Hearin' New York

Hearin’ New York, there are few things as normalized as the announcements we hear in the subway. The tone of that recorded reminder to “Stand clear of the closing doors” is something we all know by heart. But do you know the story behind the voice? In today’s episode, Ginni shares the true story of Charlie Pellett, the iconic voice of the New York Subway. You’ll hear about Charlie and learn the im...

Those who risked their lives as First Responders during the events of 9/11 had no idea what they were walking into. It wasn’t only burning buildings and dust particles. They were bravely walking into the unknown. And many of them suffered for it. For years.   First Responders who were at Ground Zero have not only been dealing with long-term health problems. But for nearly two decades, they’ve...

Everyone on this Earth has a special spark- a unique gift that brings more brightness to the world through their talent and dedication. But for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it’s been hard to find a workplace that’s willing to showcase their talents and let them shine. Until now… In today’s episode, Ginni shares the heartwarming story of Cafe Joyeux. This European coffee...

Did you know the most historic event on New Year’s Eve almost got banned? In today’s episode, Ginni shares the long history of the famous glittering ball that falls from 77 feet in the air every New Year's Eve. And why it was almost canceled.  You’ll learn about the history of New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square, dating all the way back to 1904. You’ll hear how it was almost banned du...

Spaghetti with sprinkles, a faux Kris Kringle, and a house full of booby traps. Ah yes, it’s that time of the year again!  So don your coziest Christmas pajamas and fill your plate with a smorgasbord of festive cookies.  In today’s special Yuletide edition episode, Ginni reveals her picks for your NYC holiday movie marathon. She highlights three films that need to be on your must-watch l...

Picture yourself landing a graceful pirouette under the bright lights of New York City as gentle snowflakes fall from the sky. No, this isn’t a Hallmark movie. It’s something you can actually do- for FREE! In today’s episode, Ginni shares the joy of ice skating at Bryant Park's winter market in New York City. This festive atmosphere boasts 180 vendors, plus delicious food and warming igloos. You’l...

What would life be like if you didn’t have your Spotify playlist or your favorite podcast ( ahem…this one ), to listen to while you work out?  A quiet life, indeed. Whether it’s coming from your phone or a portable mp3 player, it all began with the Sony Walkman.   And, it was almost axed before we ever got our hands on it. In today’s episode, Ginni shares why the first mass marketed port...

Everyone loves a little hot gossip, and millennials   especially   love hearing it from the vocal talents of Kristen Bell.  But did you know that her signature contribution to the Gossip Girl series almost didn’t happen? In today’s episode, Ginni reveals the reason why Bell’s blistering commentary almost didn’t make the cut.  You’ll hear what test audiences thought before the s...

Would you consider yourself a proud Pringles addict? How about a champion of Cheez-It’s? How rowdy would you get for a buttery stack of Ritz crackers? And, more importantly, how are you showing your love for your favorite savory snack food?  Because unless you’re using it as an excuse to bring like-minded snack addicts together in your town, then you’re not taking advantage of the useless abs...

If you’ve ever found yourself truly immersed in a piece of music, you don’t want it to end. Before the invention of the phonograph, most songs never seemed to end, by today’s standards.  So, what changed? In today’s episode, Ginni continues our audio history journey by sharing the top 3 ways that the invention of the phonograph changed the face of audio, and music, forever. You’ll hear what i...

If you’ve ever explored the many faces of New York, there were probably some trendy hangouts that you wanted to check out - places where, over the years, your favorite sitcom characters spent a big chunk of their time. And buckets of fictional money that we were never quite sure how they made in the first place.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the surprising truth about why your dream of si...

Imagine you’re out walking your beloved dog and it suddenly gets spooked by something. The scared creature somehow gets loose from the leash and scurries off.  That’s scary enough, right?  But what if the place where your dog got lost was a dark canyon, and even accessing the places to look was near impossible?  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the story of Rippy the Terrier. Don’t...

Today, we turn on the car radio, listen to Spotify, and binge our favorite podcasts (like Hearin’ New York) without a second thought.  But that technology has a story, and like any good invention, it’s got a dedicated person behind it pushing the boundaries of what we know.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the story of Thomas Edison’s journey to invent the first sound recording device.&...

New York and great films go together like peanut butter and jelly. And if we dial it back to the late 1970s, perhaps there’s no cinematic sandwich more famous than Martin Scorsese’s   Taxi Driver .  It’s got drama, grit, and one of the most quoted one-liners in the history of cinema.  But, have you ever wondered how that line came to be? In today’s episode, Ginni shares the little-k...

What if public transportation came with an unexpected perk? Imagine you’re on the way to work in the morning, and rather than the usual arrival announcement, you were treated to something that made you smile.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the story of one New Yorker who took it upon himself to make the commuter experience a little brighter and a lot more entertaining!  You’ll hear th...

It’s second nature these days to pop in your earbuds while you’re working out, listen to a YouTube creator tell you how to make sourdough, or blast your favorite hip-hop in the car while you’re commuting.  But have you ever wondered who we have to thank for it? In today’s episode, Ginni delves into the history of recorded sound. And the person behind the invention isn’t who you’re thinking. S...

Remember back in the 90s when we all used to meet up at Central Perk for vanilla lattes, acoustic gigs, and chats with Friends? In today’s episode, Ginni shares a little known fact about F.R.I.E.N.D.S. You’ll learn the history behind its famously catchy theme song and how the tune ultimately become a song, rather than just another television jingle.  What You’ll Learn: (0:33)  The 9...

New York is famous for countless reasons, and at the top of that list is its cultural diversity. The Big Apple is a cultural melting pot. Which also means it’s home to a global cornucopia of cuisine.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the story of Joe Scaravella. He’s a New Yorker whose family originally came from Sicily. After his grandmother passed away, he found a uniquely flavorful way to...

Pristine land, colonizers, confiscation, and confusion. It’s a tale as old as time.  But, thankfully, after changing hands, uses, and ownership multiple times, New York’s Governor's Island is finally returning to its roots as a little slice of paradise. In today’s episode, Ginni shares the tale of a 172-acre oasis in New York City with a rich and storied history. You’ll hear about its value t...

What’s your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?  Mashed potatoes? Load em up!   Pumpkin Pie? More please!  Your opinionated auntie telling you how to live your life? “Uh…is that my phone ringing? I better just get that…” In today’s episode, Ginni shares an autumnal treat: her top five favorite Thanksgiving-themed sitcom episodes that’ll keep you smiling when you need a break fro...

Expensive outfits, outlandish ideas, things you’d never really wear, and lots of serious faces.  Yep, we’re talking about Fashion Week in New York.  Historically, it’s fun to watch. But sadly, it hasn’t always been a place where everyone has felt welcome.  Until now, that is.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares how one designer and one dedicated advocate are teaming up to take on...

Have you experienced the dizzying heights, the impressive views, or the stunning construction of the Brooklyn Bridge? The feat itself is undeniably impressive, but there’s a lot more to the story.  In today’s episode, Ginni shares the storied history of the Brooklyn Bridge, revealing little-known facts about this engineering marvel.  You’ll hear the full history of the Brooklyn Bridge, a...

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!  That’s what the early days of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade were actually like.  In today’s episode, Ginni shared the terrifying tale of the origins of NYC’s most iconic parade. You’ll hear how residents of Central Park Zoo were marched down the street in the parade’s early years, and why they eventually opted for balloon versions. You’ll learn who...

Tim Burton has a unique ability to transform the grotesque into something humorous and quirky. Films like Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice were instant hits. Now, you can meet your favorite Tim Burton creations up close and personal! In today’s episode, Ginni tosses you a sweet, sort-of-scary holiday treat for you and your family this holiday season. You’ll hear...

What if a ride on the subway could take you back in time? Here, in New York, you can travel to a forgotten station where time stands still.  In today’s episode, Ginni reveals the nearly forgotten history of the Old City Hall Subway Station in New York City.  You’ll hear about its construction in 1904 and the ornate details that remain untouched to this day. You’ll learn why the beautiful...