Summer Youth Podcast Academy

In this episode, explore Fry Factory, a unique fried chicken spot nestled in a gas station in Brooklyn. The owner Abubakor Siddik, moved from Bangladesh to New York with his friends and family, and shares how an unexpected opportunity led them to take over this struggling shop. Tune in to hear how the blend of hard work, family bonds, and culinary passion drives their success. Anim Sams is a junio...

Brooklyn Tea is a Black-owned shop blending tea culture with the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. Co-owner Alfonso “Ali” Wright shares his journey of starting the shop alongside his wife, Jamila Wright, and how they overcame challenges during the pandemic. From humble beginnings, Brooklyn Tea is now sold in over 100 Target stores, with the Wrights dreaming of even more expansion. Their story is one of...

Hear the inspiring journey of Lester Lin, owner of Elm Roastery Café in Elmhurst, Queens. Lester transformed his struggles into a force for good, building not just a business, but a community hub that radiates hope and support. We explore the challenges he overcame, the risks he took, and the dedication that fuels his mission. Through his story, we witness how one café became a symbol of resilienc...

Board games are just games, right? In this episode, find out how they are so much more. Jill Pullara is the program director for Brooklyn Game Lab. She shares her stories and insights from working at this game-based after-school program, where kids of all ages develop critical social-emotional skills. Tune in to explore explore how something as small as a board game can make a big impact on a comm...

Rachel Wu is a dedicated employee at Tornado Crepe in Jackson Heights, Queens. Rachel balances long work hours while pursuing a master’s degree in business and nurturing her dream of opening her own shop. An immigrant from China, Rachel reflects on her experiences of self-sufficiency since childhood and how they shape her journey. This episode highlights her resilience and captures the essence of...

Alfonso Emilio Sanchez is the owner of Artesana Home, a furniture store in Park Slope. Emilio embraces his Mexican roots while passionately exploring Indian culture and sharing how he honors foreign traditions with respect. As the global conversation on cultural appropriation vs. appreciation intensifies, Emilio offers a an insightful perspective. Katelyn Melville is a senior at the Brooklyn Insti...

Leah Thomas owns a hair salon in Brooklyn called Elevate The Salon Experience. Uncover how her innovative methods and dedication to learning have turned the salon into a vibrant center of confidence and self-expression. We delve into how COVID-19 challenged her resilience and transformed her business approach. Tune in to see how this salon is redefining the Black hair experience with care and expe...

Cliff Simanski owns GP81, a rock climbing gym in Brooklyn. Despite facing significant challenges like COVID-19 and eviction, his dedicated community played a crucial role in keeping the gym alive. Discover how his perseverance and passion for climbing helped him overcome these obstacles. Leo Kirkbride is a senior at NYC iSchool in SoHo. He is an active member of his school’s film club and jazz ens...

In this episode, Kenneth explores the relationships between himself, his grandmother, and his mother. Trying to better understand his family dynamics, he unveils stories of past tragedies and trauma. Kenneth is a recent graduate of John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy. He is the co-owner of a Twitter page called “TheOnikaMagazine,” and a member of “Fruit of the Spirit” dance ministry at Highland Church...

I was born in Ecuador, but moved to the US at an early age. Because of this I’m completely oblivious to Ecuador's changes over the years, many of which were not the best. In this episode, i sit down with my great aunt to discuss some of Ecuador's political struggles and how they impact our family. William is a senior at Bronx Leadership Academy II in Mott Haven. He helps tutor students in after sc...

When my cousin Manar came to visit me in NYC for vacation, I noticed that she had changed since the last time we saw each other. The events leading to her life-changing decision were questionable and frightening. Nora is a senior at the Institute for Collaborative Education in Manhattan. She is constantly engaged in sports, music, writing, and weight lifting. She is also an active member in Model...

As a teen in NYC and a member of Generation Z, it isn’t clear to me why my generation partook in the Kai Cenat giveaway in Union Square. In this episode, my friend Danny and I go on a journey to uncover the motives and desires of a young teen in a moment of chaos. Christian is a senior at the High School of University Neighborhood High School (UNHS) in Manhattan. He is an active member of the UNHS...

In this episode, I sit down with my dad and explore his experiences being a Gas Station worker. I try to understand my dad’s job, what it means to him and how it impacts our relationship. Tanvir is a senior at Academy of American Studies. Although she doesn't love the overpopulation of New York, she appreciates the cultural diversity. She believes rich cultures grow richer knowledge. Tanvir is an...

I have noticed a lack of cultural representation in my Caribbean household, so I decided to interview my grandfather, Mack H. Brown, to uncover the reasons behind this absence. In this episode, I learn about the changes my grandfather experienced when immigrating to the States, ponder whether or not his cultural sacrifices were necessary and what they mean for me as a Caribbean-American moving for...

I am the fourth child of a Guinean American household, and Mary is the eldest. In this episode I uncover all the hardships Mary endured so that her siblings wouldn’t have to. Listen to what the first twelve years of Mary's life in Guinea was like, before coming to America changed everything. Decide for yourself whether or not Mary is a “trial and error child.” Fatou is a junior at Uncommon Collegi...

In this episode, I chat with my cousin Emily about our experiences living with disabilities in an ableist society. Emily shares her story and thoughts on how advocacy and empowerment can lead to a more inclusive world. Ava Stryker-Robbins is a senior at the Beacon School in New York City. She served as the head of design at her school’s literary magazine and is an active participant in her school’...

As the child of immigrants, I have often wondered what was in it for my parents when they decided to start a family in the U.S. In this episode, I talk to my father about the true meaning of a “better life” by comparing his experiences and struggles as a taxi driver in the U.S. to life back in Egypt. Marcellino is a junior at Francis Lewis High School in Queens. He is a part of numerous clubs at h...

I, like many immigrant children, have struggled with expectations my whole life, and in this episode I get to the root of where it comes from. I go on a journey with my father and older sister to discover where these expectations come from and how to deal with them. Fanta Kaba is a senior at Beacon High School in Manhattan. She is passionate about advocacy and creating safe spaces for marginalized...

As the daughter of an immigrant, I have always wondered what my father’s experience was like immigrating from Kenya to America. How did it shape him as a person? What perspectives are unique to his experience? In this episode, I sit down with him to uncover his family’s reasons for immigrating, his outlook on the whole process, and how he chooses to walk through the world because of it. Mahdia is...

As an artist myself, I have been influenced by the works of music and art since I was born. My grandmother, Monica Chestnut, similarly admired performing and using music as a means of joy, even though she didn’t end up pursuing it professionally. Within this episode, I ask my grandmother to take me on a journey through her childhood recollections, old tapes, demos and personal stories – hoping to...

Let's take a trip to The Butterfly Project: an immigrant artist's public art installation that traces back to her roots in Medellín, Colombia. Vienna Du is a rising senior at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. She founded her school's newspaper, and plays on her school's Varsity tennis team. Vienna loves to paint, crochet, and travel. She is always open to trying new things and meeting...

What do we, as humans, owe to each other? What do each of us humans deserve? Laila examines these big questions through the vacuum of her local socialist haven: The Park Slope Food Co-Op.

Although Citi Bikes have become commonplace in our city, they had a rocky road to get there. Listen to here the story of my building and their road to acceptance. Zana Halili is a rising senior at Baruch College Campus High School. She is a very active member of her school community, acting as the president of her schools film club, drama club and cookies for kids cancer club, as well as working a...

At a time when tension is high between the homeless population and NYC officials. One outreach worker explains her part in securing shelter for these unhoused individuals. David Cruz is an upcoming senior at Achievement First University Prep. He is Vice President of the Financial club and helps give back to the neighborhood through community service at his local church Saint Johns. When he isn’t t...

Blake Riley has grown up a part of Harlem’s rich culture his whole life. Yet as Harlem gentrifies, their collection of stories is all that’s left to connect to previous generations. Blake sits down with his next door neighbor James, a lifelong Harlemite, in search of the history of their neighborhood games, family tension through New York's 70s and the comparison of James' past to Blake's present....