OPEN

On this episode of OPEN with Rhina Valentin, Glorelys Mora, Comedian, Actress & Writer, along with Sasha Merci, Actor, Writer & Comedian, discuss how ""Morir Soñando Comedy"" is amplifying Dominican voices through comedy and community. Then, Juancho Rodriguez, Co-Director & Lead Producer; Zack Shaw, Co-Director, Writer & Producer; Samantha Garvey, Lead Actress; Dakota Scarborough,...

On this episode of OPEN, Colin Woodard, Director of the Nationhood Lab at Salve Regina University’s Pell Center, discusses new research exploring the roots of political and cultural division in the United States. Then, we revisit a previous conversation with Urban Assembly CEO David Adams, Teach For America New York Executive Director Tia Morris, and Managing Director of Leadership Development Ale...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Cleveland E. Beckett Jr., President, NAACP Bronx Branch, to discuss the organization's 2026 DuBois Leadership & Empowerment Breakfast for Honorees and highlight voter initiatives. Phillip Hogan, Author, and Executive Director, Signing Services of America, LLC., spotlights the inspiration behind his book, "Relentless Excellence: A Story of Family,...

In a very special edition of OPEN Friday, host Rhina Valentin marks 20 years of the program by taking a nostalgic look back. The celebration begins with a tribute to the entertainment industry's finest, including the actors, directors, producers, and filmmakers who have graced the show. Next, she revisits the culinary experts and nutrition educators who have provided valuable insights over the pas...

On this episode of OPEN, Dr. Pamela Eatman-Skinner, Director of CUNY Start at Bronx Community College, along with students Jokeisha Jackson and Jayvian Serrano, discuss how the CUNY Start program helps students build the academic skills and confidence needed for college success. Then, Paul Costiglio, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, alongside scholarship...

OPEN host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by Erin Vilardi, Founder and CEO, Vote Run Lead and Vote Run Lead Action, who highlights how her organization trains women with aspirations to run for and hold positions in office. Sheila Duke, CEO, Roads to Success, discusses her organization's dedication to youth development, shining a light on the college and career readiness programs offered to students. N.E....

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by New York Times bestselling author and writer Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, along with Brooklyn College philosophy professor Kobie Coleman, to talk about the Harlem Renaissance Stroll celebrating Juneteenth. Then, strategist, cultural thinker, and researcher Dr. Ayoka Wiles joins us to talk about the Mosaic Network and Fund. Finally, our...

On this episode of OPEN, Arianne Saxton, Senior Project Manager with the Bronx Opioid Collective and Melissa Nieves, Director of Outreach and Integration at La Casa de Salud, discuss how the Bronx Opioid Collective addresses the opioid crisis in the Bronx. Then, Anthony Robinson, Project Program Coordinator at JCCA, and his mentee Tyriek Perkins, share how mentorship and stability in foster care c...

On this week's edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Diane Burrows, Chair of the Speakers Bureau, League of Women Voters of the City of New York, and Isabelle Starr, Intern, LWVNYC, to discuss an important policy change that may have major impact on voters, in this year's local June Primary Elections. Bola Sokunbi, Author, Founder and CEO, Financial Educator, Clever Girl Finan...

On this episode of OPEN Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by the 2026 Bronx Walk of Fame People’s Choice Award winner for the culinary arts, Jimmy Rodriguez Jr., who is here to discuss the key to his success. Then the National Puerto Rican Day Parade makes its return for the 69th annual celebration, and board member Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez is with us to preview this year’s festivities. After t...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by miniature artist Danny Cortes to discuss his unique style of creating pint-sized versions of real-sized objects and his work with the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Then, the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is back, highlighting chef and plant-based cooking instructor Chef Sunshine, aka The Vegan Snob. After that, the founder and organizer of El Bar...

For this OPEN 20th Anniversary Special, hosts Doctor Bob Lee, Daren Jaime, and The Cafe Con Leche In The Morning's Rhina Valentin are joined by Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe, who shares a special message marking 20 years of OPEN and what this milestone means for the people of the Bronx and BronxNet TV. Then, Dr. Bob Lee, Daren Jaime, and Rhina Valentin, reflect on their most memorable mome...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee takes a look back at his conversation with Dr. Xenia Barnes, Brooklyn-based Social and Behavioral Scientist, who speaks about how her groundbreaking "Trauma-to-Triumph" framework is revolutionizing how institutions approach leadership development and reflects on her personal journey in becoming a leading trauma expert. Bola Sokunbi, Author, Founder and CEO, Financia...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by actor Ivan Goris, who is here to tell us all about their new play, Five Sessions...A War in Therapy. Next, young entrepreneur Zaire Benjamin, from SoHarlem, joins us to discuss his new fashion line, Project ZA. After that, we're joined by authors Dr. Miguel ‘David’ Gelpi and Laraine Batís-Gelpi, who will share their recently publishe...

On this episode of OPEN, Dr. Yael L. Belinkie, Senior Director of the Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Montefiore Einstein Psychiatry Associates discusses substance use disorder treatment, recovery support, and the importance of mental health care during Mental Health Awareness Month. Next, T’Keyah Robinson, Principal of South Bronx Early College Academy, alongside student Londyn Pauley, share...

On this week's edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee is joined by award-winning entrepreneur Tanisha Adjokatcher, Digital Marketing Expert, Money Coach, Author, who shares important tips on financial literacy and wealth building for youth and parents highlighted in her recent book, "The ABC’s of Wealth Building for Children”. Nadhege, Mutli-disciplinary Artist and the Founder of M.A.A.T Film...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by artist and creator of The Bata Project, Linda Bonilla, to discuss her solo exhibition. Next, the Bronx Vegan Bazaar returns, and we are highlighting Latresa Baker, founder of Optimum Health Essentials. Finally, our Open Artist Spotlight shines on renowned poet, musician, filmmaker, and author Christian Morant, who closes out the show...

On this episode of OPEN, Mitchell Netburn, President and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village, discusses the Highbridge housing development in the Bronx, a project injecting millions into the local economy through job creation, local hiring, and support for small businesses. Then, Marta Escobar, Volunteer Experience Specialist at Girl Scouts of Greater New York, highlights how the organization fosters...

On this week's edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee takes a look back at a recent conversation with Mariana Lopez, LCSW-R, Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Founder of LifeSkills Counseling Services, who provides the blueprint for helping parents raise emotionally strong and resilient children. After that, Philadelphia native Mare--Singer, Songwriter and Pianist--joins the show to speak ab...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by Nathalie Tejada, Darcel Dillard-Suite, and Dr. Dayanara Marte to discuss this year's NYC Celebrates Women Step-by-Step Women of Color Entrepreneurs Conference. Then, playwright, producer, and actress Julia Genoveva joins us to discuss her play, "Love Slips Through Our Fingers". Finally, our Open Artist Spotlight shines on Apollo Amat...

On this episode of OPEN, Principal Lillian Lopez of United Charter High School for the Humanities, alongside students Nay Shawn Davis and Genesis Ardon, discusses expanding student opportunities through Model UN, as well as the skills students gain through debate and leadership. Then, Eli Dvorkin, Editorial & Policy Director at the Center for an Urban Future, discusses a new report outlining f...

On this week's edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Cenia Paredes, Entrepreneur, Fashion designer and Author, to highlight her ready-to-wear fashion collection, "Cenia New York", and to speak about her new guide book on aging gracefully, "Timeless Beauty: A Guide to Cultivating Radiant Allure at 50 & Beyond". Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, Brooklyn-based Social and Behavioral Sci...

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by the Director of Development of the Bronx Tourism Council, Julius Drake, here to discuss Bronx Week 2026. Then, the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is back, and today we are highlighting Chef Gigi Lawrence, founder of RastaRant, here to talk about her Caribbean-infused vegan cuisine. After that, actor, educator, and producer Victor Cruz is here to...

On this episode of OPEN, Jimmy Carbone, Founder of Food Karma NYC and Producer of Brisket King NYC, discusses the 14th annual Brisket King NYC celebration. Then, Allison Cuesta Tardio, Development & Communications Specialist at Anthos|Home, breaks down New York City’s housing voucher crisis, explaining the barriers families face and the innovative solutions helping more New Yorkers secure perm...

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with husband and wife team Rob and Sharon Hoskins, Co-founders of Hoskins Life and Legacy Planning, P.C., who highlight the vital estate planning services and resources they provide to Black and Brown communities. Then, Auburn Chandler, Actor, reflects on his journey as a mainstay in the entertainment industry and spotlights upcoming film projects. Orange,...