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. 13h ago

    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

  2. 13h ago

    Insight Pt. 2: Philadelphia Housing Resources, Mental Health Advocacy and Domestic Violence Support

    This episode of Insight connects listeners with important Philadelphia resources focused on housing, mental health and suicide prevention, and domestic violence support. David S. Thomas, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), discusses affordable housing, homeownership and programs that help residents repair and remain in their homes. He also previews the PHDC Annual Housing Fair, Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Temple University’s Aramark STAR Complex, featuring more than 100 housing organizations and experts. Admission is free. Web: PHDC Annual Housing Fair | PHDC Minister Ericka Arthur, founder of Inspiration With E, discusses faith-based mental health advocacy, suicide prevention and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color and faith. She also previews A Moment of Hope, a free community event Saturday, September 26, from 3–5 p.m. at Christ Community Church of Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia Out of the Darkness Walk, October 10 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Web/Social: Inspiration With E | Instagram & Facebook: @InspirationWithE | AFSP.org For crisis support, call or text 988. Finally, Joanna Otero-Cruz, President and Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, discusses the organization’s 50 years of supporting survivors, warning signs of relationship abuse and resources available to those who need help. She also previews the 19th Annual iPledge Community Rally and Resource Fair, Wednesday, September 30 at noon in the courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall. Web/Social: Women Against Abuse | Instagram: @womenagainstabuse | Facebook and LinkedIn: Women Against Abuse Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-723-3014, available 24/7.

  3. 13h ago

    Insight Pt. 1: Dr. Sarita Lyons - Honor Thy Mother Conference October 2–3, 2026

    The relationship between a mother and child can profoundly shape identity, faith and emotional well-being—but what happens when that relationship leaves behind pain that never fully heals? In this episode, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Sarita Lyons, psychotherapist, speaker, ministry leader and author of Honor Thy Mother: How to Grieve, Heal, and Make Peace With Your Mother Wounds. Dr. Lyons explains how unresolved maternal wounds can affect mental health and relationships, how to grieve what we did not receive, and how Christian faith can support healing. She also discusses setting healthy boundaries and finding a path toward forgiveness or reconciliation when it is safe and appropriate. Dr. Lyons will bring these conversations to Philadelphia during the two-day Honor Thy Mother Conference, taking place October 2–3, 2026. Open to women and men, the conference will feature speakers, worship and experiences designed to encourage emotional and spiritual healing. Conference information and tickets: SaritaLyons.com/HonorThyMotherConference Follow on Instagram: Dr. Sarita Lyons: @DrSaritaLyonsHonor Thy Mother Conference: @HonorThyMotherConference

  4. Sep 10

    What's Going On: Problem Gambling, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Survivor Support

    In this episode of What’s Going On, Loraine Ballard Morrill examines three urgent issues affecting individuals and families across our region. First, Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, explains why problem gambling is a public health issue—not a moral failing. He discusses the hidden emotional, financial and family consequences of gambling addiction, warning signs, vulnerable populations and responsible-gambling strategies. He also previews the 2026 Annual Conference on Disordered Gambling, Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The College of New Jersey’s Brower Student Center in Ewing. Learn more at 800Gambler.org. For confidential help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Follow @ccgofnj on X and @800gambler on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and TikTok.   Next, Joanna Otero-Cruz, President and Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, reflects on the organization’s 50 years of providing safety, support and hope to survivors. She discusses the troubling rise in domestic violence-related homicides, warning signs of relationship abuse and ways the community can help prevent violence. She also previews the 19th annual iPledge Community Rally and Resource Fair, Wednesday, September 30, at noon in the courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall. Visit WomenAgainstAbuse.org and follow @womenagainstabuse.org on Instagram, Women Against Abuse on Facebook and LinkedIn. The confidential, 24-hour Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is 866-723-3014.   Finally, in an encore presentation, Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad discusses the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center’s transition to the Department of Public Health. She explains how advocacy helped secure stable City funding for PSARC and why continued access to 24/7, trauma-informed medical and forensic care is essential for survivors. Learn more about Councilmember Nina Ahmad and follow @DrNinaAhmad on X and @drninaahmad on Instagram. For PSARC’s 24/7 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner service, call 215-425-1625. WOAR’s 24/7 crisis hotline is available by calling or texting 215-985-3333; additional resources are available at WOAR.org.

  5. Sep 10

    Insight Pt. 2: Gambling Help, Sickle Cell Walk & Addiction Recovery Concert

    In Pt. 2 of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill highlights three important issues affecting individuals, families and communities. First, Luis Del Orbe, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, explains why problem gambling is a public-health issue—not a moral failing—and discusses warning signs, vulnerable populations, responsible-gambling practices and pathways to recovery. He also shares information about the 2026 Annual Conference on Disordered Gambling, taking place Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The College of New Jersey’s Brower Student Center in Ewing. For conference information or confidential help, visit 800Gambler.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Follow @ccgofnj on X and @800gambler on Instagram, Facebook, Threads and TikTok.   Then, Reverend Zemoria Brandon of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America’s Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter discusses Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the importance of knowing your sickle cell trait status and the services available to patients and caregivers. She also previews the 28th Annual Walter E. Brandon Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run, happening Saturday, September 26, from 7 a.m. to noon at the Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia. Register or donate at RunSignUp, and learn more at SickleCellDisorder.com or call (215) 471-8686. Follow @scdaa.pdvc on Instagram and @scdaapdvc on Facebook and YouTube.   Finally, Reverend Steven T. Robinson, founder of the Inter-Faith Social Change Movement, and Reverend Wilfredo “Willie” Pedraza, senior pastor of One Cross Church and a gospel recording artist, discuss faith, music and community support in overcoming addiction. They preview Philadelphia’s free Annual Addiction Awareness and Recovery Concert, happening Saturday, September 19, at 2715 East Allegheny Avenue. For tickets and information, call 484-367-5840. Learn more at the Inter-Faith Social Change Movement website and follow One Cross Church on Facebook.

  6. Sep 10

    Insight Pt. 1: Philadelphia Chapter of The Links - Emerald Renaissance

    In Part One of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Sharana Worsley, co-chair of Emerald Renaissance, a juried art exhibition celebrating the Philadelphia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated’s 80th anniversary. Worsley discusses the exhibition’s tribute to chapter co-founder, artist and educator Margaret Rosell Hawkins; the enduring influence of Black women in the arts; and how visual art can strengthen communities. She also explains how artists working in painting, photography, mixed media and works on paper can submit their work for consideration. According to the updated call for artists, submissions are due September 15, 2026, jury decisions will be announced October 19 and the exhibition opens November 14. Artists can review the guidelines and apply at ThePhiladelphiaLinksInc.org or email 80thartexhibit@gmail.com with questions.

  7. Sep 2

    What's Going On: What’s Going On: Police Accountability and Preserving the Legacy of 9/11

    In this episode of What’s Going On, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), about strengthening trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and protects their rights. She also discusses the Mere Encounter Project, the “Free to Leave” campaign and community workshops that help Philadelphians understand their rights during police interactions.   Then, as the nation marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks, Loraine speaks with Clifford Chanin, Executive Vice President and Museum Director of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. With more than 100 million Americans now too young to remember that day, Chanin discusses how the Museum preserves the stories of victims, survivors, families and first responders; educates a new generation; acknowledges the continuing health consequences of 9/11; and carries forward its enduring legacy of courage, service and unity. He also previews the special exhibition, In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service, opening September 12, 2026.   CPOC Resources Website: phila.gov/CPOC Know Your Rights—Free to Leave: phila.gov/FreeToLeave Phone: 215-685-0891 Email: CPOC@phila.gov Instagram: @PHLCPOC Facebook: PHLCPOC   Learn more about the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at 911memorial.org. Facebook at National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

  8. Sep 2

    Insight Pt. 2: Police Accountability, Knowing Your Rights & Preserving Black History

    In this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), about building trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and helps protect their rights. She also discusses the Mere Encounter Project, the “Free to Leave” campaign and upcoming community workshops designed to help Philadelphians understand their rights during police interactions.   The episode also features Carl E. Singley, a distinguished attorney, educator and civil-rights advocate who participated in the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march and heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak at Brown Chapel AME Church. Singley reflects on growing up under Jim Crow, breaking barriers as Temple University Law School’s first African American and youngest dean, and carrying the fight for justice into his legal career. He also shares his perspective on voting rights, affirmative action, DEI and whether hard-won civil-rights gains are being rolled back. Singley is also a founding member and leading voice of the Ona Judge Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multiracial alliance dedicated to preserving the true history of slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia. Through its “Who Is Ona Judge?” public-awareness initiative, the coalition honors Ona Judge, who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington on May 21, 1796, and works to ensure that her courage and the stories of others who liberated themselves are not erased. The coalition’s advocacy helped establish May 21 as Ona Judge Day in Philadelphia. CPOC Resources Website: phila.gov/CPOC Know Your Rights—Free to Leave: phila.gov/FreeToLeave Phone: 215-685-0891 Email: CPOC@phila.gov Instagram: @PHLCPOC Facebook: PHLCPOC Ona Judge Coalition Resources Website: WhoIsOnaJudge.org Instagram: @WhoIsOnaJudge Ona Judge Day: May 21

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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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