Philadelphia Community Podcast

WDAS (WDAS-FM)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Daily

Each week, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks to community leaders and groups in the Philadelphia region about topics affecting our local communities and upcoming events. Insight airs Sunday on WDAS FM 6-7 am and 7-7:30 am on Power 99. What's Going On airs Sundays on Q102, ALT 104.5, and 1480 Breakthrough Radio.

  1. 4d ago

    What's Going On: What’s Going On: Play for Parks, Help Hope Live & 50 Years of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund

    Fairmount Park Conservancy CEO Tony Sorrentino reflects on his first year leading the organization and shares fall programs that bring recreation, wellness and community connection to Philadelphia’s parks. We also discuss Play for Parks, a free celebration on Friday, October 16, from 7–9 p.m. at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain in West Fairmount Park. Enjoy Chill Moody’s Klubbhouse, special guests, local vendors and a fireworks finale at 8:50 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Find the fall calendar at myphillypark.org. Follow @myphillypark on Instagram and Fairmount Park Conservancy on Facebook and LinkedIn.   How can families facing a medical crisis manage the overwhelming out-of-pocket costs that insurance doesn’t cover? Kelly L. Green, Executive Director of Help Hope Live, joins us to discuss how the national nonprofit helps families fundraise for medical expenses while providing personalized support and resources.   We also preview Help Hope Live’s 14th Annual Live It Up! Gala, Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. at The Drexelbrook, 4700 Drexelbrook Drive in Drexel Hill, PA. The evening features dinner, an open bar, silent auction and the Help Hope Live Awards, while raising funds to support the organization’s mission. Web: HelpHopeLive.org Socials: Facebook, Instagram & X @HelpHopeLiveOrg · LinkedIn Help Hope Live · TikTok & YouTube @HelpHopeLive.   Finally we speak to  Peggy Dolan, Founder of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, and Danielle Griffith, Executive Director, as the organization celebrates 50 years of helping families caring for children with serious illnesses and disabilities. Since its founding, the Fund has helped more than 50,000 families and paid more than $10 million in essential bills. The conversation also explores new initiatives including ExchangeABLE, which redistributes adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, and Unity Sports, an inclusive soccer program pairing children with disabilities with student-athlete buddies. The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund will mark its milestone anniversary with Foodies & Philanthropy, Thursday, October 9, 2026, at Lilah in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. Proceeds benefit families served by the Fund.    https://dolanfund.org/

  2. 4d ago

    Insight Pt. 2: Philly Parks, Black Teachers & Frankie Darcell’s Breast Cancer Journey

    Fairmount Park Conservancy CEO Tony Sorrentino reflects on his first year leading the organization and shares fall programs that bring recreation, wellness and community connection to Philadelphia’s parks. We also discuss Play for Parks, a free celebration on Friday, October 16, from 7–9 p.m. at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain in West Fairmount Park. Enjoy Chill Moody’s Klubbhouse, special guests, local vendors and a fireworks finale at 8:50 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Find the fall calendar at myphillypark.org. Follow @myphillypark on Instagram and Fairmount Park Conservancy on Facebook and LinkedIn. My iHeartMedia colleague - WDAS FM’s Frankie Darcell shares her breast cancer journey, why she founded Sista Strut, and her message to Black women about mammograms and protecting their breast health. Find a location or schedule a screening with iHeartMedia partner Solis Mammography at SolisMammo.com, or call 866-717-2551. If you have a breast symptom, call to ask about a diagnostic appointment.   We explore the impact of Black teachers, the power of Philadelphia’s parks to connect communities, and a personal call to prioritize breast health. I talk with Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, about why Black teachers matter and how to build the next generation of educators. We preview the 9th Annual Black Men in Education Convening, November 13–15, 2026, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street. This year’s theme is “Rooted in History: Constructing the Next 100 Years of Education.” Information and registration: thecenterblacked.org. Follow Instagram @centerblacked and Facebook Center for Black Educator Development. #BMEC2026

  3. 4d ago

    Insight Pt .1: VLS Journeys with Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati

    On VLS Journeys, we explore Black creativity through comic books and contemporary dance.I talk with Sean Quimby, Associate Vice Provost and Director of Penn’s Kislak Center, about The Black Hero’s Journey, an exhibition tracing the evolution of Black comic book characters and creators—from harmful stereotypes to groundbreaking superheroes—and their connections to Philadelphia.Exhibition: October 15, 2026–May 13, 2027, at the Goldstein Gallery, sixth floor of the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 3420 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, excluding holidays and library closures. Bring a valid government- or school-issued photo ID with an expiration date. Opening festivities include a conversation with Christian Cooper on October 15, 6–8 p.m., and a Family and Community Day on October 31, noon–3 p.m.Web: library.upenn.edu/exhibits/black-heros-journey Socials: Instagram @upennlib · Facebook Penn Libraries · LinkedIn Penn Libraries. For her feature "What is Philadelphia Reading" Vanesse speaks to Bernard H. Gaddis, founder and artistic director of Contemporary West Dance Theatre, now based in Philadelphia and celebrating its 19th year. A Philadelphia native whose professional career began with PHILADANCO, Gaddis shares his journey in dance, the company’s move from Nevada, and his dedication to developing dancers through decades of teaching ballet and the Horton modern technique nationally and internationally.

  4. 5d ago

    Insight Spotlight: Frankie Darcell’s Breast Cancer Journey - Extended Version

    A mammogram can find breast cancer before symptoms appear but making that appointment can be easy to put off. WDAS FM’s Frankie Darcell knows how personal this issue is. She joins me to share her breast cancer journey, why she founded Sista Strut, and her message to Black women about protecting their breast health. For listeners: Find a location or schedule a screening mammogram at iheart media partner  SolisMammo.com, or call 866-717-2551. Anyone with a breast symptom should call to ask about a diagnostic appointment rather than book a routine screening online.

  5. Sep 25

    Insight Pt. 2: A Musical Journey to Freedom, New Resources in N. Philly and Black-Tie GayBINGO!

    This week, we spotlight Philadelphia organizations and changemakers using the arts, community investment and celebration to make a difference. Kofi Asanté, Executive Producer of No Longer Bound – The Musical, shares how music, dance and storytelling bring the African American journey from enslavement to freedom to the stage. The production comes to the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center, October 11 at 4 p.m. Web: nolongerboundthemusical.com   Then, Nikki Bagby of North10 Philadelphia and Jennifer Bilotta of Comcast discuss a partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers bringing expanded digital access, technology, workforce development and community resources to North Philadelphia. Web: www.north10phl.org  www.comcast/76erNorth10 Partnership Social: @n10_phl | @Comcast | @Sixers Finally, Mary Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, previews Black-Tie GayBINGO!, Saturday, October 3 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The signature fundraiser supports Action Wellness programs serving people living with or at risk for HIV. Web/Tickets: www.actionwellness.org Social: @ActionWellnessPHL

  6. Sep 25

    What’s Going On: Workman's Comp Know Your Rights & the Power of Genetic Screening

    Workers’ compensation with David Stern What happens to your benefits after a workplace injury—and what does it mean when a doctor says you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement? David Stern, founding partner of Stern & Cohen, joins us to discuss Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, common claim mistakes, returning to work, and what to do if benefits are reduced or stopped. Stern & Cohen was named a 2025 Gold Winner in The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Philly Favorites awards. Web and socials: sterncohenlaw.com · Stern & Cohen on LinkedIn · Facebook: Stern & Cohen. Consultation inquiries can be made through the firm’s website.   Carolyn Searles and the 2026 Cancer Progress Report Carolyn Searles learned she carried an inherited BRCA1 mutation, then faced a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer while pregnant. Featured in the American Association for Cancer Research’s 2026 Cancer Progress Report, she shares how genetic screening and specialized care shaped her decisions—and why continued research matters to families facing cancer. Web and socials: Read Carolyn’s story · 2026 Cancer Progress Report · AACR.org · Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X: @AACR · YouTube: American Association for Cancer Research.

  7. Sep 25

    Insight Pt. 1: Philadelphia Chapter of The Pierians, Incorporated

    Loraine Ballard Morrill talks with Valerie Dorsey-Allen, President of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Pierians, Incorporated, and event co-chairs Meridel Peterson and Donna Drake about four years of supporting the arts, recognizing artistic achievement and encouraging the next generation of artists. They preview the chapter’s 4th Charterversary Celebration & Artist Award Luncheon, featuring an artist recognition and live entertainment by Miss Carrie & Friends.The celebration takes place Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2–5 p.m. at The Brossman Center at United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Tickets are $65 per person. Connect with the chapter through its social accounts for electronic ticket purchase information.Web: pierians.org Instagram: @philly_pierians_chapter Facebook: Philadelphia Chapter of the Pierians

  8. Sep 17

    What's Going On: Affordable Housing, OURfest 2026 and Celebrating Hispanic Cuisine

    In this episode of What’s Going On, Loraine Ballard Morrill highlights resources, events and people strengthening Philadelphia communities. David S. Thomas, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), discusses affordable housing, homeownership and programs helping Philadelphians buy, repair and remain in their homes. He also shares information about the city’s H.O.M.E. Initiative, Turn the Key homeownership program and the PHDC Annual Housing Fair, featuring more than 100 housing organizations and experts. PHDC Annual Housing Fair — Presented by Independence Blue Cross Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Temple University Aramark STAR Complex, 1816 N. 15th Street Free admission and registration. Web: PHDC Housing Fair | PHDC Next, Philadelphia celebrates National Coming Out Day with OURfest 2026, a three-day celebration of LGBTQ+ visibility, community and Pride. Tyrell Brown, Founder and Executive Director of Philly Pride 365, talks about the evolution of OURfest, the importance of year-round LGBTQ+ visibility and what to expect from a weekend featuring community events, a parade, festival and resource fair. OURfest 2026 October 9–11, 2026 Parade & Festival: Sunday, October 11 | Philadelphia Gayborhood The Sunday parade, festival and resource fair are free and open to the public. Web: OURfest 2026 |  Social: @PhillyPride365 Finally, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the I Am Hispanic Philadelphia series turns its attention to cuisine. Acclaimed Philadelphia restaurateur, author and agave advocate David Suro-Piñera, founder of Tequilas Restaurant and co-author of the James Beard Award-winning Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals, discusses his culinary journey, the cultural importance of agave spirits and efforts to protect traditional producers and sustainable production. I Am Hispanic Philadelphia — Cuisine: David Suro-Piñera Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 6 p.m. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Fourth Floor, Rooms 405/406 Free admission; conversation followed by a book signing. Web: Free Library Event | Free Registration | Tequilas Casa Mexicana | Tequila Interchange Project Social: Instagram @tequilasphilly

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Each week, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks to community leaders and groups in the Philadelphia region about topics affecting our local communities and upcoming events. Insight airs Sunday on WDAS FM 6-7 am and 7-7:30 am on Power 99. What's Going On airs Sundays on Q102, ALT 104.5, and 1480 Breakthrough Radio.

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