9 episodes
New York 59 Barbara Hott
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- Society & Culture
What’s it like living in New York? I wanted to find out. I took time off work and spent three eventful months in the city in 2023. I discovered that New York is not just amazing to see – it’s amazing to listen to. The sheer noise of the city but first and foremost: its wonderful, inspiring, diverse, loveable people. I was fortunate to meet a few, who were also willing to give me their time for an interview. This podcast is about them.
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Don McLeod, historian
I lived right next door to Don when I was in NYC in 2023 and yet I didn’t get to interview him until shortly before I left. In a way, it made me appreciate even more what he told me. As we were standing on the 14th floor of our building, looking across the East River, he told me about the history of the neighbourhood and revealed the most interesting street in the Lower East Side. I had been down that street many times before but went again on the day before I left to have a proper look.
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Rowena Sahulee, local adventures expert
I met Rowena only once while I was in New York City – but she inspired me to hop on a train and explore the countryside around it. It felt very local doing this. Rowena has spotted a market for New Yorkers, particularly families, who want to explore the city and beyond but simply haven’t got time for the logistics of it. Rowena is another example of the can-do New York entrepreneurial spirit that I came across on so many occasions. She has now launched her website, go and check it out if you’re in New York: meaningfulexp.com.
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Mya Ashley, artist
To me, Mya epitomizes the New York spirit: artistic, full of ideas, entrepreneurial and curious - and a lovely person to boot. Doubtless, you'll want to see her art after you listend to this episode. Here's her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mya2kewl/
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Amy Miller, entrepreneur
Amy wasn't born in New York but from what I gathered, she's a true New Yorker. She epitomizes what I think makes this city so special.
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Sheila Kaminsky, choreographer
I stumbled into Sheila's class at the 14th street Y more or less by accident. After a couple of weeks it slowly dawned on my that she was far more famous than she let on. I loved her sense of humour and her exquisite way of making us move like professional dancers. Well, almost.
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Kirin Stevens, pickle ball coach
Shortly after I arrived in NYC, I joined the 14th Street Y, which turned out to be a very good move. And I was lucky to snatch the last spot on Kirin’s Tuesday pickle ball beginners class. All I knew about pickle ball at that point was that the Americans play it. Kirin turned out to be a great coach and I was delighted to interview her. If you want to learn more about pickle ball, Kirin can be reached on kirinpickle(at)gmail.com.