New Yorkers In Their Element (S13 Bonus Episode)
In this AudioFiles special bonus episode, we meet New Yorkers in their element, from the studio to the stage to among the pigeons.
CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Melanie Marich
Host: Graham Hartmann
Reporters: Perry Gregory and Jesse King.
Editors: Kalli Anderson and Richard Yeh
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
A K-pop dance instructor helps fans move like their favorite stars
The genre of K-Pop has surged in popularity in recent years, with fans around the world who want to learn how to dance like the stars. Mehak Basinis a dance instructor at Euphoria Dance, where she helps fans accomplish this goal. Reporter Nathaly Cisneros joins Basinis in the studio.
Amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment, an Ecuadorian dance team keeps tradition alive
In the face of an incoming Trump presidency, a New York City-based Ecuadorian dance group, Ayazamana, celebrates its heritage. The team includes immigrant and U.S.-born participants dedicated to spreading Ecuadorian culture. Reporter Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez joins the team on its latest recruiting season as hopefuls try out for a spot on the team.
After the Daniel Penny trial, New Yorkers evaluate how safe they are on the subway.
Violent crime is down in New York City compared to this time last year, yet pundits and politicians alike continue to mull over New York’s subways as hotbeds for violence. The case of Daniel Penny, who was found not guilty of the negligent homicide of subway passenger Jordan Neely last spring, has sparked a nationwide outcry along with citywide conversations about how safe our subways truly are and for whom.
Reported and produced by Melanie Marich, photo courtesy of Reuters.
An Electrical Engineer’s Review of The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
For decades, houses in the Brooklyn neighborhood Dyker Heights have attracted visitors with their elaborate Christmas light decorations. Tourists delight in the holiday charm of each display — but has this charm ever been formally evaluated? Reporter Perry Gregory visited the display with electrical Engineer and Power Systems expert Panos Moutis, who shared his review of the lights this season, and his thoughts about the environmental impacts of holiday decor.
Dancing, Drones and Changes Across New York (S13 EP5) – December 11, 2024
In this season finale of AudioFiles, we meet an Ecuadorian dance crew keeping their culture alive, what a recent court decision means for subway safety in New York, and visit some legendary Christmas lights with an electrical engineer who teaches us the true meaning of Christmas: protecting the environment.
CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Marissa Braswell
Host: Graham Hartmann
Assistant Producer: Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez
Reporters: Perry Gregory, Nathaly Cisneros, and Melanie Marich
Editors: Kalli Anderson, Richard Yeh and Maggie Freleng
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
Music Credits: Beat Mekanik, Jason Shaw, The United States Marine Band and hollis nacco
For more info on AudioFiles:
One of NYC’s Last Luncheonettes Preps the Soda Fountain for its 100th Anniversary
Luncheonettes were once a staple in every New York City neighborhood. Only a handful remain today. One such iconic eatery is preparing to celebrate it’s 100th year in business, still turning out sodas and egg creams mixed by hand. Reported and produced by Steve Kastenbaum.
Congestion Pricing Is Back On, But Opponents Aren’t Giving Up The Fight
Congestion pricing is back from the dead, meaning New York drivers could ring in the New Year by paying tolls whenever they enter lower Manhattan south of 60th Street. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority approved its new toll plan Monday, but it still faces a lot of opposition. Reported and produced by Jesse King.
Real-Life Gladiators Fight in a Medieval Combat Tournament
The Armored League held its inaugural tournament in Chinatown, where modern-day knights fight with armor and swords for a $1,000 grand prize. Reported and produced by Graham Hartmann.
The Irish Speakers of New York City
Across all five boroughs, New Yorkers from all walks of life are coming to learn and speak an ancient language. At the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, Queens, these language speaking events called Gaeltachts help the language flourish for a new age.
Reported and produced by Jake Duffy. Photo courtesy of the New York Irish Center.
Back From the Dead: congestion pricing, gladiator fights and the New York luncheonette
What was once old can be new again. In this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking at the revival of congestion pricing, New Yorkers who practice the ancient sport of gladiator fighting, and Irish descendants keeping the Irish language alive in Queens.
CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez
Host: Marissa Braswell
Assistant Producer: Nathaly Cisneros and Graham Hartmann
Reporters: Jake Duffy, Jesse King, Steve Kastenbaum and Perry Gregory
Editors: Kalli Anderson, Richard Yeh and Maggie Freleng
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
Music Credits: National Sweetheart, Rafael Krux, Holiznacc0, And Beat Mekanik.
For more info on AudioFiles:
New Rat City
New York Celebrates Shirley Chisholm’s Legacy
Kamala Harris’ historic run was said to have roots to Shirley Chisholm, widely considered the first Black woman to seriously run for president. Chisholm’s political life is currently on display at the Museum of the City of New York in an exhibit called Changing the Face of Democracy, Shirley Chisholm at 100. Reporter Marissa Braswell takes us there, and speaks with The Shirley Chisholm Institute about Chisholm’s legacy and the work ahead.
(Photo courtesy of Brad Farwell)
“We are the rat.” Broker fees, election wrap-ups, and the War on Rats (S13 EP3) – November 13, 2024
In this episode of AudioFiles, we celebrate the New Yorkers who survive and shape the urban landscape. We visit a Manhattan exhibit celebrating Shirley Chisholm, her political life, and how her legacy connects to Kamala Harris. We’ll also dive into Eric Adams’ war on rats, check in with street vendors on Roosevelt Avenue facing police crackdowns, and break down a new bill concerning broker fees in New York’s housing market.
CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Jesse King
Host: Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez
Assistant Producer: Graham Hartmann
Reporters: Marissa Braswell, Nathaly Cisneros, Melanie Marich
Guests: Rachel Kahn
Editors: Kalli Anderson, Richard Yeh, Cynthia Rodriguez and Maggie Freleng
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
Music Credits: Holizna, Beat Mekanik, Jahzzar, And The Crypts
Special thanks to Gwynne Hogan.
For more info on AudioFiles:
www.audiofilespodcast.com
To flip the House, NY Democrats look to flip the suburbs
Democrats are focusing their efforts on a number of key suburban districts as they look to flip the House in November. Reporter Jesse King travels to upstate New York with the story.
Amid historic elections, Puerto Ricans decide where their vote matters most
On a Wednesday night at La Sala de Pepe, Puerto Ricans gather to watch a crucial gubernatorial debate. A new political party is sparking hope for change amid a corrupt two-party system in Puerto Rico. With U.S. citizenship but limited voting rights, Puerto Rican students on the mainland must choose between voting in the U.S. or participating in elections back home. Reported and produced by Ana Colon-Garcia.
New York College Campuses Crack Down on Free Speech and Protest
Across the country, universities have implemented new protest regulations and defensive infrastructure to stop students from protesting for Palestine. In New York City, where some of the most explosive protests occurred last semester, hundreds of students were arrested. Reporter Perry Gregory spoke to students at City College and New York University about how these changes have shaped their semester so far.
NYS Bill of Rights Proposal 1: In or Out?
As voting gets underway in New York, a ballot proposal to update the state’s bill of rights has advocates on both sides amping up efforts to turn out the vote. Reporter Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez has the story.
Election Eve: Puerto Rican Voters, Local Races and Prop 1 (S13 EP2) – October 30, 2024
For this episode of AudioFiles, we’re looking ahead to election day. We talk to voters deciding whether to vote in Puerto Rico or where they live in the mainland United States, check in on local congressional races that could help tip the balance of power in Congress, and talk to advocates for a ballot proposition to amend the New York state constitution. Plus, we’ll meet a couple making 50’s style doo-wop music in the name of Satan.
CREDITS:
Managing Producer: Melanie Marich
Producer: Graham Hartmann
Host: Marissa Braswell
Assistant Producer: Perry Gregory
Reporters: Jesse King, Evelin Fajardo-Alvarez, Ana Garcia-Colón and Graham Hartmann
Guests: Gabbi Timmis, Brent Morden, and Candace Pedraza
Editors: Kalli Anderson and Richard Yeh
Audio Engineer: Chad Bernhard, with help from Amber Watson
Music Credits: Jason Shaw, Holiznacc0, Mathieu Tissandier, Peppa Pig Edit And Mcgrogo
For more info on AudioFiles:
www.audiofilespodcast.com
A Chorus of Calls to Reject Mayor Adams’ NYC Charter Revision Ballot Proposals on Election Day
When voters in New York City head to the polls next month, they’ll be asked to vote yes or no on six ballot questions. Five of them are proposed changes to the city’s constitution, brought by Mayor Eric Adams’s administration. Many politicians and organizations are urging New Yorkers to reject those proposals. Reporter Steve Kastenbaum takes a look at what’s on the ballot and the surrounding controversy.