TIME Magazine has recently unveiled its esteemed list of the 100 Best Podcasts of All Time, featuring notable Philadelphia contributions, including the acclaimed show ‘Fresh Air.’
Hosted by Terry Gross, ‘Fresh Air’ has been a staple since its inception in 1975 and was taken national in 1985. It has garnered significant recognition, including being the most downloaded podcast on iTunes in 2016. TIME has praised ‘Fresh Air’ for Gross’s exceptional interviewing style, which emphasizes rigorous research and a keen ability to engage with her subjects in real time. This underscores the show’s long-standing reputation as a leading authority in the tough interview genre.
Additional Philadelphia-connected shows were also recognized on TIME’s prestigious list. Notably, ‘Code Switch,’ co-hosted by South Philly native Gene Demby, provides insightful discussions about race in America. The list wouldn’t be complete without ‘Call Her Daddy,’ hosted by Newtown native Alex Cooper, who reportedly earned $32 million last year, indicating the lucrative nature of podcasting.
Also making the cut is ‘New Heights,’ featuring the Brothers Kelce, who discuss sports and life, and ‘Still Processing,’ the New York Times cultural podcast co-hosted by Girard College alum Wesley Morris. Another local gem, ‘Normal Gossip,’ co-hosted by Kelsey McKinney from Queen Village, is known for its entertaining takes on gossip.
Shifting gears to local print, Philadelphia’s ‘Best of Philly’ magazine edition is currently available on newsstands. The publication, which is recognized for highlighting local businesses and services, can be found at Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and other supermarkets in the area. For those who prefer digital formats, the 2025 Best of Philly winners can be accessed online.
In a lighter vein, PennDOT’s recently updated list of denied vanity license plates has sparked interest. The criteria for these denials evolve over time, reflecting current events and public sensitivity. Popular rejected plate requests include politically sensitive phrases like ‘FKOBAMA’ and ‘FK-TRUMP,’ while some quirky denials, such as ‘GOVNA,’ provoke curiosity about the monitoring process behind such decisions.
Despite the celebratory news, Philadelphia faces pressing issues as highlighted by its weekend violence statistics. Over a 16-hour span, 12 individuals were shot, although it’s reassuring to note that year-to-date homicides and violent crimes have decreased compared to the previous year.
A historical moment was recently marked with the identification of remains from a B-25C bomber crash in Burma during World War II, specifically relating to Philadelphia pilot Henry Carlin. The military is set to honor Carlin with a burial at Arlington National Cemetery next year, recognizing the sacrifices made during the war.
On the transportation front, SEPTA finds itself in a challenging position as only an accountability plan is proposed by Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg, with no additional funding allocated. The lack of financial support could lead to significant service cuts in the coming weeks, prompting regional concerns about public transit availability.
Lastly, local TV series ‘Abbott Elementary’ stirred excitement when creator Quinta Brunson teased a potential filming event at an Eagles game. Fans of both the show and Philadelphia sports are eagerly speculating about what this could mean for the upcoming fifth season, expected to air in October.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the vibrant Philadelphia culture and community.
image source from：phillymag
