In this episode, Kelly is joined by James "Murr" Murray From the hit TV show "Impractical Jokers"! He is also an executive TV and Film producer as the President of Impractical productions. He is a best selling author of 9 published titles and tours the world telling jokes to sold out arenas.

Kelly starts off the show by asking Murr where he was born and what it was like growing up on Staten Island. Murr talks about coming back home after late nights in the city and funny stories on the Staten Island Rapid Transit. He talks about moving to Bay Ridge and going to Catholic school where he met his best friends. 

Murr then talks about how the show "Impractical Jokers" started. He tells Kelly about his initial pitch for the show and how the company loved it. Kelly talks about the stats from the start of the show and how well it captured audiences all over America. 

Murr talks about filming the show in the city and how quickly he and his group shot up through the comedy space. He tells the story of performing at his sold out show at Madison Square Garden.

Kelly asks Murr about a few of the punishments and improv skits that he has done on the show. Murr goes behind the scenes and talks about "The greatest Punishemnt Ever" That he has orchestrated on the show. He talks about how it was 5 years in the making, and all of the work and preperation that he had to do in order to pull it off. Murr also talks about some of his other favorite skits from the show.

Kelly talks about some of the other aspects of the show. They talk about filming during covid, how they go about getting people to go along with their antics, and if they have ever broken character or said that they werent going to do something. 

Finally Kelly asks Murr some quick fire questions about New York, and Murr gives us a subway take, his favorite pizza, and his 5:30am bodega order.

But above all else; James "Murr" Murray is a New Yorker.

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

Murr's Social Media:

@TheRealMurr

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

Get Your Tickets to his show at "Murrlive.com"!

Join us for the last highlight of Season 2! The New Yorkers Podcast will be back for Season 3 in two weeks! Until then, please enjoy this episode on the tantalizing tale of New York City in the 1980s from the brilliant Jonathan Mahler. 

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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:

@Jonathan.Mahler

Jae's Social Media:
@Studiojae170

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

Jae Watson's Social Media

@Studiojae170

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

Jae Watson's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Hillary Wallace! She is the principal designer at her own firm: Simon-Wallace Design. And she pulls out all of the stops decorating her New York City home for the holidays. 

Kelly starts the episode off by talking about the only way two true New Yorkers could meet: Yelling at each other from a window! 

Hillary talks about where she was from and how from when she was young; she alwasy wanted to move to New York. She talks about growing up in LA in the 80's, moving to colorado, designing her own furniture as a side job and how that inspired her to go back to school for design. 

Kelly then asks Hillary about her house, and Hillary tells the very roundabout story of how she and her husband came to find and buy the house.

Hillary tells us all about decorating her house for the holidays. She goes over her schedule, talks about where she gets all of her resourses from, and how she goes from design idea to execution every single year.

Kelly and Hillary then talk about the desings themselves. What they are, some absurd stories about them, and the ways that different people have been inspired or moved by them.

Hillary talks about her design philosophy, and how she goes about meeting clients, and creating a lifestyle for them or meeting them in their lifestyle. Jae asks her about some other events around the city and the three talk about some of the various events you can do while around New York during the holiday season.

Finally, Kelly asks Hillary about some of her New York City Essentials, like where she goes for inspiration, where her favorite shops are and how she likes to get around. 

But above all else; Hillary Wallace is a New Yorker. 

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

Hillary Wallace's Social Media:

@SimonWallaceDesign

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

Hosted by Kelly Kopp

Executive Produced by Huston "Jae" Watson

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by CEO of American Christmas: Dan Casterella! He has been the leader of the company since 2017 which is responsible for all of the incredible Christmas decorations around midtown that we know and love. 

Kelly starts the episode off by asking Dan about how he started working with the company. Dan talks about how he loved decorating houses for Christmas since he was a kid and how he would even cut class in high school in order to decorate houses!

Dan talks about his journey through the company; starting as an installer and working his way up to becoming CEO! He talks about how he runs the company, and what it means to be in a seasonal buisness. Dan talks about how he and his employees deal with the stress of Christmas and what it means for them and their families. 

Kelly asks Dan about The Headquarters in Mount Vernon, Westchester. Kelly talks about his visit to the facilities and all of the different iconic fixtures of Christmas in NYC that he got to see. Dan talks about how they let visitors tour the facilities and on the weekends kids take pictures with Santa Clauese. Dan donates all of the proceeds from santa clause to local organizations that help local youth.

Kelly asks Dan about instalations. How long they take, what the planning process is like and where they go around the City. Dan talks about some of the world famous fixtures that they do, such as the one at Saks 5th Ave, Radio City Musica Hall and all over 5th and 6th ave in midtown. 

Dan talks a bit about the other work that they do all over the country. He tells us which state has the biggest market for christmas in the country, and what the second biggest city that they decorate is. 

Jae asks about some more details regarding the creation process, and Dan talks about the two different ways that they work on projects: Clients come to them with the idea that they have to execute, or their prefered way which is doing all of the creating and designing themselves. He talks about what that process is like too.

Finally, Kelly asks him what his favorite christmas decoration is in New York and Dan surprises us and says that it's one that he doesn't do! 

But above all else; Dan Casterella is a New Yorker. 

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

American Christmas on Social Media:

@AmericanChristmas

Jae's Social Media:

[email protected]

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