Onomatopoeia

Anastasia Johnson gets to know Germaine Goodson, a Broadway tap master, performer and teacher. Germaine’s passion is infectious and her stories are too. Meet her kind and resilient spirit.

David Newtown hates working out, especially where others can see him. But after a year of being forced to stay inside, he decides to challenge himself and signs up for Yoga in the Park.

Jackson Ellison spends time getting to know Aaron Harding, a former business owner, who took to the streets during the pandemic to help keep people safe.

Rebekah Robinson grabs some soup and dumplings at a Russian restaurant in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. She works up the courage to practice her Russian while enjoying some tasty treats. 

Mariana Castro introduces us to Logan Riman, a 17 year-old pianist from Brooklyn. Logan made headlines as a piano prodigy when he was only 14 years old for having played with Billy Joel. More impressively, Logan happens to be blind, and music is his way of communicating.

Mariana Castro spent an afternoon in a bath house in Williamsburg. Her personal insecurity was the reason preventing her from going to places like that in the first place – so she had to face that there, alone.

Marta Campabadal Graus introduces us to Michael Walrond Junior, also known as Pastor Mike. He is the man behind the pulpit at the First Corinthian Baptist Church and spiritual leader of his community, Harlem. Even outgoing NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is a fan.

Marta Campabadal Graus spends a morning at Caffe Reggio, one of the oldest cafes in New York City. It’s a place that makes her feel like she is home in Barcelona, but where Marta will have to overcome some insecurities.

Elizabeth Erb spends the afternoon on the Circle Line, a 90 minute boat ride to see the highlights of Manhattan. The first time she has done something “touristy” since COVID hit. However, the pandemic constantly looms as she sails with a throng of strangers. 

Rebekah Robinson introduces us to Amber Janelle Brown. She works as a dancer, model, and sommelier in and around the New York City area. She tells you what her hustle is all about and what drives her to navigate her packed weekly schedule.

Anastasia Johnson gets a reading from a New York City psychic. The question is what, or who, will come through?

David Newtown sits down with Dr. Nori Rost, the new leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. She discusses the steps that brought her to NYC, and she teaches David how to live a queer and ethical life.

Onomatopoeia is when something’s named after the sound it makes. What is the sound of New York City? That’s what we’re going to find out. In each episode of Onomatopoeia, we’ll take you to the places and introduce you to the people that sound like New York. Sixteen reporters, one noisy city. Coming soon, wherever you get your podcasts. onomatopoeia.podcasts.library.columbia.edu