareness efforts, connect with resources for patients
(21:29):
and caregivers and learn more about the work that you
all are doing nationwide. Tell us how we can do that.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Absolutely well.
Speaker 6 (21:35):
You can always visit our website that's ocriope dot org.
And I had mentioned we have the free genetic testing
available for those there's a short little survey.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
You can take to see if you qualify.
Speaker 6 (21:45):
We also have a gynecologic oncologists finder, so it's important
to see a gynocologic oncologist if you have any type
of gonecologic cancer, and sometimes it's hard to find them
around the United States. They're not as prevalent as some
other doctors. So we have a great finder that helps
you do that for a lot of free programs, including
patient education and clinical trial navigation, so if people are
interested in participating in a clinical trial, we can help,
(22:08):
and we can also match people with peer mentors, and
we have resources for caregivers who I think you know,
often get a little bit left behind and it's such
a critical role. So we have all kinds of services.
So we would love for people to come to the
website and we and call us because we can always help.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
All right, and what is that website and what's the number.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
It's Oscaryhope dot org two one two two.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
Six two one zero zero eight.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
Well, thank you so much for joining us and raising
awareness about ovarian cancer. May eighth was World Ovarian Cancer Day.
Adra Moran, who is the president and CEO of the
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the world's largest organization dedicated to
advancing ovarian and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and
caregivers through education, advocacy, and critical resources. ADRA, thank you
(22:54):
so much for joining us today. Thank you, thanks so
much for having me in the world that i'll and
feels divided. Where courage lives moments that bring us together
highlights powerful real life stories of individuals and communities who
step outside their comfort zones across race, religion, and culture
to help others against incredible odds. Here's a story of
(23:23):
courage in the face of hatred. In nineteen sixty five,
during the Civil Rights Movement, hundreds of peaceful protesters marched
across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding the
right to vote. What they faced was brutal state troopers
armed with clubs and tear gas. But what's remarkable is
who showed up next. Clergy members from across the country,
(23:46):
Catholic priests, Protestant ministers, Jewish rabbis entered the call to
stand in solidarity. Among them was Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel,
who marched arm in arm with doctor Martin Luther King Junior.
Herschel later said, I felt my legs were praying. These
were individuals who stepped far outside their comfort zones, crossing
(24:09):
lines of religion, geography, and safety. Many faced threats, some
were attacked. One minister, James Reed, was beaten so severely
he later died. But they came anyway because they understood
that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Their
courage helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights
(24:29):
Act of nineteen sixty five, a landmark law that changed
the course of American history and whose tenants are currently
being undermined. This is what it looks like when people
choose unity over fear, when they risk everything, not just
for themselves, but for others, And it reminds us real
change often begins when we step beyond what's comfortable and
stand where it matters most. Here's another story from rural Pennsylvania,
(25:02):
a story that stunned the world. In two thousand and six,
a gunman entered an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Minds and
carried out a horrific attack, killing five young girls. The
tragedy shook the nation, But what happened next was extraordinary.
Members of the Amish community, deeply rooted in faith, is
(25:22):
something few could imagine. They reached out, not in anger,
but in forgiveness. They visited the family of the shooter.
They offered condolences, They even attended his funeral. Their actions
weren't just about faith, they were about stepping into a
space most people would never choose. Across the country, people
(25:42):
from different religions, cultures, and backgrounds were moved, and many
began supporting the Amish community in return. It became a
moment where compassion crossed every boundary. The Amish didn't just
preach forgiveness, they lived in it, in the face of
unimaginable pain, and in doing so, they challenged all of
(26:02):
us to think about what courage really looks like. And finally,
let's take you to Pittsburgh. On October twenty seventh, twenty eighteen,
a gunman opened fire inside the Tree of Life Synagogue
(26:23):
during Shabbat services. Eleven people were killed. It was the
deadliest anti Semitic attack in United States history. Families were grieving,
a community was shattered, and across the country people were
asking what do we do in a moment like this.
Then something happened. Two Muslim American activists, Tuik al Masidi
(26:44):
and Linda Sarsour decided they couldn't stay silent. They launched
an online fundraiser to support victim's families and helped cover
funeral expenses. Their initial goal was twenty five thousand, but
within hours donations began pouring in. Within days, that number
passed one hundred thousand, then two hundred thousand, and eventually
(27:05):
more than two hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Thousands of
people contributed, many of them Muslim, many leaving messages that
said simply, we stand with you. It was more than
a fundraiser. It was a response, a response to hate
with compassion. Almsidi later said they were inspired by how
Jewish community members had shown up for Muslims after earlier attacks,
(27:29):
and now it was their turn. That's courage standing with
another community in their darkest moment and choosing unity when
division could have been a whole lot easier. These are
moments that remind us of our shared humanity and the
courage it takes to show up for one another. That's
where courage lives. Moments that bring us together. You can
(27:49):
listen to all of today's interviews on the iHeartRadio app
and all podcast platforms by typing in keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Instagram and threads at Lorraine Ballard and
Lorraine Arl on TikTok and that's Lorraine with one R.
I'm Lorraine Ballad to earl and I stand for service
to our community and media dead empowers. What will you
stand for? You've been listening to what's going on, and
(28:10):
thank you
Good morning, and welcome to what's going on a show
about making a difference in our lives in our communities.
I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow. This week, we celebrate Jamaican culture and
cuisine with Chef Andre Fowls, raise awareness about women's health
with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, and we bring you
a special feature where Courage Lives. Stories of courage and
connection stay with us. We're taking a flavorful journey to
(00:23):
Jamaica through food, culture and storytelling. My guest is a
celebrated chef, three time Chopped Champion and culinary Ambassador, Chef
Andre Fowls, whose new cookbook, My Jamaican Table, Vibrant Recipes
from a sun Drenched Island, shares more than a hundred
recipes inspired by the warmth, resilience, and rich traditions of Jamaica,
(00:46):
from jerk chicken and curry goat to modern twists on
Caribbean classics. Chef Fowls is bringing the heart and soul
of Jamaican cuisine to kitchens everywhere. So Chef Andre, congratulations
on My Jamaican Table. What inspired you to create this
cookbook and what story did you most want readers to experience?
Through these recipes.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, now, thank you so much for having me, and
thank you for such a wonderful introduction. To be honest,
this cookbook has been, you know, my lifelong dreams, you know,
as a young chef growing up in Jamaica and then
eventually migrating here to the States, I've always wanted to
create a book that pays homage to Jamaica and to
help people recreate these amazing recipes, and then of course
(01:30):
along the way being a classically trained chef. This book
really tells a story of traditional and creativity all wrapped
into one beautiful package. And it's it's it's visually stunning,
but the recipes are so thoughtfully done that even a
novice cook a somebody that's you know, whether you're a
Jamaican or non Jamaican, and like this book is for you.
(01:50):
There's just a wide range of recipes from the classics,
like the jerk chicken, like you mentioned, the ox steal,
the rice and piece, things that are synonymous to jam
and cuisine, and then from like oxialnokita coffee, cocoa land chops,
like stuff that are more creative and more refined. There
is something there in the book Yeah, but I really
(02:11):
wanted to tell my story and what food Jamaican cuisine
means to me as a chef as well.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
You described Jamaican food as a reflection of history, resilience,
and celebration. How do the many cultural influences in Jamaica's
shape the Islands cuisine and the cuisine that you promote today.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
There's there's something that we say in Jamaica.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
It's it's our motto and it's called out of many
one people, and that what really means is that Jamaica
has a very eclectic influence, starting with the local indigenous
people those were called the Taiano's people, and then income
the Spanish, and income the British and then Africans, and
so we have a very diverse influence when it comes
(02:56):
to the food. And when you see the landscape of
the cuisine, for instance, correct goat Indian as well. And
then you have the patties, which is more British, which
is a play a play a play off their traditional
Cornish pasty. So the cuisine has a lot of layers
to it, and you know, and then when you think
about the Spanish influence with it with the saltfish, the
(03:16):
buccalo and the escavat fish, and it's just a very
delicious cuisine. And in the book, I tell a beautiful
story of all those steps in history in terms of
the migration of people and ingredients and where and pretty
much why we cook the way we cook and why
it is that, you know, we're so proud of it.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Jerk cooking has become popular worldwide. But you say jerk
is a technique, not a trend. What do people misunderstand
most about authentic Jamaican jerk cooking.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think the misconception of jerk tends to be it's
a spicy chicken, you know. Are is just something that's
just you know, throw it down a grilla. It's it's
a combination of seasoning and technique. So the first first
lens itself to the ingredients. So you have to have
a certain amount of ingredients to make it authentic. Jerk
(04:08):
are close to it as possible. The first one includes
the odd spice berry, the pimento that gives you a
very rich notes of like sweet warm spices. Then you
have the Scotch budy. Then you have your garlic, your
ginger and stuff like that. So you create a marination
from that, a wet marination, a wet paste. And then
you have to then marinate your meats whatever, chicken, pork,
(04:29):
whatever it is. You have to allow that seasoning blend
to then penetrate you know, your meats. And then the
cooking technique has to have smoke to it. There has
to be a smoky element. Whether it's a traditional road
that they do in Jamaica that they slow roasted over
pimental wood arts on a jerk grill, that's fine, but
you have to follow those two steps in terms of
(04:51):
the seasoning process and the cooking process. But in the
book as well, obviously a lot of people may not
have access to an outdoor grill. You can do it
in the Oven's perfectly fine. You'll get a similar flavora
butle you won't get that real smoky flavorable. Once you
have that season in down, it's going to be delicious regardless.
But yeah, I just wanted to tell the story of
(05:12):
how Jerk came a boat, So in the book, I
delve deeply into the history of Jerk.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
You know, the past and the present.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
You're making me so hungry right.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Now, accomplish yes.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
Now, beyond the food, you are deeply involved in community
work through the Rock House Foundation and Hurricane Melissa recovery
efforts in Jamaica. Why is it important for you to
connect food with giving back and also uplifting communities.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
It's one of the most deep roofy thing that you
can do as a human being, is to offer nourishment
to someone being that food. That's been a focal point
of my life because growing up in Jamaica, my childhood
was really rough, you know, and oh my mom and
grandmother show their love was through a well foutled, well
prepared meal. So I've grown up with that valid that
(06:02):
food is more than just something that's on a plate.
It's a story, it's kindness, it's like being thoughtful in
such it seems so simple, but it means so much.
So when Jamaica got hit by Melissa, obviously we all.
Speaker 3 (06:17):
Know the news because it was everywhere.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
It definitely it ravaged one section of the island and
then people were cut off, but you know, they couldn't
get food, they couldn't get those basic essentials. So being
Jamaican and being a chef, it really hits home in
so many ways because it's obviously my homeland and seeing
you know, seeing people being deprived of food and everything,
(06:40):
I had to do something, so I immediately got on
a flight. I teamed up with the World's Central Kitchen
and started to cook as much as we can. I've
raised We've raised a lot of money as well, to
give back to the Rock House Foundation and to help
to you know, to supply warm meals to each and
every one that we could, and it it made me
(07:00):
feel just something good inside because I did what I
could to help, you know, get people back on their feet.
And there were a few stories along the way where
I was out in the field handing out package up
of cooked meals and someone came up to me and
say that we're doing great work here where they're so
thankful that you guys are here because everyone wants a
(07:22):
warm meal. And it's just one of those things that
really made it feel extra special. So it's something that
I'm really proud of to to find ways to give
back culinarily, you know, to everyone that's in need.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
Now there's a little side note that I heard that
you actually cook for Bruce Springsteen.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
Is that right? That is correct? Tell me more.
Speaker 1 (07:44):
How did you hook up with Bruce Springsteen?
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I met Bruce through his great friends Sting, so I
also cook a Sting as well.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
So okay, yeah, it's a great group of people.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
I'm very fortunate and lucky to have them because they're
just the most incredible people you can ever meet. They're gracious,
they're amazing, they're kinder, thoughtful, they're appreciative of the cuisine
that I cook. They just happen to be really famous people,
you know, but you couldn't tell because they're just the
most genuine, kind hearted people. Yes, I met Sting first,
(08:21):
and then Stink introduced me to Bruce, and I've been
cooking for them for the last five years. And yeah,
Bruce is just really incredible and his family lives out
in New Jersey, so I'm going I go back and
forth from New York to New Jersey, you know, on
a weekly basis. And again, it goes back to food, because,
as you know, Bruce has been around for a very
(08:43):
long time, so he has eaten at some of the
best restaurants.
Speaker 3 (08:45):
He has seen it all, taste it all.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
And when once he tasted my food and his wonderful
wife Patty tasted my food and their family, it was
just something special about the food because how I cook,
I cook on a modern approach, but I always inject
my Caribbean roots and my Caribbean flavors into everything that
I do, and that's what really won them over. It's
(09:10):
like this food is so incredible that they've never tasted
anything like this. So it's just a wonderful tree to
go in every day knowing that my clients absolutely adore
my cuisine and their respect and love who I am
as a person. So it doesn't feel like work, honestly,
it just feels like I'm lis saying, you know, with
my friends and family.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Oh that's beautiful, and it's nice to know that those
two icons are nice people, so great.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
To take amazing people. Yes, that is fantastic. Well, your
book is out, how do we get a copy? And
also how do we follow you on social media or
do you have a website?
Speaker 4 (09:42):
Tell us all that stuff?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
Absolutely, thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Yeah, my website, so my Taggi Chef Foods, the c
h Ef, my last name fow l Ees on all
social platforms Instagram, Facebook, I'm not getting into TikTok. There's
so many social media pla from these days, and my
website is the same thing. If you go to Google
chef falls that will pop up an take you to
(10:06):
my website. And in regards to getting the book, the
most convenient way to get it is obviously Amazon, that's easy,
or you can get it at any major local bookshops.
Bookstores are on Ashed Publishing website. It's all it's it's
a globally published book, so it's easily available Target, Barnes
(10:26):
and Noble, William's, Nooma, it's really everywhere, so it's my
jamaicaan table.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Well, I thank you so much for joining us today
and taking us through this flavorful journey through food, culture
and storytelling. The book again is My Jamaican Table, vibrant
recipes from a sun drenched island, chef files bringing the
heart and soul of Jamaican concine to kitchens everywhere.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
Thank you so much, Thank you so much, Rovinman. This
was a wonderful interview. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
Looking for a fun, family friendly day, it makes a
real difference. Joys for the New Hope Dog Festival ten
am to four pm on Saturday, June sixth. This one
of a kind event brings together dog lovers, rescue organizations,
and adaptable pets all in one place enjoy live music, agility, demos, vendors,
and great food, plus the chance to meet your new
best friend is at Rice's Market sixty three, twenty six
(11:19):
Green Hill Road in New Hope. Learn more at dog
daddyfest dot org, the New Hope Dog Festival where community, compassion,
and canines come together. May eighth marked World Ovarian Cancer Day,
a global effort to raise awareness about one of the
(11:40):
most difficult cancers to detect early. Today we're joined by
Adra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance,
which is the world's largest organization dedicated to advancing ovarian
and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and caregivers through education, advocacy,
and critical resources. We'll talk about prevention, the importance of
(12:04):
knowing your family history, and a groundbreaking new initiative designed
to inform how patient experiences shape medical research in real time.
So Adra, thank you so much for joining us here
today on this very, very critical topic for listeners who
may not realize it. Why is ovarian cancer often referred
to as one of the hardest cancers to detect early?
Speaker 6 (12:27):
Well, With ovarian cancer, there is no screening test and
I know a lot of people believe that when you
got your gonocologist and you get a PAP test and
you know you checked out, that they're checking for everything,
and they are to a certain degree, but there's no
actual screening test PAP test check for cervical cancer, and
with ovarian the symptoms are so vague, things like bloating,
public pain, feeling full quickly. You know, these are symptoms
(12:50):
that most women have almost every month and throughout their lives.
So the issue is that they're persistent, obviously someone should
be checked, but they're also so subtle, and so that's
really part of the difficulty and detecting a varying cancer.
The other piece is that most, if not all, but
at least eighty percent of a varying cancer actually starts
in the fallopian tubes and migrates to the ovaries over time,
(13:12):
and so it's believed that to actually detect it, we
may have to detect it up to five years before
symptoms even start, and right now there's just no technology
that does that.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
What are some of the warning signs you talk about
how it's very easy to mistake typical symptoms that women
have every month with potential warning signs and risk factors.
So what should people pay attention to and why is
understanding family history so important?
Speaker 6 (13:38):
Understanding your personal at risk is really key. A varying
cancer does have a genetic component, especially with mutations like
BRCA one and BRCA two. A lot of people are
familiar with those having a linkage to breast cancer, and
they do, but they're also related to a varying cancer.
So if you know that you have BRCA one or
two in your family, that's certainly something to talk to
your doctor about because there actually are preventive surgery that
(14:00):
you could do in advance if you knew this information,
But of course that comes through genetic testing. It also
matters for people that have a varying cancer for treatment decisions.
But family history also matters, particularly a variant breast, uterine
or colon cancers, if you have those on either side
of your family, so your mother or father's side, it's
very important to know that and if you do talk
(14:21):
to your doctor about that. But you know, genetic testing
to go back to that for a second is a
really powerful tool and it can identify risk early. So
that's why it's so so important, but it's sometimes hard
to access and at ocare. We do actually offer free
testing through our website for those who qualify, and then
there is another preventative option for people who aren't planning
to have children or who are beyond their child marrying years.
(14:43):
If you're having another pelvic surgery, you can talk to
your doctor about having your filopian tubes actually removed at
the same time, and that can reduce risk bay up
to seventy percent, which is amazing. So that's certainly something
that we want people to know about.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Yeah, No, that's new information for me and very important
to convey. Let's talk about some of the other risk factors,
because in addition to potentially having some genetic predisposition, there
has been a lot of discussion about fertility drugs, especially
in the early days of fertility treatments, putting women at
(15:17):
higher risk. But there has been some confusion whether or
not that is in fact a factor. So I was
wondering if you have any information on that.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
You know, it's they always say the jury's out, and
you know, the research is sometimes not always definitive, and
so I think there's been a lot of looking at
that as well as looking at the use of TALC,
which I'm sure you've heard about as well, and some
research supports.
Speaker 4 (15:38):
That it could potentially have had an impact.
Speaker 6 (15:39):
And we're talking about older type of fertility drugs at
this point, and some research does it, and so I
think the jury is still out. But certainly, if you're
concerned about it, if it's something that you did and you're.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Worried, that is a conversation to have with your doctor.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
A lot of women struggle to have their concerns taken
seriously in medical settings. What advice do you have for
women not advocating for their health and navigating conversations with doctors.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
You know, we hear this time and again.
Speaker 6 (16:06):
It's so distressing when we hear that someone has symptoms
and they go to their doctor and they say, yeah,
you know, i'm feeling bloated, I'm feeling this in that
and they know it's different, and then they're dismissed with, oh,
it's guests or intestinal or whatever. You know, in the past,
we've used the phrase, you know, will prove to me
that I don't have ovarian cancer, let's talk about that.
I think it's you know, being comfortable enough to push
back with your doctor and also having clear communication about
(16:30):
your family history. About exactly what those symptoms are and
your concerns, and also if you share that history. I
think doctors, especially today, they can definitely assess risk pretty well.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
So I think that's a conversation you can have.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
But it's also important to ask questions, trust your instincts,
and get a second opinion if you need to. And
I think a lot of people are afraid to do
that and they're afraid their doctor will be mad at them,
or you know, it's uncomfortable, but we highly encourage a
second opinion if you're feeling not heard.
Speaker 1 (16:58):
The Ovarian Cancer Research A Line and SO has just
launched a new community accelerated research Exchange and living lab.
Tell us how this first of its kind of initiative
works and how it could change the future of cancer research.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
Yes, we just launched this last week and we're really
excited about it. We call it the Research Exchange, and
it really has it's a global platform online, but it
also has two we think them as two sides to it.
There's the Discovery Lab, which is for scientists, and that
is an AI enabled platform that's powered by Amazon Web
Services where researchers from around the world can securely share
(17:34):
data collaborate in real time and uncover insights faster, which
is amazing. It's hard to believe in this day and age,
but sometimes researchers are sharing data by sending large files
by email, and you know it's hard. This platform actually
enables you to share that data within the platform in
real time and you know, get people access. You can
make it private, you can make it open, you compare
(17:55):
it to compared to different data sets that exist within
the Discovery Lab. And then the other side of the
Research Exchange is the Living Lab, and this is a
patient registry for women with ovarian and uterine.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Cancers and you can join.
Speaker 6 (18:08):
Anybody that's a patient can join, and it's a secure registry.
Ata is de identified, so there's no risk of you
being identified as the person. But what it does is
it aggregates all of this and it lets people directly
contribute their experiences in data.
Speaker 4 (18:23):
So this really will drive research forward.
Speaker 6 (18:25):
There are lots of patient registries, but they're usually small
and within one institution, and it's not being shared widely
and it's not being compared to other data sets. The
Research Exchange changes all of that, and so that's why
we're so excited about it.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
We just launched it.
Speaker 6 (18:40):
We have almost one hundred people signed up just from
our recent launch, which is really exciting, but we want thousands.
Speaker 4 (18:46):
We really need everyone to come in check it out
and feel comfortable with it. Call us if you have questions.
Speaker 6 (18:53):
But the more data and the more people we have,
the faster we're going to move things forward.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
Andrew, what do you see as the future of varying
cancer detection, Because as we've already discussed, it's very difficult
to get a good diagnosis. What's the future there?
Speaker 6 (19:07):
You know, there are a lot of tests on the
market now. They're called multi cancer early detection tests. They're
really they're they're exciting because they are detecting.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
Cancer and lots of different types of cancer.
Speaker 6 (19:17):
Some of them have detected ovarian but they're not necessarily
detecting them at a point where it impacts mortality where
we would have, you know, any impact, And that's where
we that's where we have to move the needle. And
I think, as I said before, we're going to need
to based on a big study that they did in
the UK a couple of years ago, they truly believe
they only need to identify the cancer in the Floppian tubes,
probably up to five years prior. So right now we
(19:39):
don't know that that test exists. It might maybe we
just haven't found the utility for it yet. But I
think that's going to be the future for early detection,
where that's where we hope we're headed.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
And with AI and having these this large amount of.
Speaker 6 (19:51):
Data, we may begin to see patterns that we hadn't
seen before. And then who knows, there may be some
type of test we can't even conceive yet.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
I love that we talk origin stories. Everyone has a
reason why they do what they do. What is your
origin story?
Speaker 4 (20:06):
I started?
Speaker 6 (20:07):
Actually, I've worked in a nonprofit my entire life. I've
had three nonprofit jobs. In the job right before I
came to OCRA was in medical research, but for mental illness,
and so I have a very strong background and love
medical research in believing that this is the way we're
going to cure, you know, any sort of human condition
that affects us. And of course, being a woman, I
was very interested in women's health. So when I came
(20:29):
those were my reasons initially. And now I've been there
sixteen years and in that time I've met so many
amazing women and lost many of them who became dear,
dear friends. We do this for all of them. We
do this for everybody, and we do serve all gynecologic cancers.
And I just can't say what an amazing community it
is and how everyone bonds together.
Speaker 4 (20:51):
I think maybe for perhaps.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
Because you know, varians a rare disease, and when you
meet somebody with a varian cancer, sometimes at a conference,
in the first person that you've met that's ever had this.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
That's why we do it.
Speaker 6 (21:01):
We want to create a community, we want to cure
this disease, and we want to help women.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
Yeah, that's so important because I think that when you
have a rare cancer, you do feel very isolated and
alone and not having really a community to share your
experiences in your path and what you're going through. So
this is a wonderful opportunity to create that community. Now,
people I'm sure out there would love to support a
very in cancer awareness efforts, connect with resources for patients
(21:29):
and caregivers and learn more about the work that you
all are doing nationwide. Tell us how we can do that.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Absolutely well.
Speaker 6 (21:35):
You can always visit our website that's ocriope dot org.
And I had mentioned we have the free genetic testing
available for those there's a short little survey.
Speaker 4 (21:43):
You can take to see if you qualify.
Speaker 6 (21:45):
We also have a gynecologic oncologists finder, so it's important
to see a gynocologic oncologist if you have any type
of gonecologic cancer, and sometimes it's hard to find them
around the United States. They're not as prevalent as some
other doctors. So we have a great finder that helps
you do that for a lot of free programs, including
patient education and clinical trial navigation, so if people are
interested in participating in a clinical trial, we can help,
(22:08):
and we can also match people with peer mentors, and
we have resources for caregivers who I think you know,
often get a little bit left behind and it's such
a critical role. So we have all kinds of services.
So we would love for people to come to the
website and we and call us because we can always help.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
All right, and what is that website and what's the number.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
It's Oscaryhope dot org two one two two.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
Six two one zero zero eight.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
Well, thank you so much for joining us and raising
awareness about ovarian cancer. May eighth was World Ovarian Cancer Day.
Adra Moran, who is the president and CEO of the
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the world's largest organization dedicated to
advancing ovarian and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and
caregivers through education, advocacy, and critical resources. ADRA, thank you
(22:54):
so much for joining us today. Thank you, thanks so
much for having me in the world that i'll and
feels divided. Where courage lives moments that bring us together
highlights powerful real life stories of individuals and communities who
step outside their comfort zones across race, religion, and culture
to help others against incredible odds. Here's a story of
(23:23):
courage in the face of hatred. In nineteen sixty five,
during the Civil Rights Movement, hundreds of peaceful protesters marched
across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, demanding the
right to vote. What they faced was brutal state troopers
armed with clubs and tear gas. But what's remarkable is
who showed up next. Clergy members from across the country,
(23:46):
Catholic priests, Protestant ministers, Jewish rabbis entered the call to
stand in solidarity. Among them was Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel,
who marched arm in arm with doctor Martin Luther King Junior.
Herschel later said, I felt my legs were praying. These
were individuals who stepped far outside their comfort zones, crossing
(24:09):
lines of religion, geography, and safety. Many faced threats, some
were attacked. One minister, James Reed, was beaten so severely
he later died. But they came anyway because they understood
that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Their
courage helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights
(24:29):
Act of nineteen sixty five, a landmark law that changed
the course of American history and whose tenants are currently
being undermined. This is what it looks like when people
choose unity over fear, when they risk everything, not just
for themselves, but for others, And it reminds us real
change often begins when we step beyond what's comfortable and
stand where it matters most. Here's another story from rural Pennsylvania,
(25:02):
a story that stunned the world. In two thousand and six,
a gunman entered an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Minds and
carried out a horrific attack, killing five young girls. The
tragedy shook the nation, But what happened next was extraordinary.
Members of the Amish community, deeply rooted in faith, is
(25:22):
something few could imagine. They reached out, not in anger,
but in forgiveness. They visited the family of the shooter.
They offered condolences, They even attended his funeral. Their actions
weren't just about faith, they were about stepping into a
space most people would never choose. Across the country, people
(25:42):
from different religions, cultures, and backgrounds were moved, and many
began supporting the Amish community in return. It became a
moment where compassion crossed every boundary. The Amish didn't just
preach forgiveness, they lived in it, in the face of
unimaginable pain, and in doing so, they challenged all of
(26:02):
us to think about what courage really looks like. And finally,
let's take you to Pittsburgh. On October twenty seventh, twenty eighteen,
a gunman opened fire inside the Tree of Life Synagogue
(26:23):
during Shabbat services. Eleven people were killed. It was the
deadliest anti Semitic attack in United States history. Families were grieving,
a community was shattered, and across the country people were
asking what do we do in a moment like this.
Then something happened. Two Muslim American activists, Tuik al Masidi
(26:44):
and Linda Sarsour decided they couldn't stay silent. They launched
an online fundraiser to support victim's families and helped cover
funeral expenses. Their initial goal was twenty five thousand, but
within hours donations began pouring in. Within days, that number
passed one hundred thousand, then two hundred thousand, and eventually
(27:05):
more than two hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Thousands of
people contributed, many of them Muslim, many leaving messages that
said simply, we stand with you. It was more than
a fundraiser. It was a response, a response to hate
with compassion. Almsidi later said they were inspired by how
Jewish community members had shown up for Muslims after earlier attacks,
(27:29):
and now it was their turn. That's courage standing with
another community in their darkest moment and choosing unity when
division could have been a whole lot easier. These are
moments that remind us of our shared humanity and the
courage it takes to show up for one another. That's
where courage lives. Moments that bring us together. You can
(27:49):
listen to all of today's interviews on the iHeartRadio app
and all podcast platforms by typing in keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Instagram and threads at Lorraine Ballard and
Lorraine Arl on TikTok and that's Lorraine with one R.
I'm Lorraine Ballad to earl and I stand for service
to our community and media dead empowers. What will you
stand for? You've been listening to what's going on, and
(28:10):
thank you
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