PODCAST · news
Bridging Philly
by Audacy
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 and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 5:30am.
Episodes
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Making laughter out of strife | Bob & Barbara’s famous drag shows
The goal of a comedian is to make you laugh, even when their own life isn’t so funny. How do they turn their hardships into jokes, and how does that feel for them? Racquel Williams talks with three local comedians - Monique Latise, Ms. Darkchild, and Shanell Renee - about the challenges they’ve...
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Phishing, smishing, and scamming | DIY home repair how-tos
Whether it’s someone masquerading as a familiar company to get you to click a malicious link or an offer to save on your mortgage that looks too good to be true, there are a million ways for bad actors to take your money, identity, and data. How can you protect yourself and your assets in the age...
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Best of Bridging Philly: Building a cancer respite center | New tech for vision loss
A cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a scary, overwhelming journey that takes a toll on the patient as well as their loved ones. For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation gives cancer patients and their families time to breathe and heal together through travel and “staycation” respite...
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An old school field day to uplift girls | Kids processing emotions through art
This week, we’re focusing on youth mental health with two creative ways for kids to express themselves and connect. First, PA State Rep. Gina Curry is hosting her fifth annual Inspi-HER'd Field Day, where girls in grades 4-8 can participate in outdoor games, workshops, and activities designed for...
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Jewish life on social media - from burlesque to rap | Turtles in the Schuylkill River
Some people have a picture in their minds when they think of a Jewish person . But, as with most cultural groups, there’s a wide range of diversity within the Jewish community. Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media is showcasing that diversity in their “Unapologetically Jewish” social media contest....
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Where hip-hop meets classical music | In the kitchen with 12th Street Catering
Hip-hop and classical music normally exist in two very different worlds, but one group from Philadelphia is shattering those genre boundaries. The Illharmonic Orchestra (www.theephantomhiphop.com) performs hip-hop/classical mashups, covers, and original songs, all with a full orchestra. They were...
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Back to school, with better funding | The hero who kicked the masked man in Center City
The school year is getting underway, and here in Pennsylvania, the new state budget provides for a lot of improvements to schools: adequacy funding for underfunded districts, more student teacher stipends, support for mental health, guaranteed recess, and more. Racquel Williams talks with two...
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Kids building robots, and other STEM adventures | Mural Arts’ new leader
As a kid, Steven Stotts loved to take things apart to learn how they worked. Now, he’s passing on that curiosity to Philly area kids as Stevie the Inventor (www.stevietheinventor.com), leading STEM experiences throughout the city. He recently launched Build a Bot classes, where students get to...
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The return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic | A film production studio focused on the future
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic was one of the most elite bike races in the world - and it will be again when it returns after a 10-year hiatus on August 30. Cyclists and fans are excited to once again experience the competition, the celebration, and the tremendous show of athleticism on display...
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Haitian families living in limbo | From West Philly to Westminster
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants to expire, ruling that the decision is not subject to judiciary review. This left thousands of Haitians in the Philadelphia area and over 300,000 nationally in limbo, with their employment…
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A mental health check-in | Women’s tennis returns to Philly
The country is at war. The cost of living has spiked. Violent videos, disinformation, and AI fill our newsfeeds. There’s a lot to make us stressed and anxious these days. Racquel Williams takes a moment to check in on the nation’s mental health with Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka, co-founder of Centia...
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Where work, play, and learning meet | A social experiment on a landline phone
When people talk about teens on the street in the summer, they’re often talking about some kind of trouble. But Fab Youth Philly is flipping that stereotype by sending teens out to the streets…to play. Their Play Captain initiative hires and trains teenagers to lead games and activities on the...
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How to talk to kids about race and LGBTQ+ identities | Philly Freeway previews Free Fest
Kids will come across depictions of race, gender, and sexuality whether we talk to them about it or not. Brandee Blocker Anderson created The Antiracism Academy to help parents and educators teach kids about these topics in a supportive way that they can understand, using rhyming books and short...
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Best of Bridging Philly: Healing veterans through gardening | The House of Magic’s vault secrets
Being in nature can be both physically and mentally rejuvenating. Collie Turner, founder of Heroic Gardens, grew up around plants and chose horticulture as a way to give back to veterans. Racquel Williams talks with her and Salome Hall, a Navy veteran and founder of Sisters Affirming Sisterhood…
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250 years in the birthplace of America
It’s the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, and there’s no better place to celebrate than America’s birthplace, Philadelphia. This week, Shara Dae Howard is taking over for an all Shara in the City special edition, exploring some of the city’s hidden historical treasures. We start at...
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Sending books to prisons | Wyck rose garden’s aromatic history
Books are a great way for people in prison to improve their literacy, expand their options for when they get out, or simply pass the time . But prison libraries are often limited, if they have libraries at all. Books Through Bars was started to address this problem by sending books to people who...
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Free therapy for Black men | The “Queen of the Ring” at Blue Horizon boxing gym
Black men often find it hard to be vulnerable - they’re taught to be tough and not to show their feelings. But they struggle just as much as the rest of us. When two Black female clinicians noticed a high demand from Black men seeking therapy and facing barriers to access, they started Black Men...
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Why “Black people don’t swim” and how we can change that | Building the FIFA Fan Festival
Throughout history, barriers have been put up between African Americans and water. Segregated swimming pools, violence and discrimination against Black folks who try to swim in public pools - all of this was documented in the “POOL” exhibit that was on display at Fairmount Water Works from...
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Weight loss meds: trend or medical advancement? | Pride and Patti LaBelle on the Parkway
GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are all over the news and TV ads lately. Are they really a safe way to lose weight? Racquel Williams talks with medical professionals from Penn Medicine’s Center for Weight and Eating Disorders about the benefits and risks of GLP-1s, plus how social media impacts…
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Respite for cancer patients and caretakers | New tech to help with vision loss
A cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a scary, overwhelming journey that takes a toll on the patient as well as their loved ones. For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation gives cancer patients and their families time to breathe and heal together through travel and “staycation” respite...
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Preserving personal and cultural history | Philadelphia’s music Walk of Fame inductees
As we look back on 250 years of American history, you might be inspired to look into your own history. Monica O. Montgomery believes it’s important to preserve your family’s legacy, as she did after her parents passed away. Out of her grief and healing journey grew the DiasporaDNA Story Center…
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Biking for lung cancer | Under the big top
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, yet funding to support patients can be hard to come by because of the stigma attached to it. While smoking is associated with lung cancer, many people who have never smoked are diagnosed with the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Ride Hard...
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Ladies, take control of your finances | Philly’s 2026 poet laureate
For decades, women have been taught that they don’t need to understand money - their fathers or husbands will handle that. But women, whether single, married, divorced, or widowed, should feel confident taking control of their own financial present and future. Regina McCann Hess is a Certified...
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Hitting the streets with a message of peace | Racing for a second chance at life
Philly Truce formed in response to the rise in homicides in 2020, with a mission to stop the violence and support sustainable Black manhood. Five years later, they’ve made tremendous progress with efforts like their Peace Patrol, and they’re celebrating with a gala on May 8. Racquel Williams…
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Autism on screen and in the workplace | Rebuilding a legendary 17th century tavern
Autism and neurodiversity are becoming better represented in media - like the HBO medical drama “The Pitt”, which features a neurodivergent character, Dr. Mel King. A Philadelphia doctor actually helped create that character and has made major contributions to autism research nationally and...
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Pads, tampons, and breast pumps for all | Jill Scott comes home to Philly
Millions of menstruating people worldwide experience period poverty and have trouble accessing the products they need. Many people skip work or school during their cycles, or have to choose between paying for pads or food. It’s a large-scale problem, but one woman is trying to help the…
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Local theater making an impact: drawing attention to child sexual abuse, and celebrating America’s history
Theater has the power to move people to make change, and Jay Sefton is hoping to draw on that with his one-man play, “Unreconciled,” which tells his story of being sexually assaulted by a parish priest as a 13-year-old. The play is touring Pennsylvania ahead of potential action in the State…
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Healing veterans through gardening | The House of Magic’s vault secrets
Being in nature can be both physically and mentally rejuvenating. Collie Turner, founder of Heroic Gardens, grew up around plants and chose horticulture as a way to give back to veterans. Racquel Williams talks with her and Salome Hall, a Navy veteran and founder of Sisters Affirming Sisterhood…
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Pioneering Pennsylvania women | Benjamin Franklin’s library
Philadelphia is at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, so there’s no better time to look at some of our city’s unique history. First, Racquel Williams talks with two producers of a docuseries highlighting women who made important contributions to the founding of America, but...
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Parents speak out for all Philly school students | A taste of India in West Philly
A group of Philadelphia school parents from across the city have come together to make a powerful movement supporting all students in the district. Lift Every Voice first fought to get nurses in every school, and most recently, they achieved a major win when the district created a new wellness...
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Hispanic children have superpowers | ‘Sinners’ costumes on display
A new report from Children First called “Pa’Lante – State of Hispanic Children” shows that Hispanic children in Philadelphia are not receiving equitable access to things like education and health care. Racquel Williams talks with representatives from Children First about their initiative based on...
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Restoring marriage - remember the “us” | Turning a bank into an art experience
As kids, work, and life get hectic, it’s easy to lose the connection in marriage. Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, senior pastor of Live Well Church in New Jersey, wrote a book called “Restore Us” to help married couples have tough conversations and return to the foundation of their relationship: each...
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Building a village to fight food insecurity | The Colored Girls Museum’s 10th anniversary
Food insecurity is an ongoing problem, especially with recent changes to SNAP benefits and the economy. Mark Wainwright founded It Takes a Village to Feed One Child in 2017 to provide meals to families in need. They’ve since partnered with many local organizations to expand on the types of…
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The blueprint for Black history education | Smokin' Joe takes the steps
Black educators are navigating classrooms where their presence is shrinking and the history they teach is being challenged. Racquel Williams talks with Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of The Center for Black Educator Development, and Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the...
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Building community through tamales | A new mural for a Black female trailblazer
The Lighthouse has been a neighborhood hub, hosting programs and events for the North Philly community, since 1893. They pride themselves on bringing people together and showcasing different cultures - which makes them the perfect partner for Cantina La Martina to host their annual La Tamalada...
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How PA addresses rising racial tensions | Face to Face builds community in Germantown
As we’re seeing ICE activity increased, DEI efforts rolled back, LGBTQ+ protections removed, and historical exhibits about slavery taken down, many are concerned that we are moving backwards in terms of civil rights. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission handles complaints and upholds civil...
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A home for young women after foster care | Art honoring LGBTQ+ history
When young people age out of the foster care system at age 18, they often don’t have a place to go. In South Jersey, young women who can’t afford their own place or college yet, or who just need some support, can go to Unique Sistas Transitional House, recently established by Yolanda Stephenson....
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Black representation in children’s books | A different art museum experience
Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati started the African American Children’s Book Project to inspire young readers and uplift Black authors. Their upcoming book fair on February 7 will feature award-winning authors, book giveaways, and more. Racquel Williams talks with Vanesse and one of the authors being...
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Talking to kids about breast health | A women’s sports hub coming to Philly
Bringing up breast health or even the word “breast” can be awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Dr. Robyn Roth wants to start the conversation early with kids in her book “Everyone Has Boobies”. She’s a radiologist and founder of The Boobie Docs. This week, she joins Racquel Williams to discuss...
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Best of Bridging Philly: Helping families get out of poverty | Project HOME fights homelessness
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.…
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The climb for disability mental health | Fishtown’s creative heart
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…
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Best of Bridging Philly: Support through addiction or after incarceration | The history of the Ohio House
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...
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How one clinic in Cherry Hill is trying to make healthcare a human right | Inside the Wanamaker organ
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....
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Tackling Philadelphia’s silent killer, high blood pressure and heart health | Sweet treats in Jenkintown
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…
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Solving Philly’s housing crisis | A Germantown Nutcracker
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...
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Best of Bridging Philly: Spreading love with lasagna | Remembering The Dixie Hummingbirds
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,...
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Blood doesn't make you family | Get your glitter on: celebrating 10 years of CraftNOW Philadelphia
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"...
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Uncovering a century of music under the stars | Shopping with dignity
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...
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A mother's fight for equity in the NICU | The Mütter's new mission
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…
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How one nonprofit supports families affected by violence | Art, architecture, and contemplation: exploring Calder Gardens
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 5:30am.
HOSTED BY
Audacy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bridging Philly have?
Bridging Philly currently has 547 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bridging Philly about?
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...
How often does Bridging Philly release new episodes?
Bridging Philly releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 547 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Bridging Philly?
You can listen to Bridging Philly on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bridging Philly?
Bridging Philly is created and hosted by Audacy.
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