The Untapped New York Podcast

Untapped New York
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The Untapped New York Podcast

The Untapped New York Podcast is a podcast about New York City’s secrets, like how does a water tower work? Why does steam come out of the ground? Do alligators live in the subway? We impart our knowledge, interview experts, and in many cases, literally go behind the scenes. Hosted by Michelle Young, founder, and Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer, at Untapped New York. 

  1. FEB 27

    Why is the FDR Drive Purple?

    In the latest episode of the Untapped New York Podcast, Michelle Young, author, journalist, and the founder of Untapped New York, tracks down the answer to her latest burning question about New York City: Why is the FDR Drive Purple? If you’ve been wondering or…have yet to notice, prepare to have your mind blown. A lot of myths abound, none of them true. No, the New York State D.O.T. did not just happen to have a ton of extra purple paint. It's also not inspired by the color of someone's tie ...

    29 min

  2. JAN 23

    A Harrowing Tale of NYPD Corruption, the Mafia and Murder

    The new book The Blood and the Badge, by former New York Times editor Michael Cannell, chronicles a true tale of police corruption, mafia, and murderous mayhem in 1980s New York City. Nicholas Pileggi, author of Wiseguy describes the book as a “harrowing story...Cannell misses nothing." In our latest episode of the Untapped New York podcast, Untapped New York founder Michelle Young (the author of the forthcoming book The Art Spy) talks with Cannell about the crazier than fiction story.&...

    26 min

  3. JAN 7

    The Stolen Queen: A Mystery Whodunnit Set in the Met Museum

    The Stolen Queen, the newest historical fiction novel by New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, publishes today, January 7, and is set in the hallowed halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When the Met’s prized Egyptian artifact goes missing, an unlikely female duo—curator and anthropologist Charlotte Cross and eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins from the Met’s costume department—team up to investigate the theft, unraveling decades old secrets particularly in Charlotte’s own past. Char...

    23 min

  4. 12/03/2024

    Secret New York: An Unusual Guide

    The newest edition of Secret New York, An Unusual Guide, is out! Michelle Young, founder of Untapped New York and author of "Secret New York," interviews her co-author Hannah Frishberg, a native New Yorker and arts and culture reporter with Gothamist/WNYC. Discover some of the exciting new entries in the guidebook, including the IFC Center's spy holes, the Hess Triangle, a section of the Berlin Wall, and two quirky lighthouses in the Bronx and Staten Island. They also highlight the Red Room a...

    20 min

  5. 11/10/2024

    Take the 5: The Pets of NYC

    This week's "Take the 5" podcast episode is all about the pets and animals of New York City. We recorded the episode on Election Day, not knowing who would become President. But regardless of the outcome at the time, we hoped it will be a respite from political news for all of you! Michelle, Justin, and Nicole talk about the new Pets of NYC exhibition at New York Historical, the former Canine Chief of Engine 203, the euthanization of squirrel Instagram star, Peanut, and more. We even have an ...

    16 min

  6. 11/05/2024

    How Long Does It Take to Become a New Yorker?

    The newest episode, "How Long Does it Take to Be a New Yorker?" features guest host, audio journalist Francisco Kilgore, and members get early access to the episode! Francisco is a more recent transplant to New York City, and spent many months investigating how long it takes to become a New Yorker. Everyone has a different take on this question. Francisco went on the ground to interview everyone from his local bodega owner to experts in the city to find out an answer. You'll hear from Valerie...

    35 min

  7. 10/31/2024

    Take the 5: A Speakeasy Candy Store & all the latest news

    The Untapped New York team is excited to revive our weekly (ish) show, Take the 5! In this short five(ish) minute episode, Michelle Young (Founder), Nicole Saraniero (Editor + Director of Events), and Justin Rivers (Chief Experience Officer) will discuss all of the timely, weird, wacky, and fun current events we covered over the week. We’ll also which upcoming Untapped New York events we’re most excited about in the week ahead. To close each episode, Justin will reveal a fun fact from New Yor...

    13 min

  8. 07/02/2024

    Scaffolding in NYC: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

    Ah...scaffolding. That ubiquitous, necessary, and perpetually present part of New York City’s landscape. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the history of scaffolding, reveal just how much scaffolding there is in the city, why it exists, how long it stays up, why it's always green, how much it costs, and answer everything you've ever wanted to know about this scourge/icon. You’ll hear from three experts: Ken Buettner from York Scaffolding Equipment Corporation, based in Long Island Cit...

    58 min
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    5
    out of 5
    72 Ratings

    About

    The Untapped New York Podcast is a podcast about New York City’s secrets, like how does a water tower work? Why does steam come out of the ground? Do alligators live in the subway? We impart our knowledge, interview experts, and in many cases, literally go behind the scenes. Hosted by Michelle Young, founder, and Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer, at Untapped New York. 

    Information

    • Creator
      Untapped New York
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      22
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 The Untapped New York Podcast
    • Show Website
      The Untapped New York Podcast

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