Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Heights

Welcome to Inwood Art Works On Air. On this Artist Spotlight episode, we chat with actor and filmmaker, Manny PérezBorn in the Dominican Republic and based uptown in Washington Heights, Manny Pérez is a Dominican American actor that has gained international recognition for his contributions to film and television. He gained significant attention for his performance in the film "Washington Heights" (2002), which he cowrote and produced. His portrayal in this independent film earned him critical acclaim, with The New York Times noting that he has "charisma to burn."  He has appeared in various television series, including "Third Watch," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "The Blacklist." His versatility as an actor has allowed him to take on both leading and supporting roles in numerous films, including "La Soga", which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, it's two sequels, and many others.  Manny is not only recognized for his film work but also for his humanitarian efforts. He has been involved in charitable activities, including donating shoes to families affected by Hurricane Noel in the Dominican Republic. 

During this holiday season, hear some recent favorites:New York City's mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani defines himself as a democratic socialist, yet his critics have seized on his leftist identity to paint him as an extremist. Carlo Invernizzi-Accetti, professor of political science and executive director of the Moynihan Center at The City College of New York, and author of 20 Years of Rage: How Resentment Took the Place of Politics (Mondadori, 2024), explains the core principles of the various strains of thought on the left to paint a clearer picture of what Mamdani believes in and how he'll govern as mayor.Joyce Vance, a legal analyst for MSNBC and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, University of Alabama School of Law professor, and author of the Civil Discourse substack, and of the new book, Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy (Dutton, 2025), talks about the rule of law and offers legal and historical context for the current moment in American history as she calls for citizens to uphold the Constitution.Jared Fox, education consultant, former NYC secondary science teacher and the author of Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom (Beacon Press, 2025), guides teachers in taking science education out of the classroom, drawing on his experience teaching science in Washington Heights.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the author of Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy (Thesis, 2025), talks about her new book and explains why she says education protects democracy.Peter Harnik, co-founder of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land and executive producer of the documentary "From Rails to Trails", talks about his work spearheading the movement to convert abandoned railbeds into multi-use trails, 26,000 miles so far, and the new documentary about it, plus listener suggestions for the best places to bike outside the city. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:What is Zohran Mamdani's Political Ideology? (Nov 14, 2025)A Democratic Manifesto (Oct 27, 2025)Reimagining Teaching Science (Nov 11, 2025)Fighting Fascism with Education (Sep 26, 2025)From Railroad to Rail-Trail (Oct 7, 2025) and The Best Places to Bike Outside the City (Oct 8, 2025) 

En este episodio exploramos el Acto 1 de la obra teatral In The Heights, analizando canción por canción cómo se presentan los personajes, sus sueños y el fuerte sentido de comunidad que define a Washington Heights.

Hello, this is Eric LeMay, a host on the New Books Network. Today, I speak with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of the new artist's biography Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025). The book was recently named one of NPR's Books We Loved for 2025. Pollack-Pelzner is a cultural historian, theater critic, and teacher at Portland State University, whose writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Pollack-Pelzner's biography offers a captivating exploration of Miranda's artistic journey—from a sensitive child in Manhattan's Washington Heights to the visionary creator of Hamilton whose voice has reshaped musical theater and popular culture. This book captures a living artist in motion, weaving together countless threads of collaboration, cultural synthesis, and personal revelation that define Miranda's work. In our conversation, we focus on the challenge of writing biography itself. How does a scholar and critic approach the story of someone whose art feels both deeply personal and expansively historical? How does one trace the education of an artist who learned not in isolation, but through community, heritage, and creative exchange? Pollack-Pelzner guides us through these questions with the grace of a storyteller and the precision of a historian, drawing on unparalleled access to Miranda's inner circle and his own interviews with the artist. This is a book about how an artist finds his voice, and a conversation about how a biographer finds the shape of a life. Join me for this engaging discussion with the delightful Daniel Pollack-Pelzner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Hello, this is Eric LeMay, a host on the New Books Network. Today, I speak with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of the new artist's biography Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025). The book was recently named one of NPR's Books We Loved for 2025. Pollack-Pelzner is a cultural historian, theater critic, and teacher at Portland State University, whose writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Pollack-Pelzner's biography offers a captivating exploration of Miranda's artistic journey—from a sensitive child in Manhattan's Washington Heights to the visionary creator of Hamilton whose voice has reshaped musical theater and popular culture. This book captures a living artist in motion, weaving together countless threads of collaboration, cultural synthesis, and personal revelation that define Miranda's work. In our conversation, we focus on the challenge of writing biography itself. How does a scholar and critic approach the story of someone whose art feels both deeply personal and expansively historical? How does one trace the education of an artist who learned not in isolation, but through community, heritage, and creative exchange? Pollack-Pelzner guides us through these questions with the grace of a storyteller and the precision of a historian, drawing on unparalleled access to Miranda's inner circle and his own interviews with the artist. This is a book about how an artist finds his voice, and a conversation about how a biographer finds the shape of a life. Join me for this engaging discussion with the delightful Daniel Pollack-Pelzner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

Hello, this is Eric LeMay, a host on the New Books Network. Today, I speak with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of the new artist's biography Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025). The book was recently named one of NPR's Books We Loved for 2025. Pollack-Pelzner is a cultural historian, theater critic, and teacher at Portland State University, whose writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Pollack-Pelzner's biography offers a captivating exploration of Miranda's artistic journey—from a sensitive child in Manhattan's Washington Heights to the visionary creator of Hamilton whose voice has reshaped musical theater and popular culture. This book captures a living artist in motion, weaving together countless threads of collaboration, cultural synthesis, and personal revelation that define Miranda's work. In our conversation, we focus on the challenge of writing biography itself. How does a scholar and critic approach the story of someone whose art feels both deeply personal and expansively historical? How does one trace the education of an artist who learned not in isolation, but through community, heritage, and creative exchange? Pollack-Pelzner guides us through these questions with the grace of a storyteller and the precision of a historian, drawing on unparalleled access to Miranda's inner circle and his own interviews with the artist. This is a book about how an artist finds his voice, and a conversation about how a biographer finds the shape of a life. Join me for this engaging discussion with the delightful Daniel Pollack-Pelzner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Hello, this is Eric LeMay, a host on the New Books Network. Today, I speak with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of the new artist's biography Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025). The book was recently named one of NPR's Books We Loved for 2025. Pollack-Pelzner is a cultural historian, theater critic, and teacher at Portland State University, whose writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times. Pollack-Pelzner's biography offers a captivating exploration of Miranda's artistic journey—from a sensitive child in Manhattan's Washington Heights to the visionary creator of Hamilton whose voice has reshaped musical theater and popular culture. This book captures a living artist in motion, weaving together countless threads of collaboration, cultural synthesis, and personal revelation that define Miranda's work. In our conversation, we focus on the challenge of writing biography itself. How does a scholar and critic approach the story of someone whose art feels both deeply personal and expansively historical? How does one trace the education of an artist who learned not in isolation, but through community, heritage, and creative exchange? Pollack-Pelzner guides us through these questions with the grace of a storyteller and the precision of a historian, drawing on unparalleled access to Miranda's inner circle and his own interviews with the artist. This is a book about how an artist finds his voice, and a conversation about how a biographer finds the shape of a life. Join me for this engaging discussion with the delightful Daniel Pollack-Pelzner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

On this cold December afternoon live in studio we are honored to have Former NYFD Firefighter Tim Brown with us. Tim is a 9/11 Survivor, and Founder of The Families,Inc. He is a town local that left to NYC, shortly finding himself in the South Bronx and Washington Heights and responding to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. We all have seen media footage of that day, but to have the privilege to sit down with Tim and hear him tell the story was gut wrenching and somber(But Necessary) I apologize to our YouTube followers we had camera tech drama so no live feed. Pretty sure it was better that way cause all the glassy eyes in the room. Thank you Fire Chief Raul Ortiz for joining the panel. I always say "come for the ride" Tim, thank you for taking us  along. Everyone needs to hear this!Please check Tim out          FFTim.com

Nelson German was born and raised in the Dominican-American community of Washington Heights in New York City, but he mostly cooked classic fine-dining food until recently.After working at New York City venues such as Joseph's Citarella, the Gramercy Park Hotel, Absinthe Wine Bar and Jerry's Café, he moved to San Francisco in 2010, and debuted his first restaurant there, AlaMar, in 2014, serving a wide variety of seafood.After he expanded his presence on the culinary scene by appearing on Season 18 of "Top Chef" in 2021, he began to explore his own personal culinary roots and reopened the restaurant as a Dominican venue. That followed his brief launch in 2020 of Sobre Mesa, which reopened after lockdown and explores Latin cuisines as well as influences from West Africa, which German explored after researching his family's own Cameroonian heritage.Then in April of this year, he opened Meski in partnership with Ethiopian-American entrepreneur Guma Fassil and NBA legend Draymond Green. Meski's own background has brought even more variety to the cuisine at his restaurant, which is German's first in San Francisco.German discussed his culinary journey and shared how his cuisine has evolved over the years.

New York has some of the strongest housing laws in the country. But some people still face discrimination during the home buying process. That's why the city council said it is looking to improve transparency for co-op or condo buyers. A dirt field in a New York park has turned into a metaphorical “Field of Dreams.” At least that's what Mayor Eric Adams called the new field in Harlem. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg explains the plan that was a part of the mayor's State of the City address. New Jersey wants to eliminate all traffic deaths statewide. WFUV's Nick Verone explains the plan. Word Up Bookshop is a local shop run and operated by more than 60 volunteers in New York's Washington Heights neighborhood. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg explains how this bookstore transformed from a temporary pop-up into a permanent fixture working to build community. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Nick Verone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Pedro Luis Ferrer is revered musician When artist and photographer Alejandro Lopez learned earlier this year that Cuban musician Pedro Luis Ferrer had relocated to Miami during the pandemic, he jumped at the chance to introduce the folk hero's music to a new audience at the Towne Crier in Beacon. Ferrer and his daughter Lena, who sings and plays handheld percussion, will appear at the club on Dec. 5 and are also performing two shows in New York City and at The Local in Saugerties during a 10-day mini tour booked by Lopez. "Miami is an art cemetery; I lived there," says Lopez, who moved to Beacon from Washington Heights in 2012 after delivering artwork to the KuBe Art Center and becoming enamored with the area. Ferrer, 73, a singer, guitarist and tres player who performs with passion and gravitas that is palpable even to non-Spanish speakers, "is a legend in Cuba," says Lopez. A revered artist who resisted the regime of Cuba's late president, Fidel Castro, Ferrer represents "more than entertainment," Lopez added. "He is a real creator, someone who tells it like it is." The sentiment of "If I Don't Leave Cuba" is subtle: "If I don't leave Cuba do not believe that I'm staying / I travel inside a ditch of hope and fear." The song "Rule of Law" takes a blunter approach: "Come the rule of law to govern on this island / Let it be a state of all the people not of one sect or one leader / Come the rule of law to the economy for the peasant and for the workers with its infinite fantasy." Ferrer got away with such lyrics for a while, but the Castro regime brought the hammer down in the 1990s. The story, says Lopez, is that after Ferrer told a reporter in Venezuela that he would be willing to sing with Celia Cruz, a stinging Castro critic known as the Queen of Salsa during her exile in New York City, the government banned his music from the airwaves and pulled the plug on his recording career. He created just three albums in his native land over 35 years, and one of the first discs he released outside the country is titled 100% Cubano. Ferrer continued to perform, often abroad, and fans circulated live recordings like Grateful Dead bootlegs. He told Mother Jones 20 years ago that "some of my songs have never been heard on the radio or TV, but that does not impede the public from singing along with me at concerts." Ferrer's original folk-style tunes fit into a broad framework called guaracha, which stretches back more than two centuries in Cuba and adapts well with the stripped-down arrangements he plays with Lena. His main instrument is the tres ("three" in English), which looks like a compact guitar and consists of six strings. The name derives from its unorthodox tuning, in which three pairs of strings are pitched with the same notes, unlike the standard style used by most guitarists. Ferrer has played in New York before with a 10-person band, but is now traveling light. "I'm not making any money here," says Lopez. "I'm doing this to give back to someone who tried to help and inspire our country for all those years." The Towne Crier is located at 379 Main St. in Beacon (townecrier.com). Tickets to the show, which starts at 8 p.m., are $30 ($35 door).

Revealing, insightful, necessary, candid conversation with the incomparable Jerry Craft, NYT bestselling author of the groundbreaking book New Kid.* Craft is the ONLY PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF EVER to have a book win the:Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature* New Kid was the FIRST graphic novel to receive the prestigious Newbery Medal* New Kid is billed as a book for middle grade readers (ages 8 - 12, grades 3 - 7) however it is just as riveting and important a read FOR ADULTS An actual middle schooler, KJ Fletcher got to join his mom, host and producer Samantha Fletcher for this one of a kind opportunity. They caught up with the multi-talented and in-demand busy author, illustrator and all around wise guy – literally for his wisdom as well as his wit – Jerry Craft.Craft graciously answers 10 questions -- plus a few more because the host Samantha can't allow a good dig-in or follow up question to pass -- and shares why he wrote the book, why it's great for young people, AND why it is an ASSET and a MUST-READ for GROWNUPS, too.WHAT IS NEW KID ABOUT? Described as "heartbreakingly accurate" by Kirkus, here is an AI overview summary: "New Kid is a graphic novel by Jerry Craft about a Black seventh grader named Jordan Banks who is one of the few students of color at a prestigious, mostly-white private school. The book follows Jordan as he navigates this new environment, torn between his familiar Washington Heights neighborhood and the new school's culture, exploring themes like microaggressions, racism, and socioeconomic disparity. It's a coming-of-age story about making friends, fitting in, and staying true to himself while dealing with the challenges of being a new student from a different background."WHY KIRKUS CHOSE THIS AS ITS WINNER: "Kirkus chose Jerry Craft's New Kid for its honest portrayal of being a Black student in a predominantly white private school, handling race, class, and microaggressions with humor and a relatable protagonist. The graphic novel was praised for its "heartbreakingly accurate" and "funny, sharp, and totally real" story that allows readers to see themselves in a narrative that isn't based on "misery" or historical hardship, but instead on the everyday experiences of a young person navigating identity and belonging. Kirkus specifically highlighted how the book combined a middle-grade narrative with important social commentary, using the protagonist's art to visualize his dual worlds."www.samanthafletcher.comhttps://jerrycraft.com/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/dailybordercrossings/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-border-crossings/id1517113315

Zohran Mamdani hasn't even taken office, and already there has been a physical skirmish between ICE agents and NYPD cops in Washington Heights. This portends a full-on controntation between federal and municipal power in the months to come—with the potential (yes, really) for civil war. In Episode 303 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg argues that despite the danger, Mamdani's election heightens the contradictions in American society in a salubrious way, and may even open revolutionary possibilities. However, his pledge to destroy Lower Manhattan's Elizabeth Street Garden points to the contradictions in Mamdani's own politics that activists will have to press him on. Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/countervortex Production by Chris Rywalt We ask listeners to donate just $1 per weekly podcast via Patreon -- or $2 for our new special offer! We now have 61 subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 62!

Two NYPD officers were injured in Washington Heights during an encounter with immigration agents and unionized Starbucks workers go on strike to disrupt Red Cup Day.

The All Local 4pm Update for Wednesday, November 12th 2025

Jared Fox, education consultant, former NYC secondary science teacher and the author of Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom (Beacon Press, 2025), guides teachers in taking science education beyond the classroom, drawing on his experience teaching science in Washington Heights.

Nyla Symone sits down with LIFEOFTHOM, a rapper and producer from Washington Heights, NYC, to discuss his journey in the music industry. LIFEOFTHOM reflects on his 10-year career, which began in 2016, sharing his experiences performing at open mics, festivals, and collaborating with other artists. He highlights his work with Plain Pat and the creation of his album “Driving Blind,” a project that represents perseverance and faith. Throughout the conversation, LIFEOFTHOM opens up about his production process, musical influences, and the meaning behind his cover art. He also emphasizes the importance of community, continual learning, and staying true to yourself while navigating the music industry. Tune in and comment in the socials below. Be sure to subscribe, rate and share. Follow We Need To Talk: @wnttlk @nylasymoneee @lifeofthom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Geringer-Sameth, discusses the mayoral candidates' stances on overdose prevention centers in New York City, including Zohran Mamdani's reversal of his longstanding stance to increase the centers, Andrew Cuomo's stance to keep existing centers but not expand them and Curtis Sliwa's stance against the existing centers. Plus, Sam Rivera, executive director of OnPoint NYC, talks about the two overdose prevention centers that OnPoint runs, in East Harlem and Washington Heights.

On this Tuesday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid details multiple stories including Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral campaign rally in Washington Heights, Sid's confrontational artificial intelligence mock debate with Zohran regarding funding allegations, the government's ongoing shutdown affecting federal workers, the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas brokered by President Trump, and the complications involving New York Attorney General Tisch James after her indictment. Bo Dietl, Diana Florence, K.T. McFarland, Michael Goodwin, Mike Sapraicone & Zach Bonfilio join Sid on this Tuesday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York City renters have filed more than 1,100 complaints since the city's ban on most broker fees took effect in June, many accusing landlords and brokers of ignoring the new rule. Meanwhile, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is criticizing President Trump over the federal prosecution of state Attorney General Letitia James. Also, city contractors hired to replace a crumbling, century-old elevated stretch of Riverside Drive West in Washington Heights walked off the job last year, leaving behind an unfinished construction site and hundreds of residents stuck in a public works purgatory. And finally, we meet the guy behind those “Friend” ads at subway stations across the city.

In this episode, Javier Muñoz—star of Hamilton and In the Heights—sits down with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to explore Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, the definitive look at how a creative kid from Washington Heights became one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Drawing from over 150 interviews, Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda's journey from high school musicals to global hits like Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto, uncovering the drive, collaboration, and cultural fusion that shaped his artistry. It's an inspiring, behind-the-scenes portrait of genius, heart, and the making of a modern Broadway legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a Thursday night and a group of folks in Washington Heights do-si-do to the bassline from “Shake Your Groove Thing” by Peaches & Herb. Square dancing has a reputation as more of a hobby for white people set to country music. But social clubs like the Southside Squares are turning that image on its head. Last episode, we heard how square dancing was once a booming hobby. Today, we hear from one social club that's working to keep it alive in the 21st century. But square dancing's African and African-American roots often get lost in popular accounts. Some of the first callers and musicians were enslaved Black people. Since then, square dancing has continued to be a part of African-American communities, including a long-running social club that meets up in Washington Heights every week to get down. Today, we hear from members of the Southside Squares. And you can't have a dance without a caller. We also talk with a living legend in square dancing: world renowned caller Sandie Bryant. She'll show us the ropes and tell us what it's like being one of the few Black women callers today.

Dominicans comprise the largest immigration group in modern New York City, and Dominican culture has become embedded in the city's rich fabric of immigrant history. And in one place in particular -- Washington Heights.This historic neighborhood of Upper Manhattan is named for George Washington, who led the Continental Army in an early, pivotal battle here during the Revolutionary War. Today, it's also known to some as Little Dominican Republic, home to the largest Dominican neighborhood in the United States (although more Dominicans live in the Bronx overall).Starting in the 1960s, thousands of Dominicans immigrated to the United States -- and most to New York City. Special guest Dr. Ramona Hernandez, the director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, joins the Bowery Boys to discuss the extraordinary circumstances that led to this population influx and details the many reasons why Dominican culture still thrives in the Big Apple.The Bowery Boys Podcast is proud to be sponsored by Founded By NYC, celebrating New York City's 400th anniversary in 2025 and the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.Discover the exciting events and world-class institutions that commemorate the five boroughs' legacy of groundbreaking achievements, and find ways to celebrate the city that's always making history at Founded by NYC.This episode was produced and edited by Kieran Gannon Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the height of Covid-19 In 2020, as storefronts across the city went vacant, some New Yorkers saw an opportunity. Art on the Ave NYC began filling empty windows with curated exhibitions, each paired with a QR code that let viewers hear directly from the artist. Since then, nearly a hundred spaces, from Columbus Avenue to Washington Heights, Bed-Stuy, and the Oculus, have been reimagined as public galleries. At the center of it is Barbara Anderson, who co-founded the nonprofit with her daughter, Jackie Graham. As a middle school teacher at the time, Barbara had been using art to help students process the pandemic, George Floyd’s murder, and rising Asian hate. That classroom work became the spark for a citywide initiative… one that continues to give artists visibility, connect neighborhoods, and transform how New Yorkers experience their streets. Today, Barbara shares more about how Art on the Ave got started, how it’s grown, and what it takes to turn empty space into something that brings a community together. Learn more: https://www.artontheavenyc.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A special episode live from the United Palace in Washington Heights, New York. Subway station romance, lost names, and buried truths. This episode is hosted by CJ Hunt, with additional hosting by Jay Allison, producer of The Moth Radio Hour.   As a high school student, Lin-Manuel Miranda reveals more of himself than he realized while writing his first musical. Having grown up in the world of music, Quiara Alegría Hudes finds her college music program lacking.   Thanks to his wife, Led Black discovers a new type of masculinity.    Podcast # 783 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

El cantante colombiano Beéle es protagonista de un nuevo escándalo tras filtrarse un video íntimo suyo. Pero esta no es la primera vez que el hombre está en el ojo del huracán por temas amorosos. Y además en El Gordo y La Flaca: Canelo perdió en una pelea que dejó mucho de qué hablar y que estuvo llena de muchos famosos.Cardi B sigue enloqueciendo a sus fanáticos con la promoción de su nuevo álbum. Esta vez se fue a Washington Heights en Nueva York donde vivían varios de sus familiares. ¿Qué familia ha sido más problemática los Rivera o los Aguilar? Esto opina Lupillo. 

Fox Across America's Jimmy Failla joins JMN. Traffic delays have some Jax drivers stuck on the tops of area bridges, which can be scary if you're afraid of heights -- Jimmy explains that with driving a cab in NYC, he's scared of heights too (like Washington Heights, and Crown Heights!). That leads to Taxi cab traffic nightmares in NYC, and remembering 9/11 -- when all Americans got along until about October 1st, and Presidents throwing out the first pitch. Hear more with Jimmy Failla every weeknight on Fox Across America at 6pm!

Marga Gomez grew up in Washington Heights, New York City, immersed in a family of Spanish-language entertainers. Welcome to Season 8, Episode 1 of Storied: San Francisco. I first learned of Marga more than a decade ago, through comedy and performance circles I was adjacent to. Because I don't have the world's best memory, I cannot recall exactly where or when I saw her perform, but I do remember feeling an immediate pull to her work. In this episode, Marga shares the story of her parents, growing up in NYC, and coming to San Francisco. We begin in Manhattan, where Marga was born to a comedian/producer/screenwriter Cuban-American dad and a dancer/aspiring actor Puerto Rican mom. Marga went to Catholic school as a youngster, which she says was every bit as harsh as folks say. Looking back, Marga thinks the only discipline she got when she was a kid was through school. Her parents, she says, were narcissists. The two met when Marga's mom danced in a show produced by her dad. The shows were varietal in nature, and took place on stages live at theaters showing Spanish-language Mexican movies. Her dad had danced in shows in Havana pre-Castro. Some white American show producer-types with Johnny Walker, the Scotch company, brought him to New York, unaware that he didn't speak English. It was the Fifties—the height of a Spanish entertainment craze (think Ricky Ricardo). Many folks from Latin America were also immigrating to the US, and New York especially, in those days. And they, too, wanted entertainment. Marga's dad found work in that world, first as a performer, then as a producer. Growing up with locally well-known/borderline famous parents instilled in young Marga a sense that she could do anything she wanted. But when they split up, Marga went with her mom to live in a white neighborhood on Long Island. She was one of the only kids of color in an otherwise homogenous, affluent area. No longer in the Spanish-language community that raised her, she lost that sense of becoming a performer in her own right. She just wanted to graduate high school and get out. And that she did. She ended up at a New York State school on the border of Canada, in Oswego near Lake Ontario. It was still the same weather she used to, but it was time to explore—with pot, acid, and women. She got really into “storyteller” musicians around this time, some women, Dylan, that kind of thing. And she met a woman who later was the reason Marga came to San Francisco. Marga's impression of San Francisco before she moved here was shaped by a magazine feature about the Hippies here at that time—the Seventies. She owes that attraction to her mom's strict parenting style—it was a rebellion in every sense. She'd not made it through to graduation (too much acid, she says), but followed her girlfriend across country to this magical new city. It was 1976, the year of the US Bicentennial. Marga's girlfriend did all the driving (she still doesn't have a license), taking the scenic route along Route 66, through the heart of the United States during its 200th birthday celebration. They saw a lot of Americana—the good and the bad (racism, misogyny, homophobia). It made landing in SF all the more poignant. They came up the California coast, saw Big Sur, then arrived in The City. We end Part 1 with Marga's story of the first place in San Francisco she and her then-girlfriend went—Castro Street. That story is also how her upcoming show, Spanish Stew, begins. More on that in Part 2, which drops this Thursday. That's also the date of the Opening Night of Every Kinda People. We hope to see you at Mini Bar that night for an evening of community, art, drinks, laughter, and love. This episode is brought to you by Standard Deviant Brewing. We recorded it at Noe Cafe in Noe Valley in August 2025. Photography by Jeff Hunt

Police are searching for the pilot of a catamaran that collided with a party boat on the East River, sending three people to the hospital with minor injuries. Meanwhile, city officials are investigating the death of a Rikers Island detainee, the eleventh in custody this year. Also, Yankees captain Aaron Judge has tied Yogi Berra for fifth on the team's all-time home run list with his 358th career homer. Plus, GrowNYC's Amelia Tarpey explains why melons are peaking at city farmstands, and WNYC's Brittany Kriegstein reports on a viral water park in a Washington Heights bike lane.

The news is out! After nearly ten years and what will be 500 episodes, The Hamilcast will be coming to an end on January 26th, 2026, the podcast's official ten-year anniversary. While the community isn't going anywhere and the archive will always remain available, the weekly episodes you've come to expect will soon be wrapping up. Until then, this is going to be a PARTY. Let's celebrate this journey with memories, special events, plus a few repeat episodes to bring things full circle and look back on some extraordinary moments on the pod. While there is plenty of time to get emotional, I do want to make sure that I say I've loved making this show for you for all these years. Thank you for always being excited about things with me. It's been such a fantastic ride and I'm so happy to be celebrating with you. As we kick off the final stretch of The Hamilcast, let's revisit when we fanned that spark into a flame, otherwise known as the time Lin-Manuel Miranda came over and ate popcorn with me and Mike for four hours while drinking a custom cocktail inspired by the bodegas of Washington Heights. We're going back to October 2017, when Lin-Manuel Miranda himself first joined me on the podcast. It all started with a Twitter DM, which led to Lin visiting my tiny New York City apartment (slanted floors, whistling toilet, the works) to record one of the biggest conversations of my life. It was a monumental moment for me, for the podcast, and for the listeners. What followed became known as #Lintoberfest: five episodes filled with the excitement, stories, and rare audio from that unforgettable day. Below you'll find today's relevant links including the rest of Lin's episodes, as well as the original description from when Episode 88 originally dropped in 2017. Playbill Exclusive: After a Decade, The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast Will Drop Final Episode in 2026 Aaron Burr Panel at the South Street Seaport /// Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Hamilcast (so far) ///  #88: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part One #89: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Two #90: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Three #91: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Four // The B-Sides #92: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Five // The B-Sides #225: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part One #226: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part Two /// Original description and links from October 1st, 2017 /// Lin-Manuel Miranda came over to my apartment and we had so much fun that I have FIVE episodes for you! Welcome to #Lintoberfest, with my husband Michael Paul Smith joining me for these episodes. In Part One, I try to get over the fact that Lin is recording in my living room – spoiler! I don't! – But regardless, we tell the story of how Lin ended up on the podcast, details of the early days of Hamilton, why Lin is a Hamilton/Burr hybrid, and quote The West Wing a LOT. We also eat popcorn and drink the Spark Into a Flame cocktail, made especially for Lin and inspired by his Inwood, NYC roots. Stay tuned for four more episodes: two more with Lin and then the Lin B-Sides which will be outtakes, non-sequiturs, and commentary by me and Mike (you know Mike). And no, I'm still not over the fact that this happened! No chill whatsoever! To help Puerto Rico:https://hispanicfederation.org/donate Donate to disaster relief:List of charities to donate to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and MariaBaker RipleyOne America AppealThe Humane Society Previous episodes referenced:Shockwave Part OneShockwave Part TwoMandy GonzalezIan Weinberger Part OneIan Weinberger Part Two Episode Transcript /// LinManuel.com /// Gillian's Website The Hamilcast on Twitter The Hamilcast on Instagram Join the Patreon Peeps

This week on "I've Been Meaning To Watch That", we review Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In The Heights" with special guest Esteban Gast!

This is the noon All Local for August 18, 2025.

New Yorkers worry as a second mass shooting takes place. A water park breaks out in Washington Heights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special concert edition of Live N' Local by Hot P'stromi performing live as our pre-show entertainment as part of our Film Works Alfresco program on July 21, 2025. Co-presented with YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood.

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Once-proud communities like Washington Heights are seeing their streets change for the worse, with safe injection sites bringing open drug use, crime, and blight into residential areas. This commentary examines the real-life consequences of well-intentioned policies, the double standards in where they're placed, and the growing sense of powerlessness among residents.

¡Bienvenidos al corazón palpitante de Washington Heights! Hoy te llevamos al vibrante mundo de In The Heights, el revolucionario debut musical de Lin-Manuel Miranda que encendió Broadway… ¡y ahora está listo para conquistar Melbourne!

This is the Monday All Local 4pm update for August 4, 2025.

Meryl chats with A.J. Sidransky about his new memoir, Plums, Paprika & Ghosts. It's a chronicle of the trip he took with his 27-year-old-son Jake to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, to discover their family roots. This “life changing” journey provided answers, as well as new questions, about their ancestors' experience there for 300 years, and their fate during The Holocaust. AJ Sidransky is the author of numerous mystery, thriller, and historical fiction books, including Forgiving Maximo Rothman, The Interpreter, and Incident at San Miguel. His newest work, Plums, Paprika & Ghosts, is a memoir about his pilgrimage with his son, Jake, to his grandfather's homeland in Hungary and Slovakia. He lives in Washington Heights, NY with his wife. Website: https://ajsidransky.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajsidranskybooks/ People of the Book is a copyrighted work of Meryl Ain and Authors on The Air Global Radio Network. Website: merylain.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PeopleOfTheBookWithMerylAin facebook.com/MerylAinAuthor/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/455865462463744 Twitter: @DrMerylAin Instagram: meryl_ain #AuthorsOnTheAir #AuthorsOnTheAirGlobalRadioNetwork #AOTA #AJSidransky #Plums,Paprika&Ghosts #Hungary #Slovakia #AustroHungarianEmpire #Jake #CzechRepublic #TheHolocaust #Memoir #Grandfather #JewishIdentity #HungarianFood #ChickenPaprikash #PersonalResponsibility #Epiphany #FamilyResponsibility #FamilyTies #PeopleoftheBook #MerylAin #TheTakeawayMen #ShadowsWeCarry #RemembeToEat #ShortStories #LetsTalkJewishBooks #JewsLoveToRead

(Aniversario de la Muerte de Celia Cruz) El 16 de julio de 2003, «Celia dejó para siempre su lucha contra el tumor canceroso que le invadió el cerebro.... Dios fue con Celia como ella fue con el mundo. Le concedió una muerte como si fuera la bella durmiente», atestigua Omer Pardillo-Cid en su epílogo a la autobiografía de Celia Cruz titulada: Celia: Mi vida. «Celia salió de su casa rumbo a la funeraria... escoltada por la policía de Nueva York.... En el barrio Washington Heights, en el cual la mayoría de la población es de procedencia dominicana... se extendía... una multitud, con flores en mano, llorando y tratando de tocar el carro mientras pasaba.... Lo mismo sucedió al pasar por el barrio de Harlem. De igual manera, los afroamericanos rindieron sus respetos y su propio homenaje a la diva cubana.... »Mientras tanto, en Miami todo se preparaba para recibir por última vez a su reina.... [quien] el viernes 18 arribó al Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami.... [Desde allí] su cortejo fúnebre la transportó... hasta la Torre de la Libertad.... [Las autoridades municipales determinaron que el día siguiente] el sistema de transporte público [transportaría]... a cualquier persona... hasta la Torre sin costo alguno.... »Para las tres de la tarde [del sábado] la cantidad de personas en fila para despedirse de Celia había superado las 250 mil.... Miles [no pudieron] entrar.... La cantidad de gente que se congregó [a lo largo de la calle Biscayne Boulevard para verla pasar] fue tan grande que el tráfico se paralizó por todo el centro de Miami y sus alrededores.... [En la Torre, se preparó el cadáver] para su partida final hacia Nueva York, donde sería sepultado.... »Llegó la mañana del 22, con lluvias y un fuerte calor. Sin embargo... la gente comenzó a llegar a la funeraria [neoyorquina]... desde las cinco de la madrugada y siguió de esa manera hasta las once de la noche [por orden del gobernador].... [La funeraria calculó que por sus puertas pasaron más de cien mil personas.]   »Al día siguiente... una carroza blanca tirada por un par de caballos blancos... la [transportaron]... por toda la Quinta Avenida, [donde] miles y miles de personas congregadas en las aceras... fueron testigos de la solemne marcha [a pesar de] la lluvia [que] volvió a caer... acompañada por truenos y relámpagos... hasta la Catedral de San Patricio.... »[En la homilía de la misa] se nos recordó a todos los congregados —sigue narrando Omer Pardillo— que el “azúcar” [de Celia] “quedó derretida en el café de su pueblo”.... [En el cementerio] más de diez mil personas esperaban para despedirla [en] la lluvia, [que] continuó con fuerza.... »¿Quién iba a pensar —pregunta Omer retóricamente— que esa pobre negrita, nacida en el humilde barrio de Santos Suárez [en La Habana], llegaría, al fin de su vida, a andar en una carroza tirada por caballos blancos, como si fuera un cuento de hadas, y paralizar a la capital del mundo?»1 Tal vez lo único que valga la pena añadir a este fabuloso cuento sea que, para los que hayan envidiado a Celia, el apóstol Pedro aconseja que seamos humildes y nos sometamos al poder de Dios para que, a su debido tiempo, Dios mismo nos exalte, tratándonos como a gente importante.2 Carlos ReyUn Mensaje a la Concienciawww.conciencia.net 1 Celia Cruz con Ana Cristina Reymundo, Celia: Mi vida (New York: HarperCollins, 2004), pp. 236-42. 2 1P 5:6

Did you know that the oldest Lutheran church in the Americas is an LCMS congregation in New York City? The Rev. Peter A.D. Deebrah (Pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in New York City) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey from Guyana to New York City, how he became pastor of St. Matthew, the incredible history of St. Matthew beginning in the 1600s, how the congregation has both changed and stayed the same over 360 years, and how St. Matthew serves the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City. Read more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew in Lutherans Engage: engage.lcms.org/oldest-congregation-summer-2025. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

(Encore presentation) The film adaptation of In The Heights from Lin-Manuel Miranda is a joyous spectacle of singing, dancing, and asserting your dignity in small ways.Topics discussed:There are multiple elements of hip-hop culture present in the film - and the rapping is on point. Several Latin cultures are represented, showing the diversity of Washington Heights. The vocal talent is top notch and the dancing and choreography sizzle. The film weaves in serious elements that give the light and bright storytelling some drama and weight. There are multiple story lines, all tied towards a common theme of realizing dreams. Also check out:Our episode on HamiltonCreditsHip Hop Movie Club is produced by your HHMCs JB, BooGie, and DynoWright. Theme music by BooGie. And remember:Don't hate...radiate!Check us out:Our next live event is FRIDAY (30th anniversary!) on Friday, August 15 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem PA. Buy ticketsCheck out our live event schedule and more at our Linktree.Hip Hop Movie Club on:FacebookInstagram ThreadsBlueskySubstack (newsletter)Website

If you'd like to see full video of this and other episodes, join the Reel Notes Patreon at the Homie ($5/month) tier or higher. Each episode is also available to buy individually for $5 (Buy it through a web browser and not the Patreon app. You'll get charged extra if you purchase through the app.) You also get early access to episodes, an invite to our Discord server, access to the Reel Talk archives, and more!My guest this week is New York rapper-singer-songwriter Sumaya Nazar. We spoke about Love Island, The Princess and The Frog and all things Disney, the animated films Muhammad: The Last Prophet and Persepolis, growing up in a Haitian-Tunisian household in Washington Heights, how spending time in Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates changed her perspective, recently embracing Islam, finding her voice as an artist, and the creative process behind her latest EP 1446. Come fuck with us.1446 is available wherever music is sold, streamed, or stolen. Follow Sumaya on Instagram (@sumaya.nazar777) and TikTok (@sumayanazar)My first book, Reel Notes: Culture Writing on the Margins of Music and Movies, is available now, via 4 PM Publishing. Order a digital copy on Amazon.Reel Notes stands in solidarity with American immigrants against ICE and the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Congo, Sudan, Tigray, and Haiti. Please consider donating to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund,  The Palestinian Youth Movement, The Zakat Foundation, HealAfrica, FreeTigray, and/or Hope For Haiti.  For information about contacting your representatives to demand a ceasefire, finding protests, and other tools, check out CeasefireToday!Follow me on Instagram (@cinemasai), Twitter (@CineMasai_), Bluesky (@cinemasai.bsky.social), TikTok (@cinemasai), Letterboxd (@CineMasai), and subscribe to my weekly Nu Musique Friday newsletter to stay tapped into all things Dylan Green.  Support the show

Thousands of cable subscribers in the New York City area are about to lose NY1 or News 12 thanks to a dispute between cable providers. Plus, the city says a new park along the East River waterfront will help prevent water from reaching the neighborhood. Also, New York's Empire State Development is letting the owner of the Atlantic Yards avoid millions of dollars in monthly penalties for missing a decade-old affordable housing deadline. And finally, WNYC teamed up with the non-profit Street Lab to highlight voices in Washington Heights.

Episode 130: Baked BodegaWhat's really Good Famiglia?! I'm writing this fresh off Hashhole Island and I think I'm still stoned… lol… Good times, good vibes, and Good PizzZa! Shout out to everyone that came by the booth and supported us. Much love Homies! Also, shout out to MJ for rolling us a fat Sicilian Slice Doink! That thing was a beast! This week, we have a very special guest, none other than Baked Bodega! Me and Bodega been plotting this episode for some months now. We felt it was only right to capture the essence of Washington Heights nowhere else but his stoop on 187 and Audubon, 14 blocks from my old Haze spot on 173 (Red Door). We couldn't have asked for a better day in the city. It was so hot, I had to shoot the episode in my guinea tee! We had the homie Yoshi on the grill whippin plates for the block, the good smoke was in the air, and the block was poppin! Me and Bodega chopped it up about life, death, the game, NYC, and what's next for the Baked Bodega crew! This was a one to a kind episode Foreal and because I love yall, I'm gonna let you in a little secret. We literally almost lost this episode! If Ruben didn't send me the one angle rough copy to pull clips from what you're watching right now, you guys would've never even seen this episode. Unfortunately, we lost a hard drive that had a lot of media on it and it cooked the two other angles. So I hope you guys enjoy this episode with one angle. It was a day in the life in Washington Heights on a sunny spring day. I don't get much better than that! The only thing missing was that early 2000's block work Piff! I think it's only right that we honor his late brother Dylan with this podcast! Put something in the air for the bro! Y'all know what time it is… Roll em fat, torch your rigs, pack your bongs, bag up some work, water your plants, do what you gotta do because we're about to head up to 187 and Audubon and burn one with the homie Baked Bodega! ✌

Rob King returns to the podcast. He is a professor of film and media studies at Columbia University's School of the Arts. He is the author of "Hokum! The Early Sound Slapstick Short and Depression-Era Mass Culture" (2017) and "The Fun Factory: The Keystone Film Company and the Emergence of Mass Culture" (2009). And now Rob has a new book "Man of Taste: The Erotic Cinema of Radley Metzger" (Columbia University Press, 2025). We are joined by novelist Cathy Brown who has some background behind the camera in the adult film industry. https://youtu.be/9kvinUaOKKk Radley Metzger was one of the foremost directors of adult film in America, with credits including softcore titles like "The Lickerish Quartet" and the hardcore classic "The Opening of Misty Beethoven". After getting his start making arthouse trailers for Janus Films, Metzger would go on to become among the most feted directors of the porno chic 'era of the 1970s, working under the pseudonym Henry Paris. In the process, he produced a body of work that exposed the porous boundaries separating art cinema from adult film, softcore from hardcore, and good taste from bad. Rob King uses Metzger's work to explore what taste means and how it works, tracing the evolution of the adult film industry and the changing frontiers of cultural acceptability. "Man of Taste" spans Metzger's entire life: his early years in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood, his attempt to bring arthouse aesthetics to adult film in the 1960s, his turn to pseudonymously directed hardcore movies in the 1970s, and his final years, which included making videos on homeopathic medicine. Metzger's career, King argues, sheds light on how the distinction between the erotic and the pornographic is drawn, and it offers an uncanny reflection of the ways American film culture transformed during these decades.

Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo! Yoooooo! LOL-eros, grab your maracas and get ready for this high-energy episode of #LatinosOutLoud! This episode is dedicated to the amazing production of Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway. Join #RachelLaLoca on the red carpet for opening night of the Broadway musical that touches the soul and pulls at both the heart AND guitar strings! She was joined by Latino theatre expert, Paola "Pie" Soto who covered interviews with band members such as Renestio Avich aka the Jimmy Hendrix of Cuba and trombonist, Eddie Venegas. Rachel got to chat with the celebs that came out to support this tribute to the pursuit of a dream during tumultuous political times. She linked up with icons and former guests of #LOL, like Producers of the show, John Leguizamo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, his father, Luis A. Miranda, Jr, and actress Daphne Rubin-Vega. Other stars captured during this amazing evening include Luna Lauren Velez and Rubén Blades. Also, enjoy a recap of both the musical and red carpet coverage by Rachel and Pie, shot at the Recirculation Bookshop in Washington Heights. ABOUT THE SHOW Inspired by true events, the new Broadway musical BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ brings to life the GRAMMY®-winning album and tells the story of the legendary musicians who lived it. A world-class Afro-Cuban band joins a sensational cast in this unforgettable story of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music. With a book by Marco Ramírez (Drama Desk Award, The Royale), direction by Saheem Ali (Tony Award nominee for Fat Ham), and a visionary creative team, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ showcases the golden age of Cuban music. The production features choreography by Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck (Illinoise, Steven Spielberg's West Side Story). Follow Rachel Follow Buena Vista Social Club Follow Recirculation https://www.wordupbooks.com/recirculation And while you're at it, follow the yellow brick road! #LatinosOutLoud #Broadway #BuenaVistaSocialClub #RachelLaLoca #LinManuelMiranda #LuisMiranda #RubenBlades #DaphneRubinVega #LunaLaurenVelez #RubenBlades

Welcome to this Inwood Art Works On Air podcast artist spotlight episode featuring filmmaker, Yuby Hernandez.Yuby Hernandez is a New York City Native from Washington Heights and has over a decade of experience in non-profit management experience. Besides her non-profit work, she has a passion for documentary film having co-directed Venticinco: El Domino and Un Trabao Honesto, and directed Un Bizcocho Para Mi.  She has worked for the Gotham Film and Media institute, Tribecca Film Festival, SFFILM, and Associate Produced the Documentary Aftershock. In addition, is a graduate of Wellesley College, and has attained an MFA from the School of Visual Arts SocDoc program.

This very special episode of #LOL is part of #Podcasthon, the global charity podcast event!

On this special episode of #LatinosOutLOud, #RachelLaLoca is LIVE at the NYC book launch party for Mamá Didn't Raise A Pendeja: A Book of Anti-Affirmations Inspired By Tough Latinas. She had the pleasure of hosting and interviewing Authors and former guest of LOL, Aralis Mejia and Carolina Acosta, the creators of best-selling game Tragos. The energy in the room was as high as the location itself, with the inspiring event taking place at Dyckman Loft in Washington Heights, NYC. Shout out to the venue owner, hilarious comedian, Chris Grant. Guests were treated to delicious Latino snacks, and were engaged in dialogue through an in-depth interview conducted by Rachel and excerpt readings from the text. Get your copy of the book today here: https://a.co/d/fUdqha4 Follow Rachel Follow Latinos Out Loud Follow Carolina Follow Aralis and follow the yellow brick road while you're at it! #LatinosOutLoud #RachelLaLoca #Books #LatinoAuthors #Comedy #Podcast

In this hilarious and real conversation, Model and Influencer Leslie Rodriguez takes us on her journey from a funny Dominican kid in Washington Heights to a viral sensation and signed model. Born to Dominican immigrant parents, Leslie developed her humor early on as a way to stand out, with her mother fully embracing her bold personality. Leslie took a leap of faith, putting corporate life on the back burner to prioritize modeling and influencing. The risk paid off big time, landing her major campaigns with Savage Fenty, Target, Nike, Clinique, and Macy’s. Leslie’s story is proof that when you bet on yourself, the universe listens. And trust me—she’s just getting started!