From the Source
62 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago -In each episode, the podcast “From the Source” covers stories of places and people that bring Pittsburgh to life. Created in the spring of 2020, “From the Source” began as an experiment to help our listeners process the changes brought on by a global pandemic. In Season 2, we’re still learning what adapting to COVID-19 requires. Narrated by PublicSource community correspondent Jourdan Hicks, “From the Source” hopes to move, inspire and inform you about where you live, play, learn and breathe. PublicSource delivers stories for a better Pittsburgh, so if you care about our region's communities, schools and businesses, this is the podcast for you.
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Episodes
Kicking in the right direction
April 28, 2023 10:15 - 9 minutes - 6.48 MBYvetter Harrison discoves how a passion for kickball can driving positive change in Wilkinsburg and inspire others to reinvest in their neighborhood.
Pittsburgh's Gen Z speaks out: From the Source season recap | S4, Ep. 12
March 29, 2023 09:00 - 13 minutes - 9.29 MBRelive the voices of the future in the season finale of From the Source! Our Pittsburgh-area teen co-hosts have shared their perspectives on mental health, activism, immigration and more with humor and bravery throughout the season. With their unique and honest perspectives, our teen guests have left us with hope for the next generation. Tune in to the final episode of From the Source's first season to hear the teens speak their truth.
How news and technology are influencing young minds | S4, Ep. 11
March 15, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this episode, we dive into the intersection of news and technology and how it’s shaping the awareness of teen culture. The minds behind this episode: young people who attended a journalism workshop co-hosted by PublicSource and Saturday Light Brigade Radio’s Youth Media Center in the North Side. From news access to reliability, we explore the impact of technology on news and the types of stories that become news. Tune in to hear from the next generation of journalists and critical thin...
A freshman founder takes us on an entrepreneurial journey of doubts and triumph | S4, Ep. 10
March 01, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIn a candid conversation, high school freshman Jazmiere Bates opens up about her experiences as an entrepreneur and the challenges she’s had to overcome to establish her brand. She shares her journey, including the inspiration and dedication that goes into building a successful business, and the importance of staying encouraged despite facing insecurity and doubts from others.
Brandi’s antidote to teen gun violence | S4, Ep. 9
February 15, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBThis week, McKeesport native Brandi Cox discusses her observations of what happens in a community when teen gun violence becomes the norm. Listen to what she is prepared to change in her school and city to save kids’ lives.
Inside Ja’Nya’s film lab: How a 10th grader is scripting her future, her way | S4, Ep. 8
February 01, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes - 8.03 MBIn this conversation, Reach Cyber Charter School sophomore Ja’Nya Coleman discusses how she views the paths to career success outside of attending college post-graduation, and how virtual learning, mentors and bad TV shows helped her realize her passion for storytelling and find a creative community.
This preteen is proud of her police officer dad, and also has ideas for better policing | S4, Ep. 7
January 18, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.97 MBIn this episode of From the Source, Ambyr Clay discusses her experiences as a preteen coming of age in the era of police misconduct and protests captured on cell phone video and distributed widely on social media. Ambyr shares her observations on what her peers think about policing and the opportunity she sees for teens and police to have relationships that are beneficial to the community.
Teens fighting for a livable planet | S4, Ep. 6
January 04, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.9 MBIn this episode, five Pittsburgh high school students from Girl Scout Troop 55286 discuss the uncomfortable truths about climate change and environmental justice activism for teens — and how their peers and parents can help raise awareness.
From The Source is on holiday break
December 21, 2022 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.55 MBWe’re taking a break to observe the holiday season, so there won’t be a new episode this week. We’re back Wednesday, January 4th Next time on From The Source, scouts from troop 55286 share how they became teen climate activists, and why more teens aren’t engaged with environmental justice issues. "We are the most affected by it, but we have the least say in it. We are not able to go into Congress and make laws. We are not able to vote, most of us. We're not able to put solar panels on ou...
Finding home: Exploring immigration through the teen experience | S4, Ep. 5
December 07, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBFor some young people, an intercultural exchange is rare and there is little consideration of why they are who they are. But for teens who immigrated or whose immediate family immigrated, it can be a major cornerstone of their experience and identity. This week, we speak with Pittsburgh Allderdice High School senior Sam Alawadhi on the challenge and gifts of having intersecting identities — as a Yemeni and an American — and what he thinks about his peers’ understanding of the concept of cult...
When teens and social media collide, what happens to self-image and worldviews?
November 23, 2022 14:24 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIn this conversation with Pittsburgh Allderdice senior Amaya Dorman, she discusses her observations of lifestyle content on social media; its effects on teens’ aspirations and values; and the challenges she faces to maintain her individuality.
A high school senior’s perspective on how adults frame gender roles and talking with teens about sexual safety
November 09, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 11.9 MBBoys and girls, the birds and the bees, the double standards. In this conversation with Woodland Hills High School senior Tierra Bush, she discusses how she has viewed the differences of how boys and girls are groomed to behave and what that means within the larger context of sex, sexuality and sexual safety. Bush shares about the challenges of coming of age as a woman and the advice she has for parents and teens when discussing sexual safety.
A freshman’s take on teen mental health 101, and spoiler, it’s not constant positivity
October 26, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 28.4 MBA sustainable future and the health and wellness of teens are inextricably linked. Since the pandemic, there’s been an increase in high school students feeling persistently sad or hopeless and a shortage in pediatric mental health providers. In this episode, Cayah Leavy, a high school freshman, walks us through her experiences with mental health, balancing the stressors of her teenage life, and her advice to adults who want to connect with teens.
A freshman’s take on teen mental health 101, and spoiler, it’s not constant positivity
October 26, 2022 09:00A sustainable future and the health and wellness of teens are inextricably linked. Since the pandemic, there’s been an increase in high school students feeling persistently sad or hopeless and a shortage in pediatric mental health providers. In this episode, Cayah Leavy, a high school freshman, walks us through her experiences with mental health, balancing the stressors of her teenage life, and her advice to adults who want to connect with teens.
These teens are fighting to change the rhetoric and reality around youth violence in the Pittsburgh area | S4, Ep. 1
October 12, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 19.9 MBYoung people have not been shielded from the spike of gun violence in the Pittsburgh area. They have been innocent bystanders, victims and the ones holding the guns. What’s at the root of this violence among teenagers and how is it affecting them? Jourdan Hicks, host of the From the Source podcast by PublicSource, speaks with two high school freshmen who are also youth ambassadors focused on bringing more understanding to discussions about youth violence and what can be done to stop its c...
PA eased telehealth regulations during COVID
June 09, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MBPublicSource explores telehealth access through a parity lens for mental and physical health needs.
What do you know for sure? | Revisiting S3 personalities
May 06, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBIn the third season of From the Source, we focused on the Pittsburgh barrier-breakers and their personal reflections on challenges, growth and achievement. We asked each and every one of them a question that yielded answers as diverse as their experiences: What do you know for sure? Listen back to all of their unique responses gathered here in this trip back into our season 3 episodes.
Michael’s dilemma: When your work influences how your child sees the world
April 20, 2022 10:00 - 12 minutes - 16.6 MBMichael Carroll is a social media marketer, producer and artist manager. In this episode of From the Source, Michael deconstructs popular media marketing tactics and how they add to the complexities of raising his teenage daughter. Can Michael protect her from what he’s creating? Listen to how Michael attempts to achieve work-life balance.
Mark’s ‘magical Mindful Toolbox’ for kids
April 06, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MBMark Williams is the songwriter, artist and creator of the show, “Hello, Humans!” In this episode of From the Source, Mark talks about the steps he’s taking to inspire kids to be mindful and how families can build mindful practices like meditation into their daily lives.
Ginny's work values, shaped by childhood responsibilities
March 23, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBMeet Ginny Nemchick. She’s an operations manager at a business incubator in East Liberty. In this episode of From the Source, Ginny talks about her work in the nonprofit space and how growing up the responsible sibling ties into the work values she stands by today.
Damian’s approach to ‘whole body’ training
March 09, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBMeet Damian Addison, father, boxer and personal trainer. In this episode of From the Source, Damian talks about developing positive mental agility, the relationship between confidence and fitness, and what he knows to be true about transforming your life.
Lena’s labor theory
February 23, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MBMeet Lena Chen, a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University as well as an artist and performer. In this episode of From the Source, Lena talks about breaking into the sex-pleasure industry; the relationship between intimacy, gender, and technology; and what needs to be updated in how society thinks about what is “real work.”
Nick’s community practice
February 09, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode of From the Source, you’ll meet Nick Ripley, who works in the North Side at the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation’s free legal aid clinic, which serves the LGBTQ+ community. Listen to what Nick has to say about how the legal system gaslights people with marginalized identities and what they know for sure about human rights, advocacy and service.
She’Cholle’s venture into manufacturing
January 26, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBShe’Cholle Winmon works in additive manufacturing at RE2 Robotics in Lawrenceville. From firsthand experience, She’Cholle shares how she successfully navigates the workforce development pipeline in Pittsburgh and what she knows for sure about changing careers.
Priya’s vision for child care
January 12, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode of From the Source, you’ll meet Priya Amin, co-creator of the child care company Flexable. Priya talks about where the idea for Flexable came from and why it was so needed, the decision to close the company and what she knows for sure about the possibilities for innovation and child care in the future.
Terry's pilgrimage to Pittsburgh
December 29, 2021 12:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBIntroducing Terry Gibson: Ten years ago, religion and family pushed this Florida native to break ground in a new city he’d never visited. Listen to his description of Pittsburgh’s “unfiltered'' religious identity, takeaways from his time here and his wishes for the city’s future.
Ehrrin’s return to school and going from gig work to career
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode of From the Source, we discuss the challenges Ehrrin Keenan is facing and has faced in reaching her goal of graduating college — again. As an adult learner, she shares her experience navigating systems, self-esteem and assignments.
Karen's challenge to herself — and ultimately to you
December 01, 2021 12:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBHas someone ever said something to you that just stunk? It was biased, close-minded, perhaps straight-up hateful. Where did you dump the feelings associated with it? Karen Zellars reflects on her formative years in Pittsburgh, where there is a continuing legacy of misrepresentation and mistreatment of Black Pittsburghers like herself. Karen challenged what the outside world was telling her she was capable of to find her place in the workforce and community.
Season 2 Recap: How Do You Measure a Good Life?
August 10, 2021 10:30 - 8 minutes - 11.4 MBIn the second season of From the Source, we focused on quality-of-life issues. What do you need to live well? How much? And at what cost? Before we sign off and come back for Season 3 in the fall, here’s a recap of some of the Pittsburghers you met and the stories they brought to life this season.
Lives left in caring hands?— A conversation with a palliative care social worker
August 05, 2021 11:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBWhat information do you need to have in place for you to transition to the end of your life on your terms? Support and palliative care social worker Tanisha Bowman walks us through how to prepare and empower your loved ones to carry out your final wishes and how bias makes the situation even more difficult.
Stigma and support — A conversation with a Pittsburgh bereavement doula
July 28, 2021 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBShould we talk about loss more? Does it make a difference if it’s a loss of an elderly parent or an infant? Pittsburgh bereavement doula Heather Bradley helps parents through infant loss and thinks everyone could stand to benefit from talking about end-of-life issues more openly.
Communal Land and Ownership. A conversation with Pittsburgh affordable housing advocates.
June 24, 2021 12:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBLand banks, inclusionary zoning policies and community land trusts are all a part of the toolkit that cities like Pittsburgh and community leaders are using to ensure that neighborhoods maintain affordability and can benefit from development. Hear from two Pittsburgh affordable housing advocates on the historical and social through lines Pittsburgh needs to discuss affordable housing better.
Leading with generosity — A conversation with a local jeweler about his career and culture of giving.
June 10, 2021 10:30 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBWhen an employee says their relationship with their boss resembles that of a close brother or sister, you must be doing something right. Listen and learn how employers exercising generosity in the workplace can change the way we see and do work together.
Tuition isn’t free, and neither is emotional labor — A conversation with Pitt’s departing Black Action Society president
May 24, 2021 19:09 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBMeet Morgan Ottley as she unpacks the lessons and challenges of remotely completing her senior year at the University of Pittsburgh following 2020’s summer of racial reckoning and protests. Morgan discusses the emotional, often invisible labor left to students when universities fall short of solidarity and the future of racial justice and accountability on college campuses. For more insights on the effects of the racial justice movement on higher ed from students, faculty, staff and admin...
Pittsburgh’s Black Muslim history uncovered
May 06, 2021 10:30 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBMeet Ali R. Abdullah as he explains the significance of being an African-American Muslim in the Pittsburgh region and what you should know about Pittsburgh’s role in Islamic history in the United States. For a deeper look into what Ali uncovered about his own family’s connection to religious history in the area, check out the story by PublicSource faith and religion reporter Chris Hedlin: “Pittsburgh was once a Black Muslim refuge.”
Sweat equity — A conversation with Pittsburgh activist Dena Stanley
April 21, 2021 20:04 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBIn this episode, you’ll hear Dena Stanley, activist and executive director of TransYOUniting PGH, on the emotional and mental labor it takes to defend equity and the protection of human rights for the Black and trans community. We discuss how protests inform community organizing, how she feels about her “radical” reputation and the vulnerabilities of being a visible public defender of human rights in Allegheny County.
Flair with care — A conversation with a Pittsburgh alternative hairstyle and wig specialis
March 30, 2021 10:00 - 14 minutes - 9.78 MBThe kind of hair service Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur LaToya Johnson-Rainey provides is for a particular clientele. Clients come to her in their most vulnerable time of need. Johnson-Rainey owns A Hair Boutique Shadyside, a private wig boutique specializing in medical wigs and hairpieces. She is also the author of The Hair Commandments; The Shalls & Shall Nots of Weaves, Wigs, and Natural Hair. Listen and learn how Johnson-Rainey is helping people find their perfect fit and style after trau...
Better nature, better relationship, better planet — A conversation with a Pittsburgh urban ecologist
March 11, 2021 13:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBAre discussions about the non-human natural world relevant to folks outside of climate change and environmentalist circles? After listening to Pittsburgh urban ecologist Marijke Hecht, you’ll understand how everyone plays a role in creating the environment. For episode 6, we’re reviewing a Science Magazine article on how design patterns influenced by systemic racism affect green space and the plant and pest variety in your neighborhood. Do you see more weeds or butterflies where you live? ...
Let’s get free — A Pittsburgh-based prison abolitionist’s point of view
February 26, 2021 00:24 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThis week, we’re asking you to engage in a bit of deep thinking as you meet Etta Cetera. She’s not a lawyer or a corrections officer, but she’s dedicated to freeing people and changing the options our society has for punishment and justice. We discuss what she sees as the day-to-day injustices that come with imprisonment and how she went from virtually having no political consciousness to adopting the mission of a prison abolitionist.
Secret ingredients: purpose and confidence. Meet the 9-year-old chef dishing up recipe videos for social media.
February 03, 2021 14:37 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBThis episode is a nice palate cleanser after a day or week (or year) of serious news. For this episode of From the Source, you’ll meet the 3rd-grade chef — balancing remote learning and nurturing his passion for cooking — his mom and two local chefs providing tips, advice and support for his dreams of becoming a master chef.
Year-end reflections from PublicSource staff on the never-ending year that was 2020: Jay Manning
December 31, 2020 18:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MBWhen we began From the Source it was our ambition to help listeners find community with others around how they were getting through working, schooling, running businesses and living with all of the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. For our 2020 year-end episode we are doing things a little differently, From the Source won’t be featuring any sources. Instead, we’ll feature ourselves. First up, Jay Manning. Jay is a visual storyteller and producer at PublicSource. A Brazilian m...
Year-end reflections from PublicSource staff on the never-ending year that was 2020: Naomi Harris
December 31, 2020 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBWhen we began From the Source it was our ambition to help listeners find community with others around how they were getting through working, schooling, running businesses and living with all of the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. For our 2020 year-end episode we are doing things a little differently, From the Source won’t be featuring any sources. Instead, we’ll feature ourselves. For Part 2, Naomi Harris shares how she has started as a higher education reporter at PublicS...
Year-end reflections from PublicSource staff on the never-ending year that was 2020: Jennie Liska
December 31, 2020 18:00 - 8 minutes - 5.94 MBWhen we began From the Source it was our ambition to help listeners find community with others around how they were getting through working, schooling, running businesses and living with all of the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. For our 2020 year-end episode we are doing things a little differently, From the Source won’t be featuring any sources. Instead, we’ll feature ourselves. For Part 3, Jennie Liska, PublicSource's director of loyalty programs, talks how she has nav...
How Pittsburgh shapes and cages the experience of Black women. For real. (Part 2)
December 22, 2020 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBBlack women are not a monolith. So, building on the first part of the episode about Black women in Pittsburgh, I spoke with Jahqwhan “Jah” Watson. A native Ohioan by way of Cleveland — who came to Pittsburgh as a Pulse social service fellow last summer —Jah picks up where Naomi Ritter and Janel Young left off. We explore more of what gets left out of the conversation when discussing Black women in Pittsburgh and the unique experiences that shape and cage their identities. Jah’s reflection...
How Pittsburgh shapes and cages the experience of Black women. For real.
November 23, 2020 21:59 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBThe quality of life for the Black woman in Pittsburgh has been the topic of many panels and studies in recent years. From opportunity to education, Pittsburgh has proven to be a challenging, and, at times, fatal place for Black Women to live. On this episode of From the Source I speak with two native Pittsburghers, artists and entrepreneurs, Janel Young and Naomi Ritter, about what they feel gets left out of conversation and news coverage depicting the journey of becoming Black women in Pitt...
To Vote or Not to Vote
October 30, 2020 17:35 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB2020 is set to see record-breaking participation from voters in the presidential election. But not everyone has plans to vote. In this episode, we talk to Veronica Coptis who runs Coalfield Justice in Washington County about the disillusionment of residents she works with and serves. We also connect with two Pittsburgh women, Ayana Sade and Patrice Bolompe, who are not going to vote. We explore the motivations behind voting abstention and voting as a notion of requirement vs. right.
Pandemics, plural: Season 1 recap
June 23, 2020 11:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBSeason 1 of "From the Source" set out to hear about life in Pittsburgh during the coronavirus pandemic. We heard from business owners, students, parents and others. Then, we shifted attention to the crisis of racism and police brutality against Black people in America — a civil rights movement happening during a health pandemic. Now, we're ending season 1 and would like to hear from you as we plan for season 2. What do you want us to cover? Who should we feature? What stories should we repor...
The student and her grandma, an intergenerational view on civil rights
June 16, 2020 10:53 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBMekka Lloyd, a student at Obama Academy, grapples with how to make progress on the pandemic of racism and balance her views with what her beloved grandmother shares about her own experiences and the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
BONUS EXTRA: Listen to Mekka interview her grandmother
June 16, 2020 10:49 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBAn Obama Academy student interviews her grandma about civil rights, Malcolm X and 'being radical.'
A mom of boys navigates the pandemic and fight for justice
June 09, 2020 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBPittsburgh resident Kim Neely was taking the pandemic in stride. It was a relief, to some degree. And it was because her family was home alongside her, and that makes a big difference for the Black mom of two Black boys and wife of a Black man. On this episode, she shares how she's been impacted by the movement against racism and police brutality and the experience of taking her son to his first protest.