Summer Youth Podcast Academy

Professor Edward Miller has spent nearly three decades teaching film and media at the College of Staten Island, helping students launch their careers in New York’s film and television industry. A Brooklyn native, he studied literature and film at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned his doctorate from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts before finding a lasting home at the...

The work of teaching goes far beyond the lesson plan. It is a daily act of care, patience and persistence. In this episode, English teacher Molly Sherman of Harvest Collegiate High School shares what it means to show up for students not just in the classroom but in life. The story explores the unseen side of education: the emotional weight teachers carry, the relationships that sustain them and th...

Most people run from danger. Braulio Roman runs toward it. In this episode, we visit FDNY Engine 318/Ladder 166 in Coney Island to meet Braulio, a firefighter whose path to public service began with a simple act of kindness. Years before joining the FDNY, a firefighter helped him unlock his car when he was a struggling 17-year-old father trying to get to work. That moment changed how he saw the wo...

Every building in New York City, from the tallest skyscraper to the smallest storefront, is shaped by zoning laws, the rules that determine what can be built, where, and how land is used. In this episode, Christian Chand interviews Talia Clarick, a zoning urban designer at the New York City Department of City Planning, about how those laws influence daily life. Clarick discusses her work on the Ci...

What does a paraprofessional really do — and why are they so essential to the classroom? In this episode, Rayleen Laloi explores the role through the story of her mother, Colleen Chance, who works one-on-one with students at P.S. 770 in Brooklyn. From the postwar roots of the job to its impact today, Rayleen uncovers how paras have become a cornerstone of inclusive education in New York City. Thro...

For many people, the yellow taxi is synonymous with New York City itself. However, behind every cab is a system that keeps the wheels turning. In this episode, Jasper Mallorca sits down with Simeon Mesina, a lawyer in the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s prosecution unit who handles cases involving drivers accused of violating TLC rules. He talks about delivering hard news, navigating frustration,...

When you think of who keeps New York City moving, you might picture the MTA, sanitation workers or social services, but what about the caregivers? In this episode, Halimatou Kanteh interviews her mother, Ndey Demba, a home health aide in New York City. In her role, she helps people — often seniors or those who are sick or disabled — with basic daily tasks at home. Ndey Demba shares the realities o...

Many people rush through New York City’s streets without a second thought, but some see them as opportunities to bring people together. This episode follows Luke Szabados, a project manager at the New York City Department of Transportation’s Transit Development Unit, who designs streets that help people move safely, connect with their surroundings and feel part of their communities. From his car-d...

In this episode, Dr. Kathyanne Davis, a Black social worker with the New York City Department of Education, shares the experiences that led her into the field and the passion that grounds her work. She speaks candidly about the challenges she has faced, the resilience it takes to thrive, and what it means to serve as both an advocate and a professional. Her story highlights perseverance, represent...

Brice Bowman’s life has been anything but ordinary. From a childhood of constant moves to years of traveling across Europe and India, he carried a passion for adventure and learning into his work as the mailroom and operations manager at Teach For America’s New York office. In this episode, he shares how those experiences inspired his career in public service and how his journey continues to shape...

Many high school track teams boast long histories of championship titles, top-tier equipment and state-of-the-art facilities. West End Secondary has none of that — only a devoted coach and a tight-knit community. Together, coach Robert Dice and his students have built a track program that is now challenging much larger schools. This episode follows their rise from underdogs to Public Schools Athle...

Follow Dawn Lee’s path from hospital administrator to community doula supporting families in neighborhoods identified by the city’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. She gives back through doula services that nurture clients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being. In a conversation with her daughter, Zoë, Lee reflects on working in an often-unrecognized role and the deep emotional toll...

In this episode, explore the incredible story of Wilfredo de La Mota, or “Frank.” He is a Dominican barber at "The Best Barbers," a barbershop located in the Bronx. Frank has been cutting hair for over 35 years and shares his journey from a rural area in the Dominican Republic, to owning a barbershop in the Bronx, which became a pillar of his community. He discusses overcoming challenges such as i...

In a borough where fast food outnumbers healthy options, Felicia Forbes is making a difference with Freckle’s Juice. Hear about Felicia Forbes’s journey, from her humble beginnings selling juices from her Bronx apartment to operating a thriving juice bar chain. Despite facing significant challenges, including rising produce costs, she remains committed to improving health in her community. This ep...

Em Eason is the director of Skilled Craft Programs at The Beam Center, a nonprofit organization that empowers young people to explore their creativity and develop hands-on skills through collaborative projects in making and learning using tools like drills, welding torches, circuitry, sewing machines, and more. Em reflects on their journey from a small town in Colorado to leading exciting youth wo...

David Sisko is a leading music producer and owner of Min Max Studios in NYC. Hear about Sisko’s journey from synthesizer enthusiast to a pivotal figure in New York’s music scene. He shares insights into what makes his studio unique and how it connects diverse musical communities. Learn about the creativity and dedication that fuel his success in the industry. Avery Tapper is a junior at Eagle Acad...

In this episode, explore Fry Factory, a unique fried chicken spot nestled in a gas station in Brooklyn. The owner Abubakor Siddik, moved from Bangladesh to New York with his friends and family, and shares how an unexpected opportunity led them to take over this struggling shop. Tune in to hear how the blend of hard work, family bonds, and culinary passion drives their success. Anim Sams is a junio...

Brooklyn Tea is a Black-owned shop blending tea culture with the vibrant energy of Brooklyn. Co-owner Alfonso “Ali” Wright shares his journey of starting the shop alongside his wife, Jamila Wright, and how they overcame challenges during the pandemic. From humble beginnings, Brooklyn Tea is now sold in over 100 Target stores, with the Wrights dreaming of even more expansion. Their story is one of...

Hear the inspiring journey of Lester Lin, owner of Elm Roastery Café in Elmhurst, Queens. Lester transformed his struggles into a force for good, building not just a business, but a community hub that radiates hope and support. We explore the challenges he overcame, the risks he took, and the dedication that fuels his mission. Through his story, we witness how one café became a symbol of resilienc...

Board games are just games, right? In this episode, find out how they are so much more. Jill Pullara is the program director for Brooklyn Game Lab. She shares her stories and insights from working at this game-based after-school program, where kids of all ages develop critical social-emotional skills. Tune in to explore explore how something as small as a board game can make a big impact on a comm...

Rachel Wu is a dedicated employee at Tornado Crepe in Jackson Heights, Queens. Rachel balances long work hours while pursuing a master’s degree in business and nurturing her dream of opening her own shop. An immigrant from China, Rachel reflects on her experiences of self-sufficiency since childhood and how they shape her journey. This episode highlights her resilience and captures the essence of...

Alfonso Emilio Sanchez is the owner of Artesana Home, a furniture store in Park Slope. Emilio embraces his Mexican roots while passionately exploring Indian culture and sharing how he honors foreign traditions with respect. As the global conversation on cultural appropriation vs. appreciation intensifies, Emilio offers a an insightful perspective. Katelyn Melville is a senior at the Brooklyn Insti...

Leah Thomas owns a hair salon in Brooklyn called Elevate The Salon Experience. Uncover how her innovative methods and dedication to learning have turned the salon into a vibrant center of confidence and self-expression. We delve into how COVID-19 challenged her resilience and transformed her business approach. Tune in to see how this salon is redefining the Black hair experience with care and expe...

Cliff Simanski owns GP81, a rock climbing gym in Brooklyn. Despite facing significant challenges like COVID-19 and eviction, his dedicated community played a crucial role in keeping the gym alive. Discover how his perseverance and passion for climbing helped him overcome these obstacles. Leo Kirkbride is a senior at NYC iSchool in SoHo. He is an active member of his school’s film club and jazz ens...

In this episode, Kenneth explores the relationships between himself, his grandmother, and his mother. Trying to better understand his family dynamics, he unveils stories of past tragedies and trauma. Kenneth is a recent graduate of John V. Lindsay Wildcat Academy. He is the co-owner of a Twitter page called “TheOnikaMagazine,” and a member of “Fruit of the Spirit” dance ministry at Highland Church...