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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Samaritan Daytop Village, the largest provider of support services for veterans in New York, provides shelter, mental health, and substance use recovery services. Assistant Vice President for Residential Treatment and former U.S. Air Force member Deirdre Rice-Reese explains some of the challenges veterans face after their service. For more, visit samaritanvillage.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than 35 years, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $70 million to support programs that help farmers thrive. Farmer Services Network Manager Alexandria Ward to talks about their potentially life-saving health initiative aimed at helping ALL farmers in distress. FARM AID’s MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE is 1-800-FARM-AID. Find out more at farmaid.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miriam Raccah, CEO of Black Latinx Asian Charter Collaborative (BLACC), explains the benefits and importance of recruiting, training, supporting, and retaining more educators and school leaders of color. BLACC is a nonprofit that serves 24 community-based public charter schools representing more than 14,000 students across New York. For more, visit blaccschools.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PetcoLove, a lifesaving non-profit bringing pets and people together, hosts the 25th Anniversary Petco Love Birthday Party & Pet Adoption Event in Union Square, on Sunday, June 2nd from 11am-4pm. President of Petco Love, Susanne Kogut, talks about how new pet recognition technology has already helped them reunite over 46,000 pets and with their owners. For more, visit petcolove.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1985, the N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund—also known as Answer The Call—has provided support to the families of New York City’s fallen NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD members. Lauren Profeta is the Executive Director of the N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund/Answer The Call, and Caitlin Leavey, the daughter of FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, who heroically made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. For more, visit answerthecall.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stroke is the fifth most common cause of death in America and the leading cause of adult disability. But, with quick action and appropriate treatment, patients can not only survive a stroke, they can live full, independent lives after the disease. For Survive Stroke Week, an annual effort to educate Americans about stroke symptoms and lifesaving treatment options, our guest is Dr. Violiza Inoa of Semmes-Murphey Clinic in Memphis. Dr. Violiza Inoa is a board-certified neurologist with a focus on vascular neurology and neurointervention, and Chair for the Women in Neurointervention Committee at the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS). For more, visit getaheadofstroke.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Just wait until they’re teenagers!" That's the warning we’ve likely said or heard about the challenge of dealing with adolescents. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? Our guest is child development expert Ellen Galinsky, with her new book THE BREAKTHROUGH YEARS: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens. In her role as President of Families and Work Institute, she challenges assumptions about the teenage years, offering new ways for parents and others to better understand and interact with adolescents in ways that help them thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Non-profits designed to assist the elderly offer myriad essential services, including access to food, healthcare and companionship. However, workers in the field earn wages—set by contracts with the city and state—that often place them below the poverty line. Despite calls from advocates for a significant cost of living adjustment, responses have been largely ignored. Our guest is Jeremy Kaplan, Executive Director of Encore Community Services, one of the largest aging services providers in New York City. For more, visit encorenyc.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stock market has hit record highs, but we’re also in a period of high interest rates and high inflation. What does that mean for your money? How and where do you invest in a volatile economy? Our guest is stock market and asset management expert, Ed Long, Managing Principle of Avity, an investment management firm in Greenwich CT with over $1.5 billion in assets under management. With over a quarter of a century in managing both equities and bonds, Ed Long has also worked for U.S. Trust in Palm Beach, Florida, Lazard Asset Management in New York City, and Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green City Force is an AmeriCorps program that prepares young adults who reside in New York City Housing (NYCHA), or low-income housing in NYC for careers through Green Service. Our guest is Executive Director Tonya Gayle, who has spent her career in non-profit organizations focused on economic justice for young people of color. For more, visit GreenCityForce.Org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that flood, drought, fire, storm and pandemic are no longer rare but expected, how are we adapting to our new reality? Is there hope for future generations? In time for Earth Day, our guest is CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir, author of the new book LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (CAN BE): Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latine/x Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. We are pleased to welcome Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro back to the show, ahead of their New York City Center Season, April 25-28, and their 2024 Gala. For more details, visit BalletHispanico.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like so many other ethnic traditions and faiths, Jewish life is often centered around the table, where family and friends come together to celebrate rituals, memories and tastes of home. Our guest is Naama Shefi, founder of the non-profit Jewish Food Society, who with co-writer Devra Ferst, is the author of THE JEWISH HOLIDAY TABLE, A World of Recipes, Traditions and Stories to Celebrate All Year Long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City's 30 and 60-day shelter limits may be at risk thanks to a proposed bill in Albany. Though no matter what happens, the city's homeless need a clear pathway to permanent housing. Our guest is Scott Short, CEO of RiseBoro Community Partnership, one of the largest nonprofit developers and providers of affordable housing in New York City, discussing the the city's shelter system, and what would be a coherent "exit strategy" to move people in need to permanent housing. For more, visit riseboro.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach Earth Day 2024 on April 22, our guest is John Opperman, Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative, host the annual Earth Day Festival in Union Square, on Sunday April 14th. For details on vendors and activities at this free event, resources for climate action, tax credits and rebates, visit dayinitiative.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In anticipation of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, our guest is Rori Baldari of the Amateur Astronomers Association, co-hosting a watch event at The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. The Amateur Astronomers Association is a volunteer run non-profit that promotes the study and public awareness of the cosmos through observing, education, outreach, astrophotography, and more. For more visit aaa.org, and green-wood.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you think you might have a book in you? What is the story you want to tell, and how do you tell it? Our guest is Philip Cioffari, who’s spent decades teaching writing as a professor--currently at William Paterson University with a PhD from NYU--and fiction teacher for Gotham Writers in New York City. He’s written six well-received, character-driven novels and short story collections including his latest: NIGHT & ITS LONGINGS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a family member is ill, and entire family can be in need of care. Our guest is Stephanie Mastropaolo, LMSW and Director of Calvary Hospital’s Family Care Center. Calvary is New York’s palliative, end-of-life and hospice specialist, caring for up to 6000 patients a year, plus their families. As a non-profit based in the Bronx, Calvary operates through most of New York City as well as Nassau, Westchester, and Rockland with in-home hospice. Calvary Hospital is the only fully accredited acute care specialty hospital in the U.S. exclusively providing palliative care for adult patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. More at Calvaryhospital.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Writer, cultural influencer and former professor Lyn Slater tracks her story of becoming famous at 59, and then turning her back on a public life at 70. Lyn Slater has been featured by the TODAY Show, Cosmopolitan, W Magazine, and The Cut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction, utilities and maintenance. Chance are, when you picture the worker, you picture a man. The organization Non-Traditional Employment for Women has been training and placing women in trade careers since 1978. Our guest is the Leah Rambo, President of NEW, the first woman of color and tradeswoman to serve in the role—bringing 35 years of experience in the labor movement, with a focus on equity and inclusion in the construction workforce. For more, visit new-nyc.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are normal curves in the spine, and what does a diagnosis of scoliosis signify? We talk about spine issues and treatment options for a child or teen diagnosed with an abnormal curvature of the spine, with Dr. Dr. Nicholas Post of New York Spine Institute. Dr. Nicholas Post is a board-certified neurosurgeon, in practice for 17 years. Dr. Post is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at NYU Langone Medical Center and NY Presbyterian in Lower Manhattan. For more, visit NYSpine.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As New Yorkers follow current events in Israel and Palestine, what are the rights for New Yorkers who want to express their opinion? What are the best ways to contribute and find common ground in our own city? Our guest is Sahar Alsahlani, representing CAIR-NY, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. CAIR is America’s premiere Muslim Civil Rights group, working for more than 25 years to defend the constitution. The New York Chapter is one of the busiest of CAIR’s 35 nationwide affiliates, defending, representing and educating nearly on million Muslims in the area. For more, visit CAIR-NY.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.