Bridging Philly

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 of AI, with an economic crisis brewing? Racquel Williams talks with Rob D'Ovidio, a Drexel professor who specializes in the intersection of crime and technology, along with Tamar Hoffman, an attorney in the Housing and Consumer Rights Unit at Community Legal Services, to find out what the most common scams are these days, how to spot them, and what to do if you accidentally fall for one.

Then, on Shara in the City, it’s time to finally tackle those home projects before the weather gets too cold. Shara Dae Howard gets a lesson in home repair from Beth at DIY HIP Chicks, who’s empowering women with the most important tools - knowledge and confidence.

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 experiences. Founder Marci Schankweiler joins Racquel Williams to talk about the power of respite and their new respite center, Pete’s Dream - a vision of Marci’s husband, Pete, who died of cancer 27 years ago this month.

Then, Shara Dae Howard checks in at VisionLink to hear about their latest efforts to help people with vision loss find independence and community, and to try out some of their new gadgets, like Meta AI glasses.

This episode originally aired on May 30, 2026.

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 mental, physical, and relational wellness. Racquel Wiliams talks with Rep. Curry, her Chief of Staff, Cintia Isles, and Rep. Curry’s daughter, Rowan, who inspired the start of this annual event.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit a space for kids started by 10-year-old author Kalie Mapp-Hayes. Shara Dae Howard sits in on a workshop at Kreate Your Kourage Foundation and hears from the youth themselves about how art is helping them work through their emotions.

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. This year’s eight finalists include a rapper, a comedian, and even a burlesque dancer. Racquel Williams talks with PJFM's program manager, Beth Becker, and a former finalist, Sarah Pasternak, about the contest and what it means to be "unapologetically Jewish”.

Then, we’re heading to Fairmount Water Works on Shara in the City. Shara Dae Howard learns all about how they help preserve Philadelphia’s aquatic ecosystems and checks out their new project where turtles get to soak up the sun.