WHYY
The evolution of the American criminal justice system | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/12/26
- Title
- The evolution of the American criminal justice system | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/12/26
- Runtime
- 55:12
- Date posted
- 7 hours ago
- Description
- How did America develop its own conception of criminal justice? That’s the question at the heart of a new, four part documentary series produced by Ken Burns.
The film traces ideas around punishment and penitence from the colonial period up until the modern day. Philadelphia is featured early on in the series as it explores the influence of reformers like founding father Benjamin Rush and the origins of the world’s first penitentiary.
It looks at the meaning of dignity, atonement, vengeance, and the social contract through the lens of all those involved in the justice system: victims of crimes, formerly incarcerated people, corrections officers, legal experts, and public intellectuals.
The series director, acclaimed filmmaker Lynn Novick, joins us to talk about the film and Philadelphia’s role in it. The first installment of "Crime and Punishment in America” airs Monday, November 16th on WHYY-TV 12.
Guest:
– Lynn ...
- Title
- What’s next for Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/11/2026
- Runtime
- 55:29
- Date posted
- 17 hours ago
- Description
- An impeachment attempt against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was effectively torpedoed Tuesday. This after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), a longtime critic of Hegseth, filed eight impeachment articles on Monday accusing the secretary of high crimes and misdemeanors. Among the list of complaints are illegally waging war in Iran and Yemen, the killing of civilians and suppressing free speech.
Though impeachment proceedings failed to advance in the House, Democrats could return to it in the new session when they take control of both chambers, although conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least a dozen Republican senators would need to sign on.
The Pentagon chief has been defiant, holding a rare press conference defending his record on Tuesday and calling the charges a farce and “political spectacle.” President Donald Trump has defended the embattled secretary, saying he “won two wars,” referring to Venezuela and Iran....
- Title
- Rocky at 50 | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/09/26
- Runtime
- 55:29
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Rocky turns 50 this year, and we’re celebrating the film and its imprint on Philadelphia’s identity and culture.
It began as a screenplay by little-known actor Sylvester Stallone about a down-and-out boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight title and grew to a nine-movie franchise. A new book by Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist Mike Sielski chronicles Stallone’s relentless fight to get the film made and its influence on the city’s self-image.
Decades after the original film debut, Rocky’s mark is still all over town. Countless visitors and residents sprint up the “Rocky steps” everyday. And over the years. And though some in the city have wrestled with how much to lean into the Rocky identity, today there are three statues on display in Philly, with one now back at the top of the iconic steps.
There’s also a new film coming out this month, I Play Rocky, and this weekend’s annual Rocky Run, a tribute to the cathartic run...
- Title
- The #Phillies Real Offseason Kicks Off at the GM Meetings! | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 57:22
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- Rumors, rumors, rumors! Lots of rumors surrounding the Phillies as Major League Baseball's General Manager meetings are underway in Las Vegas. What will the Phils do, if anything, this week?
On this edition of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Liz Roscher and Justing Klugh discuss the strategic landscape for the Phillies as they look to secure talent for next year.
They examine how these high-stakes negotiations influence long-term team building and the broader market trends currently affecting the sport.
Understanding these offseason activities is essential for any fan tracking how their favorite team navigates the trade market. We look at the primary objectives for general managers as they balance current payrolls with the need for roster upgrades.
Subscribe for weekly baseball breakdowns, and comment below on which potential trade you are most interested in seeing this winter.
Chapters:
00:00 - GM meetings, t...
- Title
- New Philly mobile van brings free eye disease screening directly to patients
- Runtime
- 1:24
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- The Scheie Eye Institute in MOTION van can screen for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions linked to chronic disease.
- Title
- A look at the Philadelphia foster care system | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/09/26
- Runtime
- 55:52
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- The tragic death of 10-year-old Malayshia Allford is raising questions about Philadelphia’s foster care system. Allford was found dead in the trunk of a vehicle in Camden County last week after a 10 day police search.
Carprice Williams, a former Philadelphia teacher who had been fostering Allford, has been charged with murder. According to a prior lawsuit, Williams had a documented history of abuse and state officials had recommended she never again be allowed to foster a child.
On Friday, Mayor Cherelle Parker said authorities “will cross every ‘t and dot every ‘i’ to uncover all of the facts” in the murder case. Meanwhile, Allford’s family has called on the city to hold the Department of Human Services to account.
Today on the show, what does this case reveal about the child welfare systems meant to safeguard the city’s most vulnerable?
Guests:
– Samantha Melamed, investigative journalist at The Philadel...
- Title
- Dems won big. Now what? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/05/2026
- Runtime
- 55:39
- Date posted
- 7 days ago
- Description
- The voters have spoken. Blue wave, tsunami, earthquake, wildfire – whatever you want to call it – Democrats won big in the midterms. But what might come of the momentum? What can the Democrats actually do now that they control both chambers of congress, but still face President Donald Trump’s veto pen?
Are there issues on which they could find common ground with the president? How will their control of the purse strings in D.C. affect the ongoing Iran war? How much energy will they or should they put into accountability hearings for Trump administration actions? And what could gains in 2026 mean if Dems secure the White House in 2028?
On this edition of Studio 2, we’ll unpack all that plus what lessons we can learn from history after seismic midterm elections.
- Title
- Live from the Fitler Club: Processing the 2026 midterm results | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/4/26
- Runtime
- 55:21
- Date posted
- 8 days ago
- Description
- Studio 2 is live from the Fitler Club in Philadelphia for a special midterm election hour.
Democrats had a huge election night. They won control of Congress, flipping seven Republican-held Senate seats in Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Maine, Kansas, North Carolina and South Carolina. They took Michigan and New Hampshire and there are still races in Mississippi and Alaska that are too close to call.
In the House, Democrats are projected to win around 250 seats, giving them a sizable majority. They also picked up governorships across the country.
In Pennsylvania, Democrats swept all four congressional districts they targeted. Bob Harvie unseated five-term Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks County. Bob Brooks defeated Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the Lehigh Valley. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti beat Rep. Rob Bresnahan. In the Harrisburg area, Janelle Stelson upset seven-term Rep. Scott Perry. And in New Jersey, two Republican incumbents lost: Democrat Zack Mullock ouste...
- Title
- Election Day special 2026 | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/03/2026
- Runtime
- 55:29
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- On this Election Day, voters across our region are casting ballots in a midterm that could shift the balance of power in Congress. President Trump’s approval rating is low, as voters are frustrated with the economy and the war with Iran is unpopular. Polls give Democrats an edge in the race for the House, in part due to four competitive congressional races in Pennsylvania. But the Democrats path to a Senate majority is narrower, and will likely come down to more traditionally red states where polls suggest the party could eke out wins.
In Harrisburg, Democrats are hoping to win the state Senate, which would give them a governing trifecta for the first time since 1993.
In this episode, we’ll talk with reporters in Bucks County, the Lehigh Valley, Scranton, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia about early turnout and what voters are telling them at the polls.
Plus, we’ll look at the key national contests and how the candidates’ closing messages ar...
- Title
- These are the top free agents for the #Phillies to target! #Phillies #MLB #FreeAgency
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Could Adrian Morejon be the missing piece for the Phillies bullpen? We break down why he is a top target for Philadelphia.
Adding a high-leverage lefty is a priority for the front office this offseason. We examine the metrics behind Adrian Morejon and how his performance profile compares to other elite arms currently available on the market. His consistent production suggests he could provide the stability needed to anchor the late innings.
Beyond the specific interest in Morejon, we evaluate the broader strategy for Phillies free agency as the team looks to optimize their roster. Understanding how these bullpen acquisitions fit into the current pitching staff is essential for projecting success in the coming year.
Subscribe for weekly baseball breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which free agent signing would most impact your team.
- Title
- Why are so many men opting out of the workforce? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 11/02/2026
- Runtime
- 56:00
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- An increasing number of American men aren’t working and aren’t looking for jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, participation of males 16 and older in the labor force has dropped around 17% since 1950. Today, an estimated 44 million men are not participating in workforce activities. Non-participation is higher among those that don’t have college degrees.
Some argue jobs do exist for men who want them, but they’re simply not being filled. Different economists have pointed to a myriad of factors to explain this predicament. A decline in American manufacturing, mass incarceration, overuse of social programs and even pornography have all been cited as reasons why men stay out of the workforce.
Today on Studio 2, we’re looking at the historical trends of male labor participation and speak with experts who’ve researched the decline.
Guests:
– Keith Humphreys, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford...
- Title
- These free agents could be the KEY to the Phillies' off-season.
- Runtime
- 1:05:30
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- Free agency in baseball is officially underway, setting the stage for a busy offseason before the December deadline.
With qualifying offers now on the table, the Phillies are preparing for a critical stretch in the hot stove league. We are tracking the early moves and analyzing how the looming collective bargaining agreement deadline could force teams to finalize rosters sooner than expected.
John Stolnis from SB Nation's The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh break down the potential for a league-wide lockout and why the current market conditions suggest a flurry of activity is imminent. We evaluate the roster implications for Philadelphia as the front office looks to position the club before the winter freeze.
Subscribe for weekly baseball breakdowns, and let us know in the comments which free agent signing would most impact your team.
Chapters:
00:00 - Free agency begins with a possible lockout looming
- Title
- Ask Governor Meyer | WHYY & DPM | 10/29/2026
- Runtime
- 53:59
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Delaware Governor Matt Meyer joins us for this October episode to address top issues like next weeks midterm elections, education, and development in the first state.
As always we’re taking audience questions and comments throughout this show, so drop your comments in the chat, call 888-477-9499, or email askgovmeyer@whyy.org.
- Title
- Consumer rage: Is the customer always right? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/29/2026
- Runtime
- 55:44
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- Is the customer always right? They certainly think they are, and they’re madder than ever. Polls show an increasing number of American consumers are frustrated with their shopping experiences, leading to growing rudeness and incivility.
A spat between singer Kelly Clarkson and a Brooklyn knick-knacks store reignited a conversation about customer relations etiquette. So today on Studio 2, we’re asking: why are consumers so frustrated? How is technology and online culture playing into the problem? And how should business owners sort through legitimate critical feedback versus petty complaints?
Guests:
— Diane Negra, author of I’m Sorry You Feel That Way, and professor of film studies and screen culture at University College Dublin
— Scott Broetzmann, CEO of Customer Care & Management Consulting, co-author of the Customer Rage Survey
- Title
- Neshaminy Mall is dead. Long live its historical dioramas
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 14 days ago
- Description
- Neshaminy Mall will close forever on Halloween. What will happen to the animatronic historical dioramas that entertained generations of children while their mothers shopped at Strawbridge's?
The dioramas are about 5 feet high, 6 feet across and weigh about 300 pounds each. Originally there were seven, depicting seven historic moments in the Philadelphia area, such as William Penn signing a treaty with the Lenni Lenape, the Battle of Germantown and Gen. George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
The papier-mâché figures are animated with hidden motors and gears, but they have not worked in decades.
The Bensalem historical society is working with Bensalem Township to pull out all seven dioramas, restore them to working condition and find new homes for them.
The first to be removed from the mall was a scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin’s pen sweeps across the page as members of the Continen...
- Title
- Live from Newtown: Pa's role in the midterms | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/28/26
- Runtime
- 55:26
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- We’re less than a week away from midterm election day and tensions are high. Polls show democrats favored to win the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate appears to be in play, but neither party is taking anything for granted.
Four crucial Pennsylvania congressional races have drawn a lot of national attention and money, including the 1st Congressional District in Bucks County where five-time Republican incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick faces Democratic challenger and County Commissioner Bob Harvie.
On this live Studio 2 On the Road special, we’re at the Newtown Theatre in Bucks County to talk about the races that could determine control of Congress, the issues firing voters up, the barrage of attack ads, and election security. Joining us are two former Pennsylvania congressmen — Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Charlie Dent — along with political science professor Kelly Ditmar.
Guests:
– Charlie Dent, former Pa. Congressman from the Leh...
- Title
- Can a New Hitting Coach Bring Hittin' Season Back to the Phillies? #Phillies #MLB #Baseball
- Runtime
- 0:57
- Date posted
- 15 days ago
- Description
- Can a new hitting coach finally help the Phillies harness data to get their offense back on track? We examine the strategy.
Modern baseball coaching requires more than just traditional instruction; it demands a sophisticated approach to data and analytics. The current Major League staff has struggled to integrate these insights effectively, leaving the team searching for a leader capable of player development through objective metrics. We break down why the organization needs a tactical shift to maximize their current roster's potential.
Looking at successful models around the league, a candidate like Caleb Cotham represents the type of coach who prioritizes evidence-based training. By moving away from outdated methods, the Phillies could see a significant improvement in plate discipline and overall production. We discuss what this transition looks like and why data-driven hitting performance is the missing link for a championship run.
Subscribe f...
- Title
- Big Fix: Money in Politics | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/27/26
- Runtime
- 57:24
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- The midterm elections are on track to be the most expensive in history, with a projected $11.6 billion in advertising spending, surpassing the $11.2 billion spent during the 2024 presidential race. With control of Congress at stake and new industries like AI, crypto, and online gambling pouring record amounts of cash into campaigns, renewed concern over the influence of money in our politics is growing.
Recent polls by Politico and the Brennan Center show that a majority of Americans, across party lines, believe there is too much money in our elections, that it's corrupting, that billionaires and special interest groups wield too much power, and that stricter regulations are needed.
On this month’s Big Fix episode, we’ll tackle the impact of money on our politics and democracy. We’ll discuss how dark money shapes policy, how to curb pay-to-play corruption, and how to limit the influence of billionaire donors. We’ll also examine the harm it does to or...
- Title
- Can the Phillies' New Hitting Coach Change Anything? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:03:32
- Date posted
- 16 days ago
- Description
- The Phillies have hired Peter Fatse, the former Red Sox hitting coach under Alex Cora in Boston, to be their new hitting coach. What impact will it have on the organization and the 2027 Phils? On this episode of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss this as well as whether the team should extend Alec Bohm a qualifying offer to play for one more year at $23 million, and the first few games of the World Series, which has been all Milwaukee Brewers. What lessons can the Phils learn from this year's Fall Classic?
Chapters:
00:00 - Roundtable preview: Fatse, Bohm, and the World Series
04:00 - Phillies hire former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse
06:50 - Can Fatse bring consistency and better analytics use?
14:16 - Why hitters cannot rely on their A-swing every time
18:39 - The $23.15 million qualifying-offer debate begins
22:19 - Aiden Miller and the case for a one-year Bohm stopgap
26:20 - John argu...
- Title
- Can Democrats win control in Pa.? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/26/2026
- Runtime
- 51:42
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Could Democrats win a trifecta in Harrisburg this November? That means control of Pennsylvania’s Senate, House and governor’s office. It’s a feat they haven’t achieved since 1993, and that lasted only one year.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is seeking re-election against Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Democrats are also trying to hold their narrow three-seat majority in the state House and flip three seats to take the state Senate, which Republicans have controlled for more than 30 years and currently lead 27-23.
Today on the show, we’ll dig into the key races that could decide who controls Harrisburg, from the Senate districts to the contest for governor. We look at the issues driving voters, including data centers, corruption and affordability. Plus, we’ll look at what President Donald Trump’s approval numbers could mean for turnout on Election Day.
Guests:
– Charles McElwee, founding editor of RealClearPA
– Stephen...
- Title
- The DOJ investigation into Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/22/2026
- Runtime
- 58:09
- Date posted
- 21 days ago
- Description
- According to reporting from multiple news outlets, the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into District Attorney Larry Krasner's office. The probe stems from a mishandled post-conviction case that has dogged the office for months, rooted in two prosecutors who became critical of how Krasner dealt with the case, who claim his loyalty was not to the truth, but to “protecting the office.”
Krasner has denied any wrongdoing and accused the federal judge who recommended the investigation of acting unfairly, calling him a “ringmaster” of a “circus.” He has also called the DOJ under President Donald Trump “an attack arm for people the President perceives as enemies.”
Today on the show: a reporter walks us through the timeline of events leading to the DOJ’s involvement and unpacks where the case could go from here. Plus, we’ll hear from District Attorney Larry Krasner himself.
Guests:
– Chris Palm...
- Title
- Trump, Putin, Ukraine and gas prices | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/21/2026
- Runtime
- 56:34
- Date posted
- 22 days ago
- Description
- For decades, the United States and Russia have been rivals, most times bitterly so. But in the age of President Donald Trump, that rivalry has morphed into something different. The president has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and his authoritarian regime. That’s brought on criticism from allied countries, especially Ukraine as it battles Russia in its years-long war.
President Trump recently announced he would waive sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, a move that Ukrainian leadership and even Republican legislators in the U.S. criticized. Trump’s allies have further strained relations with Ukraine, as billionaire Elon Musk reportedly ordered a slowdown of Starlink internet services for the Ukrainian military.
All the while, Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine and lower the costs of fuel as the midterm elections approach. Today on the show, we’re examining the changed relationship between the U.S. and Russia thanks to Presiden...
- Title
- Should you outsource your to-do list to an AI agent? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/20/26
- Runtime
- 58:04
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- A new wave of consumer products is finding its way into the mainstream: AI agents. They’re like chatbots, but more integrated into your digital life. They can supposedly do all the busywork you don’t want to deal with… sometimes without even being asked.
Until recently, these kinds of virtual assistants were the purview of a handful of tech savvy early adopters. But when Meta launched a free-to-use and user-friendly agent called ‘Muse’ last month, it quickly rocketed to number one in the U.S. app store. OpenAI released ‘Dots,’ a similar subscription-based model a few weeks later.
Many people are drawn to the idea of outsourcing their to-do list, but there are tradeoffs and risks. If you want an AI agent to identify subscriptions to cancel, you’ll have to give it your banking info. If you want it to organize your emails, you’ll have to give it access to everything in your inbox.
Today on the show: a closer look at the pros and co...
- Title
- What Went Wrong For The Phillies? Offseason Analysis | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 54:51
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- The Hittin' Season podcast returns as we look ahead to the offseason following the 2026 Phillies season.
Fans aren't enthused by Dave Dombrowski's news conference or his plan to keep Trea Turner at shortstop. Can he get the Phils back as one of baseball's elite teams? Also, we preview the World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, and we talk Phillies prospects with Mitch Rupert.
Join John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher for weekly Phillies analysis, and let us know in the comments what you want to hear about next.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
01:50 - Dombrowski’s recent press conference and team outlook
05:02 - Discussion on Trey Turner’s position and performance
09:53 - Analysis of Phillies roster construction and future moves
14:51 - Phillies’ use of analytics and development challenges
19:56 - Managerial search and leaked discussions about Utley ...
- Title
- Learning to play rugby with Delco's Brandywine Riot
- Runtime
- 2:32
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- From the city to pockets of Delco, rugby devotees have endured broken bones, torn ACLs and more than a few bruises. But to them, “all is good in the world.”
Rooted in a decades-long legacy, women’s-plus rugby teams in Greater Philadelphia are getting a boost from the sport’s recent surge in popularity.
For more from Philadelphia's suburbs and beyond, check out WHYY.org/News.
- Title
- Should we ban frats? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/19/26
- Runtime
- 55:57
- Date posted
- 24 days ago
- Description
- Allegations of a sexual assault at Cornell University have reopened the debate over fraternities. Seven members of Chi Phi House are accused in a lawsuit of gang rape at a fraternity party in 2024. The men all deny the accusation but a criminal investigation is now underway by the New York State Attorney General.
In response to the allegations and public outrage, Cornell has suspended parties and social gatherings at fraternities for the rest of the year. But many are asking if that’s enough. This latest assault allegation follows many other examples of egregious behavior over the years, including sexual assaults and hazing incidents, some of which led to deaths. At Penn State in 2017, sophomore Timothy Piazza died from falling down stairs intoxicated during a hazing ritual. Fraternities are also associated with higher rates of sexual violence.
So should fraternities be banned altogether? Some people say there’s something inherently wrong with the frater...
- Title
- Settlement Music School in Philadelphia goes national with its arts preschool
- Runtime
- 2:23
- Date posted
- 27 days ago
- Description
- Want your kids to be 60 percent happier, with five times less stress and triple the vocabulary? The Settlement Music School in Philadelphia has just what you are looking for.
Settlement’s preschool program, Kaleidoscope, generates those “astonishing” results in young children, according to child psychologist Dr. Emily Brown, director of West Chester University’s Early Childhood Cognition and Emotions Lab, who has been studying Settlement’s Kaleidoscope school for 20 years.
“It was a ‘wow’ moment,” Brown said about when she started to understand Kaleidoscope’s results.
The school now is offering the program for teachers and home schoolers everywhere with an online teaching platform, called KWEST.
- Title
- Philly Music Fest co-founder Greg Seltzer
- Runtime
- 30:13
- Date posted
- 27 days ago
- Description
- On this extended cut edition of Jukebox Journey, Kevin highlights the 2026 Philly Music Festival with cofounder Greg Seltzer, a mergers and acquisitions attorney who’s hit on a recipe for celebrating up and coming artists from the region while supporting music education for youth.
- Title
- The case for hosting friends and family | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/15/26
- Runtime
- 56:34
- Date posted
- 28 days ago
- Description
- When’s the last time you threw a dinner party? Or a game night? In the last half century, the share of Americans who say they’ve had friends or family over on a regular basis plummeted.
There are plenty of reasons not to invite people into your home. Maybe you’re bad at planning. Maybe you have a weird roommate. Maybe you're self conscious about your decor, your playlist, or your cooking abilities. Plus, there’s always a chance that mixed company is awkward.
But isolation is on the rise, third spaces are on the decline, and community is just undeniably good for you. With that in mind, some of our favorite local foodies join us to stump for entertaining more often and offer tips on doing it well.
Guests:
– Reem Kassis, culinary historian and author of two award-winning cookbooks: “The Palestinian Table” and “The Arabesque Table.”
– Margaret Eby, critic, food editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and author of “S...
- Title
- College or trade school? How the calculus is changing | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/14/2026
- Runtime
- 58:04
- Date posted
- 29 days ago
- Description
- What does it take to start a fulfilling career? More jobs in the U.S. have required some kind of college education, with requirements for bachelor’s degrees up 7% since the early 1990s. However, the costs of higher education are continuing to rise in the U.S. The threat of AI taking over white-collar jobs has many on-edge. Plus, there’s an ongoing shortage of skilled laborers as the older generation exits the job market. According to Jobs for the Future, over 70% of teens in America say they’d be proud to swap a traditional four-year education for a toolbelt and a trade.
On this episode of Studio 2, we discuss the uptick in Gen Z and other young people looking toward skilled trades as a new pathway for their future. How significant is the trend? What could it mean for the labor market? And how satisfied are new tradespeople with their careers? What are the pros and cons of foregoing a college degree?
Guests:
– Michael Rounds, president of Willi...
- Title
- Bryce Harper needs help, and he needs it now 😤🔥 #mlb #phillies #baseball
- Runtime
- 1:49
- Date posted
- 29 days ago
- Description
- Bryce Harper looks frustrated, but is the pressure of being the team's anchor finally taking a mental toll on the Phillies?
The Philadelphia Phillies have faced immense expectations, but recent performances suggest the pressure might be mounting. We are looking at why Bryce Harper appears to be carrying the weight of the roster on his shoulders and how the lingering sting from the 2022 season continues to impact the clubhouse. It is clear that one star cannot carry the team alone, regardless of his talent.
Beyond the individual struggles, success for the Phillies postseason run requires more than just home run hitting from Kyle Schwarber. We discuss the necessity of building deeper MLB team chemistry and why the current offensive approach needs to evolve if the team wants to reach its ultimate goals. Balancing individual performance with collective responsibility is the challenge facing the front office right now.
Subscribe for weekly Philadelphia...
- Title
- Is Don Mattingly the Answer to the Phillies' Managerial Questions? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:16:08
- Date posted
- 29 days ago
- Description
- The Athletic reported on Wednesday that former interim manager Don Mattingly will be named the Phillies' skipper for the 2027 season, with a likely contract extension for 2028.
This episode was recorded about 12 hours prior to that news, so on this edition of Hittin' Season, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discussed the pros and cons of Mattingly, plus answered YOUR mailbag questions about Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and the direction of the team in their quest for a World Series title.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Phillies managerial situation and playoff context
00:07 - Introduction and Episode Overview
00:31 - Phillies' Rebuild Strategy and Farm System Concerns
02:11 - The Importance of Team Culture and Leadership
04:48 - The potential return of Don Mattingly as Phillies manager
05:00 - Trea Turner's Position and Trade Possibilities
08:39 - Bryce Harper's Performance and Mental State
- Title
- ‘American Pope’ | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/13/26
- Runtime
- 56:29
- Date posted
- 30 days ago
- Description
- Pope Leo XIV became the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, he’s the first American pope and the first Augustinian.
In their new biography, American Pope, All Things Considered host Scott Detrow and NPR religion editor Daniel Burke trace Leo’s path from a childhood on Chicago’s south side to Villanova University, then to a priesthood in Peru, his rise under Pope Francis and his election to the papacy.
Since becoming pontiff, Leo has followed many of Francis’s priorities, including migration, the environment and economic justice. He’s also waded in on some controversial issues, including AI, warning that left unchecked it could harm humanity. He’s called on Americans to welcome migrants and treat them with dignity as the Trump administration cracks down on immigration. He’s urged peace and an end to the war in Iran, warning that the world is getting too accustomed to violence. This advoca...
- Title
- How is technology changing talk therapy? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/12/26
- Runtime
- 57:34
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Talk therapy is booming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 in 7 US adults received counseling in 2024. That’s up from around 1 in 10 just five years prior. The uptick is often attributed to the pandemic and to popular TV shows, like HBO’s Couples Therapy, reducing stigma.
As demand grows, many prospective clients are turning to Wall Street-backed telehealth platforms that advertise more flexible access to care. Some people are even confiding in AI chatbots for emotional support.
Today on the show: how is the sensitive act of spilling your guts adapting to the digital age? What has this shifting landscape meant for therapists? And now that AI has entered the chat… how does that make you feel?
Guests:
– Meir Rinde, WHYY business reporter.
– Andrea Bonior, psychologist, professor at Georgetown University, and author of the Washington Post mental health advice column, “Baggage Check.”
- Title
- Fire companies plan for more water rescues in Philadelphia's suburbs
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- WHYY News' Kenny Cooper visited the Fame Fire Company No. 3 in West Chester to capture some of their water rescue training.
For more, check out WHYY.org/News
- Title
- Flooding in Philly suburbs spurs increase in water rescues
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- WHYY News' Kenny Cooper visited the Fame Fire Company No. 3 in West Chester to capture some of their water rescue training.
For more, check out WHYY.org/News
- Title
- Midterms 2026: Bob Harvie vs. Brian Fitzpatrick in PA-01 | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/08/26
- Runtime
- 56:54
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District race has been very combative. The Bucks County swing district has sent Republican Brian Fitzpatrick to Congress five times. This year the former FBI agent faces Democrat Bob Harvie, a Bucks County Commissioner and former public school teacher. We invited both candidates to join us. After multiple invitations, Fitzpatrick declined, but Harvie will be with us.
Fitzpatrick has leaned on his reputation as one of the House’s more independent-minded Republicans, touting high-profile votes where he’s bucked President Donald Trump. Harvie says Fitzpatrick’s independent streak is overblown.
Fitzpatrick’s campaign and a super PAC have attacked Harvie based on his involvement in an FBI investigation into potential corruption in the Pennsbury School District. Harvie says it’s a baseless smear, that he merely testified before a federal grand jury as a witness. Harvie has since sued the pro-Fitzpatrick PAC for defamation....
- Title
- What lessons should we learn from the Cornell 7 case? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/07/26
- Runtime
- 55:34
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The Cornell University case alleging a gang rape by fraternity members in 2024 has set off national outrage and a familiar question — after years of campus reforms and #MeToo, why does it feel like nothing has changed?
A student, identified in the court filings as Jane Doe, has sued the seven fraternity members and Cornell. After arriving at a party intoxicated, she alleges she was given additional alcohol and drugs and then assaulted at the Chi Phi house in 2024. The men have not been criminally charged, and decisions by campus police and the local district attorney have been widely criticized. Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul removed the DA from the case and appointed the state Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. Cornell has also agreed to a new outside review of their handling of the case.
But while the investigation is underway, many people are wondering how this could happen and why progress has been so slow. Statistics show...
- Title
- The state of capital punishment in the US | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/06/26
- Runtime
- 57:34
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Last week, a Tennessee woman convicted of murder in the 1990s faced execution. But after two failed attempts at lethal injection, she is still alive and in critical condition. The incident sparked renewed debate over the death penalty and how it’s administered.
Public support for capital punishment has steadily declined in the modern era. A growing number of states – including Pennsylvania – have instituted gubernatorial moratoriums or abolished it outright.
But because of a small number of southern states, executions in the US are surging. And President Donald Trump continues to advocate for lowering the threshold for death penalty eligibility and for expanding methods. Just yesterday, the Pentagon announced the first military execution in over 60 years would be carried out via firing squad.
So on this edition of Studio 2, we’re looking at the state of capital punishment in the U.S. Are the rising number of executions in certain parts of...
- Title
- Why the Phillies are stuck in neutral 📉 #phillies #baseball
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The Phillies front office faces a long road ahead. We analyze why consistent drafting failures require deep organizational change.
The Philadelphia Phillies have struggled to build a sustainable pipeline, with a history of poor selections that continues to hamper the major league roster. We explore why these issues with MLB draft strategy are unlikely to be solved by quick fixes, arguing instead that the team requires a fundamental shift in philosophy to compete long-term.
Real improvement for the Phillies organization will likely demand new leadership at the ownership and general manager levels. By examining the team's historical performance, we break down how effective baseball roster management depends on structural adjustments to move past years of inconsistent player development and finally build a consistent contender.
Subscribe for weekly sports analysis, and let us know in the comments if you believe a change in ownership is the only path ...
- Title
- The State of the Phillies: Aftermath and Analysis | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:12:25
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- What do they do about catcher? How do they fix the farm system? Is Dave Dombrowski the right guy to build this team? On the latest Hittin' Season, John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher discuss those burning questions and a few more as we still try to make sense of a Phils roster with lots of holes to patch up this off-season.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Season Recap
05:59 - Managerial Philosophy and Team Management
07:55 - Roster Construction and Player Development
10:04 - Dombrowski's Trades and Management Style
11:58 - Future Outlook and Strategic Changes
13:54 - The Role of Veteran Players and Young Talent
15:47 - Potential Managerial Changes and Organizational Strategy
36:16 - Fixing the Phillies farm system and talent pipeline
38:12 - The pitfalls of trading prospects and draft limitations
43:07 - Trade value of Bryson Stott and other prospects
45:39 - Catcher position and future plan...
- Title
- Will Latino voters swing back to Democrats? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/05/26
- Runtime
- 57:19
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Latino voters helped carry President Donald Trump back to the White House in 2024. Now it seems they're poised to swing hard the other way. A new NBC News/Telemundo survey found 69% of Latinos disapprove of Trump’s job performance, and on the economy, 74% are unhappy with his handling of economic issues.
Trump's gains with Latinos in 2024 were historic, but inflation, high gas prices and Trump's immigration crackdown seem to be pushing many Latino voters away from the GOP, making congressional seats in Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania more competitive.
On this edition of Studio 2, we look at how Latino voters could shape the midterms and which issues matter most to them. We’ll also look at the 7th Congressional District race in the Lehigh Valley, a toss-up House race in one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing Latino communities.
Guests:
– Mike Madrid, veteran political consultant and principal of Grassroots Lab, a public relations and p...
- Title
- The best TV shows of the 21st century | Studio 2 from WHYY | 10/01/26
- Runtime
- 57:19
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The last quarter century has seen some pretty remarkable changes to our television landscape — and not just the way we consume it. The sitcoms and procedural dramas that reigned supreme in the 90s gave way to a more diverse range of content in the aughts.
Competition shows like Survivor and Big Brother kicked off a boom in reality shows. Foreign language shows like Dark and Squid Game found mainstream audiences. And hour-long prestige shows full of anti-heroes like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Breaking Bad completely upended expectations of the small screen.
The New York Times recently came out with a curated list of its top shows of the century, and Studio 2 is jumping into the debate. Two seasoned TV critics – the New Yorker’s Inkoo Kang and Fresh Air’s David Bianculli – join us to weigh in on which modern shows earned their flowers. And which are overhyped.
Plus, we want to hear from you! What series would you go to bat for? <...
- Title
- BIG FIX: How to ensure AI benefits humanity | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/30/26
- Runtime
- 57:39
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Americans are increasingly anxious about AI after weeks of warnings by tech experts that it could spiral out of control and trigger catastrophic events, even human extinction. A string of hacks by rogue AI agents has brought those concerns home, including breaches at Hugging Face, an attack on the Australian government and unauthorized probes of US government websites.
President Donald Trump isn’t buying it. After meeting with the AI executives yesterday, he doubled down on his position to trust the industry and not hamper the technology with government regulation. The leading AI companies signed a voluntary pledge to self-police over AI safety. Meanwhile, OpenAI decided to halt its latest model over security concerns.
On this month’s episode of The Big Fix, our series exploring solutions to major problems, we’re tackling artificial intelligence and asking: how can we ensure this technology best serves humanity? We’ve asked three experts to pitch the...
- Title
- Nikole Hannah-Jones on her school choice | Studio 2 from WHYY | 9/29/26
- Runtime
- 57:34
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- New York Times Magazine writer Nikole Hannah-Jones joins us to talk about her viral essay, “In Fighting for Every Black Child, Did I Betray My Own?” It’s about her decision 10 years ago to send her daughter to a struggling, predominantly Black public school in Brooklyn. She was motivated by the belief that investing her family into her community school would have larger benefits that would outweigh any potential academic issues for her daughter.
Now 16, her daughter Najya thinks her mom made the wrong choice and stunted her development. For high school, Najya opted for a selective admission magnet school, the kind which Nikole has long argued against. With the help of private tutoring, Najya now feels caught up, but still can’t fathom her mom’s logic.
Hannah-Jones is now weighing her decisions, what it may have cost her daughter, and what it’s revealed about our public education system.
We’ll talk to Hannah-Jones about the tensio...
- Title
- Rising concern around ‘gas station drugs’ like Kratom | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/28/26
- Runtime
- 57:44
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- An herbal supplement called Kratom has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some users say it acts as a stimulant. Others say it works as a pain killer. But health professionals are concerned. According to the CDC, Kratom-related calls to poison control centers surged in recent years and addiction specialists are reporting an uptick in dependency.
Kratom is just one of a menagerie of loosely regulated products sold in smoke shops and gas stations. Local authorities across the country are calling for stricter oversight of products including Kratom and hemp, but regulation is piecemeal and recent reporting suggests certain industry lobbyists are benefiting from powerful allies in the Trump Administration.
On this edition of Studio 2, what’s behind rising concern over so-called ‘gas station drugs’ like Kratom? And how are regulatory efforts being shaped?
Guests:
– Joe Khan, District Attorney for Bucks County
– Kennet...
- Title
- Don't sleep on the Phillies in Atlanta 🤫⚾️ #Phillies #MLB
- Runtime
- 0:59
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Can the Philadelphia Phillies actually secure a series victory in Atlanta?
Justin Klugh, John Stolnis and Liz Roscher break down the team’s current outlook and whether stars like Bryce Harper can carry the necessary momentum on a NEW Hittin' Season podcast. This discussion offers a candid look at the latest MLB predictions against the Atlanta Braves as the season heats up.
Drop a comment with your own prediction for the series.
- Title
- Is This the Year? The Phillies Are Heading to the Playoffs
- Runtime
- 1:01:59
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Philadelphia Phillies are heading to the MLB postseason for the fifth consecutive year. It wasn't easy, but after Sunday's victory, the Phils avoided a catastrophic collapse and earned the right to head to Atlanta to take on the Braves in a best-of-three wild card series.
Hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher recap the tumultuous last week, Sunday's victory, and preview the upcoming wild card series. Can the Phillies go on another long postseason run as underdogs?
Subscribe for weekly sports breakdowns, and let us know in the comments if you think this team has what it takes for a deep run.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
02:38 - Phillies clinch playoff spot and series preview
04:04 - Team analysis and upcoming series against Braves
08:09 - Recap of recent games and team performance
12:32 - Historical context of Phillies' playoff collapses
18:55 - Series strategy and ke...
- Title
- What’s lost in the era of streaming and subscriptions? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/24/2026
- Runtime
- 54:51
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- When was the last time you plugged in that old DVD player? Do you still listen to music on CDs or vinyl records? What about the good old MP3 players? As it turns out, physical media is making a comeback, especially among young people. The reason? “Subscription fatigue,” as consumers are getting fed up with the ever-growing list of subscription services that let you access content rather than own it.
It’s not just media, either. Household devices and even some vehicles are experimenting with subscription models, making it easier for companies to revoke access to products when a license runs out or when you stop paying a regular fee.
In the age of subscriptions, we’re asking: do we really own our stuff? What can be done about the so-called ‘death of ownership?’ Will newfound enthusiasm for things like physical products sway us to buy rather than rent? Or does the convenience and ease of streaming outweigh the downsides?
Guests:
...
- Title
- Guide dog training is on the bill at Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Gateway has partnered with People and Puppies at Work for Sight, an organization that trains puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs for the blind.
“The partnership just means that the dogs are welcome here anytime,” Gateway board chair Katie Calvi said. “They are welcome to learn about the real world by coming to the theater.”
People and Puppies at Work train dogs for The Seeing Eye, the country’s oldest guide dog training organization based in Morristown, New Jersey.
The Gateway theater got involved through its technical director Avagliano, who has trained guide dogs for 21 years.
Avagliano’s latest— and 18th — trainee is Mars, a 7-month-old German Shepard who started attending theater at 2 months.
