Love + Grit

When thinking about Maryam Pugh, Tayyib Smith and Sam Katz, we think accomplished visionaries. First up, the revolution may not be televised but it will be featured thanks to Philadelphia Printworks founder, Maryam Pugh. Her mission to promotes social justice just got bigger since being featured in Target stores. This powerful partnership aims to amplify social justice messages and showcase artists from underrepresented communities. Next up, Tayyib Smith and Sam Smith bring their superpowers together to pay homage to the profound Black history of a specific Philadelphia area. Legacy Reclaimed: A 7th Ward Tribute honors the lives of the 19th-century Black residents of the 7th Ward in Philadelphia (located between 6th Street and 23rd Street and between Spruce Street and South Street). 

Kyra Knox and Lady Alma are two dope ladies using their voices in different ways. Kyra is using her directing voice to make sure Philly's basketball courts stay safe. Her passion for the arts created a project that Philly needs: the documentary Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia. The documentary discusses the impact of gun violence in city and highlights the non-profits working hard to create change. Lady Alma has been a legendary force in house music for decades. Around the world she IS the queen of house. We first heard her singing about happiness with Philly legend King Britt and now you can hear her touring around the world and on the Philadelphia Eagles' first Christmas album which raised $1.2M for local charities.  

Two people that are the voices of Philadelphia: Alejandro Bedoya and GoGo Morrow. First up, Alejandro is not just the Philadelphia Union's team captain, but also a passionate advocate to end gun violence. He's also on the board of Live Work Philadelphia whose mission is to grow and diversify the middle-income population in the City of Philadelphia. Add to the list of accomplishments: helping secure Philadelphia's bid to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Next up, GoGo Morrow has been blessed to join the stage with the likes of Kanye West and Lady Gaga. She has also made her mark in her hometown of Philadelphia with a sold-out concert at the Theater of Living Arts and now has taken her Philly roots to Los Angeles. And yes, she still reps that 267 number.  

Music and food on your mind? Khemist and Alisha Miranda are about to help sooth your musical and culinary requests. Philly is home to some of the greatest MCs and to add to the list we have Khemist. He's a teacher, an academic and multi-instrumentalist who has released several studio albums and mixtapes. And now Khemist is working with organizations like the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Cultural Campus bridging gaps between the music and local communities. Next, if you want to get the latest on good eats, Alisha Miranda is your person! You can find Alisha's opinions in places like Eater Philly, the Philadelphia Inquirer,  Thrillist, Philadelphia Magazine and Resy. And in her spare time, she produces and hosts #LatinxIndustryNight where she highlights all the tasty goods in Philly's Latino community. 

Philly loves options and that's what Meeka Johnson and Rene Melendez are serving. Johnson has done it all. She's known in Philly for her sense of fashion innovation. She's put in decades of work as a fashion stylist and consultant. And she's even created her own fashion-forward clothing line. But now we are obsessed with her All Black Everything Pop-Up, which is essentially the Black version of QVC on Instagram that exclusively highlights dope Black-owned brands. Next up, Melendez is the owner of Izlas Latin Cuisine. He dishes on what all of our palates have been waiting for: a Latino restaurant that presents food from several Latin-American countries. And it just so happens Izlas is a part of Dine Latino Restaurant Week which includes deals from some of the city's best Latino-owned restaurants.  

It's the Oscars of food and we have Chad Williams and Jamila Robison talking all things culinary. It was 10 years ago when his now wife Hanna Williams introduced the thought to Chad to buy the Rittenhouse Square staple Friday Saturday Sunday. Two years into the gig and right before the opening, Chad and Hanna would make their commitment to each other and the restaurant official by marrying in its kitchen. Now they have the best restaurant in the country. Next up, not only is Jamila Robinson the first Black female judge on the World's 50 Best Restaurants panel, but she's also the chair of the James Beard Foundation's Journalism Awards program. She also knows a thing or two about Philly's culinary scene and how it can change communities.  

Love + Grit celebrates all things Philly and the BlackStar Film Festival was full of Philly legends and up-and-comers including Emmy Award winner and Mural Arts Philadelphia Black Artists fellow Simone Holland. Simone initially came to the film festival as a cinematographer for another BlackStar Fellow project and returned a second time as a fellow herself. Live from the Daily Jawn Stage at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, Justin and Laiya talk with Simone about her premiere film, All That's Left. The film challenges the perspective of existing, longing for acceptance, all around the epicenter of one's life: the kitchen table. We also had to quiz the audience on Philly's TV and film influences. Can you finish the lyrics to the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” theme song? Can you name the Netflix western based on Philly's urban riding club?  

Philadelphia's music scene has produced some of the most notable acts in hip-hop and R&B. Case in point Freeway and Julian King. This year, Freeway is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album: Philadelphia Freeway. He's also using his platform to better his life as a spokesperson and health ambassador for the National Kidney Foundation and the organization he founded, the Freedom Thinkers Academy. Next up, Julian King comes from the same institution, the High School for Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA), as some of your favorite musicians like Boyz II Men and Jazmin Sullivan. And today he has leaped to national stages such as John Legend's team on NBC's The Voice and writing and performing the theme song for the Emmy® Nominated film “All Boys Aren't Blue.” Freeway and Julian ARE Philly. 

It's not that our hosts are always hungry, it's that we have dope people like Justin Coleman and Dionicio Jimenez! Coleman's Bake'n Bacon food truck stepped on the scene in 2019 and has continued to meet his challenge of twisting bacon into all kinds of delicious goodness - like a bacon beer. And soon you'll get to enjoy Justin's new brick and mortar restaurant! Next up, Chef Dio is no stranger to Philly's culinary scene. A true success story, Dio started as a dishwasher, moved to kitchen prep, sous chef and moved up to executive Chef for restaurants like El Rey and Xochitl. And now he lights up Kensington with great aromas at his James Beard nominated Cantina La Martina. 

Nikisha Bailey and Denice Frohman are two women taking arts and culture to new levels. Bailey wakes up every day and finds time to work on two things she loves: coffee and music! She's a music executive who was named a 2x Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Player and owner of Win Win Coffee Bar, a brand handpicked by Goldman Sachs to be a featured vendor at its 10KSB National Summit. Next up, Frohman's accolades list starts as a Pew Fellow and Baldwin-Emerson Fellow and leads up to performing at the White House, the Lincoln Center and being featured by many national outlets including the New York Times. In addition to making a career out of poetry, Frohman also creates safe spaces for teens and facilitates workshops for adults and young people.  

The Roots Picnic was loaded with legends and Black-owned businesses! Creative ambassadors Tina Dixon Spence, Shanti Mayers, Thomas (Tom) Davis and Kimberly McGlonn join Justin and Laiya for Philly trivia live on the Roots Picnic podcast stage. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we had to ask questions around Philly's musical influences. Can you finish the lyrics to Eve's Grammy award winning “Let Me Blow Ya Mind?” Can you name the song that won the first award for Best Rap Performance presented to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince? And it wouldn't be Philly trivia without asking one of our audience members to list three of the best cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia. 

We're listening back at some of our favorite interviews and this week we have three dope guests: VINCINT, Dyana Williams and Charisse McGill! First up we're celebrating Pride with VINCINT. You know him from the hit show The Four and hearing his voice in the theme song of Queer Eye that was based in Philadelphia. We're also celebrating Dyana Williams aka the mother of Black Music Month discussing how Black music has touched everyone in some way. And it wouldn't be love or grit without celebrating food! Charisse McGill, the first Black woman to vend at Spruce Street Harbor Park and the first Black woman in Pennsylvania with her own craft beer, was recently featured on NBC's The Today Show. 

We're listening back at some of our favorite interviews and this week we have Ellen Yin and Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon! Ellen Yin's name is synonymous with the hospitality industry. She recently celebrated 25 years of Fork, one of her many restaurants under the High Street Hospitality Group ownership. Ellen is also up for Outstanding Restaurateur in this year's James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Another James Beard Award nominee, Chef Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon recently moved her Kalaya Thai restaurant to the bustling Fishtown neighborhood. And Chef Nok is no stranger to accolades. In 2020, Esquire named Kalaya the Best Restaurant in America. 

We're listening back at some of our favorite episodes and this week we have Questlove and Roberto Lugo! Did you know Roberto Lugo, born in the Kensington neighborhood of Philly, has been featured in museums across the country including the Metropolitan Museum of Art? He's also behind the Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter mural right outside the Clay Studio building. Yes, Black Thought from the Legendary Roots Crew who Questlove is also a member of. And just in case you needed a reminder of who Questlove is: musical director of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; cofounder of digital music and media platforms Okayplayer and OkayAfrica; a James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author; plant-based cheesesteak maker and more.  

James Jones, Lawrence Harrington and George Morse are representing Philly locally and nationally. First up, Harrington and Morse, both captains of the local Black Men Run chapter, explain the ins and outs of one of Philly's favorite running clubs which has been making its mark on the streets and communities of Philadelphia for over a decade. However, their mission goes beyond running, taking their core values of Brotherhood, Unity, and Health into the communities they run through. Next up, Jones was planning events in Philly before becoming a contestant on CBS's Survivor season 43. Spoiler alert: Although he didn't win the $1 million cash prize, he is now curating vibes for all in our city.  

Kimberly McGlonn and Jill Scott are two Philly queens making great moves in the “City of Sisterly Affection.” Black Ivy Thrift Store is an innovative shoppable museum that honors our past. You may remember McGlonn from her activism work and especially for her super dope store, Grant Blvd. McGlonn returns to the Love + Grit podcast to talk about her new project. Next up, Laiya has a one-on-one session with Philly's own Grammy-award winning Jill Scott! She recently kicked off her anniversary tour in Philly, is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album, and dedicates time to her almost two-decade old Blues Babe Foundation - a launch pad for Philly's young brilliance. 

Do what you love...that's what Victor Tejada and Samantha Smith do. Tejada is improving small businesses through Delivery Guys, his food-delivery business. Launched during the pandemic, Tejada and his start-up have since been able to offer drivers significantly more opportunities, help small business owners keep more profit and employ drivers in the communities where they live. Next up, Samantha Smith is a young Philly actress who stole our hearts in the Peacock Original limited series, The Best Man: Final Chapters. Working in the industry for half of her life, Smith has booked national commercials, many voiceover gigs and a supporting role on The Last O.G. 

Although he needs no introduction, DJ Jazzy Jeff “The Magnificent” is one of the most legendary artists to come out of Philadelphia becoming the first hip-hop recording to win a Grammy for best rap performance. DJ Jazzy Jeff is also one of the first hip-hop artists to take over our television screens. But there's so much more to one of our favorite DJs, making history today during a groundbreaking performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. And yes, you'll find out why the Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship was Jeff's first Eagles' game he ever attended.  

King Saladeen and Tiffani Barbour are taking Philadelphia's arts & culture scene to the screen and Broadway! Self-taught and world-renowned visual artist King Saladeen not only recently worked on artwork for Netflix's ‘You People,' but has also collaborated with the New York Stock Exchange, Neiman Marcus and much more! Also, the 1776 musical is launching its national tour in Philadelphia at the Forrest Theatre. Tiffani Barbour discusses the importance of having an all-female, transgender, and non-binary cast in a musical about the founding fathers discussing the declaration of independence.  

Love + Grit is celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop and continuing to tell Philly's most phenomenal stories. Musical mastermind Adam Blackstone joins the Love + Grit family for many reasons. To name a few: he is the reason many performers (Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, among others) are your favorite live show artist, he is the reason that you are still thinking about many Super Bowl Halftime shows, and most importantly he is Philly. And now after releasing his first studio album Legacy, he's on the verge of winning a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B. Should we go on? 

Kevin Parker and Nakia and Taahirah Stith are three incredible Philadelphians walking the runway on this episode. Parker, a model turned designer, tells his story of how he created one of the country's biggest fashion movements, Philly Fashion Week. The goal of the event, which has featured over 75 international brands and 1,000 local designers, was to develop the reputation of Philadelphia's fashion industry, improving the local economy with jobs and educational opportunities in fashion. Next up Nakia and Taahirah, two dope sisters are celebrating one year at Dope Botanicals! The Rittenhouse shop has these healthy streets buzzing and offers visitors food, juice and other items to help you live a holistic lifestyle. If you're still looking for gift ideas, the hosts share their favorite Black-owned businesses around Philly! 

We're thankful for Rich Medina and Chef Kurt Evans promoting Philly's most celebrated traits: arts and activism. International and legendary DJ Rich Medina shares with us his history expressing his heart, soul and activism through music for the last 30 years. Medina also provides the details surrounding Art Basel in Miami, why it's important for the Black arts community and details about Love + Grit On The Road during Miami Art Week. Next up, Evans discusses bringing together food and activism to raise criminal justice reform awareness in America. Featured in major publications like Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Good Morning America, and Eater, Evans also created the ground-breaking End Mass Incarceration (EMI) dining series which orchestrates dinners themed around the criminal justice system.  And if you're looking for something to do in Philly other than drinking, the hosts provide their top things to do. 

Chef Tonii Hicks and Steven CW Taylor are innovators and history makers. Hicks has worked in some of Philly's most prestigious kitchens such as SOUTH and High Street Philly, and she's also an activist, advocating for farm-fresh food in low-income communities. Most recently, Hicks was named a James Beard Foundation Fellow, enabling her to participate in 10 weeks of training in financial and legal matters, public relations, policy and advocacy, brand development and more. Taylor, owner of Ubuntu Fine Art, traded in his software-engineering job to pursue fine art photography. While doing this, he made history as the first Black photographer in the country to open his own gallery featuring exclusively his own works.   As always, the hosts discuss their favorite Philly things. This time around, the focus is on their must-do November activities. 

Lori Lindsey and Khoran Horn might make you say, “Hey! I know them from TV!” Lindsey, a former USWNT player and sports commentator discusses her advocacy work for equal pay in sports and rights for trans athletes. She also dishes on the excitement about the FIFA World Cup™ coming to Philadelphia! At the other end of the table, Guardhouse Café owner Horn talks about how he's never eaten meat... ever. So, he finds creative ways to make delicious dishes that taste like meat, but are all substitutes. And he recently competed on and won “It's compli-plated!” on the Food Network.  The hosts also dish on their favorite scary Philly locations like Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.  

This episode is bringing the heat. Shannon Maldonado returns to the podcast to fill us in on what's new at Yowie and the biggest news in her life. Hint: it involves her opening a boutique hotel on South Street. Next up, Radhi Fernandez, owner of the Faiya Company, discusses how he got started with his hot sauce, his love for Philly and how Philly loves him right back. And yes, he'll dish on where you can buy the hot sauce, including at the Reading Terminal Market.  Philly sports fans, this one's for you! Get the scoop on what sports bars our hosts frequent to catch the game.   

Food and fashion mix well in this episode. Just ask Chef Montana Houston, Chef Ja'mir Wimberly-Cole and Zakia Blain. First up, two of the hottest new chefs, both under 30, recently opened Rittenhouse Square's Restaurant Aleksander. They're putting their own spin on an American menu with Eastern European influences that pay homage to the culture and cuisine of the owner's family. Next up, Chester's own Zakia Blain is celebrating 10 years working in the body-positivity space. This educator turned entrepreneur turned her Instagram movement into some of the best fitness fashion around. And if you're hungry, listen up as Rachel, Justin and Laiya share their picks for Asian-owned restaurants. 

Vikram and Vivek Nayar and Julieta Zavala are people we can rely on to talk about drinks and fashion! The Nayar twins, Two Robbers Seltzer Co. owners and founders, have lived all over the world, from New York City to New Delhi, but they decided to launch their brand of hard seltzers right here in Philly, because they believed it would be more interesting. Next up, fashion designer Zavala uses recycled materials to create vibrant pieces of clothing, each one an homage to her birthplace of Mexico City. She works with bright colors, various fabrics and even Frida Kahlo's image to reflect her roots.   The hosts also share their plans for Hispanic Heritage Month. No surprise that those plans include Dine Latino Restaurant Week! 

On this episode, we have filmmaker Bilal Motley and chef Amanda Shulman. Motley's short animated film Quarantine Kids was an official selection at this year's BlackStar Film Festival. Co-directed by his then 9-year-old daughter Bria, the film tells the courageous story of Bria's struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic. The film garnered the duo our first-ever Love + Grit Award! Next up, Her Place Supper Club owner and chef Amanda Shulman is doing things her way. Shulman whips up a menu that changes weekly, an ever-changing wine selection and reservations that need to be booked months in advance.  The hosts also share their top things to do in September.  

We're taking you on a culinary journey with Dr. Maya, Dr. Kala Johnstone and Chef Hoon Rhee. Philly twins Dr. Maya and Dr. Kala began their careers as Philadelphia public school teachers, but soon felt the pull of their vision boards and decided to launch FoodChasers' Kitchen. Since opening in December 2021, they've cooked for memorable guests, including Salt-N-Pepa and Khelani, and were featured in a Pepsi commercial supporting Black-owned businesses. Philly born and bred, Chef Rhee was recently named executive chef at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He's done it all in the culinary industry, working as a line and pastry chef, bartender, barista and everything in between in restaurants around the world, including Philly's Lacroix at The Rittenhouse Hotel, Jean-Georges Philadelphia, Morimoto, The Modern, Masa, Daniel and others.   The hosts also share their perfect Philly itineraries. 

Darrell Alston and Camille Bell are changing up the fashion and cosmetic industries respectively. Nationally recognized, Alston is the first Philadelphia brand designer to be carried in Footlocker with his company Bungee Oblečení. Bell is working to make everyone feel seen in the cosmetic world with her company Pound Cake. After seeing how a shade of lipstick on a model in a store looked different on her when she got home, she knew she needed to start creating inclusive makeup for all skin tones.  Also, find out the hosts' favorite places to watch movies outdoors (or indoors). 

Philly is a city of champions, two of them being Travis Wolfe, Jr. and Kareem Rosser. Wolfe is a 16-year-old actor who's been a show business veteran for a decade, starring in shows like Neighborhood and Grown-ish and most recently CBS's Bob ❤️ Abishola. Next up, as an interscholastic polo champion, Rosser is everywhere including playing a major role in the inaugural Philadelphia Polo Classic. His biggest goal is to connect the two worlds of an elite sport to everyday folks in Philly.     Also, find out which concerts in Philly our hosts are most excited for this summer! 

Yaya Horne, Damion Ward and Eric “Bus Driver Doo” Lilley are showing off Philly in different ways, but spreading the love as they do. Horne and Ward, co-founders of Tiny Room for Elephants, discuss how their month-long festival fuses the work of artists and musicians committed to creating unexpected works. The inspiration for this year's festival is "'made with love and inspired by grit.” We like the sound of that! Next up is Lilley, a SEPTA bus driver who made a big impression on social media by sharing interesting stories from his routes. Over the years, he's watched passengers try to fit a mattress on his bus and doled out plenty of advice on how to be a good passenger.    Also, find out our hosts' favorite LGBTQIA+ business/spot in town!

Brandi Nicole and Brannon Johnson are two Philadelphians that know health and wellness! Nicole is the founder of Hike + Heal, which is so much more than hiking. With wellness retreats, healing circles, Nicole shows folks a way to find peace of mind in the City of Brotherly Love. Up next, we have Philly native Johnson, an elite accomplished athlete and head coach and owner of BLJ Community Rowing. A one of the most diverse community rowing programs in Philadelphia, Johnson is making sure the skill of rowing is available to all people of all backgrounds. Also, find out what our hosts recommend to do in Philadelphia for July 4th weekend! Yes, it includes fireworks! 

Suzann Christine, Gregory Corbin and Aja Graydon test their Philly knowledge live at the Roots Picnic. How well do you know your Reading Terminal Market merchants? Remember when the first Roots Picnic took place? Corbin, community activist, poet and educator, joins Team Justin, and Graydon, the lady from Kindred the Family Soul, and Christine, R&B artist, join Team Rachel for a good time and a great history lesson moderated by Laiya.  

Pink Sweat$ and Dyana Williams represent the past, present and future of music. And that future is looking bright thanks to singer/ songwriter Pink Sweat$. Born and raised in West Philly, Sweat$ discusses how inspired he is by love—something that's apparent on his newest album Pink Moon. Up next, Dyana Williams, the mother of Black Music Month, makes her return to Love + Grit. This time around, she talks about the importance of Black Music Month, how Black music has touched everyone in some way and what she's been up to since her last podcast visit. 

Siddiq Moore and Sofia Deleon are getting us in the mood for summertime with all their talk about water ice and street food. Siddiq of the eponymously named Siddiq's Water Ice gives us the scoop about his shop being a community hub and his journey to owning two stores. And Deleon talks about how she brought her favorite childhood eats to Philly via El Merkury, serving up lauded Central American street food, and about what's next for her. 

Chef Kevin Cooper and DJ Diamond Kuts discuss the best of food and music. Chef Cooper is a three-time Food Network champion, winning ‘Guy's Chance of a Lifetime,' ‘Guy's Grocery Games' and ‘Cooks vs. Cons.' He's also launched one of Philly's newest culinary offerings Succulent Imagination, a one-on-one cooking class, and will own and operate a Chicken Guy, a concept from Guy Fieri. DJ Diamond Kuts is a Philly-native making people dance globally. From traveling and performing on some of the biggest stages, including the Roots Picnic and the Philadelphia Flower Show, to hosting the new Yo! MTV Raps! 

Two of Philly's sons, Larry Miller and Mykey Cooper, take to the mic to share their stories of perseverance and hard work. Miller discusses his journey from juvenile offender to president of Nike's Jordan Brand, and his controversial book, Jump: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom. Next, Cooper breaks down how as a teenager, he balances major acting gigs and writing for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, all while keeping those grades up.

Which women are considered to be the most powerful voices in Philadelphia? Laurin Talese and Patty Jackson are certainly contenders for this title. First up in this episode is Talese, a classically trained jazz singer who moved to Philly to further her vocal education and is the first cultural ambassador for American Music Abroad. The vice president of the city's Grammy chapter is also releasing her second album. Up next, Jackson is a veteran radio personality whose voice has graced the airwaves of the city for four decades. She started in country radio and ended up in Philly for a long-term residence at WDAS FM. 

Two people changing the game in sports and food: Kate Scott and JL Jupiter. Scott is used to making history. She was the first woman to call a men's basketball game at the Olympics and the first to call an NFL game on the radio. And now she comes to Philadelphia as the first female announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers. Next up is Jupiter, a first generation immigrant that celebrates mom and pop restaurants and their international cuisines. His YouTube videos give an insider's look at his favorite restaurants and drive serious business to the spots he features. 

Terrill Haigler and Jena Harris are two people who are all about love and grit. Born out of the 2020 pandemic, the West Philly Bunny Hop is a food pantry created by Harris that now feeds more than 350 families each week. Next up is Haigler, known as Ya Fav Trashman on social media. He talks about how starting a job as a sanitation worker inspired his activism and raising awareness for the sanitation industry. The fundraiser he led to purchase PPE, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for sanitation workers soon turned into Trash2Treasure, a non-profit whose mission is to clean Philadelphia block by block.

Blew Kind and Dr. Sheena Howard are taking a creative approach to inspiring the next generation of activists in Philadelphia and beyond. Kind is the founder of Kensington-based Franny Lou's Porch, named after Fannie Lou Hamer and Frances E.W. Harper, two influential Black women from the Civil Rights movement. The Afro-centric cafe is focused on activism, health, history, art and culture in the Black community. Next up is Howard, an award-winning author and professor at Rider University. She uses her passion for comic books and social justice to discuss representation in this space in her newly released book, “Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication.”  

Love + Grit Season 3 kicks off with an all star reunion featuring Jeannine A. Cook, Chef Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate who continue to amplify their visions and make Black history as they do. First, Cook discusses growing Harriett's Bookshop nationwide, a visit from Will Smith, calls from Oprah and a vow of silence. Then, we catch up with TIME 100Next's Chef Omar Tate and his wife Cybille, founders of Honeysuckle Projects. The husband-and-wife duo are set to open their first brick-and-mortar this spring.

Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Ellen Yin have both been sources of inspiration for women and girls, giving them spaces to grow and develop their skills to succeed in the face of adversity. Johnson Dias, the mother of 16-year-old activist and writer Marley Dias, talks about her new book “Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful, Change-Making Girls.” Wharton graduate, Ellen Yin, who owns High Street Hospitality Group, is one of the leading forces behind the Sisterly Love Collective (an alliance of women restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs responsible for the Sisterly Love Food Fair). Her recent ghost kitchen concept, The Wonton Project, is inspired by a family recipe and benefits local non-profits combatting social issues close to her heart. 

PHILADANCO's Dr. Joan Myers Brown is a true dance pioneer. After founding the Philadelphia Dance Company in 1970, she went on to create the International Association of Blacks in Dance and the International Conference of Black Dance Companies. As she steps down (but not away) from her role at PHILADANCO, she reflects on her achievements and the impact she has made on the dance community globally. Also on the show: Ben “BoxWon” Barnes-McGee, who will take break dancing to the 2024 Olympics for the first time ever with the help of the World Dance Sport Federation's Breaking for Gold USA. This West Philadelphia native is a four-time world champion b-boy and founder of a Bred2Burn, a hip-hop dance education and development mentorship program.

Khalil Munir is a performer, educator and author who has defied the odds and equips his students with the tools to do the same. His first book, The Crown is Yours, is inspired by the challenges he faced growing up with dyslexia, a disorder he turned into "his superpower." Also on this episode is Natalie Pompilio, talking about her new book, This USED to be Philadelphia. A former reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, Pompilio has harnessed her Philly knowledge to write several books, and her newest is sure to open your eyes to the city's best-kept secrets. 

This episode features 15-year-old—yes 15-year-old —Trey Brown. The founder of SPERGO, a trendsetting streetwear and lifestyle brand, turned his passion for design and community into a six-figure company in only three years. One of the most sought-after youth speakers in the country, Brown has been featured on a billboard in Times Square, opened up two stores, received a key to the city and just received a deal on ABC's Shark Tank. Also on this episode is Mz. Icar, the woman behind a dope (and anonymous) art collective creating works that celebrate women, global Blackness and play. Comprised primarily of Black women artists specializing in different media, this collective's work has been recognized by the art community's most elite and is part of the Love + Grit Storefronts Project.

When it comes to visual arts in Philadelphia, Michelle Angela Ortiz is a local legend. Her work has been presented in all forms — on canvas, lightboxes, building walls and now TV screens with her first documentary, “Las Madres de Berks.” The New York Times recently shouted out the Moore College of Art grad with South Philly roots for her work in the Philadelphia Museum of Art's New Grit exhibition. Also featured in The New York Times and on this episode of the podcast is Kensington-born Roberto Lugo, known as “The Ghetto Potter.” Roberto is reinventing the idea of fine China and will install a mural in honor of The Roots' Black Thought on the Clay Studio building opening in Olde Kensington in spring 2022. 

Jennifer Zavala kicked off Philadelphia's birria taco craze with a graffiti truck and a pop-up shop at Underground Arts. Tune in to hear from the South Philly-based owner of Juana Tamale as she prepares for her brick-and-mortar opening later this year on Passyunk Ave. In Kensington, Nicholas Ducos and Francesca Galarus have opened the city's first independently owned urban winery with the goal of making wine more affordable and accessible. Hear about how Nicholas' sommelier skills and Francesca's eye for arts and love of community has helped Mural City Cellars bloom into a welcoming destination for good wine and chill vibes. 

Contributing to Philadelphia's business community is a conscious effort for the two women featured on this episode. Tess Hart brought her mission to life in the Spring Arts District when she co-founded Triple Bottom Brewing, dedicated to putting people, the planet and profit on equal footing. In Centro de Oro's Business District, Maria Gonzalez manages a $100 million budget for commercial and housing development. As president of the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises (HACE), she's charged with making sure the district's Good Lands 2025 plan, aimed at providing a road map for the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods, is executed. 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a salsa song dedicated to Philly's Latinx neighborhoods and a sip of the city's first Latinx-distilled whiskey. Strivers' Row Distillery, based in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, is owned and operated by Brooklyn ex-pat and the Al Día 40-Under-40-nominated Francisco Garcia. Also on the episode: Alba Martínez, who after a 12-year run at a top financial firm and 23 years dedicated to law, human services and government, is ready to use her expertise to fuel two of her passions: the financial wellness of women and minorities and Latinx arts. Her new salsa song “La Gua Gua 47” pays homage to SEPTA's 47 bus route.