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About the GuestsDavid Harman is the founder of Native Maps, where art and place intersect. His hand-screen-printed neighborhood maps are more than just designs, they are stories—capturing the communities, coffee shops, parks and record stores that make a city feel like home. These maps, sold in stores across the country, are not meant to help you navigate streets but to help you get lost in the places you love. Nearly ten years ago, David co-founded The Maker City, helping build Knoxville's creative ecosystem and proving that artists and makers can thrive as entrepreneurs. He also runs Sunday Studios, a creative space for artists and photographers.Siobian Jones is the founder of A Mighty Wig, a custom wig design business that serves both theatrical productions and individuals experiencing hair loss. With a career spanning salon education, Broadway, Cirque du Soleil and independent business ownership, Siobian brings artistry, craftsmanship and a deep commitment to helping others feel confident and empowered.Why This MattersTurning a creative passion into a sustainable business is no easy feat. It requires more than just talent, it takes financial clarity, adaptability and a willingness to navigate the uncomfortable realities of entrepreneurship.This episode is for artists, makers and anyone who has ever wondered, Can I actually make a living doing what I love? Spoiler alert, yes, but not without some trial, error and plenty of perseverance.A big thank you to Nancy Solomon, a creative leader in Knoxville and co-founder of The Maker City, for kicking off the conversation with a thought-provoking question on what it really takes to build a creative career beyond passion alone.Key Takeaways:There is no cruise control in creative business. Success is not a single breakthrough, it is continuous learning, refining and adapting.Financial vigilance is key. Budgeting, pricing and long-term planning matter just as much as artistic skill.Mastery takes practice. Making a craft look effortless requires years of discipline and iteration.Boundaries matter. Saying yes to everything leads to burnout, true professionalism means valuing your time.Community is everything. The support of like-minded creators can be the difference between surviving and thriving.Selling is just as important as making. A great product does not sell itself, you have to actively put it in front of people.Why It Matters to YouDavid and Siobian bring unfiltered honesty about what it takes to build a career in the creative world. From pricing their work to managing imposter syndrome, they have faced and continue to face the realities of making a living as an artist. Their insights are invaluable for anyone trying to turn their craft into something sustainable.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and at bigideaswelcome.com. This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker.
Early voting in New Jersey's gubernatorial primary starts Tuesday. Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, offers political analysis of the race and the leading Democratic and Republican candidates.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including the recent setbacks at Newark Airport, a potential NJ Transit engineers strike and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's ICE arrest.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her April conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including how President Donald Trump's tariffs might play out in the local economy, how Democrats can reduce red tape to build more affordable housing in New Jersey and much more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Topics this month: how federal cuts are affecting New Jerseyans, Murphy's position on ballot redesign, a sinkhole on I-80, and more.
Recently, the former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to eleven years in prison for accepting bribes in cash and gold worth more than half a million dollars. He is the first person sentenced to prison for crimes committed in the Senate in more than forty years. Menendez did favors for the government of Egypt while he was the senior Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, and intervened in criminal cases against the businessmen who were bribing him. In New York, he broke down in tears before a federal judge, pleading for leniency. Upon emerging from the courtroom, he made a thinly veiled plea to the man he had once voted to impeach. “President Trump is right,” Menendez declared to news cameras. “This process is political, and it's corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.” WNYC's New Jersey reporter Nancy Solomon explores how the son of working-class immigrants from Cuba scaled the heights of American politics, and then fell dramatically. But will he serve the time? Solomon speaks with the constitutional-law professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, who says, “It's hard to know who Trump will pardon next. One of the more recent pardons was for the former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. He was a Democrat. . . . [Trump] seems much more interested in undermining anti-corruption laws left, right, and center.”
Recently, the former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to eleven years in prison for accepting bribes in cash and gold worth more than half a million dollars. He is the first person sentenced to prison for crimes committed in the Senate in more than forty years. Menendez did favors for the government of Egypt while he was the senior Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, and intervened in criminal cases against the businessmen who were bribing him. In New York, he broke down in tears before a federal judge, pleading for leniency. Upon emerging from the courtroom, he made a thinly veiled plea to the man he had once voted to impeach. “President Trump is right,” Menendez declared to news cameras. “This process is political, and it's corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.” WNYC's New Jersey reporter Nancy Solomon explores how the son of working-class immigrants from Cuba scaled the heights of American politics, and then fell dramatically. But will he serve the time? Solomon speaks with the constitutional-law professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, who says, “It's hard to know who Trump will pardon next. One of the more recent pardons was for the former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. He was a Democrat. . . . [Trump] seems much more interested in undermining anti-corruption laws left, right, and center.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa says local school districts should have a say in enforcing New York's proposed “bell to bell” ban on student cell phone use. Meanwhile, Brooklyn led all boroughs in NYC Parks' annual MulchFest, where thousands of holiday trees are chipped into mulch for city parks. Also, Hoboken's PATH station will close Thursday night for 25 days. Plus, former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison. WNYC's Nancy Solomon talks through the case.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Topics this month included congestion pricing, affordability, year-eight priorities and more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including legislation that would prohibit book bans and more.
The Star-Ledger, the Pulitzer Prize-winning local New Jersey newspaper based in Newark, recently announced it will end print editions in 2025 and become an exclusively digital service. The news comes perhaps as no surprise as local print journalism continues to struggle financially around the country. But The Star-Ledger has played an important role in the history of New Jersey culture and politics as the state's largest newspaper. Nancy Solomon, WNYC senior reporter, gives us her reaction to the news, and we're also joined by Micah Rasmussen, director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including how a second Trump administration might impact the state's climate change goals, why cannabis prices are going up and much more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about teenagers voting in school board elections, a new wind farm off the coast of the Jersey Shore and more.
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: New York City Mayor Eric Adams is set to appear before a federal judge at noon this Friday for his arraignment on charges including fraud, bribery, and solicitation of contributions by a foreign national. Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's administration has approved paying the legal fees for a former Camden mayor charged in a racketeering case, reports WNYC's Nancy Solomon. Plus, a judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit challenging Nassau County's ban on wearing masks in public, except for health and religious reasons.
WNYC's Janae Pierre and Charles Lane discuss the federal indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. According to prosecutors, Adams sought illegal contributions from foreign nationals during his 2021 mayoral campaign, after he was elected, and again for his 2025 campaign in exchange for favors. Meanwhile, New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is running for reelection but WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports on an unusual aspect of the incumbent's campaign strategy: avoiding the public.
The New Jersey State Attorney General is recommending broad reforms of the State Police to address racism, sexism and a "weaponized" internal affairs process. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced new measures after an Ulster County resident died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the state's first human case since 2015. Plus, two men pleaded guilty to distributing drugs that killed a New York advocate for trans and sex workers' rights. WNYC's Giulia Heyward reports. Finally, a former NYC education official was sentenced to two years in prison for a school corruption scandal. WNYC's Jessica Gould has more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including the Philadelphia 76ers coming to Camden, grouping together school districts to bring down property taxes and much more.
What does it take to build a supportive community that genuinely prioritizes mental wellness and suicide prevention among its youth? Join us as Todd and Nancy Solomon share the heartbreaking story of losing their son, Craig, to suicide and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.Listen as we highlight how student-led initiatives, like the Aevidum program, bring authenticity and passion to mental health discussions. Discover how the Project AWARE PA Find Help platform improves access to mental health resources, making it easier for school-based practitioners to connect students with the support they need.Learn more about Project Aware at https://mciu.org/office-of-student-services/project-aware/.To learn more about the Aevidum clubs, please visit https://aevidum.org/.Project AWARE PA Find Help features a collaboration between the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit, and the Luzerne Intermediate Unit.www.mciu.orghttps://www.liu18.org/https://www.cliu.org/
New Jersey is likely to send its first Latina to Congress in November after Democrats selected State Senator Nellie Pou to replace the late Bill Pascrell on the ballot. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports. Meanwhile, New York City workers have removed a plywood passageway that covered a sidewalk in Kips Bay that spanned three mayoral administrations. But as WNYC's David Brand notes, it's just a small step in addressing the city's vast network of sidewalk sheds. Plus, New Jersey is making changes to how police respond to mental health crises and how rape kits are handled. WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, whose office is overseeing both initiatives.
Police say officers are looking for a Uhaul truck driver involved in a fatal hit and run in Queens just after midnight Tuesday morning. Also, if you have plans to head to the Southern tip of New Jersey shore, it may be harder than you think. The bridge connecting Cape May county and Wildwood Crest is closed indefinitely after the motor used to open it failed. And transportation authorities say it could take weeks to find parts replacements. Additionally, New Jersey residents will soon get confirmation if they will get a property tax rebate check from the state reports Nancy Solomon. In other news, former congressman George Santos pled guilty to identity theft and wire fraud Monday afternoon. WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with politics reporter Brigid Bergin who was in the courtroom. And lastly, an estimated 8 million Americans will come to voting age by this November's election. WNYC's Community Partnerships Desk collaborated with the group Why Vote to gather insight from young people who will be able to cast a vote for the first time this year.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about who he will choose to replace Sen. Bob Menendez, his friendship with Tim Walz, electric charging stations for the turnpike and more.
Some New York City public school students who use the city's transit system will receive a special OMNY card for the new school year. Plus, elected officials continue to call for better safety measures on New York City's shoreline. Also, WNYC's Rosemary Misdary joined NYU researchers as they study what's known as the luxury effect. And finally, WNYC's Janae Pierre and Nancy Solomon discuss the resignation of convicted New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and who's on the list to fill his seat.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted on bribery and other corruption charges. Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, reports on what comes next for him and for his re-election campaign.
The MTA says a 60-year-old piece of electronic equipment caused hours-long delays on the J and M trains Tuesday night after a transformer failure near the Delancey - Essex Street subway station. Meanwhile, Democratic voters in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District have selected Newark Council President LaMonica McIver to replace Representative Donald Payne, who died in April. She'll run against Republican Carmen Bucco to decide who will serve until the November election. Finally, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was convicted Tuesday on all 16 counts in a federal corruption case, including bribery, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice. WNYC's Michael Hill speaks with reporter Nancy Solomon to learn what's next for Menendez and the Democratic Party.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, reports on New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez's bribery trial, where closing arguments have wrapped up and the jury is deliberating.
Prosecutors ain't nothing but tired of New Jersey's political corruption. WNYC's Nancy Solomon, host of the Dead End podcast, explains the cases against Sen. Robert Menendez and power broker George Norcross. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdotter, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
New Jersey political boss George Norcross is taking a leave from his insurance company following the criminal charges against him. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports it's the first major impact of the state's indictment against him and several associates. Plus, according to AAA, tomorrow's Fourth of July is expected to be the busiest ever on the roads nationwide. In our area, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey estimates over 3 million vehicles will cross its bridges and tunnels over the 5-day holiday period. WNYC's Tiffany Hanssen speaks with former New York City Traffic Commissioner Sam Schwartz, also known as “Gridlock Sam," to help you avoid a traffic nightmare.
NYC Now presents a special episode from Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery, from WNYC's Nancy Solomon. George Norcross is considered one of the most powerful people in New Jersey. Last week, he was indicted with racketeering, extortion, corruption and financial crimes. The case revolves around the Norcross political machine and development on the Camden waterfront. Nancy Solomon was at the press conference when the indictment was announced, and so was Norcross. It's a remarkable moment especially given that Norcross's charges of racketeering, by definition, involves intimidation.
Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: A criminal indictment this week against New Jersey political boss George Norcross includes charges against his personal lawyer, William Tambussi. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports on why Tambussi is a special case. Meanwhile, as registered Democrats and Republicans cast their primary ballots after a lengthy redistricting process, experts at a New York law school conference are evaluating how to improve it next time.
South Jersey political power broker George Norcross has been indicted on racketeering and other charges. Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, who has been reporting on Norcross for years, explains what happened and what this could mean for Democratic politics in New Jersey.
Big news for Dead End listeners.On Monday, June 17, George Norcross was charged in a 13-count indictment from the attorney general of New Jersey, Matthew J. Platkin. Norcross, whose entry into politics was chronicled in the fifth episode of Dead End, was once widely regarded as the most powerful unelected person in New Jersey.The indictment says the longtime Democratic power broker led a "criminal enterprise" that used threats and extortion to promote business and political interests in his home turf of Camden County, securing lucrative tax credits and development rights along the Camden waterfront.In this episode, host Nancy Solomon talks with WNYC's Sean Carlson about the news.Expect a longer episode about what this indictment means for the Sheridan case, and for New Jersey, coming soon.
The New Jersey Attorney General's Office unsealed an indictment Monday against unofficial political boss, George Norcross. He and five co-conspirators are accused of racketeering and other crimes. WNYC's Sean Carlson and Nancy Solomon discuss the latest developments.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about the "pause" on congestion pricing, a new law that critics say would eliminate transparency in government and more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, talks about what there is to know for New Jersey voters on primary day, where they'll be voting to choose their party's candidates for president, senate and many other offices, without the so-called "county line" ballot design. Plus listeners call in to participate in an informal, unofficial, thoroughly unscientific exit poll.
A 19-year-old man is still awaiting official charges for allegedly shooting two police officers in Queens on Monday. WNYC's Brittany Kriegstein spoke to his mother in Colombia. Meanwhile, Senator Bob Menendez is not on Tuesday's primary ballot in New Jersey, but he has filed to run as an independent in November. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports. Plus, WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with arts and culture reporter Ryan Kailath to learn about some fun and free ways to enjoy the big apple in June.
Mayor Eric Adams is defending two NYPD officers who shot and killed a Brooklyn man over the weekend. Plus, Marymount Manhattan College will soon merge with Boston's Northeastern University. Also, WNYC's Nancy Solomon looks into New Jersey's Democratic primary race in the 9th Congressional District. And finally, WNYC's Sean Carlson and Arun Venugopal discuss the latest developments on a plan to build a casino near CitiField.
Mail voting in the New Jersey primary continues and early in-person voting begins Wednesday. WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports. Meanwhile, a MarketWatch Guides study finds New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey have among the highest annual car insurance rates in the U.S. Plus, according to MTA data, the rate of fare evasion on buses and trains has more than doubled since the pandemic. In fact, more than half of bus riders aren't paying for their ride. At an MTA board meeting last week, Chair Janno Lieber said the agency would allocate more resources to address the problem. WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with Lieber about the new measures being taken.
The NYPD says police officers shot and killed a 33 year old man in East Flatbush in Brooklyn early Sunday morning, an investigation is ongoing. Also, New York City will pay $1.6 million to a man who was sexually abused by a physical therapist while he was held at Rikers Island in response to a lawsuit. And lastly, WNYC will be hosting and broadcasting a debate Monday night among the three candidates in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat held by Bob Menendez. The candidates are Congressman Andy Kim, Patricia Campos Medina and Larry Hamm, and mostly likely whoever wins this primary will be the next senator since a Republican hasn't won a Senate race in New Jersey since 1972. WNYC's Michael Hill and Nancy Solomon, who has been covering the race joins our own Janae Pierre to discuss what issues they'll be exploring in the upcoming debate.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Topics this month included a proposed corporate tax to fund NJ Transit, tax relief for seniors, an NJ Turnpike extension and more.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont expects both lanes of I-95 to reopen by Monday morning following a multi-vehicle crash and tanker fire that disrupted traffic in Norwalk on Thursday. In other news, police cleared a pro-Palestinian protester encampment at New York University at the request of school officials. Meanwhile, even without New Jersey's county line system, Democratic primary ballots in much of Essex County still favor the party machine, reports WNYC's Nancy Solomon. Additionally, Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free is urging Nassau County residents to utilize public transportation ahead of the congestion pricing launch. Plus, a new film series at Lincoln Center debuting on Friday showcases rare footage from Coney Island in the 1920s and Puerto Rican activists in the 1970s and much more. Finally, glass eels, essential for local wildlife but endangered, are showing signs of recovery in New York, a contrast to low populations along the Atlantic. WNYC's Rosemary Misdary has more.
The Adams administration is continuing to defend its new protocol, requiring elected officials to fill out an online form to request meetings with the leaders of city agencies. Plus, a visit by fire officials to an e-bike retailer in Queens ended with an arrest and a small explosion. Also, WNYC's Nancy Solomon reports on a New Jersey seat that has flipped from Republican to Democrat and back to Republican. And finally, WNYC's David Furst talks with Eater New York's Robert Sietsema about diverse dining in Jersey City.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about the controversy over the so-called "county line" on ballots, school budget cuts for 140 districts and more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Topics this month included NJ Transit, an assessment of the state's COVID response, and the Senate campaign that sees New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy vying for the Democratic nomination.
The Senate primary race to replace Sen. Bob Menendez is on between Rep. Andy Kim and the governor's wife Tammy Murphy. Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show and of the new podcast "Dead End: A New Jersey Political Murder Mystery," reports on what's happening in the campaign ahead of the June primary, and the string of surprising wins Kim has collected over Murphy in county Democratic committee elections.
We all know that diner culture in New York and New Jersey is special. Nikita Richardson, editor for the New York Times Food section, recently wrote about her favorite diners in our area for the Where To Eat newsletter, and she joins to talk about her go-to diner orders and take your calls. Plus, our very own New Jersey senior reporter Nancy Solomon calls in to tell us more about what makes Jersey diner culture unique, particularly when it comes to local politics.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, plus the state of the campaign to replace Senator Bob Menendez and how New Jersey is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about his "state of the state" address from earlier this week, including plans to attract the generative A.I. industry, and more.
Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where they talked about the lawsuit against congestion pricing, his wife running for senate and more.
Boston's Big Dig started as a vision for a large-scale highway tunnel system that became a cautionary tale about American infrastructure. Guest host Nancy Solomon speaks with Ian Coss, host of The Big Dig podcast from WGBH and PRX, which dives into the history behind some of the most notable infrastructure projects in the Greater Boston area leading up to The Big Dig, which became “a symbol of waste and corruption.” Nancy and Ian talk through the notorious failures and unsung successes of the Big Dig, what we do with the lessons learned, and what it means for the future of our communities. Plus, we hear from people around the country about their experiences with massive infrastructure projects in their cities. Tell us what you think. Instagram and X (Twitter): @noteswithkai. Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or going to Instagram and clicking on the link in our bio. “Notes from America” airs live on Sunday evenings at 6pm ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts. Tune into the show on Sunday nights via the stream on notesfromamerica.org.