Flashpoint

The Focus on Fathers parenting education program shows new fathers how to have positive relationships with their kids. The “fathers to the fathers” try to fill in the gaps of men raised without a strong male father figure with child development education, job readiness, and mental health awareness with remote and in-person classes. Then, the Broadway show Wicked is celebrating its 20th year with a national tour stop at the Kimmel Cultural Center. The musical is about The Wizard of Oz’s witches’ relationship before and after Dorothy drops down in the Land of Oz. PA & NJ-raised actors Celia Hottenstein and Olivia Valli share how playing the characters has helped them to be humble and more comfortable being themselves.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new HBO documentary Stand Up & Shout: Songs From a Philly High School explores the transformative power of music and how an arts education can be a source of hope and healing. Executive producer, Grammy award-winning musician John Legend - with executive producer Mike Jackson, and director Amy Schatz - worked with teenagers from Philly’s Hill-Freedman World Academy to learn how to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs. Then, why is it taking so much time for Pennsylvania to legalize adult-use marijuana? And will there be business opportunities for everyone? We talk to Cherron Perry-Thomas, co-founder of Diasporic Alliance of Cannabis Opportunities, about how the commonwealth is behind many states in canna business development. Finally, choreographer Marguerite Hemmings' Mural Arts public art initiative - Our Land Our Movement - helps kids connect their bodies to the outside through gardening and dancing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyi

Meet Steve the Legacy: a Philly-based inventor who develops STEM-inspired games to help kids develop their coordination and strategy skills that he creates in his living room factory. He shares how other amateur inventors can take an 'ah ha' moment to the next level by believing in themselves. Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee came through Philadelphia recently to inspire over 200 elementary students at Drexel University’s Vidas Field Day and give away copies of her children’s book, “Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams.”  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author and sociologist Nikhil Goyal followed three students from El Centro de Estudiantes, an alternative, last-chance public high school in North Philly. The stories of their struggles with the juvenile justice system, poverty, and housing insecurity – and finally earning their high school diplomas in the face of great odds - are featured in the new book, “Live to See the Day: Coming of Age in American Poverty.” Then, what do voters from different neighborhoods want from their 100th mayor? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mayoral candidates Democrat Cherelle Parker and Republican David Oh share their visions to improve public safety and raise Philadelphians’ quality of life. They both share stories of humble beginnings that inform their future policy decisions. Election Day to choose the city’s 100th mayor is November 7th. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We celebrate the power of Philadelphia sports fans united by their shared love for their teams despite varying views of politics, religion and race. KYW Newsradio sports reporter Dave Uram dispels the negative reputation of Eagles fans, and shares superfan anecdotes and common Game Day superstitions. Then, "The Power of Fun" with the original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond, who shares the mascot's origin story, and how he fights hopelessness by focusing on the positive things in his life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Racquel Williams and four breast cancer survivors share their unique journeys from the terrifying first time they were told of their diagnosis, through the exhausting treatments, to mentoring new patients. A doctor, also a survivor, explains different types of cancers, dispels treatment myths, and urges securing the right medical team. The group describes their struggles juggling family and work commitments, fears of recurrence, and triumphs by helping others. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our first Bridging Philly Reporters’ Roundtable features the KYWNewsradio coverage of the charges dropped against Philadelphia Police Detective Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. Reporters Kristen Johansen, Tim Jimenez and Gina Pompilio describe what they saw and heard in the courtroom and the reaction from Irizarry’s family. Then, behind the Pollinator Power installation with artist Mindy Flexer and children ages 6-20 at the Woodmere Art Museum.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dogs have been part of law enforcement teams for decades, as we most recently saw with the capture of prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante. Man’s best friends are also becoming more commonly used with crisis counselors for comforting students in schools and victims of violence in the community. Members of the Penn Vet Working Dogs Center, Tri-State Canine Response Team, and Delmarva Search and Rescue Group describe how their dogs are translators between humans and the natural world.   Then, the Philadelphia Ballet is celebrating 60 years with a world premiere of Carmen featuring choreography by Artistic Director Angel Corella. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Binge Eating Disorder is a condition often overlooked as self-medicating by over-eating. But it becomes a problem when the consumption becomes out of control as a way to cope with stress. We learn about behavior and medical solutions with Kelly Allison, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and one of her patients. Then, The Women’s Film Festival begins this week, and Programming Director Suzi Nash shares a preview of the events and over 100 screenings she has lined up. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philadelphia’s first African-American female Police Commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, has announced she will be resigning later this month. Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey weighs in about how the city’s next top cop can reduce crime while building public trust. Anthony Erace, Interim Executive Director of the Citizen Police Oversight Commission, describes what the new city organization is doing to guide the “just, transparent, and efficient administration of criminal justice in Philadelphia through fair and timely investigation into the oversight of conduct, policies, and practices of the Philadelphia Police Department and its officers.”   Then, Tyrell Brown, Executive Director of Galaei, shares a preview of this fall’s America’s first National Coming Out Day Parade as part of the OURfest, formerly known as Outfest. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices

How can we future-proof our economy? Our guests believe that free or inexpensive community college can help strengthen and stabilize our workforce, but the idea of community college is often misunderstood. Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President of the Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Lovel Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College, and Sara Goldrick-Rab, author of the book, “Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream,” discuss the varied programs, certificates and scholarships that can help pave a pathway to success.  Then, recovering the forgotten 19th-century neighborhood and the stories of between 5,000 – 10,000 mostly Black residents who were displaced during the mid-20th century, urban renewal that created University City. We dig into West Philly’s past through The West Philly Community Archeology Project, a partnership between the Penn Museum and several community organizations, including HopePHL, the Black Bottom Tribe Association, and the Community

“Things might not always be right, but you can make it right.” A recent work readiness assistance course teaches students how to create right angles and the value of nutrition and wellness. Myra Brown, CEO of NWON Opportunities, LLC, is designing programs that service the community and diminish the adverse childhood effects of unemployment, food deserts, and substance abuse. Two recent graduates describe their life-changing experiences with Brown and their union carpenter instructor. Then, Jeremy Noel grew up running around his Bucks County house pretending to be "The Lion King"'s Simba. Now he is understudying the famous character as part of Disney’s North American musical version of the animated movie at the Kimmel Center. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We celebrate fifty years of Hip Hop that began as an underground party art form and grew into the global backbeat behind today’s music, fashion, language, dance and scholarship. Children of the musicians behind Philly soul music reconstructed rhyme, rhythms, and funk music into their own sound. Hip Hop artist-turned-civil rights attorney and professor Timothy Welbeck describes what makes artists the greatest of all time. Then, DJs Cash Money and Duiji Mshinda reflect on the evolution of Philly Hip Hop.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fourth-generation Ocean City, New Jersey resident Loretta Thompson Harris was inspired to write a book about the history of her African American community, as she has seen the numbers of Black homeowners slowly decline. The new book, “The West Side: Ocean City in True Color” is the product of years researching her growing family tree. Ms. Harris and members of her family share stories about growing up in their neighborhood that dates back to the 1880s. Then, Nina Ahmad will be the first South Asian woman elected to Philadelphia City Council if she wins in November. The Bangladesh-born candidate is one of the Democratic nominees for a prominent legislative seat, which would follow her leadership in the Obama, Nutter, and Kenney administrations, as well as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com

Host Racquel Williams and three breast cancer survivors share their unique journeys from the terrifying first time they were told of their diagnosis, through the exhausting treatments, to mentoring new patients. A doctor, also a survivor, explains different types of cancers, dispels treatment myths, and urges securing the right medical team. The group describes their struggles juggling family and work commitments, fears of recurrence, and triumphs by helping others. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philadelphia's Greyhound terminal recently closed, following the competition in providing curbside transportation services with no shelter or amenities. We discuss the growing problems and solutions with a city official and two transportation advocates. Then, we visit non-profit Eddie's House, which offers daily necessities and hope for vulnerable individuals. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to the different ways housing and food are gateways to intergenerational wealth: Since 1986 Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has been helping families build affordable homes with neighborhood partners. Habitat’s CEO Corinne O’Connell and North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation’s Executive Director, Darnetta Arce explain how their organizations will be using a recent $315,000 grant to make sustainable home repairs. Then, Germantown’s Christa Barfield believes that her FarmerJawn organic Community Supported Agriculture program makes people healthier if they eat well – no matter where they’re from or skin color. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI is increasingly a part of our lives: it can be beneficial, like using a smart speaker - and risky, like deep fakes becoming more difficult to distinguish from reality. The University of Pennsylvania’s Cary Coglianese, Edward B. Shils Professor of Law and Professor of Political Science, and Michael Kearns, Professor and National Center Chair of the Department of Computer and Information Science, help us understand what artificial intelligence is, where it came from, and where it is going. Then, Lauri Maple Hayes – some call her “Tree Lady” or “Tree Queen” – Director of Urban Forestry with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, is retiring after a 42-year-career in Fairmount Park. The longtime tree tender and curator describes how she’s ready for the next chapter in her growing season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Bridging Philly features different ways of helping the next generation prepare for their future by fostering collaboration, and helping them find themselves through peer counseling. First, we hear about the journey of three South Jersey teenagers who kayaked, bushwhacked and hiked through 17 miles to discover natural beauty at their backdoor. Their expedition is chronicled in the documentary, A Search for the Cooper: A River Hidden in Plain View. Then, peer specialists from Intercultural Family Services tackle behavioral health needs of underserved youth throughout the city by sharing their own life experiences. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices