Northwest Philly Neighbors

We’ve now finished Season 1! It’s been my pleasure to bring you these great stories from fascinating neighbors, and I’m looking forward to more in Season 2. 

I’m not sure yet when we’ll start but if y…

In part 1 we heard vivid stories of how Alex found his way to theater, developed his directing style, and launched Quintessence Theater in Mt. Airy.

Now in part 2 we take a lively trip through buildin…

Quintessence Theater Group stages classic plays, with dynamic, innovative productions always true to the heart of the story. Artistic Director Alex Burns gives us a rich inside view.

Hear how he found…

In part 1 we heard how Dave evolved from teacher to juggler, and then discovered a love for wire walking over rivers. 

His current passion is rigging and walking tightwires in beautiful places — from …

As a law student motivated by social justice issues Tiffany ignored her professors’ advice to keep a low LGBT profile, instead launching a career where she’s helped countless people navigate the murk…

Great stories from 45 years of connecting with people through circus arts.

As a teacher Dave inspired fifth-graders for years to learn juggling and create weekly performances — to the consternation of…

With a lifelong passion for birds, Keith has connected countless people with nature and sparked the saving of two priceless wild places in the city.

Hear how a kind neighbor helped open the world of b…

Every year Shameka Sawyer leads 5-10 aspiring filmmakers through all phases of creating a short film. Participants create a film in 6 months, even with day jobs and no prior experience — an alternati…

Crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies are disappearing but John helps restore them — with his native plant nursery, neighbors’ yards, and inspiring know-how.

Hearing the wakeup call that our c…

Captivating stories from the world of violins and bows — and the players, makers, kids, and community that enrich it. Learning the bowmaker’s craft in France & Belgium ... making a bow that gives the…

With her books, podcast, blog, and articles, Lori leads people to think and act differently around issues of race and color.

Enjoy her stories — growing up in white Milwaukee suburbs supported by a hu…

Joel illuminates the mental side of sports, sharing stories from decades of work with athletes from kids to pros. He talks about forging connections with Philly’s major sports teams … helping young p…

Take a dynamic trip inside Power Up Your Business — a free, successful, innovative program run by the Community College of Philadelphia with city funding. Small business owners learn from experts, pe…

Don’t miss these rich stories from a full life of 81 years (so far)! Growing up in a nurturing and accomplished black community in Jim Crow Atlanta ... how running red lights as a police officer unde…

On top of legal know-how, investigative social work skills are a big part of Tracy Ulstad’s job as a Federal Public Defender for death row inmates. She meets thoroughly with the people in her client’…

Colorful Mt Airy author and illustrator Amy Ignatow creates pithy, funny, adventurous books for middle-grade kids (secretly enjoyed by grownups too). Around ages 8-12 kids start to make decisions for…

Nina Berryman talks about her wide-ranging work as Farm Manager for Weavers Way Farms -- from hands-in-the-dirt know-how, through educating a diverse mosaic of workers, to running a produce business …