Bridging Philly

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Biking for lung cancer | Under the big top May 16, 2026

Show notes

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, yet funding to support patients can be hard to come by because of the stigma attached to it. While smoking is associated with lung cancer, many people who have never smoked are diagnosed with the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Ride Hard Breathe Easy, an organization that raises funds and awareness for lung cancer patients through community bike rides, as well as a social worker at Fox Chase Cancer Center and a woman who is on her fourth battle with the disease, to understand how we can support lung cancer patients and how to get screened. Get involved or learn more about Ride Hard Breathe Easy at www.rhbe.org. Then, on Shara in the City, Shara is heading out of the city to join the circus! She gets a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the Philly-area premiere of Cirque du Soleil's “Luzia,” at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks now through June 7. Tickets to “Luzia” are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Ladies, take control of your finances | Philly’s 2026 poet laureate May 09, 2026

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For decades, women have been taught that they don’t need to understand money - their fathers or husbands will handle that. But women, whether single, married, divorced, or widowed, should feel confident taking control of their own financial present and future. Regina McCann Hess is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, President of Forge Wealth Management, and author of "Super Woman Wealth: How to Become Your Own Financial Hero". She sits down with Racquel Williams to share some financial tips and inspiration. Connect with Regina or get her book at www.reginamccannhess.com or www.forgewealth.com. Then, Shara Dae Howard heads to Chestnut Hill to hang out with Philadelphia’s 2026 poet laureate, Raina Leon, who’s promising to bring Philly’s many communities together through poetry and presence.

Hitting the streets with a message of peace | Racing for a second chance at life May 02, 2026

Show notes

Philly Truce formed in response to the rise in homicides in 2020, with a mission to stop the violence and support sustainable Black manhood. Five years later, they’ve made tremendous progress with efforts like their Peace Patrol, and they’re celebrating with a gala on May 8. Racquel Williams talks with their co-founder Mazzie Casher and Executive Director Kelly Greene. Learn more about Philly Truce at www.phillytruce.com. Then, Shara Dae Howard visits our Bridging Philly sponsors, Gift of Life, for their annual Donor Dash at the Navy Yard. She talks with organ donors, recipients, and West Chester University students there to honor their friend, Garrett Nicholas, who was hit by a car and killed, but whose organ and tissue donation saved lives. Learn more about Gift of Life at www.donors1.org.

Autism on screen and in the workplace | Rebuilding a legendary 17th century tavern Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

Autism and neurodiversity are becoming better represented in media - like the HBO medical drama “The Pitt”, which features a neurodivergent character, Dr. Mel King. A Philadelphia doctor actually helped create that character and has made major contributions to autism research nationally and internationally. As we close out Autism Acceptance Month, Racquel Williams talks with Dr. Wendy Ross, director of Jefferson Health's Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, along with her student, Kelly Ryan. Together they discuss “The Pitt”, how autistic individuals can thrive in a real-life work environment, and how their medical school is helping to change the culture around autism from the ground up.

Then, Shara Dae Howard visits the site of one of America’s first taverns in Philadelphia, where the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps got their start. The Tun was torn down centuries ago, but sailors and Marines still come to Philadelphia looking for it - so two veterans have decided to rebuild it for America’s 250th anniversary.

Pads, tampons, and breast pumps for all | Jill Scott comes home to Philly Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

Millions of menstruating people worldwide experience period poverty and have trouble accessing the products they need. Many people skip work or school during their cycles, or have to choose between paying for pads or food. It’s a large-scale problem, but one woman is trying to help the Philadelphia community on the ground. Shelley Aragoncillo created sheds full of free menstrual and postpartum products in several locations around Philly. She calls her grassroots effort "Grab N’ Flow". Racquel Williams visits one of the sheds to find out how serious this need is and how Shelley is drawing on mutual aid to help.

Then, in celebration of Jill Scott’s new album “To Whom This May Concern”, Shara Dae Howard looks back on the time Jilly from Philly returned to her hometown and was honored with a mural at her alma mater, Girls High.

Local theater making an impact: drawing attention to child sexual abuse, and celebrating America’s history Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Theater has the power to move people to make change, and Jay Sefton is hoping to draw on that with his one-man play, “Unreconciled,” which tells his story of being sexually assaulted by a parish priest as a 13-year-old. The play is touring Pennsylvania ahead of potential action in the State Senate on two bills that would revise the state’s statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Racquel Williams talks with Sefton and Rep. Nate Davidson, who introduced the legislation.

Then, Shara Dae Howard gets a backstage tour of the Walnut Street Theatre, hailed as America's oldest theatre. Their upcoming production of the musical “1776” looks back at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, right before its 250th anniversary.

Healing veterans through gardening | The House of Magic’s vault secrets Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

Being in nature can be both physically and mentally rejuvenating. Collie Turner, founder of Heroic Gardens, grew up around plants and chose horticulture as a way to give back to veterans. Racquel Williams talks with her and Salome Hall, a Navy veteran and founder of Sisters Affirming Sisterhood who has found community and healing through Heroic Gardens' programs.

Then, Shara Dae Howard explores the mysteries of The House of Magic, a theater/museum/library dedicated to the wonder magicians have brought us throughout history.

Pioneering Pennsylvania women | Benjamin Franklin’s library Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

Philadelphia is at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, so there’s no better time to look at some of our city’s unique history. First, Racquel Williams talks with two producers of a docuseries highlighting women who made important contributions to the founding of America, but whose stories have been hidden. “For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation” is a partnership between The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and You’ll Never Forget Productions.

Then, Shara Dae Howard explores one of Old City’s hidden gems: the American Philosophical Society library, home to some of the rarest historical documents and artifacts in American history, as well as Benjamin Franklin's personal library.

Parents speak out for all Philly school students | A taste of India in West Philly Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

A group of Philadelphia school parents from across the city have come together to make a powerful movement supporting all students in the district. Lift Every Voice first fought to get nurses in every school, and most recently, they achieved a major win when the district created a new wellness policy ensuring that teachers won’t withhold things like bathroom breaks and recess as punishment. Racquel Williams talks with two parent members about how they made their case and won, and how they plan to continue speaking up for students.

Then, Shara Dae Howard heads to West Philly to visit a new cafe run by two women, one from India and the other from Philly. They combine a commitment to their community with curated Indian tea at Chai Nashta Cafe.

Hispanic children have superpowers | ‘Sinners’ costumes on display Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

A new report from Children First called “Pa’Lante – State of Hispanic Children” shows that Hispanic children in Philadelphia are not receiving equitable access to things like education and health care. Racquel Williams talks with representatives from Children First about their initiative based on this report, bringing people together from across the city to support Hispanic children and help them use their unique skills and experiences to thrive.

Then, Shara Dae Howard visits the African American Museum in Philadelphia to get a peek at their “Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit, highlighting the work of Ruth E. Carter - including “Black Panther”, "Do the Right Thing", and “Sinners”, which is nominated for 16 Oscars this year.

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