Loraine Ballard Morrill

Loraine Ballard Morrill

Listen to Loraine on Insight on Sundays 6-7am + keep up on her latest news updates here!Full Bio

What's Going On: Dine Latino Week, "The Realtor," Just Me Wan "Hold On"

Insight Pt. 2: Dine Latino Week, "The Realtor," Just Me Wan "Hold On"

In this edition, we’ll dive into Dine Latino Week, sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate Latino restaurants from September 15-21. I chat with Jennifer Rodriguez, President and CEO of the GPHCC, about how this event highlights some of the top Latinx eateries in the area. Learn more about Dine Latino Week.   We also explore the exciting world of “The Realtor”, a new comedy that blends real estate with pro wrestling, now streaming on Amazon Prime. I interview Marlowe Freeman, Producer, Chad Morton, Executive Producer, and lead actor Lyon Beckwith.
Watch The Realtor on Amazon Prime.
Visit: smashentertainment.net
Follow on Social Media:

  • Instagram:
  • Facebook: Smash Entertainment
To mark Suicide Prevention Month, I re-air an interview with Just Me Wan, an artist and pastor who wrote a song after the tragic suicide of a loved one. I also share a personal story from my high school days about the heartbreaking loss of a classmate. Just Me Wan’s music offers a powerful message of hope and healing.
Listen to Just Me Wan on all music streaming platforms.
Follow Just Me Wan:

  • Instagram & TikTok: just.me.wan
  • SnapChat: justme_wan
  • Twitter (X): just_me_wan
  • Facebook: Tawanda Johnson (Just Me Wan)

Insight Pt.1: Pa Charitable Healthcare Coalition - Serving the Needs of the Uninsured

In this segment, we address the critical issue of healthcare access for the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who are uninsured. I speak with Kristen Houser Rapp, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Charitable Healthcare Coalition, about the vital role free clinics play in providing healthcare to those in need. We discuss why these clinics are essential and how you can find one near you.
For more information, 717-585-1803  
www.pacharitablehealth.org

What's Going On Spotlight: Wen Mao, PhD, Villanova School of Business - PA Conf. for Women -"Women Who Inspire"

  • PA Conference for Women: Get ready for the Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia on November 7th! Learn about empowering workshops, inspiring speakers, and networking with over 10,000 women.
    • Website: www.PAConferenceforWomen.org
    • Social Media: @pennwomen (Instagram, formerly Twitter), Pennsylvania Conference for Women (Facebook)
  • Women Who Inspire: Meet Dean Wen Mao from the Villanova School of Business, featured in our "Women Who Inspire" series (part of our PA Conference for Women partnership).

What's Going On: PA Conference for Women "Women Who Inspire," Special Work Ready Student Interview with Jonathan Fulton, Philly Loves Fresh

  • PA Conference for Women: Get ready for the Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia on November 7th! Learn about empowering workshops, inspiring speakers, and networking with over 10,000 women.
    • Website: www.PAConferenceforWomen.org
    • Social Media: @pennwomen (Instagram, formerly Twitter), Pennsylvania Conference for Women (Facebook)
  • Women Who Inspire: Meet Dean Wen Mao from the Villanova School of Business, featured in our "Women Who Inspire" series (part of our PA Conference for Women partnership).
  • Philly Loves Fresh: Loraine visits the corner of 63rd and Spruce to explore Philly Loves Fresh, a program providing affordable produce to under-resourced communities. She speaks with:
    • Abdul Jabbar - Owner/Operator, Soul Glo Produce Truck
    • Ousmane Diarra - Produce Truck Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health)
    • Jennifer (Aquilante) Robinson - Food Policy Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health)
  • Website: https://foodfitphilly.org/phillylovesfresh/
  • Social Media: @gethealthyPHL (Twitter & Instagram), @soul_glo__healthy_lifestyle (Instagram) 
  • Work Ready Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Fulton, a summer Work Ready student, as he interviews an Eagle Scout role model!

Insight Pt. 2: Philly Loves Fresh, The Trace, Special Work Ready Student Interview with Jonathan Fulton

Gun Violence Solutions: Join Loraine as she dives into "The Trace," a news site focusing on America's gun violence crisis. She talks with reporter Philadelphia Staff Reporter Mensah Dean about potential solutions for safer communities.
o    Website: thetrace.org
o    Mensah Dean: @mensahdean; @teamtrace (Twitter)
o    Facebook: Mensah Dean; Facebook.com/teamtrace      

 Work Ready Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Fulton, a summer Work Ready student, as he interviews an Eagle Scout role model! ·        

 Philly Loves Fresh: Loraine visits the corner of 63rd and Spruce to explore Philly Loves Fresh, a program providing affordable produce to under-resourced communities. She speaks with:
o    Abdul Jabbar - Owner/Operator, Soul Glo Produce Truck
o    Ousmane Diarra - Produce Truck Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health)
o    Jennifer (Aquilante) Robinson - Food Policy Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health) ·        
Website: https://foodfitphilly.org/phillylovesfresh/ ·        
Social Media: @gethealthyPHL (Twitter & Instagram),
@soul_glo__healthy_lifestyle (Instagram)

Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - VLS Journeys

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati gets up close and personal with Loraine Ballard Morrill about her recent trip to Spain.  Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO for the Center for Black Educator Development talks about the upcoming #BMEC2024 Conference November 21-23 in Philadelphia.  El-Mekki was also the subject of Vanesse’s month feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” https://thecenterblacked.org/professional-learning/black-male-engagement/

What's Going On Spotlight on "Champions of Caring"

In these divisive times, it’s important to remember that there are remarkable individuals inspiring others to work for positive change. Champions of Caring was founded in 1995 to help middle and high school students create social change. The organization is currently producing a documentary, "The Coral Ring Legacy," to promote and inspire social activism for people of all ages and backgrounds. I speak with Founder and President Barbara Greenspan Shaiman about this exciting project.
www.championsofcaring.org
Handles @championsofcaring On FB Champions of Caring 2

What's Going On: Marcus Yates - a Journey of Healing, Reconciliation and Justice

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gainer was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation.

Insight Pt. 2: Marcus Yates - a Journey of Healing, Reconciliation and Justice

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gainer was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation.