The Jawncast from KYW Newsradio

Anyone who has had medical debt could tell you how unexpected and crippling it can be. What's worse, that debt can even follow your family after you die. But a group of queer activists in Philadelphia found a loophole in the system. With the help of Undue Medical Debt, they bought and forgave $2 million of medical debt, and they celebrated it in a symbolic burning. Sabrina Boyd-Surka finds out exactly how this was possible, talking with the local organizers, Undue Medical Debt's CEO, and a patient whose life was changed when her debt was relieved.

We're about to have a golden opportunity to see Philadelphians shine on a global scale: at the 2024 Academy Awards. Colman Domingo, born in West Philly, is nominated for Best Actor for his performance in "Rustin", and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, from Mount Airy, is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "The Holdovers". Both are Temple University graduates. Sabrina Boyd-Surka digs into their Philadelphia origin stories and how the city has shaped who they are today, with help from KYW's Nigel Thompson.Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for IMDb.

The biggest event in professional wrestling is coming to Philadelphia in just a few weeks. Join super fans and KYW Newsradio staffers Andre Bennett and Tim Jimenez for this ode to the audacious; a love letter to legends of the squared circle; an appreciation for how Philly became the home of hardcore wrestling and left an indelible mark and legacy on a multibillion dollar industry that continues to grow. Featuring commentary and stories from WWE superstar Drew Gulak, former ECW and WWE superstar the Blue Meanie, and more. Links:Drew GulakBlue MeanieBryce RemsburgBill ApterShea McCoySuplex VintageThe CollectiveLabor of Love

Introducing a new project from another KYW Newsradio Original Podcast - "Ricochet" is a mini-series from Gone Cold: Philadelphia Unsolved Murders that examines the gun violence crisis in our country through stories of unsolved shootings in Philadelphia. In the first episode, we talk with Joan Ortiz, whose 2-year-old daughter Nikolette was shot and killed in her arms. It was at the hands of a man named Tayvon Thomas, who grew up abused and neglected, and turned to drugs. We dig into both sides of this tragedy, examine the systemic failures that contributed, and ask why the most vulnerable feel the least protected. To hear more of "Ricochet", follow Gone Cold: Philadelphia Unsolved Murders wherever you get your podcasts.

Recreational adult use of marijuana has been legal for over a year and a half in New Jersey, but small businesses still struggle to break into the industry, even if they were operating underground before. Sabrina Boyd-Surka visits the first Black, woman-owned cannabis manufacturing business in Delaware and the first independent edibles brand on shelves in New Jersey, ButACake, to find out how they established themselves legally after years as a legacy operator in New Jersey. And KYW South Jersey reporter Mike Dougherty joins us for a look inside the grow house of a multi-state operator, The Cannabist Company, where the team is trying to use their funding and resources to help smaller companies like ButACake get off the ground. For pictures of ButACake's kitchen and The Cannabist Company's grow house, follow us on X @TheJawncast. Check out Matha Figaro's other business, CannPowerment, here.

When Bec Richman started out in rabbinical school, she felt lost. What was she going to do with herself? Then, her vision became clear: she wanted to learn how to scribe. The only problem was, tradition stood in her way. According to Jewish law, only men could be scribes, but Rabbi Bec and other non-male aspiring scribes like her worked around the rules. In a time when so much attention is being paid to religion and how it affects the world, join Brian Seltzer as he explores a growing movement within progressive Judaism, how a congregation in Philadelphia is pushing the movement forward, and the transcendent themes from this story that can be applied to people of all walks of life, regardless of how they worship. Follow The Jawncast on X. Links to organizations referenced in this story: Congregation Rodeph Shalom Stam Scribes Songs performed in this episode by Rodeph Shalom cantor Bradley Hyman: "Eitz Chayim Hi" (Robbie Solomon)"Tri-Faith Nigun" (Jacob "Spike" Kraus)

In honor of Veterans Day, we're revisiting the story of Michael Crescenz, a man who gave his life to save his fellow soldiers in the Vietnam War. He was the only Philadelphian to receive a Medal of Honor for that war, and his family and friends have done everything they could to make sure he's remembered - from putting up a statue to renaming the VA Hospital - because his story represents so many others who don't have anyone left to pass on their legacy. Sabrina Boyd-Surka talks with Michael's brother and fellow veterans about who he was, how he became a hero, and how a whole generation had their lives shaped by this war. You can get a copy of Michael's biography here: “No Greater Love: The Story of Michael Crescenz, Philadelphia's Only Medal of Honor Recipient of the Vietnam War” by John A Siegfried and Kevin Ferris. Photo courtesy of the Crescenz family. Follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most classic horror and mystery writers of all time. We see countless re-creations of his stories around Halloween - like the new Netflix series “The Fall of the House of Usher”. Poe lived in Philadelphia for six years, which are said to be the happiest and most productive time of his life. He published 31 stories in that time. What was it that made Poe's Philadelphia years so great? Sabrina Boyd-Surka visits the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - one of the houses where Poe lived in Philadelphia - to get a glimpse into the life and mind behind these timeless, spooky tales, and to hear how this house may have influenced Poe's writing. For pictures of the Poe house, follow us @TheJawncast.

For many Philadelphians, the Painted Bride mosaic that covers an entire building on Vine St. has become a piece of the city's identity, embedded with images and memories of the local art community. But as of October 2023, it's being taken apart, and the building will soon be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use building. The artist, Isaiah Zagar, is now 84 years old, and he spent nine years making this mural. Sabrina Boyd-Surka and KYW's Shara Dae Howard dig into the history of this mural, what it has meant to Philadelphia, why it couldn't be saved, and whether or not public art is really meant to last forever. Photo by Sarah Bloom. Read more about the mural from Shara Dae Howard here. For more pictures, follow @TheJawncast.

During two weeks in September, the Philadelphia area was gripped by a dramatic, unpredictable, and unnerving manhunt for a convicted killer. Residents impacted by the search wanted answers: how did Danilo Cavalcante escape from Chester County Prison, and where did he go? For nearly 150 years, one of Philadelphia's most popular neighborhoods lived under the steady specter of incarcerated people breaking out of a maximum security prison in their backyard. What parallels can be found between escape stories from famed Eastern State Penitentiary and the Danilo Cavalcante manhunt? How did the presence of Eastern State affect the community that grew around it? Why is studying lessons from the past vital to thinking critically about the criminal justice system in the present? Brian Seltzer visited Eastern State Penitentiary to learn some history, get answers, and connect some dots.  For all the twists, turns, and takeaways from escape to capture in the Cavalcante manhunt, check out Manhunt: Catching a killer in Chesco, an original podcast from KYW Newsradio.

Do ghosts exist? It's a question that's been asked over and over again throughout modern history. But as impossible as it is to pin down an answer, that doesn't stop people like John Levy from trying. When he's on the clock, John is a Philadelphia police officer. In his spare time, he's a paranormal investigator. Brian Seltzer, John McDevitt, and Holli Stephens join John on a spooky season ghost hunt at a national historic landmark in Horsham, PA that's supposedly...haunted. What do they find? How does the adventure shape their beliefs in the afterlife? Listen to find out. Links referenced in episode:Olde City ParanormalGraeme ParkAnd be sure to follow us on X: @TheJawncast.

A recent study named Philadelphia the best city in the U.S. for naked biking - and the city's annual Naked Bike Ride makes a good case. With over 1,000 riders, it's part of the World Naked Bike Ride, and the largest one on the east coast. But…why do people do this? There's more to it than novelty - the Philly Naked Bike Ride makes a statement about body positivity and fuel reduction. Sabrina Boyd-Surka talks with some of the organizers and gets a glimpse at the “protest party” on wheels. Photo courtesy of the Philly Naked Bike Ride. See more photos of the ride here. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

The Commodore Barry Irish Center was established as a gathering place for Irish immigrants in 1958 - but by 2014, the center was both literally and figuratively starting to crumble. The waves of Irish immigration had slowed to a trickle…so why was it so important to some people to save the center? KYW Newsradio's City Hall Bureau Chief, Pat Loeb, guest hosts this week to share the story of how a few passionate Irish descendants started a movement to bring the Irish Center back from the brink of eviction and turned it into a place where you can experience the many cultures of Philadelphia today. Check out pictures of the Irish Center here. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

Philly Flags Part III: Philadelphia has an official flag. You knew that, right? Well, if you didn't, you're probably not alone. Contrary to the city's DNA, the Philadelphia flag is somewhat subdued, lowkey. It doesn't really stand out. But even if the flag tends to hide in plain sight, it's been around a while -- since 1895. Brenda Exon, for one, loves the Philadelphia flag so much she's created an alter ego and non-profit organization devoted to celebrating it. Not everyone, however, shares her same passion for the original. In fact, more and more, the call for a new Philadelphia flag seems like it's getting louder and louder. In the third and final installment of our Philly Flags miniseries, hear from supporters and critics of Philadelphia's official flag, and find out whether it might be possible for the city to adopt a new one.  Follow The Jawncast on Twitter. Click here to read more about The Philadelphia Inquirer's flag redesign contest and its winner. 

Did you know that everywhere the president or vice president of the United States goes, they take a little piece of Northeast Philadelphia with them? True fact! The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Flag Room, located at the Naval Support Activity base in Oxford Circle, is the only place in the world authorized to make the official hand-embroidered presidential and vice presidential Flags used at press conferences, state visits, and other public and private functions. The Flag Room is also responsible for creating flags for the military and other branches of government. How did this prestigious task from nearly two centuries ago become a uniquely Philadelphia tradition? What inspires the Flag Room's 13 embroidery artists to do their jobs with such painstaking care, even if their handiwork goes widely underrecognized? In the second installment of The Jawncast's Philly Flags mini-series, Brian Seltzer toured the Flag Room to find out. Follow The Jawncast on Twitter, and be sure to check out some awesome photos and videos from our visit to the DLA Troop Support Flag Room.

Even if you're not intimately familiar with the history of Betsy Ross, you probably know the highlights of the story, right? The South Jersey native, at the request of George Washington and other leaders of the Revolution, made the first American flag, right there in her home in the Old City section of Philadelphia! But is that really what happened? Maybe so, maybe not. Some historians have their doubts. In the first installment of a three-part miniseries on The Jawncast about the links between Philly and flags, Brian Seltzer heads to the Betsy Ross House to examine the truths and myths surrounding her life, and how much, in respect to her legacy, it even matters if she did or didn't create the first American flag.  For more information about the Betsy Ross House, click here. The entirety of Marc Leepson's talk about his book, Flag: An American Biography, can be seen here. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

This episode is a follow-up to a story on The Jawncast titled 'Young, Black, Philly fathers, united' that was originally released June 16th, 2022. It has been republished, and should appear as the preceding episode in your feed.  Fatherhood can be challenging for anyone, especially members of at-risk, violent communities in big cities like Philadelphia. Enter Young Fathers United, a weekly program created by the Institute for the Development of African-American Youth that helps fathers and fathers-to-be navigate issues like money, security, and custody. Brian Seltzer first sat in on a meeting of the North Philly-based Young Fathers United last year ahead of Father's Day. A year later, Brian went back, and followed up with two of the program's participants, brothers Quinn and Jihad Wesley, to hear how fatherhood has only made the bond between them stronger. Follow @TheJawncast on Twitter for every new episode.

This story was originally published June 17th, 2022. To hear an update, listen to The Jawncast episode released June 16th, 2023 titled, 'A brothers' bond, through fatherhood.'Philadelphia's 19132 zip code sees a lot of violence. It's also home to the Institute for the Development of African American Youth, where each week, fathers, fathers-to-be, and aspiring fathers come to talk about fatherhood and everything that comes with it. Money. Security. Custody. Snitching. No topic is off limits. Join Brian Seltzer as a fly on the wall at one of IDAAY's Young Fathers United meetings, and hear from members of the group. Plus, we'll meet IDAAY's co-founder, Archye Leacock, whose organization has been helping young, Black men navigate fatherhood for over three decades. 

Kimberly McGlonn owns two clothing stores that stand out in a sea of fast fashion. Grant Blvd sells sustainable, ethical, locally-made clothes, and Blk Ivy is a thrift store based on the fashion of the Civil Rights Era. Sabrina Boyd-Surka visits the stores to learn more about Kimberly's mission, why it's so needed in the fashion industry, how historical struggles have impacted Black fashion, and how we can all work towards change through what we wear. Other links referenced in this episode: Made Institute B Lab Triple Bottom Brewing and fair chance hiring Thomas Jefferson University fashion programs The Narativ House Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years, but it's actually been around since the 1960s. You might think of it as an old people's game, but most of the players in Philadelphia now are actually in their 20s and 30s. What's drawing this new crowd to play a sport with such a silly name? (And where did that name come from?) Sabrina Boyd-Surka talks with pickleball players and organizers, and takes the court herself to find out what all the racket is about. Turns out, pickleball could actually do a lot of good for our city. Join the Philadelphia Pickleball Facebook group to find out when and where you can play in the city. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

If you go to the Penn Relays - the largest track and field meet in America - you'll notice Jamaican flags all over the crowd and on the field. Athletes don't come from a lot of foreign countries - mostly the East Coast and a few other states - so why are there so many teams and fans from Jamaica? Sabrina Boyd-Surka talked with some Jamaican athletes and the team behind the scenes that makes their trip possible, Team Jamaica Bickle, and found out why the Penn Relays are an important opportunity for Jamaican students. To learn more or to support Team Jamaica Bickle, visit teamjamaicabickle.org. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

This week, we're sharing an episode of a new KYW Original Podcast, unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane, a podcast sharing untold stories and perspectives about the Eagles. It's co-produced by the Philadelphia Inquirer and our own Brian Seltzer. Follow unCovering the Birds wherever you get podcasts to hear more every week! Getting drafted in the first round is the dream scenario for just about any aspiring football player. But for former Philadelphia Eagle Marcus Smith, it was a total nightmare, full of hellish professional and personal consequences. With the 2023 NFL draft season in full swing, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane explores Smith's story, and how being a first-round pick, combined with having deep-seated personal issues, pushed him closer to a life-threatening crossroads.  Please be advised this episode discusses mental health struggles and suicide. If you need help, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit its website: https://988lifeline.org/

Pennhurst Asylum was never actually an asylum. It was previously Pennhurst State School and Hospital, one of the most notoriously harmful institutions for people with disabilities. Today, it's the site of a haunted Halloween attraction and paranormal tours, despite some strong opposition. What happened there, and how it closed, has shaped disability rights and advocacy today. Sabrina Boyd-Surka visits Pennhurst and talks to disability advocates and historians to get the real story behind these abandoned walls. Links referenced in this episode: Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance Bill Baldini's documentary series, “Suffer the Little Children” Dennis Downey's book, “Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights” Speaking for Ourselves self-advocacy group Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie finally confirmed what many fans have been asking for: the Kelly Green uniforms will officially return in 2023! Why do Eagles fans love Kelly Green so much? In September, Brian Seltzer set out on a journey to answer that question and found that there's so much more to our city's connection with the color green. We're revisiting that episode this week. To learn more about where Philly's park system ranks compared to other American cities, click here. Follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

People who have visual impairments can miss out on a lot of opportunities - but sports doesn't have to be one of them. Philadelphia Blind Hockey is part of a national league that adapts hockey so that blind and visually impaired people can play. Sabrina Boyd-Surka visited a blind hockey practice to see how it works and what it means to the players, especially young kids who thought they might never get to play sports. Learn more about Philadelphia Blind Hockey at philadelphiablindhockey.com.Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast. 

This week, we're sharing an episode from another Audacy podcast, Something Offbeat, that's guest-hosted by our own Sabrina Boyd-Surka. Madison Square Garden Entertainment has used facial recognition technology to keep some fans out of Rockettes shows, Knicks games, and other events at its properties in recent months. But not just any fans -- attorneys who work for firms with pending litigation against the company. Leila Nashashibi with the nonprofit Fight for the Future, explains the biases of facial recognition, who controls the information, and the "creep" of technology that concerns her. In the episode, Nashashibi mentions how people concerned about the technology can get involved, by visiting Fight for the Future or by contacting your lawmakers here. Photo of Madison Square Garden by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images.

Dogs have a lot of skills that humans don't, which makes them great at certain jobs. The Penn Vet Working Dog Center trains dogs for search and rescue, law enforcement, and scientific research - like sniffing out COVID-19. Sabrina Boyd-Surka visits the center, as well as a few of its graduates at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and New Jersey Task Force 1. We get to see what a working dog does, how they're trained, and the special bond they have with their owners. See some photos and videos of the dogs in training here.Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

The Underground Railroad carved a path through the Philadelphia region. Harriet Tubman and other abolitionist leaders made their base here for several years. And yet, in 2023, we can't seem to agree on the best way to recognize that history. This week, as we celebrate Black History Month, Sabrina Boyd-Surka dives into some stories that might not have been in your textbooks and examines what it really means to honor someone's life and legacy. More info on the sites and organizations we spoke with:Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey: www.harriettubmanmuseum.orgJohnson House Historic Site: www.johnsonhouse.org Harriett's and Ida's Bookshops: www.oursisterbookshops.comCelebrating the Legacy of Nana Harriet Tubman Committee: www.facebook.com/nanaharrietlegacydefense Click here for pictures and video of the Johnson House and the Harriet Tubman Museum.Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

If you've ever seen a woman with a box of candy on her head walking around the streets of Philadelphia - that's Candyianna, the Philly Candy Lady. She's a local icon, singing songs with candy-related lyrics and joking with everyone she meets. What made her want to live this life? In some ways, it didn't feel like a choice. This week, Sabrina Boyd-Surka gets to know the Philly Candy Lady - her wild adventures, the struggles she's faced, and how she manages to find and spread joy through it all. You can follow Candyianna on Instagram @philly_candy_lady, or on TikTok @phillycandylady. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

Two sites in South Jersey could hold the key to creating a more accurate narrative surrounding Martin Luther King Jr.'s beginnings as a civil rights leader. So why has it been such a struggle to get these places properly recognized? Local activists Patrick Duff and Linn Washington Jr. have been working together for years to try to get the State of New Jersey to budge, but they keep running into roadblocks. What are the main points of contention in this debate? Is there any chance the state ultimately comes around? The Jawncast's Brian Seltzer examines the layers of this MLK mystery. LINKS: Mary's Cafe police report Patrick Duff research materials Follow us @TheJawncast.

Most people know it as the “Citywide,” and over the years, there have been many imitations and iterations. But at Bob and Barbara's Lounge on South Street, a shot of Jim Beam bourbon and a 12 oz. can of Pabst Blue Ribbon lager essentially goes by one name: “the special.” Where did this legendary bar come up with the idea for such an iconic pairing? How have they managed to keep the cost ($4) down for all these years? And, in the aftermath of the pandemic and inflation, could the price soon be changing? The Jawncast's Brian Seltzer pops into Bob and Barbara's to learn more about the history and future of Philadelphia's unofficial drink. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

If you're a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you know one thing: you HATE the Dallas Cowboys. Even if you don't follow football but you live in Philly, you might have a negative impression of Dallas without knowing why. As the Eagles and the Cowboys gear up to face each other on Christmas Eve, we teamed up with the Texas Wants to Know podcast to see if we can get to the bottom of this rivalry. When did it start, how did it get so intense, and is there any world where we could get along? How much of what we think about each others' cities is true, and what's just a false impression? If you find yourself liking Dallas after listening to this, you can hear more of Texas Wants to Know here, on the Audacy app, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast. Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images.

What's the toughest part about being a podcast about interesting and unique stories in Philadelphia? It's impossible for us to cover every single one! As 2022 comes to a close, Sabrina Boyd-Surka and Brian Seltzer look back on a handful of their favorite stories that didn't make the podcast, from an unconventional emotional support animal to an absolutely insane gastrointestinal achievement. Join us as we turn back the clock a bit, and revisit some of the wacky, wonderful, and weird that Philly had to offer this past year! CREDITSDocumenting PhillyNBCKNXTy Lohr Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

It's rare to see a Black or brown ballerina on stage, but not at Philadelphia's Chocolate Ballerina Company, where all the dancers are people of color. They're performing their own take on a holiday classic this month - “The Nutcracker: Dipped in Chocolate." Sabrina Boyd-Surka sat in on a rehearsal to find out how they put their own twist on the story and why it means so much to young dancers of color to have a group like this, where they can see people who look like them on stage and feel at home. Tickets and more info about the Chocolate Ballerinas are at chocolateballerinacompany.com. Check out behind-the-scenes photos of their rehearsal here. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

Alex Du is Vietnamese and was raised Buddhist. So how in the heck did the 45-year old real estate investor end up becoming the de facto ringleader for one of Philadelphia's most iconic Christmastime traditions? Each year, during the winter holiday season, the 1600 block of South 13th Street, where Alex and his family have lived for decades, turns into an electric and eclectic display of seasonal cheer. Lights are everywhere - suspended in air across the street from house to house, along rooflines, wrapped around trees and lampposts. Join Brian Seltzer as he heads to the annual Miracle on South 13th Street kick-off block party to talk to Alex and his neighbors about the origins of this spectacle, and how the South Philadelphia community has kept it going.  Check out the Miracle on South 13th Street's Facebook page here. Follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

Daniel McClellan was a pioneer, pitching the first perfect game of record in the Negro Leagues. How, then, is it possible that his grave went unmarked for more than half a century? This is a question Brian Seltzer answers on a visit to Eden Cemetery in Delaware County, where McClellan is buried. We also learn about the history of Eden itself, the factors that contributed to it becoming the first Black-owned public cemetery in the United States, and what Eden can teach us about the inherent obstacles of African-American genealogy.  Here are some links we referenced in the episode: Eden Cemetery African-American Genealogy Group resources Thanks to our guests: Hakeem Thomas Sr.  Dean Henry Follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

In 1968, 19-year-old Michael Crescenz left his parents and 5 brothers to fight in Vietnam. He never made it home - instead he gave his life to save his fellow soldiers. Michael was the only Vietnam veteran from Philadelphia to receive a Medal of Honor, but his story represents countless others who died in battle with no one left to tell their stories. Sabrina Boyd-Surka talks with Michael's brother and fellow veterans about his life, his legacy, and how a whole generation had their lives shaped by this war. You can get a copy of Michael's biography here: “No Greater Love: The Story of Michael Crescenz, Philadelphia's Only Medal of Honor Recipient of the Vietnam War” by John A Siegfried and Kevin Ferris.Photo by Patrick Hughes.Follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

When Philadelphia sports teams win big and fans celebrate in the streets, you're going to see people trying to climb poles. Street light poles, sign poles, traffic light poles, it really doesn't matter. Even the city greasing the poles downtown doesn't stop people. In fact, the tradition of climbing a greased pole in Philadelphia goes beyond the Phillies and the Eagles - there's been an annual competition in the Italian Market for decades. With the Phillies in the World Series and fans going wild, Sabrina Boyd-Surka and KYW Newsradio reporter Nina Baratti talk with the folks behind South Philly's grease pole competition about where this form of celebration came from, plus some strategies for both greasing and climbing a pole. Check out Nina's story on Philly's greased pole traditions, and watch a 10-minute documentary on the grease pole by Richard Cordisio. Follow us on Twitter @TheJawncast.

One woman is looking to overcome mental health issues that have troubled her for years. Another wants patients and clinicians alike to better understand a progressive approach to treatment. As Brian Seltzer reports, ketamine is the connection for Marie and Dr. Sophia Brandstetter, the founder of the Ko-Op, a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic in Graduate Hospital. Hear how both hope the powerful, yet somewhat controversial, substance with psychedelic properties helps them on their respective personal and professional journeys. To read more about the Ko-Op, visit the clinic's website, which has information for both patients and clinicians. Follow us on Twitter, @TheJawncast.  (Photo: Mike Prince, Peter Breslow Consulting & PR)

Mia Ormes had an idea to deliver healthy, plant-based soups and stews to new moms. But starting a business on her own was an overwhelming challenge. So she applied for Drexel Food Lab's Good Food Accelerator Program, where she worked with students to develop her recipes and get her business, Tribu, off the ground. Sabrina Boyd-Surka talked with Mia and visited the Food Lab to see what goes into food research and building a local, small business. You can learn more about Tribu or order a meal at mealsbytribu.com, or visit Mia at the Clark Park Farmers Market on Nov. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Dec. 17.  Follow us on Twitter, @TheJawncast. 

Figuring out college is hard enough as it is. Add being housing insecure or homeless to the mix, and the challenge seems almost unimaginable. But for some college students in the Philadelphia area, this obstacle was their reality - until they found help. The Jawncast's Brian Seltzer talks to a group of local students about their experiences with housing insecurity and homelessness, and explores how this problem can be addressed. For more information about connecting college students experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness with DePaul USA, click here. The organization also has an upcoming gala to support its efforts. Other links referenced in this episode: The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice  And be sure to follow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.

Kennett Square and a few other nearby towns grow 60% of the country's mushrooms, and they're very proud of that fact. The town hosts a mushroom festival every year. There's even a play going up at People's Light in Malvern about mushroom workers. How did the center of America's mushroom industry get to be in Philadelphia's backyard? Sabrina Boyd-Surka takes a deep dive into the world of fungi farmers - where immigrants make up the bulk of the workers, and that can be a benefit to the community as well as a challenge. For more info on mushroom farms, check out:Mother Earth MushroomsAmerican Mushroom InstituteFollow us on Twitter: @TheJawncast.