I speak with Dr. Jessica H. Beard, a trauma surgeon, researcher, and advocate for ethical reporting on gun violence. Dr. Beard, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Temple University and Director of Trauma Research, discusses her groundbreaking study on harmful news reporting of community firearm violence (CFV). Her research highlights how media coverage can exacerbate trauma and perpetuate racial disparities. We explore the role of journalism in shaping public perception and how evidence-based reporting can drive meaningful change.
🔗 Learn more: PCGVR | Temple Health | Dr. Beard on BlueSky

First, I’m joined by Nile Blass, a dedicated community organizer and political strategist with a passion for youth engagement and social equity. A Georgetown alumna, Nile has worked at the intersection of grassroots organizing and policy strategy, helping individuals and communities build power through advocacy and relational organizing.As we navigate a pivotal political moment—from ongoing confirmation hearings to executive orders and national events—Nile shares insights on what this time demands from us and how everyday people can engage in effective opposition

.🔗 Follow Nile Blass:

• Bluesky: @backwardriver.bsky.social
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nblass

Today, I’m speaking with Vernon Cray, founder of Shoot Cameras, Not Guns, a movement using photography to inspire and uplift communities. Vernon’s work empowers young people to choose creativity over violence, turning the lens into a tool for change. Let’s dive into his journey and the impact of his mission.
Instagram: @allmoneyshots

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  

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.


After the Vote: Post-Election Reflections & The Path Forward
Recently, I had the privilege of moderating After the Vote: Post-Election Reflections & Directions in Moving Forward, a webinar organized by Robin Shine Maddox, Founder and Executive Leader of Celebrating Sisterhood / SHE SHINES CONFERENCE & MOVEMENT. In this episode, I’m sharing a condensed version of the final discussion featuring:

• Nile Blass – Political Strategist
• Be Bowens – Senior Communications Strategist
• Dr. Argie Allen-Wilson – Emmy-nominated Relationship Expert
• Estina Baker – Nationally Recognized Actress, Poet, Storyteller, and Political Activist
• Robin Shine Maddox – Founder, Celebrating Sisterhood

For the full webinar, watch here: Streamyard Link.

VLS Journeys with Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati

In this month's edition of VLS Journeys, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati interviews award-winning children's book author Kelly Starling Lyons. With over 30 books to her name, including Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How "Lift Every Voice & Sing" Inspired Generations, and the Jada Jones and Miles Lewis series, Kelly is a celebrated teaching artist who uses her work to honor Black culture and history. kellystarlinglyons.com Discover more about Kelly's work:

• Website: kellystarlinglyons.com
• Facebook: Kelly Starling Lyons

  In the "What is Philadelphia Reading?" segment, Vanesse speaks with Chef Ashbell McElveen, founder of the James Hemings Society. The society's mission is to archive, educate, and share the significant contributions of Black individuals to American food and beverage history. facebook.com Learn more about the James Hemings Society:

• Instagram: @jameshemingsorg
• Facebook: James Hemings Society

Join us for a preview of the 33rd Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 1st, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. I speak with visionary founder Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati and some of the remarkable featured authors and illustrators reshaping children’s literature.
✨ Bea Jackson shares her inspiring journey as a writer and illustrator, with highlights from her heartwarming book Lily's Dream: A Fairy Friendship. Follow her: Website | Instagram: @beajacksonillustration.
✨ Kwame Mbalia, author of the Tristan Strong series and owner of Disney imprint Freedom Fire, talks about his latest works, including Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek and Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You. Follow him: Website | Twitter: @KSekouM.
 ✨ Sean Qualls, the renowned illustrator of Please Baby Please and The Idea in You (with Questlove), delves into his creative process. Follow him: Website | Instagram: @seanqualls.
✨ Carole Boston Weatherford, the legendary “Dean of Black Children’s Books,” shares insights into her prolific career, including the award-winning Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer. Follow her: Website | Instagram: @caroleweatherford.
📚 Learn more about the African American Children's Book Fair and its mission to inspire young readers: African American Children's Book Project Plus,

I chat with Grace Sica, Executive Director of Operation Warm, about their incredible work providing brand-new coats and shoes to under-resourced children and teens. Grace shares how families in poverty spend over 80% of their income on essentials like food and housing, leaving little room for clothing, and explains how you can help through their impactful partnership with Subaru. 💻 Learn more about Operation Warm and their mission: Operation Warm Website
🌟 Subaru partnership info: Subaru Helps

This episode celebrates Black excellence in literature and the power of giving back—don’t miss it! 🎙️  

I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and online. But this is more than just a cookie sale; it’s a unique program that empowers young entrepreneurs by teaching essential skills such as goal setting, money management, and business ethics. Plus, all proceeds directly benefit Girl Scouts in our region, supporting their programs and initiatives. Ready to stock up on your favorite cookies and support a great cause? Let’s dive in! For more information on purchasing cookies in your community and supporting the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, visit gsep.org/cookies. Follow GSEP on social media for updates and inspiration:

• Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
• Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
• YouTube: GirlScoutsEPenn
• LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

I chat with Grace Sica, Executive Director of Operation Warm, about their incredible work providing brand-new coats and shoes to under-resourced children and teens. Grace shares how families in poverty spend over 80% of their income on essentials like food and housing, leaving little room for clothing, and explains how you can help through their impactful partnership with Subaru. 💻 Learn more about Operation Warm and their mission: Operation Warm Website
🌟 Subaru partnership info: Subaru Helps    

The African American Children's Book Project's 33rd Annual Book Fair is happening on Saturday, February 1st, from 1 to 4 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This free event brings together bestselling authors Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Mbalia, Bryan Collier, and other award-winning Black authors and illustrators. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, and a bookstore with affordable books for purchase.   In this episode, I speak with Paralee Knight, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo, the presenting sponsor of the event. We discuss the importance of representation in children's and young adult literature and explore how this signature event fosters a love of reading. For more information, call (215) 878-BOOK or visit www.theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org.

I share the inspiring story of Kalyn Walker, who was granted parole from SCI Phoenix and released on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Kalyn graduated from the F.A.C.T. Experience (Fathers and Children Together) with his daughter in 2023, a transformative program that strengthens connections between incarcerated fathers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of incarceration. To celebrate his release, the F.A.C.T. Experience organized a heartfelt luncheon to surprise Kalyn’s daughter and his son—whom he had never seen outside the prison walls. I had the privilege of witnessing and recording this powerful reunion with the help of my longtime friend, Kempis Songster, also known as Gani. A founding member of F.A.C.T., Gani was released in December 2017 after serving over 30 years as a juvenile lifer. Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.  

I share the inspiring story of Kalyn Walker, who was granted parole from SCI Phoenix and released on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Kalyn graduated from the F.A.C.T. Experience (Fathers and Children Together) with his daughter in 2023, a transformative program that strengthens connections between incarcerated fathers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of incarceration. To celebrate his release, the F.A.C.T. Experience organized a heartfelt luncheon to surprise Kalyn’s daughter and his son—whom he had never seen outside the prison walls. I had the privilege of witnessing and recording this powerful reunion with the help of my longtime friend, Kempis Songster, also known as Gani. A founding member of F.A.C.T., Gani was released in December 2017 after serving over 30 years as a juvenile lifer. Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.