We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, helping girls build essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, goal-setting, and confidence—while funding life-changing opportunities right here in our region. Cookie sales began January 15, with most varieties priced at $6, and the gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip available for $7. All proceeds stay local, directly supporting Girl Scout troops, camps, and leadership programs across the nine counties served by GSEP. Learn more or get involved:

• 🌐 Website: https://www.gsep.org
• 📘 Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
• 📸 Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
• 🐦 X: @GirlScoutsEPenn
• 💼 LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
• 📞 Info Line: 215-564-2030

Next, we dive into the future of emotionally intelligent gaming with William Santo, Chief Technology Officer at Kaiko Studios. With more than 20 years of experience at major tech companies including Amazon and BlackBerry, William is helping lead the development of AI agents that don’t just think—but feel. At Kaiko Studios, the mission is to merge emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence, creating game characters that are emotionally aware, deeply responsive, and capable of evolving in real time—ushering in a new era of immersive, human-centered gaming.

🌐 Website: www.kaikostudios.xyz
Follow Kaiko Studios:

• 📘 Facebook: @kaikostudios
• 📸 Instagram: @kaikostudios
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @kaikostudios

Finally, we turn to community organizing at a critical moment. As immigration crackdowns create fear and uncertainty for families—and as national proposals like Project 2025 raise serious concerns about civil rights and democracy—communities are responding not only in protest, but with purpose. We’re joined by Reverend Gregory Holston, Executive Director of Just Nation, to discuss two upcoming events grounded in nonviolence, civic engagement, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.

 🕊 MLK Day Immigration Vigil
📅 Monday, January 19
⏰ 11:00 a.m.
📍 Immigration Court, 9th & Market Streets, Philadelphia
🎗 Sponsored by Art Haywood
🔗 Details: www.SenatorHaywood.com/events

✊🏾 Project Beloved Community: Teach-In & Rally
📅 Saturday, January 24
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Zion Baptist Church, 3600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
This gathering brings together community members and policy leaders to imagine a people-centered alternative rooted in justice, democracy, and collective care.
🔗 More information: www.Mobilize.us

Empowering Girls & Building Beloved Community
Today’s episode highlights two powerful examples of leadership and civic engagement—one centered on youth empowerment, the other on community action rooted in justice and nonviolence. We begin with Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania as cookie season officially kicks off. Joining us is Kim E. Fraites-Dow, Chief Executive Officer, along with two inspiring Girl Scouts—Drew F., a 5th-grader, and Khalilah W., an 8th-grader. Together, they share how the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes far beyond fundraising, teaching girls essential skills like financial literacy, leadership, goal-setting, and confidence—while funding life-changing opportunities right here in our region. Cookie sales began January 15, with most varieties priced at $6, and the gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip available for $7. All proceeds stay local, directly supporting Girl Scout troops, camps, and leadership programs across the nine counties served by GSEP.
Learn more or get involved:

• 🌐 Website: https://www.gsep.org
• 📘 Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
• 📸 Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
• 🐦 X: @GirlScoutsEPenn
• 💼 LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
• 📞 Info Line: 215-564-2030

In the second half of the program, we turn to community organizing at a critical moment. As immigration crackdowns create fear and uncertainty for families—and as national proposals like Project 2025 raise serious concerns about civil rights and democracy—communities are responding not only with protest, but with purpose. We’re joined by Reverend Gregory Holston, Executive Director of Just Nation, to discuss two upcoming community events grounded in nonviolence, civic engagement, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.

🕊 MLK Day Immigration Vigil
📅 Monday, January 19
⏰ 11:00 a.m.
📍 Immigration Court, 9th & Market Streets, Philadelphia
🎗 Sponsored by Art Haywood
🔗 Details: www.SenatorHaywood.com/events

✊🏾 Project Beloved Community: Teach-In & Rally
📅 Saturday, January 24
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Zion Baptist Church, 3600 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
This gathering brings together community members and policy leaders to imagine a people-centered alternative rooted in justice, democracy, and collective care.
🔗 More information: www.Mobilize.us  

Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia
We’re joined by Tanyika Rickard, Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase, to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial health, homeownership, small-business growth, and expanded access to resources for Black and Latino residents in West Philadelphia.  
 Connect & learn more: Chase West Philadelphia Community Center
📍 15 S. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
📞 445-888-3664
📸 Instagram: @ChaseBank (Philadelphia community workshops & events)

Leading Through the Storm: Crisis Communication, Reputation, and Authentic Leadership Today we’re joined by Mayra Hernandez Bergman, founder and CEO of Crisis+ Strategies, a firm that helps organizations anticipate reputational risk and communicate with clarity during their most challenging moments. A nationally recognized crisis-communications expert and Top Women in Communications awardee, Mayra has advised Fortune 500 companies, C-suite leaders, and boards through high-stakes transformations and reputational crises.   She’s also a powerful advocate for elevating Latina leadership—challenging traditional definitions of success, redefining authentic leadership in today’s workplace, and showing what’s possible when you build a career on your own terms.
🔗 Website & Socials
🌐 Website: www.crisisplusstrategies.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayrabergman/  

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy Through Service in Philadelphia
Philadelphia holds a singular place in the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.  It is home to the nation’s first and largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, launched in 1996—not just as a holiday, but as a powerful call to action rooted in Dr. King’s vision of “a day on, not a day off.” What began with 1,000 volunteers has grown into a regional movement engaging tens of thousands of people each year across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

At the heart of this effort is Global Citizen 365, led by Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen 365 and founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Under his leadership, the initiative has become both a cornerstone of civic action and a year-round catalyst for community engagement and opportunity.

 On January 19, 2026, the 31st Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service will be anchored at Temple University’s Pearson-McGonigle Hall, bringing together volunteers of all ages for service projects, a Jobs & Opportunity Fair, community resources, health and wellness activities, and more—all in honor of Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
Get Involved
🌐 Website: https://mlkdayofservice.org/ www.globalcitizen365.org
📱 Follow: @GlobalCitizen365 on social media     

A New Approach to Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine at Jefferson Health
As obesity rates and chronic disease continue to rise, Jefferson Health is taking a more accessible, prevention-focused approach by integrating evidence-based weight management and lifestyle medicine directly into primary care. Backed by a $2.4 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Jefferson is launching a year-long virtual lifestyle medicine program designed to help participants build sustainable, real-world habits that support long-term health. Joining us is Anna Flattau, MD, Chief of Primary Care at Jefferson Health, who explains how the program works, who is eligible, and how this model—centered on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connection—can improve outcomes for patients across the region.
Jefferson Health – Learn More
🌐 Website: www.jeffersonhealth.org
📞 Phone: 1-800-JEFFERSON (1-800-533-3746)
📱 Instagram: @jeffersonhealth
📘 Facebook | X | LinkedIn: Jefferson Health


Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy Through Service in Philadelphia
Philadelphia holds a singular place in the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It is home to the nation’s first and largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, launched in 1996—not just as a holiday, but as a powerful call to action rooted in Dr. King’s vision of “a day on, not a day off.” What began with 1,000 volunteers has grown into a regional movement engaging tens of thousands of people each year across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

At the heart of this effort is Global Citizen 365, led by Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen 365 and founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. Under his leadership, the initiative has become both a cornerstone of civic action and a year-round catalyst for community engagement and opportunity.

On January 19, 2026, the 31st Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service will be anchored at Temple University’s Pearson-McGonigle Hall, bringing together volunteers of all ages for service projects, a Jobs & Opportunity Fair, community resources, health and wellness activities, and more—all in honor of Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
Get Involved
🌐 Website: https://mlkdayofservice.org/ www.globalcitizen365.org
📱 Follow: @GlobalCitizen365 on social media

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati speaks with award-winning children’s book author Alice Faye Duncan for her monthly feature VLS Journeys.   Alice has two new books released in January 2026: BLUES BOY (The B.B. King Story) and THE DREAM BUILDER’S BLUEPRINT (Dr. King’s Message to Young People). The Dream Builder’s Blueprint centers on Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful 1967 visit with Philadelphia students. Alice believes that books are gifts that create lifelong learners—and writing for children is her superpower. You can learn more about her work at http://www.alicefayeduncan.com.  

The Dream Builder’s Blueprint highlights Dr. King’s appearance at Barratt Junior High School on October 26, 1967, where he delivered his iconic “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speech. Speaking directly to students, Dr. King emphasized dignity, excellence, self-worth, and justice—messages that continue to resonate today. The speech is frequently revisited and commemorated for its timeless relevance, as noted by WHYY.  

 For her feature “What Is Philadelphia Reading,” Vanesse also speaks with Kevin Washington, a Philadelphia native who was a student at Barratt Junior High School and witnessed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1967 speech firsthand. Kevin went on to become President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA, leading the nation’s largest nonprofit focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

Here is a link to Dr. King’s speech at Barratt Junior High School: [link here].    

Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey.
We welcome Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariyel Smith-Forth, as well as Tru Davis, and his mom Joi Reeves.   ach of these families brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of intentional family time. We’re excited to hear about their experiences—what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and what FACT has meant to them.

Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.  

Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey.
We welcome Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariyel Smith-Forth, as well as Tru Davis, and his mom Joi Reeves.   ach of these families brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of intentional family time. We’re excited to hear about their experiences—what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and what FACT has meant to them.

Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.  

Today we’re joined by Carolina Vargas, Director of Marketing for Philadelphia Theatre Company. Originally from Mexico, Carolina is a seasoned marketing professional and graphic designer with nine years of experience crafting creative strategies that drive engagement and audience growth. She’s here to share details about Havana Hop, a joyful, family-friendly performance coming to PTC over MLK Weekend — a show filled with music, dance, and a celebration of Cuban roots, including a special Relaxed Performance sponsored by Popcorn for the People.  
Website & Socials 

• Website: philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/havana-hop
• Instagram: @philatheatreco
• Facebook: @philatheatreco
• TikTok: @philatheatre
• LinkedIn: Philadelphia Theatre Company