Audio Files

In this bonus episode, we hear about socialist organizing and community building, efforts to plant trees more equitably across New York City, and a remembrance of Messiah Nantwi who died in prison in 2025 after beatings by correction officers. Host: Rebekah Hendricks Producer: Valerie Conklin Associated Producer: Jasmine Washington Reporters: Loyalty Jean Aimé, Valerie Conklin, and Rebekah Hendric...

In this AudioFiles episode, we report on a mega project plan that would transform Brooklyn’s waterfront, check in on striking Starbucks workers, and hear about tension between different faith groups at City College. Host: Tyler Paz Producers: Jarrod Barry and Rebecca Raghunath Associate Producers: Mary Beech and Tyler Paz Reporters: Niamh McAuliffe, Steve Kastenbaum, Rebecca Raghunath, Mary Beech,...

In this episode of AudioFiles, we check in on a number of legislation being considered at the city and state levels in the waning weeks of the legislative sessions, on issues ranging from pay raises for teaching assistants to protection of horseshoe crabs. And we have a dispatch from East Harlem on how small businesses are feeling the effects of “La Migra.” Host: Mary Beech Producer: Niamh McAulif...

In this AudioFiles episode, we report on environmental advocates’ pushback on a natural pipeline off the south shore of Staten Island that's been given the go-ahead from the NYS DEC. Then, a look at NYC's plan to bring relief to the chronically flood-prone neighborhood of Jewel Streets near the Brooklyn-Queens border. And we hear the story of one New Yorker's endeavor to rehabilitate and rehome re...

In this AudioFiles episode, we get the final arguments from mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, head to Prospect Park after dark to hear from flying mammals, and ask New Yorkers what they plan to do with their inflation refund checks. Host: Rebecca Raghunath Producer: Mary Beech Associate Producer: Jarrod Barry Reporters: Niamh McAuliffe, Steve Kastenbaum, Jarrod Barry, Tyler Paz, and Mary Beech Edi...

In this season premiere of AudioFiles, we explore the proliferation of sports betting apps, check in on NYC voters ahead of the mayoral election, visit a popular night market at Fordham Plaza, and drop in on urban keepers in Battery Park. Host: Steve Kastenbaum Producer: Tyler Paz Associate Producer: Niamh McAuliffe Reporters: Rebecca Raghunath, Jarrod Barry and Mary Beech Guests: Emily Swanson, K...

Auditioning in New York City is challenging, especially for a living. For foreign-born artists, attempting to succeed on the Great White Way is even more complicated. In this episode, Costa Rican actress Nea Somogyi takes us behind the curtain of the auditioning world in the eyes of an international performer. Content Warning: This episode may include some mature language. Hosted and reported by M...

Reporters Lauren Rapp and Perry Gregory explore what it's like to create a new life in New York City after decades of incarceration. Older adults are a growing population in US prison systems. When these individuals get out, they have to deal with a whole new set of problems: understanding technology, finding housing, and navigating the city. In this episode, “What’s is Like” reporters visit the M...

Every day, pet owners around the country choose euthanasia to prevent prolonged suffering for their animal companions. But what happens when a person wants that same peace? In this episode, we explore what it’s like to live without the right to die. This episode deals with death and medical aid in dying. Please take care while listening. Credits: Hosted, narrated, produced and reported by Shira Go...

The first time Kathy Collins voted in person, she had to tell someone else who she was voting for. We take privacy for granted when it comes to voting, but for many disabled Americans, that hasn’t been the case. Join us for the lead up to election day as we talk to Kathy and Dr. Sharon McLennon Wier about what it’s like to vote without privacy in New York – and what activists are doing about it. T...

In this AudioFiles special bonus episode, we meet New Yorkers in their element, from the studio to the stage to among the pigeons. CREDITS: Managing Producer: Melanie Marich Producer: Melanie Marich Host: Graham Hartmann Reporters: Perry Gregory and Jesse King. Editors: Kalli Anderson and Richard Yeh Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson For more info on AudioFiles: www.audiof...

On this bonus episode of AudioFiles, we’re showcasing audio documentaries about belonging, from the people and things that make us feel seen to the places that turn into home. First, meet the Latina women from the Bronx transforming New York’s nightlife. Reporter Laura Rojas Aponte takes us to the club to hear from Ultraviolet, Dana Lu, Dada Cozmic, and others who are making waves as DJs. K-pop’s...

On this bonus episode of AudioFiles, we’re showcasing audio documentaries about defiance, and the ways people challenge, disrupt, or reinterpret traditional systems, spaces, and expectations. A Kansas public school teacher punked a state house committee considering a voucher bill. It went viral garnering two million views and over 200,000 likes. Currently and formerly incarcerated writers explore...

On this bonus episode of AudioFiles, we’re showcasing audio documentaries about legacy, and the ways our pasts shape present realities. New York City's street racing culture has veins that run deep. Over several generations, black and brown youth have found community, success, and wealth, in the elicit side of motorsport. But in the wake of a new NYPD crackdown after a deadly crash, will this comm...

In this season finale of AudioFiles, we meet an Ecuadorian dance crew keeping their culture alive, what a recent court decision means for subway safety in New York, and visit some legendary Christmas lights with an electrical engineer who teaches us the true meaning of Christmas: protecting the environment. CREDITS: Managing Producer: Melanie Marich Producer: Marissa Braswell Host: Graham Hartmann...

For this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking ahead to election day. We talk to voters deciding whether to vote in Puerto Rico or where they live in the mainland United States, check in on local congressional races that could help tip the balance of power in Congress, and talk to advocates for a ballot proposition to amend the New York state constitution. Plus, we’ll meet a couple making 50’s styl...

In this episode of AudioFiles, we celebrate the New Yorkers who survive and shape the urban landscape. We visit a Manhattan exhibit celebrating Shirley Chisholm, her political life, and how her legacy connects to Kamala Harris. We’ll also dive into Eric Adams’ war on rats, check in with street vendors on Roosevelt Avenue facing police crackdowns, and break down a new bill concerning broker fees in...

What was once old can be new again. In this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking at the revival of congestion pricing, New Yorkers who practice the ancient sport of gladiator fighting, and Irish descendants keeping the Irish language alive in Queens. CREDITS: Managing Producer: Melanie Marich Producer: Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez Host: Marissa Braswell Assistant Producer: Nathaly Cisneros and Graham Ha...

For this season premiere of AudioFiles, we explore the rising tension on New York college campuses as they crack down on student protests and gatherings. Then, we dive into a key ballot measure that could shape New York City’s future. Later, we feature an incoming boat captain whose mission is to protect the Hudson River from polluters. Managing Producer: Melanie Marich Producer: Evelin Fajardo-Al...

Audiofiles is proud to share another episode of our narrative podcast, "What's it Like?" Reporters Rebecca Rand and Caroline Handel explore planning for the unplannable–how do you hold on to what’s important to you when you’re losing touch with reality? It starts with a conversation with a fascinating woman, Elyn Saks. She’s a law professor at UCLA who advocates for the rights of people with sever...

Audiofiles is proud to share an episode of our narrative podcast, "What's it Like?" from reporters Sari Soffer Sukenik and Maja Clasen. Divorce is seemingly ubiquitous in the U.S. But what happens when divorce is not an option for you in your community? In this episode, we follow Flatbush Girl: a woman on a mission to free women from their unwanted marriages. Her shameless pursuit to upend the sys...

In the final episode of AudioFiles season 12, we hear about a historic vote happening at the Nostrand Houses in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn and learn about why activists are working to try and put an end to the NYPD’s controversial gang database. We also hear from an organizational leader working on nail salon rights about the importance of the anticipated Nail Salon Minimum Standards Council Act. La...

In this episode of AudioFiles season 12, We head to Midtown, Manhattan where thousands of Service Employees International Union members rally ahead of the first day of contract negotiations. We also meet Indian Americans celebrating Diwali, and learn more about what it means to have the holiday recognized by the city government. Later in the show, Reporter Kimberly Izar heads to Hostos Community C...

On this episode of AudioFiles season 12, we hear from New Yorkers affected by the Israel and Palestine conflict and hear from union actors who are still protesting for better contracts and livable wages. Then we head to the Bronx, where we visit the last ever Bronx night market, and hear from a local artist making therapeutic art accessible for her community. We also learn about the growing popula...

On this episode of AudioFiles season 12, we bring you stories about Tibetan organizers using momos to shed light on an independence movement and a local DJ breathing new life into traditional jewish music. Then, we talk to health reporter Sarah Luft to learn about Long Covid and its impact on New Yorkers. Later in the show, host Amanda Kari McHugh sits down with journalist and audio producer Austi...