Philadelphia Community Podcast

WDAS (WDAS-FM)
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • 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: Magical Mila Foundation, Kiyoshi, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson

    On this episode of What’s Going On, Loraine Ballard Morrill explores a family’s mission to protect young children, a Philadelphia activist’s extraordinary legacy, and the importance of making your voice heard. Jessica Roomberg, president and co-executive director of The Magical Mila Foundation, shares the story of her daughter Mila and the foundation’s work supporting early detection of high blood pressure in high-risk infants and toddlers. She discusses the BP Under 3 partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and how the upcoming Butterfly Ball will help expand that work. Second Butterfly Ball Saturday, November 7, 2026Green Valley Country Club, Lafayette HillCelebrating Mila’s life and raising funds to expand BP Under 3.Honoring Dr. Alexander Fairman, Caitlin Haas, and Dr. Benjamin Laskin.For event updates and ways to support: MagicalMilaFoundation.orgInstagram and TikTok: @magicalmilafoundationFacebook: The Magical Mila FoundationThen, director Glenn Holsten and producer Rob Buscher discuss their documentary, Kiyoshi, about Philadelphia activist Kiyoshi Kuromiya. From his birth in a Japanese American incarceration camp to his work for civil rights, peace, LGBTQ+ liberation, and people living with HIV and AIDS, Kuromiya’s story reveals a lifetime devoted to justice. World Premiere of Kiyoshi Opening night of the Philadelphia Asian American Film FestivalThursday, November 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.Graham Auditorium, Moore College of Art & Design, 1916 Race Street, PhiladelphiaA panel discussion is scheduled to follow the screening.Tickets and festival information: paaff.orgInstagram: @kiyoshifilm and @glennholstenFacebook: Kiyoshi Documentary and Glenn HolstenFinally, Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson discusses the importance of voting in the November 3 election, finding reliable voter information, and her efforts to address nuisance businesses and neighborhood quality-of-life concerns. Voter information: vote.phila.gov Councilmember Gilmore Richardson: phlcouncil.com/katherinegilmorerichardson Facebook: Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson Instagram: @councilmemberkgr X: @CouncilwomanKGR TikTok: @councilmember.kgr

  2. 4d ago

    Insight Pt. 2: City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Merakey Support for Kids w/Autism

    On this segment of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson about the upcoming election, making your voice heard, efforts to address nuisance businesses, and upcoming community events. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Pennsylvania polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters in line by 8 p.m. may vote. Completed mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county election office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Make a plan to vote and find reliable election information and polling locations at https://vote.phila.gov/. The councilmember also shares information about these upcoming events:Senior Resource Fair: Friday, November 13, 2026, 10 a.m.–noon, at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia.Workforce Spotlight with the U.S. Census Bureau: Friday, November 13, 2026, 12:30–1 p.m., virtually via Zoom and the councilmember’s Facebook page.Couponing Class: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Location to be announced; follow the councilmember’s office for updates.Learn more: https://phlcouncil.com/katherinegilmorerichardson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberKGR/ Instagram: @councilmemberkgr   Then, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, Education Center Director, and Maryann McEvoy, Executive Director, discuss Merakey’s new Philadelphia Education Center, which serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade with autism support, emotional support, and therapy services. They explain how individualized learning, coordinated services, and family partnerships help students thrive. The center’s October 22, 2026, open house welcomed families and neighbors from 2–5 p.m., with a ribbon cutting and remarks at 2:30 p.m., at 3240 North Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140. The event included staff introductions, school tours, free family-friendly activities, light refreshments, and giveaways. Merakey: https://www.merakey.org/ Contact: eniola.ajayi@merakey.org or maryann.mcevoy@merakey.org

  3. 4d ago

    Insight Pt. 1: V. Lloyd Sgambati & Eric Battle’s Framing Emmett Till and A Book a Day

    Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with Christopher Benson author of Framing Emmett Till: Exposing Dark Fear, the new graphic novel illustrated by Eric Battle. Their conversation explores bringing this consequential history to the page and the power of visual storytelling to examine racism, memory, and justice.  Book Launch: Framing Emmett Till: Exposing Dark Fear Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6–8 p.m.Kislak Center, Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, sixth floor, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, University of PennsylvaniaFeaturing Eric Battle, Christopher Benson, John Jennings, and Qiana Whitted.Open to the public. Event details and registration.  Then, for “What Is Philadelphia Reading?”, Vanesse speaks with Sibylla Shekerdjiska-Benatova, M.S.Ed., executive director of A Book a Day, about sharing the joy of reading and expanding children’s access to diverse books. The nonprofit donated more than 5,000 brand-new hardcover books in 2026, while requests to serve new locations more than doubled. A Book a Day’s Freedom to Learn Fundraiser Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6 p.m.The Study, 20 South 33rd Street, PhiladelphiaProceeds from ticket sales and auction items help purchase new books for children. $10 provides one new book, while $250 supports a week’s worth of new baby books for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s Intensive Care Nursery.Purchase tickets.

  4. Oct 21

    SpeakOUT: Civil Disobedience and Civic Engagement with Angela Giampolo

    For our monthly SpeakOUT conversation, attorney and LGBTQIA+ advocate Angela Giampolo joins Loraine to explore civil disobedience, LGBTQIA+ rights, and sustained civic participation. Inspired by Loraine’s experience witnessing peaceful demonstrations in Paris and Angela’s visit to Walden Pond, they consider Henry David Thoreau’s ideas about conscience, conformity, and nonviolent resistance. Angela shares her perspective on anti-trans political messaging, the midterm elections, and the limits of measuring a movement’s strength through rallies or election results alone. The conversation examines what it takes to turn public concern into ongoing organizing, community education, and meaningful action beyond the voting booth. Connect with Angela Giampolo Website: giampololaw.comInstagram: @YourGayLawyerFacebook: Giampolo Law GroupX: @PhillyGayLawyer

  5. Oct 21

    What's Going On: Celebrating Teachers & SpeakOUT: Civil Disobedience and Civic Engagement

    Loraine Ballard Morrill celebrates educators making a difference and explores the power of speaking out and staying engaged. We spotlight local honorees of the iHeartMedia and Boost Mobile Thank a Teacher campaign: Christine Durante of Riverton Public School, Kashmir Fluellen of Camden Promise Charter, Chef Kenneth McDuffie of Simon Gratz Mastery Charter, and Michael Winterbottom of Marple Newtown High School. They share their inspiration, commitment to students, and the lasting impact of great teaching.    Then, in our monthly SpeakOUT conversation, attorney and LGBTQIA+ advocate Angela Giampolo joins Loraine to explore civil disobedience, LGBTQIA+ rights, and sustained civic participation. Inspired by Loraine’s experience witnessing peaceful demonstrations in Paris and Angela’s visit to Walden Pond, they consider Henry David Thoreau’s ideas about conscience, conformity, and nonviolent resistance. Angela shares her perspective on anti-trans political messaging, the midterm elections, and the limits of measuring a movement’s strength through rallies or election results alone. The conversation examines what it takes to turn public concern into ongoing organizing, community education, and meaningful action beyond the voting booth. Connect with Angela Giampolo Website: giampololaw.comInstagram: @YourGayLawyerFacebook: Giampolo Law GroupX: @PhillyGayLawyer

  6. Oct 21

    Insight Pt. 2: Celebrating Teachers, Preparing to Vote & Spotlighting Presh So Fresh

    Loraine Ballard Morrill celebrates inspiring educators, helps Philadelphia voters prepare for Election Day, and introduces a young artist using her voice to challenge expectations. We spotlight local honorees of the iHeartMedia and Boost Mobile Thank a Teacher campaign: Christine Durante of Riverton Public School, Kashmir Fluellen of Camden Promise Charter, Chef Kenneth McDuffie of Simon Gratz Mastery Charter, and Michael Winterbottom of Marple Newtown High School. They share their inspiration, commitment to students, and the lasting impact of great teaching.   Omar Sabir, Chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners, discusses what voters need to know for the November 3 election, including mail ballots, polling places, and assistance available to help eligible voters participate.    Then, meet Precious Eshiet, known as Presh So Fresh, a Germantown Friends High School senior and winner of Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s first-ever back-to-school rap contest. She discusses her journey from poetry to rap, challenging stereotypes, and her hopes for inspiring younger students through music. Resources and social mediaPhiladelphia voter information: vote.phila.govPhiladelphia City Commissioners Instagram: @PhillyVotesChalkbeat Philadelphia: chalkbeat.org/philadelphiaChalkbeat Philadelphia Facebook: ChalkbeatPHLChalkbeat Philadelphia X: @ChalkbeatPHLChalkbeat Instagram: @ChalkbeatOrg

  7. Oct 21

    Insight Pt. 1: Addressing Breast Cancer for Women of Color

    Dr. Clayton Yates of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine joins us to discuss breast cancer and other cancers affecting women of color, his commitment to advocacy and the research advancing our understanding of cancer disparities. We explore why continued support for cancer research matters and how scientific discoveries can help save lives. Learn more about the American Association for Cancer Research at aacr.org. Follow the conversation on X using #AACRMICR.

  8. Oct 6

    What's Going On: What’s Going On: Inspiring Teachers, Empowering Survivors & Mothers Making Moves

    On What’s Going On  Loraine Ballard Morrill celebrates teachers, community service and the power of the arts. We spotlight local honorees of the iHeartMedia and Boost Mobile Thank a Teacher campaign: Christine Durante of Riverton Public School, Kashmir Fluellen of Camden Promise Charter, Chef Kenneth McDuffie of Simon Gratz Mastery Charter and Michael Winterbottom of Marple Newtown High School. They share their inspiration, their commitment to students and the lasting impact of great teaching.   Maria Macaluso, Executive Director of the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, discusses 50 years of supporting domestic violence survivors, essential services and ways to help. The Center’s 50th Anniversary Gala takes place Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6–9 p.m., at The Highlands Mansion & Estate, 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington. Tickets are $150. Visit wcmontco.org for registration and information. The 24-hour hotline is 800-773-2424. Follow the Women’s Center on LinkedIn.   Singer-songwriter Suzann Christine, founder of SCH Creative & Performing Arts, previews the third annual Mothers Making Music and Moves, celebrating mothers in entertainment while supporting free youth arts programming and FLY—Forever Love Yourself. Hosted by Roxy Romeo, the fundraiser honors Aja Dantzler, Lady B, Mina SayWhat, Facetta Greene and Kerri Park Lennon. Join the celebration Friday, October 23, 2026, from 7–9 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center, 7 Lock Street, Philadelphia. General admission is $35; VIP admission is $100, plus fees. Find tickets at schcapa.org. Visit suzannchristine.com and follow Instagram @suzannchristine and @theflystar.

See All (1K)

About

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.

Information