Glitter & Doom

Reverend David Brawley is not shy about criticizing the Mayor and his approach to affordable housing and NYCHA management. Also a member of the Strategy Team of East Brooklyn Congregations, Rev. Brawley joins Jarrett in the studio to talk about heat and hot water issues, widespread mold, and more plights of NYCHA tenants.

A work-in-progress documentary called “The Rabbis’ Intifada” tells the story of a group of Orthodox Rabbis who are speaking out around the globe in support of Palestinian liberation. Filmmaker Heather Tenzer joins us in the studio. Then, Chief Ayanda Clarke speaks with Brian about African Traditionalism, what it takes to become a Nigerian Chief, and an upcoming event he’s organized on culture, tradition, and identity.

Council Member and Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Oversight and Investigations, Ritchie Torres brings us up to date on the latest NYCHA news. Then, Rebecca Brown, Director of Policy at The Innocence Project, talks about the #GuiltyPleaProblem. 95% of felony convictions in the U.S. come from guilty pleas, and of all the wrongfully convicted individuals exonerated by The Innocence Project, 18% had pleaded guilty. Hear from Rebecca on why the system is in desperate need of reform.

Women’s anger is not only potent, but essential for social change, and it has been throughout history. Author Rebecca Traister talks with Ashley about her book “Good and Mad” and how we can harness our rage to encourage progress.

Following last week’s large-scale mass shooting, the National Rifle Association told doctors to “stay in their lane.” But gun violence is directly related to public health, and to talk about the intersection of guns, medicine, and mental health, Dr. Jonathan Metzl joins Ashley in the studio. But first, hear from Prospect Park gardener Allie Loux as thousands of ladybugs are being mobilized to save the Park’s beloved aster flowers from the destructive lace bugs.”

Max Rose’s victory over incumbent Dan Donavan means NYC no longer has a Republican in the House of Representatives. To talk about the win and her Times article titled “What Max Rose can Teach Democrats about Beating Republicans,” Ginia Bellafante phones in. Then, Jarrett speaks with Lisa Schreibersdorf, executive director of Brooklyn Defender Services, to talk about criminal justice reform, the possibility of closing Rikers Island, and how to hold Democrats accountable to the promises they made during the Midterms.  

A division of Amazon’s new headquarters is coming to Island City, and the city’s residents and politicians are already bracing themselves for drastic infrastructure changes and an explosion in property values. To talk about Amazon’s potential impact on the city and how renters can protect themselves, Amy Plitt, editor of Curbed New York, joins us in the studio. Then, Brian speaks with MaNishtana, Black Orthodox Jewish Rabbi and author of “Arial Sampson, Freelance Rabbi”, on the need to educate people about racism and intersectionality in the Jewish community.

Following last month’s New York Times report on a Trump administration memo revealing a plan to define “transgender” out of existence, MacKenzie speaks with Ana Connor, co-director at Third Wave Fund, about how the local organization is fighting back. Then, the Vital Theater Company is putting on a performance of “The Wizard of Oz” for kids 4 and up at Kingsborough Theater. To tell us more, we’re joined by Anna Becker, the Executive Director of On Stage at Kingsborough and Stephen Sunderlin, Co-Founder & Artistic Director at Vital Theatre Company.

Amazon recently announced that their new headquarters will be split between Arlington, VA and Long Island City in Queens. With this tech boom, some are concerned that the city will gentrify even more rapidly. To talk about what this move might be, we’re joined on the phone by Vox reporter, Gaby Del Valle. When Councilmember Rafael Espinal surveyed the landscape of New York City's nightlife, he didn't like what he saw: antiquated cabaret laws, bar and club closures caused by gentrification, and the overregulation of our storied establishments was tarnishing the city's reputation for DIY club culture, local music, and part scenes. To advocate for New York City’s nightlife, Councilmember Espinal helped create the role of the Night Mayor. We’re joined by the first person to hold this role, Ariel Palitz, and Councilmember Espinal.  

History was made in the past Midterm Elections, as two Muslim women were voted into U.S. Congress. Mohammad Khan, campaign director at MPower Change, joins Jarrett in the studio to talk about mobilizing the Muslim vote. Then, we’re joined by journalists Paula Katinas of the Brooklyn Eagle and Julianna McShane of the Brooklyn Daily who discuss the results of the Midterms, and how Brooklyn races shaped the dramatic outcome.