The New Yorkers Podcast

A New York City Podcast By Kelly Kopp With Executive Producer Jae Watson
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to New York City! Join me, New York City Kopp, as I introduce you to the wonderful world of New York City. I will tell you the best places to go, help you navigate the city, plus bring on New Yorkers to tell you their New York Stories. Jae Watson, Executive Producer, and New Yorker, will also join me on the podcast episodes sharing his experiences in the City. New episodes are out every other Sunday.

  1. Jun 9

    New Yorkers Celebrate Pride On the High Line! -With Alan van Capelle

    In this episode, Kelly is joined by Alan van Capelle!  He is the executive director of Friends of the High Line, the former deputy comptroller for the City of New York, and the chief architect of New York’s historic marriage equality bill.  Kelly asks Alan where he's from. Alan talks about growing up on Long Island and realizing that he was gay. He talks about pretending to be Miss America while hearing his parents argue about him playing Soccer! Alan then talks a bit about his twin sister, and is surprised to learn that Kelly is a twin as well!  Alan talks about his journey through college: how he wanted to be an opera singer, and then worked in medical unions, and later decided to go into community organizing and politics. He then tells the story about how he went from speaking at the first openly gay state representatives' inauguration to being the executive director of the Pride Agenda! Kelly and Alan talk about political activism, and Kelly describes the time he took a bus trip up to Washington, D.C. in 1993 to be a part of the march on Washington. He tells us about how their trip was almost canceled because of threats from the KKK. He describes the tension as they took the trip, and talks about how transformative of an experience it was.  Alan then talks about the importance of joy in hard times. As Executive Director of the High Line, It's important to him that in this fight against fascism, we center joy, and he hopes that people can find that on the High Line this pride.  Kelly asks Alan about the events that are going on this summer.  Alan talks about Musical Theater Piano Karaoke on Mondays, and how everyone has been super excited for that. He talks about the plant sale that they held, where people had the chance to buy one of a kind plants that are not available anywhere else. He talks about the Zesty world party for Queer People of Color, and the Salsa dance parties that are held in July.  Kelly then gets personal with Alan as he asks him about his family life. Alan talks about the process of how he and his partner adopted their two kids. He talks about the pressures of raising a family as a gay couple, as well as some of the challenges that he and his kids face navigating the world as a queer family.  Finally, Kelly asks Alan about the fight for marriage equality. Alan talks about the process that he and his colleagues went through in order to get it passed. How they had to pass smaller legislation surrounding it in order to set the precedent for marriage equality.  He talks about how he became friends with his political enemies and how that was crucial in nullifying them and getting them on his side. He and Kelly talk about the importance of continuing to talk to people you may disagree with.  Then Kelly asks Alan what his favorite neighborhoods are, where he likes to go to eat, and where his favorite place to go for views of the city is. Alan talks about where to go to see the best eye candy, makes a controversial restaurant take, and talks about his favorite section of the High Line. But above all else; Alan van Capelle is a New Yorker.  Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Follow the High Line and for more information about their events:  https://www.thehighline.org @Highlinenyc Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - New Yorkers: Alan Van Capel on Ellen(00:01:34) - Queens doctor and proud New Yorker(00:03:54) - Democrat and twin sister on politics(00:07:45) - Straight Women Talk About Coming Out(00:07:56) - In the Elevator With Gay People(00:11:23) - Exploring the Stonewall Riot(00:16:05) - On the Pulse Shooting(00:19:07) - The High Line's Pride Month 2(00:23:10) - Adopting Gay Parents(00:27:00) - Same-Sex Parents in NYC(00:30:50) - Horticulturalists on the High Line(00:33:01) - NY Gov. Cuomo on Marriage Equality(00:39:31) - On the Fight for Gay Rights(00:44:52) - What Gay Parents Want You To Know(00:49:17) - Pride Month on the High Line(00:50:37) - Favorite New York Neighborhoods(00:53:47) - NYC Knicks Fever(00:55:19) - Alan Van Capel on Being a New Yorker(00:57:06) - The New Yorkers Podcast(00:58:18) - Train No. 6, Brooklyn-

    59 min

  2. May 24

    New York City During the Revolutionary War! -With Peter Aigner

    In this episode, Kelly is joined by NYC Historian Peter Aigner! He is the director of the Gotham Center for New York City History, and the co-founder of “Echos of Revolution: NYC,” A new immersive walking tour experience that uses geolocation to put you in the world of historic New York. Join them, as Peter talks to Kelly about the process of obtaining his PHD. Peter talks about why he decided to pursue higher education, and talks a bit about the history of the study of history and why it was important for him in his family. Peter talks about his family's chocolate shop and how it's been around for 100 years! He talks about the legacy of the shop and being a part of it while he was growing up.  Kelly and Peter talk about some important figures and time periods in NYC history. Peter talks about how we are currently in the second Gilded Age and makes comparisons to the first one. Peter talks about Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the book that he's writing about him: what his legacy was, how he was a scholar, as well as his influence on modern politics. They also talk a bit about the history of transportation in America and the significance of the Highway Act. Kelly asks Peter about Echoes of Revolution. Peter talks about the inspiration behind the project. He talks about how he got involved with Niantic and Ubisoft, bringing them together to revolutionize the tour business. Peter talks about how the app works and what people will get from using it. He talks about the process of designing the tours and how they wanted the experience to work, and how being in person enhances the experience for the users.  Kelly asks Peter about New York City during the time of the revolution. Peter talks about how many people lived in the city at the time, what percentage of them were revolutionaries, loyalists, or in between. Peter talks about what the city limits were at that time, and how New York was impacted by the battles, the invasion, and the fires. He talks about why New York was such an important city during the Revolutionary Era and how it was left out of the conversation nationally.  Finally, Kelly asks Peter some quickfire questions about his favorite historical spots, his favorite historical figures who came from New York City, and what NYC means to him in one word.  But above all else; Peter Aigner is a New Yorker! Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Peter's Social Media  @gothamcenternychistory Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet The New Yorkers(00:02:43) - Peter Eigner on Growing Up in Queens(00:05:36) - Long Island: The Gold Coast(00:10:00) - What is the Gotham Center?(00:14:30) - NYC resident on mass suburbanization(00:18:49) - Bookmark: Daniel Patrick Moynihan(00:21:36) - The Life of Daniel Patrick Moynihan(00:23:53) - New York's role in the American Revolution(00:28:20) - The First Battle of New York(00:29:46) - The darkest years of New York City's history(00:36:48) - The Story of New York(00:42:42) - New York City History: The Discovery App(00:48:15) - The Story of New York in the US(00:53:46) - George Washington and the Liberty of Slaves(00:56:45) - NYC on History of the American Revolution(00:58:36) - Most Underrated NYC Historical Spot(01:02:20) - What It Means To Be A New Yorker(01:05:36) - The New Yorkers: Thank You!

    1h 7m

  3. May 10

    Vietnamese Coffee in New York City! -With Kim Lee

    In this episode; Kelly is joined by: Kim Lee! She is the owner and founder of Kawaii Coffee, and an immigrant from Vietnam.  Kim recently opened her coffee shop in the west village, which had been a dream of hers for a while. After attending business school and working in midtown at a nail salon, she decided her next step was to run her own business. Kelly asks Kim about moving from Vietnam to the United States. How the culture differs, what was hard to adjust to, what was more similar than you might think, and what it's like starting over in a completely new country. Kim talks about the coffee culture in Vietnam. She tells us how life is much slower there: people go to their favorite coffee shops at around 7 in the morning and wait two full hours for it to drip while they are there! She talks about how they use condensed milk as a sweetener, and the different reasons Vietnamese people go out for coffee. Kelly asks Kim what parts of that culture she hoped to bring with her to New York. Kelly asks Kim about Vietnamese culture in New York. They talk about the food, different events, and how Kim can contribute to that culture.  Finally, Kelly asks Kim some quick fire questions about coffee, culture, and where she likes to live. But above all else; Kim Lee is a New Yorker. Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Kim's Social Media  @Kawaiicafe203 You can find her shop here: 117 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014 Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - New Yorkers Podcast(00:02:25) - Vietnam is a dream to visit(00:04:45) - Living in the Biggest City in Vietnam(00:06:09) - Vietnam entrepreneur opens her first shop in Australia(00:08:33) - Toronto is more diverse than New York(00:10:18) - Japanese women start a nail salon in NYC(00:13:04) - Where to Start a Coffee Business in the West Village(00:15:48) - How to get from the Bronx to the West Village(00:16:06) - What Is Vietnamese Coffee?(00:19:23) - How Vietnamese Coffee Is Adjusting to Americans(00:23:01) - Vietnam's First Taste Test in America(00:26:01) - Kawaii Cafe, 117 Christopher Street(00:26:39) - The cafe in New York's West Village(00:30:20) - How New Yorkers Are Helpful(00:32:16) - The Space Where My Business Is Located(00:35:34) - Viral Coffee Shop(00:37:19) - Vietnamese living in the United States(00:39:06) - What do you feel like that New York City has that Vietnamese doesn(00:41:25) - How to say 'Same Year' in Chinese(00:42:21) - Married Vietnamese People Talk About New York(00:45:23) - How to Not Be Lonely In New York(00:45:57) - Vietnam vs New York(00:47:35) - Vietnamis talk about life in NYC(00:49:49) - Teens Talk About The Subway(00:52:36) - "A Woman's Perspective On Her Husband"(00:52:55) - What It Means To Be A New Yorker

    56 min

  4. Apr 26

    New Yorkers Build This City! -With Jim Somoza

    With me today, I have Jim Somoza! He is the Managing Director at Industry City.  Join them on this episode where they go back in time. Jim tells us what it was like growing up in New York in the 70s and 80s. He talks about how his dad moved to an apartment on the upper west side, overlooking central park. He tells us how he would spend his afternoons in the parks, and weekends in the west village with his best friend. He talks about going to the arcades in Times Square, as well as other games they made up to entertain themselves.  Jim then talks about his time as a Real Estate Lawyer. How when he started his practice, it was very difficult to find work. But after sticking with it, even through the crash of the late 90s, he was able to find work and also met people that would bring him to his next career shift in working on Chelsea Market. Kelly asks Jim about the history of Chelsea market: How it got started, what it was like to work there, and he tells us about its founders' vision and what he wanted Chelsea Market to be. Kelly also asks him about a famous sweet treat that was invented at Chelsea Market, and Jim tells us a little known fact about it.  Jim then talks about his time developing Industry City. He talks about how the proposal came to him. He tells us what Industry City used to be and how it used to function. He talks about how large it is in comparison to Chelsea Market and even the Empire State building. He then tells us what his strategy was in order to get not only retailers in the space, but also offices and patrons. Jim talks about the community aspect of Industry City, and what he hopes people will get from it when they come for a visit.  But above all else; Jim Somoza is a New Yorker. Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Jim's Social Media and Industry City @Jim_Somoza @IndustryCity Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170   Chapters (00:00:00) - Inside New York's Industry City(00:00:40) - New Yorkers(00:01:56) - The Story of New York City(00:05:17) - Living in New York City in the 70s and 80s(00:09:59) - Coming soon: Jay-Z on Growing Up in Brooklyn(00:11:24) - Living The Warriors In NYC(00:15:24) - Brooklyn doctor on New York City(00:21:06) - Real Estate Broker: The Crash of the Internet(00:26:50) - Real Estate Story: The Chelsea Market Sale(00:30:54) - Joe Bastianich on Chelsea Market and(00:34:07) - The Chelsea Market Building Sale(00:38:27) - The Fight for the Upper Flights(00:40:11) - The Japanese grocery store in Brooklyn(00:44:10) - Brooklyn Core: The Sake Brewery(00:47:32) - Mayor Bill de Blasio on New York's Walking Communities(00:51:20) - What Does It Mean to Be a New Yorker?(00:53:58) - Jim Samoza on New Yorkers Podcast(00:55:30) - New Yorkers: Thank You!

    57 min

  5. Apr 12

    Thriller NYC! -With Zombie Papas: Jorge and Todd

    In this episode, Kelly is joined by Zombie Papas Jorge and Todd, the organizers of Thriller NYC!  Join them as they introduce themselves. Jorge tells us how he came to New York, and what it was like moving here. Todd on the otherhand, talks about being third generation from Brooklyn. They tell us about how they met, as well as their costume wedding. They talk about how they found Thriller NYC and how long they've been involved with it.  Jorge talks about the founding of thriller in the west village Halloween parade. He talks about the first time it was done and what it was like when it first started. He talks about how he initially joined another thriller group because Thriller NYC was full. Todd talks about how Jorge invited him to join thriller one year, but not in the way that he had wanted to.  Kelly asks about the process of putting together something so massive. Todd talks about the process of how people get tickets and join the group. He goes over what the rehearsals look like as well as what the time table is like to put on something like that. They both talk about what people are getting out of their ticket. They talk about how it is important for them to form a safe community, and they emphasise moving your body in community, and the healing power that it can have. Jorge and Todd thank Kelly for his viral video of the performance, and they talk about how that helped them get put back on the map and continue post Covid. They also talk about what it feels like to put together this massive project every year, and the cultural impact that it has on the world. They talk about their trip to South Africa and how Thriller even has an impact there.  Finally, Kelly asks them some quick fire questions about the dance, the halloween parade, the costumes, and where to eat after.  But, above all else; Jorge and Todd are New Yorkers.  Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Join Thriller NYC! https://www.thrillernyc.com/ @Thrillernyc Donate to the village Halloween parade! https://halloween-nyc.com/donate/  Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - New Yorkers Podcast(00:01:57) - This New York Couple Had A 'Thriller' Wedding(00:05:18) - The Halloween Parade With Thriller(00:05:49) - The Thriller Dance in the NYC Parade(00:09:08) - How To Participate in the Parade Thriller Dance(00:11:52) - The West Village Thriller Parade(00:14:27) - The Memphis Thriller Parade(00:18:47) - The New York Thriller Dance(00:23:18) - Mets Mascots at the Parade(00:25:32) - The Cast of Thriller(00:28:33) - Thriller's Spring Parade(00:30:55) - What Makes The Thriller Dance So New York?(00:34:12) - Dancing To Michael Jackson's Thriller in Mozambique(00:36:21) - The New York City Zombie Parade(00:38:14) - How the Village Halloween Parade Works(00:41:02) - Thriller's NYC Parade(00:41:29) - Village Halloween Parade(00:43:12) - The Halloween Parade in New York(00:43:59) - What It Means to Be A New Yorker(00:46:02) - New Yorkers: Thank You!

    47 min

  6. Mar 29

    New Yorkers are Humanitarians - With Andy Fisher

    In this episode, Kelly is joined by author Andy Fisher! He is the retired founding executive director of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind. He has 35 years of experience in New York City charitable foundations, and is a winner of the Helen Keller International’s Humanitarian Award. Inspired by the humanitarian efforts of the past, he has written his first book about an unsung New Yorker: Nathan Straus. Kelly asks Andy about his growing up, and work. Andy tells Kelly what lead him to New York and to what his passion ended up becoming. Andy talks about retirement and how he was inspired to write a book about Nathan Straus. Andy talks about the writing process. He thanks the publishers, and the fellow scholars that helped him finish the book. He talked about how he came upon Straus, and why he thought it was important to tell his story.  Kelly asks Andy about Nathan Straus: Where he was born, what his family life was like, when he moved to New York, and how he made his fortune. Andy talks about how he immegrated from Europe in the early 1800s and what that was like. He told Kelly about how the Civil War ruined his family's buisness. He talks about how his family moved to New York and was able to secure some retail spacy in the well known Macy's!  Kelly asks Andy about his humanitarian efforts. Andy tells Kelly about how he was a champion of milk pasteurization at a time when the whole world was against it. Andy explained how Straus saved countless lives by ensuring that everyone had access to the information about pasteurization and pasteurized milk to drink.  Andy then talks about his efforts to help people abroad, and talks about his humanitarian efforts in the middle east, as well as how he helped Jewish people, as well as Palestinians.  Kelly asks Andy about Nathan's Brother and the Titanic: he tells the story of the families fatefull travel.  Finally Kelly asks Andy about how Nathan had said that he wanated to give away all of his money. Andy talks about Nathan's father's philosophy growing up and how that effected him. He talks about the different ways in which he helped the homeless, and helped the community during financial hardships and how even in his most succesfull moment in life, he was humble and knew his limits.  But above all else; Nathan Straus and Andy Fisher are New yorkers!  Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Buy Andy's Book! https://andrewfisherwriter.com/ Or anywhere you buy books. Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet The New Yorkers(00:01:39) - Philanthropist Andrew Levalle(00:11:53) - Bookmark: The Life of Philip Strauss(00:14:36) - How long did it take to write the book?(00:17:58) - A Jewish Philanthropist: Nathan Strauss(00:24:25) - The Life of Philip and Isidore Macy(00:30:43) - Andy Strauss Once Said He Hoped to Give Away His Entire(00:32:46) - Nathan Strauss and the Birth of Zionism(00:46:11) - The story of Isidore and Ida Strauss(00:46:26) - Tim Ferriss on Richard Strauss(00:49:42) - What Moment in Richard Strauss' Life Stuck With You Most?(00:55:11) - Andrew Fisher on Being a New Yorker(00:57:03) - The New Yorkers: Farewell Train

    58 min

  7. Mar 15

    New Yorkers Overcome Obstacles - With Maryam Banikarim

    In this week's episode, Kelly is joined by community builder Maryam Banikarim! She was the former Chief Marketing Officer of many global organizations, She is the Co-Founder of Longest Table, and Host of the podcast “The Messy Parts”.  Kelly asks Maryam about coming to The United States from Iran. Maryam talks about her experience living in Iran and in California. She talks about her first trip to the East Coast and how she got into Barnard off the wait list.  Maryam talks about life in NYC in the 80s. She tells us about a fateful encounter she had on the subway, fast talking her way into night clubs, and joining Chippendales! Kelly asks her about her experience doing a TedTalk. Maryam tells us how she got the opportunity to do the talk, what her process was in coming up with topics for it, and how she was able to practice and perfect her performance.  Maryam then talks about putting together The Longest Table. She discusses challenges that she faced when putting on the first event. She talks about how the obstacles become obstacle courses in how she navigates regection and keeps it from letting it affect her.  She then talks about New York Next and how during covid, she and a group of concerned New Yorkers got together to put together an incredible video to help support artists during that dark time.  Kelly asks Maryam about the formation of "The Messy Parts". The two talk about their experience being podcast hosts, and the unique challenges that face them. They discuss the creation of Maryam's show: From inspiration to early planning and to how it is now. Finally, Maryam tells the audience about her wedding anniversary, as it is the same day that they recorded the podcast. Maryam met her husband on the Subway! And she recounts her classic New York Story for us.  But above all else; Maryam Banikarim is a New Yorker. Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp Maryam's Social Media @mbanikarim @LongestTableCommunity @TheMessyPartsPodcast Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - New Yorkers(00:00:59) - Meet New Yorker Miriam Banakaram(00:01:39) - Winter in New York(00:02:22) - How To Ride the Subway As A Woman(00:03:05) - I Was Invited To Iftars By A Muslim Influencer(00:07:25) - In the Elevator With My Parents in Iran(00:08:54) - Coming to Barnard College at 16(00:12:51) - "I Tried Chippendales"(00:13:28) - You Had To Give a TED Talk(00:16:53) - Covid: The Long Table(00:21:48) - Neighbors' meals for the homeless(00:25:58) - The Longest Table in New York(00:27:49) - A Taste of the Longest Table(00:30:15) - The We Love New York City Campaign(00:34:31) - I Love NY: The Campaign(00:38:14) - The New Yorkers Sing During the Great Recession(00:39:09) - The Messy Parts: Miriam on Her Podcast(00:43:35) - Jay Leno on Being On The Podcast(00:47:11) - The Bar Manager Has a Message For Regulars(00:49:03) - I Met My Husband On The Subway(00:50:02) - How We Met : On The Subway(00:52:14) - What Keeps You Inspired In NYC?(00:54:06) - The New Yorkers of We Love NYC(00:56:25) - Meet New Yorker Miriam Banakaram(00:57:31) - New Yorkers Podcast: The New Yorkers

    59 min

  8. Mar 1 ·  Bonus

    *Re-Air* Creating Modern New York -With Madelyn Wils

    Due to the hustle and bustle of city life, the New Yorkers have to take a leave of absence this week. Please enjoy this episode we did back in September with the brilliant Madelyn Wils. And tune in next time for a brand new episode! ****************************************** In this Episode: Kelly is joined by Civic Leader, Madelyn Wils! She was on the Tribeca Community Board, Head of the Hudson River Park Trust, and is now overseeing the 400 Million Dollar Overhaul of 5th ave.  From Kelly asking where Madelyn was from, they learn that they lived on the same block in washington Heights! Madelyn tells Kelly about her time in Television: Working in advertisment sales to selling tv shows, to eventually running her own company and Producing her own shows. Madelyn also tells kelly about the discrimination that she faced and the sexism that was pervasive in the industry.  Kelly asks Madelyn about working with Charlie Rose and Larry King. Madelyn tells some funny stories about working behind the scenes on their shows.  Madelyn then tells us about how she got into becoming a civic leader. How she joined the community board, and how she was able to procure an empty lot owned by the city for the nearby school's playground.  Living in Tribeca in the late 90s and early 2000s, Kelly asks Madelyn about 911. Medelyn recounts her experience on that day, and tells us about how she was able to rally together her fellow community leaders to help everyone in need.  Madelyn tells us about her experience with standing up to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the attacks and how she advocated for her community and brought them the help they deserved.  She then talks about how the next administration had been following her work and decided to hire her to work on developing the city. Madelyn talks about how she was able to set up the East River Ferry system, Rebuild Coney Island, start work on the east river park and settle a turf war at Essex Square.  Kelly then asks Madelyn about her new project. And Madelyn tells him about how she planned to retire after covid, but decided that she really loved working on the city. So when she got called to work on a project to rebuild 5th avenue; She couldn't say no.  Madelyn talks about the project and their plans for 5th avenue: Widening the sidewalks, adding more greenery and creating outdoor cafe space. She talks about wanting to create a beautiful scene that people want to spend time in.    But above all else; Madelyn Wils is a New Yorker.   Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp   For updates on the 5th ave project, Follow @Fifthavenue  on instagram Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170 Chapters (00:00:00) - New Yorkers: A Podcast for New Yorkers(00:01:11) - In the Elevator With Madeline Wills(00:02:13) - Tammy Gibbon on Sexual Assault(00:06:46) - Jane Fonda on Becoming a TV Producers(00:10:13) - Charlie Rose on Working With Larry King(00:12:16) - Philip Feuerstein on Tribeca(00:17:52) - "Your drive is inspiring me!"(00:18:23) - Community Board Chair on 9/11(00:24:44) - Meryl Streep on the 911 Incident(00:29:23) - The New York Economic Development Corp(00:35:51) - Fifth Avenue: New York's greatest street(00:44:42) - Pedestrian lanes on Fifth Avenue(00:51:35) - The need to update Harlem's infrastructure(00:53:08) - In the Elevator With Mayor Bloomberg(00:54:08) - Madeline on Building the New York City Dance Studio(00:55:42) - The New Yorkers: Madeline Wills

    58 min
See All (61)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Welcome to New York City! Join me, New York City Kopp, as I introduce you to the wonderful world of New York City. I will tell you the best places to go, help you navigate the city, plus bring on New Yorkers to tell you their New York Stories. Jae Watson, Executive Producer, and New Yorker, will also join me on the podcast episodes sharing his experiences in the City. New episodes are out every other Sunday.

Information

  • Creator
    A New York City Podcast By Kelly Kopp With Executive Producer Jae Watson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The New Yorkers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The New Yorkers Podcast

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