Get Connected

There are close to 1,700 public schools in NYC today, yet only four of those are public all-girls schools. One of them, soon to open, will wear it’s identity as a feminist college preparatory school on it’s sleeve. Our guest is Christina Yi-Perry, founder and executive director of Kwenda Collegiate Girls School, a tuition-free public charter school for girls and gender-expansive youth, opening in 2025. For more, visit kwendaschools.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given the complexities of raising kids in our hyper-connected world, now more than ever, parents play a crucial role in their teens' lives. Our guest is family counselor Susan Caso, a mother of three, who also draws on her 20 years of clinical experience for her new book, THE PARENT-TEEN CONNECTION: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships. Caso offers a roadmap for parents looking to cultivate what she calls "connectedness" within their families that safeguards teens in today's world. Susan Caso holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Kansas. For more, visit susancaso.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. To bring attention, show solidarity and raise critical funds, Covenant House is hosting Sleep Out—a transformative overnight experience—in 19 cities, including three events in our area—on Thursday, November 21. Our guest is Colleen Veldt, Vice President of P2P Fundraising at Covenant House International. Covenant House New York is proud to be New York City’s largest provider serving youth experiencing homelessness. For more, visit Covenanthouse.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Veteran’s Day, our guest is respected military historian Stephen L. Moore, who takes us into the heart of the Vietnam War's covert Special Ops jungle warfare in BEYOND THE CALL OF THE DUTY, telling the story of the life and achievements of Robert Howard, the most decorated Special Forces soldier of all time. Stephen L. Moore, a sixth-generation Texan, graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He is the author of two dozen books on World War II, Vietnam, and Texas history, including Patton’s Payback and Blood and Fury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Veterans Day, our guest is journalist and activist Bob Woodruff. Since founding the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2006 after he was injured by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq, the foundation that bears his name raised over $160 million to support veterans and their families. The 18th Annual Stand Up for Heroes is Veterans’ Day evening at Lincoln Center. For more, visit BobWoodruffFoundation.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 million American adults have social anxiety—roughly 7% of the entire population. More than two-thirds of those adults showed their first symptoms during their childhood years. And yet, it often takes up to ten years to seek help. In her memoir, OUT OF MY SHELL, therapist Natasha Daniels brings her own social anxiety into the open, on her journey to find healing through self-acceptance. Natasha Daniels is an anxiety and OCD child therapist who has published six other books including How to Parent your Anxious Toddler, It’s Brave to Be Kind, and Crushing OCD Workbook for Kids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 2024 Goldman Sachs survey found that 77% of small businesses were concerned about their ability to access capital. In addition, in 2023, a majority of small business owners had to tap into their personal funds or use cash reserves to maintain operations. The Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) is trying to alleviate some of those concerns for small business owners by offering low-interest loans, tailor made for small and mid-sized businesses operating in, or moving to, The Bronx. Our guests are Rob Walsh, President of The Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and Britney Moss, Founder of Cupcake Me!, a client of BXEDC. For more, visit BXEDC.org and cupcakemenyc.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we near election day and early voting continues, we discuss the six ballot proposals for New York City voters with Eric Friedman, of NYC Votes, an initiative of the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent city agency that ensures local elections are fair, inclusive, and open. For more, including detailed info about each proposal, visit nycvotes.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're joined by Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair, Surgery and Director of the Breast Cancer Program at Maimonides Medical Center. After working at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dr. Borgen came to Maimonides to work with patients from under-resourced communities. Maimonides Health is Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system, serving over 320,000 patients each year through the system’s three hospitals, with 7,000+ employees, 1,800+ physicians, and more than 80 community-based practices and outpatient centers. Patients with advanced breast cancer treated at Maimonides lived longer than the national average. For more, visit maimo.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when it feels like you can visit anywhere in the world with a mouse click, the new book ATLAS OBSCURA: WILD LIFE finds a way to reinvigorate a sense of wonder about the natural world. With hundreds of entries -- gorgeous images, first person interviews, and engaging details, ATLAS OBSCURA: WILD LIFE covers every continent—from the deepest fathoms of the ocean, and into the heart of our densest cities. Our guest is CARA GIAIMO, co-Author of Atlas Obscura, with JOSHUA FOER. A former staff writer at Atlas Obscura, Cara now covers our fellow species for the New York Times, The Plant, The Drift, and elsewhere. For more, visit atlasobscura.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Capobianco is President of the Long Island Chrysanthemum Society, host of the 69th Annual Long Island Chrysanthemum Show Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 in Farmingdale, Long Island. John has a wealth of knowledge about mums and bonsai, as he’s also active with the Bonsai Society of Greater New York, and taught the art of bonsai at the New York Botanical Gardens for 20 years. For more, visit http://www.limums.org and bsgny.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every fall, Hungerthon is annual radio tradition, organized by Why Hunger to educate listeners across the U.S. and raise critical funds to end hunger in America. WhyHunger’s Amplified concert kicks off Hungerthon 2024 on Tuesday, October 15 at Irving Plaza. Our guest Jenique Jones, Executive Director of Why Hunger, talks about addressing the root causes of hunger and how to support the ongoing work for food justice. For more, visit WhyHunger.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of the Iranian hostage crisis. And while the current hostage situation in the Middle East also continues, a new book about one of history's most harrowing hostage situations and rescue attempts could not be more timely. Our guest is Ben Macintyre, author of THE SIEGE, an unprecedented account of The Six-Day Hostage Crisis In London, in 1980, and the Daring Special-Forces Operation That Shocked the World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like other cities, New York City has a growing crisis of homelessness, and a systemic challenge of using housing vouchers to secure housing. Our guest is Laura Lazarus, co-founder of Anthos | Home, which works to make every step of the voucher process easier for both future tenants participating landlords. For more, visit anthoshome.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his new book, SOMETHING IN THE WOODS LOVES YOU, Jarod K. Anderson explores the inherent ways nature can help fight mental illness. Jarod K. Anderson is a writer, poet, and creator of The CryptoNaturalist podcast - a scripted show about real adoration for fictional wildlife. He has built a large audience of social media followers and podcast listeners with his vibrant appreciations of nature. For more, visit jarodkanderson.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Limón Dance Company celebrates it’s 78th season appearing at the Joyce Theater, November 5-10. Our guest is Artistic Director Adante Puleio, for a chat about the historic programs Limón Dance Company will bring to the Joyce, and making modern dance relevant. Tickets are now on sale for performances at joyce.org. For more about the Limon Dance Company, visit Limon.nyc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making mistakes has always been a part of growing up, but how do parents help their kids navigate childhood and adolescence when social media has the potential to magnify those mistakes? Our guest is public health expert Julianna Miner, author of Raising a Screen-Smart Kid: Embrace the Good and Avoid the Bad in the Digital Age. Julianna Miner is an adjunct professor of global and community health at George Mason University, creator of the popular parenting blog Rants from Mommyland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While navigating the tricky path of inevitable life changes (job loss, relationships, grief, the future), it can be a struggle to find simple clarity. So how can you manage the chaos and find your authentic self in the middle of it all? Our guest is Susan Hensley, author, transformational coach & speaker, with a tool to help you tap into your own innate wisdom and creativity: Her new book is ART FOR YOUR SANITY: How Art Journaling Can Help you Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy. For more, visit susan-hensley.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although few of us like to think about getting older, advance care planning (ACP) is an essential but often neglected aspect of healthcare. Making sure we’re prepared for the inevitable can be tremendously helpful to both our health care providers and our families. Our guest is Dr. Fred Mirarchi, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of MIDEO Health, a video advance care planning platform. For more, mideohealth.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, an introduction to LxNY: Latinx Arts Consortium of New York. Formed in 2020, LxNY is a collaborative peer network of over 40 Latinx-serving cultural organizations, dedicated to knowledge exchange, resource-sharing, and collective action towards systemic change. Our guests Andrea Gordillo of The Clemente Center and Charles Rice-Gonzalez, of BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, are members who represent founding organizations of LxNY. For more, visit theclementecenter.org, baadbronx.org, and lxnyarts.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Works & Process is a 40-year old non-profit, championing under-recognized performing artists cultures during their creative process, by providing funded residences, support and a platform for performances at venues including the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Previewing the Fall 2024 season is Duke Dang, Works & Process Executive Director. For more, visit worksandprocess.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic condition you may not have heard of, but it affects over 600,000 people in the U.S. and is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Our guest is Richard Kellner, who founded The PKD Outreach Foundation, after his wife passed away, and who has been working with over 100 families across the country and currently has 10 families who have had or are expecting PKD-free babies. For more, visit pkdo.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At New York City Charter Schools, while 90% of students are Black, LatinX or Asian, only 10% of these schools were founded or are led by people of color. How might leadership reflective of the student body make for a different learning experience? Our guest is Rafiq Kalam Id-Din II, Esq., Founder & Managing Partner of Ember Charter Schools in Brooklyn. For more, visit embercs.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HOW TO CALM YOUR MIND by Chris Bailey is full of tangible takeaways to overcome anxiety and live a fuller, more balanced life. Chris Bailey is an author and lecturer who explores the science behind living a deeper, more intentional life. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject for media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, HuffPost, New York magazine, and Harvard Business Review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey is President and CEO of Brooklyn Org, making local philanthropy more accessible, democratic, and community driven. Each year, Brooklyn Org partners with area residents to invest more than $5 million in high-impact nonprofits advancing racial justice at every level across the borough. Our conversation tackles the racial disparity between leadership and the workforce in the human services sector. For more, visit Brooklyn.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tovah Klein is a child psychologist and researcher who has spent the last three decades working with families of children and teens, with a recent focus on childhood trauma. Her new book is RAISING RESILIENCE: HOW TO HELP OUR CHILDREN THRIVE IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the premiere events in tennis, The US Open kicks off with FAN Week, August 18 to August 25. It’s a singular event in sports, where grounds of The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are entirely free and open to the public with activities for all ages. Our guest is USTA’s Nicole Kankam, Managing Director, Pro Tennis Marketing and Entertainment. For more, visit USopen.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coming school year will see even more demands on NYC teachers, with a looming cell phone ban to enforce, a potential universal dress code and a teacher shortage. Should prospective teachers take a detour into public service? Our guest is Annie Kessler, Executive Director of City Year New York, an education based non-profit, recruiting and developing young Americorps members to become student success coaches. For more, visit cityyear.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, September 14th is BIKE HSS, hosted by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the top-ranked orthopedic hospital in the nation. BIKE HSS a one-day cycling ride in and around Westchester County to support better mobility. We get ready for the ride with Dr. Joel Press, Physiatrist-in-Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. For more, visit HSS.eduSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In PARENTING AT YOUR CHILD’S PACE: A parenting guide backed by science and rooted in holistic health practices, by Dr. Joel Warsh, offers practical answers to modern health questions, using a blend of Western and holistic medicine. Dr. Joel Warsh (a.k.a. Dr. Gator), is an award-winning integrative and holistic pediatrician in Los Angeles, CA. For more, visit parentingatyourchildspace.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NYC’s Battery Dance performs on the world’s stages and builds bridges through international cultural exchange programs—to date, in over 70 countries. In summer, Battery Dance plays host to dancers and companies throughout the world via the Battery Dance Festival. The free, outdoor festival is August 11-17 at Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City, NYC at 7PM ET. Our guest is founder and Artistic Director of Battery Dance, Jonathan Hollander. For more, visit BatteryDance.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As climate change tops the list of public health concerns, we’ll take a look at how extreme changes in temperature affect our mental health and behavior. Our guest is Dr. Joseph Galasso, Clinical Psychologist and Chief Executive Officer at Baker Street Behavioral Health. Baker Street Behavioral Health offers psychology, sport psychology, neuropsychology and psychiatry for children, adolescents, adults and families in New Jersey, and telehealth and online sessions to patients in more than 35 states. For more, visit bakerstreetpsych.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence, founded by Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman, recognizes and celebrates extraordinary New York City public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. Our guests are 2024 Manhattan Grand Prize Winner Dr. Gifty Asamani, from The High School for Math, Science and Engineering, and Queens Grand Prize Winner Aaron Lober, from Halsey Middle School 157. For more details, including 2025 application information, visit flagaward.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Johann Hari takes a deep dive into Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs in new book MAGIC PILL: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight Loss Drugs. Johann Hari is the author of three New York Times best-selling books: Chasing The Scream, Lost Connections, and Stolen Focus. His TED talks have been viewed more than 90 million times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynnae Brown and Toshia Parks represent non-profit Community Access' preeminent job training program, Howie The Harp. Named for its late founder, Howie, the program trains New Yorkers with a history of mental health concerns for jobs as "peers" in the human services sector, working with others who are experiencing similar mental health needs. For more, visit communityaccess.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

79 years ago the first nuclear weapon was detonated in Los Alamos, New Mexico, in a test that ushered in the age of nuclear warfare. Since then, the US has been closer to nuclear war many more times than most Americans would guess. Should nucelar war come to pass…what would happen? Is there such a thing as being prepared? Annie Jacobsen’s new book is Nuclear War: A Scenario. Jacobsen is the author of the Pulitzer Prize Finalist in History THE PENTAGON'S BRAIN, the New York Times bestsellers AREA 51, OPERATION PAPERCLIP, and other books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a National Historic Landmark, is not only one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries, it is renowned for arts and cultural programs. Our guest is composer and pianist Adam Tender, The Green-Wood Cemetery’s Artist-in-Residence, presenting Exit Strategy, an installation that explores the ephemerality of our own lives and the physical belongings we leave behind. For more, visit green-wood.com and adamtendler.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s hormonal problems have sky-rocketed in the past 3 decades. At present 80% of women will struggle with some form of hormonal problem in their lifetime. Not only that - our daughters are entering puberty earlier than ever. Dr. Aviva Romm is a Yale trained physician with a specialty in women’s health and obstetrics, a midwife, and herbalist. Her book is HORMONE INTELLIGENCE: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body’s Natural Blueprint for Wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lincoln Center’s "Summer For The City" Series continues through August 10th, including over 200 free and choose-what-you-pay events. Shanta Thanke, Executive Vice President and Chief Artistic Officer of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, highlights performances during India Week, July 10-14. For more, visit LincolnCenter.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Sztuk is Senior Vice President of Investigative services at Delta Group, and Chair of the Public Outreach Committee for the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud. We chat about types of crimes on the rise, and ways to identify and protect ourselves from insurance fraud at home, on the road, and elsewhere. For more, visit Fraudny.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York City area is home to thousands of professional dancers on working Broadway, as company members, as teachers, and as freelance performers. What are dance careers like in NYC, right now? Our guest is Candace Thompson-Zachery, Co-Executive Director of Dance/NYC, an advocacy group for dancers, with details from their NYC Dance Industry Census, and their campaign to address industry challenges. For more, visit dance.nyc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 16, Payalm Zamanie escaped religious persecution in Iran by crossing 1500 miles of desert, with a dream of becoming an entrepreneur in the U.S. Just ten years after he arrived, he was the founder of a record-breaking, billion-dollar IPO. Payam recounts his incredible story of survival, faith, optimism and grit in his book CROSSING THE DESERT: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys. Payam Zamani is a serial entrepreneur, internet pioneer, angel investor and the founder of One Planet Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024 there are a record number of jobs in New York City, and entrepreneurship is vibrant – 1 in 7 businesses were started in the past year, a rate four times higher than the 2019 average. In the fall of 2020, the five borough-wide chambers of commerce launched the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) – a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency, offering free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive. Our guest is Tom Grech, President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Small Business Resource Network. For more visit nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine the journey to becoming a mother without a partner. Our guest made the choice to take fertility into her own hands, and tells her story, while reporting on the fertility industry, for her memoir INCONCEIVABLE: Super Sperm Donors, Off-the-Grid Insemination & Unconventional Family Planning. Valerie Bauman is an award-winning journalist with two decades of experience. She is an investigative reporter at Newsweek. Previously, she was a senior investigative reporter and senior legal reporter at Bloomberg Law, where she covered pharmaceutical litigation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The non-profit El Sistema USA works to ensure very child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential, by supporting a national network of organizations and educators. Our guest is Elizabeth Moulthrop, Executive Director of El Sistema USA. For more, visit elsistemausa.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 50 years, the legendary NYC Pride March has been a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ presence in our community. Heritage of Pride is the non profit organization that plans and produces New York City's official Pride events each year. For a backstage pass to this year's events, we're joined by Samantha Johnson, Associate Director of Entertainment and Events for Heritage of Pride. For more, visit nycpride.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social workers are real life superheroes who can help people navigate mental health challenges and trauma. Budy Garcia-Whitfield is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at JCCA, one of the great NYC organizations helping young people every day, particularly those in underserved communities and foster care. For more, visit JCCANY.ORG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anxiety and OCD therapist Natasha Daniels joins us with a new workbook just in time for summer break! CRUSHING OCD WORKBOOK FOR KIDS: 50 Fun Activities to Overcome OCD with CBT and Exposures. Natasha Daniels is an anxiety and OCD child therapist and has published five other books including How to Parent your Anxious Toddler and It’s Brave to Be Kind. For more, visit ATparentingsurvival.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fresh Air Fund is a New York City institution, providing summer adventures for urban kids, through a number of programs, including free sleep- away camps, and their signature Volunteer Host Family Program. Right now is the season to sign up! Fresh Air Fund’s CEO Lisa Gitelson has details for campers, counselors and host families. For more, visit freshair.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jodi Wellman, Founder of Four Thousand Mondays, a UPenn positive psychologist, and an executive coach, is author of the new book YOU ONLY DIE ONCE: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets. Jodi Wellman is a former corporate executive turned executive coach. She has a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is an instructor in the Master’s program and a trainer in the world-renowned Penn Resilience Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.