Rediscovering New York

On this weeks show we explore the City’s most iconic, quintessential, and utterly New York-centric hotels: the Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria.My guests will be two Rediscovering New York regulars: David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding, who is also the program’s Special Consultant, and Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest, David Griffin, a regular guest on the show. To begin the podcast, David Griffin talks about where he was born and some of the places he grew up. He then talks about how he got interested in architectural history and New York City’s architectural history in particular. After which, Jeff and David move on to the topic of the show, NYC Hotels, starting with Waldorf-Astoria. David describes some of the original Waldorf-Astoria building, how it came to be, and some of its architectural designs. Following, David talks about the building’s initial public reception - which was severely negative - and how the hotel enterprise dealt with this reaction. David then gives an overview of the building's architectural changes.

Segment 2

Before returning to the topic of NYC hotels, David talks about how he started his business Landmark Branding. David shares how audiences can contact him and learn more about Landmark Branding. Continuing the show’s topic, David begins by talking about how the Waldorf-Astoria owners got a hold on the land to develop on it. Then, David talks about some of the hotels iconic rooms and how guests spent time around the building. This leads into the hotel’s construction history. David then shares the history of the famous clock in the Waldorf-Astoria lobby and how it was made. Jeff and David then describe some of the political and religious history surrounding the hotel. To end this segment, David shares some final thoughts on how the Waldorf-Astoria impacted our modern culture.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest, Joyce Gold, another show regular. Joyce begins this segment of the show by talking about where she was born, where she grew up, and how she got involved in the work she does. On the topic of The Plaza hotel, Joyce talks about what was in the area before The Plaza was constructed. Joyce then talks about how the Plaza got its name. Then, Jeff and Joyce discuss The Plaza’s architectural styles and how it came to its modern look. 

Segment 4

For this last segment, Joyce talks about the new tours she is designing and how her tours are faring despite the current pandemic. Joyce shares how listeners can contact her and book tours themselves. On the topic of The Plaza, Joyce and Jeff talk about those who stayed at The Plaza and some of the things that were impressive back then and still are today. Jeff talks about some of the most iconic rooms to be found at The Plaza. Moving on, he then talks about some of Donald Trump’s and Trump’s family involvement with the hotel. Joyce then shares some of The Plaza’s influence on pop culture and movies.

On this week's show we will go into the archives from two past episodes, where Greg Trupiano was one of my guests.We will replay part of my show on Fort Greene - Greg loved bringing the history of his beloved Brooklyn to life, especially where it was touched and greatly influenced by Walt Whitman- and my interview with Greg and Michael Capasso, the General Director of the New York City Opera, on the history of opera in New York City.Greg was wonderful in so many ways, and he was taken from us far too soon. I hope you will join us.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Greg Trupiano, who is a Brooklyn native growing up in the Kensington neighborhood. Greg explains how he first got involved in sharing neighborhood history with people. This initially started with his passion for the famous American poet Walt Whitman. Through the Walt Whitman Project, Greg gives tours across Brooklyn. Greg then goes into the early history of Fort Greene. Under the British rule, Fort Greene and all of Brooklyn was mainly rural farmland. Fort Greene saw a lot of action during the Revolutionary War, the most famous of which was the Battle of Brooklyn. During this time, the British were using the Brooklyn Navy Yard as a place to put American prisoners on ships. In addition, there was a lot of abolitionist work going on in Fort Greene after the war. There was a large African-American population due to the ending of slavery in 1827. 

Segment 2

Greg discusses the importance of the implementation of L trains through Fort Greene. Many historic buildings are located in Fort Greene, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the oldest hospital in Brooklyn. The Williamsburg Saving Banks Tower is another significant piece of architecture, for at least half a century was the tallest building in the borough. Jeff then brings up the decline of Fort Greene in the mid-1900s. After the Brooklyn Navy Yard was decommissioned in 1966, the neighborhood lost a lot of its population and wealth. Greg says that In the 1980s the neighborhood was revitalized and people began repopulating the area. 

Segment 3

Jeff introduces the history of the opera in New York City. Jeff introduces his two guests, Michael Capasso, and Greg Trupiano. He then talks about the background of them. Jeff then asks how Michael got to work with the New York City Opera. Michael comes from an Italian family and he used to listen to a famous singer’s song when he was young and he also read a book about the singer by then he was inspired. Then Jeff asks his second guest, Greg Trupiano. Greg talks about how the Garcia family came to New York to produce the Italian Opera.

Segment 4

Jeff continues to ask about the history of opera in New York. Michael talks about a very famous company that started in the 18th century, the Metropolitan Opera House. The wealthy businessmen built the Metropolitan Opera House. They are able to gather the most famous opera singers to perform in the Metropolitan Opera House. Then he talks about the New York City Opera being “people’s opera” because it was popular with its new price and its features appeal to the immigrant population.

On this week’s show we visit Riverdale, in the Bronx. My guests will be Rediscovering New York regular guest and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding, and Betty Campbell-Adams, owner of the Famed Lloyd’s Carrot Cake.Show Notes

Segment 1

To begin the podcast, Jeff introduces guest-regular, David Griffin. David talks about his relationship with NYC, where he grew up, and how he first got interested in NYC architecture, real estate, and restoration. He moves on to talk about the Native Lenape people who were the first to settle in the now Riverdale area, and then relays the name origin of Spuyten Duyvil in the Bronx. Following this, David talks about the first European settlers in this area, how it looked back then, and how estate looks now.

Segment 2

David talks about his company, Landmark Branding, what his work entails, and how people can get in contact with him. Continuing on the topic of Riverdale, David talks about what spurred development in Riverdale to become more suburban. He highlights how aspects of architectural design and city planning wanted to emphasize the commuter’s contact with nature and scenic views. He then shares some iconic historical figures who found refuge in Riverdale, including president JFK, composer Bartok Bela, and singer Ella Fitzgerald. David lists some of the famous schools that can be found in Riverdale and one of the famous parks in all of NYC. To end the podcast, David shares his thoughts on the future of Riverdale and its legacy.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest, Betty Campbell-Adams, owner of the famed Lloyd’s Carrot Cake which has been a business for 35 years.. To begin, Betty talks about when she first moved to NYC, where she grew up, and her marketing background. She then talks about how her late husband first began Lloyd’s Carrot Cake and where the business is today. Betty reminisces when she first met her husband, how she first began to help manage the business, and some of the challenges she faced when her husband passed away.

Segment 4

Betty begins this segment of the podcast talking about the non-profit organizations she was involved with. She talks about her relationship with Riverdale and how her business fares in this neighborhood. After describing the atmosphere surrounding Riverdale and what she believes makes it unique, Betty also talks about her customers, some of whom are outside of the country. She then speaks in-depth about what it takes to make her famous carrot cakes. Following, Betty shares other thoughts on Riverdale and some advice for someone who wants to open up a business. To end the podcast, Betty talks about the future of Lloyd’s Carrot Cake.

On this week’s show we will journey underground, and a little above ground, as we explore the New York City Subway: its history, and its art!

My guests are returning guest and Rediscovering New York regular Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York, and Phil Desiere, Founder and Owner of Walkabout New York.

On this week’s show we will visit Greenpoint, in Brooklyn. My guests will be returning guest, local historian, famed tour guide (and Greenpoint resident!) Lucie Levine, founder of Archive on Parade, and Julia Moak, owner and publisher of Greenpointers.com.Segment 1Jeff introduces his first guest, Lucie Levine, founder of Archive on Parade, who first talks about when she moved to NYC and Greenpoint, and what she did before getting into the business of touring and what led her to it. Onto history of Greenpoint, Lucie then talks about the Native Americans who first settled on Greenpoint, how the location first got its name, Dutch settlers, and Greenpoint’s history with slavery. Following, she describes Greenpoint’s involvement during the Revolutionary War. Jeff and Lucie fast-forward 50 years discussing the first steps Greenpoint began to transform into the neighborhood it is today.Segment 2The segment begins with Lucie talking about the more interesting and standout tours she has given through Archive on Parade. She then describes how Archive on Parade has been dealing with the pandemic, its digital tours, and how to learn more about her company. Back to the topic of Greenpoint, Jeff and Lucie give insight to Greenpoint’s approach to industrialization. They discuss Greenpoint’s early education system and its immigrant communities, namely its Polish and Irish communities. After touching upon baseball in Greenpoint, the segment ends with Lucie talking about the environmental impact in Greenpoint.Segment 3Jeff introduces his next guest, Julia Moak, owner and publisher of Greenpointers.com. To begin, Julia talks about where she lived prior to Greenpoint, her career path before buying Greenpointers, and what led her to buy it. Lucie talks in-depth about what her company does, emphasizing its focus on local commerce, and how she handles dealing with the many events she curates.Segment 4Julia describes the overall vibe of Greenpoint. She talks about some of the changes and difficulties that have occurred in Greenpoint since she moved in, including gentrification and several local businesses closing. On the flip side, Julia talks about what excites her the most and what continues to surprise her about this neighborhood. Julia talks about some of the struggles for businesses in Greenpoint. She also speaks about some of the things she wished were better for local business owners. The segment ends with Julia sharing some advice for those who may want to open a business in Greenpoint.

Saving Two Buildings in Brooklyn

On this week’s program we will explore efforts to gain landmark status for buildings based on culture and history, and two buildings in particular, both in Brooklyn.My guests will be Karen Karbiener, Clinical Professor at New York University and Walt Whitman Scholar, and Raul Rothblatt, Historic Preservation Advocate and co-founder of Five Boroughs to Freedom.‍

Segment 1

Jeff begins the show by introducing his guests, Karen Karbiener and Raul Rothblatt. Both guests are making efforts to preserve buildings 99 Ryerson St., a pivotal residence for illustrious American poet, Walt Whitman; and 227 Duffield St, both. in Brooklyn. Karen describes what intrigued her about Walt Whitman’s work, what set him apart from other writers, and what led her to preserving his residence. Raul talks about how he got engaged in community affairs working with a NY state senator. Following this, Karen delves into how Whitman came to live in 99 Ryerson St. 

Segment 2

Karen and Raul talk about how Whitman’s sexual orientation and his activism influenced his writing. Karen then dives into the kind of influence the first publication of Leaves of Grass had in American literature at the time. They continue to discuss Whitman’s activism when the poet moved to Washington, and how his activism and poetry was a way to accept all kinds of people.

Segment 3

Raul describes some of the political and cultural highlights surrounding the NYC/Brooklyn landscape around 1848, and some of the structures and institutions that arose including abolitionists and black community churches. Following, Raul talks about the supposed abolitionist activity that may have happened on 227 Duffield St. He does note, however, that Duffield St. as a whole observed abolitionist movement. 

Segment 4

Karen explains why 99 Ryerson St.’s landmark status was initially turned down by the landmark preservation commission. Raul then describes why 227 Duffield St.’s landmark status application was turned down initially as well. Both guests cite architectural design, the amount of time spent in historical relevance, how the building stands currently, etc. The show ends with Karen and Raul sharing how listeners can get involved with landmark preservation and learn more about their respective organizations.

On this week's program we will explore the City's Art Deco skyscrapers, arguably the most magnificent structures in New York. My guest will be Rediscovering New York regular, and the show's Special Consultant, architectural expert and aficionado David Griffin of Landmark Branding.‍And you can watch the Facebook Live video by clicking here

Segment 1

Jeff starts the show introducing his guest, David Griffin, founder and CEO of Landmark Branding. David speaks about his relationship with NYC, where he has lived, and how he became interested in architectural history specifically in NYC. Jeff and David discuss the building styles prior to the art deco architecture that is widespread throughout the city today, even noting the Native American art that was present before. David then goes into the styles directly influencing art deco in NYC skyscrapers and its origins. The segment ends with a discussion about the influence of setbacks, universal architectural features as a result of zoning regulations in force by the 1920s in American cities.

Segment 2

David talks about his company, Landmark Branding, how it’s related to NYC architecture, and his specific work as its CEO. He shares how listeners can get in contact with him, as well as how to access his writings, blog, and podcast. Jeff and David talk about one of the greatest art deco buildings in NYC, the Chrysler Building. David then highlights some of the architectural design elements on the building, taking special interest in the Chrysler Building lobby’s mural. 

Segment 3

The segment starts off on the topic of the Empire State Building. David talks about how the building got its name, the competition of creating the world’s tallest skyscraper around the world during its construction, and the many offices that make up the building. Following this, David talks about the building’s architectural design to capture as much light as it could throughout the day in all parts of the building. 

Segment 4

Jeff and David share some interesting trivia about the Empire State Building, including how fast it was constructed, details of the workflow that went into it, and one of the original reasons why it was built. David then talks about Lewis Hine’s work as a photographer of NYC’s skyscrapers, especially his photography of the Empire State Building.

How LGBTQ Activists Shaped NYC’s Political System

This week’s episode will focus on the influence of LGBTQ and HIV+ activists on New York City Politics. My guests are Melissa Sklarz, the first transgender elected official in New York, and the NY City Council, and Erik Bottcher, Chief of Staff to Council Speaker Corey Johnson.Segment 1This special episode begins with Jeff introducing his guests, Melissa Sklarz, the first transgender elected official in New York; Erik Bottcher, Chief of Staff to Council Speak Corey Johnson. Both guests are interviewed together throughout the show. Both Melissa and Erik talk about where they grew up and lived prior to moving to NYC. They then describe when they first got involved with LGBTQ activism and the certain policies they had to face then that are changed now.Segment 2The trio talk about Stonewall Democrats, whom all three are members of, and other pro-LGBTQ Democratic groups. Melissa and Erik go on to talk about when and how they first join Stonewall Democrats. Then, Melissa talks about her involvement with the former Equality Project which focused on giving protections to LGBTQ people within a corporate environment. Erik describes what it was like working for Christine Quinn, former speaker of the NYC Council.Segment 3Melissa talks about what it was like to run for her different office positions, including her run for Assembly in 2018, and what really motivated her to represent the LGBTQ community. Erik, in turn, talks about his experience helping run specific campaigns under Christine Quinn and his own, detailing work environments, personal anecdotes with discrimination, and learning from policies that passed and didn’t pass.Segment 4Erik describes how he became Chief of Staff for Corey Johnson and back to City Hall. Following this, Melissa muses on the issues she’s been committed to and worked for over the years and if they’ve changed at all. Erik, too, thinks on how issues, policies, and culture have changed and what he has observed over the years. While both agree things have improved overall, both speak at length about certain LGBTQ groups that still struggle immensely. The show ends with Erik and Melissa sharing their plans and hopes for the future.

On this week’s show we will be taking an in depth look at some of New York City’s great public library systems – yes, we have more than one, three in fact! We will be looking at two of them.My guests will be Keith Glutting, Manager, New York Public Library Visitor Volunteer Program at the New York Public Library, and Jennifer Thompson, Assistant Director of the Central Library at Brooklyn Public Library.Segment 1The show begins by introducing the week’s topic - New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. He introduces his first guest, Keith Glutting, Manager of the NYPL Visitor Volunteer Program. Keith was originally from Ocean County NJ, visiting both NYC and Philadelphia frequently. Keith describes some of the inspirations and early work experiences that led him to the field of public libraries and its history. He then goes into the complex question of how NYPL got its start, the Astor Library, and how NYPL became an official institution. Keith also mentions other public libraries affiliated with NYPL and the relationship of public libraries with the city and its citizens throughout the years. The segment ends talking about historical steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie and his relation to NYPL.Segment 2The segment opens about when and how NYPL’s central library was conceived. After reminiscing about the conveyor belts that would deliver books to the NYPL’s patrons, Keith describes the magnitude of the library’s book collection and its online catalog. Jeff and Keith go further in-depth to how books are maintained and delivered around the library’s building. On the topic of architecture, Keith talks about the lion statues that stand guard around the NYPL building. Keith talks about who sculpted the lions, the lions’ names, and their inspirations. Following this, Keith lists his personal favorite points of interest within the library. The segment ends with informing audiences on how to connect with the NYPL and their events despite the Covid-19 lockdown.Segment 3Jeff introduces his next guest, Jennifer Thompson, Assistant Director of the Central Library of Brooklyn Public Library. Jennifer describes what led her to her career at BPL and other experiences in the field of library sciences. Jeff and Jennifer go briefly into the history of public libraries in Brooklyn before diving into the planning and architectural history and style of the BPL’s central branch. The segment ends detailing more bits of facts surrounding the BPL including its scale and rank among libraries in NYC.Segment 4Jennifer describes some of the variety of collections the BPL holds and the different wings of the buildings reserved for them. Many of these collections are centered on music including recordings, sheet music, and instrument loans. Jennifer then shares some of the more interesting “nooks and crannies” of the BPL, commenting on how the library itself is shaped like a book. There is much collaboration between the major library systems of NYC; Jennifer highlights some of the events BPL and other libraries do to support one another. She then describes some of the strategies BPL has implemented to engage with patrons and the community despite the Covid-19 lockdown. The show ends with where audiences can learn more about the BPL.

On tonight’s show we will be taking a look at businesses that bring New York City to life through their incredible tours.

My guests will be Corey William Schneider, CEO and Founder of New York Adventure Club, and Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours.

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest, Joyce Gold, who has 40 years of touring experience, numerous encyclopedia entries of NYC. Joyce was originally from Pennsylvania, moving to NYC when she was 8 and has lived in the city ever since. She muses on how much has changed since her beginnings as a tour guide, becoming a full-time tour guide not long after conducting tours of Greenwich. Joyce then talks about the process that goes into designing her tours, how long it takes her to design a tour, and what inspires particular tours she has done in the past.

Segment 2

Jeff and Joyce go further into what inspired her tours, specifically the Brooklyn neighborhood, Gowanus. Many of Joyce’s tours are inspired and based around specific incidents in history, such as the Revolutionary War, and ethnic communities. She even made a tour of Governor's Island, a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor, soon after it was open to the public some 15 years ago. Joyce then goes into what makes her decide to update a tour and what helps her make those decisions. The segment ends with tours Joyce would love to give in the future, many of which are new neighborhoods focusing on technology and Hudson Square.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest, Corey William Schneider. Corey isn’t originally from New York City, having lived in New Jersey prior, and has been in his business - New York Adventure Club - for 6 years. He goes into the beginnings of his business, what inspired it, and some of the goofy logistics that shaped it into what it is today. One of the first “adventure tours” that Corey designed included Brooklyn Army Terminal and was especially impressed by the aesthetic of its architectural design. Corey then goes into how his approach to designing tours over the years has evolved, especially now that he gets many referrals of different places.

Segment 4

Corey talks about what neighborhoods and tours are especially memorable for him, having a special attachment to Lower Manhattan. He then talks about how New York Adventure Club has been dealing with the coronavirus lockdown, working with artists, musicians, vendors, etc. to find a way to translate their tours into a virtual medium. Despite the difficult situation, NYAC has been very successful with plans to keep virtual tours past the lockdown. Corey still has ambitions of expanding his business beyond New York City and feels even more enthusiastic after the success of his virtual tours.