Best Critical Language Mentor Podcasts (2025)

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

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3d 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

10d 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

17d 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

24d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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In Conversation with Elizabeth Mitchell: Making Music Guided by People at Laurier 42:32

4M ago42:32

42:32

2024 Hoffman-Little Award winner Elizabeth Mitchell from Laurier’s Faculty of Music shares her journey into music therapy and the connective power of music in helping people express emotions, memories, and experiences. She discusses the importance of improvisation, versatility, and self-awareness, skills that allow practitioners to meet clients whe…

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

4M 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

5M 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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In Conversation with Marybeth White: Teaching as a Continual Process of Learning at Laurier 34:17

5M ago34:17

34:17

Marybeth White from Laurier’s Religion and Culture Department and recipient of the 2024 Sustained Excellence Teaching Award, shares insights on fostering a student-centered learning environment grounded in compassion, flexibility and inclusive design. Marybeth discusses the changes she’s seen in students throughout her career, including what studen…

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

5M 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

5M ago49:32

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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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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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In Conversation with Michael Woodford: Mentoring Students to be Change Agents 54:36

6M ago54:36

54:36

Join 2024 Faculty Mentoring Award recipient Michael Woodford from Laurier’s Faculty of Social Work as he shares how some of the mentors along his personal and professional journey impacted him, the importance of sharing power in mentoring relationships, and the value of creating spaces where students can thrive as their authentic selves. Whether na…

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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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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In Conversation with Avis Beek: Inspiring Exploratory and Inclusive Education at Laurier 42:42

7M ago42:42

42:42

Avis Beek from Laurier’s Faculty of Education and the recipient of the 2024 Early Career Excellence Award shares her hands-on, kinesthetic approach to STEM education. Through creative activities that include slime-making, terrarium building, and even live animals(!), Avis sparks curiosity and fosters collaborative and inclusive learning environment…

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

8M 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

8M 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…

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In Conversation with Jeremy Hunsinger: Building Knowledge Together at Laurier 1:01:56

8M ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Jeremy Hunsinger from Laurier's Communication Studies department and recipient of the 2024 Innovation in Teaching Award, shares his approach to creating a student-centered, studio-like classroom environment. Jeremy discusses how he integrates active learning from the very first class by having students co-create the course syllabus. His approach to…

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Jobs for returning citizens | Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens 44:54

8M ago44:54

44:54

One of the first - and hardest - steps to getting your life back after incarceration is to find a job.There’s a lot to adjust to, and employers can be hesitant, but Baker Industries and their partners say there are actually benefits to hiring returning citizens. The nonprofit provides training and jobs for people facing barriers to employment due t…

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Making your New Year’s goals stick | “All About Love” exhibit at The Barnes 34:28

8M ago34:28

34:28

Every January, we’re determined to improve our lives by making New Year’s resolutions. Then, for most of us, we fall off track as the year goes on. What does it take to make a positive change in your life that lasts? Paula Michele Boyle, founder of Life Coach Philly International School of Coaching and author of “Love Coach”, joins host Racquel Wil…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Fighting food insecurity | Pizza with a purpose 43:48

9M ago43:48

43:48

We’ve seen a surge of people facing food insecurity since pandemic relief ended, and the numbers have not gone back down. It’s a particular issue in Philadelphia, where about 22% of people live in poverty - twice the national average. Share Food Program is the city’s leading hunger relief organization. Their executive director, George Matysik, and …

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Treating ourselves at the Black Girl Magic Holiday Wine Garden Pop-Up 33:10

9M ago33:10

33:10

Glamorous mother-daughter duo Nazaret Teclesambet and Favian Sutton created The Wine Garden on Baltimore Ave in 2019 as a space where women can relax, feel comfortable, and treat themselves - though all are welcome in the family-friendly space. The Wine Garden is open in the summer, but this year, they’re doing their first winter experience - a Bla…

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Support for Black-owned businesses | Black + Asian food fusion 41:19

9M ago41:19

41:19

Black-owned businesses often face additional barriers to getting off the ground - a historic wealth gap and lack of access to resources, to name a few. The African American Chamber of Commerce advocates for Black business owners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Host Racquel Williams talks with their President & CEO, Regina A. Hairston, an…

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A push to find missing children of color | Art to affirm Black communities 45:17

9M ago45:17

45:17

According to Black and Missing Foundation, 40% of missing persons cases are people of color. The Amber Alert system was created to help find missing children, but is it doing enough for Black and brown youth? Pennsylvania State Reps. Carol Kazeem and Gina H. Curry have proposed a bill to implement an Ebony Alert system, similar to ones in other sta…

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Best of Bridging Philly: Local food traditions | Black & Brown-owned small biz shopping 31:42

9M ago31:42

31:42

Have you eaten catfish and waffles? Turtle soup? As we now enjoy an enormous variety of food, these dishes are part of Philly’s culinary history. Origins of the city’s food traditions are rooted in the cultural melting pot that includes the African diaspora and the Pennsylvania Dutch. Chef & Culinary Educator Joy Parham and Elwood Restaurant Chef &…

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The future of reproductive rights | Philly youth head to Paris 38:30

10M ago38:30

38:30

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the country has been divided, with many states banning or restricting abortion and many others passing measures to protect abortion access. Now that Donald Trump has been elected President again, and Republicans have control of both the Senate and the House, what changes could we see, and how could they affect repr…

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In Conversation with Elaine Cheng: Preparing Future Archaeologists at Laurier 36:50

10M ago36:50

36:50

Elaine Cheng from Laurier’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies program and 2024 Early Career Excellence winner shares how she guides students through classroom and field experiences that blend real-world challenges with a mix of career-integrated and experiential learning. Elaine emphasizes the importance of both hands-on fieldwork and in-class activ…

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Addressing racial inequalities in NJ | Formerly incarcerated photographers on display 37:22

10M ago37:22

37:22

New Jersey was the last northern state to abolish slavery, and you can see the impacts of that today in things like housing inequality and a massive wealth gap. Several Black advocacy groups banded together to form United Black Agenda and push for policies, education, and programs that will help close that gap. Executive Director Rev. Eric Dobson j…

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Celebrating Sisterhood | The Village People origin story 42:16

10M ago42:16

42:16

While going through a divorce, Robin Shine Maddox realized we need more opportunities to celebrate women. So she started Celebrating Sisterhood, which grew from a gathering of friends into the annual She Shines conference, which is in Philadelphia on November 9. Robin and her She Shines sisters Tracey Calhoun and Lynn Michelle Austin join host Racq…