Patricia King, PECO Manager of Community Engagement, joins me to share important details about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—a federally funded initiative helping families cover winter heating costs. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants to those facing financial difficulties. Patricia explains how to apply, eligibility requirements, and how PECO supports families in need during the colder months.

Contact Information:
📞 PECO LIHEAP Hotline: 800-34-HELP-4
🌐 Website: peco.com/LIHEAP

Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law Group returns for our monthly SpeakOUT feature. This week, Angela discusses the ongoing efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and examines the broader implications of rolling back DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies—particularly in awarding contracts. These changes stand to impact not only LGBTQ+ businesses but also women- and veteran-owned enterprises. Philly Gay Lawyer | Giampolo Law Group  

Record Clearing Clinic
The Office of Reentry Partnership and Uplift Solutions are hosting a Record Clearing Clinic on Friday, December 20th, at the ORP Hunting Park Neighborhood Resource Center, located at 2221 W. Venango St., Suite 101, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this event, held in partnership with State Senator Sharif Street, State Representative Darish Parker, and Councilmember Cindy Bass.
I speak with Senator Street about this initiative, offering free record reviews for individuals with criminal records in Philadelphia. For more information:
📞 Call: 215-331-1545
📧 Email: desmond.mckinson@phila.gov

LIHEAP: Support for Winter Heating Bills
Patricia King, PECO Manager of Community Engagement, joins me to share important details about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—a federally funded initiative helping families cover winter heating costs. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants to those facing financial difficulties. Patricia explains how to apply, eligibility requirements, and how PECO supports families in need during the colder months. Contact Information:
📞 PECO LIHEAP Hotline: 800-34-HELP-4
🌐 Website: peco.com/LIHEAP

Breaking Barriers with Jarret Janako
Jarret Janako is redefining success as the youngest Black entrepreneur to own multiple UPS Stores in the Philadelphia area. Transitioning from a career in acting, Jarret embraced entrepreneurship during the pandemic and is now celebrating the grand opening of his second location at 1300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. Balancing his thriving business ventures with his acting career, Jarret shares how he addresses challenges like package theft, uplifts his community, and continues to inspire others with his journey. Connect with Jarret Janako:
🌐 Website: Visit here
📱 Social Media:

• X (Twitter): @jarretjanako
• Instagram: @jarretjanako
• Facebook: Jarret Janako
• Threads: @jarretjanako
• TikTok: @jarretjanako
• LinkedIn: Jarret Barnett
  🎭 IMDB: Jarret Janako

The pandemic has brought increased awareness to the importance of mental health. I speak with Will Little, CEO of Personal Development Family and Sidewalk Therapy Life Coach, and CFO Shaheed Colen about the free mental wellness coaching they offer to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and find balance.

Connect with Will Little:
🌐 Website: willlatiflittle.com
📱 Instagram: @lifecoach_will

I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.  

I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.  

 With so many scams out there, it’s important to know the red flags that can keep you and your loved ones safe. In this episode, I sit down with U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark, who gives us an inside look at some of the most common scams, how they operate, and tips to avoid falling victim. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud and spot potential scammers before it’s too late. For more information, visit:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
FBI: Common Scams and Crimes    

Navigating the world as both Black and gay comes with unique challenges at the intersection of race and sexuality. I sit down with Jai the Gentleman, host of the Dear Black Gay Men Podcast and founder of the Banned Book Club. Together, we delve into the powerful ways he’s elevating conversations around visibility, acceptance, and equality  Connect with Jai the Gentleman:

• Website: dearblackgaymen.com
• YouTube: @dearblackgaymen
• X (Twitter): @dearblackgaymen
• Instagram: @dearblackgaymen
• Facebook: Dear Black Gay Men
• Threads: @dearblackgaymen
• TikTok: @dearblackgaymen
• LinkedIn: Jai the Gentlema

First,  I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.  

As housing costs continue to rise, the need for affordable, accessible homes is one of the most pressing challenges facing communities nationwide. Philadelphia Housing Authority President & CEO, Kelvin A. Jeremiah, shares details about a new partnership aimed at renovating 53 vacant and distressed homes in the rapidly changing Brewerytown neighborhood of North Philadelphia. These homes will be made affordable for low- and middle-income families, helping to create sustainable and inclusive communities.
Learn more at www.pha.phila.gov.

Where can you find trusted information about elections, the political process, and even how to run for office? My go-to is the Committee of Seventy, celebrating 120 years of fostering active civic engagement. I speak with Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, about their mission and resources.Links:

• Website: seventy.org
• X: @committeeof70
• Facebook: Committee of Seventy
• Instagram: @committeeof70
• LinkedIn: Committee of Seventy
• Threads: @committeeof70

We also highlight iHeartMedia Philadelphia's partnership with Boost Mobile and Cradles to Crayons® for the "Boost Up for Winter" campaign, running through December 22nd. This initiative aims to collect and distribute 20,000 warm winter coats and essential items to children and families in need across Greater Philadelphia. I chat with Shawn Anderson, Director of Sales and Distribution for Boost Mobile, and Michal Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons, about the campaign's life-changing impact.

Finally, I speak with Brent Franson, founder of Death Clock, about this revolutionary app that combines data science, AI, and existential curiosity to help users visualize the potential outcomes of their daily habits. Brent shares how the app’s newest AI feature predicts future appearances and offers tips to age gracefully—or even reverse the clock.Links:

• Death Clock App: Download here
• Instagram: @deathclockai

Join us for another edition of Insight,  featuring Pastor Nick Taliaferro of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, as he shares details about a Citywide Prayer Gathering for our city and nation. The event takes place December 1st, 3:00-5:00 PM, at Zion Baptist Church, located at Broad and Venango.

We also delve into the inspiring work of Fathers and Children Together (FACT), an extraordinary program that strengthens bonds between incarcerated fathers at SCI Phoenix and their children, breaking the cycle of incarceration. I speak with Keturah Moore, President of FACT, alongside mothers Sierra Brooks, Rochelle Hill, and seven-year-old Abdullah Holder, who share their heartfelt stories

• FACT: https://www.factexperience.org/

.Later, I explore the intersection of technology and self-awareness with Brent Franson, founder of Death Clock. This revolutionary app uses data science, AI, and existential curiosity to visualize the impact of daily habits. Brent discusses the app's latest AI feature, which predicts future appearances and offers practical tips for graceful aging or even turning back the clock.Links:

• Death Clock App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/death-clock/id6499554412
• Death Clock Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deathclockai/