Heart disease and stroke remain urgent health challenges in Philadelphia, with high blood pressure affecting thousands, particularly in underserved communities. This week, we sit down with leaders from the American Heart Association’s Greater Philadelphia chapter to discuss their "relentless force" mission. They explain why high blood pressure is called the "silent killer," the specific risks for women, and how new initiatives like "Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure" are working to close the health equity gap.

Then, Shara Dae takes a festive trip to Jenkintown for some local holiday shopping. We visit the stylish boutique "Dear Laney" and the sweet spot "Banana Nana Pudding," meeting the inspiring Black female entrepreneurs behind these unique community gems.

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Philadelphia faces a shortage of over 64,000 affordable housing units. This week, we sit down with the city’s top housing leaders, Kelvin Jeremiah (PHA) and Dave Thomas (PHDC), to discuss solutions. They break down the "Turn the Key" program, designed to help families build generational wealth by making homeownership attainable even in gentrifying neighborhoods. The duo also discusses the Mayor's "Home Initiative," recent PHA layoffs, and the critical need for federal funding to close the gap.

Plus, Shara heads to Germantown for a sneak peek at the Wissahickon Dance Academy’s unique, salsa-infused twist on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

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When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything.⁠ ⁠Lasagna Love⁠⁠ is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, Jazmyne Walker.

Then, on Shara in the City, we talk with a music legend - Rev. Joe Williams, the last living member of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. Shara Dae Howard visits him in North Philly to hear about how he got to sing with the group that he admired for years.

The Lasagna Love interview was originally released on July 26, 2025. Shara in the City with Rev. Joe Williams was originally released on August 16, 2025.

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With roughly 13,000 youth in foster care across Pennsylvania alone, the need for permanent, loving homes is critical. This week, Dominique McFadden, Executive Director of the Adoption Center, joins us to demystify the often confusing adoption process. She breaks down the three different "paths" families can take, from private adoption to foster-to-adopt, and explains what resources are available to parents.

It's time to bust out the "creative couture" because November is Craft Month in Philly! This week on "Shara in the City," we're getting our hands dirty (and glittery) with Emily Edelstein, Executive Director of CraftNOW Philadelphia.

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The Highmark Mann Center is the iconic sound of summer in Philadelphia, but its legacy stretches back long before its 1976 opening. This week, we dive into the rich history of Philly's beloved amphitheater with Highmark Mann CEO Katherine Cahill and historian Jack McCarthy, author of the new book "A Century of Music Under the Stars." We'll explore the Mann's origins as the Robin Hood Dell, a venue rescued by the legendary Frederic "Freddie" Mann. Hear how the programming evolved from strictly classical to hosting icons like The Roots.

This week on Shara in the City, we're in West Philly at Babashi, a food pantry that's tackling the food crisis with a revolutionary model. We get a tour of their "pantry of choice"—a market where clients grab a cart and shop with points for fresh meat, produce, and milk—a system designed to provide radical customer service and a dignified experience in a time of overwhelming need.

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When Jenné Johns' son was born 14 weeks early, her 77-day NICU journey exposed more than just a medical crisis—it revealed a system rife with racial bias. Now, as the founder of "Once Upon a Preemie," she is turning that pain into purpose. Janae joins us for National Prematurity Awareness Month to share her powerful story, discuss the shocking disparities Black fathers face in the NICU (including being treated as threats), and explain how her organization is now training clinicians to dismantle the implicit biases that lead to life-threatening inequities in neonatal care.

Following recent public conversations over its handling of human remains, the museum's new co-directors join Shara to discuss the "thorny questions" of ethical stewardship. Hear how they are beginning an evolving journey to move their collection "from data to human".

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How do you help a community in the immediate aftermath of a crisis? This week, we're joined by Reverend Linda Ivey, founder of the nonprofit Your Destiny Is Here. She discusses her vital mission of providing both spiritual and practical support to families in their darkest moments, particularly those affected by gun violence. Reverend Ivey shares the importance of rapid, structured services, her work in trauma counseling and conflict resolution, and why she believes faith leaders have a crucial role to play in community service.

This week on Shara in the City a discussion on Calder Gardens, a space dedicated to the work of artist Alexander Calder, which aims to inspire curiosity and contemplation through art and architecture.

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It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re revisiting an episode from a special series we did last October, “Stories from the Journey”, which was honored with a Gracie Award this year. Doctors, survivors, and supporters shared their personal experiences with breast cancer, and in this final episode, we took a close look at breast reconstruction in a conversation in front of a live audience. Racquel Williams spoke with surgeons Dr. Alexander Au and Dr. Lori Timmerman with ⁠The Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program⁠ and two reconstruction patients to hear all the options available, how procedures like implants and DIEP flap reconstruction work, what recovery looks like, and more.

This episode was originally released on October 26, 2024.

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Shayna Yvonne Rudd, founder of the Legend House, a therapeutic arts program in Philadelphia, shared her journey from battling depression to creating a supportive community for young girls. Initially called Lady Diva, the program evolved into Legends Camp in 2012, serving hundreds of girls.

Shara Dae Howard joins an expert arborist on a hike through Wissahickon Valley Park to uncover the fascinating science behind why leaves change color and which local trees put on the most spectacular autumn show

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What started with one Drexel student donating 50 unused meal swipes has blossomed into a national movement. Philly-based Sharing Excess now rescues over 2 million pounds of surplus food each week, fighting food waste and hunger simultaneously. Founder Evan Ellers believes we don't have a food shortage, but an access problem—and his team is fixing it. Learn more about their incredible work and how every $1 you donate provides 10 meals for those in need.

The Prince Hall Masons are the oldest African American fraternity in the United States, with a history dating back to 1784. Today, they continue this legacy of strengthening the community through public events like food giveaways and festivals, preserving their rich history while welcoming a new generation.

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This week on Bridging Philly, we threw a surprise on-air baby shower for our amazing producer, Sabrina Boyd-Surka, who is expecting any day now!

Join us for a warm, honest, and heartfelt conversation about the real journey into motherhood. We're joined by an incredible panel of Philly experts to share their wisdom and support.

Bo Zhao, founder of the brilliant Baby Gear Group, reveals how to save money and stress by renting baby gear instead of buying. Dr. Sarah

McMahon, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Phun Phit Pham, provides essential advice on postpartum recovery, pelvic floor health, and bonding with your baby.

And on Shara in the City, we head to Inner Circle Midwifery in Wynnewood, where we meet one of the only Black certified professional midwives in the area to discuss the benefits of expectant mothers having midwives and doulas by their sides.

Whether you're expecting, a new parent, or just love a heartwarming surprise, this episode is for you. Tune in for a dose of community, real talk, and celebration!

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