The Sunset Park Podcast
by Rob Aguilar
The Sunset Park Podcast amplifies the voices, stories, and ideas that define one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Hosted from the heart of Sunset Park, the show brings together community leaders, workers, small-business owners, organizers, artists, and neighbors to discuss local politics, immigration, education, housing, labor, culture, and everyday life.Rooted in honest dialogue and community voice, the podcast highlights the stories too often left out of mainstream conversations—while exploring the challenges and possibilities facing Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and New York City.
Episodes
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What Does Sunset Park Get Back? EP # 42
When decisions are made about Sunset Park’s streets and public spaces, what do neighbors actually get back? Drawing on his experience as a former District Director in the District 38 City Council office, Rob Aguilar reflects on the gap between reporting a problem and seeing it resolved. From…
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How Many More? Jiayi Zheng, Third Avenue, and the Fight for Safer Streets in Sunset Park EP # 41
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, we remember Jiayi Zheng, the 28-year-old NYU Langone Brooklyn nurse killed in a hit-and-run while crossing Third Avenue at 55th Street after completing an overnight shift.Her death has renewed painful questions for Sunset...
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From Community Board 7 to Brooklyn’s Political Future EP # 40
In this episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, we sit down with Julio Peña III, a longtime Sunset Park community leader and public servant who recently completed 4 years as chair of Brooklyn Community Board 7.Julio reflects on his roots in Sunset Park, his experience bringing together residents from...
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Illegal Dumping in Sunset Park EP # 39
In this episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, Rob Aguilar discusses illegal dumping and the impact it has on our neighborhood—especially along the Third Avenue corridor. Drawing on his experience as a former District Director in the District 38 City Council office, Rob shares practical steps...
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Comeback Episode 2026! EP # 38
After a four-and-a-half-year pause, Rob Aguilar and the Sunset Park Podcast is back.In this return episode, I share why I stepped away from the podcast to focus on my work in local government, and why now feels like the right time to return. I reflect on one of the first lessons I learned in...
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Rodrigo Camarena - Candidate for District 38 City Council EP # 37
On this episode we are joined by Rodrigo Camarena. Rodrigo is a long time Sunset Park activist who is running for City Council. We spoke about why he is running and the issues he wants to take on should he become our next Council Member. If you would like to get involved with Rodrigo's campaign...
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Whitney Hu - Candidate for District 38 City Council EP # 36
Joining us today is Whitney Hu candidate for Brooklyn's City Council District 38. Whitney talk about why she is running to represent our district. This episode is sponsored by Barbon Life. They make cruelty free, paraben free men's grooming products. Please send us your comments and suggestions:...
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Delaying the Opening of Schools EP # 35
On this episode we are joined by parents and teachers of District 15 and District 20. We will discuss why they support delaying the opening of schools. This episode is sponsored by Barbón Life. They make cruelty free, paraben free men's grooming products. Please send us your comments and...
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Debriefing The 51st Assembly District Debate & Local Politics EP # 34
Episode #34 Rob Aguilar is joined by Jorge Muñiz, Jeremy Kaplan, John Santore and Shanna Castillo to discuss the making of the Assembly debate that took place Saturday, June 20th. They also break down the intricacies of local politics. Please send us your comments, suggestions:...
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Democratic Debate for Brooklyn's 51st Assembly District
Episode #33 Democratic Debate for Brooklyn's 51st Assembly District. Candidates: Genesis Aquino Marcela Mitaynes Felix W. Ortiz Katherine Walsh Moderators: Rob Aguilar Shanna Castillo The Debate Committee: Antoinette Martinez Arelis Hernandez Carmen Maria Rey Cynthia Felix Jeremy Kaplan Jorge…
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Marcela Mitaynes - Candidate for NYS Assembly - 51st District
Episode #32 Marcela Mitaynes is our guest on today's episode. Marcela has worked to help tenants in Sunset Park and Red Hook know their rights and fight to stay in their homes. She is running for Assembly in the 51st District. We spoke with Marcela about her work in the community and why she is...
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Katherine Walsh - Candidate for NYS Assembly - 51st District
Episode # 31 Katherine Walsh is our guest on today's episode. Katherine is a third generation Sunset Parker who is challenging Felix Ortiz. We spoke about her work in the community and the issues she would like to work on should she be elected. If you would like to know more about Katherine…
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The Rezoning of Industry City EP # 30
Episode # 30 Rodrigo Camarena, Antoinette Martinez and Genesis Aquino of Protect Sunset Park are our guests on today's episode. They spoke about why they are against the rezoning of Industry City, they have a clear and precise message for Council Member Carlos Menchaca and the Community Board 7...
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Pedestrian Safety EP # 29
Episode # 29. This is a quick episode regarding pedestrian safety. There is an elementary and middle school being built at 60th Street and 3rd Avenue, the schools are scheduled to open in September 2020. Many parents are concerned that their kids will have to cross 3rd Avenue at 60th Street....
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Genesis Aquino - Candidate for NYS Assembly -51st District
Episode # 28. Genesis Aquino is our guest on today's episode. We spoke to Genesis about her work in the community, why she is running for NYS Assembly and the issues she wants to work on should she be elected. Please send us your comments or suggestions : [email protected]
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Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety EP # 27
This is a very sad time for Sunset Park, we lost a local resident in a bicycle accident on Third Ave. We spoke to our Council Member Carlos Menchaca about what needs to be done in order to prevent these type of tragedies from happening. Please send your comments and suggestions to:...
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Johnny's Pizza EP # 25
Episode # 25 is brought to us by Simple Man Products, please make sure to stop by www.simplemanproductsnyc.com When you shop at www.simplemanproductsnyc.com you are helping to support this podcast. Johnny Miniaci of Johnny's Pizza is our guest on this episode. Johnny's Pizza recently celebrated…
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Boxing Coach Ismael "Pancho" Rivera EP # 24
Episode # 24 is brought to us by Simple Man Products, please make sure to stop by www.simplemanproductsnyc.com When you shop at Simple Man Products you are supporting this podcast. Boxing Coach Ismael "Pancho" Rivera is our guest today. Coach Ismael has a long history in our community that goes...
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Chris Miao EP #23
Episode #23 Chris Miao is our guest on today's episode. He ran for City Council in the Democratic Primary in 2017. We spoke about what he learned from running, what issues he feels are the most important in our district and also put some rumors to rest. Please make sure to stop by our Facebook...
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District 38 Candidate Round Table Discussion
Episode #22 Make sure to go out and vote on November 7th! On this episode we were planning on having a round table discussion with the two candidates running for City Council in District 38. Unfortunately incumbent Council Member Carlos Menchaca never responded to our invitation and did not show...
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Fact Checking Our Local Politicians EP # 21
A quick little episode letting our listeners know what we have line up in the next couple of weeks. If you have any comments or suggestions or you have a story you would like for us to cover, please send us an email: [email protected]
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District 38 City Council Debate. EP # 20
On Today's Episode we bring you the debate that took place on August 29th between the candidates running for City Council in the 38th District. The debate was hosted by The Red Hook Star Review and took place at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The candidates that participated in the debate...
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Carmen V Hulbert, City Council Candidate, EP #19
Green Party Candidate Carmen V Hulbert is running for City Council in the 38th district. Carmen sat down with Rob Aguilar for a very interesting conversation about her extensive background as a journalist with the Associated Press and her motivation in running for City Council. Carmen was the...
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Sunset Park Flags, EP #18
Episode #18. You have probably noticed the flags all along the fence on the 5th Avenue side of the park, they were put up by Junior Allende. Junior is our guest on this episode, he had a conversation with Rob Aguilar about what inspired him to work on this display. If you have a story you would...
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Professional Boxer Julian Sosa, EP #17
Sunset Park Native, Professional Boxer Julian Sosa is our guest on episode 17, he will be fighting on April 22nd, 2017 at the Barclay's Center. We also spoke to his father and trainer Aureliano Sosa, he gave us an insight on what it's like to train his son. Please come out and support this...
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Tony "Sunset Parker" Giordano, EP # 16
Tony Giordano is our guest on episode #16, Tony is the founder of the very popular Sunset Parker Facebook Group with close to 10,000 members. Rob and Tony spoke about how and why the group was founded and about its influence in the community. This is an election year, Tony made a very interesting...
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Participatory Budgeting, with volunteer Victor Nolasco, EP #15
We've got a quick one for you today because there's only a day left for voting in Participatory Budgeting in District 38! Anita Bulan spoke with Participatory Budgeting volunteer (and local teacher) Victor Nolasco at the PS 24 polling site about why PB is important in our community and how he's...
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Carlos Menchaca, District 38 New York City Council, EP #14
Carlos Menchaca has been the District 38 Council Member since 2013, and is up for reelection later this year. Carlos spoke with Anita Bulan about issues affecting Sunset Park, including immigration, Broken Windows, homelessness, and tenancy harassment, as well as the busy September ballot.
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Senator Jesse Hamilton and The IDC, EP #12
Episode #12 On Today's episode we attended a Know Your Rights meeting at Community Board 7, the subject quickly turned to Senator Jesse Hamilton's affiliation with The Independent Democratic Conference. Please send your comments, suggestions to: [email protected]
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Rovika Rajkishun on Community, EP #11
On the day of the inauguration of President Trump, the eve of the Women's March on Washington, DC, and a celebration of community and service with the Day of Volunteerism in Sunset Park, we spoke with Rovika Rajkishun. Along with her neighbor Shanna Castillo, Rovika has been instrumental in...
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Expansion of The Sunset Park Library EP #10
Episode #10. Here to discuss the expansion of the Sunset Park LIbrary is Michelle de la Us, she is the Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue Committee and David Woloch, he is the Executive Vice President of External Affairs. If you have any comments or suggestions please send us an email:...
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Real Sunset Park Stories Series EP #9
This episode is part of The Real Sunset Park Stories Series. On this episode we hear stories from: Tony Giordano, Renee Giordano, Jose Rosario, Alberto Vergara, Daisy Mendez, Bertha Mendez, Mary Yau. Please take the time to support our sponsors: https://squareup.com/market/roanjewelry If you shop...
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Council Member Carlos Menchaca EP #8
Episode # 8. Council Member Carlos Menchaca is our guest on this episode. We talked about his first year in office and how he stood up against the EDC and their desire to control for 49 years 88 acres of Sunset Park's waterfront. Please make sure to check out our sponsor www.roanjewelry.com If…
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Sunset Parker FaceBook Page EP # 7
On Episode #7 Tony Giordano tells us the story behind the creation of the Sunset Parker FaceBook page. He also shares great stories of Sunset Park from Back in day, and some important 2014 highlights. Please make sure to check out our sponsors: If you shop on Amazon, pleases use our affiliate…
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Five Boro Story Project EP # 6
Bridget Bartolini founder of The Five Boro Story Project is our guest on this episode. The Five Boro Story Project, is all about celebrating our neighborhoods and connecting New Yorkers to our neighbors through hyper-localized storytelling. Stories at Sunset will take place on October 24th at 6…
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El Grito De Sunset Park EP # 5
There have been 3 incidents of police brutality in our neighborhood, thanks to people who were brave enough to record the police our community can now hold these cops accountable. Dennis Flores of El Grito de Sunset Park is our guest today, he tells us about his own experience of police…
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Assemblyman Felix Ortiz EP # 4
Our Assemblyman Felix Ortiz joins us, he talks to us about what it was like growing up in Puerto Rico, his accomplishments as Assemblyman and why we should vote for him on September 9th, 2014. Please support our sponsors: www.roanjewelry.com, before we know it the holidays will be upon us, do…
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Ceasar Zuniga EP # 3
Ceasar Zuniga, Candidate for Assembly District 51 joins us on today's episode. We spoke about his experience growing as the son of immigrant parents. He also tells us why he feels Sunset Parkers should vote for him. Please make sure you go out and vote on September 9th 2014. Please support our...
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Anna Lakomy EP # 2
Anna Lakomy joins us today. We talked about what it was like for her growing up in #SunsetPark #Brooklyn and how it helped mold her into the accomplished actress she has become. You can follow Anna on twitter: @annalakomy Please support our sponsors: www.roanjewelry.com Generoso's Bakery…
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Tony "Sunset Parker" Giordano EP # 1
On the first episode of The Sunset Park Podcast we have Tony Giordano joining us. We had a great conversation at the chess tables at Sunset Park. He shared great personal stories about growing up and raising a family in Sunset Park. Tony and his family have worked very hard through out the years…
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About this show
The Sunset Park Podcast amplifies the voices, stories, and ideas that define one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Hosted from the heart of Sunset Park, the show brings together community leaders, workers, small-business owners, organizers, artists, and neighbors to discuss local politics, immigration, education, housing, labor, culture, and everyday life.Rooted in honest dialogue and community voice, the podcast highlights the stories too often left out of mainstream conversations—while exploring the challenges and possibilities facing Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and New York City.
Hosted by
Rob Aguilar
Categories