FAQ NYC

Back when he was a longshot Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani said on this podcast that it would be his first interview as mayor — we're still here and with lots of questions to ask.   Hosts Christina Greer and Harry Siegel discuss that and much more, including his inspiring inauguration and how longtime Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is already finding his voice and stride as a partner to this mayor instead of a foil to Eric Adams. This episode was produced by Noah Smith.

As the mayor elect races to get ready for a big show and the big job, Eric Adams has been awfully busy in his final few days in office. Christina Greer and Harry Siegel discuss all that and much more — including then longshot Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani's public promise way back when to give our podcast his first interview as mayor. This episode was engineered by Noah Smith.

Keri Butler, President of the Municipal Art Society and expert in city planning, shares her insights on enhancing public spaces. She discusses William H. Whyte's influential film, highlighting key design principles like movable chairs and triangulation that foster interaction. Keri also critiques hostile architecture and emphasizes the need for community engagement in urban planning. With thoughts on revitalizing underused spaces and the balance of planning versus organic use, she paints a vision for livelier, more inclusive public realms.

Zohran Mamdani has promised to have 1 percent of the city budget go to the Parks Department — but so did Eric Adams, who never came close to delivering. Three experts and advocates discuss all that and more with host Katie Honan. Plus, Katie and Harry Siegel talk about all the latest developments from another wild week, and with just over a week to go before a new adminsitration takes power.

“In my quest to be more American than Americans, I wanted to know more than American music [and in 1972] I was staying with a great fiddle player and banjo player in North Carolina named Tommy Jarrell and he was puzzled, because a lot of the people who had come from up north to study with him were Jews and Italians — people for whom this was not their continuity. Tommy was a very inquisitive guy and at one point he asked me, ‘Hank, don't your people got none of your own music?’… That sent me scuttling back to Brooklyn to begin the same kind of research that I had done for hillbilly music.” Henry H. Sapoznik, the author of the Tourist’s Guide To Lost Yiddish New York City and a Grammy-nominated musician and producer, sits down with Lit Nyc hosts Harry Siegel and and Amy Sohn for a wide-ranging conversation about assimilation and adaptability, the difference between faux music and folk music, the overlaps between kosher, halal and Chinese foods, and much more. This episode was produced by Amy Sohn and Noah Smith, and engineered by Noah Smith.

The FAQ NYC hosts discuss terror fears here, a slow transition and a marathon listening session for Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, a time capsule for outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, and much more — including a man dressed as a hamburger with some serious small business concerns.

As New Yorkers speculate about their new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, they anticipate how he'll transition from campaign messenger to city leader. Mamdani's pledge to end homeless encampment sweeps faces pushback from state officials. The hosts discuss the implications of his move to Gracie Mansion and reflect on the differences in tone between him and the outgoing administration. They explore key issues like education, transit priorities, and accessibility, all while navigating the tension of a still-developing transition team.

Baruch Herzfeld, Founder and CEO of Pop Wheels, is on a mission to revolutionize battery charging in NYC with shared battery-swap cabinets. He shares how personal experiences with battery fires led him to create a safer solution for delivery workers. The discussion delves into NYC's regulatory challenges and Baruch's clever strategies, including using AI to engage potential partners. He envisions a future where communal batteries power not just bikes but also food carts and more. Baruch’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he connects deeply with NYC’s delivery culture.

A historical miscount reveals that New York's next mayor will actually be the 112th, changing the narrative of mayors in the city. The hosts delve into Julie Menin's victory in the speaker race and how it may shape the new administration. Exciting discussions cover ongoing protests against ICE, a recently deceased deputy chief from 9/11, and tensions surrounding the upcoming FDNY leadership changes. They debate the implications of mayoral counting and explore the dynamics of Mamdani's transition and his partner's potential role at Gracie Mansion.

Crystal Hudson, a Brooklyn City Council member and candidate for New York City Council Speaker, dives into her vision for the city, focusing on affordability, safety, and services for older adults. She shares insights on the importance of the speaker's role in maintaining accountability and working effectively with the mayor. Hudson emphasizes building consensus across diverse communities and her plans for a more responsive city government. She also discusses the complexities of the speaker race and her stance on council pay raises amidst the affordability crisis.