Making It Here

Erika Dox-Martinez spent over two decades in corporate accounting before founding Blissful Vida , a financial wellness company focused on helping Latinas and communities of color reshape how they think about money, success, and self-worth. In this episode, she shares her personal journey out of debt, the mindset shifts that changed her life, and how she’s helping others take control of their...

This week we step inside  The Perseverance Project , a powerful theater production created by Outside/In, an acting program for New Yorkers navigating recovery. Run by Suzy PetchEam through the Stella Adler Studio’s Arts Justice Division, the program offers more than just performance training, it’s a space for healing, self-expression, and second chances. You’ll hear fr...

Ofrenda Yoga Studio is one of the only BIPOC-owned studios in Harlem. Today, founder Jazmin Tejada shares how she built a welcoming, bilingual space in East Harlem where neighbors can show up exactly as they are, with music, movement, and community at the center. From salsa to savasana: the yoga studio offering local vibes in East Harlem Ofrenda Yoga Studio Email: info@ofrendayogastudio.com Follow...

Millions of families depend on WIC, but confusing rules and checkout struggles make it hard to use. In this episode, we meet Dani Lopez, founder of Lulo, a free app helping New York families navigate WIC more easily. She shares how her own childhood experiences inspired the platform and why designing  with families, not just for them, is the future of better social services. An app to help mo...

For years, the traditional career path has followed a familiar blueprint — get the degree, land the job, climb the ladder. But for many women, especially women of color, that path can feel limiting, exhausting, or simply misaligned with their values. In response, more and more women are choosing a different path — one that’s driven by purpose, flexibility, and self-determination....

Candles have become a staple of self-care culture — especially in recent years as more people look for ways to slow down and decompress. For many, lighting a candle isn’t just about ambiance—it’s a daily ritual, a moment to reset, reflect, and create a sense of comfort at home. That was definitely true for Aminta Freeman, the founder of Moodie Vibes—a candle company s...

In a world of mass-produced, trend-chasing accessories, it can be hard to find pieces that truly resonate — pieces that honor both tradition and craftsmanship while minimizing environmental impact. Enter Dominican-born jewelry designer, Nashira Arnó. Nashira’s career began in the corporate fashion world, collaborating with industry giants like Macy’s and Oscar de la R...

In her late 20s, frustrated with products that failed to treat her hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation, Priscilla Jiminian turned to the cherished skincare traditions of her Dominican roots.  Recalling childhood memories of her mother's remedies, she went to the Dominican Republic, connecting with a local cosmetic formulator to craft what would become Skinergy’s flagship Dark Spot Corre...

Turning 40 is a milestone, but for many women, it's also a moment of transition—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Between navigating career pivots, caring for both aging parents and growing children, and adjusting to changes in their own bodies, women in this stage of life are often left searching for guidance and community. That’s where Redefining Wellness: Fit Over 40 comes in....

Online harassment doesn’t always stay online—sometimes it turns into real-life danger. It might begin with rude comments, but it can quickly escalate into doxing, threats, or targeted campaigns that threaten someone’s home, workplace, or even physical safety. For marginalized communities, this kind of harassment can be especially relentless, adding more layers of risk to what&rsq...

This week is Reading Across America Week, a time to celebrate the power of books and the joy of reading. But for many kids growing up in bilingual households, reading can come with an extra challenge—balancing the language spoken at home with the one used at school. That’s something that hits close to home for Daniela Palacios. During the pandemic, while she and her younger brothe...

When the world feels overwhelming—whether it's due to the constant stream of bad news, policies that target marginalized communities, or the weight of everyday stress—how do we stay grounded? How do we protect our peace without disengaging? Today, we're tackling these questions with someone who’s spent his career helping people navigate racial, ethnic, and cultural stress. Dr. Ry...

Bird flu has been making headlines again, and if you’ve been wondering what’s really going on, you’re not alone. While the risk to the average person is still low, experts are keeping a close eye on the situation—especially as H5N1 spreads in mammals like cows, something we haven’t seen at this scale before. At the same time, public health communication from the feder...

Today we explore the fight to preserve 227 Abolitionist Place, a rare Underground Railroad site in Brooklyn. Guests Shawne Lee and Raul Rothblatt discuss its history, the battle for landmark status, and ongoing efforts to protect its legacy from gentrification. Read our full story here . FAB’s tours are slated to resume in April 2025. For updates, sign up for the FAB newsletter . Read more o...

It’s New York Fashion Week, a time when designers, brands, and creatives take center stage. But beyond the runways, fashion is sparking conversation about identity, culture, and representation. So what does it mean to build a brand with purpose? One that reflects the communities it serves?  Designer and entrepreneur Jean Guzman has done just that with Aura Heights, a Latina-owned l...

Imagine this: It’s the middle of the pandemic, you’re looking for a creative outlet, and a simple trip to Michaels sparks something big. That’s exactly how The Sourced Studio was born—starting with DIY chain belts and growing into a Latinx-owned accessories brand specializing in permanent jewelry, a charm bar, and statement pieces that celebrate heritage and underrepresente...

What does it mean to truly heal? Beyond talk therapy and surface-level self-care, how do we break free from inherited patterns and reconnect with our authentic selves? These are the questions at the heart of Inner Pttrn, a collective dedicated to deep, transformative healing through embodied movement, ritual, and community support. Inner Pttrn was founded by Coreen Ruiz, a first-generation Mexican...

Located in Ridgewood, Fringe Records NYC is more than a record shop, it’s a queer-owned vibrant cultural hub, hosting everything from artist markets and comedy nights to noise shows and cult film screenings. It’s a space where niche music meets community connection — a sanctuary for music, inclusivity, and creativity. At the heart of it all is Andrew Hurtado, a longtime collector...

The U.S. healthcare system is often described as one of the most advanced in the world, yet it’s also one of the most expensive and fragmented. Millions of Americans struggle with navigating insurance networks, surprise medical bills, and soaring costs. For many, accessing basic healthcare feels more like solving a puzzle than receiving care. So… why does the U.S. spend so much more o...

Carlos Mercado — better known as Charly Hustle — is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club. Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that stands for hustle, growth, and community...

The  killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson  has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we’ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary.  We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney at the nonprofit  Com...

Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions—a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor’s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through college basketball courts, medical training...

As New Yorkers brace for potential mass deportations and stricter enforcement, the city’s identity as a sanctuary for immigrants feels increasingly under threat. What does this mean for the communities that define New York—and the systems that support them?  To help us unpack this, we’re joined by David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of the Immigration Research Initiative, who is the author of numer...

With the incoming Trump administration, a lot of uncertainty looms for New Yorkers who rely on federal housing assistance, like Section 8. Potential changes to affordable housing policy could significantly impact many families, particularly in a city as diverse and dependent on federal support as New York. So, how can tenants prepare themselves for the challenges ahead? Today, we sit down with Lea...

Good Form Studios is a boutique gym in Rockaway Beach that's redefining what fitness means for beginners. Founder, Monice Small, has built a community-focused space where people of all fitness levels come to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected—to themselves and each other. Today, I sit down with Monice to learn more about her journey from running track in high school to becoming a Pi...