City Cast Philly

It’s starting to get colder, so why not warm up near the fire pits at Dilworth Park, sip mulled wine in the Christmas Village, or get cozy with a bowl of spaghetti rusticana (and a side of opera) at Victor’s Cafe? In this episode you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying December in Philly, like eating sweets from Beyonce’s baker and shucking oysters for just a dollar. And for even more tips on how to make the most of December in Philly, check out Hey Philly’s take on what to do this month.  If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community. City Cast Philly is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like BetterHelp. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on X and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Generations of Philadelphia children have walked through The Franklin Institute’s 18-foot-high Giant Heart. The heart was recently renovated as the centerpiece of a new $8.5 million Body Odyssey exhibit featuring three rooms of high-tech interactive activities. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Matt Katz, executive producer of City Cast Philly, and four kids who they both know very well. Sadie and Reuben are Matt’s kids. Nabi and Yahara are Trenae’s kids. And each has an opinion about the exhibit.   Have a question or just want to share some thoughts about the Giant Heart or anything else? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Want some more Philly news? Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on X & Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocky is a beloved character in Philly and beyond. Millions of people come to visit the Rocky statue and run up the steps at the Art Museum each year. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Kathryn Ott Lovell, president & CEO of Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, who’s behind the first-ever RockyFest. This festival is eight days of fun, from a bus tour, yappy hour to date night ideas and a movie marathon!  Read more about RockyFest here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on X and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hottest Christmas album in America is as Philly as it comes. “A Philly Special Christmas Party” from the group known as The Philly Specials features Eagles greats Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and the recently retired Jason Kelce, plus guest tracks from Boyz II Men and Stevie Nicks. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with album producer Charlie Hall, the drummer from Philly's own War on Drugs. They talk about why Philly is the perfect inspiration for Christmas music and how a song about a stoned Santa driving down Broad and Pattison is both climbing the holiday charts AND raising money for Philly kids. Need more Philly news? Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. Have thoughts about The Philly Specials or why Philly in so special? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. We’re also on X & Instagram: Follow us @citycastphilly. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about the hearings on the proposed Center City basketball arena, the deal that averted a SEPTA strike, and the questions surrounding the shooting death of Robert Jones by an off-duty cop. We also have news on behind-the-scenes drama with the Sixers and a loud karaoke taxi driving around town that’s bringing both joy and distress. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Matt Katz, executive producer of City Cast Philly, and producer Abby Fritz.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Chinatown advocates tell City Council 76ers arena would push neighborhood 'toward the precipice' City Council needs to take the Sixers arena proposal seriously | Editorial Man shot and killed by off-duty Philly homicide detective was unarmed, sources and family’s lawyer say A karaoke taxi has come to town but some want the plug pulled on the Center City attraction SEPTA strike averted in last-minute deal with transit workers union How is SEPTA funded? Inside the Philadelphia transit agency's budget – and what's behind the "death spiral" Shapiro says he won’t let SEPTA ‘fail’ as struggling transit agency warns of looming cuts Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on X and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Luray Caverns  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices