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While urban life may feel removed from nature, in fact, animals and cities have always co-existed. So, over the centuries how have cities changed animals? What can we learn from the paths they’ve taken to co-exist in our built-worlds? My guest is award winning writer and social epidemiologist Dan Werb with the book OUR WILD FAMILIARS: How Animals Are Adapting to Cities and Reshaping the Natural World. Dan Werb is an award-winning writer and social epidemiologist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, TIME, Salon, and other outlets. His previous books include The Invisible Siege: The Rise of Coronaviruses and the Search for a Cure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By age 50 up to 80% of women will have uterine fibroids, and often, without knowing it—because many women with uterine fibroids have no pain at all. But for others, fibroids can be extremely painful with symptoms that can change daily life. My guest is Dr. Yan Katsnelson, Founder of USA Fibroid Centers and Fibroid Fighters, a public welfare organization to advance the cause of women’s health and the safe and effective treatment of uterine fibroids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people find out about a health problem when it’s already a problem, but Dr. Florence Comite has spent over 30 years proving there’s a better way. Dr. Comite is a clinical-scientist, endocrinologist, leading expert in precision medicine, and New York Times bestselling author of INVINCIBLE: Defy Your Genetic Destiny To Live Better, Longer, in which she shares her proprietary N-of1™ approach used with thousands of patients - analyzing biomarkers, family history, and lifestyle to reverse disease and intervene decades before conventional medicine would even flag a problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Culture For One is a non-profit bringing the arts to New York City children in foster care. Executive Director Susan Kasarsky and Robin Abbott, Senior Director of Programming, talk about the value of the hundreds of artistic experiences they facilitate every year for children in foster care. To learn more about partnerships and volunteering, visit CultureForOne.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE CREATURES’ GUIDE TO CARING by Elizabeth Preston is a lively and revelatory journey through the evolution of caretaking on Earth, from animal parents to modern-day humans, making the case that caring for children and each other made us who we are. Elizabeth Preston contributes regularly toThe New York Times and The Boston Globe, and has written for Science, The Atlantic, Orion, Slate, Audubon, Discover, National Geographic and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CityFHEPS is the nation’s largest municipal rental-assistance program, providing eligible NYC households vouchers to pay their rent. But unfortunately, receiving a voucher doesn’t necessarily mean a family can use it. My guests are Laura Lazarus, Co-Founder and CEO of Anthos I Home, a non-profit designed to partner with stakeholders to help voucher holders move quickly into affordable housing, and Shanaya Ramsey, to talk about her experience navigating NYC’s voucher program before and after connecting with Anthos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In FOR BETTER AND WORSE, Stephanie Coontz unravels the roots marriage trends, looking at critical periods of historical transformation, revealing shifting romantic ideals, gender expectations, and cultural myths that have impacted our family relationships all the way through twenty-first-century life. Stephanie Coontz is the director of research and public education for the Council on Contemporary Families. She’s written five books on gender, family, and history, including MARRIAGE, A HISTORY: How Love Conquered Marriage, which was cited in the U.S. Supreme Court decision on marriage equality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Battery Dance marks two milestones this year: The 45th edition of the annual Battery Dance Festival, and the 50th anniversary of Battery Dance Company, founded by Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander. Battery Dance Executive Director Emad Salem previews the free festival in Robert. F. Wagner Park from August 10-16, showcasing movement traditions and artists from the New York area and around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July is Fibroid Awareness Month. These benign tumors affect up to 70% of women by menopause, yet many women suffer in silence, assuming heavy periods and debilitating cramps are simply something they have to endure. Our guests are Dr. Eric Lieberman, director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Holy Name Fibroid Center in Teaneck, NJ and Binnie from Bergen County, NJ, to talk about her challenges with fibroids and successful treatment at Holy Name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The historic and renowned Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn invites visitors for tours, talks, art and performances that help tell the story of the people who came before us and the history of New York City. Our guest is Gabrielle R. Gatto, Manager of Public Programs and a Death Educator at Green-Wood, to chat about current programs including a "Day in the Life of a Gravedigger,” Brooklyn 250 events, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you the kind of person who might replay a simple conversation days in a row…dissecting a comment that probably meant nothing, into something terrible, terrifying, or worse?  That’s called rumination. You’re not alone, and there’s a way to break the spiral. My guest is science writer Donna Jackson Nakazawa, author of:  MIND DRAMA: The Science of Rumination and How to Outwit Your Inner Defeatist. Practical, personal, and grounded in science, MIND DRAMA is for anyone who's ever lost hours to their own thoughts.  Donna Jackson Nakazawa is the author of five books that explore the intersection of neuroscience, stress, and emotion, including Girls on the Brink, The Angel and the Assassin, Childhood Disrupted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded 50 years ago legendary NYCB dancer Jacques d’Amboise, The National Dance Institute is a a non-profit arts education organization that brings children together through inclusive dance and music programs. NDI Executive Director Jermaine Jones invites everyone, especially NDI alumni, to join their reunion and Runs & Leaps Extravaganza on July 28, for a chance to have your stage moment in Central Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum is hosting a Children’s Food Festival on Saturday, July 25. The event is part of their expanded Culinary Residency & Incubator Support Program (CRISP), supporting local entrepreneurs by connecting them and their food with the thousands of guests who visit the museum. We also talk with President & CEO Atiba T. Edwards about summer programs and the history of the world's first children’s museum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you may know, New Yorkers are paying some of the highest insurance rates in the country. One of the hidden factors are fake claims, especially around staged or fake car crashes. Frank Sztuk, Senior Vice President of Investigative Services at Delta Group and chair of the public outreach committee for the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, has details on some of the most common staged crashes and how drivers can protect themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe you’ve seen something in the world you’d like to change. But how? How do you grow an idea into a movement? How do you build a team and find collaborators? In her book PURPOSEFUL, Jennifer Dulski walks through the steps to go from idea to impact and shares specific tips and stories from real movement starters -- who have created everything from new laws to new companies. Jennifer Dulski is the CEO and founder of Rising Team, a company that provides tools, data and community to turn managers into coaches to help their team succeed. Formerly, Dulski led Facebook Groups and was president and COO of Change.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it seems like every human is stressed these days…what about our dogs? Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, Chief of Veterinary Behavior Medicine at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group, returns to talk about stressed and anxious pets, and how to help them deal with summer travel, heat and fireworks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her new book, WHAT I WISH I KNEW ABOUT LUCK: A Crash Course on Turning Aspirations into Achievements, Stanford University professor and bestselling author Tina Seelig says that most of what we call “luck” is really the deliberate actions of hard work. Tina Seelig’s books, built upon her work at Stanford over the past 25 years, focus on creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her books include: the International Bestseller WHAT I WISH I KNEW WHEN I WAS 20, and CREATIVITY RULES.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Move | NYC is a non-profit arts organization focused on shaping the next generation of dance artists, by providing tuition-free artistic training, mentorship, professional development and essential resources for career advancement. Since their first full graduating class nine years ago, 100% of Move | NYC graduates have been accepted to the nation’s top colleges and dance conservatories. Our guests are Co-Founder Nigel Campbell and Executive Director Niya Nicholson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HOW TO NOT KNOW: The Value of Uncertainty In A World That Demands Answers, by journalist and teacher Simone Stolzoff, looks at the biases that we lean on to predict the future and the unexpected benefits of surrendering control. A former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO, Simone Stolzoff’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic and many others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Securing funding for non-profits is a persistent challenge that impacts both clients and talent: Non-profit workers serving people on welfare, often earn salaries that also qualify employees for public assistance. Kathleen Brady-Stepien is President and CEO of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), New York State’s leading association representing nonprofit child welfare and juvenile justice organizations. She talks about the landscape of child welfare services across the state and their challenges, including rising insurance, funding cuts and workforce shortages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Pride Month! NYC Pride Executive Director Im Lynde provides a backstage look at this June’s events for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Centered around the theme of “For All of Us,” the celebrations culminate in the 57th Annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 28.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The acclaimed Chelsea Music Festival, founded by world renowned classical musicians Melinda Lee Masur and Ken-David Masur, presents a week of concerts, receptions, visual art, and family and community events exploring American stories through music and the visual and culinary arts. From June 20-17, the 2026 edition features 12 New York premieres, two world premieres, and a mix of free, pay what you can, and ticketed events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a certain age, most women start getting regular cancer screenings: Mammograms, colonoscopies, pap smears…and yet, not for lung cancer, even though lung cancer is the most common cancer death among women in the U.S. There is currently no universal screening for lung cancer, and perhaps as a result, by the time most women are diagnosed, the prognosis is dire. For Shira Kupperman Boehler, her unexpected lung cancer diagnosis has spurred her from being a patient, to an author and policy reformer. Kupperman Boehler is founder of CANCER DOESN’T CARE, an initiative focused on advancing early lung cancer detection and prevention-focused health policy, and she is author of ONE SCAN SAVED MY LIFE:  How One Woman’s Story Will Change The Way We Detect Lung Cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest is Donald Borror, the new Director of Pasculano Contemporary Dance Programming at Lincoln Center, to preview Lincoln Center’s Summer for The City Festival, featuring The Summer of Dance, from June 10 - August 8, featuring hundreds of indoor and outdoor events, all FREE or Choose-What-You-Pay. For the full searchable schedule and ticket info visit lincolncenter.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her book Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go and Embracing Who We Are, journalist Stacey Lindsay crafts a new narrative that captures the diverse experiences of women entering midlife today, in a modern exploration of relationships, careers, and living with and without kids, to step into our full selves. Stacey Lindsay is a multimedia journalist, editor, and writer specializing in women’s issues and culture. Recognized for her empathetic approach, Lindsay has interviewed hundreds of public figures and civilians for national outlets, from Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper to goop. Previously, she was a CBS affiliate news anchor and reporter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of The Broadway Education Alliance, Broadway’s original enrichment program for theater-loving kids, and a recipient of a special Drama Desk Award for its contribution to the sector. Founder Susan Lee talks about connecting young-people to musical theater career paths both on and off stage, building future theater audiences, and their annual Camp Broadway program in July.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May, The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network hosts the Walk to End Bladder Cancer on May 31st in Manhattan’s Hudson River Park, Pier 25. More than 725,000 people in the United States are living with bladder cancer, yet its warning signs are often missed until everything changes—and outcomes are worse for women at every stage. Bladder cancer survivors Shannon van Heerden and Sandy Weicher, tell their stories and urge others to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly launched Citizenry is a free, nonprofit, AI-enabled platform that matches New Yorkers who want to get involved in their city with the civic groups, neighborhood organizations, and nonprofits that actually need them. Before launching Citizenry, founder Dominic Ramos-Ruiz served as U.S. Head of The Conduit, a global network for purpose-driven leaders, and worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the community development and impact investing team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even most adults on social media are comfortable with casually posting their own personal moments online, what is it like to grow up with a camera focused on you 24/7? To have your childhood moments—tantrums, potty training, breastfeeding-weaning—sold by your parents as “content”, and broadcast to an audience of millions? Journalist Fortesa Latifi is author of LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online. Fortesa Latifi’s work has been featured in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Washington Post & Teen Vogue and elsewhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many people who are living with depression, anxiety or trauma, unfortunately also suffer from substance use disorder. James Hollywood, from Samaritan Daytop Village, talks about the connection between recovery and nutrition. For over 60 years, Samaritan Daytop Village has been improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. The nonprofit is nationally recognized for the treatment of substance use disorder as well as for the veteran-specific approach it pioneered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many parents know the struggle of finding child care that is affordable, accessible and aligned with work schedules. Even with proposals to expand access towards universal childcare, the system remains complex and uneven, with many families relying on a patchwork of solutions. Davon Russell, President of WHEDco, discusses why home based child care must be central to efforts to increase access to childcare; a conversation based on his Op-Ed for Crain’s New York. In addition to building award-winning affordable housing, Bronx-based WHEDco provides early childhood and after-school programs, arts and cultural programming, access to healthy food, and small business support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GUILT FREE: Reclaiming Your Life from Unreasonable Expectations, by psychiatrist and award-winning educator Dr. Jennifer Reid, is a science-backed and deeply compassionate guide to understanding and dismantling the forces behind excessive guilt. Jennifer Reid, MD, is a psychiatrist, the creator and host of The Reflective Mind Podcast, and an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches the next generation of psychiatrists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survive Stroke Week is May 3-9, 2026: An annual event to promote stroke awareness and survival. Organized by The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), this year’s focus is on the growing prevalence of stroke among younger age groups and the importance of immediate, lifesaving treatment. My guest is Dr. Jessica Campos, is a post graduate (year 7) neurosurgery resident at the University of California, Irvine, and an active mentor and resident board member of the Women in The American Association of Neurosurgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early voting for the June 23rd primary election in New York State begins on June 13. We’ll cover the what’s on the ballot, registration, who’s eligible to vote, and all things NYC voting with Olivia Brady from NYC Votes, an initiative of The New York City Campaign Finance Board, the independent city agency that ensures local elections are fair, inclusive, and open. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Autism Awareness Month, a conversation with autism activist, scientist, and New York Times-Bestselling Author, Dr. Temple Grandin for her book VISUAL THINKING: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions. Dr. Grandin describes their unique perspectives on design and problem solving, and why visual thinkers are crucial for the world and the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Earth Day Initiative presents the annual Earth Day Festival in Union Square Park, Sunday, April 19.  The free event from 12-6p, is designed for all ages to to get informed, involved and find ways to contribute to the climate conversation. Earth Day Initiative Executive Director John Opperman talks about the event and where he sees positive climate action in 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that stands out for it’s bewildering array of symptoms and challenges. Clinical pharmacist Izabella Wentz, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of HASHIMOTO'S PROTOCOL, brings her functional medicine approach to healing Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with her new book IBS: Get to the root cause of IBS and restore your gut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York City’s Ballet Hispánico is the nation’s leading Hispanic/Latine dance company, currently preparing their 2026 Spring Season at New York City Center, with performances April 23-26. For Ballet Hispánico’s 56th Season, Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro has brought together four distinctive female choreographers for the show Mujeres: Women In Motion. Discover more and buy tickets at ballethispanico.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Allison M. Alford is the author of GOOD DAUGHTERING: The Work You’ve Always Done, the Credit You’ve Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough. Dr. Allison M. Alford is a leading researcher and communication expert whose work explores the unseen labors that keep loved ones connected. Daughtering 101 is her platform discussing all the things daughters do, sharing the highs and lows, the challenges and benefits of daughtering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NYC based VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides vision rehabilitation and social services that help people who are blind or visually impaired live independent, confident, and connected lives. As the organization celebrates it’s 100th anniversary in 2026, CEO Molly Eagan talks about adjusting to vision loss, and learning to adapt and thrive with technology, classes and community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if genius isn't something you're born with―it's something you build? Everyday Genius, by six-time USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis, is a book to upgrade your brain using practical skills: Whether it's memorizing names and faces, doing lightning-fast mental math, honing decisive intuition, and beyond. Nelson Dellis is a competitive memorizer, with a number of U.S. memory records. He is also the Founder & CEO of Climb For Memory, a non-profit charity that aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease research through mountain climbs all around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Larry Grogin is an chiropractor, acupuncturist, athlete and philanthropist based in New Jersey. On his 71st birthday, March 24, 2026, Dr. Grogin began a run across the U.S., with a goal to complete 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days, benefitting the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, the disease Larry was diagnosed with in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPACEWOMAN is a new documentary about Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft. Directed by Hannah Berryman, the film follows Eileen Collins’ journey from her working-class beginnings in Elmira, NY, to USAF Test Pilot, breaking glass ceilings at NASA, piloting and commanding four space shuttle missions, and navigating the pressures for her family. SPACEWOMAN is in select theaters nationwide, including the Quad Cinema in The Village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps no one knows more about the coyotes in our region than Chris Nagy, a wildlife biologist working in New York City since 2001, and co-founder of Gotham Coyote. The organization brings together researchers and educators from several institutions around the area to better understand coyotes and their role in our urban ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As far too many people know from experience, working for a toxic boss takes a toll. Even highly accomplished and experienced people can feel beaten down and hopelessly trapped. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s book is I WISH I’D QUIT SOONER: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and expert on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As New York State navigates federal threats to cut Medicaid and the social safety net, my guest is Joe Pressley is Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations at Amida Care, to help us understand the implications of weakening medicaid—especially at a time when HIV cases are rising—and what the state could do to protect patients and funding. Amida Care is New York State’s largest special needs health care plan, serving nearly 10,000 members living with HIV/AIDS, complex health issues, and experiencing homelessness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teatro Fest NYC showcases the breadth and vitality of Latinx theater in New York City, with 24 productions by ten leading Latinx theaters, continuing through April 30. The citywide event is a shared celebration of storytelling, culture, and artistic innovation. My guest is Sándie Luna, Executive Director of ID Studio Theater and member of The Alliance of Teatros Latinos New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Girl Scout Cookie Season is officially underway in New York City! In an age dominated by technology, social media and social isolation, selling Girl Scout Cookies gets girls out into their neighborhoods, connecting face-to-face with neighbors, local businesses, and their community.  And in the five boroughs, the very special Troop 6000 gives girls living with housing instability a chance to do all those things, and more. My guest is Marissa Stranieri, Director of Social Work Services, Troop 6000 Program of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March is International Women's Month. My guest is Bergen County-based sculptor Carolyn D. Palmer for her newest project honoring Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female physician in the U.S., and Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, the first African American woman to graduate from SUNY Upstate Medical University. The statues stand together in the courtyard of SUNY Upstate Medical University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Based in Englewood, NJ, The Actors Fund Home is a short and long term care facility like no other: For generations, it’s provided top-tier care for actors, dancers, musicians, directors and others who’ve made their lives in entertainment. Executive Director Jordan Strohl explains the significance of the home’s transition to an an independent 501(3), operated by the Entertainment Community Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.