WURD Radio

Tom Lutz is the author of many books on literature and culture, as well as several books of travel writing and two novels. Lutz is the author of the book, “1925”, which explores the cultural shifts of a single year: the literary innovation, breakthroughs in visual art and music, and key political events which shaped and were shaped by the era's artistic trends.

Tom joins the show to further discuss the context of his book, “1925”, and the overall significance of that year from a literature and arts perspective.

Lawyer and critical race theorist Dr. Tim Golden joins the show. President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold money from a stadium deal for the Washington Commanders if they don’t change their name back to the Redskins.

Stephen Colbert is canceled, NPR’s defunded, and the Wall Street Journal’s being sued. With the ongoing attack on the media, Michael Days, of the National Association of Black Journalists, joins us to talk about it

Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and accomplished social entrepreneur, recognized as a 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow.

Satori joins the show to talk about her latest film: “Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale”. This is a solo stand-up story telling concert where Satori details her trials, triumphs, and unexpected revelations of her 12-year journey through menopause—a life-altering transformation that reshaped her identity as a woman, mother, artist, and human being.

Louis Messiah is the founder of Scribe Video Center: a non-profit media arts center founded in 1982, with a focus on participatory community filmmaking. Michiko Quinones is the Co-Founder and Director of Public History & Education of 1838 Black Metropolis: an organization that refers to the activities of the Black population of the Greater Philadelphia area from 1800-1880. Morgan Lloyd is the Programming Coordinator for AAMP (African American History Museum in Philadelphia.

They all join the show to talk about the importance, significance, and details of the North Philadelphia History Festival that will be taking place from July 24th to July 27th.

Tyler Fowler is a Southeast PA Organizer with Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light. Tyler joins the program to talk about the Sacred Grounds program. This effort is transforming faith-based spaces across West and Southwest Philadelphia by building pollinator gardens that support wildlife, improve water quality, and foster community connection. It’s about greening sacred spaces while deepening neighborhood ties and environmental stewardship.

Liz Lankenau is Philadelphia’s Director of Sustainability. She joins the program to talk about the city’s Climate Action Update. Liz highlighted the reduction of carbon emissions, LED upgrades to streetlights, and the implementation of EV power projects. Philadelphia is working to build a greener, more climate-resilient future. She broke down what this means for everyday residents, and how neighborhoods are helping shape the city’s path forward, even with the loss of funding.

Sheriff Rochelle Bilal joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey on Wake Up With WURD to discuss the role and importance of the Sheriff's office, and more.

Jamilah Lemieux is a renowned cultural critic and writer with a focus on issues of race, gender and parenting. She is a leading millennial feminist thinker, influencer, and game-changing media maverick. She joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the “Care & Feeding” column & podcast, her Mom and Dad Are Fighting podcast, and first book — “Black.Single.Mother” being released in March of next year.

Ernest Owens is an award winning journalist, author, podcast host, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and “Brother of the Year” award winner. He joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the fraternity’s 2025 convention here in Philadelphia this week.