In this episode, Kelly is joined by Zombie Papas Jorge and Todd, the organizers of Thriller NYC! 

Join them as they introduce themselves. Jorge tells us how he came to New York, and what it was like moving here. Todd on the otherhand, talks about being third generation from Brooklyn. They tell us about how they met, as well as their costume wedding. They talk about how they found Thriller NYC and how long they've been involved with it. 

Jorge talks about the founding of thriller in the west village Halloween parade. He talks about the first time it was done and what it was like when it first started. He talks about how he initially joined another thriller group because Thriller NYC was full. Todd talks about how Jorge invited him to join thriller one year, but not in the way that he had wanted to. 

Kelly asks about the process of putting together something so massive. Todd talks about the process of how people get tickets and join the group. He goes over what the rehearsals look like as well as what the time table is like to put on something like that. They both talk about what people are getting out of their ticket. They talk about how it is important for them to form a safe community, and they emphasise moving your body in community, and the healing power that it can have.

Jorge and Todd thank Kelly for his viral video of the performance, and they talk about how that helped them get put back on the map and continue post Covid. They also talk about what it feels like to put together this massive project every year, and the cultural impact that it has on the world. They talk about their trip to South Africa and how Thriller even has an impact there. 

Finally, Kelly asks them some quick fire questions about the dance, the halloween parade, the costumes, and where to eat after. 

But, above all else; Jorge and Todd are New Yorkers. 

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Join Thriller NYC!

https://www.thrillernyc.com/

@Thrillernyc

Donate to the village Halloween parade!

https://halloween-nyc.com/donate/ 

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this episode, Kelly is joined by author Andy Fisher! He is the retired founding executive director of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. He has 35 years of experience in New York City charitable foundations, and is a winner of the Helen Keller International’s Humanitarian Award. Inspired by the humanitarian efforts of the past, he has written his first book about an unsung New Yorker: Nathan Straus.

Kelly asks Andy about his growing up, and work. Andy tells Kelly what lead him to New York and to what his passion ended up becoming. Andy talks about retirement and how he was inspired to write a book about Nathan Straus.

Andy talks about the writing process. He thanks the publishers, and the fellow scholars that helped him finish the book. He talked about how he came upon Straus, and why he thought it was important to tell his story. 

Kelly asks Andy about Nathan Straus: Where he was born, what his family life was like, when he moved to New York, and how he made his fortune. Andy talks about how he immegrated from Europe in the early 1800s and what that was like. He told Kelly about how the Civil War ruined his family's buisness. He talks about how his family moved to New York and was able to secure some retail spacy in the well known Macy's! 

Kelly asks Andy about his humanitarian efforts. Andy tells Kelly about how he was a champion of milk pasteurization at a time when the whole world was against it. Andy explained how Straus saved countless lives by ensuring that everyone had access to the information about pasteurization and pasteurized milk to drink. 

Andy then talks about his efforts to help people abroad, and talks about his humanitarian efforts in the middle east, as well as how he helped Jewish people, as well as Palestinians. 

Kelly asks Andy about Nathan's Brother and the Titanic: he tells the story of the families fatefull travel. 

Finally Kelly asks Andy about how Nathan had said that he wanated to give away all of his money. Andy talks about Nathan's father's philosophy growing up and how that effected him. He talks about the different ways in which he helped the homeless, and helped the community during financial hardships and how even in his most succesfull moment in life, he was humble and knew his limits. 

But above all else; Nathan Straus and Andy Fisher are New yorkers! 

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Buy Andy's Book!

https://andrewfisherwriter.com/

Or anywhere you buy books.

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

In this week's episode, Kelly is joined by community builder Maryam Banikarim! She was the former Chief Marketing Officer of many global organizations, She is the Co-Founder of Longest Table, and Host of the podcast “The Messy Parts”. 

Kelly asks Maryam about coming to The United States from Iran. Maryam talks about her experience living in Iran and in California. She talks about her first trip to the East Coast and how she got into Barnard off the wait list. 

Maryam talks about life in NYC in the 80s. She tells us about a fateful encounter she had on the subway, fast talking her way into night clubs, and joining Chippendales!

Kelly asks her about her experience doing a TedTalk. Maryam tells us how she got the opportunity to do the talk, what her process was in coming up with topics for it, and how she was able to practice and perfect her performance. 

Maryam then talks about putting together The Longest Table. She discusses challenges that she faced when putting on the first event. She talks about how the obstacles become obstacle courses in how she navigates regection and keeps it from letting it affect her. 

She then talks about New York Next and how during covid, she and a group of concerned New Yorkers got together to put together an incredible video to help support artists during that dark time. 

Kelly asks Maryam about the formation of "The Messy Parts". The two talk about their experience being podcast hosts, and the unique challenges that face them. They discuss the creation of Maryam's show: From inspiration to early planning and to how it is now.

Finally, Maryam tells the audience about her wedding anniversary, as it is the same day that they recorded the podcast. Maryam met her husband on the Subway! And she recounts her classic New York Story for us. 

But above all else; Maryam Banikarim is a New Yorker.

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Maryam's Social Media

@mbanikarim

@LongestTableCommunity

@TheMessyPartsPodcast

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

Due to the hustle and bustle of city life, the New Yorkers have to take a leave of absence this week. Please enjoy this episode we did back in September with the brilliant Madelyn Wils. And tune in next time for a brand new episode!

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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

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

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]