Bridging Philly

Latest Episodes:

Best of Bridging Philly: Support through addiction or after incarceration | The history of the Ohio House Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

Britt James Carpenter is a five-time overdose survivor. After being incarcerated, he found his way to recovery and decided to turn his negative experiences into a source for good. He joins Racquel Williams to talk about his non-profit, Philly Unknown Project, which provides resources to the formerly incarcerated, people experiencing homelessness, and those with substance abuse disorder.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit one of Fairmount Park’s oldest buildings - the ⁠Ohio House⁠, which dates back to the centennial World’s Fair in 1876. Shara Dae Howard takes a tour and learns about the building’s deep history.

The Philly Unknown Project interview was originally released on February 22, 2025.Shara in the City at the Ohio house was originally released on July 12, 2025.

How one clinic in Cherry Hill is trying to make healthcare a human right | Inside the Wanamaker organ Dec 20, 2025

Show notes

In a system where cost often determines survival, the Cherry Hill Free Clinic is a vital safety net. This week, we sit down with founder Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi to discuss the "catastrophic cases"—preventable heart attacks and strokes caused by rationed medication—that inspired him to open the clinic. He explains their unique model, fueled by 99% volunteer staff, which provides free primary care and cardiology to South Jersey’s uninsured, while also launching new initiatives to break down barriers for men’s health.

Then, Shara Dae Howard takes us behind the locked doors of the historic, now-shuttered Wanamaker Building. With the merchandise gone, the Grand Court has transformed into a cathedral of sound. We get an exclusive tour with Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte to hear "Baby"—the world's largest fully functional musical instrument—roar to life in the empty department store.

Tackling Philadelphia’s silent killer, high blood pressure and heart health | Sweet treats in Jenkintown Dec 13, 2025

Show notes

Heart disease and stroke remain urgent health challenges in Philadelphia, with high blood pressure affecting thousands, particularly in underserved communities. This week, we sit down with leaders from the American Heart Association’s Greater Philadelphia chapter to discuss their "relentless force" mission. They explain why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer," the specific risks for women, and how new initiatives like "Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure" are working to close the health equity gap.

Then, Shara Dae takes a festive trip to Jenkintown for some local holiday shopping. We visit the stylish boutique "Dear Laney" and the sweet spot "Banana Nana Pudding," meeting the inspiring Black female entrepreneurs behind these unique community gems.

Solving Philly’s housing crisis | A Germantown Nutcracker Dec 06, 2025

Show notes

Philadelphia faces a shortage of over 64,000 affordable housing units. This week, we sit down with the city’s top housing leaders, Kelvin Jeremiah (PHA) and Dave Thomas (PHDC), to discuss solutions. They break down the "Turn the Key" program, designed to help families build generational wealth by making homeownership attainable even in gentrifying neighborhoods. The duo also discusses the Mayor's "Home Initiative," recent PHA layoffs, and the critical need for federal funding to close the gap.

Plus, Shara heads to Germantown for a sneak peek at the Wissahickon Dance Academy’s unique, salsa-infused twist on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Best of Bridging Philly: Spreading love with lasagna | Remembering The Dixie Hummingbirds Nov 29, 2025

Show notes

When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything.⁠ ⁠Lasagna Love⁠⁠ is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, Jazmyne Walker.

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.

The Lasagna Love interview was originally released on July 26, 2025. Shara in the City with Rev. Joe Williams was originally released on August 16, 2025.

Blood doesn't make you family | Get your glitter on: celebrating 10 years of CraftNOW Philadelphia Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

With roughly 13,000 youth in foster care across Pennsylvania alone, the need for permanent, loving homes is critical. This week, Dominique McFadden, Executive Director of the Adoption Center, joins us to demystify the often confusing adoption process. She breaks down the three different "paths" families can take, from private adoption to foster-to-adopt, and explains what resources are available to parents.

It's time to bust out the "creative couture" because November is Craft Month in Philly! This week on "Shara in the City," we're getting our hands dirty (and glittery) with Emily Edelstein, Executive Director of CraftNOW Philadelphia.

Uncovering a century of music under the stars | Shopping with dignity Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

The Highmark Mann Center is the iconic sound of summer in Philadelphia, but its legacy stretches back long before its 1976 opening. This week, we dive into the rich history of Philly's beloved amphitheater with Highmark Mann CEO Katherine Cahill and historian Jack McCarthy, author of the new book "A Century of Music Under the Stars." We'll explore the Mann's origins as the Robin Hood Dell, a venue rescued by the legendary Frederic "Freddie" Mann. Hear how the programming evolved from strictly classical to hosting icons like The Roots.

This week on Shara in the City, we're in West Philly at Babashi, a food pantry that's tackling the food crisis with a revolutionary model. We get a tour of their "pantry of choice"—a market where clients grab a cart and shop with points for fresh meat, produce, and milk—a system designed to provide radical customer service and a dignified experience in a time of overwhelming need.

A mother's fight for equity in the NICU | The Mütter's new mission Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

When Jenné Johns' son was born 14 weeks early, her 77-day NICU journey exposed more than just a medical crisis—it revealed a system rife with racial bias. Now, as the founder of "Once Upon a Preemie," she is turning that pain into purpose. Janae joins us for National Prematurity Awareness Month to share her powerful story, discuss the shocking disparities Black fathers face in the NICU (including being treated as threats), and explain how her organization is now training clinicians to dismantle the implicit biases that lead to life-threatening inequities in neonatal care.

Following recent public conversations over its handling of human remains, the museum's new co-directors join Shara to discuss the "thorny questions" of ethical stewardship. Hear how they are beginning an evolving journey to move their collection "from data to human".

How one nonprofit supports families affected by violence | Art, architecture, and contemplation: exploring Calder Gardens Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

How do you help a community in the immediate aftermath of a crisis? This week, we're joined by Reverend Linda Ivey, founder of the nonprofitYour Destiny Is Here. She discusses her vital mission of providing both spiritual and practical support to families in their darkest moments, particularly those affected by gun violence. Reverend Ivey shares the importance of rapid, structured services, her work in trauma counseling and conflict resolution, and why she believes faith leaders have a crucial role to play in community service.

This week on Shara in the City a discussion on Calder Gardens, a space dedicated to the work of artist Alexander Calder, which aims to inspire curiosity and contemplation through art and architecture.

Best of Bridging Philly: Breast surgery and reconstruction, from “Stories from the Journey” Oct 25, 2025

Show notes

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re revisiting an episode from a special series we did last October, “Stories from the Journey”, which was honored with a Gracie Award this year. Doctors, survivors, and supporters shared their personal experiences with breast cancer, and in this final episode, we took a close look at breast reconstruction in a conversation in front of a live audience. Racquel Williams spoke with surgeons Dr. Alexander Au and Dr. Lori Timmerman with ⁠The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program⁠ and two reconstruction patients to hear all the options available, how procedures like implants and DIEP flap reconstruction work, what recovery looks like, and more.

This episode was originally released on October 26, 2024.

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