CitizenCast - podcast cover

CitizenCast

The Philadelphia Citizenthephiladelphiacitizen.org
The Philadelphia Citizen podcast offers spoken versions of articles, deeper dives into the political, social and cultural workings of our city, explainers on the issues of our day, interviews, conversations and solutions. Lots of solutions. All to help you become a better citizen of your city.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

How to make job placement more effective in Philly

On this Citizen edition of Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson, Cait Garozzo sits down with Peterson to discuss job placement strategies for both job seekers and employers in the city. Garozzo is the executive director of The Skills Initiative at University City District.

Dec 04, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 1525

What is the Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism?

MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi highlights efforts by Christian Nationalists to break down the protective barriers of church and state separation, including in Oklahoma public schools.

Dec 03, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 1524

The specialest Philly Specials record pt. 2

Listen to the epic second part of this song-by-song review of "A Philly Special Christmas Party" by resident seasonal grinch Olivia Kram.

Dec 01, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1523

The specialest Philly Specials record ever?

Can the Philly Specials’ third holiday record — featuring Stevie Nicks and Mt. Joy — sway a seasonal music grinch? Listen to the first part of this song-by-song review of "A Philly Special Christmas Party."

Nov 29, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 1522

Discussing What The F Just Happened

Larry Platt joins WURD host Dr. James Peterson to discuss his breakdown of the presidential election results in "What The F Just Happened?"

Nov 28, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 1521

A fresh 24

A recent Temple study found that gun violence surged as the Covid-19 pandemic worsened poverty, unemployment, and structural racism. Documentarian and author Jo Piazza heard over and over again that a key part of driving down gun violence is increasing job opportunities for the men most likely to fall into the "illegal economy." On this episode of Philly Under Fire, Piazza looks at one organization that is trying to provide just those kinds of job opportunities.

Nov 27, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 1520

Hold the line against dictatorship

MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi invites Nobel laureate Maria Ressa onto the show to discuss how journalists and everyday citizens can stand against a dictator seeking to collapse democracy. More than Germany or Italy, Velshi says, it's the Philippines we should be looking to right now. "It took about 6 months," Ressa tells him, "before our democratic institutions crumbled." Hear Ressa's inspiring advice about what to do after "illiberal leaders" are voted into office.

Nov 26, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 1519

Burning wood and painting dogs

On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, the iconic chef, photographer and brand maker chats with Jon Metz, a local wood-burning artist known for his portraits of dogs, athletes, and occasionally, beer.

Nov 25, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 1518

Raging against the machine

Local progressives take aim at Bob Brady and the Democratic machine. But this week's book tour stop by Bill Clinton suggests another way ...

Nov 22, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 1517

The key to fighting college elitism

The 2024 election highlighted a problem with education "elitism." Colleges and universities must work together together to bring Americans together.

Nov 21, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1516

A fitting rebuke to Rizzo?

A monument to civil rights icon Sadie Alexander is replacing the Rizzo statue, joining a small handful of public statues of Black Philadelphians. Listen to her story.

Nov 20, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1515

Say it ain't so, Bob Casey

Senator Bob Casey’s desperate attempt to keep his seat and his silence while supporters mimic Trump-like rationale is not a good look

Nov 19, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1514

Let's talk about tariffs

Soybeans, electric cars and trade wars--MSNBC host and Citizen board member Ali Velshi breaks down the reality of tariffs and who ultimately ends up footing the bill.

Nov 18, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 1513

You can't nice your way to victory

"Well, guys,” Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt starts, “let’s have a little therapy session. What the hell just happened?” On this special episode of How To Really Run A City , former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter get together just days after the election to hash out how they’re feeling and what they think turned the tide to President-elect Donald Trump. Despite a “painful, painful map” and impending federal policies that target vulnerable communities, Reed and Nu...

Nov 15, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 1512

Black men weren't the issue in this election

Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley recently joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss an article published just before the election that dispels many of the myths and handwringing surrounding a demographic that, despite a slight shift, still voted for Kamala Harris in overwhelming numbers. Hear Malcolm's breakdown of the article and his thoughts on what we know now.

Nov 14, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 1511

The solution to homelessness is simple ...

... but hard to do, says the filmmakers of the new documentary Beyond the Bridge: A Solution To Homelessness. A special "impact screening" will be held at the Philadelphia Film Center on November 21.

Nov 13, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1510

The path forward

Explains Ali Velshi: "Today's setbacks are tomorrow's comebacks. And the comeback is our work."

Nov 11, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 1508

WTF just happened?

Larry Platt casts a spotlight on the fall of progressivism, the rise of Joe Rogan, the autumn of Bob Brady--all to try and make sense of Tuesday’s Great Realignment.

Nov 08, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 1507

Using AI to fix...potholes?

In this episode of Ideas We Should Steal, Courtney DuChene looks at our persistent issue of potholes and how vialytics (a user-friendly app that quickly identifies and maps roadway problems) could be an important key in fixing Philly streets.

Nov 07, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1506

Get in front of the beef

Documentarian Jo Piazza asks, are there actually proven solutions to gun violence in this city? In the third episode of the Citizen's flagship series, Jo introduces listeners to organizations in Philly that have made meaningful progress, even if it isn’t easy. Underlying these programs are strategies like using data to identify who’s most likely to be shot, and mediating and de-escalating “beefs” before they get too hot.

Nov 06, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 1505

Are Black men really the problem?

Much has been made about polls showing a number of Black men might not vote for Harris. But is that maybe the Democrats' fault, not theirs?

Nov 04, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 1504

Everything you need to know about the AG candidates

Just ahead of the election, hear directly from the candidates for Attorney General about their motivations, goals and what separates them from their fellow aspirants for this vitally important state office. You can jump ahead to each candidate to evaluate their responses. Dave Sunday (R) -- 3:30 Eugene DePasquale (D) -- 33:30 Eric Settle (FP) -- 57:30

Nov 03, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 1503

These first time voter stories are a breath of fresh air

In this hectic time, take a moment to remember that behind every vote is a story about civic engagement. Olivia Kram, Courtney Duchene and Naahv Nair approached their fellow Philadelphians to ask where they were, who they chose and what it felt like the first time they voted.

Nov 01, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 1502

Impatience--one dead tree at a time

On this episode of How To Really Run A City, former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Philly Mayor Michael Nutter speak with Delaware Governor John Carney. Carney is doing something that almost no other governor has done--turned his sights from the highest executive office in the state to the role of mayor (in this case, the mayoralty of Wilmington, DE). Reed and Nutter offer some sage advice and everyone on the show reminisces about what it really takes to get shit done in a city. There's a d...

Oct 31, 202438 minSeason 1Ep. 1501

Whose economic plan is best for Latinos?

Latinos are among the most important voting blocs and are most concerned with the economy. How would the policies of Donald Trump or Kamala Harris affect them? Cristian Salazar explains. And on this special episode, Salazar's story is read in Spanish and then in English.

Oct 30, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 1500

"As an immigrant, I never felt I could be my true me"

On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley chats with PR dynamo and fashion maven, Binh Nguyen, whose parents immigrated to Lebanon, PA from Saigon when she was young. Nguyen rose from humble beginnings to become the Senior Director of Communications at Visit Philadelphia. She's shaping how the country sees Philadelphia — and how other Asian American girls and women see their futures.

Oct 29, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 1499

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

Emily M. Danforth's 2012 YA novel, and current entry into #velshibannedbookclub, explores "sexuality, family dynamics, religion, friendship and love." And yet, it ended up on conservative book bans. Danforth joins Velshi to discuss why.

Oct 28, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 1498

Jewish stereotyping comes to ... Hymie's?

Amid boycotts of the Main Line deli for a new pro-Trump commercial, the bigger question: Does the ad perpetuate an awful Jewish caricature?

Oct 25, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 1497

The immigrant who became a beacon in Philly real estate

Maleda Brehane is an Ethiopian immigrant who saw lives transformed through real estate in east Africa. After becoming CEO of AR Spruce, she has championed civic engagement and "diversity design" here in Philadelphia. Brehane joins Dr. James Peterson for his regular Citizen segment on Evening WURDs.

Oct 24, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 1496
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android