The 'Total Clarity' Podcast

We've finally reached the end of the road: 52 weeks, 7,000 miles, 14 million steps and a wedding to seal the year. This week, we recap our euphoric marathon wedding day with good friend Matt Humphrey as well as reflect on what the project meant to us and where we go from here. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2011 death of James McGoey, 43. McGoey was shot by an off-duty NYPD officer while robbing a pharmacy for prescription drugs. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

On this week's episode, we commemorate the upcoming 20th anniversary of September 11th with a visit to memorials in all five boroughs, including the rebuilt - and still rebuilding - World Trade Center complex. All memorials visited were found via the 9/11 Memorial website, which documents every 9/11 memorial site throughout NYC and around the world. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2017 death of Mario Sanabria, 69. Sanabria was shot by police entering his apartment while executing a no knock warrant for a narcotics investigation unrelated to Sanabria. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's our 50th week (!!) of 5 marathons a week and we're celebrating by going sporty, visiting all the major stadiums in NYC: MSG, Barclays Center, Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. Joining us for the podcast is New York City Super Fan Kevin Corrigan, a Queens native and 38 year Yankees season ticket holder. We cover everything about his history of fandom, from the most memorable games he's seen, the famous athletes he's met and all the sports road trips along the way.

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2013 death of Kyam Livingston, 37. Livingston died in custody at Brooklyn Central Booking after being ignored by officers for seven hours while complaining of abdominal pain. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's our last of our movie-themed walks, and this week we're tracking down the locations referenced in Spike Lee's 2002 film '25th Hour'. Joining us to discuss the film is talented and insightful NYC filmmaker James Morrison. We talk the iconic 'F*ck New York' scene on which the route is based, how the film has aged over the past twenty years, the relationship between NYC 2002 vs. NYC 2021, and so much more.  

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss police shooting of an Unidentified Man in December of 2015 during an automobile chase. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's our last full week in Brooklyn and we're spending the episode touring one of our favorite spots in the city: Marine Park. We tour its marshlands in search of beat up car wrecks and talk what it feels like being so close to the project's end.  Plus, we talk some details into our wedding just four weeks away at this same park!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Shantel Davis, 23. Davis was shot by a police officer after being pursued for reckless driving. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

On this week's walk, we go hopping around Brooklyn to visit the high schools of the borough's greatest female musical talent. From Carole King to Lil' Kim to 'Babs' herself, we learn the fascinating backgrounds of both the buildings and the stars.  

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2014 death of Osbourne Broadie, 39. Broadie was shot by police officers following a domestic dispute after charging at them with a pair of hair clippers. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

We're back in Brooklyn for the month of May and this week we're doing something we've yet to do this project: basing a large portion of our marathon route off an existing tour. It's an educational program called 'In Pursuit of Freedom,' developed to highlight the rich history of the Brooklyn abolitionist movement. Areas visited this week include DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights and the Weeksville section of Crown Heights. 'In Pursuit of Freedom' was developed by the Brooklyn Historical Society, the Irondale Ensemble Project and the Weeksville Heritage Center.

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2011 death of James Young, 49. Young was choked to death by officers while they were in the area investigating an unrelated drug case. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's the last week of our month in the Bronx and we're out exploring the South East coast, including the expansive Ferry Point Park. Topics this episode include model airplanes, the time Jessi was a waitress for Bill De Blasio, and our overall impression of the Bronx after 500 miles. Plus it's that time again: our Mileage Report upate!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2016 death of Manuel Rosales, 35. Rosales was shot by police after responding to calls of a domestic dispute / mental health episode. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

Our third week of touring the Bronx finds us in a totally new environment even after 10 months of city walking: the seaside town and natural landscape of the Pelham Bay region! We walk the length of City island to show off its unique charms then head over to Pelham Bay to explore its beaches, coastal trails and abandoned ruins.  

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2019 death of Antonio Williams, 27, and Officer Brian Mulkeen, 33. Williams was approached by plainclothes officers while waiting for a car and a struggle ensued. Mulkeen shot Williams multiple times before being shot himself being shot by friendly fire. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's week two of our month in the Bronx and we're back in garden mode visiting the premiere flowering venue of NYC, the New York Botanical Gardens! We hit the peak of the season this time around and catch an extra surprise: the premiere of Yayoi Kusama's new exhibit 'Cosmic Nature'. Lots to explore on this episode; come take a walk around with us!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2018 death of Michael Hansford, 52. Hansford was shot by police while carrying a knife during a dispute with his landlord. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

We start our month long walk around the Bronx rambling about Van Cortlandt Park with good friend and NYC Parks professional Leila Bakhtiari. We take a high level overview of Leila's decade long work journey, talk about what makes a good NYC park bathroom, rank our favorite city parks and much more!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2015 death of Denis Reyes, 40. Reyes was smothered by police while trying to restrain him during a mental health episode. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

With this week falling between two months, it's time once again for one of our patented multi-borough treks! This time we're flipping between Queens and Brooklyn to visit their respective Botanic Gardens! Along the way we find special surprises. What you may ask?  Tune in to find out!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2014 death of Naim Owens, 22. Naim was shot by an undercover officer while walking home at night after the officer noticed him reaching for his waistband. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

Our final week in Manhattan has us doing something we've yet to do during this project - walk interior spaces! We visited five different museums throughout the week and capped it off with a podcast recording way uptown at The Met Cloisters. Joining us for the episode is Mae Colburn - a weaver, art historian and frequent textile collaborator with Jessi. We dive deep into Renaissance-era art, discussing religious background, art technique and the massive undertaking involved in creating the tapestries The Cloisters is famous for. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2015 death of David Felix, 24. Two detectives entered Felix's room without a warrant on suspicion of purse theft. The ensuing chase and struggle resulted in Felix being shot at point blank range. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

This is a big week of milestones for the 'Total Clarity' project: 5,000 miles walked (and counting), the end of the winter season and the original project end were it not for the pandemic. This week, we take the opportunity to do a check-in on our project pillars - Physicality, Companionship, Communication and Clarity - to see how our pre-project goals meet our current trajectory and accomplishments.  Plus, we call out 5 aspects that have changed and 5 that stayed the same since we first started.  

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2016 death of Garry Conrad, 46. Conrad was shot by police after getting into a verbal altercation with them while trying to purchase alcohol. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's our second walk week dedicated to movie locations and we're tackling Wes Anderson's 2001 NYC dollhouse The Royal Tenenbaums. "Takin' it out and choppin' it up" with us this week is comedian, educator and longtime friend Ramsey Ess. We cover locations both BK and Manhattan, do some filmography ranking, plus talk about what it's like to know people for over a decade in New York City. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of lethal use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2014 death of Charles Mozdir, 32. Modzir was a suspected sex offender on the run from California authorities when a television show led to information on his whereabouts, prompting U.S. Marshalls and NYPD to seek his arrest.  For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

We're back in Manhattan for the month of March and digging into another arts theme: writing! NYC has a rich history of literary talent living in the city and feeding off of its inspiring culture. We bop around the borough (plus one spot in BK!) to visit just a small cross section of homes where writers were either born or lived in during their lifetime, and even one rumored to be spending their afterlife!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of police use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss an August 2010 event involving Louis Soto (deceased) and Angel Alvarez, 23. Soto and Alvarez were involved in a late night altercation at a barbeque and guns were drawn.  Soto was killed by Alvarez; police shot Alvarez 23 times along with three civilian bystanders and a fellow officer. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

We're starting to see real progress on our year-long walk around New York City, as this week represents our final all-Queens marathon! This route is all about hitting areas in Queens we've missed previously, touching the Northeast (Douglaston, Little Neck, Bayside) and Southeast (Rochdale, Brookville, Springfield Gardens) corners of the borough. Joining us this week is Bayside Historical Society President and Bayside native Paul Dibenedetto. We talk the history of the Historical Society, the struggles of single family homes and NYC zoning laws, as well as how COVID has impacted Paul's work in film production. It's also been 5 weeks, so we have our latest mileage report to share!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of lethal use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Shereese Francis, 30. Francis was suffocated to death by four NYPD officers after her family had called 311 to get her metal health assistance.  For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It's our second of three music-themed walks around NYC, and this week we spanned the entire borough of Queens to visit five havens of hip-hop: Queensbridge, Corona, Jamaica, Hollis and St. Albans. We were joined for our walk through Queensbridge by the fantastic Miss Mar, a young MC with over a decade plus of music already to her name. We talk growing up in the borough, her hip-hop beginnings, the state of the music scene and her clothing company, The Cool Table NYC.      **CLARIFICATION** On the topic of Kiing Shooter's death @ 46:20 - Shooter passed away due to cirrhosis and possible COVID-19 complications. Miss Mar provided the following information after the interview: “When I [Miss Mar] first heard of Kiing Shooters death, it was portrayed as if he had gotten shot but there was never no explanation as to why he got shot, simply an assumption made by several outsiders looking in; this gives the idea that, there is always rap beef in the hip-hop industry - that is so real - it leads to people losing their life. Please note, Shooter passed away due to health complications. Our deep condolences to his family always.” More info on his wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiing_Shooter

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of lethal use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Edgar Owens, 46. Owens was shot by an MTA police officer John Barnett after he stabbed Barnett in the eye with a knife.  For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

New York City has been the setting for thousands upon thousands of films over cinema's history. This week, we tackle three with strong ties to Queens - Men in Black, Goodfellas and Coming to America. Joining us to discuss the filming locations is actor, Queens native, and best accountant in New York City (our opinion) Frank Lin. We also take a deep dive into the world of taxes during the exceptional age of COVID. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of lethal use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2019 death of Brian Simonsen, 42. Simonsen, an NYPD detective, was killed by friendly fire while responding to a robbery call at a cell phone store.  For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

It was a wild week for 'Total Clarity' as we walked 5 marathons through the biggest snowfall NYC has seen in 5 years! We talk at length about what it's like to walk all day through a blizzard, plus the intended theme of the week: a visit to New York's two racetracks, Belmont and Aqueduct. 

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of lethal use of force in New York City over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2014 death of Jeffrey Ragland, 50. Ragland, a former corrections officer, was shot by an off-duty corrections officer during an altercation with a mutual romantic partner.  For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

This week's route traces its origins back to before New York, New Amsterdam or any European presence in the New World. In 1946, Brooklyn Borough Historian James A. Kelly published a map that catalogued all instances of Native American roads pre-colonial settlement. Rediscovered in 2015 by blogger Heather Quinlan, we used the map to chart our marathon route for the week. It was a great opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the past traditions and current culture of New York's native people, the Lenape nation.  

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2013 death of Carlos Alcis, 43. Police were responding to reports of a stolen cell phone when they entered an apartment complex and began entering apartments without a warrant. Alcis entered cardiac arrest as a result of the incident and was ignored by the responding officers. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

On this week's episode we canvas the beautiful and historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Joining us on this effort are Jessica Polaniecki and Patrick Weaver, two intrepid walkers that made a project out of covering every road and path on the grounds! We talk with them about that effort, along with discussing the native parakeet population, Sophie Calle's secret burning project at Green-wood, the problem with Civic Virtue (?) and so much more!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2010 death of Michael Romero, 32. Police were searching for a suspect with a pellet gun when they stopped Romero to ask for ID. Romero attempted to shoot one officer with a revolver, prompting the second officer to shoot him. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

As we strive to maintain a log of our thoughts and feelings throughout the "2020: Total Clarity" project, we thought it was important to spend some time talking about the events that took place on the capital January 6th and the subsequent second impeachment of Donald Trump. You can find it here as a separate segment from the usual podcast due to its length.

This week we go back - waaay back - all the way to the Revolutionary War! From Fort Hamilton to Broadway Junction, Prospect Park to Fulton Ferry, the borough of Brooklyn is packed with historical sites tied to the United States fight for independence. Come join us for a comprehensive survey of The Battle of Brooklyn!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Saheed Vassell, 34. Vassell was shot by police after calls went to 911 saying he was brandishing a firearm when he was not. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

This week's marathon route brings us over the three great spans joining Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn: the Williamsburg, Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. We talk the history and present day experience of these modern wonders with artist, professor and architect Laura Peterson. There's so much fun stuff to learn; come have a listen!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Antwain White, 17. White was shot by an off duty officer after he and another teen threatened robbery by physical force. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force

We're closing out 2020 with a walk under, over and next to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, or BQE. Joining us this week is our friend and student of all things urban planning Bahij Chancey. We cover Robert Moses, the future of the BQE, biking advocacy in NYC, the impact of highways on cities and so much more. We learned so much from Bahij; we hope you do too!

"Use of Force" is a sub-series of the podcast where we highlight one instance of NYPD use of lethal force over the past decade along the route we're walking for the week. The name refers to the Use of Force reports the NYPD generates each year where descriptions of these events are compiled. This week we discuss the 2012 death of Tyjuan Hill, 22. Hill was shot in the back of the head while being restrained by six officers after fleeing a prostitution sting operation. For more information including a mapping of lethal force in New York over the past decade, visit:     https://highleyvarlet.com/posts/Use_of_Force