More hands make for more stories, better work, and more fun, so it’s been a joy adding new reporters to the Billy Penn team over the past month.
Violet Comber-Wilen and Julia Binswanger are the newest additions. Violet is a general assignment reporter, and Julia will cover food, drink, and Philly culture — everything from the arts to our customs, charms, and attitude. She’ll be busy.
To let you get to know them, we asked them a few questions.
What were you doing before joining BP?
Julia: I’m a Medill grad and was working as a freelance reporter and producer in Chicago. I covered trending arts and culture news for Smithsonian Magazine, writing about art museum exhibitions, auctions, archaeology news, and more. I also worked closely with LWC Studios, producing podcast episodes for a series on Latina health in Chicagoland. In addition, I spent time at WBEZ, curating their mobile app and writing culture pieces.
Violet: Before joining BP, I spent two years working full-time as a general assignment reporter for Indiana Public Broadcasting — Indiana’s collaboration of NPR and PBS stations. I produced radio, digital, and TV content for everything from education bills passing out of the state legislature to Medicaid unwinding’s effect on Indiana residents and cross-county transportation challenges. I also led various panels and presentations on civic and media literacy, anchored and hosted a video series navigating Indiana’s state government website, and worked closely with community members and our engagement team to write stories directly relating to audience needs.
When you’re not reporting and writing for BP, what do you like to do?
Julia: I like to play music. How well is up for debate. I have a couple of guitars, a banjo, a ukulele, and a keyboard in my house. I never go to the regular gym, but I do love the climbing gym. I also love reading, as well as both high and low-brow television. I am currently watching Severance and Traitors, and I’d be happy to talk to anyone about these shows at any time.
Violet: I’m a huge runner outside of work. I’ve been running for over 10 years now, and I am now working on my goal of running a half marathon in every state. I’ve done four so far, and I will be checking off Pennsylvania and New York as 5 and 6, respectively, with the Love Run Half Marathon in March and the Brooklyn Half Marathon in April. I’ll be running my first full marathon in November right here in Philly.
What is your favorite Philly memory?
Julia: I grew up here and used to walk around the Wissahickon with my family and dogs. I’m excited to get to do that again.
Violet: My parents met in Philadelphia while working at The Old City Tavern — a restaurant that has since closed. I grew up hearing this story about their connection here. My favorite memory has been visiting the site of this old restaurant, along with other old apartments and social spots my parents spent time in. I love learning about my family’s history and imagining my parents’ experience in the city around my same age.
What do you like reporting on?
Julia: I love talking with artists about their ideas and beliefs behind a piece of work. It’s always fascinating to hear what it means to them personally, as well as on a greater cultural level. Also, I’m excited to cover delicious bites in the city. Food is culture, and I think the Philly food scene is one of the best parts of the city.
Violet: I enjoy a good mix of serious and relaxed stories. I like knowing my audience can benefit from the information I’m sharing or the topic I’m reporting on and I think it’s especially important to highlight issues that may traditionally be overlooked.
Do you have a favorite story you’ve reported?
Julia: My dad has an amputation, and I got to write a niche story about the mental health benefits of artistic prosthetic limb covers. Prosthetic covers can be pricey and aren’t typically covered by insurance. I found a prosthetic technician who creates them and gives them out for free. This story was fun to write. I had a personal connection with it, and it was one of the first I published after grad school.
Violet: My favorite story with BP so far has been my series (here’s part 1 and part 2) following up on UArts staff and where they are eight months after the school’s closure. Given the abrupt closure of the school, it has felt meaningful to share the stories of various alumni, staff, and faculty of the school and give them a platform to share their thoughts and concerns.
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2025-03-08 19:33:21
