In August 2024, I aired an interview with the Yates family—Rochelle Yates Whittington and her sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates—who tragically lost 5-year-old Marcus Yates in a 1988 shooting that shocked Philadelphia. Over 35 years later, in a journey of healing and reconciliation, the family sought to speak with the two men sentenced to life for Marcus's murder, Michael Gaynor and Ike Johnson. Through this process, they came to believe that Michael Gaynor was innocent and not even present when the crime occurred. The family is now dedicated to seeking justice and overturning what they believe to be a wrongful conviction. Recently, journalist Barbara Laker investigated the case and published a six-part series uncovering police misconduct and other evidence supporting the claim of a miscarriage of justice. In this episode, I speak with Barbara Laker about her investigative series, The Wrong Man, and delve deeper into this decades-long fight for justice. Links:

• The Wrong Man – The Philadelphia Inquirer Series

  Here’s a link to my original interview with the Yates Family.

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

I recently had the privilege of speaking with a group of middle school young men, each dressed impeccably in suits and ties. They are members of a remarkable mentoring program called Distinguished Young Gentlemen, which focuses on teaching courtesy, life lessons, and so much more. Their commitment to personal growth and excellence is truly inspiring.
Distinguished Young Gentlemen

Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law Group returns for our monthly SpeakOUT feature. This week, Angela discusses the ongoing efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and examines the broader implications of rolling back DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies—particularly in awarding contracts. These changes stand to impact not only LGBTQ+ businesses but also women- and veteran-owned enterprises. Philly Gay Lawyer | Giampolo Law Group  

Patricia King, PECO Manager of Community Engagement, joins me to share important details about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—a federally funded initiative helping families cover winter heating costs. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants to those facing financial difficulties. Patricia explains how to apply, eligibility requirements, and how PECO supports families in need during the colder months.

Contact Information:
📞 PECO LIHEAP Hotline: 800-34-HELP-4
🌐 Website: peco.com/LIHEAP

Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law Group returns for our monthly SpeakOUT feature. This week, Angela discusses the ongoing efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and examines the broader implications of rolling back DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies—particularly in awarding contracts. These changes stand to impact not only LGBTQ+ businesses but also women- and veteran-owned enterprises. Philly Gay Lawyer | Giampolo Law Group  

Record Clearing Clinic
The Office of Reentry Partnership and Uplift Solutions are hosting a Record Clearing Clinic on Friday, December 20th, at the ORP Hunting Park Neighborhood Resource Center, located at 2221 W. Venango St., Suite 101, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this event, held in partnership with State Senator Sharif Street, State Representative Darish Parker, and Councilmember Cindy Bass.
I speak with Senator Street about this initiative, offering free record reviews for individuals with criminal records in Philadelphia. For more information:
📞 Call: 215-331-1545
📧 Email: desmond.mckinson@phila.gov

LIHEAP: Support for Winter Heating Bills
Patricia King, PECO Manager of Community Engagement, joins me to share important details about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—a federally funded initiative helping families cover winter heating costs. LIHEAP offers both cash and crisis grants to those facing financial difficulties. Patricia explains how to apply, eligibility requirements, and how PECO supports families in need during the colder months. Contact Information:
📞 PECO LIHEAP Hotline: 800-34-HELP-4
🌐 Website: peco.com/LIHEAP

Breaking Barriers with Jarret Janako
Jarret Janako is redefining success as the youngest Black entrepreneur to own multiple UPS Stores in the Philadelphia area. Transitioning from a career in acting, Jarret embraced entrepreneurship during the pandemic and is now celebrating the grand opening of his second location at 1300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. Balancing his thriving business ventures with his acting career, Jarret shares how he addresses challenges like package theft, uplifts his community, and continues to inspire others with his journey. Connect with Jarret Janako:
🌐 Website: Visit here
📱 Social Media:

• X (Twitter): @jarretjanako
• Instagram: @jarretjanako
• Facebook: Jarret Janako
• Threads: @jarretjanako
• TikTok: @jarretjanako
• LinkedIn: Jarret Barnett
  🎭 IMDB: Jarret Janako

The pandemic has brought increased awareness to the importance of mental health. I speak with Will Little, CEO of Personal Development Family and Sidewalk Therapy Life Coach, and CFO Shaheed Colen about the free mental wellness coaching they offer to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and find balance.

Connect with Will Little:
🌐 Website: willlatiflittle.com
📱 Instagram: @lifecoach_will

I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.  

I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.  

 With so many scams out there, it’s important to know the red flags that can keep you and your loved ones safe. In this episode, I sit down with U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark, who gives us an inside look at some of the most common scams, how they operate, and tips to avoid falling victim. Learn how to protect yourself from fraud and spot potential scammers before it’s too late. For more information, visit:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
FBI: Common Scams and Crimes    

Navigating the world as both Black and gay comes with unique challenges at the intersection of race and sexuality. I sit down with Jai the Gentleman, host of the Dear Black Gay Men Podcast and founder of the Banned Book Club. Together, we delve into the powerful ways he’s elevating conversations around visibility, acceptance, and equality  Connect with Jai the Gentleman:

• Website: dearblackgaymen.com
• YouTube: @dearblackgaymen
• X (Twitter): @dearblackgaymen
• Instagram: @dearblackgaymen
• Facebook: Dear Black Gay Men
• Threads: @dearblackgaymen
• TikTok: @dearblackgaymen
• LinkedIn: Jai the Gentlema

First,  I’m joined by Marsha Greene-Jones, Deputy Director of Employee Benefits for the City of Philadelphia. Marsha provides an in-depth look at the innovative programs designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of City employees. From wellness initiatives to retirement security, we explore how these programs foster personal and professional success.   To learn more about career opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, visit www.work.phila.gov.