Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to respond to the Trump Administration’s deployment of the National Guard in Democratic-led cities, many governed by Black mayors. Krasner argued such actions are unconstitutional without a legitimate emergency, warned of the risk of authoritarian overreach, and shared what Philadelphians can do to protect their communities should troops come to the city.

Dr. Starletta DuPois, acclaimed actress of stage, film, and television, joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to reflect on her decades-long career, spanning more than 90 film and TV projects including The Notebook and Waiting to Exhale. She also discussed her latest role in One Battle After Another, where she stars alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti.

Michael Coard, attorney and founder of Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, joined Evening WURDs to discuss efforts to protect Black history at Philadelphia’s President’s House. He raised concerns about a Trump Administration executive order, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which threatens the site honoring the enslaved Africans once held by George Washington.

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Trymaine Lee, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to discuss his new book A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America. Lee spoke about the history of African Americans and guns, his reporting on the gun industry, and his own lived experience—including surviving a heart attack at 38, which forced him to confront the deep toll of racism, violence, and generational trauma.

Dr. Tim Golden, lawyer and philosophy professor, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss the murder of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. He considered whether politics played a role in the tragedy and reflected on what the aftermath could mean for Black communities.

Taylor Frazier McCollum, environmental advocate, joined ecoWURD Magazine with P.O.C. to examine the proposed $5 billion data center campus in Landover, Md. While the project promises jobs and tax revenue, it also raises serious concerns about energy use, water demand, and higher utility costs for residents.Listen on-demand: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠RSS⁠⁠⁠

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Herb Murrell, Philadelphia native, founding member, and longtime vocalist of The Stylistics, joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to preview the group’s upcoming performance. He reflected on The Stylistics’ legacy, their chart-topping classics like “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “Betcha by Golly, Wow”, and their impact on Philadelphia’s music scene.

Gregory Jackson, former Biden administration official and national policy strategist in gun violence prevention and racial equity, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to discuss his recent comments in The New York Times about President Trump’s use of race-baiting rhetoric and the harmful demonization of communities of color.

Kymone Freeman, founder of We Act Radio, joined ecoWURD Magazine with P.O.C. to analyze President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. — a move critics say disproportionately targets Black neighborhoods under the banner of public safety.

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Richard Lawson, actor best known for roles in Dirty Harry, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Grey’s Anatomy and more, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black. He also reflected on his 50-year career and the ways Perry has supported Black media professionals in Hollywood.

Angela Matthews, investment strategist and founder of the Happy Investor Method, joined Soulful Sunrise with Karen Taylor Bass to address the investment gap between Black men and women. She shared her personal journey into investing and offered insight into what it takes to build long-term financial success.

Adam Mahoney, climate and environment reporter at Capital B News, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to discuss his five-part series marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina. He explored how the storm reshaped New Orleans, displaced thousands of Black residents, and revealed the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on Black communities.

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Luenell, the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy” and one of LA Magazine’s top 25 funniest people in Los Angeles, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson for a candid and hilarious conversation. She talked about the comedians who inspired her, life on the road touring city to city, and her thoughts on the next wave of up-and-coming women in comedy.

Vanessa German, nationally acclaimed artist, speaker, and sculptor, joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to preview her first Philly-area solo show at Rowan University, Breathe from the Diaphragm: our eyes are in our lungs. She reflected on how her art offers a sense of rest and renewal in the midst of social volatility and injustice.

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Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to weigh in on the federal takeover of the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Krasner discussed whether a similar intervention could occur in Philadelphia and explained the state laws that shape how such actions can be applied.

Gia Peppers, award-winning journalist and producer, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to talk about her podcast Healed Girl Era, a space for women navigating their healing journeys. She also explored the long history of Black vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard and shared insights on the recent federal takeover of law enforcement in Washington, DC.

Future Cain, CEO of Future of SEL and an expert in social-emotional leadership and workplace wellness, joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to talk about mental health challenges in high-pressure industries. She highlighted why managers need training to respond to employee mental health concerns and shared examples of companies that are integrating wellness into their workplace culture.

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John Graham, founder and CEO of Upfront Marital Technologies, joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss the state of Black marriage and the historical forces that have strained Black relationships over generations. He spoke about the structural barriers couples face, the role strong families play in building thriving communities, and how he hopes his app Upfront — a platform designed to help Black professionals heal before they date — will support lasting love and resilience.

Trinitee Stokes—19-year-old author, singer, actor, and songwriter best known for her role as Judy Cooper on Disney’s K.C. Undercover—joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to talk about navigating multiple career paths, starting college at age 15, and what’s next in her artistic journey.

Reginald Streater, president of the Philadelphia Board of Education, joined Wake Up With WURD to outline the district’s facilities planning process aimed at assessing and improving school buildings. He also explained how families and community members can provide input and make their voices heard.

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SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to explain the public transit agency’s ongoing structural budget deficit and what it means for Philadelphia commuters. He outlined the potential for widespread service cuts and fare hikes if lawmakers don’t reach a budget agreement by August 24.

Justin Hunte, journalist and media critic, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to break down the return of hip-hop duo Clipse and their new album Let God Sort Them Out. Hunte and Peterson also explored recent ad campaigns by American Eagle and Dunkin’ Donuts, raising critical questions about their ties to eugenics-era messaging and the broader cultural implications.

Dr. Joy’El Ballard, board-certified OBGYN and women’s health advocate, joined Soulful Sunrise with Karen Taylor Bass to raise awareness during Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month. She shared how to recognize fibroid symptoms and discussed why Black women are disproportionately affected by this common but often overlooked condition.

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Film critic Tim Gordon joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to reflect on the career and cultural impact of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Gordon discussed Warner’s legacy within the Black community and how his role on The Cosby Show shaped his identity as “America’s son.”

Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett, former chief diversity and equity officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to discuss her book The Diversity Illusion. She shared insights on how diversity initiatives have been diluted in government and corporate spaces—and why DEI remains essential for organizational success.

Dr. David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition and host of the Teach the Babies podcast, spoke about the urgent need for more Black male educators in U.S. schools. He also discussed strategies to increase their representation and his work leading The State of the People POWER Tour, which focuses on civic engagement and strengthening democracy in marginalized communities.

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Congresswoman Summer Lee—the first Black woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania—joined Wake Up With WURD guest hosts James Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to break down the new student loan law, the lack of federal aid, and how it could impact Black students and families.

PA State Rep. Andre Carroll talks with Evening WURDs guest host P.O.C. about House Bill 1506, which would make it easier for incarcerated individuals to stay in touch with their loved ones through more affordable and accessible phone services.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison appeared on Wake Up With WURD to discuss his legal battles against executive actions he described as unconstitutional and shares his historical perspective on civil rights struggles past and present.