Bridging Philly

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Grief, gratitude & the holidays | A WWII veteran looks back on his service Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

The holidays bring families together but often remind us of those missing at the table. How can we prepare for these difficult times? Naila Francis, a death doula and grief guide, recommends the bereaved give themselves a break. And Ravina Daphtary describes an art installation in Philly’s Rail Park where visitors can "call" a lost loved one on a disconnected rotary phone.

Then, 100-year-old Willow Grove-born Benjamin Berry remembers being stationed in England in the U.S. Army at 19 - to prepare and be a part of the Battle of the Bulge.

Focus on Fathers | Wicked turns 20 Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

The Focus on Fathers parenting education program shows new fathers how to have positive relationships with their kids. The “fathers to the fathers” try to fill in the gaps of men raised without a strong male father figure with child development education, job readiness, and mental health awareness with remote and in-person classes.

Then, the Broadway show Wicked is celebrating its 20th year with a national tour stop at the Kimmel Cultural Center. The musical is about The Wizard of Oz’s witches’ relationship before and after Dorothy drops down in the Land of Oz. PA & NJ-raised actors Celia Hottenstein and Olivia Valli share how playing the characters has helped them to be humble and more comfortable being themselves.

John Legend | PA cannabis | Murals & Movement Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

The new HBO documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs From a Philly High School explores the transformative power of music and how an arts education can be a source of hope and healing. Executive producer, Grammy award-winning musician John Legend - with executive producer Mike Jackson, and director Amy Schatz - worked with teenagers from Philly’s Hill-Freedman World Academy to learn how to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs.

Then, why is it taking so much time for Pennsylvania to legalize adult-use marijuana? And will there be business opportunities for everyone? We talk to Cherron Perry-Thomas, co-founder of Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities, about how the commonwealth is behind many states in canna business development.

Finally, choreographer Marguerite Hemmings' Mural Arts public art initiative - Our Land Our Movement - helps kids connect their bodies to the outside through gardening and dancing.

STEM games for kids | Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

Meet Steve the Legacy: a Philly-based inventor who develops STEM-inspired games to help kids develop their coordination and strategy skills that he creates in his living room factory. He shares how other amateur inventors can take an 'ah ha' moment to the next level by believing in themselves.

Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee came through Philadelphia recently to inspire over 200 elementary students at Drexel University’s Vidas Field Day and give away copies of her children’s book, “Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams.”

Live to See the Day | What Philly wants in their 100th mayor Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Author and sociologist Nikhil Goyal followed three students from El Centro de Estudiantes, an alternative, last-chance public high school in North Philly. The stories of their struggles with the juvenile justice system, poverty, and housing insecurity – and finally earning their high school diplomas in the face of great odds - are featured in the new book, “Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty.”

Then, what do voters from different neighborhoods want from their 100th mayor?

Mayoral candidates David Oh & Cherelle Parker Oct 22, 2023

Show notes

Mayoral candidates Democrat Cherelle Parker and Republican David Oh share their visions to improve public safety and raise Philadelphians’ quality of life. They both share stories of humble beginnings that inform their future policy decisions. Election Day to choose the city’s 100th mayor is November 7th.

The power of Philly sports fans Oct 15, 2023

Show notes

We celebrate the power of Philadelphia sports fans united by their shared love for their teams despite varying views of politics, religion and race. KYW Newsradio sports reporter Dave Uram dispels the negative reputation of Eagles fans, and shares superfan anecdotes and common Game Day superstitions. Then, "The Power of Fun" with the original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond, who shares the mascot's origin story, and how he fights hopelessness by focusing on the positive things in his life.

Breast Cancer survivors' stories of hope Oct 08, 2023

Show notes

Host Racquel Williams and four breast cancer survivors share their unique journeys from the terrifying first time they were told of their diagnosis, through the exhausting treatments, to mentoring new patients. A doctor, also a survivor, explains different types of cancers, dispels treatment myths, and urges securing the right medical team. The group describes their struggles juggling family and work commitments, fears of recurrence, and triumphs by helping others.

Mark Dial charges dropped | Pollinator Power Oct 01, 2023

Show notes

Our first Bridging Philly Reporters’ Roundtable features the KYWNewsradio coverage of the charges dropped against Philadelphia Police Detective Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. Reporters Kristen Johansen, Tim Jimenez and Gina Pompilio describe what they saw and heard in the courtroom and the reaction from Irizarry’s family.

Then, behind the Pollinator Power installation with artist Mindy Flexer and children ages 6-20 at the Woodmere Art Museum.

Law enforcement & comfort dogs | 60 years of the Philadelphia Ballet Sep 24, 2023

Show notes

Dogs have been part of law enforcement teams for decades, as we most recently saw with the capture of prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante. Man’s best friends are also becoming more commonly used with crisis counselors for comforting students in schools and victims of violence in the community. Members of the Penn Vet Working Dogs Center, Tri-State Canine Response Team, and Delmarva Search and Rescue Group describe how their dogs are translators between humans and the natural world.

Then, the Philadelphia Ballet is celebrating 60 years with a world premiere of Carmen featuring choreography by Artistic Director Angel Corella.

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