Children and young people dealing with grief, addiction, and other challenges often face an overwhelming mix of emotions, including confusion, fear, and isolation. Without proper support, these experiences can deeply affect their mental health, relationships, and development. Access to compassionate resources is vital for building resilience and fostering healing. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Behm, Assistant Director of the Eluna Resource Center, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families navigating these difficult journeys. Sarah shares insights into Eluna's mission, the resources they offer, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for those in need. Connect with Eluna:  
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Website: https://elunanetwork.org/eluna-resource-center/

• Facebook: facebook.com/elunanetwork
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@elunanetwork
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/elunanetwork
• YouTube: youtube.com/c/elunanetwork

Guillermo Santos is a human rights advocate, poet and author originally from  Kensington in Philadelphia. He shares his story through his literary work. Connect with Guillermo Santos:
🌐 Website: guillermoasantos.com
📱 Instagram: @guillermoasantos

Guillermo Santos is a human rights advocate, poet and author originally from  Kensington in Philadelphia. He shares his story through his literary work. Connect with Guillermo Santos:
🌐 Website: guillermoasantos.com
📱 Instagram: @guillermoasantos

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati conducts an inspiring conversation with award-winning author and illustrator Gordon C. James and talented author Quartez Harris .They share their creative journeys and the storytelling behind Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became an Author. Discover how they bring Baldwin’s legacy to life for a new generation. Connect with the authors:

Connect with the authors:

• Gordon C. James:
  • Website: gordoncjames.com
  • Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
  • Facebook: Gordon C. James Fine Art and Illustration
• Quartez Harris:
  • Website: quartezharris.com
  • Instagram: @quartezh
  • Twitter: @QuartezHarris1
  • Facebook: Quartez Harris

Vanesse also speaks with iHeartMedia Philadephia VP of Sales Marie Tolson for her monthly feature "What is Philadelphia Reading?"

We re-air an interview originally broadcast in August of 2024.

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gaynor was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation. Here is a link to a follow up interview with Inquirer Reporter Barbara Laker who wrote a powerful six part series about evidence that Gaynor was not at the scene of Marcus Yates murder and the family's efforts to work for Gaynor's release.  

• The Wrong Man – The Philadelphia Inquirer Series

We re-air an interview originally broadcast in August of 2024.

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gaynor was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation. Here is a link to a follow up interview with Inquirer Reporter Barbara Laker who wrote a powerful six part series about evidence that Gaynor was not at the scene of Marcus Yates murder and the family's efforts to work for Gaynor's release.  

• The Wrong Man – The Philadelphia Inquirer Series

In this episode, we revisit an inspiring conversation with poet Lenore (Leni) Uddyback Fortson, author of Fresh Courage to Believe. Join us as we explore the themes of resilience, hope, and empowerment in her latest work. Learn more about Leni and her poetry here: Amazon Author Page.

In August 2024, I aired an interview with the Yates family—Rochelle Yates Whittington and her sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates—who tragically lost 5-year-old Marcus Yates in a 1988 shooting that shocked Philadelphia. Over 35 years later, in a journey of healing and reconciliation, the family sought to speak with the two men sentenced to life for Marcus's murder, Michael Gaynor and Ike Johnson. Through this process, they came to believe that Michael Gaynor was innocent and not even present when the crime occurred. The family is now dedicated to seeking justice and overturning what they believe to be a wrongful conviction. Recently, journalist Barbara Laker investigated the case and published a six-part series uncovering police misconduct and other evidence supporting the claim of a miscarriage of justice. In this episode, I speak with Barbara Laker about her investigative series, The Wrong Man, and delve deeper into this decades-long fight for justice. Links:

• The Wrong Man – The Philadelphia Inquirer Series

  Here’s a link to my original interview with the Yates Family

• What's Going On: Marcus Yates - a Journey of Healing, Reconciliation and Justice

In August 2024, I aired an interview with the Yates family—Rochelle Yates Whittington and her sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates—who tragically lost 5-year-old Marcus Yates in a 1988 shooting that shocked Philadelphia. Over 35 years later, in a journey of healing and reconciliation, the family sought to speak with the two men sentenced to life for Marcus's murder, Michael Gaynor and Ike Johnson. Through this process, they came to believe that Michael Gaynor was innocent and not even present when the crime occurred. The family is now dedicated to seeking justice and overturning what they believe to be a wrongful conviction. Recently, journalist Barbara Laker investigated the case and published a six-part series uncovering police misconduct and other evidence supporting the claim of a miscarriage of justice. In this episode, I speak with Barbara Laker about her investigative series, The Wrong Man, and delve deeper into this decades-long fight for justice. Links:

• The Wrong Man – The Philadelphia Inquirer Series

  Here’s a link to my original interview with the Yates Family.

• Insight Pt. 2: Marcus Yates - a Journey of Healing, Reconciliation and Justice

I recently had the privilege of speaking with a group of middle school young men, each dressed impeccably in suits and ties. They are members of a remarkable mentoring program called Distinguished Young Gentlemen, which focuses on teaching courtesy, life lessons, and so much more. Their commitment to personal growth and excellence is truly inspiring.
Distinguished Young Gentlemen