Agents of Humanity

By The Nicholas Center | Launchpad 516 StudiosSociety & Culture Personal Journals

Agents of Humanity episodes

August 27, 2025 Making the World More Colorful - Tracy Lefkowitz
On today's very special episode of Agents of Humanity, the co-hosts are joined by Tracy Lefkowitz. Tracy serves as Art Director & Program Director of The Art Guild in Port Washington, NY. Previously, she has worked as an Art Director at Golden Books after working at Scholastic Publishing, Early Childhood Today Magazine, and Workman Publishing and then worked many years in Early Childhood Education. She is also a Freelance designer for a variety of clients.

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
57 min
August 13, 2025 Growing Up Together - Program Director Brooke Mellett
On today's very special episode of Agents of Humanity, the co-hosts are joined for a fun-filled chat with our friend, Brooke Mellett. Brooke is the proud Program Director of The Nicholas Center, where she has worked for the past decade, watching our co-hosts blossom through the program. She is also the recent winner of Long Island Business News' 40 under 40 award.

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
1 hr 5 min
July 30, 2025 You Gotta Laugh...Through Cancer - Comedian John Ziegler
John Ziegler, a Long Island native who uses his comedy to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. John dreamed of going into stand-up comedy as a child. He made it a reality when he switched careers at age 40. But everything changed after more than a decade on stage when at age 54 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After learning the news, he decided to write a comedy special…and with the help of friends, he did just that! Writing the special from his hospital bed in 2021. Six weeks after chemotherapy, with the help of friends, he taped "Getting My Affairs in Order" at Governors Comedy Club on Long Island. 4 years later John is healthy and happy and continuing to make 'em laugh!
For more on John Ziegler see: https://www.johnzieglercomedy.com/
Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
32 min
July 17, 2025 The Nonprofit Sector Connector - Tommy DiMisa
Tommy DiMisa, "Tommy D" is “the Nonprofit Sector Connector!” - a philanthropic activist, he serves on multiple nonprofit Boards and hosts a weekly live program, “Philanthropy in Phocus,” interviewing nonprofit leaders -to share their story and amplify their message. Tommy D is active with the LindyLoo Foundation honoring the life of his cousin. believes that everyone has access to and can offer the "3 T's" - Time, Treasure and Talent!

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
43 min
July 02, 2025 Shining a Spotlight on All Abilities - Maria Dente-Higgins
Maria Dente-Higgins is the founder and director of “Dente’s Dreamers”, an inclusion-based production company through which she creates theatrical experiences that are nothing short of magic—where every voice is heard, every talent is honored, and every ability shines. Additionally, Maria is a devoted special education teacher of 13 years with the New York City Department of Education and the proud president of “Joey’s Friends Too”, a nonprofit providing essential medical equipment to families in need.
https://www.dentesdreamers.com/
https://www.joeysfriendstoo.com/

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
41 min
June 18, 2025 Creative Steps to Inclusion - Lisa Szilagyi
Lisa Szilagyi began her career in special education after the birth of her daughter Emily who was born with “Tuberous Sclerosis Complex” or TSC. An award winning Special Education Teacher, Lisa has been involved with the TSC Alliance, created multiple programs connecting people with and without disabilities, and more. Today, Lisa is the co-founder, President & Program Director of The Aurelia Foundation’s Creative Steps Day Program for adults with developmental disabilities.

https://www.creativesteps.org/

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
50 min
June 05, 2025 Disabled Does Not Mean Unable - Kevin Schultze
Kevin Schultze joins us from the Farmingdale Public Library, where he works through Helen Keller Services’ work experience program. One of his many duties at the library is creating and hosting their first ever podcast, “Beyond the Rotunda”, where Kevin interviews authors, people of interest from the community and more.

https://www.farmingdalelibrary.org/

https://rss.com/podcasts/beyond-the-rotunda-pod2/

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
44 min
May 22, 2025 Keeping Our Community Clean - Nadine Delmonte
Nadine Delmonte is 3 years into her 1st term as Port Washington Garbage District Commissioner. A Port Washington native, she attended Boston University and is a former owner of LaMotta’s Waterside Restaurant in Port Washington.

https://pwgarbagedistrict.com/home-page

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
31 min
May 08, 2025 Dream Creator - Stacey Saltzman
Stacey Saltzman, and her “My Style Camp” studio invites viewing fashion as a vehicle for self-expression. At the start, it was Pop-Up workshops and utilizing her garage for classes! Today, a thriving studiowhere children, tweens and adults learn to design, sew and upcycle and repurpose clothing and accessories. Stacey's philosophy creates a safe space for creativity, self-expression, following following your own creative muse and fostering self confidence!

https://mystylecamp.com/

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
43 min
April 23, 2025 Being the Mayor : It's all about problem solving - Mayor John Popeleski
Having previously worked for the Water District, the Fire Department and more, Mayor John Popeleski of the Village of Manorhaven, New York has worked in the public sector for over 30 years. Affectionately known as “Mayor Pop,” he has served on the Village board as a Trustee since 2016 and Mayor since 2022. Most recently, Mayor Pop welcomed TNC Chocolate Lab to our new location in the Village with open arms!

Today's podcast is hosted by our very own agents of humanity: Robert, Tomas, Tara, and Jason.

Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Instagram, and @nicholas-center on LinkedIn.

Agents of Humanity is produced by Launchpad 516 Studios.
Agents of Humanity was originally developed by Dave Thompson and George Andriopoulos.
Subscribe to Agents of Humanity on Apple Podcasts and get notified of new episodes, every two weeks!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agents-of-humanity/id1698271745
Or find us on your favorite podcasting platform!
49 min

About Agents of Humanity

From the publisher's feed

The Nicholas Center presents Agents of Humanity, the podcast that features conversations about being human hosted by individuals who just happen to be on the autism spectrum. In the end, we’ll always…