Best Jenkintown Podcasts (2025)

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Tackling Philadelphia’s silent killer, high blood pressure and heart health | Sweet treats in Jenkintown 34:00

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11d ago34:00

34:00

Heart disease and stroke remain urgent health challenges in Philadelphia, with high blood pressure affecting thousands, particularly in underserved communities. This week, we sit down with leaders from the American Heart Association’s Greater Philadelphia chapter to discuss their "relentless force" mission. They explain why high blood pressure is c…

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How one clinic in Cherry Hill is trying to make healthcare a human right | Inside the Wanamaker organ 33:19

5d ago33:19

33:19

In a system where cost often determines survival, the Cherry Hill Free Clinic is a vital safety net. This week, we sit down with founder Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi to discuss the "catastrophic cases"—preventable heart attacks and strokes caused by rationed medication—that inspired him to open the clinic. He explains their unique model, fueled by 99% volunt…

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Solving Philly’s housing crisis | A Germantown Nutcracker 50:42

18d ago50:42

50:42

Philadelphia faces a shortage of over 64,000 affordable housing units. This week, we sit down with the city’s top housing leaders, Kelvin Jeremiah (PHA) and Dave Thomas (PHDC), to discuss solutions. They break down the "Turn the Key" program, designed to help families build generational wealth by making homeownership attainable even in gentrifying …

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Best of Bridging Philly: Spreading love with lasagna | Remembering The Dixie Hummingbirds 34:46

26d ago34:46

34:46

When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything.⁠ ⁠Lasagna Love⁠⁠ is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, J…

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Blood doesn't make you family | Get your glitter on: celebrating 10 years of CraftNOW Philadelphia 34:15

1M ago34:15

34:15

With roughly 13,000 youth in foster care across Pennsylvania alone, the need for permanent, loving homes is critical. This week, Dominique McFadden, Executive Director of the Adoption Center, joins us to demystify the often confusing adoption process. She breaks down the three different "paths" families can take, from private adoption to foster-to-…

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Uncovering a century of music under the stars | Shopping with dignity 37:15

1M ago37:15

37:15

The Highmark Mann Center is the iconic sound of summer in Philadelphia, but its legacy stretches back long before its 1976 opening. This week, we dive into the rich history of Philly's beloved amphitheater with Highmark Mann CEO Katherine Cahill and historian Jack McCarthy, author of the new book "A Century of Music Under the Stars." We'll explore …

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A mother's fight for equity in the NICU | The Mütter's new mission 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

When Jenné Johns' son was born 14 weeks early, her 77-day NICU journey exposed more than just a medical crisis—it revealed a system rife with racial bias. Now, as the founder of "Once Upon a Preemie," she is turning that pain into purpose. Janae joins us for National Prematurity Awareness Month to share her powerful story, discuss the shocking disp…

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How one nonprofit supports families affected by violence | Art, architecture, and contemplation: exploring Calder Gardens 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

How do you help a community in the immediate aftermath of a crisis? This week, we're joined by Reverend Linda Ivey, founder of the nonprofit Your Destiny Is Here. She discusses her vital mission of providing both spiritual and practical support to families in their darkest moments, particularly those affected by gun violence. Reverend Ivey shares t…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Breast surgery and reconstruction, from “Stories from the Journey” 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re revisiting an episode from a special series we did last October, “Stories from the Journey”, which was honored with a Gracie Award this year. Doctors, survivors, and supporters shared their personal experiences with breast cancer, and in this final episode, we took a close look at breast reconstruction i…

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The art of growth: from a founder's mission to a forest's beauty 32:58

2M ago32:58

32:58

Shayna Yvonne Rudd, founder of the Legend House, a therapeutic arts program in Philadelphia, shared her journey from battling depression to creating a supportive community for young girls. Initially called Lady Diva, the program evolved into Legends Camp in 2012, serving hundreds of girls. Shara Dae Howard joins an expert arborist on a hike through…

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How one Drexel student's idea sparked a national movement | A brotherhood on broad street 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

What started with one Drexel student donating 50 unused meal swipes has blossomed into a national movement. Philly-based Sharing Excess now rescues over 2 million pounds of surplus food each week, fighting food waste and hunger simultaneously. Founder Evan Ellers believes we don't have a food shortage, but an access problem—and his team is fixing i…

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Surprise! An on-air baby shower with expert motherhood advice. 33:01

3M ago33:01

33:01

This week on Bridging Philly, we threw a surprise on-air baby shower for our amazing producer, Sabrina Boyd-Surka, who is expecting any day now! Join us for a warm, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the real journey into motherhood. We're joined by an incredible panel of Philly experts to share their wisdom and support. Bo Zhao, founder of t…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Living with sickle cell disease | Tasty treats from Sweet Nina’s 48:26

3M ago48:26

48:26

As Sickle Cell Awareness Month comes to a close, we revisit our conversation with Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was six years old. Throughout her life, she has dealt with pain and organ failures. In 2024, she was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, living on 7% kidney function. Despite that, s…

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DEI - why everyone doesn’t need the same rock | Dancing in an empty pool 33:43

3M ago33:43

33:43

Racquel Williams talks with nationally recognized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist Celeste Warren about the passion behind her work and her book, The Truth About Equity. Warren challenges the idea that DEI and merit-based hiring are at odds, arguing that success isn't just about hard work when people start from different places. Sh…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Lewy body dementia | New: A women’s sports bar coming to South St. 40:58

3M ago40:58

40:58

Lewy body dementia affects over a million people in the United States, but many people don’t know much about it. It’s difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed. A new documentary called ⁠“Facing the Wind”⁠ shines a light on Lewy body dementia, both living with it and caring for someone who has the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Philadelphi…

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I'm Listening 2025: Spreading mental health awareness and suicide prevention 1:01:05

4M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

I'm Listening is a special KYW Newsradio makes every year focusing on mental health and wellness and suicide prevention. You'll hear conversations with experts in the field of mental health, and real things everyone can do to make a difference. Tips on how to manage parenting stresses, how to practice mindfulness, how to deal with grief in a positi…

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How to get kids to love reading | Horseback riding for emotional regulation 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

Philadelphia has a literacy crisis - only a third of third grade students are reading at grade level. But access to books and activities that create positive experiences with reading can help. Book Trust is a national nonprofit that helps students choose books to own and provides teachers with engaging materials. Racquel Williams talks with their s…

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Celebrating Arab language and culture | Environmental education through art 39:05

4M ago39:05

39:05

The Arab community in Philadelphia is a mix of people from many countries, all with vibrant art, music, and culture to share. Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture serves as a hub for anyone who wants to learn about Arabic language and creative expression. Racquel Williams talks with several members of the Al-Bustan team about their mission and experiences as…

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The lives of pre-Civil War Black Philadelphians | Project HOME fights homelessness 36:44

4M ago36:44

36:44

What kinds of jobs were 19th century Black Philadelphians doing? What did they value? These kinds of questions are at the heart of a new collaboration between The Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College and 1838 Black Metropolis, studying census data from 1838 and 1847 to learn what life was like for the city’s Black residents and how it c…

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A boy and his medical support dog | Remembering The Dixie Hummingbirds 39:34

4M ago39:34

39:34

Kelson Williams is a regular 12-year-old - he loves Marvel and playing outside with his friends - but he’s living with cerebral palsy. He has a medical support dog, Gus, but insurance wouldn’t cover the $15,000 for Gus’s training. So Kelson and his family turned to Help Hope Live, a nonprofit that helps fundraise for medical costs, and they raised …

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The Italian Market’s multicultural roots | North Philly History Festival 45:54

5M ago45:54

45:54

South Philly’s 9th Street Market may be known as the Italian Market, but the vendors there aren’t just Italian. Immigrants have come from many countries for 100 years and found opportunity and community in the neighborhood. Racquel Williams visited the market and talked with Michelle Angela Ortiz, who created Our Market Project to share the stories…

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Training teachers and inspiring students | Tasty treats from Sweet Nina’s 34:55

5M ago34:55

34:55

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is taking on the teacher shortage and summer learning loss at the same time. Their summer and weekend programs give middle schoolers the opportunity to go beyond their classroom learning in a way that’s fun and engaging, led by college students training to become teachers. Racquel Williams talks with Michelle Pa…

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Spreading love with lasagna | Exploring Philly’s trees 35:43

5M ago35:43

35:43

When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything. Lasagna Love is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, Jazmy…

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ICE and the immigration process | Blobfest 43:20

5M ago43:20

43:20

The Trump administration has ramped up deportation efforts, saying they want to stop criminals from coming into our country illegally, but many people who are trying to go through the legal process of immigration and have no criminal history have found themselves detained by ICE, even when they’re following every rule. To get a better understanding…

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Lewy body dementia | The history of the Ohio House 40:56

6M ago40:56

40:56

Lewy body dementia affects over a million people in the United States, but many people don’t know much about it. It’s difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed. A new documentary called “Facing the Wind” shines a light on Lewy body dementia, both living with it and caring for someone who has the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Philadelphia …

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Best of Bridging Philly: Mentors for children | The historic Colonial Theatre 34:17

6M ago34:17

34:17

When children are facing obstacles such as poverty and gun violence, they need consistent, ongoing support from a source they trust. ⁠Friends of the Children⁠ pairs kids starting at age 4 with paid, professional mentors - or "Friends" - who stay with them for 12+ years. The organization recently opened a Philadelphia branch, partnering with two ele…

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Planning America’s 250th birthday bash | A new speakeasy in Northern Liberties 35:53

6M ago35:53

35:53

As Philadelphia prepares for the 4th of July, the city is also looking ahead to 2026, when our city will be at the center of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Racquel Williams talks with the city’s 2026 Director, Michael Newmuis, about the festivities that will be going on all year and what goes into planning them. Then, on Shara in the Ci…

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Trans advocates on their experiences with gender-affirming care 39:08

6M ago39:08

39:08

The United States Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law banning some gender-affirming care for minors, and 26 other states have passed similar laws. Here in Philadelphia, Penn Medicine recently announced that they will no longer provide gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19. To get a better understanding of why some people want or need thes…

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Juneteenth at the African American Museum | Hometown hero Quinta Brunson 34:17

6M ago34:17

34:17

Juneteenth celebrates the day the last enslaved people in America found out they were free. Today, people of all cultures celebrate across the country on June 19th, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia especially does it big. Host Racquel Williams talks with the museum’s staff about the musical performances, exhibits, and more that you c…

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Black dandies: fashion as resistance | Trolley tour of women-owned businesses 48:54

7M ago48:54

48:54

Some Black men stand out for their sense of style - Sammy Davis Jr., Prince, Colman Domingo. They’re all part of a deep historical culture of Black dandyism, where fashion is rooted in resistance and used to counter stereotypes. This year’s Met Gala theme and an ongoing exhibition titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” highlight Black dandyism. …

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Arts funding in crisis | Dancing at any age 43:21

7M ago43:21

43:21

The Trump administration has been cutting back on the arts, closing federal organizations and cancelling grants that supported local cultural centers across the country. Host Racquel Williams speaks with three arts organizations that are feeling the impacts here in Philadelphia: Esperanza Arts Center, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, and the Greater…

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Jewish American Heritage Month | Philadelphia Voices of Pride LGBTQ+ choir 39:46

7M ago39:46

39:46

May is Jewish American Heritage Month - or JAHM - and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History here in Philadelphia has been at the center of the national efforts to celebrate and educate about Jewish American history and culture. Host Racquel Williams talks with Emily August, The Weitzman’s Director of JAHM, and Dan Tadmor, Presiden…

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Support for minority-owned small businesses | Gardening with MOVE Legacy Director, Mike Africa, Jr. 38:26

7M ago38:26

38:26

Women and BIPOC entrepreneurs often struggle to find the capital to get their businesses off the ground and to stay in business, facing various systemic barriers. Finanta is a Philly-based non-profit that supports entrepreneurs with loans, advice, and local connections. Host Racquel Williams speaks with Finanta’s President & CEO, Daniel Betancourt,…

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Best of Bridging Philly: A space for teens in South Philly | Smith Memorial Playground 44:10

8M ago44:10

44:10

Pennsylvania’s funding for after-school care ends when children turn 13, and many parents are concerned about where their teens can go after school and in the summer. Caring People Alliance⁠ runs a teen program and opened a new center last year at their South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club where teens can go to get a meal, play basketball, make mus…

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The silent struggle of infertility | Improving life with vision loss 42:06

8M ago42:06

42:06

One in six women worldwide experience infertility, but it’s a topic we still struggle to talk about. Diona Murray was given a less than a 1% chance of conceiving - but she beat the odds and had a daughter. During her journey, she launched Barren Fruit to help other women experiencing infertility know that they don’t have to go through this alone. D…

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Doing good after prison | Black + Asian food fusion 46:44

8M ago46:44

46:44

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in their youth. If a mistake lands you in prison or convicted of a crime, it can haunt you for the rest of your life - but many people are fighting to turn their lives around after a conviction. As a returning citizen, Shuja Moore started a nonprofit called Do Moore Good to help others on the reentry path and to …

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The dismantling of DEI | Kids in the Kitchen 42:37

8M ago42:37

42:37

President Trump has been using executive orders to roll back DEI efforts federally, but those three letters are easily misunderstood. Host Racquel Williams talks with two experts in the field: Stefanie Christmas, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Inizio, and Keva White, President/CEO of VIP Community Services and co-host of the Rac…

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Black Maternal Health Week | Philly Jazz Month 49:32

9M ago49:32

49:32

Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women, but Pennsylvania legislators and advocates are fighting to improve maternal health outcomes. Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, and host Racquel Williams speaks with three women who are helping to organize events, raise awareness, and bring …

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When white supremacy divides a family | Philly’s dodgeball community 43:52

9M ago43:52

43:52

In an extremely divisive era of politics, is it possible to reconcile with family members whom you disagree with, and whose beliefs you might even feel are dangerous? Gabriel Jason Dean wrote a play, “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES”, based on his experience with his brother, who joined a white supremacist gang in prison. He joins us along with Philadelphia na…

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Advocating for crime victims and families | Women-owned businesses in the spotlight 51:16

9M ago51:16

51:16

When someone is a victim of a crime or loses a loved one to violence, they need support - and many organizations in Philadelphia are ready to help. Racquel Williams talks with Melany Nelson, Executive Director of Northwest Victim Services, and Rev. G. Lamar Stewart Sr., Senior Pastor at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, about the services they offer …

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Philadelphia’s teacher shortage | The mayor’s masked ball 49:30

9M ago49:30

49:30

Each year, Philadelphia schools struggle to fill around 2,000 vacancies, and fewer people are pursuing teaching as a career. How do we incentivize more people to become teachers and solve this crisis? Elevate 215 and around 30 other organizations came together to form the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition to study that question. Executive Dire…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Dr. Ala Stanford looks back on COVID | New: Joe Frazier’s boxing legacy 42:26

10M ago42:26

42:26

When COVID-19 became a global pandemic five years ago, Dr. Ala Stanford stepped up to help Philadelphians get access to information, testing, care, and later, vaccines. She founded the Black Doctors Consortium, and after her work gained national media attention, then-President Biden appointed her Regional Director of the US Department of Health and…

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Mentors for Philadelphia children | The historic Colonial Theatre 34:21

10M ago34:21

34:21

When children are facing obstacles such as poverty and gun violence, they need consistent, ongoing support from a source they trust. Friends of the Children pairs kids starting at age 4 with paid, professional mentors - or Friends - who stay with them for 12+ years. The organization just opened a Philadelphia branch, partnering with two elementary …

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Helping families get out of poverty | Volunteering at the Philadelphia Flower Show 43:15

10M ago43:15

43:15

When Harold Barrow’s daughter was born, he was addicted to heroin and living in an abandoned house. ACHIEVEability gave them both a place to live and helped Harold get his GED and bachelor’s degree. Now, Harold is working for ACHIEVEability, helping other families in similar circumstances. Harold and ACHIEVEability’s Executive Director Jamila Harri…

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Giving people a chance after addiction or incarceration | A Black history art exhibit says farewell 40:11

10M ago40:11

40:11

Britt James Carpenter is a five-time overdose survivor. After being incarcerated, he found his way to recovery and decided to turn his negative experiences into a source for good. He joins Racquel Williams to talk about his non-profit, Philly Unknown Project, which provides resources to the formerly incarcerated, people experiencing homelessness, a…

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Talking openly about race | Lloyd Parks remembers The Blue Notes 40:15

10M ago40:15

40:15

We are still fighting racism in 2024, but many people find it hard to talk about or even acknowledge. EMBRACING RACE - The Conversation, based in Collingswood, NJ, is taking steps to dismantle racism by gathering people of different backgrounds to talk honestly about it, to better understand what’s really going on. Racquel Williams talks with sever…

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Ya Fav Trashman dreams of a clean city | Remembering Sid Booker 37:03

11M ago37:03

37:03

Terrill Haigler, a former Philadelphia sanitation worker, rose to local fame through his Instagram @_yafavtrashman, where he’s been raising awareness about illegal dumping. Between hauling gigs, fundraising, and a grant, he was recently able to buy a truck of his own and hire returning citizens to help him clean up the city’s streets. He tells Racq…

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Chinatown’s fight for their community | A second chance from Gift of Life 37:53

11M ago37:53

37:53

Chinatown residents fought against a new 76ers arena in their neighborhood for two years. Just when they thought they had lost, the Sixers changed course and decided to rebuild where they are in South Philly. Racquel Williams talks with two Chinatown community leaders in the wake of this whiplash, to hear how they feel about the final decision, why…

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Helping young adults build tech careers | The grief garden at Awbury Arboretum 43:54

11M ago43:54

43:54

Technology is a growing field ripe with opportunities, if you know where to look. Hopeworks introduces young adults in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ to tech jobs they might not have known existed, providing training and job experience for people ages 17 to 27, and breaking down barriers to employment like housing insecurity and mental health challeng…

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Preparing for a second Trump administration | Gender-affirming, sustainable clothes 39:18

11M ago39:18

39:18

When Donald Trump was elected for a second presidential term, the reaction from many marginalized communities was fear - immigrants fearing they’ll be deported, trans and nonbinary people fearing they’ll lose the ability to live as themselves, women fearing they’ll lose access to reproductive health care. Philadelphia is a Democratic city that vote…