On today’s episode, we’re joined by Philadelphia Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who is leading a critical new initiative to combat human trafficking across the city. Her proposed legislation—developed in partnership with the Red Card Philly campaigns call for a multilingual, citywide public-education effort featuring posters, PSAs, social media messaging, and outreach in transportation hubs and other high-traffic areas. With a proposed $500,000 investment, the goal is to equip residents, workers, and visitors with the tools to recognize the signs of human trafficking, report concerns safely and support the protection of vulnerable individuals. Councilmember Ahmad discusses why this initiative is urgently needed, how language accessibility strengthens the campaign’s reach, and the key community and advocacy partners helping to drive this work. Listeners will also learn practical ways to stay informed, report suspected trafficking and engage in anti-trafficking efforts in their own neighborhoods.

🌐 Official City Council Profile:
https://phlcouncil.com/ninaahmad
 📸 Instagram (Official Council Account):
@cmninaahmad
📲 General Contact (Office):
📞 215-686-3450
Human Trafficking Hotlines
📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
📞 Salvation Army Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Hotline: 267-838-5866    

We bring you VLS Journeys, the monthly literary and cultural spotlight on Insight, hosted by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati. Once a month, we explore the journeys of authors, thinkers, and creators shaping our world through story and scholarship. Today, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz — award-winning author, educator, and producer. Dr. Shabazz has written five acclaimed historical novels, served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning documentary Prince Among Slaves, and is currently producing a television series based on her latest book, The Awakening of Malcolm X, with Sony Pictures Television and Tri-Star. She also has a new book coming in 2026 with Legacy Lit at Hachette Book Group. We’ve invited her today to talk about a deeply meaningful upcoming event — a one-night-only celebration at Symphony Space in New York, honoring the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth.
On December 11, Symphony Space presents Malcolm X Centenary: A Celebration, led by journalist Jelani Cobb, featuring readings by Emmy Award–winning actor Joe Morton, and a dialogue with Pulitzer Prize winners Nikole Hannah-Jones and James Ijames, alongside Dr. Shabazz. The evening also celebrates the release of the newly updated edition of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Event Information:
🎟 Tickets & Details: https://www.symphonyspace.org/events/autobiography-malcolm-x-jelani-cobb
📅 Date: December 11
📍 Location: Symphony Space, New York City
You can connect with Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz at:
🌐 Website: www.ilyasahshabazz.com
📲 Socials: @ilyasahshabazz (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook)  

And later in today’s segment, for “What Is Philadelphia Reading”, we hear from Carla Clarkson, owner of The Link Hair Studio and founder of HoneyBlowout — a brand committed to healthy hair, confidence, and empowerment.
Find her at:
🌐 The Link Hair Studio: www.thelinkhairstudio.com
🌐 HoneyBlowout: www.honeyblowout.com
📲 Socials:
– Instagram: @thelinkhairstudio | @honeyblowout
– Facebook: The Link Hair Studio / HoneyBlowout  

Today we’re joined by Dr. Alycia Marshall, the newly appointed seventh president of Community College of Philadelphia. A mathematician, educator, and nationally respected community college leader, Dr. Marshall previously served as CCP’s provost and interim president. She steps into this role with a clear vision for expanding access, strengthening student success, and deepening the College’s impact across the city. Under her leadership, CCP continues to be a powerful engine of opportunity, workforce development, and economic mobility for Philadelphia’s diverse learners.
🌐 Community College of Philadelphia
Website: www.ccp.edu
Social Media: @CCPedu (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)

Today we’re joined by Dr. Alycia Marshall, the newly appointed seventh president of Community College of Philadelphia. A mathematician, educator, and nationally respected community college leader, Dr. Marshall previously served as CCP’s provost and interim president. She steps into this role with a clear vision for expanding access, strengthening student success, and deepening the College’s impact across the city. Under her leadership, CCP continues to be a powerful engine of opportunity, workforce development, and economic mobility for Philadelphia’s diverse learners.
🌐 Community College of Philadelphia
Website: www.ccp.edu
Social Media: @CCPedu (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube)

The Affordable Care Act’s tax credits have made dependable health coverage possible for millions of families, seniors, patients, and small business owners. But those vital subsidies are set to expire unless Congress acts in the coming weeks. Today is Katie Berge, Senior Director of Federal Affairs at Blood Cancer United — formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — the largest global nonprofit supporting blood cancer patients through research, patient services, and strong federal advocacy. Katie also works closely with Keep Americans Covered, a national coalition fighting to preserve the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits to ensure coverage remains affordable for millions. She’s here to break down what’s at stake, who will be affected, and why this moment is so critical.
🌐 Learn More:
Keep Americans Covered — www.americanscovered.org
Blood Cancer United — www.bloodcancerunited.org
📱 BloodCancerU on X | @BloodCancerUnited on Instagram & Facebook

The holidays are right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift can be a challenge — but Fine Wine & Good Spirits makes it easy to surprise and delight everyone on your list. Joining us is  Russell Johnson, Wine Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits, to share smart and festive gift ideas for wine and spirit lovers this season.

🌐 Fine Wine & Good Spirits — Website & Socials Website: www.finewineandgoodspirits.com
Social Media: @PAWineSpirits (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, YouTube)
Please drink responsibly.

Philanthropy takes many forms, but when communities unite, the impact multiplies. That's the driving force behind Philly Gives, a collaborative initiative led by the Philadelphia Foundation, in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and William Penn Foundation, to support ten essential nonprofits serving Greater Philadelphia. Joining us is Heather Huot (Hewett), Secretary & Executive Vice President of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, one of this year’s grantees, to discuss how this support extends vital services to individuals and families across the region. 🌐 Philly Gives — Website & Socials Website: www.phillygives.org
Social Media: @PhilaFound (Philadelphia Foundation)
Hashtag: #PhillyGives  

As temperatures drop, the risk of home fires rises — especially in communities where space heaters, extension cords, and older heating systems are part of everyday life. Ensuring families stay safe is a year-round mission for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and this season they’re teaming up with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey through the United We Prepare initiative to bring fire-safety education and resources directly to residents. Joining us is Lisa A. Desamour, Fire Safety Compliance Manager for the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), to discuss the most common fire risks during the colder months, what families can do right now to prevent fires, and how PHA’s partnership with United Way is helping communities prepare, stay informed, and stay safe. Isa also shares practical safety tips, new initiatives rolling out this winter, and how residents can access free workshops and resources.

🌐 Resources, Website & Social Media Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Website: https://www.pha.phila.gov
Facebook: @PhilaHousingAuthority
X/Twitter: @PhilaHousing
Instagram: @philahousingauthority
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)
Website: https://unitedforimpact.org
Facebook: @UnitedForImpact

The holidays are right around the corner, and finding the perfect gift can be a challenge — but Fine Wine & Good Spirits makes it easy to surprise and delight everyone on your list. Joining us is, Russell Johnson, Wine Specialist at Fine Wine & Good Spirits, to share smart and festive gift ideas for wine and spirit lovers this season.


🌐 Fine Wine & Good Spirits — Website & Socials Website: www.finewineandgoodspirits.com
Social Media: @PAWineSpirits (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, YouTube)
Please drink responsibly.

Philanthropy takes many forms, but when communities unite, the impact multiplies. That's the driving force behind Philly Gives, a collaborative initiative led by the Philadelphia Foundation, in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and William Penn Foundation, to support ten essential nonprofits serving Greater Philadelphia. Joining us is Heather Huot (Hewett), Secretary & Executive Vice President of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, one of this year’s grantees, to discuss how this support extends vital services to individuals and families across the region.
🌐 Philly Gives — Website & Socials Website: www.phillygives.org
Social Media: @PhilaFound (Philadelphia Foundation)
Hashtag: #PhillyGives

In today’s world, internet access is as essential as electricity — yet too many families still find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. Bridging that gap is why partnerships like this one are so vital. Comcast has unveiled its newest Flagship Lift Zone in collaboration with OIC Philadelphia at 1231 North Broad Street — a space designed to expand digital access, job training, and workforce readiness. Backed by more than $1 million in investment, the project continues Comcast’s nationwide Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to connect communities and create a future of Unlimited Possibilities. Joining us to discuss how this collaboration is transforming lives through technology and skill-building are Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of External and Government Affairs at Comcast, and Drew Bergman, Chief Advancement Officer for OIC Philadelphia.

🌐 Comcast Project UP & OIC Philadelphia — Website & Socials Comcast Project UP / Lift Zones: https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up
OIC Philadelphia: oicphila.org

As temperatures drop, the risk of home fires rises — especially in communities where space heaters, extension cords, and older heating systems are part of everyday life. Ensuring families stay safe is a year-round mission for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and this season they’re teaming up with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey through the United We Prepare initiative to bring fire-safety education and resources directly to residents. Joining us is Lisa A. Desamour, Fire Safety Compliance Manager for the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), to discuss the most common fire risks during the colder months, what families can do right now to prevent fires, and how PHA’s partnership with United Way is helping communities prepare, stay informed, and stay safe. Isa also shares practical safety tips, new initiatives rolling out this winter, and how residents can access free workshops and resources.

🌐 Resources, Website & Social Media Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Website: https://www.pha.phila.gov
Facebook: @PhilaHousingAuthority
X/Twitter: @PhilaHousing
Instagram: @philahousingauthority
Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)
Website: https://unitedforimpact.org
Facebook: @UnitedForImpact

Each November, Gift of Life Donor Sabbath brings together faith leaders from diverse traditions to share a vital message: organ and tissue donation is an act of love, compassion, and charity. All major religions in the United States support donation as a selfless gift that saves lives.   Joining us for this inspiring conversation are:  Imam Dr. Raymond Brock-Murray, Masjid Baitul Nasr Pastor Charles Leonard, Saint Mark’s Church Rabbi Michael Singer, Congregation Brith Sholom Cynthia Slater, donor mother and advocate Yvette Mason, two-time liver recipient   Together, they explore how faith traditions uplift the lifesaving mission of donation, how spiritual leaders guide families through difficult decisions, and why communities of color — especially those disproportionately affected — benefit deeply from trusted faith voices championing this cause.  

As always, we close with an invitation to take action: During Donor Sabbath this November, have the conversation with your loved ones and consider registering as an organ donor at donors1.org. Through collective compassion and courage, we can offer hope, healing, and the gift of life.  

 Gift of Life Donor Program / Donor Sabbath Website: www.donors1.org — “Gift of Life Donor Sabbath” page. Gift of Life Donor Sabbath
Facebook: Gift of Life Donor Program – FB page Facebook+1
Instagram: @donors1