Schneps Connects

Described by New York Post’s Page Six as “a high powered personal injury lawyer” and named as one of New York State’s most influential lawyers, Sanford Rubenstein has handled numerous multi million dollar high profile cases in which he has represented victims in tragic occurrences in New York City including police brutality, inmate neglect and medical malpractice.

Sanford talks about his book entitled “The Outrageous Rubenstein” in which he writes about his experience as a media savvy trial lawyer fighting for justice and change representing countless victims of wrongful acts.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

Samara Karasyk joined the Hudson Square BID as President and CEO in November 2021 to continue to manage the imagination and technology in this creative neighborhood. (Clarkson Street on the north, Canal Street on the south, 6th Avenue on the east, and West Street on the west)

She has more than two decades of experience in private/public partnerships, diverse team management, communications, public affairs, intergovernmental relations, policy-making, and project management.

Samara talks about what the BID is doing to support its businesses and residents, the concern about another wave of the coronavirus and how it might affect the Hudson Square area and the look ahead to the workforce eventually returning to the office.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

Ed Domingo , Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and General Manager of Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the country’s sixth largest gaming floor and the 122-year-old historic Yonkers Raceway, in addition to its 1,000+ employees, and the overall experience of its nine million annual visitors.

Domingo talks to Josh Schneps about how a full gaming license would be a game changer for New York. 

Make sure to check out a new episode of Schneps Connects every week wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

The 92Y is well known and regarded for bringing people together and providing exceptional, groundbreaking programs in the performing and visual arts; literature and culture; adult and children’s education; talks on a huge range of topics; health and fitness; and Jewish life.

Seth Pinsky, CEO of 92Y talks about his work in a wide range of roles from government to the private sector to non-profit, his thoughts about the future of arts and culture and how the business model for the arts is going to change for good.

Make sure to check out a new episode of Schneps Connects every week wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

92Y provides programs that foster the physical and mental health of NY area residents and for enhancing  their educational and spiritual growth and their enjoyment.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

If you’re interested in what’s happening in the restaurant industry, particularly post Covid, ROAR (Restaurants Organizing, Advocating & Rebuilding) advocates for unemployed restaurant workers facing financial hardship.   

This year, Roar welcomed veteran food journalist, advocate, and former attorney Andrea Strong as its first Executive Director. Known for her pioneering food blog, The Strong Buzz, Andrea has covered the intersection of food, business, policy and the law, writing for The New York Times, Food & Wine, New York Magazine, Eater, and more.

Hear Andrea talk about the Key to NYC, how Roar raised $3M in partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation to support over 5,000 laid off NYC restaurant workers facing incredible economic hardship as a result of the pandemic and about the Restaurant Equity Project ensuring workers equity and a sustainable future. 

Make sure to check out a new episode of Schneps Connects every week wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

Steve Chen, President, Crystal Window & Door Systems, grew up in the business, as a child accompanying his father, Thomas Chen, to customer business meetings or helping out at the Crystal factory. Born in Taiwan, Steve came to the U.S. with his parents at an early age. He attended New York City public schools (including Bronx High School of Science) and graduated with a degree in economics from Penn State University.

Steve talks about how his business has grown from a small garage to one of the largest windows companies in the U.S. and his recent philanthropic activity involving Queens College Family/Crystal Windows Endowment to support exhibitions, student scholarships, and a visiting artist program focusing on Asian contemporary art. It is the first major gift to help establish the college’s new School of the Arts, introduced as part of the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

Despite the challenges of 2020, the building industry is on its way back and poised to lead New York City’s recovery.  Today’s guest is Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the New York Building Congress,  a fantastic organization with cooperation of contractors, architects, engineers, unions, real estate managers, developers and owners who comprise the building community.

Carlos talks about the outlook on construction where they forecast more than $174 billion will be spent on construction over the next three years*. Carlo also discusses how New York City will greatly benefit from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill approved in Congress, how the new City leaders taking office in January will be at a pivotal moment for New York City and how the Building Congress has been supportive of making sure New York City can withstand violent storms like Hurricane Ida, which devastated large portions of the five boroughs.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

*Source: New York City Construction Outlook 2021-2023

Jose Bello is the founder of My Bodega Online, a New York City-based app that allows customers to order their go-to items from their local bodega with the click of a button. The app currently works with seven bodegas in the South Bronx, with hopes of expanding citywide.

Jose talks with Brooklyn Paper reporter Kirstyn Brendlen about My Bodega Online and the potential disruption posed by new quick-service grocery apps in New York City.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Nancy Yao Maasbach is the President of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA).  Nancy combines her experiences in business, arts and culture to redefine the American narrative by examining the role of Chinese Americans in U.S. history.  Prior to her time at MOCA, Nancy was the executive director of the Yale-China Association.

Hear Nancy talk about why The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) was named one of America’s Cultural Treasures, what role has the museum played during this time of elevated anti-Asian hatred and why the museum has been the target of protests involving the jail planned for Chinatown and money that some say the Museum received in conjunction with it.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps

The Museum of Chinese in America’s exhibit “Responses: Asian American Voices Resisting the Tides of Racism,” will be extended through March 2022.

The exhibit details “the historical roots of anti-Asian and Asian American Pacific Islanders (APPI) racism from the early days of American history until the rise of anti-AAPI racism and violence today,” according to a press release from the Museum of Chinese in America.

Charley Ryan, co-owner of Brooklyn Bowl on Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg was born on the South Side of Chicago and was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan.  He opened Brooklyn Bowl in 2009 with Peter Shapiro,  a 23,000-square-foot ironworks foundry building which was a former abandoned warehouse.  They had a dream and brought the venue to life and infused life to the area by combining live music, food by Blue Ribbon, 16 bowling lanes, stages and bars, all  in one venue.

They have hosted many legendary performances, including that of Guns N’ Roses, Elvis Costello and The Roots. To date, Brooklyn Bowl has sold almost millions of  tickets to thousands of shows.

Charley talks about first getting into the music industry,  the unique idea to combine a bowling alley with a music venue and his role at Wetlands Preserve.   Brooklyn Bowl has locations in Brooklyn, Las Vegas, Nashville, Philadelphia and has ticket-buyers in all 50 states, and 46 countries.  Music venues across the world were shut down and took financial hits during the pandemic. Brooklyn Bowl was able to financially get through the pandemic and  the business has changed forever.

Make sure to subscribe to Schneps Connects wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia.com.

Produced by Jill Carvajal and Josh Schneps