2 Queens In A Pod

In this episode, we visit Eddie's Sweet Shop in Forest Hills, Queens, and uncover the history behind one of New York City's sweetest hidden gems. From its early days as Witt's Ice Cream Parlor to becoming one of the last places still serving ice cream in its original location, we dig into what makes this shop so special. Listen along as we taste their famous homemade ice cream, soak in...

In this episode, we dive into the story behind One World Trade Center, from the vision to rebuild after September 11 to the engineering marvel that became the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Listen along as we share our experience visiting One World Observatory, including the unforgettable VIP lunch experience high above New York City.

In this episode, we explore New York City's iconic ticker tape parade tradition and uncover how a shower of paper scraps became one of the city's most beloved celebrations. From its accidental beginnings to the legendary Canyon of Heroes, we dive into the history behind this uniquely New York spectacle. Listen along as we discuss the electric atmosphere that swept through the city during t...

In this episode, we explore the history of the Metropolitan Opera House and the fierce rivalry that led to its creation. From New York’s elite families igniting the legendary "Opera Wars" to the rise of one of the world’s most prestigious opera companies, we uncover the drama, ambition, and competition that shaped the Met into the cultural icon it is today. Listen along as we share our e...

In this episode, it’s off to the races as we dive into the history of Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. From legendary horse races to its transformation into a casino destination, we explore what makes Aqueduct one of New York’s most unique locations. Listen along as we share our experience visiting the racetrack and dissecting the colorful characters that frequent it. We try to soak in the atmosphere...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible creation of the Brooklyn Bridge and the ambitious vision that finally connected Brooklyn and Manhattan. From dangerous construction conditions and groundbreaking engineering to the determination of the Roebling family, we uncover the dramatic story behind one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Listen along as we share our experience walking acros...

In this episode, we step inside New York City Center to explore the rich history behind one of Manhattan’s most iconic performance venues. From its origins as the Mecca Temple in the 1920s to its transformation into a celebrated home for dance, theater, and music, we uncover the stories woven into the building’s grand architecture and cultural legacy. Listen along as we recap our night at City Cen...

In this episode, we explore the rich and often overlooked history of Bowne House in Queens, one of the oldest surviving homes in New York City and a powerful symbol of early religious freedom in America. Built in the 1660s by John Bowne, the house became the center of a bold stand against persecution when Bowne defied colonial authorities by hosting Quaker meetings, leading to his arrest. Listen a...

In this week’s episode, we explore the creation of  West Side Story , from its groundbreaking Broadway debut to both film adaptations. We dive into what made the show so revolutionary, compare the two movies, and unpack the controversies surrounding each version. Listen along as we break it all down and enjoy the ride as Diana fully spirals into her  West Side Story  era and may truly never stop t...

In this episode, we dive into the rich history of Carnegie Hall and how it became one of the most iconic performance venues in the world. From its founding in the late 19th century to the legendary artists who have graced its stage, we explore the stories, milestones, and moments that shaped this cultural landmark. Listen along as we talk about our experience touring the music halls and the fun de...

IIn this episode, we dive into the history of the iconic Strand Bookstore and explore how it grew into one of New York City’s most beloved literary destinations. From its humble beginnings on Book Row to its evolution under generations of the Bass family, we unpack the key moments that shaped this legendary shop. Tune in as we also share our own experience wandering through its endless shelves, so...

In this episode, we dive into the rich history of New York City’s Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in the United States. We explore how Chinatown began in the mid-1800s as Chinese immigrants settled in Lower Manhattan, building a neighborhood during a time of intense discrimination and exclusion.  Listen along as we share how we unexpectedly found ourselves in Chinatown...

In this episode, we celebrate 172 years of McSorley's Old Ale House, one of New York City’s most iconic bars. We dive into its Civil War era roots, hidden artifacts, and the wild stories that fill its sawdust-covered floors. Listen along as we share our firsthand experience partying at their 172nd birthday bash. Grab a mug of light or dark and join us for a toast to history, tradition, and unf...

With President's Day approaching, a holiday that began as a celebration of Washington’s birthday, the 2 Queens investigate the history behind the iconic Fraunces Tavern. Not only is it the location of Washington's historical farewell speech after Evacuation Day, Fraunces Tavern's significance pre-dates the Revolutionary War. Before the United States existed, this tavern was already sta...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history and hidden details of Grand Central Terminal from its dramatic origins and stunning Beaux-Arts design to the iconic features millions pass by every day without noticing. Listen along as we share stories from our latest visit and take you on a Grand Central bar crawl of our own creation, filled with history, surprises, and plenty of laughs along...

In this episode, we explore one of New York City’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks, the New York Public Library. From its dramatic origins at the turn of the 20th century to the grand vision that reshaped Fifth Avenue, we dive into the stories behind the marble lions, the Beaux-Arts design, and the ideas that established the library as a true “palace for the people.” Listen along as we sha...

In this episode, we explore the history of Cooper Union and Cooper Square, from Peter Cooper’s radical vision of free education to the school’s lasting impact on New York City. Listen along as we share our recent visit to the iconic Great Hall and talk about why this space has mattered for art, education, activism, and major moments in American history.

In this episode, we bundle up and rewind to the Blizzard of ’96, the storm that shut everything down and somehow became a core memory. We recount what we remember and reminisce on the snowdays that will most likely never happen again. Listen along as we swap stories and talk about a simpler times when a snow day was truly a snow day.

In this episode, we kick the year off with the incredible history of the Radio City Rockettes, from their early beginnings in the 1920s to their journey toward an iconic 100-year anniversary. We explore how this legendary precision dance line was formed, how it evolved alongside Radio City Music Hall, and what’s kept the Rockettes a cultural staple for generations. Listen along as we feature a spe...

In this episode, we take a nostalgic trip to the Jackson Hole Diner in Queens. From its takeover of the old Airline Diner to the way it’s managed to hold onto its charm and classic, decades-old style, this location has recently been an influencer paradise. Listen along as we revisit the moments we’ve shared there, including a  sort of  celebrity sighting. We retell some of our favorite stories and...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of New York’s legendary Chelsea Hotel, a place that has been home to artists, rockstars, writers, and dreamers for over a century. We trace its beginnings as one of the city’s first cooperative buildings, explore its wild years as a creative refuge, and unpack the long, controversial road to its modern-day renovation. Listen along as we share o...

In this episode, we dive into the history of the Central Park Boathouse, from its 19th-century beginnings to its mid-century rebirth as the Loeb Boathouse we know today. We’ll explore how it became a symbol of New York romance, a film favorite, and a gathering place that’s as timeless as the park itself. Listen along as we unpack our surprisingly complex theory linking  When Harry Met Sally  to Se...

In this week’s episode, we explore the history of Shakespeare in the Park, from its founding by Joseph Papp to how The Public Theater turned free outdoor performances into a cherished New York City tradition. Listen along as we share our own experience of braving the lines and scoring those coveted tickets. And as we discuss why it remains one of the city’s most magical summer rituals.

In this episode, we take you on a ride, literally, through one of New York City's most underrated public transit options - The NYC Ferry. From scenic views of the skyline to surprising convenience, we talk about what makes the ferry a hidden gem for locals and tourists alike. We dive into routes, prices, and tips for making the most of your ride. Plus our personal stories, like the time Mel forgot...

In this episode, we take on the  Broad City  challenge, walking from the tippy top of Manhattan all the way down to the bottom, just like Abbi and Ilana did. From Inwood to Battery Park, we’re talking blisters, bodega stops, weird street moments, and the unexpected magic of seeing the city on foot. Listen along as we recount the highs, the lows, and the sheer determination it took to walk the leng...