Barbara Mujica is an acclaimed author of "Miss Del Río", a novel that brings to life the story of Dolores del Río, Hollywood’s first major Latina star. The book highlights not just her rise to fame but also the challenges she faced navigating a predominantly white Hollywood, making it a timely discussion on representation, cultural impact, and pioneering women in entertainment.

Barbara joins the show to talk about the legacy of Dolores del Río, her novel, Miss del Río, and the various obstacles Delores had to face as a Latina actress in Hollywood.

Jerrell Gibbs is a Baltimore-based artist who examines American life through paintings drawn from childhood memories and family archives. Using everyday settings and children as protagonists, he reveals shared humanity, joy, and beauty in the mundane. Gibbs earned an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art; his work is featured in the permanent collections of the Brandywine Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Columbus Museum of Art, Los Angeles Museum of Art, CC Foundation, and the X Museum Beijing.

At the Brandywine Museum of Art, Jerrell he be showcasing his first solo exhibition, “Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade”. This exhibit will survey the first decade of Jerrell’s career as a Baltimore artist. This is also the Museum’s first solo presentation of an emerging contemporary artist. The exhibition will feature 30 paintings drawn from both museum and private collections throughout the United States and Europe, and it will be on view at the Brandywine from September 28, 2025, through March 1, 2026.

Jerrell joins the show to talk about his exhibit, how his art challenges the invisibility of Black life in American Art, and how his art depicts everyday family events.

Courtney DuChene is the Senior Writer at The Philadelphia Citizen, a news outlet that emphasizes solutions in our government, school system, environment, businesses and more to make Philadelphia a better city.

She joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Citizen WURD segment to discuss her recent article regarding the Bryn Mawr LifeCycle Birthing Center.

Article link: https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2025/12/10/lifecycle-birth-center-closing/

Senzwa Ntshepe is the CEO of The Connect, which creates city ecosystems where Black and Brown Professionals thrive.

Sulaiman Rahman is the CEO of DiverseForce and P4 Hub, a strategic human capital solutions firm that specializes in cultivating diverse leadership pipelines and inclusive ecosystems across all sectors.

They joined Dr. Peterson to discuss The Connect and DiverseForce’s new partnership to strengthen Philadelphia’s Black professional ecosystem and expand leadership opportunities across the city.

Author Dr. Rajesh Oza, and Third World Press editor, Gwendolyn Mitchell joined Dr. Peterson to discuss “Double Play on the Red Line”, its historic perspective of the Chicago Cubs’ first black rookie arrested the night before his big league debut, and the fictional story of injustice, alliance and hope.

Dr. Monika Shealey, Temple University’s Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, is mission-driven and committed to collaborative community uplifting. She is proud to work at CEHD at Temple University because of the college's mission and commitment to excellence in education within an urban context.

Dean Shealey is the first female dean in history of the College of Education and Human Development, and her research interests include examining the intersection of urban and special education, experiences of traditionally marginalized groups in teacher and special education, and leadership in teacher education.

She joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Tuesday teach-in segment to discuss the College of Education and Human Development’s signature programs from this past semester, and the college’s most recent partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

Janet M. Taylor joins the show. She is the host of the "Got Clutter? Get Organized!" Podcast and Professional Life Organizer. Janet helps us get ready for the new year by prepping with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Treshonda Baucom is the owner of Enriched Life & Counseling: a mental health resource for children, teens, individual adults and couples. Enriched Life & Consulting specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress management, life transitions, mindfulness, and more.

Dr. Baucom joins the show to talk about “holiday depression” — and equip people with healthy ways to cope.

Jos Duncan Asé is the Founder, Executive Producer & Publisher with Love Now Media, an empathy-centered media company that uses storytelling to amplify acts of love at the intersection of social justice, wellness, and equity.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage has awarded more than $192 million to regional organizations and artists in the last four decades. These grants support timely and compelling new projects, long-term stability, and individual artists with $85,000 no-strings-attached grants. Recently, they have received $8.6 million in grants. Jos is one of the Pew Fellows who will be awarded some of this grant funding.

Jos joins the show to talk about the new funding The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage received, how it affects the arts and culture scene in Philadelphia, and how it affects her as a filmmaker.

Zulene Mayfield is the Co-Founder of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living. She joins the show to talk about Philadelphia’s “Stop Trashing Our Air Act,” why the bill wasn’t heard in this week’s City Council session, and how the continued delay directly impacts Chester residents. She broke down the political hold-up, the environmental risks, and what community members can do next.