Policy & Culture

Ep. 28 – Power Without a Title: How Joshua Dieudonne Is Reshaping New York In this episode of Policy & Culture , we sit down with Joshua Dieudonne, political strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Project 2028, for a powerful conversation on influence, economic empowerment, and building power beyond elected office. Joshua shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, t...

Ep. 27 – Who Gets to Live Here? Inside New York’s Suburban Housing Debate ft. RuthAnne Visnauskas In this episode of Policy & Culture , we sit down with RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), for an in-depth conversation about one of the most pressing issues facing New Yorkers today: housing. RuthAnne breaks down the complex challenges dr...

In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with Manhattan Democratic Chair Kyle Ishmael for a powerful conversation on political influence, party leadership, and the art of getting people to agree with you. Kyle shares his journey through New York politics and breaks down what it really takes to build coalitions, navigate political power, and move ideas into action. We discuss the growin...

In this episode of Policy & Culture , we sit down with Landon C. Dais for a powerful conversation on leadership, community development, and what it means to represent the Bronx with purpose. Assemblymember Dais shares his journey from Highbridge to Albany, reflecting on how his background in law, economic development, youth mentorship, and advocacy shaped his path to public office. We discuss...

In this episode of Policy & Culture , we sit down with New York State Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages for a powerful and unfiltered conversation on reparations, representation, and the realities of governing. Assembly Member Solages breaks down the ongoing conversation around reparations, what it means, where policy stands, and what it will take to move from dialogue to action. We also ex...

Episode 23: Power in Practice — Assemblymember Brian Cunningham on Delivering $1B for Brooklyn In this episode of Policy & Culture , we sit down with New York State Assemblymember Brian Cunningham (D–43rd District) for a powerful conversation on what it really means to turn policy into impact. Representing Brooklyn, Assemblymember Cunningham shares how he helped secure over $1 billion in fundi...

🎙️ Episode 22 — The People’s Majority: Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Power, Purpose & Policy in New York Policy & Culture Podcast Hosted by Dan Lloyd & Andrew Ayodeji In this landmark episode, we sit down with Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes , Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly and a living example of what it means to lead with purpose, conviction, and community at the center. From h...

In this episode, we sit down with Alicia Gené Artessa, Esq. , Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA), to explore the real forces shaping New York’s clean energy future from state politics and legislative processes to the promise of offshore wind as a tool for climate and economic transformation. A seasoned attorney and government relations strategist, Alicia brings over seven year...

Episode Title: Built for This Moment: Chris Alexander on Carrying the NAACP Legacy Forward Welcome to Episode 20 of Policy & Culture — where power meets the people. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Alexander , newly appointed Executive Director of the NAACP New York State Conference , to unpack what it means to lead the oldest and largest civil rights organization in Ameri...

Welcome to Policy & Culture — where power meets the people. In this episode, we sit down with Julie Tighe , President of the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) and NYLCV Education Fund , to cut through the noise and expose the real story behind offshore wind , clean energy , and the growing political backlash against climate solutions in New York and beyond. Julie Tighe has been at...

Episode 18 – The Role of the New York Secretary of State w/ Walter T. Mosley In this episode of Policy & Culture , we are joined by Walter T. Mosley , who shares his insights on the vital role of the New York Secretary of State and its impact on governance, economic development, and community engagement across the state. Walter breaks down the wide-ranging responsibilities of the office, inclu...

Episode 17 – The Role of a NYC Councilman w/ Kevin Riley In this episode of Policy & Culture , we’re joined by Council Member Kevin C. Riley , who represents New York City’s 12th Council District in the Bronx. From his roots growing up in Williamsbridge to his role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus , Councilman Riley bring...

In this episode of Policy & Culture , we are joined by Olena Nicks , Nassau County Legislator and proud native of Uniondale, New York —a community with a long-standing tradition of civic participation and grassroots advocacy. Olena shares her inspiring journey from a civically engaged youth to becoming one of the youngest elected officials in Nassau County. Drawing from her deep roots in Union...

In this powerful episode of Policy and Culture , we sit down with Vanessa Baird-Streeter , CEO of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and service. Vanessa shares her journey from entrepreneur to trusted public servant, reflecting on her time as Deputy County Executive of Suffolk County Government , where she helped shap...

  Episode 14: Building the Future with Matthew Aracich President – Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties In this episode of Policy and Culture , we sit down with Matthew Aracich , a third-generation union member and the dynamic President of the Nassau-Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council, representing over 65,000 tradesmen and tradeswomen across 37 aff...

🎙️ Episode 13: Clean Energy for the Culture – Live with 19 Keys & Jim Jones In this powerful live event edition of @policynculture , we bring you front-row access to an electrifying conversation between visionary thought leader 19 Keys and cultural icon Jim Jones —recorded live at the Clean Energy for the Culture kickoff event at Nassau Coliseum , hosted by Minority Millennials in partnership...

In this episode of @policynculture, we sit down with Chef Kenny Ware, Owner of Backyard BBQ and President of the Black Restaurant Coalition, to talk about his journey from Roosevelt, NY to becoming a top-tier chef and entrepreneur. 🍽️🔥 Kenny dives into the rich history of Roosevelt—home to legends like Dr. J and Chuck D—and shares the ups and downs of managing a restaurant, the skills needed to t...

In this episode of @policynculture, we sit down with Ryan Stanton, Executive Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, to break down what it takes to start a career in union construction and trades. 🏗️ Ryan shares his journey into the labor movement, explains the vital role unions play in strengthening the American middle class, and defines what livable wages really mean. He also lays out t...

🚨 In Episode 10 of @policynculture, we sat down with Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury, for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss! Dr. Sams reflects on his journey from Syracuse, NY, growing up in the 70s, and how the wisdom of his grandparents and teachers shaped his path to leadership. As President of SUNY Old Westbury, he shares the vision and...

In this episode of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Retha Fernandez, Manager of Workforce Development & Equity, to explore the opportunities and policies shaping clean energy and offshore wind developments across Long Island and New York. 🌊⚡ Retha shares insights into the growing clean energy sector, its impact on workforce development, and the pathways for careers in this rapid...

In this episode of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Dan Bythewood, President and Co-Founder of La Cité Development, to explore his journey as a real estate financier and developer. With a career spanning major projects in New York and internationally, Dan shares his insights into the complex real estate market and the critical role of access to capital for new developers. We also dive...

In this episode, we sit down with Bryant Postell, Founder of the Black Restaurant Coalition, to talk about his journey from the lively NYC 90's party scene to becoming a fine dining restaurant owner. Bryant shares insights from his early days at the University of Albany, Greek life, and his lessons on timing and finding the right entry point to make it in the restaurant industry. Please tune...

In Episode 06 of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Derek Peterson, CEO of Soter Technologies, to explore his journey from his upbringing to becoming a successful tech founder and CEO. Derek opens up about his pathway into technology and engineering, the unique challenges of being a Black male CEO on Long Island, and his passion for mentoring Black youth to pursue careers in STEM. Derek...

The Role of a Suffolk County Legislator and Suburban Elected Official W/ Jason Richberg In our next episode, we sit down with Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg to dive into Suffolk County politics and the structure of the legislative branch. 🏛️ He shares his journey to becoming an elected official and what it takes to navigate local government effectively. Tune in for an insightful conversa...

In this episode, we sit down with Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory to discuss his remarkable journey to becoming the first African American Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature. 💼 He shares his experiences breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and navigating the challenges of local government. We also explore the role of a Town Councilman and reflect on his past run for C...