Connecting the Bronx to the World
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Living with Purpose is a podcast dedicated to exploring the journey of finding meaning and fulfillment in life. Hosted by Dr. Akhtar Badshah, a visionary leader and author, the podcast features insightful conversations with thought leaders, changemakers, and everyday heroes. Each episode delves into the stories, experiences, and philosophies that inspire individuals to live with intention and purpose. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, community impact, or just a deeper understanding of ...
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Health, Politics, and Cultural storylines in The Bronx. The Bronx is New York’s culturally vibrant and historically rich northern borough, with a population approaching 1.5 million--greater than that of Dallas, or Atlanta and San Francisco combined. Threaded through the borough’s opportunity, hustle and bustle, and immense creativity, are socioeconomic and health challenges. In this podcast we will learn from the Bronx's community leaders, grassroots organizations, healthcare workers, and lo ...
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Bronx Community Leader & Brand Owner CAPO sits down with The Hottest and Trendiest Artist & Creatives Outta NYC to share their individual journey and give insight on their current projects as well as to drop gems for other upcoming creatives in their respective field. The host and guest share plenty behind the scene stories and special moments in their careers that made the journey memorable.
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Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/ Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/
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#Episode 17 - Vida Killian - Starbucks
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Vida Killian is the a Director of the Starbucks Alumni Community. With her deep passion for connection, collaboration, and the empowerment of others, Vida has played a key role in nurturing the vast and vibrant network of former Starbucks partners. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, discuss how she embodies purpose in her life, and hear h…
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#Episode 16 - Stephen Ritz - Founder at Green Bronx Machine
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Stephen Ritz is the dynamic founder of Green Bronx Machine. Stephen is an educator, innovator, and urban farmer who has turned his passion for community development and sustainable food education into a movement. Through Green Bronx Machine, he has empowered students, families, and entire neighborhoods to grow their own food, fostering not just hea…
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How to manage election anxiety
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For many of us, election season comes with spikes in stress and anxiety. With so much uncertainty, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when the news and social media seem to only amplify our worries. The constant barrage of headlines, debates, and predictions can make it difficult to stay focused on our daily lives, leaving us feeling powerle…
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#Episode 15 - John Cook - Co-founder at GeekWire
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John Cook is the Co-founder of GeekWire, the leading technology news source that has chronicled the rise of tech innovation for over a decade. With a deep background in journalism and a passion for uncovering the stories that shape our digital world, John has established GeekWire as an indispensable voice in the tech community.…
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#Episode 14 - Adnan Mahmud - Founder at FORWARD
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Adnan Mahmud is the visionary founder of FORWARD, a company dedicated to empowering people to make a positive impact on the world. With a background in technology and a deep commitment to social change, Adnan has pioneered innovative solutions that enable individuals and organizations to contribute meaningfully to society. From using data to drive …
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Deja Brew: Where coffee and Caribbean flavors come together
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Deja Brew, a new cafe in Richmond Hill, Queens, is quickly becoming a go-to spot for locals. Known for blending Caribbean and Latin American flavors, Deja Brew serves up coffee and fusion dishes in a laid-back space. But more than just a cafe, Deja Brew is also about community—supporting local artists, giving back to schools, helping fellow immigra…
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#Episode 13 - Aaron Hurst - Movement Builder
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Aaron Hurst is the visionary founder of the Taproot Foundation. Aaron is a social entrepreneur, an expert in purpose-driven work, and a thought leader in the fields of community engagement and the purpose economy. Through Taproot, Aaron has pioneered the movement to connect nonprofits with skilled professionals, transforming the landscape of pro bo…
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The NYC Dad Whose Tool Is Helping Thousands Get into High School
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Navigating high school admissions in New York City can be a daunting task, with over 900 programs to choose from, each with its own set of assessments, open houses, and ranking requirements. When Adrian Liang faced this challenge for his own kids, he decided to build a tool to help make sense of it all. The result is NYC SIFT, a website that thousa…
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#Episode 12 - Ted Gray & Ken Oliver - CROP Organization
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CROP, which stands for Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs, is an organization dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society. With their innovative approach and deep commitment to justice reform, Ted and Ken are making a profound impact on lives and communities. We’re going to hear about thei…
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#Episode 11 - Manuela Papadopol - Executive Director - Microsoft Alumni Network
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Manuela Papadopol is a thought leader in the world of mobility, automotive technology, and smart solutions. With a career spanning major tech companies and startups, Manuela has been at the forefront of driving innovation in the connected and autonomous vehicle space. She is now the 'Executive Director' of the Microsoft Alumni Network.…
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From Naomi’s Classroom to Kathy’s Kitchen in the East Bronx
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Growing up with strong West Indian roots, Naomi Lake’s love for cooking began in her grandmother's kitchen in the Bronx, where she learned to create the rich flavors that connected her to her heritage. Then, during the pandemic, she made a bold decision to leave her teaching career behind and turn her culinary skills into a community-focused busine…
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Michael is a thought leader and innovator in the fields of AI and machine learning, with a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact. After 14 years at Microsoft as the Chief AI Architect, Michael is now the founder of his own consultancy.Door Akhtar Badshah PhD
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The myth of “Black jobs”: Unpacking race, jobs, and political rhetoric
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Over the past several months, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's claim that immigrants are taking “Black jobs” has stirred up a lot of emotions, ranging from anger to outright ridicule. This narrative has not only been a talking point in debates but has also sparked conversations on social media and in communities across the country. It…
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#Episode 9 - Anshu Gupta - Founder - Goonj
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Anshu Gupta is the visionary Founder of Goonj, an award-winning social enterprise focused on turning urban waste into a resource for rural communities. Known as the 'Clothing Man,' Anshu has redefined the concept of giving by emphasizing dignity over charity. His innovative solutions to rural poverty and disaster relief have impacted millions of li…
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#Episode 8 - Kailash Satyarthi - 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate
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Kailash Satyarthi is a tireless advocate for children's rights and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Kailash has spent decades fighting against child labor and exploitation. His work has rescued over 100,000 children and inspired a global movement towards freedom and dignity for every child. Join us and learn how this incredible individual uses …
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Culturally sensitive care: A retirement home for South Asian seniors
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Imagine trying to navigate your later years in a place where the food, language, and traditions feel foreign. This is the reality for many aging South Asians in the U.S., and it’s what led to the founding of India Home, an organization that provides senior centers, co-living spaces, and even dementia day care, all tailored to the specific cultural …
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Dr. Jitendra Sharma is the visionary CEO of Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ). Under his leadership, AMTZ has become a pioneering hub for medical technology innovation and manufacturing in India, advancing the healthcare landscape both nationally and globally.Door Akhtar Badshah
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Why anti-immigrant sentiment lingers in NYC
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Despite being celebrated as the nation's quintessential 'city of immigrants,' New York City is grappling with a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment. From Mayor Eric Adams attributing budget cuts to the influx of migrants, to persistent narratives blaming newcomers for societal woes, xenophobic rhetoric is alarmingly pervasive—even here. But why does …
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#Episode 6 - Liz Villani - Founder #BeYourselfAtWork
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Liz is a passionate advocate for authenticity in the workplace, helping individuals and organizations create environments where people can truly be themselves and thrive. Her groundbreaking work through #BeYourselfAtWork has empowered countless professionals to embrace their unique strengths and unlock their full potential.…
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Fringe Pilates and the Power of Community: A Conversation with Tay Milburn
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Former kindergarten teacher Tay Milburn moved from Houston to NYC in 2019 seeking a new path but soon faced the pandemic and multiple surgeries for a tumor. Turning to Pilates for healing, she encountered racial biases, including being asked to stop using #BlackGirlPilates. Undeterred, she founded Fringe Pilates, an inclusive studio with classes ta…
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Under Gene's leadership, Northwest Center has become a driving force in promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive. With decades of experience in leadership and a passion for making a positive impact, Gene is at the forefront of fostering innovation and building a more inclusive society.…
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Queen B Bake Shop: A Passion for Pastry Rooted in Haitian Heritage
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Raised in a Haitian household, Brigitte Malivert grew up surrounded by rich flavors, but it wasn’t until college that she discovered her love for baking. While on a pre-med track, she started experimenting with ben-yeh, inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, as a way to relieve the stress of writing her thesis. But what began as a calming …
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Laura served as the Deputy Director of Strategy and Management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is now the Principal Owner of Partners for Reimagined Economies, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to driving innovation and impact.Door Akhtar Badshah
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BONUS: How Indian American Leaders Defined a Historic DNC
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We’re fresh off the heels of the DNC in Chicago, where we captured a powerful conversation between URL Media CEO Mitra Kalita and two trailblazing Indian American politicians: Arvind Venkat, Pennsylvania Representative, and Shekhar Krishnan, New York City Council Member. As the first Indian Americans to hold their offices, Arvind and Shekhar bring …
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Building Community Through Wine: The Journey of Harlem Wine Gallery
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Harlem Wine Gallery is not just a place to buy wine; it’s a community hub where wine lovers and novices alike can learn, taste, and connect. Pascal and Danine Lewis, the husband-and-wife team behind Harlem Wine Gallery, turned their passion for wine into a business. Living in Central Harlem, Pascal and Danine often found themselves traveling downto…
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Chaitra Vedullapalli is a visionary leader, co-founder of Women in Cloud, and an advocate for gender equity in the technology sector. Chaitra’s work is transforming the way women access opportunities in the cloud industry, breaking down barriers and creating pathways for female entrepreneurs and professionals. With a background in technology and a …
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#Episode 2 - Heba Ramzy - Global Citizenship Lead - Avanade
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Heba Ramzy is the Global Citizenship Lead at Avanade, where she spearheads initiatives that drive social impact, sustainability, and corporate responsibility on a global scale. With a deep commitment to creating positive change, Heba has dedicated her career to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and leading with purpose.…
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Vishal Ghotge is the CEO of Kiva, a global nonprofit organization that’s transforming lives through micro-lending. Under Vishal’s leadership, Kiva has expanded its mission to provide financial access to underserved communities around the world, enabling individuals to create better futures for themselves and their families. With a background that s…
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Crochet clothes for your cat? The Bronx biz specializing in quirky cat outfits
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Monica Martinez, founder of Black Kat Krochet, has turned her love for cats and crocheting into a business – one that’s not only a source of income but also a way to connect with her roots and her community. Monica’s journey began when she crocheted a sweater for her cat during a cold winter. Encouraged by friends, she started selling her creations…
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How Forest Hills high school students are taking on political education
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Last year, Forest Hills High School student Salma Baksh found herself in a club aimed at discussing politics, but felt uncomfortable speaking up. Even with her best friend, Vilinez Estevez, by her side, the environment didn’t feel right. The discomfort led Salma and Vili to look for a space where they could freely discuss the topics they really car…
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Brooklyn bike repair shop offers boutique services with a neighborhood feel
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In Gowanus, Tijon Randall, Joy Liu, and Vincent Cabrera have created a unique space that blends top-notch bike repair with a welcoming atmosphere. They started by offering bike services out of their own home, complete with hospitality touches like snacks and beverages. This ethos of care and attention to detail is now at the heart of their shop – T…
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Buunni Coffee: Ethiopian heritage meets Washington Heights vibes
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Sarina Prabasi and her husband, Elias, started Buunni Coffee in 2012 after moving from Ethiopia to New York City. With them, they brought a deep appreciation for the Ethiopian coffee culture, which emphasizes community, hospitality, and the experience of enjoying coffee together. Today, Buunni Coffee is exactly that – a hub for community gatherings…
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B. Stuyvesant Champagne: the sparkling wine empire built by a Black woman
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In her 20s, Marvina Robinson and her friends would sip champagne from red plastic cups on Bed-Stuy stoops. Two decades later, Marvina is one of the few Black women entrepreneurs in the champagne industry. She left her career on Wall Street to follow her passion, establishing B. Stuyvesant Champagne. She brings a fresh perspective to a wine synonymo…
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Bushwick bookstore, Mil Mundos, is bridging culture and community
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Bushwick’s Mil Mundos, founded in 2018, is one of the only bookstores east of Myrtle Avenue offering books in English and Spanish. But it’s more than a bookstore, it’s a community hub that aims to counter the effects of gentrification. Volunteers, like Becca Ramos, help manage the store and assist customers Today, we sit down with Becca, who’s now …
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Hidden juice bar at GW Bridge is tropical escape for smoothies, sandwiches and smiles
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Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/hidden-juice-bar-at-the-george-washington-bridge-is-your-tropical-escape-for-smoothies-sandwiches-and-smiles/ GWB Juice Bar is a hidden gem at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Owned by Luis Perez, it serves Caribbean drinks like soursop smoothies and the Dominican classic morir soñando, along …
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Discover the heritage-infused tacos revolutionizing Queens’ food scene
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Fernando Ruiz spent his childhood summers in Veracruz, Mexico, where he fell in love with fresh tacos … and which inspired him to start Nixtamal, a tortilla business using the traditional nixtamalization process, in 2008 in Corona, Queens. Despite initial success, expansion challenges and the pandemic caused setbacks. But Fernando persisted, securi…
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How NYC language workers are resisting AI
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Language workers across New York City, and across the globe, are resisting the rise of AI in their field by emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interpreters and translators. Julie Tay, the director of Hunter College’s Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting program, highlights the need to integrate technology in ways that enhance hu…
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The club helping Black and Latina girls design their own sneakers
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The Sneaker Girls Club started at a school in Bushwick and expanded into a brand with a mission: to help designers and sneaker store owners who are women gain the recognition they deserve — and to help Black and Latina girls and women gain the confidence to design their own shoes. In this episode we talk to Sneaker Girls Club founder Lauren Rawles’…
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Weeksville: Rediscovering Black history in Brooklyn’s hidden gem
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Earlier this year, Epicenter NYC and the Weeksville Heritage Center teamed up to offer our members a special tour of what remains of the historic community. Epicenter’s editorial director Femi Redwood joined the tour. In today’s episode she explains how this once-forgotten community continues to impact our lives today. Read our full story: https://…
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Esthetician who went from doing beauty services on her front stoop to running a business
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Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/meet-the-esthetician-who-went-from-doing-beauty-services-on-her-front-stoop-to-running-her-own-business/ Growing up, Shondrea Harrod was always fascinated with skincare and beauty. This passion led her to pursue a formal education in esthetics. Now, Shondrea is a licensed esthetician, a talented makeup…
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What’s really going on with NYC crime
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Despite statistics suggesting that New York remains one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the lived experience for many of us tells a different story. So why is there such a disconnect between the numbers and our feelings of safety? In this episode S. Mitra Kalita, co-founder and publisher of Epicenter NYC, talks to reporter Felipe De La Hoz,…
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Inside the New York Indian Film Festival with Aseem Chhabra
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Once again, Epicenter NYC is teaming up with the New York Indian Festival as its community media sponsor. The festival will take place from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd at the Village East by Angelika. The New York Indian Film Festival is the oldest film festival of its kind – screening premieres of films made from, of, and about India. The…
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Cherie Conliffe's CherVitality and the Power of Moringa
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Cherie Conliffe grew up in Brownsville, where corner stores were filled with junk food and her family’s traditional West Indian foods were hard to find. Living in a food desert, she quickly realized the gaps in nutrition education. This became the jump-off point to a career in wellness. During the pandemic Cherie started CherVitality, and is now br…
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How a Jackson Heights art shop became a community haven
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On the corner of 85th Street in Jackson Heights, A.R.T. (short for Art Retail Therapy), has more than just brushes and colored pencils. It’s a space that invites artists and non-artists alike to share their art and life stories – or to simply get lost among the well-stocked shelves. Francisco Segarra opened A.R.T. in 202. Today, the Queer and Latin…
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Earnest Flowers on Building a Healthier Community
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In February of 2021, Earnest Flowers opened a natural and organic grocery store in the heart of Southeast Queens called Earnest Foods. Since then, the store has become a vital source for residents – offering sugarless, gluten-free, and organic products in an area where options like these are scarce. And while at first, there was a trickle of custom…
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Agamems Beauty, a natural skincare line born from a 911 operator’s battle with stress
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Danielle Copper suffered from severe eczema in her teens and early twenties. And despite numerous consultations with dermatologists and treatments like antibiotics, creams, and cortisone shots, her condition didn’t improve. So she decided create her own skincare products – starting with a face soap. She saw an immediate improvement in her skin and …
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American Museum of Natural History’s Paul Sweet on Birding in NYC
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Not too long ago I was heading home after a trek through Forest Park and saw a swarm of black-colored birds — hundreds of them — in the sky, trees and power lines, on rooftops and lawns and on sidewalks across the street. Fascinated by the super-flock, I consulted a couple bird experts, sharing pictures and a video. Paul Sweet, a collection manager…
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Resilience on the menu at authentic Dominican restaurant, Puerto Viejo
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On weekend nights, Puerto Viejo in Prospect Heights is packed with New Yorkers and visitors alike. Many stay for hours, sipping morir soñando and eating sancocho while chatting with friends or longtime restaurant staff. In this episode we sit down with Maritza Abreu, the daughter of founders Cristina and Eduardo Abreu. Maritza is now in charge of m…
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The truth behind the “Asian gambler” stereotype
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As Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposal to build a casino and entertainment complex at Citi Field is in limbo, some community advocates are questioning whether the harms outweigh the benefits. And during the February casino town hall, several residents, some of whom are of East Asian descent, questioned the casino’s proximity to Flushing’s Asian Ameri…
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A Jamaican mother-daughter duo fills fashion’s empty niche
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When Lolita Malone was growing up with three younger sisters and their baby brother in rural Jamaica, she and her siblings shared clothes, shoes, and pretty much everything. They had a tiny allowance but big fashion dreams, so they would hit up thrift shops and cut and upcycle clothes. Now, decades later, Lolita and her daughter, Maui, have launche…
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