The Sunset Park Podcast

The Sunset Park Podcast

By Rob AguilarNews
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The Sunset Park Podcast episodes

  • How Many More? Jiayi Zheng, Third Avenue, and the Fight for Safer Streets in Sunset Park EP # 41
    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, we remember Jiayi Zheng, the 28-year-old NYU Langone Brooklyn nurse killed in a hit-and-run while crossing Third Avenue at 55th Street after completing an overnight shift.Her death has renewed painful questions for Sunset Park: Why has this dangerous corridor been allowed to remain unsafe for so long? How many more pedestrians, cyclists, workers, neighbors, and family members must be injured or killed before the City of New York delivers meaningful change?As someone who lives along Third Avenue and has personally witnessed tragedies on this corridor, I share the community’s grief, anger, and demand for action. This episode examines the deadly history of Third Avenue, the risks pedestrians face at intersections like 55th Street, and the urgent safety measures that city elected officials should fight for—including a complete street redesign, safer crossings, longer pedestrian signals, traffic calming, protected bike infrastructure, better lighting, and accountability from City Hall.Jiayi Zheng should have made it home safely. Sunset Park deserves streets designed to protect human life—not corridors where preventable tragedy becomes routine.
    11 min
  • From Community Board 7 to Brooklyn’s Political Future EP # 40
    In this episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, we sit down with Julio Peña III, a longtime Sunset Park community leader and public servant who recently completed 4 years as chair of Brooklyn Community Board 7.Julio reflects on his roots in Sunset Park, his experience bringing together residents from across Brooklyn’s diverse communities, and the lessons he learned leading a community board through some of the neighborhood’s most important conversations. He also discusses his work with young people through the Chinese-American Planning Council and the importance of creating new opportunities for the next generation of community leaders.As Brooklyn’s political landscape continues to evolve, Julio shares his perspective on local government, civic participation, and the future of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. We explore how local politics really works, why everyday residents need a stronger voice in decision-making, and what it will take to build a more transparent, inclusive, and community-centered political system.This is a conversation about leadership, representation, neighborhood change, and the continuing effort to ensure that Sunset Park residents have a meaningful role in shaping the future of their community.
    28 min
  • Illegal Dumping in Sunset Park EP # 39
    In this episode of the Sunset Park Podcast, Rob Aguilar discusses illegal dumping and the impact it has on our neighborhood—especially along the Third Avenue corridor. Drawing on his experience as a former District Director in the District 38 City Council office, Rob shares practical steps residents can take to properly report illegal dumping, follow up with 311, and work with their local Council office to get results. 

    Would love to hear from you! Send us an email: [email protected]
    6 min
  • Comeback Episode 2026! EP # 38
    After a four-and-a-half-year pause, Rob Aguilar and the Sunset Park Podcast is back.In this return episode, I share why I stepped away from the podcast to focus on my work in local government, and why now feels like the right time to return. I reflect on one of the first lessons I learned in government: how differently change moves when decisions require layers of process, communication, and approval.Coming from the nonprofit and community-advocacy world, where responding to urgent needs can often feel more immediate, adapting to the pace of government was a real learning experience. This episode begins a new chapter for the podcast—one rooted in community, honest reflection, public service, and the lessons that come from working both inside and alongside the systems that affect our daily lives.Thank you to everyone who supported the podcast during the break. 

    Have an idea for an episode or you would like to be guest on the podcast, please reach out: [email protected]

    Give Rob Aguilar a follow on Instagram: @aguilarrob
    Follow the Sunset Park Podcast on Instagram: @sunsetparkpodcast




























































    4 min
  • Rodrigo Camarena - Candidate for District 38 City Council EP # 37
    On this episode we are joined by Rodrigo Camarena. Rodrigo is a long time Sunset Park activist who is running for City Council. We spoke about why he is running and the issues he wants to take on should he become our next Council Member. If you would like to get involved with Rodrigo's campaign make sure to visit his website: https://rodrigo4nyc.com


    This episode is sponsored by Barbon Life. They make cruelty free, paraben free , all natural men's grooming products. Enjoy 10% off your purchase at www.barbonlife.com when you use the promo code: SUNSETPARK
    When you make a purchase at www.barbonlife.com you are helping to support this podcast and a local Sunset Park small business.
    38 min
  • Whitney Hu - Candidate for District 38 City Council EP # 36
    Joining us today is Whitney Hu candidate for Brooklyn's City Council District 38.
    Whitney talk about why she is running to represent our district.

    This episode is sponsored by Barbon Life. They make cruelty free, paraben free men's grooming products. Enjoy 10% off your purchase at www.barbonlife.com when you use the promo code: SUNSETPARK

    Please send us your comments and suggestions: [email protected]
    37 min
  • Delaying the Opening of Schools EP # 35
    On this episode we are joined by parents and teachers of District 15 and District 20. We will discuss why they support delaying the opening of schools.

    This episode is sponsored by Barbón Life. They make cruelty free, paraben free men's grooming products. Enjoy 10% off your purchase at www.barbonlife.com when you use the promo code: SUNSETPARK

    Please send us your comments and suggestions: [email protected]
    51 min
  • Democratic Debate for Brooklyn's 51st Assembly District
    Episode #33

    Democratic Debate for Brooklyn's 51st Assembly District.

    Candidates:
    Genesis Aquino
    Marcela Mitaynes
    Felix W. Ortiz
    Katherine Walsh


    Moderators:
    Rob Aguilar
    Shanna Castillo

    The Debate Committee:
    Antoinette Martinez
    Arelis Hernandez
    Carmen Maria Rey
    Cynthia Felix
    Jeremy Kaplan
    Jorge Muñiz
    John V. Sontore
    Rebecca Harshbarger
    Rob Aguilar
    Rodrigo Camarena
    2 hr 8 min
  • Marcela Mitaynes - Candidate for NYS Assembly - 51st District
    Episode #32

    Marcela Mitaynes is our guest on today's episode.
    Marcela has worked to help tenants in Sunset Park and Red Hook know their rights and fight to stay in their homes. She is running for Assembly in the 51st District. We spoke with Marcela about her work in the community and why she is running. If you would like to know more about Marcela's campaign please visit her website: https://www.marcelaforny.org/

    If you have any comments or suggestions please send us an email: [email protected]
    31 min

About The Sunset Park Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Sunset Park Podcast amplifies the voices, stories, and ideas that define one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Hosted from the heart of Sunset Park, the show brings together community…