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What if genius isn't something you're born with―it's something you build? Everyday Genius, by six-time USA Memory Champion Nelson Dellis, is a book to upgrade your brain using practical skills: Whether it's memorizing names and faces, doing lightning-fast mental math, honing decisive intuition, and beyond. Nelson Dellis is a competitive memorizer, with a number of U.S. memory records. He is also the Founder & CEO of Climb For Memory, a non-profit charity that aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease research through mountain climbs all around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Larry Grogin is an chiropractor, acupuncturist, athlete and philanthropist based in New Jersey. On his 71st birthday, March 24, 2026, Dr. Grogin began a run across the U.S., with a goal to complete 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days, benefitting the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s, the disease Larry was diagnosed with in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPACEWOMAN is a new documentary about Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft. Directed by Hannah Berryman, the film follows Eileen Collins’ journey from her working-class beginnings in Elmira, NY, to USAF Test Pilot, breaking glass ceilings at NASA, piloting and commanding four space shuttle missions, and navigating the pressures for her family. SPACEWOMAN is in select theaters nationwide, including the Quad Cinema in The Village.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps no one knows more about the coyotes living in our region than Chris Nagy, a wild life biologist working in New York City since 2001, and co-founder of Gotham Coyote. The organization brings together researchers and educators from several institutions around the area to better understand coyotes and their role in our urban ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As far too many people know from experience, working for a toxic boss takes a toll. Even highly accomplished and experienced people can feel beaten down and hopelessly trapped. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s book is I WISH I’D QUIT SOONER: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss. Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is an organizational psychologist and expert on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As New York State navigates federal threats to cut Medicaid and the social safety net, my guest is Joe Pressley is Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations at Amida Care, to help us understand the implications of weakening medicaid—especially at a time when HIV cases are rising—and what the state could do to protect patients and funding. Amida Care is New York State’s largest special needs health care plan, serving nearly 10,000 members living with HIV/AIDS, complex health issues, and experiencing homelessness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teatro Fest NYC showcases the breadth and vitality of Latinx theater in New York City, with 24 productions by ten leading Latinx theaters, continuing through April 30. The citywide event is a shared celebration of storytelling, culture, and artistic innovation. My guest is Sándie Luna, Executive Director of ID Studio Theater and member of The Alliance of Teatros Latinos New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Girl Scout Cookie Season is officially underway in New York City! In an age dominated by technology, social media and social isolation, selling Girl Scout Cookies gets girls out into their neighborhoods, connecting face-to-face with neighbors, local businesses, and their community.  And in the five boroughs, the very special Troop 6000 gives girls living with housing instability a chance to do all those things, and more. My guest is Marissa Stranieri, Director of Social Work Services, Troop 6000 Program of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March is International Women's Month. My guest is Bergen County-based sculptor Carolyn D. Palmer for her newest project honoring Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female physician in the U.S., and Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, the first African American woman to graduate from SUNY Upstate Medical University. The statues stand together in the courtyard of SUNY Upstate Medical University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Based in Englewood, NJ, The Actors Fund Home is a short and long term care facility like no other: For generations, it’s provided top-tier care for actors, dancers, musicians, directors and others who’ve made their lives in entertainment. Executive Director Jordan Strohl explains the significance of the home’s transition to an an independent 501(3), operated by the Entertainment Community Fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The West we share a common world history: A perspective that puts The West and Christianity at the center of the world. But, what if the center of the world is the Islamic heartland? How does world history look from there? And how does the history from there, influence how all of us got here? We mark the month of Ramadan with our guest Tamim Ansary, author of DESTINY DISRUPTED: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes. First published in 2009, Tamim Ansary’s 2025 edition traces the story of Islam from the time of Mohammed in the 6th Century, through the fall of the Ottoman empire to the events of 9/11 and beyond. Tamim Ansary is an Afghan American, world traveler, lecturer, writer and editor. His other books include THE INVENTION OF YESTERDAY, ROAD TRIPS, and GAMES WITHOUT RULES:  THE OFTEN INTERRUPTED HISTORY OF AFGHANISTAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 40 years, the New York City-based organization CaringKind has been dedicated to supporting everyone impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our guest President and CEO Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh announces the launch of 100 Women of Impact: A national movement for women to lend their voice, influence and expertise to advancing the conversation about brain health, equity and quality of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to AARP estimates, 26% of NYC residents are caregivers to a spouse, family member, or other loved one. Ahead of National Caregivers Day on February 20, our guest is Aisha Picott, social work care manager at Elderplan/HomeFirst, part of the not-for-profit MJHS Health System to talk about self-care for caregivers. MJHS has many free resources on their website, and bite-sized videos on their YouTube Page, covering on a wide range of questions and topics for caregivers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1977, Encore Community Services has served many thousands of older adults in Midtown and Manhattan’s West Side with food, fellowship and social connection. Now, Encore is at a critical moment as demand continues to rise and current public funding for their services isn’t enough. My guest is Marcus Jackson, Manager of Advocacy, Community, and Government Relations with Encore Community Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do the things that happen to us and the choices we make when we are young impact us later in life? How do our parents, our friendships, and our careers define our lives and contribute to where we end up? My guest is author Andrea Simon with “DID YOU HAVE THE LIFE YOU WANTED”, an insightful tour of over 50 years of American cultural history as seen through the eyes of a Jewish feminist in New York City. Andrea Simon is the author of five award-winning books, including the historical novel ESFIR IS ALIVE and the memoir BASHERT: A Granddaughter’s Holocaust Quest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NYC Bird Alliance, (formerly NYC Audubon), is a non-profit organization protecting urban birds and strengthening biodiversity across New York City. Director of Advocacy and Engagement Saman Mahmood talks about bird counts, volunteer opportunities and free programs, and details some of the best sites for bird watching across the five boroughs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s estimated that up to 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point during their lifetimes -- and winter conditions are a frequent trigger. My guest is Dr. Brian McHugh, a Long Island based board-certified neurosurgeon, for a conversation about common issues related to snow shoveling and falling on ice, proper shoveling technique, and avoiding injuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While transgender athletes only account for 1% of all sports participants, hundreds of bills banning trans athletes have been introduced by politicians in recent years, and the US Supreme Court is preparing to hear two cases on the issue. Ellie Roscher, writer, former coach, and co-author of the forthcoming book, FAIR GAME: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports addresses the myths and fears behind trans athletes’ exclusion from organized sports with the latest data and research, and with interviews from 20 trans athletes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From NY Times bestselling author Dr. Ian Smith, THE LAST 15: SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE MOST STUBBORN POUNDS breaks down how metabolism adapts, why quick fixes backfire, and offers a seven week strategy to finally overcome the hardest weight to lose. Dr. Ian Smith is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling books, SHRED: THE REVOLUTIONARY DIET, and SUPER SHRED: The Big Results Diet, BLAST THE SUGAR OUT, and numerous other books. Dr. Smith was appointed by President Obama to the prestigious President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He is currently the medical contributor and co-host of the nationally syndicated television show The Rachael Ray Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The affordable housing crisis in New York City is about more than the price of rent. How did we get here, what is happening in housing right now, and what are ways that nonprofit developers are trying to close the affordable housing gap? My guest is Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of Fifth Avenue Committee, a Brooklyn-based development nonprofit, serving thousands of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers each year. Michelle De La Uz brings more than 25 years of public and community service experience and has held prominent civic leadership roles, including service on the New York City Planning Commission and appointment to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Community Advisory Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.