The Hell Gate Podcast

Well-connected NIMBYs score another unexpected victory in New York City as the fight over Elizabeth Street Garden reaches its apparent final chapter. Low-level arrests are as high as ever and Mamdani seems happy to let NYPD boss Jessica Tisch run the show. Plus, Katie gives an (anti-)recommendation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has taken on a new role as a traveling salesman. ICE has been crawling around and macing elderly people, harassing children, and hiding behind face coverings. And the e-bike wars rage on. New York City journalists from Hell Gate break it all down in the latest episode of the Hell Gate Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Mamdani’s pied-à-terre “hit list,” God’s most beautiful creature (sharks), and some apartment hunting tips for Lebron James. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zohran Mamdani stole headlines once again, proclaiming he was looking into arresting war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu…which he quickly admitted he couldn't. But are the mechanics of an arrest really the point here? Jessy, Max, Adlan, and Chris discuss. Then we go deep into the murky world of dark PAC money. And finally, we've launched Cultural Capital, our culture newsletter. Adlan talks about why basically if you don't sign up for this newsletter, you're going to have no idea what anyone is talking about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the brand new Studio H, Max, Jessy, Julianne, and Nick take on Mahmoud Khalil’s lawsuit against the federal government, a conflict of interest playing out in housing court, and Albania’s rebellion against Eric Adams in the name of flamingos. Everything is normal in New York City, and Hell Gate is growing once again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcasting from Rippers at Beach 86th street, Katie, Adlan, and Max contemplate their commune with the infinite. Then Rockaway's first female chief lifeguard tells them about diving, sports cars, and strawberry daiquiris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tall ships are lowering their anchors on Friday, but for now NYC can rejoice in finally having a budget negotiated. In a big win for Mayor Mamdani, that translates to no austerity and no new cops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's frankly rude that the NYC-DSA keeps winning elections and booting incumbents. It shouldn't be allowed, and until it's outlawed, they better start working on their deep, heartfelt apologies for their damning victories. Max, Chris, Katie, and Nick hop on the mic to discuss this week's election and what the insulting outcomes mean for politics in NYC moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On election eve, we're joined for a special bonus episode with Michael Lange, elections whiz and friend of the show to preview tomorrow's primary elections, share his picks, and give you a taste of what you can expect during tomorrow's Hell Gate primary livestream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Knicks won the championship and Hell Gate reporters spent yesterday morning along the ticker-tape parade of champions, basking in glory, standing in throngs of screaming children and a beaming Karl-Anthony Towns, wondering how much longer they can take this state of unmitigated ecstasy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hug your mom, scream out the car window, put your hand in the cash register, let’s go Knicks. NYC is crawling with cops and the mayor is trying to pretend the World Cup doesn't matter more to him than Knicks in five. Alex and Miguel of Golden Goal come chat with us about the glory and honor of playing soccer in New Jersey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sprawling discussion on the appeal of Zohran’s back-stabbing behavior, the wasian meetup in Central Park, an Ordinary bus, how to be a fan of local music, and why there is no God in New York City.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Hell Gate sports talk radio as Max and Julianne “Mad Dog” Escobedo Shepherd take calls from New Yorkers hoping for, concerned about, and entranced by the glory of The New York Knicks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Knicks making a deep run to the finals. World Cup in the USA. LIRR Strike. Suspiciously luscious mayor locks? We're going back in time to 1994. Too bad Katie won't be there. Heading into a soggy Memorial Day weekend, we talk about Mayor Mamdani's Twitch stream, the Mangionistas and their press credentials, a woman giving birth in Brooklyn criminal court, disappearing SROs, and our aspirations for this summer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past year, Hell Gate and Type Investigations have been working the phones, haunting courtrooms, hanging out in strange outerborough political clubhouses, and filing endless requests for transcripts to produce the long-awaited follow-up to the Eric Adams Table of Success, our (first) award-winning collaboration.Now, please welcome to the stand Courts of Contempt—our investigation into the machinations of New York's broken judicial system. Earlier this month, Hell Gate packed the house at Littlefield in Brooklyn to unveil our investigation, and now you can enjoy that experience as well in podcast form! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the fragility of billionaires leaves us wondering if it would be OK to get flayed alive. Mamdani’s NYPD protects the sale of stolen land and Albany’s budget is finally announced. Then, a recommendation from Jessy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

His Royal Majesty came to visit New York City this week, but we’ve got a lot else on our minds. The team updates some judicial happenings and breaks down the latest on Hochul’s endless budget negotiations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A grab bag of NYC happenings this week: Chi Ossé is arrested in Bed-Stuy, super speeders continue to speed, Jessy learns about bats, and Dan Goldman is toast.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hell Gate got eight minutes with the mayor, and the team put their heads together to break down his answers (and non-answers) one-by-one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

100 days after his inauguration, Mamdani’s approval is still up—by a comfortable margin. But is this just a honeymoon? The team looks over what Mamdani has accomplished so far and speculate on what might come next. Plus, housing court hijinks, and a recc for a great new NYC film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥🔥 🔥 HELL GATE HOT TAKE MADNESS # 2 🔥🔥🔥The team defends their final elite 8 hot takes. Should Mamdani start wearing stilts? How should we punish our neighbors who flout the social contract? Is the boob light actually great? Should Mamdani be more like Kristi Noem? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🔥🔥🔥HELL GATE HOT TAKE MADNESS🔥🔥🔥This week the team defends their visions of the past, present, and future of New York City. Is Kathy Hochul really the best dressed person in New York? Should we bring back NFTs? Late night Rockaway weed ferry? Also, welcome Julianne Escobedo Shepherd to the Hell Gate Podcast! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can building new housing actually fix NYC’s housing crisis? Neil deMause joins the pod to discuss the surprising difference between luxury and affordable housing (it’s not just the dog spa and sauna). Then, Katie breaks down the Mayor’s latest efforts to create the Department of Community Safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the NYC news cycle became totally consumed by the fact that Zohran Mamdani is Muslim and so is his wife (who wears turtlenecks! The horror!). The team weighs in on how the mayor keeps having to answer insane questions that have pretty obvious answers. Then, recommendations from Katie, Adlan, and Max.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Kathy Hochul weighs whether to represent the general electorate or the millionaires who are speeding through school zones on Ocean Parkway. Then, Jessy reports on the city’s housing indignities and Adlan issues an earnest (colossal) recommendation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week—the cops get mad about the snowball fight in Washington Square Park, Mamdani gets Trump’s blessing, and a march in Albany without Mamdani goes ok. Then, the children of New York help Jessy Edwards go sledding for the first time.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: A close look at the psychology of unclaimed dog poop and the political games of politicians. Jessy gives an update on the ongoing sexual assault cases from New York prisons. Then, Adlan makes the case for leaving your apartment and weathering the February air (there are dance parties). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the team is joined by former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who is currently running for congress in New York’s 10th congressional district. We talk about what his bid could mean for federal lawmaking, and what he thinks of Mamdani’s first few weeks in the mayoralty. Then—a message for all of Hell Gate’s haters. (We’re not mad.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still buried in snow, New York’s politicians are making their moves. What will Hochul’s new running mate mean for the mayoral-gubernatorial good vibes? What are they yelling about up in Albany? Then, a breakdown of how the Mamdani administration is responding to the shooting of Jabez Chakraborty.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the ice floes keep drifting down the Hudson, nurses are still picketing outside hospitals, Luigi Mangione is still in jail, and Jessy’s heat isn’t really working. Meanwhile, the Mayor announced an alarming 12 billion dollar budget deficit, and Katie further cemented her reputation as a luddite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Michael Lange (Narrative Wars) is back to look down the line at some big political happenings in 2026. Why is Zohran spending political capital on a congressional primary—which is months away—and not on keeping his campaign promises to the schoolchildren of New York City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Adams: crypto king. Kathy Hochul: laying off the rich. And Ritchie Torres? He's got a plan to make everything right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week into the Mamdani administration and we're counting some significant wins—on child care and a treacherous bike lane bump at the base of the Williamsburg Bridge—as well as the first major political challenge to his administration. Plus: Why is our former mayor in Dubai with a cosmetic gynecologist? The answer will…probably not surprise you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a frigid New Year's Day, Mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn into office, and Hell Gate was there to witness the whole inspiring spectacle (and lose feeling in our extremities). The gang breaks down the ceremony, discusses Mayor Mamdani's first executive orders, and lays out some of the last-minute booby traps that outgoing mayor Eric Adams laid for his successor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One thing we did a lot of in 2025 that we’ll probably keep up in 2026: eating. This week, social media sensation and generally great guy Scott Lynch—force behind our $20 dinner map—joins us to talk restaurants and food trends in NYC. Want to know what his favorite pick in the five boroughs is? What if you're looking to splurge, where's the best $40 dinner? What's with AI in restaurants? What in the world of food might 2026 bring? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little hungover from the Hell Gate rager last night, the team assembles to discuss the last dregs of Adams’ efforts to govern, and the new mayor’s first big oopsie before starting in just a few days. Then, an update on casinos (not good) and the latest efforts to hold cops accountable (also not good). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in NYC news: The UK is installing a new hypercapitalist project in the form of pods, or tubes, or maybe it is an airlock, or maybe a pneumatic network meant to shoot gymgoers onto ellipticals with the force of wads of cash. In any case Jessy and Chris explain how and why PureGym, formerly Blink Fitness, is forcing us into their mysterious tubes. Also, Brad Lander is running for congress. The vibe is Mr. Rogers. Will it work? Probably. Then—Katie attends a hearing featuring local celebrities Richard Kind, Matt Dillon, and Mark Ruffalo, who have unified in defense of their church-slash-pickleball court (that is turning into a pile of sand). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team pulls an Eric Adams this week and leaves the city to go hang out somewhere quaint and European, but hotels are expensive and so are flights, so they end up in Atlantic City (the New York of New Jersey). It's bleak out there. It's giving post-apocalyptic preview of what New York can expect from the parade of casinos coming soon to the metropolitan area. It’s cold, and dad’s not coming home. And he took the dog, too. It’s making us wonder if this is actually the best way to fund the MTA, and why we’re not just taxing the fucking rich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re here this holiday week to mull over NYC’s Thanksgiving highlights and consider the benefits of escaping to Sharlene’s for 5 small beers after your mom tells you “there’s never a ‘good’ time to have kids, you know.” Then, updates on Mamdani’s transition committees and some news about leadership in the city—and whether or not they’ll help Mamdani answer questions like “Where does the NYPD end and federal law enforcement begin?” Truly, kind of a tough one! Finally, Adlan tells us about the beautiful $1,800/month basement apartment he’s so grateful to be signing a lease for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s going on Mamdani? Getting scared of doing what you said you’d do? Or is big bad Jessica Tisch giving you the creeps? The team is trying to make sense of what you’ve been saying and it’s not quite adding up to the same spunk we saw just a couple weeks back. And how was the meeting with Trump today? Did the fish filet go over ok? We’re betting yes. (Spoiler: Total Mamdani victory—listen to the end of the episode for us reacting to the Oval Office meetup that has everyone buzzing.)Meanwhile, our current mayor is somewhere out there, still burning taxpayer dollars for his eurorail gap year soul search. Does he know Andorra is not part of the EU? Does he know he can take PTO? Come home mayor Adams. We miss you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Max, Chris, and Nick (the boys) discuss the Mamdani transition so far—the incoming first deputy mayor knows where all the (metaphorical) bodies are buried in Albany, while the incoming chief-of-staff is hoping to keep the administration honest to its progressive ideals. Meanwhile, Cuomo’s campaign is transcending to higher and higher planes as they attempt to ret-con the plot of the general election. Then: Elizabeth Street Garden is a park now? And should we ban carriage horses? Both of these issues might be 2026 problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zohran won! The sun rose this morning on a city with a democratic socialist, Muslim, immigrant, shockingly young mayor-elect. The team was up late covering the respective victory and concession parties, and this morning—a bit weary—they rolled out of bed to reflect on the evening and the mayoral race as it came, finally, to a close. What’s next for Zohran? And what does it look like when a progressive candidate doesn’t abandon the political apparatus that got them into office? Will we get to find out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we have whiz-man, superstar data boy, and mayoral poll vibe-checker Michael Lange to give us the block-by-block for this week’s election. How it’s looking from both the birds-eye and the street-level. Then, the team debriefs about Mamdani’s performance on the stage last week at the live taping of the Hell Gate Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday night, just a few hours before the start of early voting, Democratic mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani sat down for an interview with the Hell Gate Podcast in front of a live audience at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. During our 45-minute conversation, we grilled Mamdani about his desire to keep Jessica Tisch as his NYPD commissioner, and how he plans to combat attempts to undermine his ambitious agenda.We also talked about the barrage of racism and Islamophobia that Andrew Cuomo and the anti-Mamdani forces have hurled at him in the waning days of the campaign, how he stays alert and healthy while maintaining a grueling schedule, and his one-Red Bull-per-week indulgence.Also: Mamdani's position on a controversial universal daylighting bill in the City Council, whether he'll bring back real snow days for schoolchildren, and if he'll build affordable housing atop Elizabeth Street Garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max reports back from the big Mamdani rally, where the candidate got the stamp of approval from some big-time establishment Democrats. Then: Are you confused about the housing ballot propositions you have to vote on soon? Luckily Chris has the breakdown for you, to clear it up completely, with no further questions. We close out with some speculations on what Eric Adams's new gig will be. Full time Cameo star? Green juice king? Hope springs eternal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Adams went on a taxpayer-funded vacation to Albania. What? Why? Regardless, we're in favor of it. While Zohran Mamdani is beginning to don the mayoral sash, the team considers whether it seems as though Cuomo is gaining any “Cuo-mentum”—after all, bigger polling gaps have been closed. Then, Jessy Edwards breaks down her reporting that illustrates just how bad a housing crisis the new mayor of our fine city will have to tackle. Daunting. We'd be in Albania as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a cold world, get a sweater. Eric Adams dropped out of the race. What’s going to happen to our beloved mayor? Who is going to take care of the crypto man babies? Who will flag down the wait staff at the Table of Success? We really thought he was in it to win it. The team freewheels a discussion on what’s next for our mayor, and then, for the public good, a watch party of the trailer for the hottest e-book ever self-published about a soon-to-be-former NYC mayor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bluestockings, home of narcan training polycule meet-cutes and queer activist utopian prefiguration, has shuttered its doors effective immediately. Meanwhile, District 2’s CEC meetings have finally given in to the anger of parents trying to keep their trans kids safe—although it seems like the plot may be teed up for a sequel showdown… and in Brooklyn, perhaps the sloppiest union busting job of all time reminds us incompetence can sometimes be good, and, very funny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathy Hochul has finally endorsed Zohran Mamdani. Brad Lander was arrested again at the immigration courthouse. The wheel keeps turning in New York City and even the billionaires are throwing tantrums. The team breaks down how the money flow is making the march toward casinos seem unstoppable. Meanwhile, happy birthday Modi? Why are you in my fridge?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life's a game, but it's not fair. I break the rules, so I don't care. Eric Adams is running for office, and into Hell Gate at the gym. Did he fumble his chance to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia? With his stock dropping fast, his media appearances are as weird as ever. Meanwhile, the team checks in on Mamdani, to find that he seems to be inching toward the center on the NYPD, with Jessica Tisch potentially still waiting in the wings.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.