Bridging Philly

Latest Episodes:

Overcoming Binge Eating Disorder | The Women's Film Festival Sep 17, 2023

Show notes

Binge Eating Disorder is a condition often overlooked as self-medicating by over-eating. But it becomes a problem when the consumption becomes out of control as a way to cope with stress. We learn about behavior and medical solutions with Kelly Allison, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and one of her patients.

Then, The Women’s Film Festival begins this week, and Programming Director Suzi Nash shares a preview of the events and over 100 screenings she has lined up.

The next Philly top cop | National Coming Out Day parade Sep 10, 2023

Show notes

Philadelphia’s first African-American female Police Commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, has announced she will be resigning later this month. Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey weighs in about how the city’s next top cop can reduce crime while building public trust. Anthony Erace, Interim Executive Director of the Citizen Police Oversight Commission, describes what the new city organization is doing to guide the “just, transparent, and efficient administration of criminal justice in Philadelphia through fair and timely investigation into the oversight of conduct, policies, and practices of the Philadelphia Police Department and its officers.”

Then, Tyrell Brown, Executive Director of Galaei, shares a preview of this fall’s America’s first National Coming Out Day Parade as part of the OURfest, formerly known as Outfest.

The case for Community College | Digging up the Black Bottom's past Sep 03, 2023

Show notes

How can we future-proof our economy? Our guests believe that free or inexpensive community college can help strengthen and stabilize our workforce, but the idea of community college is often misunderstood. Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President of the Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Lovel Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College, and Sara Goldrick-Rab, author of the book, “Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream,” discuss the varied programs, certificates and scholarships that can help pave a pathway to success.

Then, recovering the forgotten 19th-century neighborhood and the stories of between 5,000 – 10,000 mostly Black residents who were displaced during the mid-20th century, urban renewal that created University City. We dig into West Philly’s past through The West Philly Community Archeology Project, a partnership between the Penn Museum and several community organizations, including HopePHL, the Black Bottom Tribe Association, and the Community Education Center (CEC).

Carpentry skills for life | A Philly actor becomes The Lion King Aug 27, 2023

Show notes

“Things might not always be right, but you can make it right.” A recent work readiness assistance course teaches students how to create right angles and the value of nutrition and wellness. Myra Brown, CEO of NWON Opportunities, LLC, is designing programs that service the community and diminish the adverse childhood effects of unemployment, food deserts, and substance abuse. Two recent graduates describe their life-changing experiences with Brown and their union carpenter instructor.

Then, Jeremy Noel grew up running around his Bucks County house pretending to be "The Lion King"'s Simba. Now he is understudying the famous character as part of Disney’s North American musical version of the animated movie at the Kimmel Center.

Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop Aug 20, 2023

Show notes

We celebrate fifty years of Hip Hop that began as an underground party art form and grew into the global backbeat behind today’s music, fashion, language, dance and scholarship. Children of the musicians behind Philly soul music reconstructed rhyme, rhythms, and funk music into their own sound. Hip Hop artist-turned-civil rights attorney and professor Timothy Welbeck describes what makes artists the greatest of all time. Then, DJs Cash Money and Duiji Mshinda reflect on the evolution of Philly Hip Hop.

Ocean City NJ's Black history | Representing the left-behind Aug 13, 2023

Show notes

Fourth-generation Ocean City, New Jersey resident Loretta Thompson Harris was inspired to write a book about the history of her African American community, as she has seen the numbers of Black homeowners slowly decline. The new book, “The West Side: Ocean City in True Color” is the product of years researching her growing family tree. Ms. Harris and members of her family share stories about growing up in their neighborhood that dates back to the 1880s.

Then, Nina Ahmad will be the first South Asian woman elected to Philadelphia City Council if she wins in November. The Bangladesh-born candidate is one of the Democratic nominees for a prominent legislative seat, which would follow her leadership in the Obama, Nutter, and Kenney administrations, as well as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women.

Five inspiring stories about living with breast cancer Aug 06, 2023

Show notes

Host Racquel Williams and three 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.

Transportation for all | Eddie's House fills in the gaps of life Jul 30, 2023

Show notes

Philadelphia's Greyhound terminal recently closed, following the competition in providing curbside transportation services with no shelter or amenities. We discuss the growing problems and solutions with a city official and two transportation advocates.

Then, we visit non-profit Eddie's House, which offers daily necessities and hope for vulnerable individuals.

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia | FarmerJawn's urban farming Jul 23, 2023

Show notes

Listen to the different ways housing and food are gateways to intergenerational wealth: Since 1986 Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has been helping families build affordable homes with neighborhood partners. Habitat’s CEO Corinne O’Connell and North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation’s Executive Director, Darnetta Arce explain how their organizations will be using a recent $315,000 grant to make sustainable home repairs. Then, Germantown’s Christa Barfield believes that her FarmerJawn organic Community Supported Agriculture program makes people healthier if they eat well – no matter where they’re from or skin color.

Benefits and risks of AI | 42 years caring for Fairmount Park's trees Jul 16, 2023

Show notes

AI is increasingly a part of our lives: it can be beneficial, like using a smart speaker - and risky, like deep fakes becoming more difficult to distinguish from reality. The University of Pennsylvania’s Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science, and Michael Kearns, Professor and National Center Chair of the Department of Computer and Information Science, help us understand what artificial intelligence is, where it came from, and where it is going.

Then, Lauri Maple Hayes – some call her “Tree Lady” or “Tree Queen” – Director of Urban Forestry with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, is retiring after a 42-year-career in Fairmount Park. The longtime tree tender and curator describes how she’s ready for the next chapter in her growing season.

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