Episodes

  • What's Going On: SEPTA Resource for Businesses Event, PHL School Superintendent Tony Watlington on the Facilities Master Plan

    What's Going On: SEPTA Resource for Businesses Event, PHL School Superintendent Tony Watlington on the Facilities Master Plan
    Feb 5 2026
    This episode features two timely conversations impacting our region—from small business growth to public education.

    First, we spotlight BAILS, a one-stop resource event for entrepreneurs happening Tuesday, February 18th at SEPTA Headquarters.
    BAILS stands for Banking, Bonding, Accounting, Insurance, Legal Matters, and Social Media, bringing trusted experts together to help small businesses protect, scale, and sustain their operations. Joining us are Rochelle Culbreath, Senior Outreach Specialist with the BAILS team, and Jennifer Gardella, PhD, CEO of The Gardella Group, who previews what attendees will learn about building visibility and authentic engagement through social media. Learn more:
    🌐 BAILS / SEPTA DBE: https://www.septa.org/dbe
    🌐 The Gardella Group: https://www.thegardellagroup.com
    🌐 Your Social Media Hour: https://www.yoursocialmediahour.com
    🔗 LinkedIn (Jennifer Gardella): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergardella
    SEPTA on social:
    X & Instagram: @septaphilly
    Facebook: @iseptaphilly
    LinkedIn: SEPTA

    We also speak with Tony B. Watlington Sr., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, about the District’s newly released Facilities Master Plan. The long-term proposal includes major investments in school modernization and accessibility, while also calling for school closures, consolidations, and reassignments—raising serious concerns among families and communities. Superintendent Watlington addresses those concerns and explains how the District aims to balance equity, efficiency, and trust moving forward.

    Facilities Master Plan resources for families:
    🔗 Main Hub: https://www.philasd.org/fpp/
    🔗 Proposed Plan Details: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2026/01/22/proposedfacilitiesmasterplan/
    🔗 Facilities Data Dashboard: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2025/09/10/announcing-the-facilities-planning-process-data-dashboard/
    🔗 Community Meetings & Updates: https://www.philasd.org/blog/tag/facilities-planning-process/
    🔗 Community Resource: https://www.phillyschoolsplan.space/
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    30 mins
  • Insight Pt. 2: LaVeta and Solomon Jones: a Valentine's Day Love Story

    Insight Pt. 2: LaVeta and Solomon Jones: a Valentine's Day Love Story
    Feb 5 2026
    As we head into Valentine’s Day, we’re pausing to reflect on the endurance of love—what it looks like over time, through change, challenge, and growth. Joining us today are longtime Philadelphia journalist, radio personality, and nationally syndicated columnist Solomon Jones, and his wife LaVeta Jones, Community Initiative Specialist for the Philadephia Police Department, for a thoughtful and intimate conversation about marriage, partnership, and what it truly takes to build a love that lasts. Together, they share reflections on how their relationship began, how it has evolved, and the lessons they’ve learned about commitment, resilience, and choosing each other—again and again.
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    29 mins
  • Insight Pt. 1: LaVante’ N. Dorsey, author Crushed After a Breakup

    Insight Pt. 1: LaVante’ N. Dorsey, author Crushed After a Breakup
    Feb 5 2026
    Joining us today is LaVante’ N. Dorsey, therapist, author, and Founder & CEO of LaVante’ N. Dorsey & Associates. She’s the author of Crushed After a Breakup, a compassionate, practical guide for navigating heartbreak, grief, and emotional healing—especially during the Valentine’s season. LaVante’ shares why breakups can hurt physically, common post-breakup pitfalls, how to process grief without getting stuck, and one actionable step listeners can take today to begin healing.

    Web, Book & Socials
    🌐 Website: www.lavantedorsey.com
    📘 Book: Crushed After a Breakup (available on Amazon)
    📸 Instagram: @lavantedorsey
    📘 Facebook: LaVante’ N. Dorsey
    💼 LinkedIn: LaVante’ N. Dorsey, LCSW
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    12 mins
  • What's Going On: African American Children's Book Fair

    What's Going On: African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining us are Gordon C. James, award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Library Association’s Robert F. Sibert Medal; Ibi Zoboi, bestselling and multi-award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature; Frank Morrison, acclaimed author-illustrator known for his dynamic, movement-filled artwork; and Nikki Grimes, a legendary voice in children’s and young adult literature whose work spans poetry, picture books, and novels for readers of all ages. Together, we talk about creativity, representation, the importance of seeing yourself in books, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region. Meet our guests:

    Gordon C. James
    Website: https://www.gordoncjames.com
    Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
    Ibi Zoboi
    Website: https://www.ibizoboi.net
    Instagram: @ibizoboi
    Frank Morrison
    Website: https://www.frankmorrison.art/
    Instagram: @frankmorrison
    Nikki Grimes
    Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com
    Instagram: @poetrynikki

    Event Details – African American Children’s Book Fair
    📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair
    Facebook: African American Children’s Book Fair

    Founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, this beloved annual event features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Insight Pt. 2: African American Children's Book Fair

    Insight Pt. 2: African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining us are Gordon C. James, award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Library Association’s Robert F. Sibert Medal; Ibi Zoboi, bestselling and multi-award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature; Frank Morrison, acclaimed author-illustrator known for his dynamic, movement-filled artwork; and Nikki Grimes, a legendary voice in children’s and young adult literature whose work spans poetry, picture books, and novels for readers of all ages. Together, we talk about creativity, representation, the importance of seeing yourself in books, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region. Meet our guests:

    Gordon C. James
    Website: https://www.gordoncjames.com
    Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
    Ibi Zoboi
    Website: https://www.ibizoboi.net
    Instagram: @ibizoboi
    Frank Morrison
    Website: https://www.frankmorrison.art/
    Instagram: @frankmorrison
    Nikki Grimes
    Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com
    Instagram: @poetrynikki

    Event Details – African American Children’s Book Fair
    📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair
    Facebook: African American Children’s Book Fair

    Founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, this beloved annual event features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - African American Children's Book Fair

    Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati previews one of Philadelphia’s most beloved literary traditions—the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, taking place Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining Vanesse is Renée Watson, Caldecott Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author, whose powerful stories center joy, identity, and the lived experiences of young people. Renée is one of the many acclaimed authors and illustrators who will be appearing at this year’s free, family-friendly event.

    For her monthly feature, “What Is Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse also speaks with Jaylene Clark Owens, an author and educator who will be attending the Book Fair and whose work uplifts Black history, culture, and intergenerational storytelling. Together, they discuss the importance of representation in children’s literature, the magic of meeting authors face-to-face, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region.

    Featured Authors Renée Watson
    Website: https://www.reneewatson.net
    Instagram: @ https://www.instagram.com/harlemportland/#
    Jaylene Clark Owens
    Website: https://www.jayleneclarkowens.com
    Instagram: @jayleneclarkowens

    Event Details – 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair 📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair

    The African American Children’s Book Fair features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and a wide selection of affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • What's Going On: Singing Valentines with The Pine Barons Chorus, Angela Giampolo, SpeakOUT

    What's Going On: Singing Valentines with The Pine Barons Chorus, Angela Giampolo, SpeakOUT
    Jan 22 2026
    Today we’re celebrating harmony, community, and a fun way to surprise someone special this Valentine’s Day. The Pine Barons Chorus, part of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is hosting its 2026 Singing Valentine fundraiser. For just $65, you can reserve a live performance on February 13th, 14th, or 15th, featuring two songs, a rose, chocolates, a personal card, and two tickets to the Pine Barons’ spring show. Delivering the love this year is the quartet Inversion, featuring John Tsigounis (lead and Chapter President), Chris Cook (tenor), Larry Melton (baritone), and Duane Scott (bass)—all members of the Cherry Hill–based Pine Barons Chorus. Outreach for the chapter is led by Eric Herr. 🎶 Reserve your Singing Valentine:
    📞 856-246-5066
    🌐 www.pinebarons.org

    We’re also joined by Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law for our monthly SpeakOUT segment, which explores issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community and how they intersect with the broader population. Angela discusses current trends affecting LGBTQIA+ communities, including a recent warning from the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security, a non-partisan think tank. The Institute warns that escalating anti-trans rhetoric, legislative attacks on gender-affirming care, and exclusionary policies in the U.S. reflect early-stage genocide characteristics against transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people—describing the situation as a “genocidal process,” rather than solely acts of violence.
    📚 Learn more:
    Learn more & connect with Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law:
    🌐 Website: https://www.giampololaw.com
    📸 Instagram: @giampololaw
    🐦 X (Twitter): @PhillyGayLawyer
    📘 Facebook: Giampolo Law Group
    🌐 www.lemkininstitute.com
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    30 mins
  • Insight Pt. 2: Soles Foundation, Housing Affordability, Support for Grieving Children & Teens

    Insight Pt. 2: Soles Foundation, Housing Affordability, Support for Grieving Children & Teens
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode, we celebrate Millianie Vásquez, winner of Power 99’s Hometown Heroes, sponsored by Chase Bank, and founder of the Soles Foundation. Inspired by the legacy of her late husband, Mikey Soles, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit provides new sneakers and socks to children in need—helping young people walk with dignity, confidence, and comfort.
    🔗 Soles Foundation
    🌐 Website: https://www.solesfoundation.net/
    📸 Instagram: @soles_foundation
    📘 Facebook: Soles Foundation

    We’re also joined by Rev. Michael W. Caine and Kathy Sykes of POWER Interfaith, a multifaith, multiracial movement organizing across Pennsylvania. They discuss their campaign to address Philadelphia’s housing affordability crisis and invite listeners to an upcoming citywide gathering. 📍 POWER Philadelphia City-Wide Assembly on Housing Affordability.
    📅 Sunday, February 1
    ⏰ 3:00 – 6:30 PM
    📌 Mother Bethel AME Church
    419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia 🔗 POWER Interfaith
    🌐 Website: https://powerinterfaith.org/
    📸 Instagram: @powerinterfaith
    📘 Facebook: POWER Interfaith

    We also speak with Sarah Behm, Assistant Director of the Eluna Resource Center, about the importance of supporting children and teens coping with grief and loss—and the compassionate resources available to families.
    🔗 Eluna Resource Center
    🌐 Website: https://elunanetwork.org/eluna-resource-center
    📘 Facebook: facebook.com/elunanetwork
    🎵 TikTok: @elunanetwork
    ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/c/elunanetwork
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    29 mins