On Part Two of Insight, we celebrate compassion, creativity, and the next generation of changemakers. First, we spotlight the extraordinary nurses whose care extends far beyond medicine. Koleen Cavanaugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Independence Blue Cross, joins us along with the three recipients of the 2026 Celebrate Caring Sunshine Awards: Sarah Bruno of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Ian Montgomery of Virtua Marlton Hospital, and Madison Schmus of Penn Medicine.

Now in its eighth year, Independence Blue Cross’s Celebrate Caring campaign recognizes nurses across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who go above and beyond for their patients and communities. We hear the inspiring stories behind this year’s honorees—from bringing comfort and dignity to children experiencing trauma and serious illness, to advancing patient safety and nursing innovation, to delivering healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, and substance use disorders. The winners also share what inspired them to become nurses and what keeps them committed to compassionate care.  

Then, we turn the mic over to the next generation with Amaya Naté, a Philadelphia Youth Network WorkReady intern with iHeartMedia Philadelphia, who sits down with rising artist KidTokio for a conversation about his journey in music, developing his sound, and finding inspiration. KidTokio shares how he began making music in sixth grade, how a school science project became an award-winning rap, and what’s next for the young artist. It’s an hour celebrating people who are making a difference through caring, creativity, and the courage to pursue their passion.

Connect:
Independence Blue Cross — Celebrate Caring
Instagram: @manitsamaya | @kidtokio

On Part One of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Roger C. Aden, Charles E. Zumkehr Professor of Speech Communication at Ohio University and author of Upon the Ruins of Liberty: Slavery, the President’s House at Independence National Historical Park, and Public Memory.

Aden’s book chronicles the years-long effort to ensure that the President’s House site in Philadelphia told not only the story of George Washington as the nation’s first president, but also the stories of the nine people he enslaved there. That history has taken on new urgency following changes to the President’s House exhibit that critics say diminish its focus on slavery and the experiences of the people Washington enslaved. 

Aden discusses the community advocacy that helped shape the original exhibit, why the full story of Washington must include both his role as a founder and as an enslaver, and what happens when government officials determine which parts of history receive greater—or lesser—emphasis. As America marks its 250th anniversary, the conversation explores the meaning of public memory, the importance of confronting difficult history, and the responsibility historians, educators and ordinary citizens share in preserving a complete and honest account of the American story.
Learn More:
Upon the Ruins of Liberty — Temple University Press
Roger Aden — Ohio University faculty profile

On this episode of What's Going On, we explore two conversations centered on health, hope, and strengthening our communities. First, we welcome David St. Denis, President of Anteris Technologies, for an important discussion about why heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States and why women with heart valve disease are often diagnosed later and experience poorer outcomes than men. We discuss aortic stenosis, the symptoms women should never ignore, the importance of early diagnosis, and the promise of the investigational DurAVR® Transcatheter Heart Valve, a next-generation technology designed to more closely replicate the function of a healthy heart valve. David also explains why greater representation of women in clinical research is critical and shares practical advice on how women can become stronger advocates for their heart health.  

Then, we feature a special segment produced by Kimberly Wang, one of our Philadelphia Youth Network WorkReady students. Kimberly sits down with Pamela Rainey Lawler, founder of Philabundance, to discuss the organization's ongoing fight against hunger across the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region. Their conversation explores how Philabundance is responding to changes affecting SNAP benefits, new initiatives to address food insecurity, and simple ways individuals can make a meaningful difference in their own communities. Whether you're interested in protecting your heart health or helping build a stronger, more food-secure community, this episode offers information and inspiration you won't want to miss. Resources – Anteris Technologies

• Website: https://anteristech.com
• DurAVR® Clinical Evidence: https://anteristech.com
• News & Investor Center: https://anteristech.com/news
• LinkedIn: Anteris Technologies
• X: @AnterisTech

Heart Health Resources

• American Heart Association – Go Red for Women: https://www.goredforwomen.org
• CDC – Heart Disease in Women: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm

Philabundance

• Website: https://www.philabundance.org
• Facebook: Philabundance
• Instagram: @philabundance
• X: @Philabundance
• LinkedIn: Philabundance

DurAVR® is an investigational device and is not approved for commercial sale. Discussion of the technology reflects ongoing clinical research and development.

On this edition of Insight, we celebrate the people, stories, and traditions that strengthen our communities through culture, music, and the power of storytelling. First, we welcome Ken Scott, President and CEO of Beech Companies, to discuss the 17th Annual Beech Jazz on the Ave Music Fest, one of Philadelphia's premier summer traditions. For 17 years, this free, family-friendly celebration has honored the rich jazz legacy of North Philadelphia's historic Cecil B. Moore Avenue—once known as the legendary "Golden Strip"—while bringing together live music, local businesses, community organizations, food vendors, and thousands of residents for a day of culture, connection, and neighborhood pride. Ken shares how Jazz on the Ave continues to preserve history, promote economic opportunity, and inspire future generations to invest in North Philadelphia.

Then, acclaimed television writer and bestselling author Angela Nissel joins us to discuss her deeply moving new memoir, Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead. Best known for her work on Scrubs, The Boondocks, and Mixed-ish, Angela opens up about caring for her mother through cancer, navigating grief, confronting depression and life's unexpected challenges, and discovering how humor can become a powerful tool for healing. It's an honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious conversation about family, forgiveness, resilience, and finding hope in the midst of loss.   Learn More 17th Annual Beech Jazz on the Ave Music Fest

• Website: https://beechcompanies.com
• Event Information: https://beechcompanies.com/beech-community-services/jazz-on-the-ave
• Facebook: Jazz on the Ave
• Instagram: @jazzontheave
• X: @jazzontheave

Angela Nissel

• Official Website: http://www.angelanissel.com
• Book: Good Grief, Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet too many women remain undiagnosed or receive treatment later than they should. On this episode, we welcome David St. Denis, President of Anteris Technologies, for an important conversation about women and heart valve disease, why outcomes can differ between men and women, and how innovation may help improve the future of cardiovascular care. We discuss aortic stenosis, the symptoms women should never ignore, the importance of early diagnosis, and the development of the investigational DurAVR® Transcatheter Heart Valve, a next-generation technology designed to better mimic the function of a healthy heart valve.

David also explains why greater representation of women in clinical research is essential and shares practical advice on how women can become stronger advocates for their heart health. Whether you're looking to learn more about heart disease prevention, caring for a loved one, or staying informed about the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine, this conversation offers valuable insights that could make a lifesaving difference. Resources

• Anteris Technologies
• DurAVR® Clinical Evidence
• Anteris News & Investor Center
• American Heart Association – Go Red for Women
• CDC – Heart Disease in Women

Follow Anteris Technologies

• LinkedIn
• X (Twitter) – @AnterisTech

DurAVR® is an investigational device and is not available for commercial sale. Discussion of the technology reflects ongoing research and clinical development.

On this episode of What’s Going On we dedicate the entire show to  legendary Philadelphia sports journalist, broadcaster, and author Ray Didinger joins us to discuss his newest book, Look What the Kid Wrote Today: Quotes, Anecdotes and Other Musings, which will be released this October. For more than 50 years, Ray has chronicled some of the greatest moments in sports while earning a reputation as one of America's most respected storytellers. In this new collection, he shares memorable stories that didn't make it into his bestselling memoir Finished Business—bringing readers behind the scenes with legendary athletes, iconic coaches, entertainers, and larger-than-life personalities.

More than a collection of sports stories, the book is a celebration of character, integrity, humor, and the unforgettable people Ray encountered throughout his remarkable career. During our conversation, Ray reflects on the inspiration behind the book's nostalgic title, revisits some of his favorite interviews, discusses the lessons sports can teach us about life, and offers timeless advice for the next generation of journalists and storytellers. Whether you're a lifelong sports fan, a lover of great storytelling, or simply appreciate the art of journalism, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 

Book Information 📖 Look What the Kid Wrote Today: Quotes, Anecdotes and Other Musings
📅 Available October 2026  
@templeuniversitypress (IG) and https://www.facebook.com/TempleUnivPress/ (FB), and @templeunivpress.bsky.social (BlueSky

On this episode of Insight, we spotlight three conversations that celebrate leadership, community, culture, and the power of bringing people together. First, Jared Armstrong, Founder and CEO of the JAB Classic, joins us to discuss the inaugural JAB Classic, a first-of-its-kind global basketball tournament coming to Philadelphia. Featuring NBA, former NBA, and top international professional players competing for a $1 million winner-take-all prize, the tournament is about much more than basketball. Jared shares how the event's mission to combat hate through sports, inspire young people, and strengthen communities is taking center court through youth clinics, leadership programming, and community engagement.

Next, we welcome Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, for an important conversation about the role public health plays in our everyday lives. From protecting our food and water supply to preventing disease outbreaks, preparing for emergencies, and promoting healthier communities, Dr. Washington explains why public health matters to every New Jersey resident and how state and local agencies work together to keep communities safe while building trust in today's challenging environment.

Then, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music as Carlos Eli Vargas, music director for 512: The Selena Experience, previews this exciting concert event at the Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest at Bristol Riverside Theatre. Fans will relive Selena's greatest hits in a high-energy tribute featuring authentic costumes, incredible musicianship, and the spirit of one of Latin music's most beloved icons.
Event Information 🏀 JAB Classic Inaugural $1 Million Winner-Take-All Global Basketball Tournament

• Dates: August 14–16, 2026
• Location: The Palestra, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Features NBA, former NBA, and top international professional players, plus youth clinics, leadership programming, and community initiatives.

🎤 512: The Selena Experience Mid Penn Bank Summer Music Fest

• Dates: August 5–9, 2026
• Location: Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol, PA
• Tickets: Starting at $35
• A concert celebration featuring Selena's greatest hits as part of the "Still Dreaming of You" Tour.

Learn More JAB Classic

• Website: www.jabclassic.com

New Jersey Department of Health

• Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/
• Health Resources & Contact Information: https://www.nj.gov/health/about/contact-us/

Bristol Riverside Theatre

• Website: www.brtstage.org

Follow on Social Media JAB Classic

• Instagram: @jab.classic
• X: @JABClassic
• Facebook: JAB Classic
• Threads: @jab.classic
• TikTok: @jab.classic
• LinkedIn: JAB Classic

Bristol Riverside Theatre

• Instagram: @brtstage
• Facebook: Bristol Riverside Theatre

On this episode of Insight, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati spotlights two inspiring conversations celebrating Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage and literary community. First, Vanesse speaks with Connie Ragsdale, President of the Committee of 1926 for Historic Strawberry Mansion, about the groundbreaking exhibition From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color. Opening September 18 through November 8 at Historic Strawberry Mansion (2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive), the exhibit commemorates both America's 250th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Committee of 1926. It highlights artists whose work was overlooked during the 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition because of systemic inequities, bringing long-overdue recognition to their contributions.

Then, in her monthly feature "What Is Philadelphia Reading?", Vanesse welcomes Monique Moore Pryor, Executive Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, for a conversation about literacy, the power of reading, and the Foundation's work to expand access to books and lifelong learning throughout the city. Learn More Historic Strawberry Mansion

• Exhibit: From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color
• Dates: September 18 – November 8, 2026
• Location: 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia
• Website: https://historicstrawberrymansion.org

Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation

• Website: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/foundation/

On this episode of What's Going On, we explore two powerful conversations about justice, compassion, and the people working to create a more equitable society. First, Pulitzer Prize-winning podcaster, educator, and returning citizen Suave Gonzalez joins Julietta Martinelli, senior producer and reporter with Futuro Media, to discuss the extraordinary story of Frank Ross, who was released from prison at the age of 93 after serving nearly 50 years. They also examine the case of Marie "Michi" Scott, highlighting the unique healthcare, reproductive, and trauma-related challenges faced by incarcerated women. Drawing from his own lived experience and award-winning journalism, Suave explains why these stories matter, what they reveal about compassionate release and aging in prison, and how powerful storytelling can influence public understanding and criminal justice reform.

Learn more:

• Futuro Investigates: Released to Die
• Suave Podcast
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Futuro Media

Follow Futuro Media:

• Instagram: @futuromedia
• X: @futuromedia
• Facebook: Futuro Media

Then, as America commemorates its 250th anniversary, award-winning journalist and author Angela P. Dodson joins us to discuss her new book, We've Been Here Before: How Rebellion and Activism Have Always Sustained America, co-authored with the late Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael I. Days. Angela shares the stories of both famous and unsung activists whose courage and determination helped move America closer to its ideals, while reflecting on Michael Days' lasting legacy and the enduring importance of civic engagement. Book Signing

• Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
• Free Library of Philadelphia

Learn more:

• Angela P. Dodson
• Broadleaf Books