CUNY TV's One to One

In her interview with André Aciman, Sheryl McCarthy explores his new book Room on the Sea, a trio of novellas centered on love in its many forms—missed, impulsive, obsessive, and mystical. Aciman reflects on his fascination with love, shaped by a lifetime of emotional longing, displacement, and a deep connection to the past. He emphasizes the pain and beauty of fleeting relationships, the loneliness that follows them, and the idea that obsession can reveal profound truths. Aciman finds more meaning in love's failures than its successes, drawing inspiration from literature and the timeless, often melancholic nature of human connection.

Filmmakers Peter Yost & Michael Rohatyn discuss Drop Dead City, their doc on NYC's 1975 fiscal crisis—marked by cuts, lost ideals & a near default. Despite federal resistance, a bailout came through taxes, unions & civic resolve.

In this One to One episode, NYC Sanitation's Joshua Goodman discusses composting reforms, and shares efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable city where trash is managed efficiently.

In this episode of One to One, author Lynn Ellsworth criticizes NYC's shift to super-tall luxury towers, driven by powerful developers, weak regulation, and modernist design—undermining affordability, livability, and the city's human-scale character.

In this episode of One to One, Sheryl McCarthy speaks with Hostos Community College Professor Sarah Hoiland about her book "Righteous Sisterhood: The Politics and Power of an All-Women's Motorcycle Club", an in-depth research on an all-women's motorcycle club, challenging the male-dominated, biker stereotype. Professor Hoiland shares how her years embedded with the “Righteous Sisterhood” revealed a tight-knit, disciplined group of women—many professionals and veterans—who find sisterhood, identity, and purpose through riding, rituals, and philanthropy. While the club avoids feminist labels, its existence redefines women's roles in biker culture, highlighting resilience, solidarity, and the human desire for belonging.

CLAGS Director Matt Brim discusses LGBTQ advocacy, transgender rights, and the challenges the community faces, especially with recent harmful policies. He stresses the importance of integrity, coalition-building, and grassroots movements for resilience.

Sheryl McCarthy hosts Susan Mulcahy, co-author of Paper of Wreckage, discussing The New York Post's transformation from a liberal outlet under Dorothy Schiff to a sensational tabloid under Rupert Murdoch, reshaping American journalism.

Sheryl McCarthy interviews Patrick Bringley, author of All the Beauty in the World, about his decade as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He reflects on how the job helped him heal from the grief of losing his brother, offering him peace through the museum's quiet spaces. Patrick shares his connection to the art, particularly the Old Masters, and how the experience led to his bestselling memoir and a play. He also discusses his non-traditional writing journey, his insights into museum life, and his hope to bring the play to New York.

In this One to One interview, Sheryl McCarthy speaks with Red Washburn, Professor of English and Women and Gender Studies at Kingsborough Community College and the CUNY Graduate Center about the state of transgender rights, focusing on issues like sports, healthcare, and recent legal restrictions. Washburn argues that these restrictions are distractions from deeper systemic inequalities and reflect a broader cultural backlash. They emphasize the importance of access to gender-affirming healthcare, especially for transgender youth, and discuss fairness in sports, highlighting the social implications of transgender women's participation. They also explore the growing transgender rights movement and the need for an inclusive society that respects diversity and fairness for all marginalized groups.

In this One to One interview, poet and educator Roya Marsh reflects on her experiences as a black, queer woman from the Bronx. She discusses the complexities of her identity, growing up without queer representation but finding support through her brothers, community, and the arts. Marsh shares how her poetry serves as a "love letter" to her queerness and addresses the struggles of being both black and queer in a world that often marginalizes these identities. Marsh also talks about her unexpected introduction to poetry slams, which introduced her to performance poetry and expanded her writing from personal experiences to broader societal issues. Marsh highlights her work with young writers, emphasizing how their poetry provides a safe space for self-expression and healing. She advocates for community action in the current political climate, especially for marginalized queer individuals. The interview ends with a discussion of her book Savings Time, praised for its powerful impact. As a bonus, in this episode of One to One, Marsh performs two powerful poems from her book Savings Time: “This One” and “QTNA.”

Sheryl McCarthy sits down with Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New York Historical, to discuss the museum's evolution. Founded in 1804, the museum is updating its name, dropping the hyphen and the word "Society" to become more inclusive. Mirrer shares insights into the museum's cultural updates, including the addition of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass statues, and plans for a 2026 expansion featuring the American LGBTQ+ Museum. The museum's exhibits, like its Tiffany lamps collection, continue to engage visitors with new discoveries, emphasizing the importance of accessible and inclusive history.

Sheryl McCarthy interviews Dr. Indira Etwaroo, CEO and Artistic Director of Harlem Stage, an influential arts institution in Harlem that has supported artists of color for over 40 years. Dr. Etwaroo discusses Harlem Stage's commitment to providing a platform for artists of the Global Majority, especially in light of historical funding challenges. The current season, "When We Are Heard," explores social issues like immigration, equity, and the environment, with performances by choreographers such as Bebe Miller and Eiko Otake, and the Freedom Writers project focused on racial profiling and social justice, culminating in a 2025 performance marking the five-year anniversary of George Floyd's death.

Sylvia Waters discusses Alvin Ailey's legacy, his impact on dance, and the importance of the Edges of Ailey exhibit. She highlights Ailey's contributions to African-American culture, Ailey II's role, and AILEY's educational programs.

Sheryl McCarthy talks to Nicole Gelinas about NYC's shift from car dominance to mass transit, highlighting how activism is challenging the city's historical focus on cars and pushing for better public transportation.

In this conversation Sheryl McCarthy talks to Reverend Billy and Savitri D, co-founders of the Church of Stop Shopping and the Earth Church. The Earth Church in New York's Lower East Side, combines performance art with activism. Initially a critique of consumerism, it now focuses on environmental justice, climate change, gentrification, and social issues. The church's services blend music, theater, and preaching to inspire direct action and community engagement. It also provides support to marginalized groups, including migrants, and promotes social change through local activism.

In a conversation with Dr. Shirley Leyro, associate professor of criminal justice at Borough of Manhattan Community College, host Sheryl McCarthy explores anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. Professor Leyro notes that while it seems to be rising, such feelings have always existed and are often exploited by politicians. She outlines the historical discrimination faced by various immigrant groups and discusses changes in immigration policy, particularly during the Trump administration, which increased enforcement and deportations. Professor Leyro emphasizes immigrants' positive economic contributions and talks about the concept of "crimmigration," a term describing the intersection of immigration and criminal law, highlighting how minor infractions can lead to deportations. The discussion ends with a call for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses root causes and the complexities of legal processes, advocating for a path to citizenship and better support for immigrants. Leyro highlights the importance of a compassionate and informed dialogue on immigration, especially as elections approach.

In a discussion with Anna Law, associate professor of political science at Brooklyn College, Sheryl examines the complexities of the U.S. immigration system amid the intensifying presidential race. Law emphasizes that immigration isn't a primary concern for most voters compared to economic issues, though it's heavily featured in conservative media. She critiques the bureaucratic inefficiencies in the legal immigration process and suggests that both parties navigate a complex political landscape—Republicans exploit the situation, while Democrats struggle to propose effective reforms. Law advocates for a proactive immigration strategy to shift the narrative away from restriction.

In this episode, Sheryl sits down with Mount Holyoke College President Danielle R. Holley. They discuss her groundbreaking journey as the first Black woman president of the college, delve into Mount Holyoke's role in nurturing empowered leaders and fostering a community dedicated to academic excellence and social change, and highlight the college's unique identity as a women's institution that champions gender diversity, underlining its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students. The conversation also emphasizes the significant role of historically Black colleges and universities today.

In this conversation, Sheryl speaks with Lisa Goree, the newly elected leader of the Shinnecock Indian Nation on Eastern Long Island, making her the tribe's first female leader in over 200 years. They explore the history of the Shinnecock reservation, the tribe's future plans, and their relationship with the affluent residents of the neighboring town.

Ronnie Eldridge joins Sheryl to discuss recent political developments and emerging trends, drawing from her rich career as a journalist, advocate, and former public official, now hosting "Keeping Relevant."

Host Sheryl McCarthy interviews Vince Warren, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Rights. They discuss the 10th anniversary of Eric Garner's death, its impact on police abuse, racial injustice, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Host Sheryl McCarthy discusses Venture Access NYC, a program that is working to build an inclusive tech ecosystem for founders and funders in New York City.

In this special episode of One to One, host Sheryl McCarthy and guests focus on the pressing issue of accessibility for aging populations and those with disabilities; groups expected to comprise a significant portion of the global population by 2050.

For decades, NYC sketch artist Christine Cornell has captured the likenesses of high-profile figures in US courts: Martha Stewart, Bill Cosby, the World Trade Center bombers, Donald Trump. Cornell explains her work documenting these historic legal events.

This week, we discuss the alarming rise in mental health issues among young people, a crisis documented by Politico, the Centers for Disease Control, The New York Times, and others. Dr. Suzanne Button is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working directly with adolescents, children, their families, and the education systems that serve them. Joining her is Ryan Camire, Director of Mental Health and Wellness at the CUNY Central Office of Student Affairs, overseeing resources and initiatives across all 25 campuses of The City University of New York.

Sheryl takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Is AI a technological marvel that will revolutionize our lives or a potential threat that we should approach with more caution?

Acclaimed author Brooke Kroeger joins host Sheryl McCarthy for an enlightening half-hour discussion celebrating often-overlooked women of American journalism, the subject of Brooke's latest book, "Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism."

Writer and activist Esther Cohen joins host Sheryl McCarthy to discuss her latest book, "All of Us: Stories and Poems Along Route 17," as well as her lifelong dedication to amplifying the voices of the overlooked.

John Mogulescu's new memoir, "The Dean of New Things: Bringing Change to CUNY and New York City," recounts his illustrious 50-year career at CUNY and the challenges he faced driving meaningful change in higher education.

Education Journalist Cara Fitzpatrick sits down with host Sheryl McCarthy to discuss her book, "The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America."

Host Sheryl McCarthy talks with filmmakers Greta Schiller and Andrea Weiss about their new documentary “The Five Demands”, which tells the story of the 1969 Black and Puerto Rican student takeover of City College, changing the face of higher education.

Host Sheryl McCarthy is joined by attorney, journalist, tv commentator, and former soap opera extra Raul A. Reyes for a look back at the once-dominant daytime television genre. Raul shares his experiences acting as Cedars Hospital Orderly #1.

George Santos biographer/CUNY City Tech lecturer Mark Chiusano sits down with host Sheryl McCarthy to discuss his book, "The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos."

The Riverside Church has been a catalyst for social, political and religious activism. Host Sheryl Williams talks with its new dynamic Senior Minister, Rev. Adriene Thorne, about the mission of the church and the role of women in the Protestant Church.

Host Sheryl McCarthy sits down with the prolific Motown author Peter Benjaminson to discuss his newest book: the first-ever complete biography of female empowerment icon Betty Boop.

'Oppenheimer" is a box office hit this season. Host Sheryl McCarthy talks with Kai Bird, co-author of “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” the book on which the movie is based. The story offers a lesson for our time.

Theater-goers know to go to the TKTS booths in Times Square to buy Broadway tickets at prices they can afford. TKTS is now celebrating it's 50th anniversary, and Sheryl McCarthy talks with Michael Naumann, it's Managing Director about how they do it.

Host Sheryl McCarthy talks with Philip Dray, author of A Lynching at Port Jervis" which examines the 1892 lynching of Robert Lewis and the white mob who got off scot-free. Dray connects this brutal history to racialized violence today.

Minority and women-owned small businesses in NYS struggle to survive and grow. Host Sheryl McCarthy talks to Hector Batista, CUNY Vice Chancellor about how the university is reversing this trend, connecting businesses to opportunities to sell to CUNY.

Without doubt, Rosa Parks is one of the heroes of our time. A new documentary, "The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks", on Peacock TV reveals that she led a life dedicated to activism. Host Sheryl McCarthy talks with its co-director, Yoruba Richen.

Two years ago, NYS legalized the recreational sale of marijuana, leading to CUNY introducing its first cannabis education program. We talk with Prof. Alicia Reid and Vikiana Reyes-Clement from Medgar Evers College about what students are being taught.

Few subjects have occupied as much space in American political discourse as Israel. Host Sheryl McCarthy talks with Eric Alterman, CUNY Professor, about this relationship in his new book "We Are Not One: A History of America's Fight Over Israel".