2 Queens In A Pod

In this episode, we take a look at Rikers Island, a place you definitely don’t want to end up. We talk about what was on the island before the prison, how conditions inside have changed (and struggled) throughout the years, and why Rikers has become such a controversial part of NYC history. Listen along as we explore Rikers Island’s complicated past and debate whether either of us would last behin...

In this episode, we head to the Bronx to visit the tiny cottage where Edgar Allan Poe spent the final years of his life. We talk about Poe’s surprisingly chaotic life, why he ended up living in the Bronx, and how this little house became one of the city’s most unexpected literary landmarks. Listen along as we explore the Poe Cottage, get into some of the stranger parts of his life, and discuss the...

In this episode, we dive into the story behind Occupy Wall Street and how a simple call to action turned into a 59-day protest in the heart of Lower Manhattan. From the infamous “We are the 99%” slogan to the encampment lore in Zuccotti Park. We look into the movement that sparked conversations around wealth and inequality, and discuss how it ended. Listen along as we remember where we were in 201...

In this episode, we’re heading to Williamsburg to explore the sweet history behind Domino Park and the iconic Domino Sugar Factory. We dive into how Brooklyn’s most recognizable industrial landmarks came to be and the history that unfolded inside the factory. Listen along as we talk about our night spent at Domino Park and how this abandoned waterfront site has transformed into one of Williamsburg...

In this episode, we explore the history of Floyd Bennett Field, New York City's first municipal airport and a landmark of American aviation. From record-setting flights and military service to its role today as a public space within Gateway National Recreation Area, discover how this historic airfield continues to evolve. Listen along as we uncover the unexpected stories that shaped Floyd Benn...

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...