Best Brooklyn Heights Podcasts (2024)

1
Fringe Pilates and the Power of Community: A Conversation with Tay Milburn 23:12

2h ago23:12

23:12

Former kindergarten teacher Tay Milburn moved from Houston to NYC in 2019 seeking a new path but soon faced the pandemic and multiple surgeries for a tumor. Turning to Pilates for healing, she encountered racial biases, including being asked to stop using #BlackGirlPilates. Undeterred, she founded Fringe Pilates, an inclusive studio with classes ta…

1
Queen B Bake Shop: A Passion for Pastry Rooted in Haitian Heritage 21:18

5d ago21:18

21:18

Raised in a Haitian household, Brigitte Malivert grew up surrounded by rich flavors, but it wasn’t until college that she discovered her love for baking. While on a pre-med track, she started experimenting with ben-yeh, inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, as a way to relieve the stress of writing her thesis. But what began as a calming …

1
BONUS: How Indian American Leaders Defined a Historic DNC 26:23

7d ago26:23

26:23

We’re fresh off the heels of the DNC in Chicago, where we captured a powerful conversation between URL Media CEO Mitra Kalita and two trailblazing Indian American politicians: Arvind Venkat, Pennsylvania Representative, and Shekhar Krishnan, New York City Council Member. As the first Indian Americans to hold their offices, Arvind and Shekhar bring …

1
Building Community Through Wine: The Journey of Harlem Wine Gallery 20:35

9d ago20:35

20:35

Harlem Wine Gallery is not just a place to buy wine; it’s a community hub where wine lovers and novices alike can learn, taste, and connect. Pascal and Danine Lewis, the husband-and-wife team behind Harlem Wine Gallery, turned their passion for wine into a business. Living in Central Harlem, Pascal and Danine often found themselves traveling downto…

1
Crochet clothes for your cat? The Bronx biz specializing in quirky cat outfits 14:54

23d ago14:54

14:54

Monica Martinez, founder of Black Kat Krochet, has turned her love for cats and crocheting into a business – one that’s not only a source of income but also a way to connect with her roots and her community. Monica’s journey began when she crocheted a sweater for her cat during a cold winter. Encouraged by friends, she started selling her creations…

1
How Forest Hills high school students are taking on political education 19:49

1M ago19:49

19:49

Last year, Forest Hills High School student Salma Baksh found herself in a club aimed at discussing politics, but felt uncomfortable speaking up. Even with her best friend, Vilinez Estevez, by her side, the environment didn’t feel right. The discomfort led Salma and Vili to look for a space where they could freely discuss the topics they really car…

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep8: Sweet Transformations: Sugar Artist Maayan Zilberman on Life and Renovation in Brooklyn Heights 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode, we sit down with artist and entrepreneur Maayan Zilberman to talk about the evolution of her creative career in New York City. Maayan's latest venture is a brand of unique sugar sculptures called Sweet Saba. Originally a personal project in her kitchen, Sweet Saba expanded into a larger-scale endeavor, collaborating with major bran…

1
Brooklyn bike repair shop offers boutique services with a neighborhood feel 25:50

1M ago25:50

25:50

In Gowanus, Tijon Randall, Joy Liu, and Vincent Cabrera have created a unique space that blends top-notch bike repair with a welcoming atmosphere. They started by offering bike services out of their own home, complete with hospitality touches like snacks and beverages. This ethos of care and attention to detail is now at the heart of their shop – T…

1
Buunni Coffee: Ethiopian heritage meets Washington Heights vibes 19:50

1M ago19:50

19:50

Sarina Prabasi and her husband, Elias, started Buunni Coffee in 2012 after moving from Ethiopia to New York City. With them, they brought a deep appreciation for the Ethiopian coffee culture, which emphasizes community, hospitality, and the experience of enjoying coffee together. Today, Buunni Coffee is exactly that – a hub for community gatherings…

1
B. Stuyvesant Champagne: the sparkling wine empire built by a Black woman 18:00

2M ago18:00

18:00

In her 20s, Marvina Robinson and her friends would sip champagne from red plastic cups on Bed-Stuy stoops. Two decades later, Marvina is one of the few Black women entrepreneurs in the champagne industry. She left her career on Wall Street to follow her passion, establishing B. Stuyvesant Champagne. She brings a fresh perspective to a wine synonymo…

1
Listen Now: Hysterical 6:43

2M ago6:43

6:43

Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass…

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The Big Life NYC, Ep7: Pat Irwin Talks Long Island City Creative Spaces and Rocking With The B-52s 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

Pat Irwin is a musician and composer based in Long Island City. He was a significant figure in New York City's No Wave music scene during the 70s and 80s and later toured and recorded with The B-52s for many years. Pat has also enjoyed a successful career as a composer for film and television, scoring well-known projects such as "SpongeBob SquarePa…

1
Bushwick bookstore, Mil Mundos, is bridging culture and community 20:37

2M ago20:37

20:37

Bushwick’s Mil Mundos, founded in 2018, is one of the only bookstores east of Myrtle Avenue offering books in English and Spanish. But it’s more than a bookstore, it’s a community hub that aims to counter the effects of gentrification. Volunteers, like Becca Ramos, help manage the store and assist customers Today, we sit down with Becca, who’s now …

1
Hidden juice bar at GW Bridge is tropical escape for smoothies, sandwiches and smiles 17:03

2M ago17:03

17:03

Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/hidden-juice-bar-at-the-george-washington-bridge-is-your-tropical-escape-for-smoothies-sandwiches-and-smiles/ GWB Juice Bar is a hidden gem at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Owned by Luis Perez, it serves Caribbean drinks like soursop smoothies and the Dominican classic morir soñando, along …

1
Discover the heritage-infused tacos revolutionizing Queens’ food scene 19:55

2M ago19:55

19:55

Fernando Ruiz spent his childhood summers in Veracruz, Mexico, where he fell in love with fresh tacos … and which inspired him to start Nixtamal, a tortilla business using the traditional nixtamalization process, in 2008 in Corona, Queens. Despite initial success, expansion challenges and the pandemic caused setbacks. But Fernando persisted, securi…

1
How NYC language workers are resisting AI 15:04

3M ago15:04

15:04

Language workers across New York City, and across the globe, are resisting the rise of AI in their field by emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interpreters and translators. Julie Tay, the director of Hunter College’s Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting program, highlights the need to integrate technology in ways that enhance hu…

1
The club helping Black and Latina girls design their own sneakers 15:33

3M ago15:33

15:33

The Sneaker Girls Club started at a school in Bushwick and expanded into a brand with a mission: to help designers and sneaker store owners who are women gain the recognition they deserve — and to help Black and Latina girls and women gain the confidence to design their own shoes. In this episode we talk to Sneaker Girls Club founder Lauren Rawles’…

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep6: New York City Fashion Stylist Stephanie Tricola 29:06

3M ago29:06

29:06

Stephanie Tricola is a fashion stylist based in New York City. After transitioning from the retail sector, she became a stylist for editorial and advertising photoshoots, collaborating with numerous celebrities, national brands, and renowned photographers for decades. She also serves as a personal stylist to several high-profile New Yorkers. Curren…

1
Weeksville: Rediscovering Black history in Brooklyn’s hidden gem 21:38

3M ago21:38

21:38

Earlier this year, Epicenter NYC and the Weeksville Heritage Center teamed up to offer our members a special tour of what remains of the historic community. Epicenter’s editorial director Femi Redwood joined the tour. In today’s episode she explains how this once-forgotten community continues to impact our lives today. Read our full story: https://…

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Esthetician who went from doing beauty services on her front stoop to running a business 17:54

3M ago17:54

17:54

Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/meet-the-esthetician-who-went-from-doing-beauty-services-on-her-front-stoop-to-running-her-own-business/ Growing up, Shondrea Harrod was always fascinated with skincare and beauty. This passion led her to pursue a formal education in esthetics. Now, Shondrea is a licensed esthetician, a talented makeup…

1
What’s really going on with NYC crime 20:20

4M ago20:20

20:20

Despite statistics suggesting that New York remains one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the lived experience for many of us tells a different story. So why is there such a disconnect between the numbers and our feelings of safety? In this episode S. Mitra Kalita, co-founder and publisher of Epicenter NYC, talks to reporter Felipe De La Hoz,…

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The Big Life NYC, Ep5: New York City at Night with Anthony Haden-Guest 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

Anthony Haden-Guest is a writer, journalist, critic, poet, and cartoonist. His work has appeared in numerous international publications, and has authored several books. He has extensively covered the art world and nightlife of New York City and is known for maintaining an exhaustive social calendar throughout his life. In this episode, Anthony disc…

1
Inside the New York Indian Film Festival with Aseem Chhabra 18:32

4M ago18:32

18:32

Once again, Epicenter NYC is teaming up with the New York Indian Festival as its community media sponsor. The festival will take place from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd at the Village East by Angelika. The New York Indian Film Festival is the oldest film festival of its kind – screening premieres of films made from, of, and about India. The…

1
Cherie Conliffe's CherVitality and the Power of Moringa 22:17

4M ago22:17

22:17

Cherie Conliffe grew up in Brownsville, where corner stores were filled with junk food and her family’s traditional West Indian foods were hard to find. Living in a food desert, she quickly realized the gaps in nutrition education. This became the jump-off point to a career in wellness. During the pandemic Cherie started CherVitality, and is now br…

1
How a Jackson Heights art shop became a community haven 12:56

4M ago12:56

12:56

On the corner of 85th Street in Jackson Heights, A.R.T. (short for Art Retail Therapy), has more than just brushes and colored pencils. It’s a space that invites artists and non-artists alike to share their art and life stories – or to simply get lost among the well-stocked shelves. Francisco Segarra opened A.R.T. in 202. Today, the Queer and Latin…

1
Introducing: The Competition 7:10

5M ago7:10

7:10

Every summer for the past seven decades, 50 high school seniors—one from every state—descend on Mobile, Alabama to take part in one of the country’s most lucrative scholarship competitions for teen girls. The Competition takes you behind the scenes of the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program, and follows seven girls as they experience the highs …

1
Earnest Flowers on Building a Healthier Community 15:41

5M ago15:41

15:41

In February of 2021, Earnest Flowers opened a natural and organic grocery store in the heart of Southeast Queens called Earnest Foods. Since then, the store has become a vital source for residents – offering sugarless, gluten-free, and organic products in an area where options like these are scarce. And while at first, there was a trickle of custom…

1
Agamems Beauty, a natural skincare line born from a 911 operator’s battle with stress 17:58

5M ago17:58

17:58

Danielle Copper suffered from severe eczema in her teens and early twenties. And despite numerous consultations with dermatologists and treatments like antibiotics, creams, and cortisone shots, her condition didn’t improve. So she decided create her own skincare products – starting with a face soap. She saw an immediate improvement in her skin and …

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep4: A Legacy of 10 Generations with Miles Chapin 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

Miles Chapin has been a real estate agent in New York City for more than 20 years. He's also a well-known actor, appearing in movies like The People vs. Larry Flynt, Hair, and Howard the Duck. Born and raised in NYC, his family has deep roots here. His can trace his lineage through 10 generations in New York City. In this episode, we discuss his fa…

1
American Museum of Natural History’s Paul Sweet on Birding in NYC 20:33

5M ago20:33

20:33

Not too long ago I was heading home after a trek through Forest Park and saw a swarm of black-colored birds — hundreds of them — in the sky, trees and power lines, on rooftops and lawns and on sidewalks across the street. Fascinated by the super-flock, I consulted a couple bird experts, sharing pictures and a video. Paul Sweet, a collection manager…

1
Resilience on the menu at authentic Dominican restaurant, Puerto Viejo 16:24

5M ago16:24

16:24

On weekend nights, Puerto Viejo in Prospect Heights is packed with New Yorkers and visitors alike. Many stay for hours, sipping morir soñando and eating sancocho while chatting with friends or longtime restaurant staff. In this episode we sit down with Maritza Abreu, the daughter of founders Cristina and Eduardo Abreu. Maritza is now in charge of m…

1
The truth behind the “Asian gambler” stereotype 22:26

5M ago22:26

22:26

As Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex at Citi Field is in limbo, some community advocates are questioning whether the harms outweigh the benefits. And during the February casino town hall, several residents, some of whom are of East Asian descent, questioned the casino’s proximity to Flushing’s Asian Ameri…

1
A Jamaican mother-daughter duo fills fashion’s empty niche 16:42

6M ago16:42

16:42

When Lolita Malone was growing up with three younger sisters and their baby brother in rural Jamaica, she and her siblings shared clothes, shoes, and pretty much everything. They had a tiny allowance but big fashion dreams, so they would hit up thrift shops and cut and upcycle clothes. Now, decades later, Lolita and her daughter, Maui, have launche…

1
03/23/24 The Classic Car Show 55:49

6M ago55:49

55:49

With Tom Cox and Richard LentinelloBy Tom Cox and Richard Lentinello

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep3: The Culinary King of Queens with Joe DiStefano 20:07

6M ago20:07

20:07

In this episode, Joe shares his top recommendations for a Queens culinary adventure and provides valuable tips on discovering the best food in your local neighborhood. Joe was born and raised in Queens and currently resides in East Elmhurst. Joe DiStefano is known as the culinary king of Queens. He has written about food and restaurants in New York…

1
Why reggaeton stars are ditching their music for God 29:00

6M ago29:00

29:00

In December, reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee announced his plan to dedicate himself to Christianity. He dropped the bombshell on a farewell tour while a drone depicted a giant cross and the message “Christ is coming.” Daddy Yankee’s move follows other icons like Farruko, Julio Voltio, El General. But that’s not the only thing they have in common. So …

1
A Taste of Argentina in NYC with Mendulcina's Mirta Rinaldi 16:31

6M ago16:31

16:31

Mirta Rinaldi was 61 years old when she launched her food business, Mendulcina. But her journey with food began long before. Growing up in Mendoza, Argentina, she spent a lot of time in the kitchen, surrounded by family. Cooking was their love language. Then, in 1975 Mirta moved to New York City, and after working a variety of jobs she decided to f…

1
NYC's Fight Against Predatory Home Flipping 15:45

6M ago15:45

15:45

Neighborhoods like Cypress Hills and East New York are currently witnessing an alarming trend where house flippers aggressively target homes. They often prey on the vulnerabilities of low-income, Black, and Brown homeowners. Luckily, community groups like the Coalition for Community Advancement are fighting back with initiatives such as the propose…

1
The Evolution of Brooklyn Film Camera with Kyle Depew 18:30

7M ago18:30

18:30

Kyle Depew’s journey into the heart of film photography began long before he opened “Brooklyn Film Camera” in 2015. With a background working for the Impossible Project, which famously acquired the last Polaroid factory, Kyle leveraged his experience and passion to create a space dedicated to the preservation and celebration of film photography. Fr…

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep2: Architecture and Interior Design with Jarret Yoshida 28:31

7M ago28:31

28:31

The Big Life NYC features host Roderick Angle as he speaks with established New York City residents about how they have created “big lives” in one of the toughest cities in the world. As we learn their personal stories, we will glean practical advice plus insider tips and recommendations on how to live large in NYC. In this episode, Roderick Angle …

1
Behind the Scenes of 'Public Obscenities' with Shayok Misha Chowdhury 18:04

7M ago18:04

18:04

“Public Obscenities” explores the pleasures and pitfalls of living in translation as it follows a queer studies PhD student returning to his family home in India with his Black American boyfriend. The bilingual play boldly navigates the complexities of identity, belonging, and expression. In this episode Playwright Shayok Misha Chowdhury talks to E…

1
02/17/24 The Classic Car Show 58:19

7M ago58:19

58:19

With Tom Cox and Richard LentinelloBy Tom Cox and Richard Lentinello

1
How The NYC Audubon Society is Moving Past a Racist Legacy 11:47

7M ago11:47

11:47

Last March, the New York City chapter of the Audubon Society voted to take flight from its past, shedding the name of John James Audubon – a figure intertwined with naturalist art and a legacy of white supremacy. In an effort to embrace inclusivity and reflect the diverse communities across the city, the organization is now looking for a new name. …

1
Jon Pichaya Ferry and the Making of NYC's First Bone Museum 12:03

7M ago12:03

12:03

In this episode we dive into the world of osteology with Jon Pichaya Ferry, the founder of New York City’s first and only Bone Museum. From the origins of human bone trade to the ethical implications of sourcing and displaying these remains, Jon shares his journey from a curious teenager to a pioneering museum curator. https://epicenter-nyc.com/bri…

1
02/03/24 The Classic Car Show 57:18

8M ago57:18

57:18

With Tom Cox and Richard LentinelloBy Tom Cox and Richard Lentinello

1
How TeenSpace is Revolutionizing Mental Health for NYC's Youth 17:03

8M ago17:03

17:03

The Adams’ administration, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, recently announced the launch of a new three-year initiative aimed at helping teens get access to free therapy. Talkspace, a New York based digital mental health company, is set to operate the program, called TeenSpace, to offer tele-mental hea…

1
01/27/24 The Classic Car Show 57:49

8M ago57:49

57:49

With Tom Cox and Richard LentinelloBy Tom Cox and Richard Lentinello

1
The Big Life NYC, Ep1: Antiques and Baggage Battles with Billy Leroy 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

The Big Life NYC features host Roderick Angle as he speaks with established New York City residents about how they have created “big lives” in one of the toughest cities in the world. As we learn their personal stories, we will glean practical advice plus insider tips and recommendations on how to live large in NYC. In the first episode, Roderick A…

1
Uncovering Climate Inequities in Queens Through Art with Nitin Mukul 14:04

8M ago14:04

14:04

The exhibition "Heat Maps: Queens", now on view through January at the Local NY, takes a unique approach to highlight the effects of the climate crisis. Using a technique known as durational painting, Queens-based artist and Epicenter-NYC co-founder, Nitin Mukul, has captured the struggles of neighborhoods like East Elmhurst, Corona, Jamaica, and H…