Epicenter NYC

Epicenter NYC
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Epicenter NYC

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/ Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    The Sourced Studio celebrates self-expression in each piece of jewelry

    Imagine this: It’s the middle of the pandemic, you’re looking for a creative outlet, and a simple trip to Michaels sparks something big. That’s exactly how The Sourced Studio was born—starting with DIY chain belts and growing into a Latinx-owned accessories brand specializing in permanent jewelry, a charm bar, and statement pieces that celebrate heritage and underrepresented communities. Today - I sit down with Source Studio founder, Tania Reyes, to learn more about the ups and downs of launching a business, from the first pop-up that made zero dollars to finding a niche that resonates. We’ll also talk about the power of authenticity in branding, the lessons learned as a first-generation entrepreneur, and how social media and community support helped The Sourced Studio grow. https://thesourcedstudio.com https://www.instagram.com/thesourcedstudio See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min

  2. JAN 22

    Inner Pttrn: How Coreen Ruiz Built a Community for Healing

    What does it mean to truly heal? Beyond talk therapy and surface-level self-care, how do we break free from inherited patterns and reconnect with our authentic selves? These are the questions at the heart of Inner Pttrn, a collective dedicated to deep, transformative healing through embodied movement, ritual, and community support. Inner Pttrn was founded by Coreen Ruiz, a first-generation Mexican American and former corporate professional, whose own experience with burnout and chronic health issues led her to explore alternative healing practices. But what started as a personal journey evolved into a thriving community space for those looking for deep transformation. Today - I sit down with Coreen to learn more about her experience building a mission-driven business, the challenges of making healing accessible, and the power of reclaiming ancestral knowledge. https://bio.site/innerpttrn https://www.innerpttrn.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min

  3. JAN 15

    Fringe Records brings queer-friendly community, comedy, niche music to Ridgewood

    Located in Ridgewood, Fringe Records NYC is more than a record shop, it’s a queer-owned vibrant cultural hub, hosting everything from artist markets and comedy nights to noise shows and cult film screenings. It’s a space where niche music meets community connection — a sanctuary for music, inclusivity, and creativity. At the heart of it all is Andrew Hurtado, a longtime collector of underground music and first-time business owner. Today, we sit down with Andrew to learn more about his journey of turning a DIY distro into a brick-and-mortar shop and the lessons he’s learned along the way.  Fringe Records-NYC on Instagram Read our full story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min

  4. JAN 8

    Mustafa Hussein on Reforming America’s Fragmented Healthcare System

    The U.S. healthcare system is often described as one of the most advanced in the world, yet it’s also one of the most expensive and fragmented. Millions of Americans struggle with navigating insurance networks, surprise medical bills, and soaring costs. For many, accessing basic healthcare feels more like solving a puzzle than receiving care. So… why does the U.S. spend so much more on healthcare than other countries? What role do high prices, private insurance, and systemic inefficiencies play? And most importantly, what can we do to fix it? To help us unravel these questions, we’re joined by Mustafa Hussein, an Assistant Professor of Health Economics at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health. Mustafa specializes in health inequalities, public policy, and the socio-economic drivers of health outcomes.  Today – he discusses how our system got here and what it’ll take to create meaningful reform.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min

  5. JAN 1

    Inside the Queens barbershop where community and style come together

    Carlos Mercado — better known as Charly Hustle — is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club. Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that stands for hustle, growth, and community. We’ll also talk about the evolution of The Hustle Barbershop into more than just a place for a haircut—but a hub for connection and inspiration. Later, Charly opens up about starting his run club, the role it plays in transforming lives, and his vision for the future of his business and beyond. https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-convivial-hustle-of-a-barber-shop-in-richmond-hill/ https://www.thehustlebarbershop.com/  https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebarbershop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  6. 12/18/2024

    What to do if your insurance claim is denied in New York

    The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we’ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary.  We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney at the nonprofit Community Health Advocates, on what to do if you receive an insurance claim or pre-authorization denial. Community Health Advocates: 1-888-614-5400 Community Service Society of New York: 212-254-8900 Make the Road New York, Health Services: 1-866-365-2724 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min

  7. 12/11/2024

    How a doctor forged multiple paths to heal and ‘Mpower’ others

    Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions—a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor’s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through college basketball courts, medical training, and, ultimately, the creation of a platform for empowerment. Mpower Productions is what Dr. Ward calls “CPR for empowerment,” focusing on stress management, resilience, and unlocking the unique strengths in each of us.  Today - I sit down with Dr. Ward to learn more about her experiences breaking barriers as a Black female doctor, how she mixes science with spirituality to connect with clients of all ages, and her vision for a global empowerment mission. https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-doctor-forged-multiple-paths-to-heal-and-mpower-others/ https://mpowerproductions.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min

  8. 12/04/2024

    How Trump’s immigration policies could affect you and your loved ones

    As New Yorkers brace for potential mass deportations and stricter enforcement, the city’s identity as a sanctuary for immigrants feels increasingly under threat. What does this mean for the communities that define New York—and the systems that support them?  To help us unpack this, we’re joined by David Dyssegaard Kallick, director of the Immigration Research Initiative, who is the author of numerous studies and academic papers on the economic and fiscal aspects of immigration with a focus on New York. https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-trumps-immigration-policies-could-affect-you-your-loved-ones-and-your-community/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
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4.1
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/ Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/

Information

  • Creator
    Epicenter NYC
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2025 Epicenter © 2020. All rights reserved. A Kalita Mukul Creative Inc. Company
  • Show Website
    Epicenter NYC

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