Author Chrystal D. Giles had a son and began to crave seeing him and her family reflected in children’s books. In this episode she tells 6th grader, Christina, how this absence of diversity spurred her on to write the books missing from the shelves. Once an accountant, she’s now a full-time author who believes we have time to do “all the things” we’re interested in.

After a successful nonprofit career, Rich found himself pivoting to an organization that had made his community work possible. Now the CEO of Robin Hood, he’s getting to support projects he loves, in neighborhoods he loves. In this episode, 7th grader Chanse picks his brain on everything from the importance of pre-k and afterschool programs — to anime.



It’s not every day you meet someone who can catch a speeding tap shoe mid-air in the dark — fix it — and then send it back out to finish the show. This week’s guest can do just that. Islah Abdul-Rahim is a successful visual artist and Broadway wardrobe professional. In this episode, co-host Prianna asks her what in her career she’d do exactly the same — and what she’d make alterations on.

Entrepreneur, podcast professional, and New York Edge board member, Robert Tuchman joins 12-year-old Rokiat to discuss the winding path many of our careers take. We dream of one thing and a couple of pivots down the road we’re enjoying a career we didn’t expect. 

In this episode of Formative, 7th grader, Angel, connects with Simone Harris-Laws who’s in charge of DEI marketing and community partnerships for Macy’s. We learn to find common ground through ice cream, get less rigid with our schedules, and the importance of mentors as an alternate family who want us to be happy.

Let’s get our butterflies into formation and make the next right move. On this episode of Formative, former U.S. Ambassador, and aspiring aerospace engineer, Suzan LeVine deep dives with 8th grader, Allyson. They mull over the power of the listening ear and how, as women leaders, it’s sometimes hard to be heard.

How does Overwatch teach valuable life lessons? Should I be a chef…or psychotherapist? And how can chocolate make a difference in a borough…and the world? That’s just some of the things we learn on this episode of Formative as D’Angelo from 362K interviews Carlos Cortes of Chocobar Cortés.

What’s the difference between and E and E10+ rating? It’s just one of the things we learn on this episode of Formative where 13-year-old Sandesh interviews Pat Vance — president of Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her role, Pat oversees and directs momentum of the organization that helps us know which video games are the right ones for us. 

Amaurys Grullon kicks off the Season 3 premiere of Formative. He’s a self-described “multipotentialite” who has his feet in creative worlds from illustration, to fashion, to music. We caught up with him in The Bronx — where he’s in love with his community and finding the most creative ways to give back. In this episode, co-host Allyson shares some Dominican pride and learns a little about the grind it takes to be an entrepreneur as we get a peek at those keys to success.

Jameel McClain played in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens. In retirement, he’s only picking up the pace. He’s currently Director of Player Engagement for the Baltimore Ravens as well as a multi-faceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. On this season two finale of Formative, he tells co-host Jonathan how he ended up in football, how his education is still serving him, and how he recovers after some of the toughest passes life can throw.