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You're listening to Burnt Toast! Today, my guest is Mara Gordon, MD.Dr. Mara is a family physician on the faculty of Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, as well as a writer, journalist and contributor to NPR. She also writes the newsletter Your Doctor Friend by Mara Gordon about her efforts to make medicine more fat friendly.Dr. Mara is back today with Part 2 of our conversation about weight, health, perimenopause and menopause! As we discussed last time, finding menopause advice that doesn't come with a side of diet culture is really difficult. Dr Mara is here to help, and she will not sell you a supplement sign or make you wear a weighted vest.This episode is free but if you value this conversation, please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. Burnt Toast is 100% reader- and listener-supported. We literally can't do this without you.PS. You can always listen to this pod right here in your email, where you'll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also follow us in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and/or Pocket Casts! And if you enjoy today's conversation, please tap the heart on this post — likes are one of the biggest drivers of traffic from Substack's Notes, so that's a super easy, free way to support the show!And don't miss these:Episode 209 TranscriptVirginiaSo today we're going to move away from the weight stuff a little bit, into some of the other the wide constellation of things that can happen in menopause and perimenopause. Before we get into some nitty gritty stuff, I want to do Laurie's question about hormone replacement therapy, since that is still one of those topics that people are like, Is it good? Is it bad? I don't know.So Laurie asked: Is there a reason why a doctor would not want to prescribe hormone replacement therapy? My doctor seems more willing to treat individual symptoms instead of using HRT. Is that maybe because I'm still getting my period?MaraI love this question. Now my professor hat can nerd out about interpretation of scientific research! So first, I'll just briefly say, Laurie, no big deal that you said HRT. But just so everyone's aware, the preferred term is menopausal hormone therapy, MHT, or just hormone therapy, and it's not a huge deal. But I think the North American Menopause Society now uses “menopausal hormone therapy.” The thinking is, hormones don't necessarily need to be replaced. It comes back to that idea of, menopause is a natural part of life, and so the idea that they would need to be replaced is not totally accurate. VirginiaWe're not trying to get you out of menopause, right? The goal isn't to push you back into some pre-menopausal hormonal state. MaraBut again, not a big deal. You'll see HRT still used, and a lot of doctors still use that term. So I graduated from medical school in 2015 and I remember one of the first times that a patient asked me about using menopausal hormone therapy, I was terrified. And I was still in training, so luckily, I had a mentor who guided me through it. But I had absorbed this very clear message from medical school, which is that menopausal hormone therapy will cause heart disease, cause pulmonary emboli, which are blood clots in the lungs, and cause breast cancer.And I was like, “Ahhh! I'm gonna cause harm to my patients. This is scary.” I had also learned that hot flashes–they weren't life threatening. So a patient could just use a fan and she'd be fine, right? She didn't need medicine for it.VirginiaCool.MaraI think the dismissal of symptoms here is just straight up misogyny. That message of, oh, you should just live with this You're tough, you're a woman, you can do it. This is just the next stage of it. Is just misogyny, right?But the fear of using menopausal hormone therapy has a specific historical context. There was a major study called the Women's Health Initiative, and it was a randomized control trial, which is the gold standard in medical research. People were given estrogen and progestin to treat menopausal symptoms or they were given a placebo, and they didn't know which pill they took. But WHI was actually halted early because they found an increased risk of breast cancer. This was on the front page of The New York Times. It was a really, really big deal. That was 2002 or 2003. So even 15 years later, when I was starting out as a doctor, I was still absorbing its message. And I think a lot of doctors who are still in practice have just deeply absorbed this message.But there's a lot to consider here. The first issue is in the way that information about the Women's Health Initiative was communicated. Nerd out with me for a second here: There is a big difference between absolute risk and relative risk. And this is a really subtle issue that's often communicated poorly in the media.So I looked it up in the initial paper that came out of the Women's Health Initiative. There was a relative risk of 26 percent of invasive breast cancer, right? So that meant that the people who got the estrogen and progestin, as opposed to a placebo, had a relative increased risk of 26 percent compared to the placebo arm.VirginiaWhich sounds scary,MaraSounds terrifying, right? But the absolute risk is the risk in comparison to one another. And they found that if you're a patient taking the estrogen/progestin, your absolute risk was 8 people out of 10,000 women a year would get invasive breast cancer. So it's very, very small.And this is an issue I see in medical journalism all the time. We talk about relative risk, like your risk compared to another group, but the absolute risk remains extremely low.And just to round it out: I looked all this up about cardiovascular events too. Things like a heart attack, a stroke. So the absolute risk was 19. So there were 19 cases of a cardiovascular event out of 10,000 women in a year. People just freaked out about this because of the way that it was covered in the media. VirginiaI was fresh out of college, doing women's health journalism at the time. So I fully own having been part of that problem. We definitely reported on the relative risk, not the absolute risk. And I don't understand why. I look back and I'm like, what were we all doing? We ended up taking this medication away from millions of women who could really benefit from it.MaraI found a paper that showed between 2002 and 2009 prescriptions for menopausal hormone therapy declined by more than 60 percent. VirginiaI'm not surprised. MaraAnd then even up until the time I started my training, right in 2015, we're just seeing a huge decline in hormone therapy prescriptions.One other thing that's also super important to acknowledge about the Women's Health Initiative is that they enrolled women over 60, which is not really representative of women who want or need hormone therapy. So the average age of menopause is 51 and the vast majority of women who are experiencing symptoms that would respond well to hormone therapy are much younger. We're talking here mostly about hot flashes. Which we call vasomotor symptoms of menopause, but it's basically hot flashes. Women dealing with this are much younger, right? So they're approaching menopause, late 40s, and right after the menopausal transition, early 50s, and then they don't necessarily need it anymore, after their symptoms have improved.VirginiaAnd it will also be true that with women in their 60s, you're going to see more incidence of cancer and heart disease in that age group than in women in their 40s anyway, right? MaraRightVirginiaSo even the 19 cases, the eight cases—they were looking at a higher risk population in general. MaraYeah. And so there have been all these subsequent analyses, which is why now we're seeing menopausal hormone therapy sort of on the upswing. There's a lot of increased interest in it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends it, the North American Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society; here's a full run-down. It's not that everybody needs it, and we'll get to that in a second, but it is a totally safe and appropriate treatment for—specifically and most importantly—for vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Like hot flashes. There's been all these further analyses of the Women's Health Initiative data and and then from other studies, too. And basically, it shows that when the hormone therapy is initiated before age 60, or within 10 years of menopause, there's a reduced risk of heart disease and reduced mortality.VirginiaWow! MaraSo the timing matters. Isn't that so interesting? The timing matters.Also, the route of administration matters. So what that means in English is that an estrogen patch seems to have a lower risk of blood clots. So one of those fears of the, you know, initial Women's Health Initiative data was that you might have an increased risk of blood clots. But it's something about the way that the estrogen is metabolized. It's not metabolized through the liver when it's absorbed through the skin, and something about that process seems to decrease the risk of blood clots.So that's why your doctor, if you're interested in menopausal hormone therapy, might recommend an estrogen patch rather than a pill.VirginiaGot it. MaraThere's a lot of ambiguity in all of this data, because, you know, we're talking about just huge numbers of people, and it's hard to sort of isolate variables when you're studying just like massive cohorts of people and trying to understand what you know, what factors affect your risk for which diseases. It's not clear that taking hormones prevents heart disease. And that's one of the big claims I see with menopause influencers, that every single person needs this.The data don't support it at this point in time, and the major menopause organizations do not recommend it as a universal preventative treatment for everybody. But it seems like there might be some sort of association that may become clearer as research continues. That said, now it seems like the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. I learned, “be afraid of menopausal hormone treatment.” And now all these menopause influencers are saying everyone should be on hormone therapy.I don't know the answer. And so the way that I try to parse through all of this noise is, you know, go to trusted sources, right? So I stick to society guidelines, like the North American menopause society, the British menopause society, they're run by world experts in menopause.VirginiaOkay, so we don't need to be terrified of hormone therapy, and you can be on it if you're still getting your period right? Just to finish Laurie's question.MaraIf you're still getting a period regularly, you're more in perimenopause than past the menopausal transition. And we will often use contraception to help and that you can have a lot of the same benefits from using contraception in that stage. It's also useful just because unintended pregnancy still can be totally a thing in your 40s. But yes, you can absolutely use traditional regimens of menopausal hormone therapy while you're still getting a period too. Just know it won't prevent pregnancy. VirginiaSince we talked a little bit about hot flashes, I'm gonna jump to Judy's question so we can kind of round that piece out: One of the things I am really struggling with is the way I have lost all ability to regulate temperature. I am boiling hot almost all the time, and the slightest thing makes me break out into a full sweat, which makes me not want to move at all.My doctor has not been super helpful in navigating this. What can I do to mitigate this issue? If anything, it is so very hard for me not to blame the size of my body for this, since the correlation seems so clear, smaller body less sweating, larger body sweating all the dang time.MaraJudy, I empathize first of all. Just one caveat I can't really give medical advice to Judy. There are a lot of things that could be going on, and it's really important that you see a doctor and get a full history and physical exam. But I will say that this is one of the things that menopausal hormone therapy is extremely helpful for, is hot flashes.VirginiaThat was my first thought! MaraThere are a lot of influencers who really overstate the benefits of hormone therapy, right? Hormone therapy is not really going to cause significant weight loss or prevent weight gain. It's not totally clear that it helps with mood symptoms or even sleep is a little more ambiguous. But the one thing it really works for is hot flashes. So that would be my thought: Start there. VirginiaAnd on the feeling like you want to blame your body for it: I don't know if Judy identifies as fat, but as someone who identifies as fat, I often feel like I'm sweatier now than when I was thinner. I run warmer. All my skinny friends will be bundled up in coats, and I still won't be wearing one in October. I do notice that. And I think that this is a situation where that is, even if those two things correlate— you're larger and you're sweatier—is that worth putting yourself through the hell of weight loss? You may decide yes, it is, if hormone therapy doesn't work for you.But that's one of those times where I bring it back to “What would actually make my daily life miserable?” I can drink water, I can be in AC, I'm gonna find a link to this nighttime cooling bed thing that my friend Claire Zulkey really loves. MaraI've heard of those!VirginiaI think there are options to mitigate your suffering with this. Medicine is definitely an option. Before you go to “okay, my body size has to be the thing that changes.”MaraI totally agree. I just deal with this all the time where people tell me in my clinic that they want to lose weight. And when I sort of gently ask, what are you hoping to achieve? What are your goals? They're often things that can be achieved through other means. Like, people say my clothes don't fit, right? And most of my patients are low-income, right? I'm not trying to be flippant about the idea that everyone can just go and purchase a new, you know, multi $1,000 wardrobe at the drop of a hat. But it is possible to get new clothes in affordable ways. Don't torture yourself with clothes that don't fit because you feel like weight gain is a moral failing. And I think that there are things that we can do to help keep us at a comfortable temperature, right wear clothes that feel, you know, that feel good. Air conditioning is an amazing modern invention. And, you know, cool beverages, ice cream. VirginiaPopsicle O'Clock is very important in my summer right now, very important. MaraWait, what's a popsicle clock?VirginiaOh, Popsicle O'Clock. It's just the time of day where you eat popsicles. It could be 9am it could be 4pm just whenever I feel like we need to add popsicles to a situation.MaraI think we all need more popsicles in our life, that is absolutely for sure.So I think what I'm hearing from Judy's question is once again, shame about body size, and also this myopic zooming in on weight loss as the only possible solution. Which I blame doctors for in many ways! Some people do benefit from weight loss, right? I'm not opposed to the idea that anybody would ever want to lose weight. I don't think that that's a betrayal of fat solidarity, necessarily. But that there are other things you can do just to make your life feel better in the meantime, or even if you choose to never pursue weight loss. There are things you can do to feel better, and we shouldn't deprive ourselves of those things.VirginiaAnd you don't know that it is the weight gain. It could be age and hormones, and those coincided with the weight gain for you personally. But there are lots of thin women getting hot flashes all the time too.Okay, this next question is from Michaela: I am super curious about the connection between perimenopause, menopause and mental health symptoms, specifically, an uptick in anxiety and depression. Is this a thing?We also got many questions about whether perimenopause and menopause exacerbate ADHD symptoms. MaraSo this is a question I get a lot from my patients, and I've seen a lot of discourse about online. And the short answer is: There is probably a connection between the hormonal changes of perimenopause and the menopausal transition and mental health. Do we understand it? No. So I mean, with ADHD specifically, I will say: This is really not my area of expertise. It's a very complex mental health condition, and our medical understanding of it is really rapidly evolving. I have many patients who have a diagnosis of ADHD but I'm typically not the one who diagnoses them. That being said: Estrogen affects neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are implicated in ADHD. Declining estrogen does seem to affect dopamine, in particular, which is implicated in ADHD. And anecdotally, I've had many of my patients say that they feel like their ability to focus and sustain attention decreases. And they experience brain fog as they enter perimenopause and menopause. So it's there's probably something going on, and a lot of researchers are really actively studying it, but we don't know yet.VirginiaDo we know if this is something that hormone therapy can help with?MaraSo I think the answer is, I don't know.VirginiaWhat about anxiety and depression?MaraI don't think the data are there, right? Hormone therapy is usually not considered a first line treatment for the mental health conditions that are often associated with the menopausal transition. But we have great medicines for those conditions. We have good treatments for ADHD, we have good treatments for anxiety and depression. And sometimes during the menopausal transition, patients might need an increase of those treatments. And that could mean going back into therapy, if you've been out of therapy, increasing your medications or restarting a med that you may have stopped years ago. Those are all totally valid approaches during this phase.And I guess what I'd say, is that it's okay to trust your body. And if you notice changes in your mental health associated with perimenopause or menopause itself, ask about it. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. And while hormone therapy doesn't look like it is an effective treatment specifically for those symptoms, there are other treatments, and you should feel empowered to ask about them.VirginiaThe next question goes back to some of the diet and exercise stuff we've touched on. This person writes: Since recently reaching menopause, my cholesterol has become high. I understand there is a proven link between menopause and increased cholesterol, and that weight is part of the picture. I'm trying to lower my cholesterol with focus on nutrition and exercise. But it is f*****g with my head because it feels like a very restrictive diet. I'd love any thoughts on the menopause cholesterol connection and keeping cholesterol low with nutrition and exercise without falling into the abyss of obsessing about how many almonds I've eaten.MaraOh, that is such a good question!VirginiaThe almond of it all. MaraAlmonds are really good in some scenarios, but also just like, kind of a sad snack. I always think about President Obama eating those, like, eight almonds, or whatever.VirginiaIt turns out that was a joke and he wasn't doing that. But just the fact that everybody assumed he would says a lot! MaraThat is hilarious, and I didn't know! And it just shows how with information online, the initial story sticks. Like to this day, 10 years later, I still thought that Barack Obama ate eight almonds as his indulgent midnight snack every single night. I hope the man is eating some ice cream and living his best life. Okay, so there is absolutely a link between menopause and elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. But even within the term cholesterol, there are different types. I wouldn't really say to a patient, “Your cholesterol is high.” One thing you might hear is “your LDL cholesterol is high,” which is known popularly as, the “bad” cholesterol. Which, again, moral language alert. But LDL cholesterol is a proxy for risk of cardiovascular disease. I will say it's not a great one; it's kind of a blunt instrument. We measure and we treat it, because we don't have other great ways of predicting cardiovascular risk. But it is not the full portrait, although it's certainly a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. And the transition of menopause seems to impact LDL, cholesterol, other biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, and increases your risk for cardiovascular disease.And what's interesting–I think we talked about this a little bit already, is that this happens, this this risk happens independent of normal aging.So, for example, women who go through menopause early start developing this increased risk earlier than women who go through menopause slightly later. And overall, we see that women develop cardiovascular disease, at rates lower than men, and at later in life than men. And there's a hypothesis that this has to do with menopause, right? That there's a protective effect of estrogen, but then when your estrogen starts to decline in menopause, it puts women at an increased risk compared to where they were pre-menopause.There's also some data to suggest that the severity of menopause symptoms—particularly vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes or sleep disturbances—may indicate risk for developing cardiovascular disease. So this is not to scare everyone, but it's good to have knowledge. If you're having really severe hot flashes, it may indicate that you are at slightly higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease than somebody who is not. The intention of having this knowledge is not to make you feel shame, and not to berate you for your belly fat or whatever. It's to have knowledge so that you can help mitigate risk factors in ways that feel aligned with your values and ways that feel aligned with the way that you want to pursue health in your life.And so I would approach this reader's or this listener's question with smy same approach to all of my patients questions. “I have hypertension, does that mean I need to lose weight?” “I have diabetes, does that mean I need to lose weight?” The answer is that we have many treatments that can help you address these concerns independent of weight loss. But this is not to say that you cannot pursue weight loss too, right? And if using a GLP-1 agonist to reduce your visceral adiposity is aligned with your values, and you can tolerate the side effects, and you feel good about it, and it's covered by your insurance….that's totally a reasonable approach. But it's not the only one. So I think what I'm hearing from this patient is the menopause flavor of what I do every single day in my work as a size inclusive doctor. Which is: How can we disentangle weight stigma and body shame from these questions of how to lead a healthy life? And the idea of giving you more information, I hope, is not to shame you or make you feel guilt for the relationship between body size and risk of cardiovascular disease, but instead, to give you information that might help you take proactive care of your body, right?And proactive care might mean committing to an exercise routine. Proactive care might mean taking a statin. A statin is a very common cholesterol medicine like Lipitor. It might mean getting your blood pressure under control and taking an antihypertensive.VirginiaI also want to say on cholesterol, specifically, I did a piece that I'll link to digging into the connection between nutrition and cholesterol. And the data is not as strong as I think a lot of doctors are telling folks.And I think the benefit of making dietary changes—the amount it could lower cholesterol—was not huge. It was like three points or six points or something in one of the studies we looked at. So if it's making you crazy to count almonds, it's possible that medication might be a more health promoting strategy for you. Because it will be less stressful and it will have a bigger benefit on your cholesterol than just trying to control it through diet and exercise.MaraYeah, I totally agree. I think there's a really strong genetic component that we haven't fully understood and medication is a totally reasonable approach and very safe approach. Honestly, statins are pretty benign medications. They're pretty inexpensive, pretty minimal side effects, which is not to say– nobody's paying me from the statin companies, I swear to God!–but yeah, like they're, they're pretty benign as medications go. And I think it's a totally reasonable way to approach this issue.VirginiaI just think it's one of those times where this is shame coming in, where it's like, “You should be able to fix this with how you eat and exercise, and so you don't get the medication unless you fail at that!” This is a framing that I've encountered from doctors. But what if we gave the medication, what if we also consider diet and exercise, but don't make that a pass/fail situation in order to earn the medication? MaraYeah, that's really interesting.And even the language you're using Virginia is what we use in the medical record, and I've tried to stop it. But the way we're taught to describe patients, is “patient failed XYZ treatment,” right? And I feel like we're both at once, overly invested in pharmaceutical treatments, right and underinvested. They're a very useful tool. And we moralize it, both pro and con? Sometimes, like, we moralize in favor of it. So if your BMI is 26 or above, you need to be on a GLP one agonist, which is just false, right?But on the other hand, I think we often underutilize medications because there's this sense that you're getting at —that you have to exhaust all of your like willpower options first, and it's somehow failing to use a med. And that is really false too. They're really useful tools. Science is really useful, and we shouldn't feel ashamed to use it.VirginiaAll right. And our last question, I like because it just will give us a chance to kind of sum up some key points: As a post menopausal woman, I feel like I'm swimming in information, and I'm overwhelmed by it all. What are Dr Gordon's top three pieces of advice out of all of the WHO meaning, if women at this time only did these three things, it would make the biggest difference, and then they just had it. You know, is, does it need to be different for perimenopause versus post menopause? Or maybe not.So what are your top three? Top three tips for surviving this life stage?MaraOh, my God, if only I knew! I'm flattered that you're asking, and I will do my best to answer, but I don't think there's a right answer at all.So I've thought about a couple things. I will say that, you know, longevity and wellness and health span is extremely complicated, but it's also kind of simple, right?So sometimes the advice that we've just heard over and over again is actually really, really good, right? So, sleep. Are we sleeping enough?Staying engaged with social relationships, that seems to be extremely important for longevity. And it's kind of amazing, actually. When they do these long-term studies on people who are thriving into old age, like they have really strong relationships. And that is so important.Moving our bodies and it does not need to be punishing. Workouts can be gardening. I know Virginia, I love receiving your gardening content online. Gardening is an amazing form of exercise, and can be very life affirming, and does not need to feel like punishment. Just getting up, moving our bodies, sleeping enough, maintaining relationships, cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. It's actually been really studied right, that people who have a sense of meaning and have a sense of purpose in their lives tend to live longer and live longer, healthier lives.So all of this is to say that like it's complicated, but sometimes it's not. And there are a million people on the Internet who want to sell you a miracle drug, a miracle supplement, a miracle weighted vest, whatever. But sometimes simple, Simple is good. Easier said than done, right?VirginiaYeah, but start simple. That's wonderful.MaraCan I ask? Virginia, what would your advice be? VirginiaI love the three areas you hit on: Sleep, social relations and exercise or moving your body. None of those are about weight loss or dieting. I think that's really helpful for us to keep in mind that the things that might protect our health the most can also be very joyful as well. The idea that doing things that makes you happy and reduce your stress can be health-promoting is great. And I think that's something especially in midlife. We are all incredibly busy. We're holding a lot of things together. A lot of us are caregivers, maybe sandwich generation caregivers. So prioritizing your own joy in that feels really wonderful.ButterVirginiaAll right, so speaking of joy, let's do some Butter! Dr. Mara, what do you have forus?MaraI have a Philadelphia-specific one, but hopefully it can be extrapolated to our listeners in different locations. So I have recently been really craving soft serve ice cream. And so I googled best soft serve in Philadelphia, and I found this Vietnamese coffee shop called Càphê Roasters, which is in North Philly. In a neighborhood called Kensington. And it has condensed milk soft serve ice cream. So good.And so I recently, I had to give a lecture at a medical school in the north part of the city early in the morning. It was like, 8am and I was like, “Oh, I'm never up in this neighborhood. I gotta get over there.” And I went after I gave my lecture, and I bought myself ice cream at 10:30 in the morning. And I ate it in my car, and it was so good. Condensed milk. So good. But soft serve in general, is my Butter. But for those of you in Philly, go to Càphê Roasters in Kensington and get the condensed milk. It is chef's kiss, delicious.VirginiaAmazing. I'm gonna double your Butter and say ice cream in general is my Butter right now. We have a spare fridge freezer that I have just been loading up with all of the popsicles to get us through summer. But also: Ice cream dates. Something that comes up a lot for me as a co-parent is figuring out how to have one on one time with my kids. Since we have joint custody, they move as a package. So I get kid-free time, which is wonderful, but when they're with me, it's just me. So one thing I've been figuring out is pockets of time when I can take one kid out for ice cream. It's usually when a sibling is at another activity, and so we have an hour to kill, and often we would just like, wait for the activity, or go home and come back, and then you're just driving.And now I'm like, No, that will be our ice cream break!MaraI love that.VirginiaSo one kid's at the library doing her book trivia team stuff, and the other kid and I are getting ice cream while we wait for her. And it's great one on one time with kids. Obviously, the ice cream is delicious. The other thing I've realized, especially if you have younger kids who are still building restaurant skills, ice cream is a great practice run at being a person in a restaurant, which is really hard for kids understandably. It is one food thing that they're excited to go do. And you do have to sit and practice eating it somewhat neatly. There's a high mess potential. My pro-move for that is, always have wipes in your car, bring a pack of wipes in. MaraI love that, and it's so intentional about sort of creating traditions with kids. That feels really special. But I will say I had my ice cream solo, and that was also really good solo ice cream too.The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith (follow me on Instagram) and Corinne Fay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit virginiasolesmith.substack.com/subscribe

In our weekly Wednesday politics episode we're taking a look at a business curfew bill aimed at curbing violence around businesses in Kensington, Germantown, Mt. Airy and parts of North Philly. If the bill sponsored by Council Member Quetcy Lozada is signed into law, businesses in these areas will be forced to close between 11pm and 6am. It's a crackdown on what the city calls “nuisance” businesses. But a group of business leaders don't want this curfew. They say it's going to hurt the way they make money. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, about the possible expanded curfew. Read Isaac's full story here.  Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

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 so much that they are now working toward a stretch goal to get Kelson a new wheelchair. Racquel Williams talks with Kelson, his mother Stephanie, and Melanie Johnson, Client Services Coordinator at Help Hope Live. Then, on Shara in the City, we talk with a music legend - Rev. Joe Williams, the last living member of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. Shara Dae Howard visits him in North Philly to hear about how he got to sing with the group that he admired for years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, college basketball coach and former player Dawn Staley joins the show to answer a listener question about leadership. She shares her own journey through the fledgling WNBA, her childhood growing up in North Philly, and what helped her to learn how to lead. Plus, Dawn shares her surprising true crime obsession.Have a question you want answered? Write to us at imopod.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 of the people who make the market what it is through art and a walking tour. Then on Shara in the City, Scribe Video Center put on the first North Philadelphia History Festival this July, showcasing films and multimedia exhibits that celebrate the neighborhood and the impacts of the African American and Puerto Rican communities. Shara Dae Howard went to the festival to see what it's all about. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we started off with a fierce debate about Iced Tea vs. Fruit Punch, and followed up with an in depth review of Summer Slam. Later, we got into what songs that we enjoy deserved a music video and still should have one made and much more!   Wicked Radio: Dame: Mariah the Scientist - Is It a Crime? (feat. Kali Uchis) Had: Metro Boomin - Take Me Thru Dere (feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece) Tren: Exp. - Don't You Forget (feat. Meron T, Jaydonclover, Monét, BINA., & GINGE) Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/becausewearepodcast , for access to bonus episodes, new exclusive segments from us and full videos of the podcast. Follow us @BecauseWeArePodcast on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!

In this episode of Insight, we're highlighting three powerful community events making a difference in our region. First, we spotlight the Nicetown CDC Giveback Festival, an annual North Philly tradition filled with music, resources, and empowerment. Guests Majeedah Rashid, COO of Nicetown CDC, Zakariyya Abdur Rahman, President & CEO, and Tammy Boney, Production Manager and host, share how the festival promotes safety, wellness, and unity.

422. Dawn Staley on Knowing (and Demanding) Your Worth  Legendary coach and three-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley joins us to talk about what it means to lead—with heart, grit, and unapologetic honesty. She shares: -The one lesson from her mother that shaped her entire coaching philosophy -How she stood up to her university and negotiated equal pay -What losing (and winning) has taught her about grace and dominance -The surprising toll of achieving your lifelong dreams -And how her North Philly roots continue to guide everything she does We also dive into her new book, Uncommon Favor, and why socks, smashed dishes, and LA Fitness-level gym disparities all make an appearance in her story. This is one of the most powerful conversations we've had about integrity, visibility, and becoming the coach of your own life. About Dawn: Dawn Staley is the NCAA National Championship–winning head coach of the University of South Carolina Women's Basketball team, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. Her new memoir Uncommon Favor is available now. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Blueprint, 76ers TV Play-by-play announcer Kate Scott interviews Philly native and current coach of the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball team, Dawn Staley, about her latest venture as an author. Staley, also a Hall of Famer, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NCAA Champion (to name a few of her accolades), sheds light on her North Philadelphia roots, passion for the city’s sports teams and the future of women’s basketball. Her memoir, Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's one of the most respected voices in sports: a Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist as a player, and three-time national champion coach. As head coach of South Carolina women's basketball, Dawn Staley has built a powerhouse program rooted in discipline and heart. In this episode, Dawn shares the personal journey behind the success—from growing up in North Philly to leading with faith, not fear. She unpacks the power of daily standards, the lessons hidden in setbacks, and what she learned when reaching her biggest goal still left her searching for more. Dawn's new book, Uncommon Favor, is out now. More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com

An inspiring conversation between Michael and Dawn Staley about her book "Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three." A three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and the first person to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award as both a player and coach, Staley has shattered expectations at every level of the game. While her name resonates with both longtime WNBA fans and newcomers, she has kept her personal life private. Uncommon Favor reveals the journey that led to Staley's success, including the challenges she faced. From dealing with sexism on the court to feeling isolated in new environments, Staley honed her skills and learned valuable life lessons about mental fortitude and maturity that have grounded her throughout her career. Beginning with her humble origins on the North Philadelphia basketball court and her rise to national fame at the University of Virginia—where she led her team to three Final Fours—Staley recounts the key moments that shaped her winning mindset. Original air date 6 June 2025. The book was published on 20 May 2025.

There's a statue of Dawn Staley in Columbia, South Carolina, where she's coached the University of South Carolina women's basketball team to three national championships. But she's from Philadelphia, where she grew up in the projects surrounded by both a nurturing environment and tough love. In her new memoir Uncommon Favor, Staley writes about the life lessons she's learned from the sport that's defined her career, her upbringing in North Philly, and her mother. In today's episode, she speaks with NPR's Juana Summers about fighting for equal pay and being a sore loser.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dawn Staley is a woman of many titles: five-time WNBA all-star, Olympic gold medalist, head coach and now an author. In her first book, Staley reflects on the lessons that made her who she is today. Amna Nawaz spoke with Staley about her love of basketball and her new memoir, "Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Dawn Staley helped Team USA's women's basketball team win gold at the ‘96 Olympics. It was the highlight of her career. Yet she fell into a depression that was so bad, she didn't even want to look at a basketball. Nothing prepared her to process reaching such a milestone. She was left asking herself: now what? With a resumé is full of career-highs (hi, 3x national champ), Dawn says the real reward isn't the trophy – it's all the work it took to get there. Dawn gets into it all in her new memoir, “Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three”.  In this episode of 9 to 5ish, Dawn also shares:    How many shoes she has in her collection (sneakerheads beware) Why she aspired to play in the NBA – instead of the WNBA – growing up  How the taboo nature of mental health stopped her from asking for help post-Olympics Why she was insulted when approached for a coaching job  The one thing she wants to see change for women athletes this year PS: Dawn's memoir is out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to Mike, there are three elements of a good leader. To lead by example, to inspire the people, and to serve the people. If you can't fulfill those duties, you don't deserve to be leadership.We follow up our last conversation with some updates from the ongoing fight to save the Cecil B. Moore Library in North Philly, some commentary on our criminal legal system and the song and dance that is parole. Also, SEPTA's mismanagement problems will be making its way to riders throughout the tri-state who will inevitably be footing the bill. Tap in.------- FOR MORE 2BD, subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive access to additional footage and projects from the team. visit ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/2BD_exe⁠⁠⁠ for access.2bedetermined.co

Become a Relative & send some loveWhat happens when a classically trained dancer from Philadelphia's performing arts scene becomes a Marine Corps journalist and eventually a professional dominatrix? Goddess Dealana's fascinating life journey breaks every conventional expectation while demonstrating the power of authentic self-expression.Growing up in North Philly's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood gave Dealana a foundation in both artistic expression and street smarts. Her path through dance and theater training led unexpectedly to military service when a Marine recruiter's professional demeanor impressed her more than her Army recruiter's. Throughout her four active-duty years as a combat correspondent, she developed skills that would serve her well across multiple careers.The conversation takes a compelling turn as Dealana openly discusses her transition into professional BDSM work. She specializes in financial domination, where submissive clients derive satisfaction from relinquishing control of their finances to a powerful woman. With remarkable candor, she explains how this role aligns with her naturally dominant personality while challenging the submissive conditioning she received in her religious upbringing as a Hebrew Israelite.Between her body sculpting business "Body Thief" and her dominatrix work, Dealana has created a life uniquely her own. Her wisdom about the power of words to shape reality and the importance of staying true to yourself despite others' opinions offers universal value regardless of your life path. As she puts it: "You are the star of your own show - focus on developing your story arc. Don't worry about what other people think."Ready to hear a truly unique perspective on power, control, creativity, and authenticity? This episode will challenge your assumptions about how varied one person's life journey can be when they follow their true nature. Subscribe now and join the conversation about defining success entirely on your own terms.Relationships Worth More Than Money by Tweezy Kennedy & Marcus Allandavailable on all streaming platforms!Support the showInstagram: @rwmtmpodYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@RWMTMpodGet RWMTM MERCH HERE!!!!! https://streamlabs.com/tweezydabeatterroristkennedy/merch

In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.Interview recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Key Takeaways:Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city's diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he's not picking favorites).Vincent Thompson's Bio:Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention. Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation's oldest press club in daily operation. He has been named one of Philadelphia's Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association's Excellence in Broadcasting Award.Connect with Vincent:Twitter @MediamancommInstagram: @phillymediamancomm#TheHumanExperiencePodcastFollow Along:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sheletta joins a North Philly organization to host a special day on April 12th for kids on the spectrum and their families for Autism Awareness Month.

“You are who you hunt with.” In this episode, Joey and Drew sit down with Curtis Graham, a triple OG of the Few Will Hunt community, a photographer, family man, and a blue-collar hustler who embodies the FWH lifestyle. Curt shares powerful lessons about leaving people better than you found them, learning from mistakes, and why work ethic and discipline matter more than natural talent. He talks about growing up in North Philly, his early grind working at McDonald's, and his transition into a trucking career. Curt also dives into his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and photography, reflecting on how the pandemic pushed him to pursue his creative side. Tune in to hear Curt's wisdom on hustle, discipline, and how to chase your goals with intention.The official podcast of Few Will Hunt, the world's largest community of hard workers and Made in the USA apparel brand. Family-owned and operated and headquartered in Philadelphia. We're on a mission to restore the dignity of hard work and help others live The Rules of The Few to strengthen ourselves and strengthen society. No entitlement or excuses are allowed here.Represent Few Will Hunt and be one of The Few.Few Will Hunt Apparel & Fightwear | https://fewwillhunt.com/Get 10% Off Your Entire OrderUse Code: FWHSHOWTrulean Supplements | https://www.trulean.com/Get 50% Off Trulean Subscribe & Save BundleUse Code: FWH50 JOIN THE FEW:Website | https://www.fewwillhunt.com/Instagram | @fewwillhunt

The conversation unfolds with Adam and DJ Too Tuff delving into the rich tapestry of Too Tuff's life, a life that intertwines deeply with the evolution of hip-hop culture, particularly in Philadelphia. Too Tuff reflects on his formative years growing up in North Philly, an area colloquially referred to as the 'Danger Zone.' He recounts how his initial exposure to music came through family influences, with his mother taking him to record stores where he first purchased hip-hop records. As the dialogue progresses, Too Tuff shares anecdotes of his early encounters with other DJs and the vibrant local scene, spotlighting the camaraderie and mentorship he received from figures like Yo Yo. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the grassroots hip-hop community and the innovative spirit that characterized the era.As the discussion transitions, Too Tuff elaborates on his journey from being a novice DJ to becoming a crucial member of the iconic Tough Crew. Through a series of battles and relentless practice, he honed his craft, underscoring the competitive nature of the DJing scene in the mid-80s. He speaks candidly about the challenges of breaking into the industry, including the dynamics of DJ battles and the constant quest for recognition in a burgeoning musical landscape. The conversation touches on the impact of commercial success as well, as Too Tuff reflects on how his music reached audiences far beyond Philadelphia, resulting in tours and collaborations with notable hip-hop artists. This exploration of his career trajectory reveals not only the highs of recognition and success but also the lows, including struggles with personal issues and the music industry's darker facets.Towards the conclusion, the dialogue shifts to the present, where Too Tuff discusses his ongoing projects and aspirations. He reveals the importance of mentorship and community in his life, as he aims to inspire the next generation of artists. The conversation resonates with themes of resilience and transformation, illustrating how the trials of the past have shaped his present and informed his future endeavors in music. Ultimately, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of hip-hop and the personal journeys of its pioneers, encapsulated through the lens of DJ Too Tuff's experiences and insights.Mentioned in this episode:Reissued classics from Be With RecordsGet 10% off at bewithrecords.com using the code ONCEADJ

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 Human Services. Last summer, Dr. Stanford published a book, “Take Care of Them Like My Own”. It's about her personal journey, her work, and the importance of equity and representation in medicine. She talks about all of that with our host, Racquel Williams. This interview originally aired July 27, 2024. Then, on a new Shara in the City, we're talking to family and friends of Philly's real life Rocky Balboa, Joe Frazier. Shara Dae Howard heads out to North Philly, where Frazier's gym is sitting in disrepair on Broad Street and the community is fighting to save it. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marcus and Markieff Morris pull up to the Underground Lounge for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation about their journey from North Philly to the NBA. They break down what it was like growing up together, battling on and off the court, and how their tight bond kept them sharp through every stage of their careers. From their days at Kansas to their years in the league, they've always had each other's backs, and they're not shy about calling each other out when necessary.The twins go deep on their time in the NBA bubble, sharing untold stories about life inside the “hooper's prison,” locker room politics, and the tensions that nearly boiled over. They also get real about the current state of the NBA, why the All-Star Game isn't what it used to be, and whether the league's new generation has the same hunger to win.But the Morris brothers are far from done, off the court, they're taking over the sports betting world with their new podcast, Twins Win, using their insider knowledge to help fans cash in. With nonstop laughs, real talk, and a twin dynamic that's impossible to fake, this episode is a must-listen for basketball fans and anyone who respects the grind.

After a deployment in the Iraq War dually defined by threat and interminable mundanity, Joseph Thomas is fighting to find his footing. Now a doctoral student at The University, and an EMS worker at the hospital in North Philly, he encounters round the clock friends and family from his past life and would-be future at his job, including contemporaries of his estranged father, a man he knows little about, serving time at Holmesburg prison for the statutory rape of his then-teenage mother. Meanwhile, he and his best friend Ray, a fellow vet, are alternatingly bonding over and struggling with their shared experience and return to civilian life, locked in their own rhythms of lust, heartbreak, and responsibility. Balancing the joys and frustrations of single fatherhood, his studies, and ceaseless shifts at the hospital as he becomes closer than he ever imagined to his father, Joseph tries to articulate vernacular understandings of the sociopolitical struggles he recounts as participant-observer at home, against the assumptions of his friends and colleagues. GOD BLESS YOU, OTIS SPUNKMEYER is a powerful examination of every day black life—of health and sex, race and punishment, and the gaps between our desires and our politics Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, longlisted for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, and shortlisted for the Patrick Saroyan International Writing Prize; the novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize; and the forthcoming story collection Leviathan Beach. His prose and poetry has been published or is forthcoming in The Kenyon Review, The Paris Review, Harper's, Virginia Quarterly Review, Vanity Fair, The Yale Review, The Massachusetts Review, and Dilettante Army. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame's MFA program in prose, he earned his PhD in English from The University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the writing faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, and teaches courses in Black Studies, Poetics, Video Games, Queer Theory and more at The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research. Recommended Books: Nell Irving Painter, Old in Art School Yoko Towada, Scattered All Over the Earth Alison Mills Newman, Francisco  Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Associate Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a deployment in the Iraq War dually defined by threat and interminable mundanity, Joseph Thomas is fighting to find his footing. Now a doctoral student at The University, and an EMS worker at the hospital in North Philly, he encounters round the clock friends and family from his past life and would-be future at his job, including contemporaries of his estranged father, a man he knows little about, serving time at Holmesburg prison for the statutory rape of his then-teenage mother. Meanwhile, he and his best friend Ray, a fellow vet, are alternatingly bonding over and struggling with their shared experience and return to civilian life, locked in their own rhythms of lust, heartbreak, and responsibility. Balancing the joys and frustrations of single fatherhood, his studies, and ceaseless shifts at the hospital as he becomes closer than he ever imagined to his father, Joseph tries to articulate vernacular understandings of the sociopolitical struggles he recounts as participant-observer at home, against the assumptions of his friends and colleagues. GOD BLESS YOU, OTIS SPUNKMEYER is a powerful examination of every day black life—of health and sex, race and punishment, and the gaps between our desires and our politics Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, longlisted for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, and shortlisted for the Patrick Saroyan International Writing Prize; the novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize; and the forthcoming story collection Leviathan Beach. His prose and poetry has been published or is forthcoming in The Kenyon Review, The Paris Review, Harper's, Virginia Quarterly Review, Vanity Fair, The Yale Review, The Massachusetts Review, and Dilettante Army. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame's MFA program in prose, he earned his PhD in English from The University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the writing faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, and teaches courses in Black Studies, Poetics, Video Games, Queer Theory and more at The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research. Recommended Books: Nell Irving Painter, Old in Art School Yoko Towada, Scattered All Over the Earth Alison Mills Newman, Francisco  Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Associate Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

After a deployment in the Iraq War dually defined by threat and interminable mundanity, Joseph Thomas is fighting to find his footing. Now a doctoral student at The University, and an EMS worker at the hospital in North Philly, he encounters round the clock friends and family from his past life and would-be future at his job, including contemporaries of his estranged father, a man he knows little about, serving time at Holmesburg prison for the statutory rape of his then-teenage mother. Meanwhile, he and his best friend Ray, a fellow vet, are alternatingly bonding over and struggling with their shared experience and return to civilian life, locked in their own rhythms of lust, heartbreak, and responsibility. Balancing the joys and frustrations of single fatherhood, his studies, and ceaseless shifts at the hospital as he becomes closer than he ever imagined to his father, Joseph tries to articulate vernacular understandings of the sociopolitical struggles he recounts as participant-observer at home, against the assumptions of his friends and colleagues. GOD BLESS YOU, OTIS SPUNKMEYER is a powerful examination of every day black life—of health and sex, race and punishment, and the gaps between our desires and our politics Joseph Earl Thomas is the author of Sink, a memoir, longlisted for the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, and shortlisted for the Patrick Saroyan International Writing Prize; the novel God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Literary Excellence, winner of the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize; and the forthcoming story collection Leviathan Beach. His prose and poetry has been published or is forthcoming in The Kenyon Review, The Paris Review, Harper's, Virginia Quarterly Review, Vanity Fair, The Yale Review, The Massachusetts Review, and Dilettante Army. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame's MFA program in prose, he earned his PhD in English from The University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the writing faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, and teaches courses in Black Studies, Poetics, Video Games, Queer Theory and more at The Brooklyn Institute for Social Research. Recommended Books: Nell Irving Painter, Old in Art School Yoko Towada, Scattered All Over the Earth Alison Mills Newman, Francisco  Chris Holmes is Chair of Literatures in English and Associate Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. His book, Kazuo Ishiguro Against World Literature, is published with Bloomsbury Publishing. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

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 Racquel Williams about growing both his charitable work and his business, and his goal of picking up 500 tons of trash in 2025. Then, on Shara in the City, we drive up Broad Street to the bright pink Shrimp Corner to honor local businessman and community leader Sid Booker, who died late last month at the age of 87. Shara Dae Howard talks with some of Sid's friends and family about the legacy he left in North Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First of all - go birds! The Eagles clinched the NFC Championship and will take on the Kansas City Chiefs once again in the Super Bowl. We talk about the championship game last weekend and what the big matchup could look like next weekend. Plus, ICE raids were reported in the city this week, but several Quaker groups are suing against President Trump's action to allow ICE into “sensitive spaces”. And we honor the legacy of Sid Booker, known for his community leadership and his legendary shrimp in North Philly. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Quaker groups sue to stop ICE from entering churches 07:07 An Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl rematch 13:09 Spring Garden Whole Foods becomes the first location in the country to unionize 18:40 Superintendent Tony Watlington says Philly schools have improved in State of the Schools address 24:26 Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony warns of rising white supremacy 30:30 A tribute to Sid Booker, the “Colonel of Shrimp” Listen to The Week in Philly on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this compelling episode of Hidden Human, Kelly Meerbott sits down with Ray Collazo, a national political strategist and activist, to discuss his transformative journey from a troubled childhood in North Philadelphia to becoming a leader in political organization. Ray shares his insights on the emotional toll of today's political climate, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the influence of women's sports on leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about service, resilience, and Ray's personal reflections on leadership and fulfillment. Hosted by Kelly Meerbott, PCC of You Loud & Clear, Executive Leadership Coach, TEDx Speaker, and author. Check out her latest book, Meerbott's Fables today! Connect with Kelly on Linkedin! Kelly Meerbott, PCC, Award Winning Coach, TEDx Speaker is a renowned expert in executive leadership. 90% of Kelly's clients achieve their goals, underscoring the effectiveness of her methods. As a keynote speaker, author, and podcast host, Kelly continues to influence the field of executive leadership. Kelly is currently accepting new clients for late 2024-2025. Discover how her coaching can transform your leadership journey.

The gusy talk to Rios in North Philly who has another epic rant to get us ready for Eagles-Cowboys. Then Tommy Down the Shore gives his Eagles prediction and an idea for a reboot of Knight Rider.

Hour 3: Ike, Spike, and Fritz talk to Ron Jaworski about the key Eagles topics ahead of Sunday's game with the Cowboys. Plus, Rios in North Philly, Tommy Down the Shore, and more.

Dr. Ala Stanford knew she wanted to be a doctor by the time she was eight years old. But role models were few and far between in her working-class North Philly neighborhood. Her teachers were dismissive, and the realities of racism, sexism, and poverty threatened to derail her at every turn. Nevertheless, thanks to her faith, family, and the sheer strength of her will, today she is one of the vanishingly small number of Black women surgeons in America-and an unrelenting force in the fight for health justice.rnrnIn Take Care of Them Like My Own, Dr. Stanford shares an unflinching account of her story, explaining how her experiences on both sides of the scalpel have informed her understanding of America's racial health gap, an insidious and lethal form of inequality that exacts a devastating toll on Black communities across the country, affluent and underserved alike.rnrnDr. Ala Stanford is founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, a national leader in health equity, a health care policy advisor, and former regional director of the US Department of Health and Human Services of the mid-Atlantic appointed by President Biden.

1 - Jim Worthington joins us to give us his recap the Trump rally in Butler. What was it like meeting Elon Musk? As a fellow health guy, how does he feel about RFK Jr's messaging over our food and fitness as americans. How will that help the Trump campaign? Who else has been coming out in support as Jim goes around with Trump? 115 - More on the Bucks County Ice Cream truck. 120 - Dom revisits October 7th in Israel on the one year anniversary of the attacks. Dave McCormick got flack from North Philly locals at a cheesesteak giveaway. 135 - Captain Sean Parnell was given a shoutout and a set of rousing applause at the Butler Trump rally after being introduced by JD Vance. He joins us this afternoon to discuss what it was like being there and how it felt to share his message while on stage. 140 - More of your minor inconveniences. Who is going to be Kamala's worst interview? 155 - The Porn industry is putting ads out to stop Trump due to clauses in Project 2025.

12 - The IceCream Truck is here! Bucks County deploys the truck that will go to your door and get your ballot. 1205 - Who is on the show today? George Stephanopoulos and Mike Johnson go back and forth on rhetoric. 1210 - What is FEMA even talking about? 1215 - Side question - Pet peeves/minor inconveniences 1220 - Kamala Harris went on the famed podcast “Call Her Daddy” and repeated lies on abortion. 1235 - Eric Trump joins us today. What does the cookie count at Lochel's say about the stance of voters in the area? Eric's comments were weaponized by George Stephanopoulos in conversation with Speaker Mike Johnson, ironically about Democrats weaponizing speech against his father. What does Eric think of the rhetoric being spewed by the media? 1250 - Your calls before the end of the hour 1 - Jim Worthington joins us to give us his recap the Trump rally in Butler. What was it like meeting Elon Musk? As a fellow health guy, how does he feel about RFK Jr''s messaging over our food and fitness as americans. How will that help the Trump campaign? Who else has been coming out in support as Jim goes around with Trump? 115 - More on the Bucks County Ice Cream truck. 120 - Dom revisits October 7th in Israel on the one year anniversary of the attacks. Dave McCormick got flack from North Philly locals at a cheesesteak giveaway. 135 - Captain Sean Parnell was given a shoutout and a set of rousing applause at the Butler Trump rally after being introduced by JD Vance. He joins us this afternoon to discuss what it was like being there and how it felt to share his message while on stage. 140 - More of your minor inconveniences. Who is going to be Kamala's worst interview? 155 - The Porn industry is putting ads out to stop Trump due to clauses in Project 2025. 2 - Steve Feldman of the ZOA joins us to commemorate this hallowed day of October 7th, one year after the attacks on Israel. 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - Winner? 225 - Dom continues with the remembrance of October 7th and Walz' disastrous record on that conflict. 235 - Scott Presler details what it was like being on stage to give a speech at the Trump rally. Just how many people were there? Would Scott have worn the shorts? Why is the Hispanic community moving more towards the Republican party's message? 240 - More of your calls. 250 - Lightning Round!

Sean Patrick Griffin, author of "Black Brothers, Inc. : The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia", joins Scott to discuss Philly street legend Eugene "Bo" Baynes, the Black Mafia's influence in music, its close ties to celebrities, and how the government busted the powerful organization in September 1974.

Sean Patrick Griffin, author of "Black Brothers, Inc. : The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia's Black Mafia", joins Scott to discuss Philly street legend Eugene "Bo" Baynes, the Black Mafia's influence in music, its close ties to celebrities, and how the government busted the powerful organization in September 1974.

Join Dr. Wilmer Leon as he takes you inside the 2024 Democratic National Convention at Chicago's United Center. Get a first-hand look at the electric atmosphere, from behind-the-scenes preparations to exclusive interviews with political heavyweights like Bernie Sanders, Maxine Waters, and Terry McAuliffe. Discover the key issues driving the convention and why this election is critical for communities of color. Don't miss this dynamic, insider's perspective on the DNC as Dr. Leon connects the dots between politics, culture, and history! Find me and the show on social media. Click the following links or search @DrWilmerLeon on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Patreon and YouTube! Hey everyone, Dr. Wilmer here! If you've been enjoying my deep dives into the real stories behind the headlines and appreciate the balanced perspective I bring, I'd love your support on my Patreon channel. Your contribution helps me keep "Connecting the Dots" alive, revealing the truth behind the news. Join our community, and together, let's keep uncovering the hidden truths and making sense of the world. Thank you for being a part of this journey! Announcer 1 (00:06): Connecting the dots with Dr. Wilmer Leon, where the analysis of politics, culture, and history converge. Announcer 2 (00:14): It's the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Join the conversation with web channel politics and color powered by bit Central Globecast, Blake Hahn Media and AZA Group. Dr. Wilmer Leon (00:34): Wilmer Leon here at the Democratic National Convention 2024 coming to you from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, in the house that Mike built. And we thought we'd just go inside, go down to the floor of the arena as they're preparing for the event to kick off tomorrow, Monday with Joe Biden going to be the primary speaker at the event opening up the event. And let's get a little behind the scenes look, see how they're setting things up, listening to some of the music. The DJs are preparing for the introduction of the states and all kinds of different roll calls. Votes are going to take place, all kinds of things that they're doing here. Let's go inside and get a peek behind the scenes here on the floor at the 2024 convention and just wanted, again to give you a little insight, the behind the scenes as things are setting up, they're testing out the musicians, the temps are playing as we're here. And you can see you've got CNN, you've got the NBC news, Fox News, PBS, all of the channels and all of the networks that you're used to seeing from the other side of the camera. We can see as they've got the stage set up, it's a really, really beautiful backdrop that they've created here for the convention, the Announcer 3 (01:46): Democratic Party, the 47th President of the United States Tiana Thomas - Volunteer (01:50):  I am here to be politically aware and to be civically engaged in what is going on with the Democratic Party and this nation's politics. Dr. Wilmer Leon (01:57): So as a volunteer, what are some of the things that they have you engaged in? Tiana Thomas - Volunteer (02:01): So I'm serving as a foreign press liaison, and so I'm working with the foreign press and making sure that they get to where they need to be and that they're educating Americans abroad about what's going on with the DNC. Dr. Wilmer Leon (02:11): Yes, we do have a special guest here. We have the former governor of Virginia, Terry McCullough. Thank you so much for joining us, governor. Well, Terry McAuliffe - Fmr. Gov of MD (02:18): It great to be with you, man. Excited. Dr. Wilmer Leon (02:20): Why are you excited? Terry McAuliffe - Fmr. Gov of MD (02:22): Well, let's see. This is my 13th convention. Okay. I've run a couple of these. I've chaired them, chaired the National Party. Usually when you have these events, it takes a day or two. The warring factions got to come together after the primaries. None of that. This time everybody's together. There's joy, there's happiness. Record amount of money's been raised, record amount of grassroots supporters have signed up to knock on doors. We've never experienced anything like this. It's extraordinary. So I'm pretty fired up. Got a long way to go, but I'd much rather be us than them. Dr. Wilmer Leon (02:53): My guest, rear Admiral retired Mike Smith. He is the president and founder of the National Security Leaders for America. Admiral Smith, thank you so much for joining us. Ret. Admiral Mike Smith (03:03): Thank you. Thank you for having me. Dr. Wilmer Leon (03:05): Many would say we didn't expect that this would be the National Security Year, that it has become a lot of things going on out there. What do you see the immediate future looking like? Ret. Admiral Mike Smith (03:18): I think the immediate future, given how close the race is, is potentially frightening. Dr. Wilmer Leon (03:27): I'm joined by Ashanti Golar, president of Emerge. Yes. And you are building a woman led America, one woman at a time. A' shante Gholar, President, Emerge (03:34): Yes. We are so excited to be here talking to you today. Dr. Wilmer Leon (03:38): Thank you for joining us. So what type of training program do you provide? A' shante Gholar, President, Emerge (03:42): So what we do is break down and demystify what it takes to run for our elected office for women. We do this through our signature training programs, our bootcamps, our step forwards. But most importantly, we let women know that they already have what it takes. We just give them those tools, the skills, the resources, but most importantly, a network of support so they don't have to do it alone. Dr. Wilmer Leon (04:08): Politics and color was able to catch up with Senator Bernie Sanders as he was entering the floor of the Democratic National Convention here in Chicago, Illinois. And here's what he had to say. Reporter (04:18): Senator Sanders, how does it feel to be here at the Democratic National Convention? Bernie Sanders, US Sen. Vermont (04:22): Well, it feels great. Nice to see that Michael Jordan statue. Dr. Wilmer Leon (04:25): He was obviously happy to see the statue of Michael Jordan and was expressing the increase in energy that is being now demonstrated and felt throughout the entire party. Politics and color was also able to catch up with California Congresswoman the Maxine Waters here at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Rep. Maxine Waters CA (04:42): Well, I want to tell you, I'm a friend of politics. I stuck with him until he made his decision. I think he said to some of us a long time ago, you have not back and I'll have, he's done everything that he says he would do. He's an honorable man and he did the most historic and fantastic things when he and endorse Dr. Wilmer Leon (05:03): Congresswoman Maxine Waters was expressing the appreciation that chief feels for the service provided by President Joe Biden. And that is felt throughout the entire Democratic party. Senator, I'm joined here by Malcolm Kenyata, Pennsylvania State representative. My first question, there's a lot of enthusiasm here that the gears have shifted dramatically over the last three weeks. What is in it for communities of color? Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta - PA (05:28): Everything. Everything. I will say it this way. America is great, but everybody hasn't benefited from its greatness. And a part of what we know is that there are far too many families who are experienced in life the way that I did. I grew up in a working poor family in North Philly. My dad was a social worker, my mom was a home health aide. I spent a lot of my life moving around five, six different places by the time I graduated high school, got my first job at 12 years old, washing dishes at a little restaurant. And a part of what I learned very early on is that for far too many families, it doesn't matter how hard you work, you get up every single day working your heart out, and yet you can't look your kid in the eye with a straight face and say it's going to be better for you than it is for us right now or than it was for me. Dr. Wilmer Leon (06:24): Congressman Glenn Ivy, fourth District of Maryland. Prince Georges County, prince Glen F. Ivey - US Rep, MD (06:28): Prince Georges County. Dr. Wilmer Leon (06:29): Thank you so much for joining me. Glen F. Ivey - US Rep, MD (06:30): Thanks for having me. Dr. Wilmer Leon (06:32): One of the questions that I've been asking most of my guests, why is this 2024 election so important to communities of color? Glen F. Ivey - US Rep, MD (06:40): Well, two sets of reasons. One is that there's a lot of positive things that are coming out of the Biden Harris era from the legislation they put in place trying to keep the cost down on prescription drugs. Insulin was the first one, but there are others coming now, trying to continue expanding internet access so everybody has the opportunity to use it because it's not optional anymore. You need it for homework, you need it for doctor's appointments, you need it for all kinds of things. So they're trying to build that out as well. And abortion rights and reproductive rights. Dr. Wilmer Leon (07:10): Why is that so hard to do? People would think in this country that internet access would be a given...! (07:20): Wilmer Leon live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois at the United Center for Politics and color.com Announcer 1 (07:26): Connecting the dots with Dr. Wilmer Leon, where the analysis of politics, culture, and history converge.    

On May 18, 1912, the Detroit Tigers walked off the field in Philadelphia to protest teammate Ty Cobb's suspension and were replaced by the most unlikely group of players in major league baseball history: North Philly locals. Originally aired: May 6, 2022.Support the Show.www.laborjawn.com

In this episode of Guest Commentary, a North Philly high school teacher implores charitable donors to choose quality over quantity when donating school supplies

Abby and Patrick welcome writer and academic Joseph Earl Thomas, author of the 2023 memoir Sink and a new novel, God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer. Set over the course of a single, chaotic day in a North Philadelphia hospital, Thomas' novel unfolds across a multiplicity of geographies and timelines, and weaves together a dense network of human attachments in all their pleasures and pains. The conversation ranges widely as Abby, Patrick, and Joseph discuss what “trauma” means in popular discourse, literary criticism, and real-world trauma centers; the pleasures of food, video games, and genre expectations; Freud, the family, and authentic human connections sustained online; liberal narratives of universality and the dignity of work; the rhetoric of “boundaries”; and living and working through familial relationships that defy neat categorization and challenge us at every turn.Key texts cited in the episode:Elaine Castillo, How To Read NowOmari Akil, “Warning: Playing Pokémon GO is a Death Sentence if You are a Black Man, “ available at https://medium.com/dayone-a-new-perspective/warning-pokemon-go-is-a-death-sentence-if-you-are-a-black-man-acacb4bdae7fParul Sehgal, “The Tyranny of the Tale,” available at https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/10/seduced-by-story-peter-brooks-bewitching-the-modern-mind-christian-salmon-the-story-paradox-jonathan-gottschall-book-reviewSehgal, “The Case Against the Trauma Plot,” available at https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/01/03/the-case-against-the-trauma-plot Saidiya Hartman, Scenes of Subjection: Terror, Slavery, and Self-Making in Nineteenth-century America Mat Johnson, Pym Gayl Jones, Mosquito  Patrick Jagoda, “On Difficulty in Video Games,” available at https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/699585 Have you noticed that Freud is back? Got questions about psychoanalysis? Or maybe you've traversed the fantasy and lived to tell the tale? Leave us a voicemail! 484 775-0107A podcast about psychoanalysis, politics, pop culture, and the ways we suffer now. New episodes on Saturdays. Follow us on social media:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/OrdinaryUnhappinessTwitter: @UnhappinessPodInstagram: @OrdinaryUnhappinessPatreon: patreon.com/OrdinaryUnhappinessTheme song:Formal Chicken - Gnossienne No. 1https://open.spotify.com/album/2MIIYnbyLqriV3vrpUTxxOProvided by Fruits Music

In this “pop out” episode, Ernest talks about that messy Trump rally, rising future presidential candidates, why Jonathan Majors won't go away, the rise of Sabrina Carpenter, and more. Ernestly Speaking! is executively produced and hosted by Ernest Owens. Check him out at ernestowens.com and follow him @MrErnestOwens on Twitter & Instagram.

Stigall's theme today is crime and the lack of punishment. As Philly media laments unruly kids ruining family friendly events and towns from the Jersey shore to Pittsburgh and as a mass shooting erupted in North Philly last evening - Trump is coming right back to the heart of it to Temple University for a rally where Stigall believes he should hit on these very themes. Lara Trump, co chair of the RNC will talk about the ground game election integrity strategy in key states (including PA) and what she thinks about the CNN debate one week from tonight. Plus, a reminder - adults vote for policies, not personality. -For more info visit the official website: https://chrisstigall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisstigallshow/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStigallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.stigall/Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/StigallPodListen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/StigallShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Monday, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that the Big Naddy Gang in North Philly is “history,” thanks to the recent arrests of BNG members. Some think that arrests like these are part of the reason for the dramatic decrease in shootings and homicides since 2021. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ellie Rushing, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, about the state of gang violence in Philly, and the code of silence that keeps potential witnesses from speaking up.  Check out Ellie's recent reporting here, including her story about the young man who defied the code of silence in Philly. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We're also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rage, confusion, grief - saddled with heavy emotions, where do University of the Arts students and staff go now? What steps are being taken to ensure the stories of local Holocaust survivors get passed down to future generations? Why did the Free Library of Philadelphia send out an email saying their beloved Author Events series was cancelled...and then another saying it's still on? Why did North Philly-born hoops hero Dawn Staley break down in tears when she returned to her alma mater? And what were the results of a New Jersey primary election that dealt with an indicted senator and a re-shaping of the Democratic ballot? Matt Leon talks with KYW reporters Tim Jimenez, Shara Dae Howard, John McDevitt, Pat Loeb, and Mike Dougherty to catch you up on what happened this week in Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode we are joined by C Food. C Food shares how he overcame the violent street life growing up in North Philly, being shot over 5 times, having to leave behind his dreams being a professional boxer, and much more. GET YOUR POPCORN READY...IT'S FRIDAY BABY!This show is powered by @BlankitMedia and is available on all streaming platforms. FOR EXCLUSIVE EPISODES, BEHIND THE SCENES, AND BONUS MATERIAL JOIN OUR PATREON!https://linktr.ee/everydayisfridayshowConnect with Everyday is Friday ShowFollow Us On All Socials: http://patreon.com/everydayisfridayshow  http://instagram.com/everydayisfridayshow    http://facebook.com/everydayisfridayshow  http://tiktok.com/@everydayisfridayshowhttp://twitter.com/edifshow  Follow Your Favorite Hosts:Robiiiworld http://instagram.com/robiiiworldTeddy2Stupid http://instagram.com/teddy2stupidFollow Our Special Guests:C Food  http://instagram.com/cfood_dbeThe Big C*nty CouchHosts That Girl Gina & Mike Fails invite queers and peers to...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

I am joined by Ameen Purdie, Jr. for this episode of Keepin' It a Bean. Ameen is a kid from North Philly that connects his passion for art with fashion and made it his purpose to not only find his identity what he does, but also to inspire others to feel as confidence in themselves as he does. During this episode, we discuss his love for fashion, graphic design, and how college helped him rediscover his passion for the creative arts. Socials: IG: @YellowPufferCoat or @FearOfPieces. Tik Tok: @UFreshC. Website: www.YouFreshSee.Com Keepin' It a Bean is a series where Marquise explores life, social issues, and culture over a cup of coffee with some of his closest friends and creative peers. -- Stay Updated on my content: Keepin' It a Bean - @keepinitabeanpod on IG Due Diligence - @duediligencephl on IG Marquise Davon - @MarquiseDavon on IG/TikTok/Twitter/Threads Content: linktr.ee/marquisedavon Become a Patron: patreon.com/marquisedavon

For fifty years, Gift of Life Donor Program has helped organ and tissue recipients off the transplant wait list with their growing donation network. Five years after North Philly rapper and hip-hop recording artist Freeway received a kidney, he's raising awareness about routine physicals and organ donation with his music and Freedom Thinkers Academy. Then, Shara Dae Howard takes a ride-along at Berks County's Maple Grove Raceway, which hosts national races, monster trucks, car shows and more. (Gift of Life Organ Donor Program is the sponsor of Bridging Philly.)  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode: - Greg Bonner: In this compelling episode of "The Grief Bully Podcast," J.Nicole Jones engages in a candid conversation with guest Greg Bonner after the recent loss of his father. Together, they delve into the intricacies of grieving the living as Greg shares his personal journey of being left without his parents due to his mother's battles with addiction and his absent father. This intimate sit-down explores not only the challenges Greg faced while navigating the traumas associated with growing up in North Philly but also delves into the profound impact of abandonment issues and the complex web of emotions that accompany them. Despite the hardships, Greg acknowledges the support of his village, but some of those tough experiences linger with him to this day. Tune in for a raw and honest discussion about resilience, the lasting impact of difficult circumstances, and the strength it takes to confront and overcome abandonment issues while navigating the intricate landscape of grief.

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Brittany Jenkins, Founder of WeAreTech, an ed-tech platform providing equitable digital literacy tools to underserved communities. Brittany delves into the genesis of WeAreTech, and the challenges in the tech industry that led her to create a platform for equitable digital literacy. Originally from San Diego, California, Brittany reflects on her laid-back upbringing and its impact on her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of moving at her own pace, a skill crucial in entrepreneurship.Brittany's journey into entrepreneurship was influenced by her exposure to the tech industry, where she identified a lack of diversity and digital literacy. Her experience as a tech teacher in North Philly revealed a gap in students' understanding of basic digital literacy, inspiring her to start WeAreTech as an organization. Initially focused on workshops and office visits, the organization pivoted during the pandemic to develop a platform addressing the lack of standardized digital literacy education.Get to know more about Brittany Jenkins and the inspiring energy that shines through her passion for tech entrepreneurship!Guest Info:WeAreTechhttp://wearetech.educationBrittany Jenkins' LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bthesolution/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

UJIMA: COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY - to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together. In this episode of Kwanzaa Time! w Aunti Oni travels to North Philly where young brother Kai practices UJIMA, the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa. His first haircut changes his life, and in the process, he learns of being responsible to himself and his community during COVID-19. STORY CREDIT: Kai and The Kwanzaa Mask (c) 2020 Michelle Washington Wilson & Oni Lasana