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In the first episode of Love + Grit, learn why hosts Laiya St. Clair, Rachel Ferguson and Justin Pizzi love Philadelphia as much as they do (and why you should, too). Then listen as they chat with three women making an impact on the city.
First, the hosts talk to Rashia Bell, a West Philadelphia native and crystal designer for the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, about the healing power of crystals and how special it was for her to return to her hometown. Next, they stop at The Colored Girls Museum in Germantown to hear from founder Vashti DuBois about Sunday hair sessions and the accomplishments of the everyday African American women featured here. Then, Patrice Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic, gives a quick lesson in car repair with her all-female team of auto mechanics.
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Note: Love + Grit is here to inform and bring the fun, but we want you to know that this episode was recorded before COVID-19. Upcoming episodes will share stories of the region’s vibrancy and the fun we’ll have when Philly is Philly again.
In this episode of Love + Grit, hosts Laiya St. Clair, Rachel Ferguson and Justin Pizzi meet West Philadelphia-born DJ Aktive to discuss his work with Janet Jackson, Kanye West and The Roots. Then, Ursula Augustine, nationally recognized cosmetology expert and founder of Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Studio, shows Rachel and Laiya how to create the perfect brow — using a familiar test subject. The episode ends as all should, with shareable cocktails and apps at The Notary Hotel in Center City. Our hosts dive deep into why Justin loves the drinks from their bar and the Spanish tapas from their kitchen.
On this episode of Love + Grit, our hosts highlight the people of Greater Philadelphia and their stories of positivity, ingenuity and compassion in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the region. First, Jennifer Carroll — Top Chef finalist, Philadelphia native and Spice Finch executive chef — shares easy make-at-home recipes and discusses some of the ways to support restaurant employees. Then, Aunyea Lachelle, host of VISIT PHILADELPHIA broadcast partner NBC10’s Philly Live, joins in for a new weekly segment showcasing the region’s many acts of kindness and hope. This week, her focus is on Handwash, a song from a group of young men from the Caring People Alliance after-school program at R.W. Brown Community Center in North Philadelphia.
In this episode of Love + Grit, designed to help all of us get through COVID-19, we embrace the importance of laughter as our guests tell us about how they’re navigating these uncertain times. First, Philadelphia comic and Temple University alum TuRae Gordon talks about writing new material and really getting to know his wife during the extended stay at home. Then, NBC’s Philly Live host Aunyea Luchelle joins us to discuss good news: the “hunger heroes” of the Share Food Program and Save Philly Eats. Finally, Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner Jose Garces drops in from his kitchen — in the midst of living his best #DadLife — to share how he’s keeping his family busy, the current state of the restaurant industry and what he’s cooking at home.
In another episode that finds our hosts heeding advice to stay and home and stay safe, entertainment industry pioneer Charlie Mack, known as Philadelphia’s Big Brother, talks with the Love + Grit team about his work with stars like Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Bryshere Gray (better known as Yazz). Next, NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle discusses the importance of fostering pets during this time.
The episode wraps with tips for staying entertained at home. BlackStar Film Festival founder Maori Karmael Holmes shares movie and TV recommendations for streaming, and master mixologist André Darlington reveals the secret to a perfect cocktail and offers inventive musical pairings for your next drink.
While spending time at home and talking about the region they love so much, the Love + Grit hosts kick off this episode by sharing their favorite regional craft breweries offering delivery before discussing vegetarian cuisine and the future of the restaurant industry with Vedge owners and James Beard Award honorees Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. Then, Laiya, Rachel and Justin catch up with NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle, who shares the story of 11-year-old boxing twins Steven and Daniel Grandy and gives the details on Xyntek, the Bucks County engineering firm creating and donating personal protective equipment to healthcare workers. Next, the trio talks with Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon of the husband-and-wife music duo Kindred the Family Soul about the challenges of being at home full time with six children, the importance of celebrating Juneteenth and their upcoming album.
On this episode of Love + Grit, James Beard Award-nominated chef Eli Kulp of Fork and High Street on Market talks about reinventing his life following the 2015 train crash that left him paralyzed and his new CHEF Radio Podcast about all aspects of the food industry. Then, NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle shares Black hair care tips from local stylists and reports on daily deliveries Simply Good Jars provides to hospital workers around Philadelphia. Finally, Nasheli Juliana Ortiz-González, fashion designer and department chair at Moore College of Art & Design and contestant on the Netflix’s Next in Fashion; and Marién Vélez, lighting designer and founder of 22 Studio, talk about the Spanish language mask-making tutorials they created to help people stay safe.
Philadelphia’s own Eugene “Man-Man” Roberts helps kick off this episode of Love + Grit with a conversation about being John Legend’s music director, Instagram and live-streaming platform Twitch. Then, NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle introduces our hosts to three West Chester University students using music to thank first responders and other heroes for their work during the COVID-19 crisis. And finally, Laiya, Rachel and Justin check in with Nerd Street Gamers CEO John Fazio to discuss how gaming can create important connections in many communities, and the inspiration he found on a Christmas Day adventure during his childhood.
Back at their mics for another episode of Love + Grit, our hosts catch up with 2020 James Beard Award nominee and Top Chef winner Nick Elmi of popular restaurants Laurel and ITV. Elmi shares theories about the current bread-baking craze and his family’s ingredient-foraging adventures. Then, we hear from DJ Diamond Kuts, the first female mixer on Philadelphia radio. The Philly native, who’s worked with President Barack Obama, Nicki Minaj and Lil Uzi Vert, gets real about her rock-and-roll-loving son and how exploring new creative outlets improves her mental health
Nicole Marquis, owner of vegan eateries HipCityVeg, Charlie was a sinner. and Bar Bombón, has always kept a dizzying pace at the office. On this episode of Love + Grit, she gives listeners a peek into her life amid COVID-19, which includes staying open for takeout and delivery, and helping the city’s restaurant industry recover. Then, NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle shares the stories of Dolaine Benjamin, a licensed nail technician now making press-on nail kits; and Stuff’d Buns, a local food truck parlaying one good deed into weeks of feeding those on the front lines. Duafe Holistic Hair Care owner Syreeta Scott, who’s worked with Janet Jackson and Ava DuVernay, helps wrap up the episode with a reminder about the importance of self-care.
Philadelphia native Angela Nissel, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand writers, gained popularity with her blockbuster memoir The Broke Diaries: The Completely True and Hilarious Misadventures of a Good Girl Gone Broke and as a producer and writer on hit television shows Mixed-ish, Scrubs and more. She helps kick off this episode of Love + Grit with a discussion about her entertainment journey. Then, NBC10 Philly Live host Aunyea Lachelle recaps her conversations with Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola about teaming up with Yuengling for “Cheers PA,” and with Davida Janae, the local fashion blogger keeping folks polished and stylish while working from home. Spike Eskin, program director for SportsRadio 94WIP, hits the (virtual) hardwood with our hosts to end the episode. A second-generation Philadelphia sports talk radio personality and co-host of The Rights to Ricky Sanchez, Eskin explains the origins of his name and his 76ers podcast’s name, and speculates about the future of sports.
— Left: Dyana Williams; Right: VINCINT photo courtesy of Matthew Takes
While the country is going through a cycle of change, the podcast team in Philadelphia wants to offer some hope. Rachel, Laiya and Justin dive into a couple of remarkable Philly stories this week during a special edition of Love + Grit. First up: Dyana Williams. The media personality and strategist has been a Philly tastemaker for more than 40 years, and is even the inspiration behind some of your favorite love songs. Known as the mother of Black Music Month (which occurs every June), Williams is the reason the annual celebration is recognized worldwide. Also on this episode, special guest VINCINT, who definitely looks like a star, though it’s his voice that gives him burgeoning icon status. You know him from the hit show The Four, and now you can hear his voice in the theme song of the new season of Queer Eye that’s based in Philadelphia. Hear his Philly story and how he is utilizing his platform for change.
To get to the root of festival life, the podcast team called in the big bosses! Episode 13 begins with Shawn Gee, who honed his management skills with legendary Roots manager Rich Nichols. Over the years, Gee has managed The Roots and Jill Scott and served as business manager for Drake, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne and a slew of others. Gee — who’s also the president of Live Nation Urban — gives us the lowdown on this year’s virtual Roots Picnic, which he has produced in Philly for over a decade now. Also virtual this year: Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia’s annual Fourth of July festival. What’s in store for 2020? The festival’s CEO, Michael Delbene, gives us the scoop on the big acts and how and where they’ll be performing live.
In this episode, the podcast team talks to two of their favorite folks from the local sports scene: Tom McCarthy, voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Jazmine Smith, who leads the charge to diversify field hockey and lacrosse with Eyekonz Field Hockey and Lacrosse. With baseball about to return, our hosts check in with McCarthy, the man who knows everything about the Phillies, to learn more about life in and out of Citizens Bank Park. Then, Smith — who for the last 18 years has been a force to get girls of color to play lacrosse and field hockey — updates us on how her athletes are staying active on the field and in the community.
In this episode, our hosts talk to two dope Philly ladies: one who fills our bellies in all kinds of delicious ways and another who feeds our souls through the characters she plays. Philly foodies know Talula’s Table in Kennett Square, as well Talula’s Garden and Talula’s Daily in Philadelphia’s Washington Square neighborhood. That’s all thanks to West Chester’s own Aimee Olexy, who talks about how she brings the deliciousness to each one of these places. Next up: a conversation with a Lancaster-born, Philly-bred MC who is a Yale School of Drama graduate, recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Award and Leonore Annenberg Fellowship for Performing Arts. Her name is Miriam A. Hyman. You know her from shows like Blue Bloods, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Orange is the New Black, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Master of None, Law & Order, The Wire and The Laundromat. She currently stars in season three of Showtime’s The CHI and has a new album out under her MC moniker Robyn Hood. Among many things, Miriam dishes on her favorite Philly cheesesteak place: Dalessandro’s in Roxborough.
This week, our hosts chat with an actor (Nakia Dillard) and an MC (Chill Moody). First up: Nakia Dillard, who takes his role of Philadelphia actor very seriously. Dillard developed his acting chops here in the City of Brotherly Love, and though he’s appeared in at least 80 productions (including Black Lightning and The Wire), he has never left Philadelphia physically. Learn how and why he does it, and get the scoop on his favorite place to chill in Philly. Next up is arguably Philly’s hardest working MC: Chill Moody. The Philly music ambassador works hard for his hometown. His lyrical storytelling is deeply rooted in Philadelphia stories, and his community activism often offers opportunities to other burgeoning Philly talent. Hear why Moody is a Philly faithful, and find out what two flavors of water ice he mixes together.
In this episode, our podcast hosts chat with two Philadelphians who are a cut above the rest: one cuts meat, the other cuts hair.
Since she founded Primal Supply Meats in 2016, Heather Marold Thomason has continually taken the business to new heights. She started by providing meats to notable Philly chefs. Now she supports more than a dozen regional farmers and a family-owned slaughterhouse, and runs neighborhood butcher shops inSouth Philly and Brewerytown.
People often ask, “Who’s the barber that’s the man in Philly?” The answer is Faheem Alexander, renowned for what he can do to both beards and heads. Just ask any of his big-name clients.
Kenny Gamble is a true Philadelphia treasure. The “Sound of Philadelphia” he created with his partner Leon Huff put Philly on the music map, and almost 50 years and tons of gold and platinum albums later, Gamble continues his legacy by reinvesting in the South Philly community where he grew up. In this episode, hear how he has evolved his “Message in the Music” motto into a video podcast. Next up: Rob Wasserman has proudly helmed Rouge, Rittenhouse Square’s see-and-be-seen restaurant, for more than 20 years now, along with other neighborhood favorites Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning. With priorities of fine dining shifting as a result of COVID-19, Wasserman has been focused on supporting families in need of a healthy meal. Hear why the “We Are Philly” campaign is delivering for Philadelphians and so many others.
Featured in This Episode
This episode of Love + Grit is all about delicious beverages of the fermented variety — no surprise, since Philly is a city that takes beer seriously. Jamaar Julal of Philly-headquartered JamBrü kicks things off as he breaks down the mystery of kombucha — that delicious, trendy, good-for-you fermented tea. And hosts Laiya, Justin and Rachel also welcome Love City Brewing owners Kevin and Melissa Walter to discuss innovation and activism in the beer community, which has a deep history in Philadelphia. Tune in to hear how these Philadelphia beverage makers are adapting to the ever-evolving coronavirus world and welcoming visitors in search of a cold one.
Hospitality can change a neighborhood and nurture its culture. Just ask Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, whose Safran Turney Hospitality has been part of the transformation of 13th Street in Philly’s Gayborhood, opening storefronts like Barbuzzo and Open House along the shopping and dining corridor. After catching up with the power duo, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin chat with self-taught photographer and West Philadelphia native Antoino Johnson, whose new book, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, captures the sacred spaces where Black male identity is fostered.
Two Philadelphia powerhouses talk creativity and hospitality in this episode of Love + Grit. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome YOWIE founder Shannon Maldonado to discuss how her background working with top fashion brands led to the development of her popular storefront, creative brand and design studio. While Maldonado keeps Philly stylish, Jezabel Careaga keeps the city fed. The entrepreneur and cook runs the beloved Jezabel’s Cafe in West Philadelphia, where she serves up traditional foods from her native Argentina and is hard at work establishing her new furniture studio. Tune in to hear these two talented women share their stories, and learn how their successes have helped Philadelphia shine.
Philly brings it on the big screen and on the stage, and the guests on this episode of Love + Grit work behind the scenes to make it all happen, proving that the heart and soul of a travel destination are the people we meet. Shawn Finnie’s journey is an incredible example of our city’s resilience and grit. His career path brought him from Philly to experiencing homelessness in New York City to Los Angeles, where he now works for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, ensuring that diverse voices and backgrounds aren’t just represented, but also engaged and activated. And in Philly, Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg — also the brains behind the annual Philly Theatre Week — joins the conversation to discuss efforts to increase diversity on local stages and expand the prestigious Barrymore Awards with honors for gender-inclusive performances.
Philly chefs have a way of weaving their experiences into their culinary creations so the result is irresistible, unforgettable food. In this episode of Love + Grit, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome two talented people who’ve recently returned to the City of Brotherly Love with incredible stories and the food to match. Germantown native Chef Omar Tate (and Esquire’s 2020 Chef of the Year!) worked his way up from Philadelphia hotel kitchens to private chef life and even the Smithsonian before returning to his hometown, where he’s cooking up flavors of the Black experience and funding a community center. And Executive Chef Robert Watson, who entered the Philly service industry as a teen, flew back from Arizona to open Steak 48 on the Avenue of the Arts. But COVID-19 had other plans, so Watson found an interim gig — volunteering to help end hunger.
Harriett’s Bookshop has been open less than a year, but owner Jeannine A. Cook has already turned the space into a community hub elevating and celebrating Black women’s voices. Her independent Fishtown bookstore is thriving — even though it opened just as COVID-19 safety precautions closed some Philadelphia storefronts — thanks to Cook’s focus on activism and empowerment. She joins hosts Laiya, Justin and Rachel on this episode of Love + Grit, along with author Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and host of Center City-based This is it TV, whose new book, Scream Your Dream: How to Build an Effective Personal Brand, helps readers leverage their personal experiences to develop an authentic, powerful voice.
On this episode of Love + Grit, meet two of the women drawing the world’s attention to Philadelphia. Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon is racking up accolades for her South Philly restaurant, Kalaya Thai Kitchen. Most recently: a 2020 James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant and Esquire’s Best Restaurant in America. Nok talks to hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin about what brought her to Philly, how business has changed during the pandemic and, of course, her delicious food. Next up, Delaware County-based film producer Jenifer Westphal (Athlete A, Knock Down the House, Won’t You Be My Neighbor) discusses helping women and nonbinary filmmakers of color and chats about her latest documentary, Maybe Next Year, which tells the story of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season through the eyes of diehard fans.
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Join Rachel, Justin and Laiya as we celebrate 50 Years of Hip Hop and continue to tell Philly's most phenomenal stories!
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Explore Philly with itineraries from prominent Philadelphians who are members of Black Greek...