Be A Voice

Be A Voice

"Be a Voice with Britt James Carpenter" is a dynamic talk show that highlights individuals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Hosted by Britt James Carpenter, each episode features interviews with inspiring individuals who are using their voices to enact positive change. From community activists to entrepreneurs, each guest has a unique perspective on how to make a difference in the world. Through their stories, listeners will be inspired to take action and become a voice for change in their own communities. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice on how to make a difference, "Be a Voice with Britt James Carpenter" is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to be part of the solution. Tune in and join the conversation today!

Episodes

November 10, 2025 55 mins
Once caught in the grips of addiction, Melanie Beddis now stands as a force of hope in Kensington, PA—one of the toughest neighborhoods in America. Nearly five years sober, Melanie has turned her second chance into a mission as Director of Operations at Great Goods, a free grocery store feeding hundreds and restoring dignity to those in need. In this powerful episode of Be A Voice, Melanie opens up about her journey from rock botto...
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In this powerful episode of Be A Voice, host Britt Carpenter sits down with Racquel McNichols, who shares her incredible journey from the depths of addiction to celebrating 9 years of sobriety. Racquel opens up about the struggles, breakthroughs, and moments that shaped her transformation — and how she’s now using her story to inspire and uplift others on their own recovery paths. This is a conversation about resilience, hope, and ...
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In this episode of Be A Voice, we sit down with Anthony Wilson, who has been thriving in recovery for six years. Anthony shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and how he transformed his life into one of purpose and success as an accomplished realtor. Beyond his career achievements, Anthony remains dedicated to helping others find hope and healing on their own paths to recovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation abou...
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In this episode of Be A Voice, we sit down with Carla Sofronski, Director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network, to talk about the life-saving work being done to combat the overdose crisis, support people who use drugs, and dismantle stigma. Carla shares the mission behind PAHRN, the power of harm reduction in building healthier communities, and the urgent policy changes needed to protect our most vulnerable neighbors. This po...
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In this inspiring episode of Be A Voice, host Britt Carpenter sits down with Tim Galloway, the heart and hands behind Good Werks — a small business built on big values. Tim shares how Good Werks goes beyond just selling products by building community through monthly giveaways, supporting grassroots nonprofits through raffles, and making consistent donations a core part of the business. From handwritten thank-you notes in every orde...
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Tony LaCerra, a man who is six years into active recovery and living proof that true strength comes from facing your emotions, not hiding them. Now a sponsor to two others, Tony reflects on the profound impact of his own sponsor—who has become one of his closest friends—and how that relationship helped shape his path. In honor of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Tony opens up about emb...
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In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with James Sherman, a dedicated advocate, educator, and Substance Use Navigator whose personal journey from homelessness and active drug use in Philadelphia to becoming a core team member at The Everywhere Project is nothing short of remarkable. James shares how receiving life-saving materials from the very organization he now serves helped him survive — and how he now pays it for...
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Chris Willis, co-founder of Restore & Recover LLC, to explore how one organization is transforming lives through safe, structured, and affordable sober living in Philadelphia. With eight residences across Harrowgate and Germantown, Restore & Recover is more than just a housing solution — it's a community-driven pathway to healing. Chris shares his personal journey, the philosophy b...
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In this deeply moving episode of Be A Voice, Philadelphia photographer Loren Berckey shares his personal journey through depression, the day he nearly ended his life on the Ben Franklin Bridge, and how he found the strength to keep going. Known for rarely leaving home without his camera, Loren opens up about losing — and rediscovering — his creative spark, the healing power of photography, and what it means to truly see life again....
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In this insightful episode, Britt is joined by two dedicated community leaders, Carla Sofronski & Jen Shinefeld, who are making a difference in the lives of individuals battling substance abuse in Philadelphia. Together, they share their personal stories and discuss the vital community service they provide to help those affected by addiction. Throughout the conversation, they delve into their backgrounds, detailing the paths th...
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In this powerful episode of Be A Voice, we sit down with Harry Cunnane, a man who transformed his life from the depths of opiate addiction to becoming a voice of hope and change. Harry shares his personal story of struggle and resilience, reflecting on how the birth of his first child sparked a life-altering journey towards recovery. As an author of Under Our Roof, Harry offers deep insights into his experience and the lessons lear...
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In this powerful episode of the Be A Voice podcast, we sit down with Michael Worthy, the Director of Philly Unknown, who shares his incredible story of survival, redemption, and transformation. Michael reflects on his early years of moving from the South to Philadelphia, where he faced the harsh realities of city life. Struggling to find his place and avoid falling into the gang lifestyle, he chose a dangerous path of running guns ...
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In this episode of Be A Voice, we sit down with Margaux Murphy, the visionary founder of The Sunday Love Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food for vulnerable Philadelphians. For over eight years, Margaux has been serving her community, offering hundreds of thousands of sit-down meals and launching the Greater Goods Grocery Store to further her mission. Before her work with The Sunday Love Project, Margaux spent two decad...
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In this powerful episode of Be a Voice, Britt sits down with Elizabeth Morrison, a woman whose journey through addiction and recovery is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at the age of 15, Elizabeth battled multiple addictions, but through determination and support, she transformed her life. Now, as the Project Manager at Penn Medicine’s Center for Medicine, she is helping others find the recovery and compassion they need. Tune ...
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In this deeply moving episode, John Bair opens up about the heartbreaking losses of his brother to suicide and his cousin to muscular dystrophy. He shares his struggles growing up in a challenging home environment and how it shaped his journey toward healing. Through his story, John found the strength to build Bair Knuckle Strength, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals to make transformative changes, both mentally and phy...
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In this powerful episode of Be A Voice, host Britt Carpenter sits down with Pat Dooley, a man who is 13 years sober and now dedicates his life to helping others break free from addiction. Pat shares his journey of overcoming addiction and the lessons he's learned along the way, including how controlling one addiction can lead to the development of new ones. The key takeaway? To be able to help others, you must first take care of yo...
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December 17, 2024 39 mins
Operation Save Our City's Roz Pichardo stops by to discuss her organization that helps the community of Philadelphia. Through the discussion, both Britt and Roz reflect back on their history, present and future. Throughout the interview, Roz discusses the vital role that organizations like Operation Save Our City play in providing resources, compassion, and community for those affected by addiction. She also highlights the importan...
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In this heartfelt episode of Be A Voice, Britt Carpenter sits down with Dan Gilman, President of Who Can We Help, to explore the inspiring work they’re doing to empower children and families in need. From providing vital support through family shelters and children's hospitals to collaborating with local community organizations, Who Can We Help is making a real difference in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Tune in to hear how thi...
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December 17, 2024 59 mins
After nearly a year-long hiatus, Britt Carpenter returns with a powerful new season of Be A Voice. In this episode, Britt sits down with Philadelphia-native photographer John Cruice, who shares his journey of discovering his true passion and calling behind the lens. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about purpose, passion, and the power of following your dreams.
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Welcome to a vibrant episode of "Be a Voice" on the Usala Media Network! Join our talented host, Britt Carpenter, in a captivating conversation with Alloyius Mcilwaine, a self-taught artist and the visionary behind Cultures Clothing Company. Hailing from the heart of Philadelphia, Alloyius discovered his love for art at the tender age of three, when he began to replicate comic book images. His artistic journey evolved as he explore...
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