In this episode, we’re highlighting three powerful voices working at the intersection of opportunity, advocacy, and artistry.

🎧 Omar Nelson, Executive Director of the Samuel Staten, Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program (SSSPAP), shares his journey from social services to leading one of the region’s most impactful workforce development initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in case management and workforce programming, Omar is helping underserved communities in Philadelphia access hands-on training and real pathways into the construction trades.
🌐 Website: ssspap.org
📧 Email: info@ssspap.org
📞 Phone: 215-971-2960

🎧 We also hear from Dr. Hakim A. Stovall, a Philadelphia native and leading expert in public health, criminal justice, and violence prevention. With a background that spans corrections, academic research, and community engagement, Dr. Stovall brings deep insight into building safer, healthier neighborhoods. Currently serving with the Baltimore City Health Department, he focuses on youth wellness and community safety, especially in communities most impacted by violence. 📲 Instagram: @doctorhak06
🔗 LinkedIn: Dr. Hakim A. Stovall —

🎧 And finally, a special feature from our WorkReady Summer Intern Amaya Manigault, who sat down with rising musical artist Jeffery Scott. Known for his raw, soulful sound, Jeffrey opens up about his latest project Trace of Where I Left You—a reflective, emotional journey through love, healing, and growth. 📲 Instagram: @jeff3ry.scott — Follow and subscribe for more inspiring stories from the community.

Let us know which segment moved you most! #WorkforceDevelopment #ViolencePrevention #YouthVoices #PhillyStrong #MusicThatHeals #PodcastCommunity

Today we’re joined by Colonel Oz Hill, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the School District of Philadelphia. With decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to community engagement,. This summer, the District is hosting community engagement sessions as part of Phase Eight of its comprehensive Facilities Planning Process. These sessions give families, students, and school staff a chance to help shape how the District uses its buildings—whether by modernizing, co-locating, or reimagining school spaces to better serve Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods.
To learn more and stay up to date, visit philasd.org/fpp and follow the District on social media:
📘 Facebook: @PhillySchools
🐦 X (Twitter): @PHLschools
📸 Instagram: @philly_schools

But before  we dive in, a special shout-out to former State Representative and WDAS air personality Louise Williams Bishop. She was recently honored at a surprise birthday celebration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As always, she shared some words of wisdom during this heartfelt event.

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Individuals with Autism
Fostering equity and accessibility means creating environments where everyone feels welcome. At Comcast, this mission has come to life through the development of a sensory-friendly room—designed to support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Christina Wong, Comcast’s Executive Director and Producer of Experiential Content, joins us in studio to share how this initiative was developed in collaboration with partners like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), The Arc of Philadelphia, and Southpaw Enterprises. Learn more: Comcast Center Campus Accessibility.

Navigating Senior Living with Confidence
Planning for senior living can feel overwhelming, but it’s a vital step toward a secure and fulfilling future. Brian Kersey, Marketing & Sales Director at Foulkeways at Gwynedd—a premier continuing care retirement community rooted in Quaker values—joins us to discuss the importance of life planning, the benefits of senior living communities, and how to make informed decisions for yourself or your loved ones. Discover more: www.foulkeways.org.

Rethinking Food Insecurity: Hunger in Unexpected Places
When you think of food insecurity, Philadelphia often comes to mind—it’s the big city with the highest poverty rate. But hunger exists in places you might not expect, including communities like Narberth and Lower Merion. In this episode, we revisit an insightful conversation with Ben Hearn, Board President of the Narberth Community Food Bank, to discuss the challenges of food insecurity in suburban areas and how the organization is making a difference.
Learn more: narberthcommunityfoodbank.org
Follow them: Instagram: @narberth_food_bank | Facebook: Narberth Community Food Bank  

On this episode of Insight, we’re highlighting powerful leaders, creative changemakers, and events that are building stronger, healthier communities. We begin with Tanya T. Morris, visionary entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and Founder/CEO of Mom Your Business. Tanya is on a mission to empower Black and Brown women entrepreneurs through access to capital, coaching, and community. Her innovative pitch competitions are opening doors and building generational wealth. We recap the Future Forward: Garden Party Pitch Competition, a stunning celebration of style, innovation, and economic empowerment held June 8 at the historic Belmont Mansion. Plus, we look ahead to the next big event happening August 13 in Camden, NJ.
🔗 Learn more: momyourbusiness.com
📲 Instagram: @momyourbusiness
📘 Facebook & 💼 LinkedIn: Mom Your Business  

Next, we talk with two remarkable cultural leaders — Poet Trapeta B. Mayson and Philadelphia’s Chief Cultural Officer Valerie Gay — about Healing Verse Germantown: The Streets Are Talking. This public art initiative invites Germantown residents to share original poems through the Healing Verse Germantown Poetry Line, using poetry to process grief and build community in response to gun violence. Supported by Creative Philadelphia and Bloomberg Philanthropies, this project offers a platform for hope, healing, and connection — one phone call at a time.
🔗 Learn more or submit your poem: healingversegermantown.com
📲 Instagram: @healingversegermantown  

 And finally, I had the pleasure of speaking with Philadelphia hip-hop legend and activist Freeway about the upcoming Free Fest — happening Saturday, August 2nd at the Navy Yard. Hosted by Freedom Thinkers Inc. in partnership with City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, this free community celebration features food, health resources, family activities, and live performances — culminating in the unforgettable Freeway & Friends Showcase.
🔗 Learn more: phillyfreefest.org
📲 Instagram: @Phillyfreefest

I speak to Rev. Herb Lusk III  about a day of purpose, remembrance, and community impact at the 7th Annual Herb Lusk Golf Classic for Children, taking place Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. Hosted by Rev. Lusk III in loving memory of his father, Rev. Herb Lusk II—the former Philadelphia Eagle and visionary faith leader—this event brings together civic leaders, athletes, and supporters to champion youth empowerment through education, faith, and legacy. Proceeds will benefit the Frederick Douglass Christian School in Chester, PA, continuing Rev. Lusk’s powerful commitment to uplifting future generations.  
 🌐 Website: www.fdcskids.org
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/FrederickDouglassChristianSchool
📷 Instagram: @fdcs_kids
🐦 X (Twitter): @FDCS_Kids

We’re joined by Mike Papantonio, renowned trial attorney, legal analyst, and bestselling author. A senior partner at Levin Papantonio Rafferty, Mike has led high-profile legal battles against Big Pharma, tobacco companies, weapons manufacturers, and human traffickers. His latest novel, The Middleman, is a gripping legal thriller that delves into the shadowy world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their role in skyrocketing drug prices. Drawing from real-life courtroom experience, Papantonio blends legal insight with suspense to shine a light on urgent consumer issues.
📚 Learn more: www.levinlaw.com | mikpapantonio.com
📲 Follow: Facebook | Twitter/X @AmericasLawyer | YouTube: Mike Papantonio  

Anthony Morris is an  accomplished double bass musician, professor, and author of An Epigrammatist’s Epic Edification. Blending a deep love of music with a sharp ear for wordplay, Anthony invites us on a playful and thoughtful journey through sound and speech. His book is packed with original tongue twisters that are as fun to say as they are to stumble through — perfect for kids, families, educators, and anyone who loves a good linguistic challenge. In addition to writing, Anthony is a Professor of Double Bass at Brooklyn College and offers music lessons both in-person and virtually. He also brings his creativity to life through greeting cards made from tongue twisters, available to preview on his Instagram.
 📘 An Epigrammatist’s Epic Edification is available now:
👉 Buy the book on Amazon
📲 Connect with Anthony Morris:
📧 Email (for lessons): anfitrisaty@yahoo.com
📸 Instagram: @twistedtonguetales
📺 YouTube: Anthony Morris on YouTube  

🎧 Episode Spotlight: Community, Care & Change 🩺 Brian Clark – Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. (GPHA)
Today we’re joined by Brian Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. — better known as GPHA. For 55 years, GPHA has been a trusted pillar in the region, providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to thousands of individuals and families across Philadelphia. With a robust network of health centers offering integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services, GPHA continues to anchor wellness in the communities that need it most. This year marks a milestone: the GPHA 55th Anniversary Celebration, happening Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art—a moment to honor decades of service and look ahead to the future of accessible care for all.
🌐 Learn more: www.gphainc.org
📱 LinkedIn: Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc.

🌟 Janée Sanders & Monayia Morris – Good as Gold Foundation, Inc.
We’re joined by Janée Sanders and Monayia Morris, co-founders of the Good as Gold Foundation, Inc. Their journey began over 15 years ago as college friends at Lincoln University (PA)—bonded by faith, creativity, and a shared calling to serve. In 2022, they transformed that bond into a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in underserved communities. Through mentorship, education, and holistic support, Janée and Monayia are turning compassion into action—one family at a time.
🌐 Learn more: goodasgoldfoundation.org
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @goodasgoldfoundation
#GoodAsGold #WomenInLeadership #MentorshipMatters #BreakTheCycle #CommunityEmpowerment #FaithInAction #LincolnUniversityAlums #NonprofitSpotlight

🏦 Diedra Porché – Chase & the Hometown Heroes Campaign
I speak to Diedra Porché, Managing Director and National Head of Community and Business Development at JPMorgan Chase. She leads growth across 300 community branches nationwide with a deep commitment to uplifting small businesses and nonprofits. Diedra joins us to highlight the Hometown Heroes campaign—a powerful partnership between Chase and Power 99’s Rise & Grind Morning Show. Each month, the show honors a listener-nominated hero making a difference through a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, awarding them $1,000 to support their mission.
 🎉 Nominations are now open: power99.com
🌐 Learn more: www.chase.com
📱 Follow Chase:
Instagram: @Chase
Twitter/X: @Chase
Facebook: facebook.com/chase 
 #HometownHeroes #ChaseForBusiness #CommunityBanking #SmallBizSupport #NonprofitLeaders #Power99Philly #RiseAndGrindShow #JPMorganChase

Tyler Bond is the Research Director at the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS), a nonprofit focused on strengthening retirement security in the U.S. He breaks down how federal policy decisions—and looming Social Security shortfalls—could impact millions of future retirees. As America faces a retirement crisis, Bond’s insights are more urgent than ever.
🔗 nirsonline.org
📱 @NIRSonline on Twitter/X, Facebook & LinkedIn
#RetirementCrisis #SocialSecurity #FutureOfWork #NIRS #Pensions #RetirementSecurity  

Today we’re joined by Jerome Shabazz, Executive Director, and Mitchell Bormack, Project Coordinator at the Overbrook Environmental Education Center. They’re leading Trash Talkin’ — a new community conversation series addressing Philly’s illegal dumping crisis. Backed by the William Penn Foundation and developed with the City’s Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, SEAMAAC, and the Sanitation Department, the project centers resident voices to uncover the root causes of waste and environmental injustice.
🌐 Learn more: overbrookcenter.org
📱 Instagram & X: @OverbrookEEC
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/OverbrookEducation
💼 LinkedIn: Overbrook Environmental Education Center

Next, I speak with Roye Okupe — award-winning creator of Iyanu, the breakout animated series rooted in Nigerian mythology and Yoruba culture. Premiering on Cartoon Network and streaming on Max, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan with divine powers on a mission to save her homeland. The hit show is now #1 with kids (2–12), renewed for Season 2, greenlit for two films, and expanding globally via Showmax and ITVX. Roye is also founder of YouNeek Studios, championing authentic African superhero stories. 🎥 Trailer: bit.ly/IyanuTrailer
🌐 Website: youneekstudios.com
📱 Instagram & X: @youneekstudios | @royeokupe
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/youneekstudios

Finally, we highlight the 2025 WorkReady Summer Youth Employment Program from the Philadelphia Youth Network. Each year, teens and young adults (ages 14–21) gain real-world job experience, build skills, and get paid. At iHeartMedia Philadelphia, we’re proud to host interns exploring the world of radio and podcasting. 🌐 Learn more: pyninc.org/workready
📱 Instagram: @pyninc
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/PhiladelphiaYouthNetwork
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/philadelphia-youth-network