The Brian Lehrer Show Reasons to Love New York Right Now
Dec 19, 2025
Eric Mazza, editor-at-large at New York Magazine, shares captivating insights about what makes New York special today. He highlights the community bonding symbolized by shared subway headphones and celebrates local craftsmanship, like Balsa wood art. Listeners chime in with personal stories of kindness and cultural access. Mazza discusses Mayor Eric Adams' impact on waste management and the community's resistance to ICE raids. He also shines a light on a trilingual neighborhood newspaper that amplifies local voices, showing the city's resilience and creativity.
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Shared Headphones Symbolize Reconnection
- Sharing headphones on the subway signals New Yorkers reconnecting after hard times.
- Eric Mazza and Bridget Bergen present it as a sweet symbol of renewed community.
Hobby Craftsmanship Shows Local Ingenuity
- Meticulous hobby projects showcase New Yorkers' ingenuity and dedication.
- Mazza highlights long-term, time-consuming crafts as a local point of pride.
Anonymous Acts Of Everyday Kindness
- Josie describes small anonymous acts of help like holding doors and strangers assisting on the subway.
- Her story illustrates everyday kindness that sustains city life.