Bridging Philly

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 classical to hosting icons like The Roots.

This week on Shara in the City, we're in West Philly at Babashi, a food pantry that's tackling the food crisis with a revolutionary model. We get a tour of their "pantry of choice"—a market where clients grab a cart and shop with points for fresh meat, produce, and milk—a system designed to provide radical customer service and a dignified experience in a time of overwhelming need.

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 implicit biases that lead to life-threatening inequities in neonatal care.

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 to play in community service.

This week on Shara in the City a discussion on Calder Gardens, a space dedicated to the work of artist Alexander Calder, which aims to inspire curiosity and contemplation through art and architecture.

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 | Virtua Health Cancer Program⁠ and two reconstruction patients to hear all the options available, how procedures like implants and DIEP flap reconstruction work, what recovery looks like, and more.

This episode was originally released on October 26, 2024.

Shayna 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 show

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.

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 Therapy and founder of Phun Phit Pham, provides essential advice on postpartum recovery, pelvic floor health, and bonding with your baby.

And on Shara in the City, we head to Inner Circle Midwifery in Wynnewood, where we meet one of the only Black certified professional midwives in the area to discuss the benefits of expectant mothers having midwives and doulas by their sides.

Whether you're expecting, a new parent, or just love a heartwarming surprise, this episode is for you. Tune in for a dose of community, real talk, and celebration!

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 Williams talks with Tahirah along with her physician, Dr. Safiyya Shabazz. 

Learn more about how to find and support Black physicians in the Philadelphia area from ⁠The Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania⁠.

Then, on Shara in the City, we’re treating ourselves to a little something sweet at Reading Terminal Market. Shara Dae Howard visits ⁠Sweet Nina’s⁠ to learn about the local business and taste their wide array of banana pudding flavors.

The sickle cell interview was originally released on May 18, 2024.

Shara in the City at Sweet Nina’s was originally released on August 2, 2025.

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 candidates can succeed.

Then, on Shara in the City, get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at the gorgeous Fairmount Water Works! The Philly-based dance group Naked Stark is putting on an immersive performance inside a historic, empty swimming pool that has been closed to the public for decades. Shara Dae Howard joins dancer Chloe Marie for a journey into this "secret clubhouse,". The group will transform the pool into a stage, combining movement, history, and the unique, echoing acoustics of the incredible location.

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 Center is hosting a ⁠screening of “Facing the Wind” on September 18⁠.

Listen to Linda’s podcast, ⁠“Lewy Body Roller Coaster”, here⁠.

Then, on Shara in the City, Marsha’s - Philly’s first queer women’s sports bar - is set to open on South Street on September 19. Shara Dae Howard visits with the owner to hear about her inspiration for the bar and what’s to come.

The Lewy body dementia interview was originally released on July 12, 2025.