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PODCAST

Bridging Philly

From KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM in Philadelphia, Bridging Philly connects our communities to the issues that matter to you. Host Racquel Williams examines the most critical issues facing underserved communities in the Philadelphia region, with insight from experts and regular people making a difference. And KYW reporter Shara Dae Howard explores Philadelphia"s hidden gems on Shara in the City. Produced by Sabrina Boyd-Surka. Presented by Gift of Life Donor Program. Listen live on KYW Newsradio Saturdays

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All Episodes

42:44

Best of Bridging Philly: Helping families get out of...

Bridging Philly ·

2026/01/10

When Harold Barrow’s daughter was born, he was addicted to heroin and living in an abandoned house. ⁠ACHIEVEability⁠ gave them both a place to live and helped Harold get his GED and bachelor’s degree. Now, Harold is working for ACHIEVEability, helping other families in similar circumstances. Harold and ACHIEVEability’s Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison join Racquel Williams to talk about the program.Then, on Shara in the City, we visit ⁠Project HOME⁠ to learn about how they are fighting to

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34:15

The climb for disability mental health | Fishtown’s...

Bridging Philly ·

2026/01/03

According to the CDC, adults with disabilities are three times more likely to report suicidal ideation than those without — a staggering statistic that drives the heart of the new documentary, Meandering Scars. In this episode, filmmaker Alison Norlean shares the story of Erica Bogan, a paraplegic athlete and survivor of domestic violence, who attempts the grueling climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to shine a light on the mental health crisis within the disability community. We dive into the physical and

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41:27

Best of Bridging Philly: Giving people a chance after...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/12/27

Britt James Carpenter is a five-time overdose survivor. After being incarcerated, he found his way to recovery and decided to turn his negative experiences into a source for good. He joins Racquel Williams to talk about his non-profit, Philly Unknown Project, which provides resources to the formerly incarcerated, people experiencing homelessness, and those with substance abuse disorder.Then, on Shara in the City, the founder of The Colored Girls Museum, Vashti Dubois, takes us through one of the

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33:19

How one clinic in Cherry Hill is trying to make...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/12/20

In a system where cost often determines survival, the Cherry Hill Free Clinic is a vital safety net. This week, we sit down with founder Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi to discuss the "catastrophic cases"—preventable heart attacks and strokes caused by rationed medication—that inspired him to open the clinic. He explains their unique model, fueled by 99% volunteer staff, which provides free primary care and cardiology to South Jersey’s uninsured, while also launching new initiatives to break down barriers for

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34:00

Tackling Philadelphia’s silent killer, high blood...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/12/13

Heart disease and stroke remain urgent health challenges in Philadelphia, with high blood pressure affecting thousands, particularly in underserved communities. This week, we sit down with leaders from the American Heart Association’s Greater Philadelphia chapter to discuss their "relentless force" mission. They explain why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer," the specific risks for women, and how new initiatives like "Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure" are working to close the

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50:42

Solving Philly’s housing crisis | A Germantown...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/12/06

Philadelphia faces a shortage of over 64,000 affordable housing units. This week, we sit down with the city’s top housing leaders, Kelvin Jeremiah (PHA) and Dave Thomas (PHDC), to discuss solutions. They break down the "Turn the Key" program, designed to help families build generational wealth by making homeownership attainable even in gentrifying neighborhoods. The duo also discusses the Mayor's "Home Initiative," recent PHA layoffs, and the critical need for federal funding to close the

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32:16

Best of Bridging Philly: Spreading love with lasagna...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/11/29

When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything.⁠ ⁠Lasagna Love⁠⁠ is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, Jazmyne Walker.Then, on Shara in the City, we talk with a music legend - Rev. Joe Williams, the last living member of the gospel group The Dixie

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31:45

Blood doesn't make you family | Get your glitter on:...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/11/22

With roughly 13,000 youth in foster care across Pennsylvania alone, the need for permanent, loving homes is critical. This week, Dominique McFadden, Executive Director of the Adoption Center, joins us to demystify the often confusing adoption process. She breaks down the three different "paths" families can take, from private adoption to foster-to-adopt, and explains what resources are available to parents.It's time to bust out the "creative couture" because November is Craft Month in Philly

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37:15

Uncovering a century of music under the stars |...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/11/15

The Highmark Mann Center is the iconic sound of summer in Philadelphia, but its legacy stretches back long before its 1976 opening. This week, we dive into the rich history of Philly's beloved amphitheater with Highmark Mann CEO Katherine Cahill and historian Jack McCarthy, author of the new book "A Century of Music Under the Stars." We'll explore the Mann's origins as the Robin Hood Dell, a venue rescued by the legendary Frederic "Freddie" Mann. Hear how the programming evolved from strictly

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34:02

A mother's fight for equity in the NICU | The...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/11/08

When Jenné Johns' son was born 14 weeks early, her 77-day NICU journey exposed more than just a medical crisis—it revealed a system rife with racial bias. Now, as the founder of "Once Upon a Preemie," she is turning that pain into purpose. Janae joins us for National Prematurity Awareness Month to share her powerful story, discuss the shocking disparities Black fathers face in the NICU (including being treated as threats), and explain how her organization is now training clinicians to dismantle the

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34:05

How One Nonprofit Supports Families Affected by...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/11/01

How do you help a community in the immediate aftermath of a crisis? This week, we're joined by Reverend Linda Ivey, founder of the nonprofit Your Destiny Is Here. She discusses her vital mission of providing both spiritual and practical support to families in their darkest moments, particularly those affected by gun violence. Reverend Ivey shares the importance of rapid, structured services, her work in trauma counseling and conflict resolution, and why she believes faith leaders have a crucial role

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33:00

Best of Bridging Philly: Breast surgery and...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/10/25

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re revisiting an episode from a special series we did last October, “Stories from the Journey”, which was honored with a Gracie Award this year. Doctors, survivors, and supporters shared their personal experiences with breast cancer, and in this final episode, we took a close look at breast reconstruction in a conversation in front of a live audience. Racquel Williams spoke with surgeons Dr. Alexander Au and Dr. Lori Timmerman with ⁠The Penn Medicine |

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32:58

The art of growth: from a founder's mission to a...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/10/18

Shana Yvonne Rudd, founder of the Legend House, a therapeutic arts program in Philadelphia, shared her journey from battling depression to creating a supportive community for young girls. Initially called Lady Diva, the program evolved into Legends Camp in 2012, serving hundreds of girls.Shara Dae Howard joins an expert arborist on a hike through Wissahickon Valley Park to uncover the fascinating science behind why leaves change color and which local trees put on the most spectacular autumn

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33:05

How one Drexel student's idea sparked a national...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/10/11

What started with one Drexel student donating 50 unused meal swipes has blossomed into a national movement. Philly-based Sharing Excess now rescues over 2 million pounds of surplus food each week, fighting food waste and hunger simultaneously. Founder Evan Ellers believes we don't have a food shortage, but an access problem—and his team is fixing it. Learn more about their incredible work and how every $1 you donate provides 10 meals for those in need.The Prince Hall Masons are the oldest

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33:01

Surprise! An on-air baby shower with expert...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/10/04

This week on Bridging Philly, we threw a surprise on-air baby shower for our amazing producer, Sabrina Boyd-Surka, who is expecting any day now!Join us for a warm, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the real journey into motherhood. We're joined by an incredible panel of Philly experts to share their wisdom and support. Bo Zhao, founder of the brilliant Baby Gear Group, reveals how to save money and stress by renting baby gear instead of buying. Dr. Sarah McMahon, a Doctor of Physical

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48:26

Best of Bridging Philly: Living with sickle cell...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/09/27

As Sickle Cell Awareness Month comes to a close, we revisit our conversation with Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when she was six years old. Throughout her life, she has dealt with pain and organ failures. In 2024, she was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, living on 7% kidney function. Despite that, she has raised a daughter and helped found ⁠Crescent Foundation⁠ to provide education and resources to others living with sickle cell disease. Racquel

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32:43

DEI - why everyone doesn’t need the same rock |...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/09/20

Racquel Williams talks with nationally recognized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist Celeste Warren about the passion behind her work and her book, The Truth About Equity. Warren challenges the idea that DEI and merit-based hiring are at odds, arguing that success isn't just about hard work when people start from different places. She emphasizes that a diverse workforce is not about lowering standards but about recognizing and addressing systemic barriers to ensure the most qualified

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40:58

Best of Bridging Philly: Lewy body dementia | New: A...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/09/13

Lewy body dementia affects over a million people in the United States, but many people don’t know much about it. It’s difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed. A new documentary called ⁠“Facing the Wind”⁠ shines a light on Lewy body dementia, both living with it and caring for someone who has the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Philadelphia filmmaker Tony Heriza and Linda Szypula, who lives in Plymouth Meeting and whose journey caring for her husband is featured in the film.Scribe Video

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61:05

I'm Listening 2025: Spreading mental health awareness...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/09/10

I'm Listening is a special KYW Newsradio makes every year focusing on mental health and wellness and suicide prevention. You'll hear conversations with experts in the field of mental health, and real things everyone can do to make a difference. Tips on how to manage parenting stresses, how to practice mindfulness, how to deal with grief in a positive and proactive way, and keeping your mental health the priority while experiencing anxiety related to the news cycle and world events. To learn

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41:10

How to get kids to love reading | Horseback riding...

Bridging Philly ·

2025/09/06

Philadelphia has a literacy crisis - only a third of third grade students are reading at grade level. But access to books and activities that create positive experiences with reading can help. Book Trust is a national nonprofit that helps students choose books to own and provides teachers with engaging materials. Racquel Williams talks with their staff and their teacher of the year, Cheryl Daniels, a first-grade teacher at Philadelphia’s James R. Ludlow Elementary School.Then, on Shara in the

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