During this busy Holiday Season, the New Yorkers have their plates full. So please sit back and enjoy a great episode from last Thanksgiving!

In this episode, Kelly is joined by John Friia! He is a digital creator, New York City historian and featured on PIX11's New York Living!

Kelly asks John about his New York Story: Where he's from, What kind of content he does, and why he has such a profound interest for New York City History. 

Kelly tells us about his time as a balloon handler in the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade. How he got the position, which balloons he got to handle, and he tells the story about the time he almost got to High Five a Rockette!

Kelly and John give tips about where to go to see the parade the best. Where has the best view, how to go so you can leave early, and where the best place to go to the bathroom is. 

John tells Kelly about the history of the parade. When it started, the original parade route, how the Central Park Zoo was involved. John also tells us about the lengthy process that the balloons and floats go through before they can make it to the day of the Parade.

Kelly also tells John about the inflation ceremony, where thousands of people from around the world gather to see the balloons inflated. He gives the listeners tips on the best places and times to see this too. 

But above all else; John Friia is a New Yorker!

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

John Friia's Social Media:
@Here_in_NY on Instagram
@hereinnyc on TikTok

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by historian, Justin Southern! 

Join them as Justin tells Kelly how he first became a tourguide. He talks about his time teaching English in Italy, responding to an ad to become a tourguide while living in Italy, and how he came to New York. 

Kelly asks Justin about imigration before Ellis Island. Justin talks about the different ways that people emmegrated from their home countries before the US created a way, on the federal level, for people to immigrate to the United States.

Justin talks about the creation of Ellis Island and the first ship that landed on the island. He talks about how many immagrants went through Ellis Island during its peak use. Then he talks about how many immigrants were turned away from staying in the US due to sickness, and puts into perspective how small a number that is.

Kelly asks Justin what people did while they were on Ellis Island. Justin tells him how they had different wards of the hospital and the different patients they took at each. He tells us about how due to the previlance of disease, children had to be seperated from their families.

He also talks about how nurses and doctors made huge advancements in health during this time period because they were able to study so many patients. Justin also gives somes stories about how nurses befriended their patients and stayed connected even after they made it back to the mainland. 

Finaly, Kelly asks Justin about the Hard Hat Tour, Justin tells everyone what they can experience when they take the tour. He also gives some great tips for visiting Ellis Island and the stature of Liberty. He also tells everyone how they can take the hard hat tour. 

Kelly also tells everyone about his experience taking the hard hat tour. He talks about what he saw on the tour as well as what it felt like to be in the space that so many immagrants went through. 

But above all else; Justin Southern is a New Yorker.

Follow Justin Southern 

@Southbysouthern

Follow Kelly Kopp's Social media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Follow Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. 

Join them as Mark tells Kelly and Jae about how he got his start in politics: His origin as a teacher, in the south Bronx, and how he saw a need in his community and filled it. 

Kelly asks Mark about his journey to where he is now. What his early campaigns were like, the first races he ran, and what kept him in it even when he faced hardships. 

Mark tells us about the job of the Manhattan Borough President: what his duties are, what he has power over, and what he has used his position to accomplish. 

Mark then talks about his journey to become Comptroler of New York City. What that job means, what all it entails and how it exists in relationship to the Mayor. 

Finally Mark talks about what he hopes to accomplish as the Comptroler of the city. He talks about affordablity, and financing ways to reach these goals. Mark also talks about how he would work with Zohran Mamdani, if he were to become Mayor of New York, and how their goals align for a more affordable New York. 

But above all else; Mark Levine is a New Yorker. 

Follow Mark Levine

@MBPMarkLevine

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by President and Founder Michael Presser! 

Join them as Michael tells Kelly and Jae how he fell in love with theater. From a young age, his Aunts took him to see broadway stars as they developed shows in Philidalphia. He talks about how he knew that he wanted to move to New York to be a part of that because of those experiences. 

Michael tells The New Yorkers that he is working on a new book! And he talks about the writing process and how it has brought up memories of his journey to where he is now. He also gives some advice to young people who are starting out in their careers. 

Kelly asks Michael about Inside Broadway, What the organization does, how it got founded, and what kind of programs it runs. Michael talks about how it started from a simple task that he was asked to help out with. He tells us about the importance of art in young people's lives and how his organization's sole purpose is to be a vehicle for that. 

Jae asks Michael about the trade ascpet of theater, and Michael talks about how theater is a vast field of job opportunities for people to go into. He talks about the different skills that are required to put on productions. 

Kelly asks Michael about the Cats ticket program. Michael tells the story about how that was the thing that started inside broadway. He talks about how it has changed the lives of hundreds of kids, and how he hopes that it provides a ripple effect in that other kids and families will get to enjoy theater. 

The New Yorkers talk about the future of theater: how the industry was affected by covid, how advertising strategies have evolved, how the media plays a part in theater, and how social media has effected the theater landscape. 

But above all else; Michael Presser is a New Yorker. 

Follow Inside Broadway

@Inside_Broadway

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this Episode, Kelly is Joined by Open House New York Executive Director Kristin LaBuz!

Join them as Kristin tells us how she became an urban enthusiest, growing up in upstate New York. She talks about going to UPENN and studying Urban Planning. She tells us about some of the work that she's done improving communities on her way to working with Open House New York.

Kelly asks Kristin about Open House New York Weekend. Kristin tells him about all of the different events and activities that are taking place October 17th-19th, 2025.

Kristin tells us how Open House New York got started, and how it was an act of rebellion during a time where things were very closed off. 

Kelly tells Kristin how much he loves doing the open house events, getting to see private residences, secret rooftops, and the under guts of the city.

Kristin talks about raising a child in the city. How the world is her child's teacher and how everthing is amazing to a child. She tells a heartwarming story about how kind New Yorkers can be. 

Jae asks about the scavenger hunts that Open House New York puts on and Krisitn talks about what go into those and when you can participate. 

Kelly asks Kristin some rappid fire questions about her time with Open House New York.

And finally, Kristin asks Kelly what he would want to see opened up. 

But above all else; Kristin LaBuz is a New Yorker.

Follow Open House New York 

@OpenHouseNewYork

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

In this Episode: Kelly is joined by Civic Leader, Madelyn Wils! She was on the Tribeca Community Board, Head of the Hudson River Park Trust, and is now overseeing the 400 Million Dollar Overhaul of 5th ave. 

From Kelly asking where Madelyn was from, they learn that they lived on the same block in washington Heights!

Madelyn tells Kelly about her time in Television: Working in advertisment sales to selling tv shows, to eventually running her own company and Producing her own shows. Madelyn also tells kelly about the discrimination that she faced and the sexism that was pervasive in the industry. 

Kelly asks Madelyn about working with Charlie Rose and Larry King. Madelyn tells some funny stories about working behind the scenes on their shows. 

Madelyn then tells us about how she got into becoming a civic leader. How she joined the community board, and how she was able to procure an empty lot owned by the city for the nearby school's playground. 

Living in Tribeca in the late 90s and early 2000s, Kelly asks Madelyn about 911. Medelyn recounts her experience on that day, and tells us about how she was able to rally together her fellow community leaders to help everyone in need. 

Madelyn tells us about her experience with standing up to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the attacks and how she advocated for her community and brought them the help they deserved. 

She then talks about how the next administration had been following her work and decided to hire her to work on developing the city. Madelyn talks about how she was able to set up the East River Ferry system, Rebuild Coney Island, start work on the east river park and settle a turf war at Essex Square. 

Kelly then asks Madelyn about her new project. And Madelyn tells him about how she planned to retire after covid, but decided that she really loved working on the city. So when she got called to work on a project to rebuild 5th avenue; She couldn't say no. 

Madelyn talks about the project and their plans for 5th avenue: Widening the sidewalks, adding more greenery and creating outdoor cafe space. She talks about wanting to create a beautiful scene that people want to spend time in. 

But above all else; Madelyn Wils is a New Yorker.

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

For updates on the 5th ave project, Follow

@Fifthavenue 

on instagram

In this episode, Kelly is joined by the founder of "NYC for Free", Rebeka Getty to discuss all of the free things that New York has to offer. 

Kelly asks Rebeka how she got started on her content journey: What her origin story was, the challenges of getting a page going during covid, and how she finds the events she posts about. 

Rebeka tells kelly about her favorite free events in the city, from shakesphere in the park, to gorgeous city views, to sponsored pop up events! 

Rebeka talks about all of the free concerts that happen in the city. She remembers the time she saw Ed Sheeran perform live on the streets of SoHo, and tells everyone how she found out early about the Jonas Brothers Concert on the Ferry. Kelly tells her about the time that he saw Jimmy Fallon and Alanis Morissette perform live at a subway station. 

Kelly asks Rebeka about content creation: What are some of the challenges she faces, if she works with a team of creators, and how does she deal with the hate that they get from people in the comments. 

Finishing the show off, Kelly asks Rebeka some rapid fire questions about her opinions on classic NYC topics: Pizza or Bagel, Subway or walking, Favoirte park in the city.

But above all else; Rebeka Getty is a New Yorker.

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:

@NewYorkCityKopp

Rebeka Getty's Social Media:

NYC_ForFree

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Jonathan Mahler! He is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, his sports journalism has been featured in the book “The Best American Sports Writing”, and he is the  author of two books: “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning” as well as “The Challenge.” And his third book “The Gods of New York” is available now wherever you buy books!

Join them, as Jonathan tells kelly a bit about where he's from, and his profession. Kelly asks about raising kids in New York City, and what age did he think is ok for kids to ride the subway. 

Kelly asks Jonathan to give him a background of New York City leading up to the 1980s. Jonathan tells him what it was like to cover the 2016 presidential campaign, and how he was inspired to write this book. 

Jonathan tells Kelly about some of the stories that were going on during the second half of the 1980s, and Kelly talks about how he remembers living through a lot of these headlines. 

Kelly asks Jonathan what he thinks of the current Mayoral race in New York City. Jae tells a funny story of what floridians think of the race. And Jonathan recounts how he thinks that the events of his book have a direct effect on this current political climate. 

Jonathan talks about his research process for the book, what archival he used, and the people he was able to interview. Jae and Kelly talk about how much they love the writing of the book: How personable it is, how funny it is, and how the passion for New York City is dripping off every page. 

Kelly asks Jonathan to tell us about the title of the book: "The Gods of New York". Jonathan talks about where the title came from, how much he loves the title, but also why he was apprehensive to call it that.

Finally, Kelly asks Jonathan some questions about his writing process, as well as some fun quick New York City questions that every New Yorker has an answer for. 

But above all else; Jonathan Mahler is a New Yorker!

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:

@NewYorkCityKopp

Jonathan Mahler's Social Media:

In this episode: Kelly is joined by Anthony Mangieri! He is a Chef, Businessman and Pizza Connoisseur.

Join them, as Anthony tells us about how he got his start in the resturaunt industry in his late teens! Anthony talks about his first buisness baking bread, and how that grew into owning his own Pizzaria. From there, Anthony talks about wanting to move his buisness to New York, and how he gained the recognicion of top food critics. 

Anthony talks about his craft, and how he goes about running his resturaunt. He describes his unique approach of personally hand crafting every pizza on his own. He talks about his passion for making dough and his interest in customer service. 

Kelly asks Anthony what the Pandemic's effects were on his resturaunt and how he survived it. Anthony talks about the kindness of his community, and how he met his future wife during that difficult time. 

Anthony talks about his wife Christina and their soon to be baby! He is blessed to feel fortunate to have a lot of great things in his life, and he talks about how he manages all of it. 

Jae asks Anthony about his frozen pizza product: What it was like to create sometihing like that, what is the process like, and where people can buy it. Anthony talks about how he wanted to make the best frozen pizza that exhists. The pizza's are personally hand made in italy, with fresh italian ingredients, and Anthony prides himself on being able to give a great frozen food alternative to people who might need it. 

Jae also asks about what are some of his other favorite pizza's and resturaunts in New York. Anthony has a few, but says that he is very self motivated, and strives to make the best product he can, and finds ways to innovate and improve every day. 

But above all else; Anthony Mangieri is a New Yorker!

You can Find Una Pizza Napoletana here:

175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

They are open Thursday-Saturday. Reservation is encouraged. 

Kelly Kopp's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Anthony Mangieri's Social Media 

@anthony_w_mangieri

@unapizzanapoletana

In this episode: Kelly is joined by Richard Hayden! Richard is the Senior Director of Horticulture at the High Line.

Join them, as Richard teaches us about the profession of gardening. He tells us about how he got into horticulture, and what it does for him. He talks about his staff and how dedicated they are to maintaining the wonderful vision of the High Line.

Kelly asks Richard how the High Line got started, and Richard tells Kelly the amazing redemption story that the highline overtook: From Death ave to one of the most visited parks in the world. 

Richard tells us about some of the plants that live on the High Line. He talks about the gardening philosophy that they take when deciding what the areas should look like. 

And finally, Kelly asks Richard some fun questions about the High Line: if he's named any of the plants, which area is his favorite, what his favorite view is, and... what berry birds get drunk on? 

But above all else; Richard Hayden is a New Yorker!

Kelly Kopp's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Richard Hayden's Social Media

@NatureGardener