Wit or Wit-Out

Dennis Valerino

Our Ode to Philadelphia told one story at a time. We interview Interesting Philadelphia area people with intriguing stories. We have a wide array of interest and it will show in our guests.

  1. 1d ago

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 17 Darryl McCray

    The conversation delves into the life of Darrell McCray, also known as Cornbread, the youngest person to establish an international art movement. It explores his upbringing in Brewerytown, his time at the Youth Development Center, and the birth of the Cornbread phenomenon. The story also covers the impact of poetry, the zoo bombing incident, and the Jackson 5 incident. The conversation delves into the origin of the graffiti culture and its impact, as well as the personal struggles and triumphs of Daryl McCray. It explores the evolution of graffiti art, the challenges of substance abuse, and the enduring legacy of Daryl McCray's contributions to art and culture. Takeaways Graffiti as TherapyThe Birth of a Street Star Graffiti Culture OriginImpact of Substance Abuse Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Cornbread01:25 Life in Brewerytown02:53 The Youth Development Center04:09 The Cornbread Phenomenon05:06 The Elephant Incident06:37 Writing Cornbread Everywhere08:29 The Impact of Poetry10:19 The Zoo Bombing30:38 The Jackson 5 Incident37:38 The Cornbread and Earl Story39:03 The Origin of Graffiti Culture49:25 The Impact of Substance Abuse

  2. Jul 22

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 16 Eddie Berner

    Remembered Eddie from his TV show on Comcast SportsNet and always thought he was a cool guy. The more I learned about him, the more impressed I became. Touring the United States at just 21 years old took incredible hard work, dedication, and courage. What an amazing journey he's had to this point. It's easy to root for a genuinely good guy like Eddie. Wishing him nothing but continued success!

  3. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Wit or WIt-Out Episode 1 Coach Phil Martelli Trailer

    The first episode of Wit or Without features a conversation with Coach Phil Martelli, covering his early life, family, upbringing, and journey into coaching. The episode delves into his childhood in Philadelphia, his family dynamics, his high school and college experiences, and his transition into coaching. It also explores his time at Bishop Kendrick High School and St. Joseph's University, highlighting his coaching career and the influential people he encountered along the way. Coach Phil Martelli shares his journey as a basketball coach, emphasizing the balance between coaching and family, the impact of Philadelphia players, and the importance of relationships and memories in his career. He also discusses his coaching philosophy and the challenges of coaching in a changing world. Takeaways Family InfluenceEarly Coaching Aspirations Family and coaching balanceImpact of Philadelphia playersImportance of relationships and memoriesCoaching philosophy and challenges in a changing world Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:59 Early Life and Upbringing02:28 Family Dynamics and Influence06:21 High School and College Experience13:06 Transition into Coaching23:44 Coaching Career at Bishop Kendrick High School26:05 Transition to St. Joseph's University28:03 Balancing Coaching and Family28:58 Coaching Philosophy and Practice30:19 Success and Challenges in Coaching33:07 The Philadelphia Basketball Player34:31 Adapting to a Changing World40:44 Transition and Reflection

  4. Jul 14

    WIt or Wit-Out Episode 15 Chip Chantry

    Chip is a hilarious stand-up comic, and he had me laughing from start to finish. I just had to have him on the show! I've always loved comedy, but during my research and our interview, I discovered there's so much more to Chip's story. Before taking the stage, he was a 4th-grade teacher. Then he enrolled in a six-week comedy class taught by Philadelphia comedy legend Joey Callahan on the Boulevard near Nabisco—and that class changed his life. Want to hear how it all happened? Check out Episode 15 of Wit or Wit-Out, featuring Chip Chantry!

  5. Jul 9

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 14 Annmarie Kelly

    Annmarie Kelly shares her journey from her upbringing to her marriage, highlighting her experiences, challenges, and personal growth. She discusses her unconventional approach to marriage and the development of a unique relationship with her husband. The conversation also delves into her decision to pursue education, her career in real estate, and the evolution of her marriage over time. Annmarie Kelly shares her journey of starting Victorious Woman after a dream, writing a book about women facing challenges, and her experience with the five-year marriage concept. She discusses her radio show, fundraising events, and coaching work, as well as her personal health challenges and the impact on her marriage. The conversation delves into the importance of trust, communication, and setting goals in a marriage, offering valuable insights for listeners. Takeaways Unconventional MarriagePersonal Growth Victorious Woman: Annemarie Kelly's journey from a dream to starting Victorious Woman and writing a book about women facing challenges.Five-Year Marriage: The concept of the five-year marriage, its impact on Anne Marie's relationship, and the importance of trust and communication in a marriage. Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Family02:19 Challenges and Personal Growth10:21 Marriage and Independence19:21 The Five-Year Marriage24:11 Therapy and Relationship Development29:57 Writing and Personal Development30:57 Victorious Woman and Writing a Book31:56 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Difficulties34:23 Starting Victorious Woman Month and Fundraising35:48 Coaching, Radio Show, and Victory by Design37:17 Life Challenges and Lessons Learned54:09 Marriage, Health Challenges, and Support52:19 The Five-Year Marriage Concept

  6. Jul 4 ·  Bonus

    Wit or WIt-Out Bonus Episode Young Ben Franklin Happy Birthday America250

    In this conversation, we explore the concept of Ben Franklin's regeneration and his role in the 1700s as a printer and writer. We also delve into the significance of newspapers during this time period, highlighting their impact on society and freedom of speech. Benjamin Franklin's journey from rags to riches, his innovative contributions to printing and entrepreneurship, and his philosophical exploration of deism and morality. The chapters cover his arrival in Philadelphia, establishment in the printing business, competition with other printers, marriage, betrayal, conflict with Andrew Bradford, journey to London, return to Philadelphia, exploration of deism, success with 'Poor Richard's Almanac,' and retirement, as well as his franchising and introduction of the Franklin Stove. The conversation methodically explores the life and contributions of Ben Franklin, covering his practical philanthropy, civic action, electrical experiments, involvement in the French and Indian War, defense of the colonies, and the birth of the American republic. It delves into his role in the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, and the establishment of the modern republic. The key takeaways include the concept of 'Progress, not perfection' and the birth of the American republic. Takeaways Ben Franklin's RegenerationThe Role of Newspapers in the 1700s Rags to richesInnovation and entrepreneurship Progress, not perfectionThe birth of the American republic Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Franklin's Regeneration59:17 Franchising and Introduction of the Franklin Stove01:04:27 Fire Company and Electrical Experiments01:12:31 The French and Indian War01:17:44 The Boston Tea Party and Political Alliances01:25:48 The Declaration of Independence

  7. Jul 1

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 13 Marc Rayfield

    The conversation covers Mark Rayfield's early life, family influence, career transition, and milestones in his radio career. It also delves into personal reflections and the impact of family on his journey. Mark's transition from sales to radio, his experiences with Charles Barkley, and his pivotal role at KYW News Radio are highlighted, providing insights into his career growth and personal development. Mark Rayfield shares his journey through the radio industry, from managing radio stations to navigating industry changes and challenges. He discusses the impact of technology, his transition to new career ventures, and the importance of mentorship and community involvement. His story highlights the evolution of the radio industry and the value of building strong relationships. Takeaways Family InfluenceCareer Transition Radio industry evolutionBuilding strong relationships Chapters 00:00 Reflection on Career and Family Influence32:53 Evolution of the Radio Industry38:00 Challenges and Changes in Radio Management43:39 Impact of Technology on Radio and Television

  8. Jun 24

    Wit or Wit-Out Episode 12 Joe Conklin

    Joe Conklin shares his early life experiences, upbringing in Philadelphia, and transition to a career in broadcasting. He reflects on the impact of his childhood, family, and early talent on his career path. The conversation also delves into his college experience, humor writing class, and the challenges he faced in the entertainment industry. The conversation with Joe Conklin covers his journey in the entertainment industry, from early days in stand-up to navigating the broadcast industry, persistence in the face of rejection, and the impact of industry changes. It also delves into his collaboration with the City Rhythm Orchestra, dealing with performance anxiety, building a brand and market presence, reflection on Cardinal Doherty, gratitude, and acknowledgment of influential figures. Takeaways Early life experiences shape career pathImportance of humor writing in comedy and broadcasting Persistence and resilience in the face of industry challenges.The importance of building a brand and market presence in the entertainment industry. Chapters 00:00 The Beginning of With or Without07:04 Transition to College and Internship16:10 Humor Writing Class and Key Takeaways27:39 Transition to Radio and Television36:38 The Early Days of Stand-Up42:19 The Start of Writing and Impersonations48:14 Transition to MMR and Challenges54:56 Dealing with Performance Anxiety01:03:27 Gratitude and Acknowledgment

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About

Our Ode to Philadelphia told one story at a time. We interview Interesting Philadelphia area people with intriguing stories. We have a wide array of interest and it will show in our guests.

Information

  • Creator
    Dennis Valerino
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dennis Valerino
  • Show Website
    Wit or Wit-Out