We end the second season of the award-winning Mighty Writers podcast in my personal comfort zone, as I sit down with a former student,16-year-old Brooke Fulton.

Brooke talks to me about her childhood in one of the most distressed neighborhoods in Philadelphia — a section of the city where drugs are sold and used openly, a place that continues to be afflicted by all of the devastating effects of the opioid crisis, especially homelessness and violence.

Brooke was born in Brooklyn, but her family moved to Kensington when she was 4 years old. She lives with her 11-year-old sister and 7-year-old brother just off of the intersection of Kensington Avenue and Allegheny, a place so well-known that many Philadelphians refer to it simply as “K&A.”

Brooke was a student of mine when I taught 9th grade English at an accelerated school where students earn diplomas and associate’s degrees in four years. She is an exceptional student with grand academic achievements and ambitions.

I spoke to Brooke the day after the mayor made good on her promise to clear encampments that had been erected by people in addiction at Kensington and Allegheny.

Brooke talks to me about growing up in Kensington and what she thinks about the new mayor’s plan to revitalize the community.

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The Mighty Writers Podcast with Maureen Boland is produced by Mighty Writers in partnership with Rowhome Productions. The executive producer is Tim Whitaker. Lead producer is Danya AbdelHameid. Rowhome’s executive producers are Alex Lewis and John Myers.

Our theme song was composed by Jim Morgan. This episode also includes music from Blue Dot Sessions.

In Philadelphia, one figure who needs absolutely no introduction is the Phillie Phanatic, the team mascot who is as iconic in these parts as Dr. J, Ben Franklin, or Rocky Balboa.

Beyond being a key fixture of Phillies' home games, the Phanatic shows up at playgrounds, schools, hospitals and all kinds of special events with one purpose: to bring happiness — especially to kids.

In this episode, I speak with Dave Raymond, the man who first brought the Phanatic to life in 1978. Dave spent 16 years in the green suit, entertaining thousands along the way.

Now a marketing expert, personal development trainer and coach, Dave is also a motivational speaker who talks about the power of fun and the tenets of positive psychology.

Listen in as we talk about the Phanatic’s inception, the business of mascoting and how Dave was saved by the power of fun.

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The Mighty Writers Podcast with Maureen Boland is produced by Mighty Writers in partnership with Rowhome Productions. The executive producer is Tim Whitaker. Lead producer is Danya AbdelHameid. Rowhome’s executive producers are Alex Lewis and John Myers.

Our theme song was composed by Jim Morgan.

This episode also includes music from Blue Dot Sessions.