Juan Manuel Benítez

Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know

News EN ↓ 30 episodes

"Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know" is a New York City-based interview podcast that gets inside the minds of the people shaping our world - from rising political heavyweights to policy architects to cultural influencers. Drawing on more than two decades of reporting experience on television and radio, and on his role as Columbia University’s Professor of Local Journalism, host Juan Manuel Benítez combines sharp policy questions with unexpected personal curiosity, exploring not just what his guests think, but how they think. Each conversation reveals the books, music, experiences, and obsession...

Author

Juan Manuel Benítez

Episodes

Republican Curtis Sliwa takes on Trump, Cuomo and the Billionaires 30.09.2025 39:26

Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican candidate for mayor of New York City, sits down to discuss his unconventional campaign in a race led by democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Despite being the GOP nominee, Sliwa has no support from President Trump, who backs Andrew Cuomo instead—and he says he doesn't care. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sliwa reveals how billionaires...

Eric Adams vs. Cuomo, Campaign Cash and the Media 23.09.2025 17:34

Mayor Eric Adams is still in the race to get reelected — and he wants you to know it. In this candid interview, Adams takes aim at his political rival Andrew Cuomo, pushes back on persistent media narratives, and blames campaign finance setbacks on what he calls “lawfare” and rumor-fueled media coverage. Adams insists he's not dropping out — and that the public hasn’t been told the full story. We...

Mark Levine, the NYC comptroller who won't run for mayor 16.09.2025 39:22

In this conversation, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine discusses his journey in New York City politics, focusing on his recent campaign for comptroller, the challenges of housing affordability, and the importance of progressive policies. He reflects on his experiences running for office, the role of the comptroller, and his commitment to using technology to improve city governance. Levine a...

Why are business leaders freaking out about Zohran Mamdani? 09.09.2025 39:51

In this revealing conversation, host Juan Manuel Benítez sits down with Kathryn Wylde, the powerful voice of New York's business community who's stepping down after decades at the helm of the Partnership for NYC. As the business world grapples with Zohran Mamdani's surprising mayoral primary victory, Wylde offers unprecedented insight into how corporate leaders really feel about the self-proclaime...

Will Brad Lander be Zohran Mamdani's choice for first deputy mayor? 02.09.2025 40:26

In the debut episode of "Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know," host Juan Manuel Benítez explores this central question with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, the progressive politician who lost his mayoral bid in June's Democratic primary but whose cross-endorsement helped propel rival Zohran Mamdani to victory. Lander reveals why he made the strategic decision to endorse his former opponent, what role h...