I’m just starting this. From Finland and sparkling about ideas🌈
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Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/ Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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’…
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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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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…
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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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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“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…
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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. …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Black Lives Matter protesters who participated in demonstrations in New York City in the summer of 2020 are now at the center of what is considered the largest protest settlement in history. But a critical deadline looms. Protesters have until January 22nd to file their claim. In this episode Eliana Perozo talks to Epicenter-NYC’s Danielle Hyams to…
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This month marks three years since the world watched as rioters violently stormed the capitol with the intent to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Since then, hundreds have been arrested and sentenced for their crimes on January 6th. And a congressional committee was formed to investigate how this could’ve happened. Last week, URL Media part…
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For years, Epicenter-NYC has been a proud member of URL Media - a decentralized, multi-platform network that includes high-performing Black and Brown news media organizations. And this month, URL is celebrating three years of hard work. In this episode we’ll share an excerpt from the Local News Matters podcast where URL co-founders, Sara Lomax and …
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For years, parents and kids across New York City have been going to Drag Story Hours. Its goal is to provide a safe space to promote reading, inclusion, and diversity. But as the events have become a target for hate, supporters have another goal… to ensure Drag Story Hours continues to exist. We want to start with the basics. What exactly is a Drag…
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As we inch closer to 2024, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of our favorite stories and projects from the past year. These aren't just headlines; they're the heartbeats of our city, narratives that have brought us together, challenged our perceptions, and celebrated our diversity. Become a member today! See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…
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Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE) serves more than 650 people each year with workforce development, therapeutic counseling, adult basic education, and job readiness training. They’ve helped over 3,000 New Yorkers overcome homelessness, incarceration and addiction. But in 2020, things took a turn. The team was forced to operate diff…
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Nestled in Forest Hills and Howard Beach, GallopNYC stands as one of the last equestrian havens in the city. Their work isn’t just about horse riding; it encompasses a holistic approach to therapy, including grooming and connecting with the horses. It’s an approach that’s particularly effective for diverse groups, including veterans, seniors, and i…
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Reporter Sam Zachar has been living with chronic pain following a back injury in 2022. The chronic pain and limited mobility have made her see New York City in a new light. Sam spoke with disability rights activists from across NYC to learn about their own experiences with having limited mobility. In this episode we'll be sharing some of those conv…
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Earlier this month, at an event at the Queens Museum, we unveiled the findings of a first-of-its-kind study titled “NYC’s New Small Business Incubators”. The study was commissioned by our partners, Citizens Bank, and was conducted by Epicenter-NYC. We also brought together a group of small business owners who shared stories of how the Queens Night …
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Over the past few weeks we’ve seen a spike in reports of harassment and hate crimes across New York City. We’re hearing stories of assault from our friends and our family – from Jews, Muslims, turbaned men and East Asians. So, at a time when many of our neighbors fear for their safety in public places, what are the best ways to stay safe? Epicenter…
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In author and corporate diversity expert Doug Melville’s latest book, "Invisible Generals," he shares the story of his great-uncle and great-great-uncle – America’s first Black generals, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. and Jr.. The two men created the Tuskegee Airmen and were instrumental in integrating the American military. But despite their contributions…
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In this episode we talk to Karen McMullen, the Urbanworld Film Festival's director and the head of programming. We explore the origins, evolution, and the future vision of the festival. From its humble beginnings in 1997, created by visionary Stacy Spikes, to its current expansive embrace of all people of color, the event stands as a testament to t…
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In 2004, as a freshman in college, Kevin Benoit created Parlé Magazine. The goal? To empower, entertain, educate, motivate, and engage Black and Brown lives within the media industry. A first generation Haitian American living in New York City, Kevin has always had a passion for helping people. Especially young people who remind him of himself. Tha…
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Today, we’ll unravel the inspiring journey of Cindy Castro, the woman behind the fashion brand "Cindy Castro New York". Born and raised in Ecuador, Cindy was often overlooked – not fitting into the conventional beauty standards. She found solace in the world of fashion. Today, her brand is synonymous with activism, sustainability, and community. In…
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For migrants arriving in New York city, there’s a stark contrast between the anticipated American dream and the reality. This gap is exacerbated by misinformation often spread through social media. In this episode Epicenter’s Community Manager, Daniel Laplaza talks with Adriana Proano and Rommel Ojeda about the complex reality of migrants arriving …
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“Feel Good, Look Good, Do Better”. That’s Alex Toussaint’s mantra. Alex is a Senior Instructor at Peloton, a PUMA partner, a founder, and most recently, an author. His new book, “Activate Your Greatness” is set to be released on October 10th. It’s part self-help/part memoir and explores his journey to becoming one of the most iconic cycling instruc…
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This summer, AJ Pacheco and his partner Tanya Gorbunova opened Pancakes Records. It’s a record store in North Astoria, Queens that doubles as a performance space. They’re bringing the community together with events featuring local musicians, comedians, and other performers. In this episode AJ talks to Epicenter reporter Hari Adivarekar about his jo…
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On Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Manhattan with one demand. End Fossil Fuels. From indigenous climate activists to celebrities – protestors from across the world walked side by side. In this episode, we’ll share their voices. Tens of thousands of people march to bring attention to climate crisis: https://epicenter-n…
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