Citizencast

On this episode of Overheard at Fitler, legendary concert promoter and genre originator Larry Magid steps back in time with Citizen Co-creator Larry Platt to relive iconic shows — Magid built music institution the Electric Factory and was behind Live Aid — and meet the artists — David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Mick Jagger — that made Philly music history. Join us for a fascinating and entertaining walk down a rock-fueled memory lane.

The average credit score for Philadelphians is 669, just above the minimum to qualify as "prime," or good enough to receive a loan. Alba Fernandez of Finanta joins James Peterson on this week's WURD Citizen segment to discuss why this is and what can be done about it. 

Big Rube talks with an up-and-coming Northwest Philly carpenter and small business owner about what it means to turn your life around and build something that lasts

Trump's Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, figured the administration could kill two birds with one stone: deport the immigrant workers upon which the country depends for food and replace them with able-bodied, lazy Medicaid recipients. Hear Ali Velshi break down the absurdity of this plan.

On this episode, Courtney DuChene reports on a new master's program that will train members of the Philadelphia Police Department to become better managers and problem-solvers. 

Donald Trump's signature legislation passed with only Republican votes and threatens to upend healthcare for America's most vulnerable. Ali Velshi, born and raised in Canada, breaks down the Canadian healthcare system and points out worrisome signs for the direction America is heading. 

On this episode of Philly Under Fire, we hear from from Melany Nelson of Northwest Victim Services. “I've spoken to many youth and they said to me, ‘Ms. Nelson, either you're going to be the predator or the prey. So you have to pick one.’ So nine times out of 10, they're going to be the predator. They told me that they expect to die young.” But as we'll hear in this episode of the Citizen's acclaimed audio series, Philadelphia’s youth are also choosing to fight back against the violence.

On this episode, Dr. James Peterson invites Citizen writer Malcolm Burnley onto EveningWURDs to discuss his story about the origins, impact and meaning of Juneteenth

With half a year under our collective belts, Ali Velshi breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly of Donald Trump's economy. "There are a lot of good things for people at the top, but they're not necessarily reaching most people in this country."

On this episode, Citizen co-founder Larry Platt draws insight from the drama of the eight-day trash strike by DC 33. The strike has left the city with not only a lingering stench but also open questions about City leadership.  

“Just keep doing the next right thing, even though it’s hard.” This mantra has become a political north star for Scranton mayor and recurring How To Really Run A City guest (and sometimes host), Paige Cognetti. She knows that what drives a city forward is everyone doing their parts at all levels. “It’s the colleges and universities,” former Mayor Michael Nutter interjects. “It’s the corporate communities. It’s the committee people. It’s the block captains. Cities are living, breathing entities.” Cognetti and Nutter recently joined Citizen co-founder Larry Platt for a special live taping of the podcast at Philadelphia’s OpportUNITY Summit hosted by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. It was a rousing conversation that included a lot of teasing of Nutter by Cognetti, but also included some high-minded reminders that the future of cities depends on practical local government reformers. “What can all of us do to move the [political] needle back to sanity?” Platt asked. “Tell the stories th

On this episode, WURD Radio host James Peterson shares his love for the band Gangstagrass. Before Beyoncé became Cowboy Carter, this Philadelphia- and Brooklyn-based band fused sounds that you didn’t know needed to go together.  

What is your representative in Congress up to? One of Congress’ most bipartisan problem-solvers is Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, who joins Citizen co-founder Larry Platt on the latest episode of Overheard at Fitler. The four-term Chester County incumbent gets into her iconoclastic background, her record of service, her efforts to resist autocracy while still getting stuff done, and just how the country can get back to at least arguing over the same set of underlying facts. 

"[World War Z] shows the cracks in our society and our government. It remains more relevant than ever," says Ali Velshi in this episode of Velshi Banned Books Club. Max Brooks' novel was first banned in China, and then in Florida and Wisconsin. Velshi invites Brooks onto the show to discuss why.

A local resident has had it with the constant, torturous ice cream truck jingle in her neighborhood, not to mention the lack of food safety licenses. Hear her story for yourself.

On this episode of Guest Commentary, the former director of the local Anti-Defamation League talks about his experience meeting a neo-Nazi moving toward redemption. Here’s why Tom Martinez, who died last month after years spent in hiding, mattered.

On this episode of Big Rube's Philly, Reuben Harley meets up at the gym with Sam Wood, CEO of the creative marketing agency, Inzpire. Hear why this body-building chief executive says, "You can do anything you want, as long as you don't let your mind get in the way."

The second annual Philly Youth Music Fest is on July 15. It's  organized by youth, features youth bands and is geared towards a youth audience--all to provide mentorship and true connection. Visit this story for free tickets.

... but not anymore. Ali Velshi breaks down the monumental ruling to undermine "nationwide injunctions" and explains why we now need to look elsewhere for checks and balances on presidents.

Ahead of the 2023 mayoral election, we asked citizens to play the role of employer. Now we're once again inviting Mayor Parker to appear before you, her employers. Here's how you can participate.