Bridging Philly

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 featured at the book fair, Carole Boston Weatherford, about the importance of representation in children’s literature and the Philadelphia history being told in many of these books.

Then, Shara Dae Howard heads to Chestnut Hill’s Woodmere Museum, known for its outdoor opulence in art and architecture. She gets an up-close look at a new addition and finds out why the Woodmere creates an experience that’s unique from Philly’s other art museums.

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 destigmatizing breasts and how she works to get accurate information out to people who are searching for it online.

Then, Shara Dae Howard catches up with the founder of Stoop Pigeon, Philly’s soon-to-come women's sports hub. We hear about their plans and their partnership with Philadelphia Sisters, the organization founded by Alex Niedbalski-Sykes and her wife, comedian Wanda Sykes.

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 break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Shara Dae Howard meets the founder, Sister Mary Scullion, along with the current CEO, Donna Bullock, and takes a tour of one of their housing units in Fairmount.

The ACHIEVEability interview was originally released on March 1, 2025.

Shara in the City at Project HOME was originally released on August 23, 2025.

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 emotional challenges of filming at 19,000 feet, the logistics of a wheelchair ascent, and the profound realization that healing, much like the climb, is rarely a straight path.

Ever wonder where Philly’s creators go to build their big ideas? Shara Dae Howard heads to NextFab’s Fishtown studio to check out their massive inventory of high-tech tools. Whether it's jewelry making, electronics, or woodworking, discover how this collaborative hub is fueling the next generation of Philadelphia creatives.

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, we visit one of Fairmount Park’s oldest buildings - the ⁠Ohio House⁠, which dates back to the centennial World’s Fair in 1876. Shara Dae Howard takes a tour and learns about the building’s deep history.

The Philly Unknown Project interview was originally released on February 22, 2025.Shara in the City at the Ohio house was originally released on July 12, 2025.

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 men’s health.

Then, Shara Dae Howard takes us behind the locked doors of the historic, now-shuttered Wanamaker Building. With the merchandise gone, the Grand Court has transformed into a cathedral of sound. We get an exclusive tour with Grand Court Organist Peter Richard Conte to hear "Baby"—the world's largest fully functional musical instrument—roar to life in the empty department store.

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 health equity gap.

Then, Shara Dae takes a festive trip to Jenkintown for some local holiday shopping. We visit the stylish boutique "Dear Laney" and the sweet spot "Banana Nana Pudding," meeting the inspiring Black female entrepreneurs behind these unique community gems.

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 gap.

Plus, Shara heads to Germantown for a sneak peek at the Wissahickon Dance Academy’s unique, salsa-infused twist on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

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 Hummingbirds. Shara Dae Howard visits him in North Philly to hear about how he got to sing with the group that he admired for years.

The Lasagna Love interview was originally released on July 26, 2025. Shara in the City with Rev. Joe Williams was originally released on August 16, 2025.

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.