PODCAST · society
Making It Here
by Epicenter NYC
Powered by Epicenter NYC, Making It Here shares the real stories behind entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and business leaders forging their own path. In each episode we’ll explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned that will inspire you and even help shape your own journey. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices—those shaping the future through resilience, creativity, and grit––who are Making It Here. For more stories like this visit us at https://epicenter-nyc.com/.Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/
Episodes
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Kasumi Quinlan of Lemontree on Building a Better System for Food Access
When Kasumi Quinlan joined Lemontree, she wasn’t starting something new, she was stepping into a vision first created by Alex Godin, who set out to make finding free food as simple and human as possible. Kasumi found a model grounded in empathy and human connection, and the opportunity to grow it...
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Glenelys Jimenez is rewriting the rules of learning with Levanto Collective
When Glenelys Jimenez became a new mom in early 2020, she started thinking about all the things she wished she’d learned sooner. As the oldest daughter of Dominican immigrants, she’d spent years teaching herself how to navigate student loans, taxes, workplace culture, and mortgages… not just for...
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How The Friends Behind City Señoras Are Redefining Self-Care
City Señoras started as two friends looking for connection… a walk in the park, a cup of coffee, a space to slow down. But what began as a small gathering in Brooklyn has since grown into a self-care social club spanning New York and Los Angeles. Co-founders Alexis Mendias and Jaqueline Padilla...
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How Karen Vidangos is building access for the underrepresented in the art world
The art world can feel intimidating, even elitist. But for Karen Vidangos, it’s also been a space to challenge those barriers and open doors for others. She built the Latinx Art Collective, a free, searchable database that helps curators, collectors, and fans discover artists across the U.S. She...
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Epicenter Helps Bring the Sari to Center Stage and Launches an AI Cohort
Today, we’re turning the mic inward, and sharing a couple of highlights from a recent conversation I had with Epicenter Co-founder and publisher Mitra Kalita on Los Herederos Radio. First, we discuss a sari exhibit that Epicenter has helped bring to life… reframing the sari as a cultural and...
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Lucy Yu of Yu & Me Books on entrepreneurship, burnout, and the power of community
Lucy opened Yu & Me Books in December of 2021, bringing to life an idea she’d carried since childhood. After leaving a career in chemical engineering, she finally built the kind of space she’d always imagined: a community hub grounded in three pillars: championing writers of color, uplifting…
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Lessons from Cindy Castro on Starting a Sustainable Fashion Brand
Cindy Castro New York is a sustainable luxury brand, producing locally in the city with responsible fabrics and a commitment to garment workers’ rights. The company was founded by Cindy Castro, who grew up in Ecuador and came to the U.S. as an au pair before putting herself through design school....
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Van Sharma on growing Rupee Beer into a global brand
Brothers Van and Sumit Sharma launched Rupee Beer about six years ago. The idea grew out of their family’s long history in the Indian restaurant business, their parents opened the first Indian restaurants in Maine after immigrating from the UK, and Van saw early on the challenges of finding a...
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How Barbara Anderson Turned Vacant Storefronts Into Art on the Ave NYC
At the height of Covid-19 In 2020, as storefronts across the city went vacant, some New Yorkers saw an opportunity. Art on the Ave NYC began filling empty windows with curated exhibitions, each paired with a QR code that let viewers hear directly from the artist. Since then, nearly a hundred...
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How a family recipe inspired Tiffany Campos to build Heritage Bread Pudding
Food often carries more than taste. It can bring back memories of family, traditions, and familiar places. That’s the response many people have to the dessert at the center of today’s episode. That dessert is Heritage Bread Pudding, the creation of Tiffany Campos. In less than a year, she has…
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Sean Ro shares lessons from launching Lunar, an unapologetically Asian hard seltzer
Hard seltzer is one of the fastest-growing areas of the beverage industry. But within that, there’s still room for brands that bring something new to the table. Lunar does this with flavors like yuzu, lychee, and Korean plum, and with packaging that makes its Asian roots impossible to miss. The...
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The Bee Conservancy shows small steps can add up to big change
Pollinators play a critical role in our food system, but their decline has immediate consequences for food security, public health, and the resilience of ecosystems. The Bee Conservancy was created in response to that reality. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into programs that bring...
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How Los Herederos built a radio station inside a Jackson Heights subway station
It’s been just about a year since a once-empty storefront in the 74th Street Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Jackson Heights, became a space for retelling stories. It now houses Los Herederos, a nonprofit blending radio, archives, and public programs to document communities across Queens. The...
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Bookpapi talks TikTok, grants, and starting The World’s Borough Bookshop
Opening a brick-and-mortar business in New York City takes more than just a good idea. It takes funding, strategy, establishing connections and a clear sense of purpose. That’s what Adrian Cepeda brought when he founded The World’s Borough Bookshop in Jackson Heights two years ago. His mission?…
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How "Cultured Movement" uses dance to empower NYC kids
In New York City, the cost of access often determines who gets to step into the spotlight. Dance classes can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars, pricing out kids who could benefit from them most. That’s where Cultured Movement comes in. It’s a low-cost, culturally rooted dance program that...
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Nicolás Gabot is on a mission to make a sign for every neighborhood in NYC
In New York City, turning a creative idea into a business takes more than talent. It often means juggling multiple roles: artist, vendor, marketer… and figuring out how to make a living while staying true to your vision. It’s a balancing act that Nicolás Gabot, the founder of Brooklyn Art…
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Inside Epicenter NYC’s Community-First Playbook That’s Revolutionizing Local News
We’re pulling back the curtain on Epicenter-NYC, introducing the team, sharing how we approach community journalism, and reflecting on what it means to serve our neighbors. We also say goodbye to Adriana Proaño, a founding team member who’s been at the heart of this work. Plus, a big update…
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How the Big Beautiful Bill threatens food security in New York City
On July 4th, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, and with it, sweeping changes to food assistance programs that support millions of Americans. Advocates say it includes the largest cuts to SNAP in U.S. history. But this isn’t just about food budgets. Many warn of deeper ripple effects: on...
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How Burlap & Barrel built a farmer-first spice supply chain
In today’s global spice trade, farmers often have little control, and consumers end up with bland, aging products on their shelves. The process is opaque, dominated by large companies and layers of middlemen. The team behind Burlap & Barrel is working to change that. From wild cumin gathered in...
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City electorate shows up big despite frustration with current NYC leadership
Voter turnout in New York City’s mayoral primary was significantly higher than it was four years ago, but the mood on the ground wasn’t one of excitement. It was frustration. Over the past week, I’ve talked to voters across four boroughs along with Mariana Navarrete Villegas and Amanda DeJesus…
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What a shift in work requirements could mean for New Yorkers on Medicaid
A new House bill would require many Medicaid recipients to log 80 hours of work each month or risk losing coverage. Supporters say it promotes self-sufficiency, but critics warn the paperwork alone could drop thousands from the rolls. Experts say that even expansion states like New York, where...
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The Dobladillo sisters on being “Peruvian enough”
Whitney and Samantha Dobladillo, the duo behind Peruvian Sisters, launched their storytelling platform in 2020 to connect with others navigating the complexities of being Peruvian American. Growing up in mostly white schools on Long Island, they often felt out of place, especially when classmates...
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Inside Talisa Almonte’s journey building Almonte Studio
After losing her job during the pandemic, Talisa Almonte turned to art, launching Almonte Studio and building a business rooted in bold colors and personal meaning. In today's episode she talks about honoring her Dominican roots, navigating small business challenges, and growing her brand.…
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How Layra Marte Created a Healing Space Through Photography
For many of us, photography is reserved for milestones, but what if a portrait could help you reconnect with who you are right now? That’s the idea behind Layra Marz Photography, founded by Brooklyn-based photographer Layra Marte. Her work, which lives somewhere between boudoir and fine art, is...
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A New Chapter for the Catholic Church Under Pope Leo XIV
In this episode, we explore the early days of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and what his unique background, American-born, Peruvian-based, and multilingual, might mean for the future of the Catholic Church. Host Ambar Castillo speaks with Dr. Hosffman Ospino and Dr. Andrew Chesnut about identity,...
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Erika Dox-Martinez on Financial Wellness and Founding Blissful Vida
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...
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How Outside/In Helps New Yorkers Recover Through Theater
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…
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Ofrenda Yoga Builds a New Kind of Studio in Harlem
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...
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Lulo: The App Helping Moms Navigate Food Benefits and More
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...
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How "Non-Corporate Girls" Is Changing the Career Conversation
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…
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Moodie Vibes: The scents of self-care
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…
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How Nashira Arnó's love for craft forged a sustainable jewelry brand
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…
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How Priscilla Jiminian is Transforming Skincare Through Skinergy Beauty
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…
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How Tammeca Rochester is Transforming Wellness for Women Over 40
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...
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Online harassment escalates as providers fail women & queer communities
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…
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How one teen turned a family challenge into a bilingual book business
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…
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Dr. Ryan DeLapp on navigating cultural stress without disengaging
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...
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Bird flu: Raw milk, food safety, and how ICE policies could worsen it all
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...
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The fight to preserve a Brooklyn home believed to be part of the Underground Railroad
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…
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Aura Heights: A Latina-Owned Brand Championing Identity and Culture
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?…
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The Sourced Studio celebrates self-expression in each piece of jewelry
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…
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Inner Pttrn: How Coreen Ruiz Built a Community for Healing
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...
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Fringe Records brings queer-friendly community, comedy, niche music to Ridgewood
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,...
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Mustafa Hussein on Reforming America’s Fragmented Healthcare System
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...
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Inside the Queens barbershop where community and style come together
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…
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What to do if your insurance claim is denied in New York
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....
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How a doctor forged multiple paths to heal and ‘Mpower’ others
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…
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How Trump’s immigration policies could affect you and your loved ones
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...
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Preparing for Trump’s impact on NYCHA, Section 8 and affordable housing
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...
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How one Rockaway Beach gym is redefining fitness
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Powered by Epicenter NYC, Making It Here shares the real stories behind entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and business leaders forging their own path. In each episode we’ll explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned that will inspire you and even help shape your own journey. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices—those shaping the future through resilience, creativity, and grit––who are Making It Here. For more stories like this visit us at https://epicenter-nyc.com/.Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/
HOSTED BY
Epicenter NYC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Making It Here have?
Making It Here currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Making It Here about?
Powered by Epicenter NYC, Making It Here shares the real stories behind entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and business leaders forging their own path. In each episode we’ll explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned that will inspire you and even help shape your own journey. You’ll...
How often does Making It Here release new episodes?
Making It Here has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Making It Here?
You can listen to Making It Here on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Making It Here?
Making It Here is created and hosted by Epicenter NYC.
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