Love + Grit

S2E4: Debra Powell-Wright & Kiki Aranita Mar 25, 2021

Debra Powell-Wright has a long history in Philadelphia of elevating Black, Brown and African-descended women’s voices. As the founder of the city’s first female spoken word ensemble, a published essayist and social justice artist, Powell-Wright is credited with building a sisterhood. She joins the Love + Grit hosts to talk about her career and her latest work, For Women: In Tribute to Nina Simone, a collection of short stories and poems. In keeping with the theme of community and healing, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin also welcome Kiki Aranita. The Poi Dog Philly founder brought local Hawaiian cooking to Philly, but had to close her beloved restaurant in the face of COVID-19. She recounts her story about pivoting to ecommerce as a way to support herself and continue sharing her history.

S2E3: Kimberly McGlonn & Dyymond Whipper-Young Mar 11, 2021

On this episode of Love + Grit, meet two women making a monumental impact on the arts and education. Kimberly McGlonn’s sustainable clothing line and West Philadelphia storefront Grant Blvd sources reclaimed fabrics manufactured exclusively in Philadelphia and supports people who were previously incarcerated — one of the social issues this doctor of philosophy (and Jenkintown Borough council member) is most passionate about. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin also welcome Dyymond Whipper-Young, a Temple University graduate and arts educator who most recently made national headlines for creating the biggest drawing in the world made by one person as part of the Crayola IDEAworks exhibit at The Franklin Institute. Hear more from these two inspiring guests making waves during Women’s History Month and beyond.

S2E2: Yvonne Blake & Will Toms and Dave Silver Feb 25, 2021

This episode kicks off with Hakim’s Bookstore owner Yvonne Blake and a discussion about community building. She runs the shop — one of the oldest African American bookstores in the country — that her father opened in West Philadelphia in 1959. Then, the hosts catch up with Will Toms and Dave Silver, two multi-talented Philadelphians making names for themselves and making space for Black creators. The pair, who made Forbes’ 2021 30 Under 30 list, founded studio/shop/production house/event space REC Philly to put the city’s creative economy into the hands of makers. Their grant-funded #BlackMusicCity project helps Black creators pursue their goals. Tune in to hear how these passionate Philadelphians are creating real, sustainable change by sharing knowledge and resources.

S2E1: Tommy and Codie Elaine Oliver & Crystal Streets Feb 11, 2021

Season 2 of Love + Grit kicks off with love and positive energy. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome Tommy and Codie Elaine Oliver, the power couple behind Black Love Inc. After Philly native Tommy met Codie Elaine at a film festival, the two poured their passion for storytelling into a multimedia company and digital platform that’s worked with Viola Davis, Tia Mowry and other celebrities to tell dynamic stories of love that often go overlooked, including their Doula Dads series featuring Sterling K. Brown. The positive vibes continue with Crystal Streets, a jeweler and diamond concierge (and proud Central High School grad from Mt. Airy!) — who works with ethically sourced materials and healing crystals to make sure stars like Rihanna, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey look — and feel — stunning.

Love + Grit Episode 25 Dec 17, 2020

On this episode of Love + Grit, meet two of the women drawing the world’s attention to Philadelphia. Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon is racking up accolades for her South Philly restaurant, Kalaya Thai Kitchen. Most recently: a 2020 James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant and Esquire’s Best Restaurant in America. Nok talks to hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin about what brought her to Philly, how business has changed during the pandemic and, of course, her delicious food. Next up, Delaware County-based film producer Jenifer Westphal (Athlete A, Knock Down the House, Won’t You Be My Neighbor) discusses helping women and nonbinary filmmakers of color and chats about her latest documentary, Maybe Next Year, which tells the story of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season through the eyes of diehard fans.

Love + Grit Episode 24 Dec 03, 2020

Harriett’s Bookshop has been open less than a year, but owner Jeannine A. Cook has already turned the space into a community hub elevating and celebrating Black women’s voices. Her independent Fishtown bookstore is thriving — even though it opened just as COVID-19 safety precautions closed some Philadelphia storefronts — thanks to Cook’s focus on activism and empowerment. She joins hosts Laiya, Justin and Rachel on this episode of Love + Grit, along with author Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and host of Center City-based This is it TV, whose new book, Scream Your Dream: How to Build an Effective Personal Brand, helps readers leverage their personal experiences to develop an authentic, powerful voice.

Love + Grit Episode 23 Nov 19, 2020

Philly chefs have a way of weaving their experiences into their culinary creations so the result is irresistible, unforgettable food. In this episode of Love + Grit, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome two talented people who’ve recently returned to the City of Brotherly Love with incredible stories and the food to match. Germantown native Chef Omar Tate worked his way up from Philadelphia hotel kitchens to private chef life and even the Smithsonian before returning to his hometown, where he’s cooking up flavors of the Black experience and funding a community center. And Executive Chef Robert Watson, who entered the Philly service industry as a teen, flew back from Arizona to open Steak 48 on the Avenue of the Arts. But COVID-19 had other plans, so Watson found an interim gig — volunteering to help end hunger.

Love + Grit Episode 22 Nov 05, 2020

Philly brings it on the big screen and on the stage, and the guests on this episode of Love + Grit work behind the scenes to make it all happen, proving that the heart and soul of a travel destination are the people we meet. Shawn Finnie’s journey is an incredible example of our city’s resilience and grit. His career path brought him from Philly to experiencing homelessness in New York City to Los Angeles, where he now works for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, ensuring that diverse voices and backgrounds aren’t just represented, but also engaged and activated. And in Philly, Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg — also the brains behind the annual Philly Theatre Week — joins the conversation to discuss efforts to increase diversity on local stages and expand the prestigious Barrymore Awards with honors for gender-inclusive performances.

Love + Grit Episode 21 Oct 15, 2020

Two Philadelphia powerhouses talk creativity and hospitality in this episode of Love + Grit. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome YOWIE founder Shannon Maldonado to discuss how her background working with top fashion brands led to the development of her popular storefront, creative brand and design studio. While Maldonado keeps Philly stylish, Jezabel Careaga keeps the city fed. The entrepreneur and cook runs the beloved Jezabel’s Cafe in West Philadelphia, where she serves up traditional foods from her native Argentina and is hard at work establishing her new furniture studio. Tune in to hear these two talented women share their stories, and learn how their successes have helped Philadelphia shine.

Love + Grit Episode 20 Sep 29, 2020

Hospitality can change a neighborhood and nurture its culture. Just ask Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, whose Safran Turney Hospitality has transformed 13th Street in Philly’s Gayborhood with top restaurants like Barbuzzo and beloved shops like Open House. After catching up with the power duo, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin chat with self-taught photographer Antoino Johnson, whose new book, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, captures the sacred spaces where Black male identity is fostered.

Love + Grit Episode 19 Sep 15, 2020

This episode of Love + Grit is all about delicious beverages of the fermented variety —no surprise, since Philly is a city that takes beer seriously. Jamaar Julal of Philly-headquartered JamBrü kicks things off as he breaks down the mystery of kombucha —that delicious, trendy, good-for-you fermented tea. And hosts Laiya, Justin and Rachel also welcome Love City Brewing owners Kevin and Melissa Walter to discuss innovation and activism in the beer community, which has a deep history in Philadelphia. Tune in to hear how these Philadelphia beverage makers are adapting to the ever-evolving coronavirus world and welcoming visitors in search of a cold one.

Love + Grit Episode 18 Sep 01, 2020

Kenny Gambleis a true Philadelphia treasure. The “Sound of Philadelphia” he created with his partner Leon Huff has put Philly on the music map. Almost 50 years and tons of gold and platinum albums later, Gamble continues his legacy by reinvesting in the South Philly community where he grew up. We'll hear how he has evolved his “Message in the Music” motto into a video podcast.

Rob Wassrman proudly helms Rouge, Rittenhouse Square’s see-and-be-seen restaurant for more than 20years now, along with other neighborhood favorites Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning. With priorities of fine dining shifting as a result of COVID-19, Wasserman has been focused on supporting families in need of a healthy meal. We'll hear why the "We Are Philly” campaign is delivering for Philadelphians and so many others.

Love + Grit Episode 17 Aug 18, 2020

In this episode, our podcast hosts chat with two Philadelphians who are a cut above the rest: one cuts meat, the other cuts hair.

Since she founded Primal Supply Meats in 2016, Heather Marold Thomason has continually taken the business to new heights. She started by providing meats to notable Philly chefs. Now she supports more than a dozen regional farmers and a family-owned slaughterhouse, and runs neighborhood butcher shops inSouth Philly and Brewerytown.

People often ask, “Who’s the barber that’s the man in Philly?”The answer is Faheem Alexander, a Philly superstar, based on what he can do to both your beard and your head.

Love + Grit Episode 16 Aug 04, 2020

Our hosts chat with an actor (Nakia Dillard) and an MC (Chill Moody) this week. First up: Nakia Dillard, who takes his role of Philadelphia actor very seriously. Dillard developed his acting chops here in the City of Brotherly Love. And although he’s appeared in numerous productions (Black Lightning, The Wire)—at least 80 and counting—he has never left Philadelphia physically. Learn how and why he does it, and get the scoop on his favorite place to chill in Philly.

Next up is arguably Philly’s hardest working MC: Chill Moody. The Philly music ambassador works hard for his hometown. His lyrical storytelling is deeply rooted in Philadelphia stories, and his community activism often offers opportunities to other burgeoning Philly talent. Hear why Moody is a Philly faithful, and find out what two flavors of water ice he mixes together.

Love + Grit Episode 15 Jul 21, 2020

In this episode, our hosts talk to two dope Philly ladies: one who feeds our bellies in all kinds of delicious ways and another who feeds our souls through the characters she plays.

Philly foodies know Talula’s. There’s Talula’s Table in Kennett Square and Talula’s Garden and Talula’s Daily in Philadelphia’s Washington Square neighborhood. That’s all thanks to West Chester’s own Aimee Olexy, who brings the deliciousness to each one ofthese places.

Next up: a conversation with a Lancaster-born, Philly-bred MC who is a Yale School of Drama graduate, recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Award and Leonore Annenberg Fellowship for Performing Arts. Her name is Miriam A. Hyman. You know her from shows like Blue Bloods, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Master of None, Law & Order, The Wire and The Laundromat. She currently stars in season three of Showtime's The CHI and has a new album out under her MC moniker Robyn Hood. Among many things, Miriam dishes on her favorite Philly cheesesteak place: Dalessandro’s in Roxborough.

Love + Grit Episode 14 Jul 07, 2020

We talk to two of our favorite folks from the local sports scene: Tom McCarthy, voice of The Phillies, and Jazmine Smith, leading the charge to diversify field hockey and lacrosse.

With baseball about to return, our hosts check in with the man who knows everything about the Phillies. Tom McCarthy speaks to us about life in and out of Citizens Bank Park.

For the last 18 years, Jasmine Smith has been a force to get girls of color to play lacrosse and field hockey. She updates us on how her athletes are staying active on the field and in the community.

Love + Grit Episode 13 Jun 23, 2020

To get to the root of festival life, we called in the big bosses!

This episode begins with Shawn Gee, who honed his management skills with legendary Roots manager Rich Nichols. Over the years, Gee has managed the Roots and Jill Scott and served as business manager for Drake, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne and a slew of others. He's also the president of Live Nation Urban. Gee gives us the lowdown on this year’s virtual Roots Picnic, which he has produced in Philly for over a decade now.

Also virtual this year, Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia’s annual Fourth of Julyfestival. So what’s in store this year? The festival’s CEO, Michael Delbene, gives us the scoop on the big acts and how and where they’ll be performing live.

Love + Grit Episode 12 Jun 09, 2020

While the country is going through a cycle of change, Philadelphia offers some hope. Rachel, Laiya and Justin dive into a couple of remarkable Philadelphia stories for a special edition of Love + Grit.

The mother of Black Music Month, media personality and strategist, Dyana Williams, has been a Philly tastemaker for over 40 years. She’s the person celebrities call when their mouths get them in trouble. She’s also the inspiration behind some of your favorite love songs and the reason Black Music Month is recognized worldwide.

Next, our hosts chat with VINCINT. You know him from the hit show The Four, and now you can hear his voice on the new season of Queer Eye that's based in Philadelphia. VINCINT shares his Philly story and talks about how he’s utilizing his platform for change.

Love + Grit Episode 11 May 26, 2020

Philadelphia native Angela Nissel, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand writers, gained popularity with her blockbuster memoir “The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke” and as a producer and writer on hit television shows “Mixed-ish,” “Scrubs,” “The Boondocks” and more. She joins Laiya, Rachel and Justin to discuss her journey in entertainment.

Then, NBC10’s Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle tells us about her conversations with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, teaming up with Yuengling for “Cheers PA,” and, Davida Janae, the local fashion blogger keeping us polished and stylish while working from home.

Spike Eskin, program director for SportsRadio94WIP, laces ’em up and hits the (virtual) hardwood with our hosts to end the episode. A second-generation Philadelphia sports talk radio personality and host of “The Rights to Ricky Sanchez,” Spike explains the origins of his name and his podcast’s name and speculates about the future of sports during the pandemic.

Love + Grit Episode 10 May 19, 2020

Nicole Marquis, owner of HipCityVeg, Charlie was a sinner and Bar Bombón, has always kept a dizzying pace at the office. This week, she gives listeners an insider's view of her life during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes keeping her restaurants open for takeout and delivery and working to help the city’s restaurant industry recover.

Then, NBC10Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle joins to tell the stories of Dolaine Benjamin ‒ a licensed nail technician now making press-on nail kits for her clients ‒ and Stuff’d Buns ‒ a local food truck owned by Rachel Knable and Monica Magalhaes ‒ parlaying one good deed into weeks of feeding those on the front lines.

Love + Gritwraps after a conversation with Syreeta Scott, owner of Duafe Holistic Hair Care. Syreeta has worked with Janet Jackson, Ava DuVernay, Jill Scott and Questlove and talks to Rachel, Justin and Laiya to discuss adapting her business to fit her clients’ needs and the importance of hair care and body care to mental health.

Love + Grit Episode 9 May 12, 2020

Rachel, Justin and Laiya talk to a 2020 James Beard Awards nominee and Top Chef winner: chef Nick Elmi (owner of Philadelphia’s Laurel, ITV and Royal Boucherie). In this episode, he shares his theories about the current bread-baking craze and his ingredient-foraging adventures with his son.

Then, our hosts check in with DJ Diamond Kuts, the first female mixer on Philadelphia radio. The Philadelphia native, born Tina Dunham, has worked with former President Barack Obama, Nicki Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert, and has spun at Roots Picnic. She gets real with our hosts about her rock-and-roll-loving son and how exploring new creative outlets are improving her mental health.

Love + Grit Episode 8 May 05, 2020

Laiya, Rachel and Justin talk to Philadelphia’s own Eugene “Man-Man” Roberts about being John Legend’s musical director, Instagram Live etiquette and Twitch, the leading live-streaming platform.

Next, NBC10 Philly Live’s Auynea Lachelle introduces us to three West Chester University students thanking first responders and other heroes for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.

And finally, our hosts speak with John Fazio, founder and CEO of Nerd Street Gamers, about how gaming provides important connections in many communities and about the lasting impact of an impromptu Christmas Day trip he took as a child.

Love + Grit Episode 7 Apr 28, 2020

On this week’s Love + Grit, Rachel, Justin and Laiya spend time with James Beard Award nominee Eli Kulp, the chef behind Fork, High Street On Market and High Street Hospitality Group and host of The CHEF Radio Podcast. They talk with Kulp about how he reinvented his life following a 2015 Amtrak crash that left him paralyzed and his new podcast, which explores all aspects of the food and restaurant industry.

Next, Aunyea Lachelle, host of NBC10’s Philly Live, shares black hair care tips from some local stylists and stories from fashion designers getting a boost from the Philadelphia Fashion & Garment Industry Task Force. She also reports on daily deliveries that hospital workers are receiving from Simply Good Jars.

Finally, the hosts speak to Nasheli Juliana Ortiz-González ‒ fashion designer and department chair at Moore College of Art & Design and contestant on the Netflix’s “Next in Fashion” ‒ and Marién Vélez ‒ lighting designer and founder of 22 Studio ‒ about how they’re creating high-concept ways to keep us safe and stylish.

Love + Grit Episode 6 Apr 21, 2020

While spending time at home and talking about the region they love so much, the Love + Grit hosts kick off this episode by sharing their favorite regional craft breweries offering delivery before discussing vegetarian cuisine and the future of the restaurant industry with Vedge owners and James Beard Award honorees Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. Then, Laiya, Rachel and Justin catch up with NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle, who shares the story of 11-year-old boxing twins Steven and Daniel Grandy and gives the details on Xyntek, the Bucks County engineering firm creating and donating personal protective equipment to healthcare workers. Next, the trio talks with Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon of the husband-and-wife music duo Kindred the Family Soul about the challenges of being at home full time with six children, the importance of celebrating Juneteenth and their upcoming album

Love + Grit Episode 5 Apr 14, 2020

In another episode that finds our hosts heeding Mayor Kenney’s advice to stay at home and keep each other safe, Laiya, Rachel and Justin talk to Charlie Mack about his unofficial roles as Philadelphia’s Big Brother and star-maker (Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Bryshere Gray). Next, they have a conversation with Aunyea Lachelle, host of NBC10’s Philly Live, about the importance of fostering pets during this time – before providing an update on her postponed wedding plans.

The episode wraps with tips for staying entertained while at home. First, you’ll need a pen and paper to write down TV and movie streaming recommendations from Maori Karmael Holmes, founder of the BlackStar Film Festival. Then, master mixologist Andre Darlington shares the secret to a perfect cocktail (a breakfast martini?) and suggests the best cocktail-and-music pairings.

Love + Grit Episode 4 Apr 07, 2020

In this special episode of Love + Grit, designed to help all of us get through COVID-19, we embrace the importance of laughter, as we listen to our guests tell us about how they’re navigating through these uncertain times. First, Temple University and Cardinal Dougherty High School alum and Philadelphia comic TuRae Gordon talks to Rachel, Laiya and Justin about writing new material and really getting to really know his wife during this extended stay at home. Then, Aunyea Lachelle, host of NBC’s Philly Live, joins the podcast to talk about more good news: the ‘hunger heroes’ of the Share Food program and Save Philly Eats. Finally, Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner Jose Garces drops in from his kitchen - in the midst of living his best #DadLife - to discuss how he’s keeping his family busy, the current state of the restaurant business and what he’s cooking at home.

Love + Grit Episode 3 Mar 31, 2020

On this week’s episode of Love + Grit, our hosts begin to emphasize the people of Greater Philadelphia and their stories of positivity, ingenuity and compassion in response to the impact of COVID-19 on our region. First, Jennifer Carroll, Top Chef finalist, Philadelphia native and Spice Finch executive chef, joins the hosts to share easy make-at-home recipes, talk about how to best support restaurant employees (Spice Finch Relief Fund; Save Philly Restaurants petition) and show off her bunnies: Turkey, Pickle and Lil’ Joanie. Then, Aunyea Lachelle, host of valued VISIT PHILADELPHIA broadcast partner NBC10’s ‘Philly Live’, joins in for a new weekly segment that highlights the region’s many acts of kindness and hope. This week, her focus is on “Handwash,” a song from a group of young men from the Caring People Alliance after-school program at R.W. Brown Community Center.

Love + Grit Episode 2 Mar 24, 2020

Note: Love + Grit is here to inform and bring the fun, but we want you to know that this episode was recorded before COVID-19. Going forward, we’ll focus on sharing stories of the region’s vibrancy and the fun we’ll have when Philly is Philly again. As always, we stand with you, and thank you for standing with us. P.S.: Wash your hands! There is light at the end of the tunnel! - LSC, RF & JP

This week on Love + Grit, Laiya St. Clair, Rachel Ferguson and Justin Pizzi meet West Philadelphia-born DJ Aktive to discuss his work with Janet Jackson, Kanye West and The Roots. Then, Ursula Augustine, cosmetology expert and founder of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Studio, shows Rachel and Laiya how to create the perfect brow – using a familiar test subject. The episode ends at The Notary Hotel, as our hosts dive deep into why Justin loves their cocktail menu and authentic Spanish tapas.

Love + Grit Episode 1 Feb 25, 2020

In the first episode of Love + Grit,learn why hosts Laiya St. Clair, Rachel Ferguson and Justin Pizzi love Philadelphia as much as they do (and why you should too) before they chat with three women making an impact on the city.

First, they talk to Rashia Bell (The Cristalline), West Philadelphia native and crystal designer for the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, about the healing power of crystals and how special it was for her to return to her hometown. Next, they stop at The Colored Girls Museum to hear from founder Vashti DuBois about Sunday hair sessions, the museum’s unexpected superhero exhibits and the lives and accomplishments of the everyday African-American women featured here. Then, Patrice Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic (GAC), gives a quick lesson in car repair with her all-female team of auto mechanics.

Love + Grit Podcast Teaser Trailer Feb 25, 2020

Love + Grit: two words often associated with Philadelphia, the City of Sisterly Love. Impossible to define, Philadelphia has long been regarded as an underdog city. That is no longer the case.

This uniquely Philadelphia podcast uses the authentic and diverse stories of the city to inspire all people — visitors and locals alike — to visit (or re-visit) the region. It gives listeners an insider’s look at the Philadelphians people should know, the foods they should try and the attractions they should explore — many of which are under-the-radar and unexpected. Love + Grit is hosted by Laiya St. Clair, Rachel Ferguson and Justin Pizzi.

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