Aftermath Philadelphia

In the third episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie speaks with Dr. Dane Scantling a trauma, critical care and emergency surgery fellow who works at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of the Philadelphia Police Department's policy to scoop right away, gun shot victims and get them to surgery as soon as possible. Dr. Scantling gives the listeners an idea of what a trauma unit is like with multiple victims of gun violence arriving throughout a shift. They further discuss what coping mechanisms there are for families and the medical staff when dealing with gun violence on a daily basis. One of the more powerful sections of this episode is when Dr. Scantling describes what it is like to give a family member news they would never want to hear about their loved ones. 

This episode is dedicated to the sixteen year old young boy who is still fighting for his life after being a victim of gun violence in November 2020. Along with the 18th District Police Officer who scooped him that November evening and the Level 1 Trauma medical team who saved his life that fateful night. 

In the second episode of Aftermath Philadelphia, Captain Gillespie talks with Captain Scott Drissel of the 12th District and their boss Inspector Derrick Wood, Commanding Officer of Southwest Police Division. They discuss the trauma that both officers and residents face when dealing with gun violence on a daily basis, along with holistic approaches to lowering violent crime. Their conversation highlights successful programs initiated by police officers which includes; a basketball and boxing clinic, a GED program, and mentoring programs for the youth. While also discussing the importance of investment in the communities that they serve. Finally, they review the value in getting involved in your community and how involvement can be a catalysts for change.  

Episode #7 is with new home owners Amy & Mitch from @phillyfixerupper (Instagram). Listen in as they discuss the challenges and excitement in buy a home that is 150 + years old, fixing it and learning as they go. We dive into why they bought in Manayunk, what makes that area special and yes the parking can be kinda hard. Row home living is a staple in Philly, Amy & Mitch help describe what makes living in a row home so interesting. There really is nothing like taking on the challenge of rehabbing an older home and documenting the journey through Instagram. We also touch on the power of using social media as a positive force to influence others in a positive way. Follow Amy & Mitch on Instagram @phillyfixerupper and listen to their story in this episode. 

In episode #6 of Philly Unheard host Matt Gillespie speaks with Frankford High School Varsity Football Coach Bill Sytsma. Frankford High School is one of the many Philadelphia Public Schools dealing with the cancellation of all fall season athletics. This episode dives deep into the role Coach Sytsma plays for many of his players both on and off the field. We discuss the increase in gun violence in the City of Philadelphia and what coaches are doing about it to keep their players safe. Coach Sytsma even describes his own experience with losing two players two gun violence and what he does daily to keep his players safe from this epidemic. You will see that coaching is not a seasonal job that ends after practice. Learn how his experience coaching, teaching and leading these young men at Frankford High School has changed is view on what a coach should be. 

Episode #5 kicks off with our interview of the one and only Marla Oliver aka PHD Diva. Marla discusses her life living in West Philly for the past several decades including her role as a neighborhood block Captain and activists. She helps our listeners learn what West Philly looked like in the past, it's current challenges, and what amazing people, stores and atmosphere it has now. In this episode we dig deep into real struggles such as the recent gun violence issues plaguing Philadelphia, and the addiction issue so many suffer from. Tune in and listen to one of the most dedicated, enthusiastic and positive people the City of Brotherly Love has!

Episode #4 kicks off with our interview of Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Matthew Kittner of Penn State Abington. In this interview we discuss a range of topics which include the X and O's of the game, and what it takes to be a student athlete on the college level.  Coach Kittner describes his own journey from a high school basketball player to an assistant coach on an up and coming college team. Coaches are much more than just people who run drills or call out plays, and in this episode we dive deeper into his role as a mentor to his players, along with discussing the Social Justice Movement which is sweeping across the country. One thing we did not resolve in this episode is who has the better basketball talent, Philly or North Jersey. 

Our third episode kicks off our monthly Philly sports topic. In this episode we discuss the Philadelphia 76ers and who should be playing, who should the 76ers should be paying and who should be traded. Listen was we analyze former first round NBA draft pick Zhaire Smith and how at this time he just has not worked out for the 76ers. Learn as we discuss how 2016 first round pick Furkan Korkmaz is trending in the right direction and how the 76ers need to lock him up in a long term deal before the 2021 season. This is the first in a series of monthly Philly sports topics. 

Episode #2 kicks off with our interview of HR Liz. She has been involved in hiring, managing and staffing for over fifteen years. Born and raised in Philly with a short stop in Chicago, HR Liz brings her unique experience in these fields to the Philly Unheard Pod Cast. Learn how hiring has changed in the COVID-19 times, along with the importance of resume preparation. Listen in with us as we appreciate HR Liz and those in her field who do the behind scenes work of ensuring people find the jobs they need and want. She also makes some really good brownies. 

Our first podcast kicks off with with two special guest. Listen how two young men grew up in the same West Philly neighborhood but didn't know of each other until a career path connected them. I interview singer, content creator, and law enforcement officer Nuri Ali along with his good friend Mr. Justin Harris. Mr. Harris served his country in the Army, and now serves with Nuri Ali as police officers in the West Philly neighborhood they grew up in. Learn how a singing program they developed as police officers was reported on BBC and CNN, all showing the positive side of West Philadelphia.