Keeping Relevant: Recent Episodes
CUNY TV
Ronnie Eldridge, articulate, outspoken, and passionate discusses issues, institutions and politics that affect us all. Celebrating her tenth decade, and trying hard to keep relevant, Ronnie says, “I heard or read this somewhere: ‘… no matter who we are or where we come from, we each grow older every year, but how we handle that process of aging is a personal story. That’s our conversation for today.’”
Ronnie and Robert Polner, writer with Michael Tubridy of "An Irish Passion for Justice," discuss the life and career of Paul O'Dwyer, an Irish immigrant, an advocate for social justice-the familiar face, welcome on many picket lines in support of workers.
Lisa Gugenheim brings us to the NY Hall of Science (NYSCI): its history, its innovative Design, Make, Play exhibits, for all learners, programs-STEM Comes to Life, promoting STEM skills in collaboration with families, local schools and the community.
Dorchen Leidholdt tells us that big problems of abused women: surveillance, retaliation and being controled as victims are intensified by the internet. Sanctuary For Families urges governments-city/state/federal to work together to help vulnerable people.
Discussing the 2044 election and America's democratic process, Jerry Goldfeder sites radical conservatism's attempts to suppress the vote, to deny women's health care, to deny election results and more. Yet Goldfeder is hopeful: VOTE and we'll be OK!
Beth Finkel, leader of AARP New York, advocates for many millions of New Yorkers - 50 and older - who are seeking help with various issues: health/health insurance, home care, nursing homes, and loneliness. "Age just happens but making things better for the aged needs help," welcome AARP New York.
Journalist, writer - 30 year veteran of The New York Times Editorial Board and a former fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice - Dorothy Samuels is the best person to talk with about federal courts, the Supreme Court’s recent activities, and politics.
Adrienne Kivelson, author of "What Makes New York City Run?" discusses NYC's history and major changes to its Charter, its Constitution. We are reminded that the Charter, received in 1898 - a little over 100 years ago - made New York-New York City. The 1979 financial disaster prompted significant bookkeeping changes. Over the years, Charters have broadened citizen participation, making New York City a more democratic City.
The Alliance of Families for Justice works to end mass incarceration by empowering families with formerly incarcerated loved ones seeking legal support, skills and voting rights. Soffiyah Elijah, afj's tireless leader, discusses programs and campaigns.
Jerry Goldfeder makes clear the importance of NY's vote this year, as it will determine who controls the House of Representatives. Gerrymandering, term-limits vs. for-life appointments for Supreme Court Justices discussed. Goldfeder urges all "Just Vote!"
The US imprisons more people than other countries in the world: long sentences-and many dying in prison. Guest describes ElderParole/Fair + Timely Parole bills to deal with mass incarceration, the bail and parole systems that promote perpetual punishment.
C. Virginia Fields leads the National Black Leadership Commission on Health towards health equity for the Black community. Fields names 8 areas affecting the Black community, saying more Black women die from maternity issues than any other group of women.
Win, the largest provider of family shelter and supportive housing in NYC, reports a "record number" of homelessness-families and children-needing shelter and services in NYC. Christine Quinn discusses long-term housing stability for families in need.
The Labor Institute, founded in 1975-develops and conducts education and policy programs to inform, prepare and train workers taking on issues of runaway inequality with unions. Les Leopold discusses the huge impact of the UAW's victory over mass layoffs.
Carlina Rivera, City Council Member, District 2, was born and raised in District 2 and is never far from home and memories of its diverse neighborhoods. As Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice, Rivera discusses Rikers, bail, mental illness and more.
Discussing immigration, guest John Mollenkopf remarks that he’d “be doing a lot of what Mayor Adams is doing…screaming for help from the federal government” to allow immigrants to work and to get out of shelters. Mollenkopf pictures cities as "pumps,” drawing people in, lifting them up, providing mobility out of poverty, calling race and class, as factors contributing to a polarized society. Asked why NYC has so large a housing shortage, John Mollenkopf commented it’s hard and expensive to build in New York City.
Douglas Kellner was one of the first election officials to support the concept of a voter verifiable paper audit trail voting machine to replace lever driven voting machines. New York’s Board of Elections Co-Chaired by Doug Kellner, is unique, with a bi-partisan election administration - two officials in each office - representing the two major parties. When asked if they get along, Kellner replied, “...almost always."
Arva Rice smiles when host Ronnie Eldridge says she is the busiest woman she knows, desccribing her leadership roles in the Urban League and the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the oversight entity for the largest police department in the country. Beginning with the Great Migration, the move of black Americans from the south to the north, the 105 year old NYUL, an historic African American organization, continues to work for access, education, housing, employment - full equality.
Beatrice Weber describes the poor secular education given many NYC children. As YAFFED’s executive director, Weber speaks personally about changes in her life, her winning case against a school’s poor secular eduction and YAFFED’s pro education mission.
Vanessa L. Gibson is the first woman, the first African American to be elected Bronx Borough President. With affection and determination, BP Gibson calls the Bronx "..a borough of opportunities" where small business, the heart and soul of the city, grow.
Allen Roskoff, gay rights activist, expresses shock at the current "anger and vitriol..against the gay community," the "hate" openly displayed, which he believes is undoing progress that's been made. Roskoff shares his experiences coming out in the '70s.
Despite success of Open Primaries and Ranked Choice Voting, voter turnout remains low. Ester Fuchs urges education - support from community and local groups to help reconnect people to the political process, as our government lives by the people's vote.
Calling the 2024 U.S. elections “huge," Doug Muzzio describes current politics as the "newest of the new” and the times “the most dangerous period we’ve been in” since pre-Civil War: a divided country, moving further apart. Gun control and more discussed.
Chair of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, says Judges matter, and applauds the public's interest in the selection of a chief judge. Sen. Hoylman-Sigal urges the inclusion of LGBT, Black and Asian American histories in NY curriculum.
Tom Robbins calls his long career as a reporter/journalist, "the greatest job in the world. Doors may be slammed in your face but you have a 'passport' to any place you want to go." Robbins discusses his core issues: good government and criminal justice.
Barbara Treen was a member of the New York Parole Board for 12 years, and continues to work on behalf of the incarcerated to get a chance at parole. Ms. Treen discusses the politics surrounding parole and legislation, the Fair and Timely Parole Act and Elder Parole Bill designed to reform the system. Treen notes the significant support from the CUNY School of Law and others on behalf of those in prison.
"A kid in politics in the early 70's," Ken Sunshine describes his journey as a PR-Political Consultant, his clients: Mayor David Dinkins, Senator Ted Kennedy, President Bill Clinton, Barbra Streisand, to today, as a member of the CUNY Board of Trustees, chairman of the Governance Committee. Siting the affection New Yorkers have for CUNY, Mr. Sunshine outlines the City University's value to New Yorkers, its business and leadership communities.
Sam Roberts, longtime journalist, discusses how few community projects, press conferences, local news, in general, are covered and reported in New York's newspapers. Roberts talks about the digital vs printed forms of getting the news; "It's different," he says, remembering with pleasure, people waiting on the corner for the paper to be delivered. Mr. Roberts is author of "The New Yorkers" untold biographies of remarkable people and their contributions to New York's evolution and host of New York Times Close-Up, on CUNY TV.
CARA's Bridge Program, reflects CUNY's model, says Ronnie Eldridge, ensuring that first generation, low income students, people of color have the knowledge and support to enroll and persist in college. Deneysis Labrada and Dorma Lozada discuss the program
Retired psycho therapist, Carol Meyerson, mindful of how society-even families, often ignoring its older members, comments on the long history, knowledge and experience that the aged are anxious to share. Generations' different attitudes are discussed.
Discussing changes in entertainment law, her specialty, Rosalind Lichter notes that once independent studios are now owned by large corporations; Wall St. makes decisions-will "big films" play well in China? Streaming, contracts, who is hired, discussed.
Discussing Congestion Pricing, Property Taxes, Term Limits-issues affecting NYers, City Council Majority Leader Powers, describes the Council as looking and feeling like the city they were elected to represent. New faces/women/ideas-an energized Council.
John Jay College professor Heath Brown, author of "Homeschooling the Right: How Conservative Education Activism Erodes the State," discusses the homeschooling movement: conservative political groups/religious groups, educating children as they wish.
CUNY Law School Professor Steve Zeidman discusses Second-Look sentencing allowing courts to reevaluate a person's sentence after a significant time is served to determine if a prisoner's lengthy sentence was still necessary; thus offering a second chance
Vietnam, AIDS, Gay Pride Parade/1970 vs today's marches; Act Up, past demonstrations to inform, to motivate to action; current abortion legislation, the right to privacy for all, make Ronnie and Ann Northrop wonder why "...it looks like we're regressing."
Naomi Chase, at 6, believing that she would be a poet, discusses her novel in verse, "Gittel, the Would-Be Messiah" and reads from "Truro, Cape Cod," a current work, about memories. A divided USA/abortion legislation/candidates for president, discussed.
Elizabeth Nunez, in "Now Lila Knows," describes events close to her experiences as a young Caribbean, at an all-white school in the US. A difficult book for her to write, Nunez cites the immigrant's lack of understanding of America's color-based racism.
Ellen Bender and 55 members of Markers for Democracy met to write postcards to voters urging/reminding recipients to vote, to register to vote, to consider candidates - issues. Markers for Democracy are people who've joined together to make democracy work.
Leading election lawyer, Jerry Goldfeder, discusses the chaos stemming from the 2020 Reapportionment: why an additional primary election on 8/23, congressional people running against each other, the NRA, and the success of NY's Public Matching Funds.
Selma Shapiro talks about the 60s, the Women's Movement, her job as VP for Publicity at Random House, her love affair and marriage to James Silberman. Selma and Ronnie candidly discuss loss, "sometimes being down," while confirming they don't look back.
Historian Judith Papachristou looks to history to make "any sense of current events." Meeting in college, Papachristou and Eldridge discuss the Women's Movement; Abolitionists, Women's Suffrage, 2nd Wave Feminism, diversity, and today's Republican Party!
Mark Green, NYC's first public advocate, an author, and public interest attorney, gives us an example of how politics has changed, comparing the election of Carter, a centrist Democrat to Ford, a centrist Republican to today's Democrat Biden vs Republican Trump: the party of Stability vs. the party of Extremism - and more!
Why do many of us: the middle-aged, young-even the aged, have difficulty imagining growing old? Is it that we have little contact with old people? Would it be beneficial for us all, if we were more connected, instead of splitting off into separate pods?
Thinking of careers, Bonnie Stone knew only that she "wanted to do good" to do "something tangible!" So, Bonnie went to work for the government! Her book, "Gimme Shelter: a life of public service in New York City" describes public service as the place to do good, describing her work with then controversial methadone programs; working in HRA, developing shelters for the homeless; and in non-profits for 15 years, providing shelter and supportive housing for women and children. Her book, "Gimme Shelter" is enjoyable and inspiring; a must read!
Mark Levine lists numerous challenges to be resolved as newly elected Manhattan Borough President: inequality, inadequate health care, climate change, the criminal justice system and plans to appoint a "pandemic czar" to improve New York's economy. Levine considers working with borough presidents, to form a comprehensive view of land-use: equity in re-development, bus routes, transit hubs - a huge opportunity to deal with issues affecting the entire city.
Tom Allon, City & State of New York publisher, media entrepreneur, discusses West Side Spirit, a daily The Hill and City Hall, publications that inspired today's City & State. Allon sees the post-pandemic as a time to focus on education and housing.
Organizer and progressive, Antonio Reynoso talks about advocacy and governance making important changes in people's lives. Reynoso discusses more effective Brooklyn Community Boards-better know to people-gentrification, rezoning, land use also discussed.
Describing CUNY students as "..incredibly determined," Juvanie Piquant, elected head of the USS/CUNY, talks about her job to advocate, elevate and represent the 500,000 CUNY student voices, working to leave an issue "..better than you found it."
To prevent state legislatures from restricting our vote, guest urges political mobilization: federal legislation/litigation/citizen VOTING to change a state's political culture. 360 pending election bills; rules effecting ballot counting - a real crisis!
The Census is in the Constitution to allocate House seats across a state, and the basis of political representation. John Mollenkopf discusses the #1 surprise of the 2020 Census: NY's population has grown substantially to 8.8 million people and more.
In 1952, Cuba was named a sponsor of terrorism. Pres. Obama removed their name from the terrorist list, only to have it restored during the Trump years. The Cuban embargo, the Cuban government and the political culture of Cuban Americans is discussed.
If 61% of primary voters are women - why aren't more women in political office? Marti Speranza Wong describes the "un-level" playing field that women candidates experience: political parties controlled by men, provide exposure, endorsements; PAC and outside money favor men candidates. Wong outlines the work of Amplify Her, an organization dedicated to electing more women.
Friends since high school, renowned artist and feminist, Audrey Flack and host, Ronnie Eldridge discuss Flack's student years, her artistic development and success, the "angel with wings," and personal sadness. Mature women, enjoying their long friendship, they talk frankly about how it feels to be in the tenth decade of their lives.
Doug Muzzio outlines the extraordinary importance and the complexity of the NY Primary Election: the first post pandemic, the effect of term-limits, ranked-choice voting, and the large number of candidates making it difficult to know those in the race.
Robert Abrams describes his David vs Goliath wins against NY's political machine, family, Monroe HS, and 15 years of public service as NYS Attorney General. An allied/non-partisan office, the AG dealt with broader issues-think Love Canal! Book-a must read
The Frederick O'Reilly Hayes Prize, named in fond memory of NYC's Budget Director, awarded to City agencies' emerging leaders, has presented a special Corona Virus Crisis Response Award to 20 young public servants for projects in reaction to the pandemic.
Hank Sheinkopf's first experience with politics was in 1969, in Herman Badillo's unsuccessful campaign for mayor. Along with his long and successful career as a political consultant, Sheinkopf talks candidly about his sad history of abandonment, child neglect and abuse. Discussed: underfunded public education, Citizens United, a divided America.
Tom Robbins calls opinion oriented, fact-based NY/Chicago style reporting a vanishing form of journalism. A passionate NY'er, Robbins discusses the changing power of political parties, campaign financing, divided parties, and women in the City Council.
Stan Altman, CCNY alum, CUNY professor, Baruch College Interim President, innovator/entrepreneur of interdisciplinary projects across CUNY discusses the Harlem Gallery of Science programs to correct the lack of Black and Latinx students in STEM courses.
James Larocca, a former energy and transportation commissioner, urges the increase of solar and wind power, and the remote west Adirondacks for wind turbines.Larocca discusses a new waterfront park, named for author John Steinbeck, a Sag Harbor resident.
Christine Quinn, WIN president & CEO, NYC's largest provider of services to families with children, advocate for the homeless, outlines the intake process, the need for trauma informed care training, the value of ongoing services to regain independence.
Sam Roberts provides a sketch of NY's mayors from Bob Wagner to Bill de Blasio asking who, of the 30 candidates, will be NY's 110th mayor. Inadequate local news coverage, costly campaigns, less personal contact make it hard for voters to know a candidate.
Economic inequality is ramping up, says labor activist, Les Leopold, discussing more Covid-19 in poor neighborhoods with fewer health/social services, crowded apartments, and workers-many people of color-in low-paying jobs. The Biden presidency-discussed
Vincent Montalbano, Chief/Leader writer and former labor lobbyist, discusses his support of Joe Biden, newly inaugurated US President. Noting that "everyone needs to work," Montalbano looks to the administration's policies to strengthen labor and unions.
Steve Zeidman discusses clemency: the governor's seldom used, yet awesome power, to grant pardons-erasing a conviction, and more difficult to acquire, sentence commutations, thus reducing sentences of long incarcerated prisoners-likely to die in prison.
A colleague of Mayor David Dinkins, Prof. Ester Fuchs reviews issues of his administration, paralleling problems facing NY today: homelessness, race, economic and fiscal imbalances. Fuchs discusses party politics and the city's upcoming mayoral race.
Jose A. Saldana discusses RAPP's support of the Elder Parole Bill, granting parole to inmates, 55 and older-who have served 15 years. Imprisoned for 38 years, paroled after five attempts, Saldana discusses mass incarceration and Parole Board politics.
Liz Neumark of Great Performances, describes efforts to stay in business, helping neighborhood restaurants and her concern for furloughed employees. Liz talks about Katchkie Farm, home of The Sylvia Center, facilities growing and providing healthy food.
Doug Muzzio calls the country's divide a cleavage. We hear about fear, anger that preceded and will outlive this presidency. Trust in institutions has declined; politicians see public service as continuous employment and power. Watergate discussed.
Preparing for the transition of an elected president can begin in May, long before the election and inauguration. Teams of friends, lobbyists government experts plan, in secret - personnel, policy, organization. Heath Brown discusses money & transparency
Helen Rosenthal, City Council, describes why her time in office has lived up to her expectations: integrated schools in District 6, district aid based on need, competent leaders; yet, "transactions"-'do for me and I'll do for you' still part of politics
REMEMBER THE LADIES, wrote Abigail Adams to John, in 1776, opening Julie Suk's book, "We the Women: The Unstoppable Mothers of the Equal Rights Amendment." But he didn't! CUNY Professor Suk describes the women who for 100 years fought for ERA's passage.
Adaptive Design's craftspeople and designers create equipment aiding physically impaired children and adults to better function in their daily lives. Jennifer Hercman and board member Ronnie Eldridge discuss the challenges to a modest not-for-profit group
Luke Hayes, campaign manager for Jamaal Bowman's successful primary campaign, discusses organizing a campaign, familiarizing the public with a candidate, volunteers, raising funds, endorsements, getting a candidate's message out to the voter and more.
A collaboration of remarkable women: activists, lawyers, students, policy makers, formerly incarcerated women discuss the impact of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act and domestic violence on the sentencing of women in prison.
Les Leopold, author of "Runaway Inequality," executive director of The Labor Institute discusses programs and workshops to build a coherent mass movement promoting economic, social and environmental justice.
Helen Rosenthal, City Council Member, discusses an estimated $13 billion short-fall in NY's budget which was sound prior to COVID-19. The problem now is inadequate revenue. Rosenthal suggests a return to the Securities Transfer Tax for that revenue.
Dr. William Cole, NYU Langone discusses the growth of telemedicine, remote medical care, popular world-wide due to COVID-19. Did he anticipate another COVID-19 wave, "Absolutely," he said. Get tested & consider your activities best for you and the family.
Steven Zeidman, co-director of the CUNY School of Law, Defenders Clinic said in New York, about 9,000 men and women - over the age of 50, many having already served 20-30 years have little or no chance of being released from prison. Zeidman discussed the parole process, Parole Boards, how appeals for clemency are handled and CUNY School of Law's focus on public interest law.
State Senator Liz Krueger, chair of the Senate Finance Committee talks about NY State's budget and the crucial role of the Federal Government in support of each state's finances. For states to deal with the pandemic requires Federal Government aid.
Jerry Goldfeder, election law attorney at Stroock, with the Constitution, outlines steps and procedures leading to the election of the US President. States and the Congress have the power to make certain that the Election for President takes place.
Arlene Lopez, Queens College grad, enthusiastically describes her undergraduate education and CUNY's ERT Internship Program in Government & Public Affairs. Ms.
Lopez is a JD candidate at Harvard Law School, interested in a career in international law.
Ronnie Eldridge is having a one-on-one conversation with Borough of Manhattan President Gale Brewer about city matters -including the state of education- in the midst of the COVID Pandemic.
Ronnie Eldridge talks with Heath Brown, Associate Professor of Public Policy at John Jay College and the Graduate Center, as well as prolific author of scholarly articles, popular political websites, as well as books about politics and government.
Ronnie Eldridge talks with Tanya Domi, Director of Media Relations for CUNY's Graduate Center & host of The Thought Project, a podcast where she talks with faculty & students about the big thinking & big ideas generating ground breaking research.
Dr. Ahmed Reid, History Department at Bronx Community College, teacher and advocate, describes himself as an activist scholar. Teaching the impact of Colonialism and the Plantation System - poverty, illiteracy - Reid feels a moral obligation to fix these problems.
In The Presidents vs. the Press, author Harold Holzer discusses a long history of friction between presidents and the press. Holzer, Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College director, announces the college's 150th anniversary and events.
In Part 2, young participants in the Graduate Center’s Youth Justice Research Collaborative describe their on-site work as Court Watchers, recording activity, mannerisms, attitudes of Court Officers, who play a major role in how courts work.
Members of the Youth Justice Research Collaborative, focused at the CUNY Graduate Center, bringing together communities, organizations, expertise and commitment discuss efforts to hold government accountable to juvenile justice legislation, Raise the Age, recently signed by Governor Cuomo. Pt 1/2
2019 Charter Revision Commission Chair, Gail Benjamin outlines the commission's procedures, practices, and numerous public meetings to analyze NYC's Charter, and the public's vote to approve five changes to the charter. Low voter turn out is discussed.
With passion, Doug Muzzio, Baruch College professor, expressing serious concern for the future, describes the "Orwellian" state of America's politics: the impact of money, ideologues, corruption, lack of principles, impeachment, and the lieslieslies.
Brett Stoudt, a psychology professor at The CUNY Graduate Center and John Jay College discusses research projects focusing on privilege & oppression, aggressive & discriminatory policing, in conjunction with policy makers & community members of all ages
Brooklyn College professor, Anthony Mancini describes BC's Journalism & Media Studies- JAMS-as a "real journalism and media studies program." Merging two journalism programs, reporting and writing, into a larger program, provides students more options.
Jerry Goldfeder, a national expert on election and campaign finance law, talks about NY's Charter Commission reforms, Rank Choice Voting, the "wild west" of campaign finance and more. Goldfeder and host Eldridge discuss Impeachments, past and present.
Lori Chajet, CARA's co-director and Natajha Graham, youth leader at A. Philip Randolph HS talk about programs and activities that ensure first generation, low income and students of color have info and support necessary to apply, enroll, remain in college
Anthony Maniscalco, Sr. University Director, Career Development and Internships discusses public service internships and civic engagement programs in Albany, Washington DC and New York City via CUNY programs, presenting an opportunity to engage in solving public problems.
CUNY School of Law hosts photographer Sara Bennett's photo exhibit, "Looking Inside: Portraits of Women Serving Life Sentences." With photography, Bennett encourages the viewer to get to know these people and to take a look at the criminal justice system
Many CUNY colleges collaborate with neighborhood public schools, such as The City College Academy of the Arts, where teacher Dennis Mihalsky's class is a newsroom, shaping “The Claw Weekly” a student-run newspaper; he urges more student newspapers in NY.
Vincent Montalbano, labor and political activist, discusses recent events affecting union membership, urging leadership and members to focus, internally, on their contribution to a party's or candidates' success. It's not money; it's membership.
Polling and a huge term limits turnover; a "bluer" more unified NYS government; young Progressives with progressive programs; former Cong. Joe Walsh; Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - thoughtful yet passionate conversation.
Activist and civil libertarian Bill Dobbs specializes in causes that many see as too controversial. Honored by the National Lawyers Guild of NY, Dobbs discusses Stonewall 50, a united LGBTQ Community, hate-crime legislation, Sex-Offemder Lists and more.
People with Disabilities is America's largest minority group with little visibility in Hollywood. The ReelAbilities Film Festival, the largest festival in the U.S. works to promote awareness of lives and creativity of people with different disabilities.
"The Chief" the weekly paper - available online - provides the best news about city, state and often, federal civil service and the municipal unions that represent them. A champion of labor, "The Chief" reports local politics in New York.
Naftuli Moster and Anita Altman of YAFFED tell us that private & religious schools must provide a secular education, equal to what was provided by a public school. A Yeshiva grad, Mr. Moster describes how shockingly unprepared he was for further studies.
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Sr. Advisor to the President of Hunter College/CUNY, a formidable public servant, a member of the NYC Charter Commission, outlines the four focus areas under the Commission's consideration: Elections, Governance, Finance, Land-Use.
YES! more women were elected to public office - yet, here in "progressive" New York, there are only 11 women out of 51 in the City Council - 19 of 63 in the state Senate - 50 of 150 in the Assembly, and 8 out of our 21 member delegation to Congress.
Norman Siegel, attorney for the defense of civil rights and civil liberties, NYCLU former director, who reads the Constitution aloud, 7/4 in NY's parks, discusses the current administration, commenting "the Constitution, you should try it sometime."
Tanya Melich, author of The Republican War Against Women says "I cannot remember a time when the Republican Party was not part of my life." Melich and Eldridge review the Republican Party's history-and the turning point-making her now a Democrat.
Discussing-with gusto-national, state and city politics, the Green Deal, Medicare for All, the "quirky" Electoral College, the president and more, Doug Muzzio, Baruch College Public Affairs professor, describes his students as "hard working and engaged."
Donna Lieberman heads the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU); its mission is to "defend and protect" fundamental principles and values, and New Yorkers "inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by government or by majority vote." Despite threats, NYCLU is succeeding.
Ronnie Eldridge welcomes Karol V. Mason, John Jay College of Criminal Justice's fifth president, opening an enthusiastic discussion of JJ's criminal justice programs: Prison-to-College Pipeline, the Prisoner Reentry Institute, Smart on Crime and much more.
Comm. Pauline Toole outlines the treasure trove of documents, pictures, videos available to us at the NYC Department of Records and Information Services: New York in the 1940's, Women Activists, NYPD Photos, Bridges, Parks, Trains/Trolleys - Enjoy!
2020 Census-the US count of EVERY resident in the right place has great consequences. Gotham Gazette's, Samar Khurshid, discusses preparation needed for NYC & NYS to secure an accurate count, fearing loss of representation and billions in federal funds.
Jerry Goldfeder, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, an activist, writer, and legal expert specializing in election and campaign finance law, discusses voting laws and states' rights, the Electoral College, the Supreme Court, urging citizen participation.
Les Leopold, Labor Institute, author of Runaway Inequality a curriculum for a movement to bring an all-inclusive justice to working people, explores tax cuts, stock buybacks, and more, contributing to the gap between the super-rich and the rest of us.
Heath Brown, Associate Professor of Public Policy at John Jay College and the CUNY Graduate Center discusses the transition, preparation for the 2020 election, the Electoral College, the importance of the individual's vote in local elections, and more.
Luke Hayes, political activist discusses the aftermath of the Trump administration- with millions of activist Americans; the need for election reforms; New York having the WORST voting system in the country; and dubbing the US Senate, an antiquated body.Luke Hayes, political activist discusses the aftermath of the Trump administration- with millions of activist Americans; the need for election reforms; New York having the WORST voting system in the country; and dubbing the US Senate, an antiquated body.
Welcoming Gary Bagley, executive director of New York Cares, Ronnie Eldridge remarked, "we know we are at our best when people care about each other...and contribute to the public good." New York Cares was started in 1987 to help people do - just - that!
"Sports of the Times" columnist, Michael Powell says "culture, politics, race, sometimes sex-all that stuff comes in play when writing about sports," describing football as brutal; baseball, conservative; and basketball, as jazzy, and the most liberal.
Sarah Bartlett, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, acknowledging challenges, tells us that while how we get our news may be different-the 4th Estate continues-with passionate, dedicated participants. Bartlett outlines "J" school programs
Sociology professor Bruce Western, co-director of the Justice Lab at Columbia University and author of "Homeward: Life in the Year after Prison" discusses the importance of social integration to criminal justice - bringing people back into the community.
Lawrence O'Donnell, "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" host, author of "Deadly Force" describes the turbulent 70's; the Boston police "bad" use of deadly force, killing an unarmed black man, & his father's efforts to win for the wife & children.
Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC's "The Last Word" and author of "Playing With Fire," discusses LBJ; RFK and Eugene McCarthy; the Vietnam War; Nixon and Roger Ailes; Rockefeller and Lindsay-the last liberal Republicans-and the impact of this fascinating time.
Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor/publisher of "The Nation," sees hope in the number of women running for political office, many for the first time, and in members of Congress, acting on the common good; the people-in-motion, a force for the common good.
50 years after his death, 6/6/68 old friends, Steve Isenberg, Jerry Kretchmer & Ronnie Eldridge share memories of their association with Robert Kennedy and his 1968 presidential campaign, describing their trust in him-he would do what he said he would do.
Ernest Drucker, "Decarcerating America" and "A Plague of Prisons," NYU professor of Global Public Health believes incarceration is an urgent public health issue - an epidemic - in need of immediate attention.
Alice Fisher and Steve Burkhardt organized The Radical Age Movement to challenge perspectives/policies impacting the aging/aged in our society. A new social movement,guests discuss jobs-and more. "Age Justice Movement" Rally 5/15 - radicalagemovement.org
Co-founder Biju Mathew, of the NYC Taxi Workers Alliance, an 18,000 member union, with AFL CIO affiliation, discusses with passion the current Congestive Pricing plans that will significantly effect Yellow cabbies and other drivers.
Discussing the budget process, housing, "March for Our Lives," good schools/parks, clean streets, transportation, Speaker Corey Johnson focuses on the City Council as a strong independent government body, urging more involvement - run for office, VOTE!
Subways/buses, work areas, parks-live, work, play places-accessible to all-including the disabled! Victor Calise, Comm. the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, is passionate about his job to make NYC even more accessible-nye.gov/disabilities
Sara Bennett, former attorney, "LIFE After Life in Prison," photographer and Karen Ely, on parole after 35 years in prison, a paralegal at a NY law firm review New York State's parole system, illustrating where it too often fails to meet its mission.
City Councilperson Helen Rosenthal describes NY's City Council as a "good platform to make public policy" and to deal with "people's individual needs," even though only 11 hard working, 'question-asking' women remain. De-mystify running for public office!
Eric L. Adams, Borough President of Brooklyn, "the UN of New York City," home to 2.6 million people, outlines programs in support of children with special needs, gifted and talented students, STEM programs and pipeline programs: Pre-K through high school.
Jerry Goldfeder, attorney, activist, writer, legal expert on election law, with candidates from local office to US president, discusses voting laws and states' rights, the Electoral College, the courts, urging citizen participation-".. run for office."
Jesenia De Moya Correa, American born/Dominican Republic-raised & educated, is an award-winning graduate of the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism's new Spanish-Language program. Ms. Correa discusses the importance of organization and communication to all
Dorothy Samuels, Senior Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, discusses the administration's appointment of judges, observing that "...being a judge is an 'art' and at the Supreme Court level - you are deciding what the law is for the entire country."
In 1918, NYC Council's 51-member body could have fewer than 10 women elected to serve. Invited by the Museum of the City of New York to discuss this issue, Ronnie Eldridge talks with some of today's women leaders about achieving gender parity in politics.
In part 2, practitioner of union and government politics, columnist for the Civil Service Chief Leader, Vincent Montalbano outlines events and politics that led to labor unions' loss of power and strength. The Democratic Party should represent labor.
Vincent Montalbano, a long time practitioner of union and government politics and host Ronnie Eldridge, growing up in the Roosevelt era, discuss the "mess" of modern politics, each sadly acknowledging that the citizen plays a very small role in elections.
Per Bill Maher, "Ageism as the last acceptable prejudice in America." Noting that people live longer but not always well, founder of The Radical Age Movement, Alice Fisher and Hunter College professor Steve Burghardt outline challenges facing an older pop.
CUNY Citizenship Now! is celebrating 20 years of service to those on the path to citizenship. Allan Wernick, law professor, columnist, writer, and program director discusses the effect on Dreamers of President Trump's abandonment of the DACA program.
Jo Freeman, activist, scholar, attorney, Berkeley grad, discusses Free Speech-Civil Rights Movements of the 60s; the protest group, Antifa; White Supremacy; Populism, naming the south's Huey Long, Theodore Bilbo, northerners Sanders and Trump as Populists
Award winning television producer, staff member to Commissioner Betty Furness and Congressman Dick Ottinger - now retired, Rita Satz at 92, has her first book of poetry - published. Satz and Eldridge talk aging, the past and the present.
Dorothy Samuels, senior fellow, Brennan Center for Justice, NYU School of Law describes the battle over contraception as only one aspect of the campaign over a woman's right to the control of her body and, to a greater extent, to the control of her life.
Justin Davidson, architecture & classical music critic, New York magazine-author of "Magnetic City: A Walking Companion to New York," summarizes New York-the real estate deal between the Dutch and the Lenape Indians- as everyone's story of who comes here.
Alyssa Katz, author "Our Lot: How Real Estate Came to Own Us" and "The Influence Machine:The US Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Capture of American Life" discusses her work with the NY Daily News Editorial Board and local and national leadership.
It's amazing that 63 years after Brown v. Board of Education declared separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional-integrating schools still presents challenges. Dr. Amy Stuart Wells discusses segregation in NY's schools.
Outstanding students, of the CUNY's Edward T. Rogowsky Internship Program: Claire Lynch, Macaulay Honors College-City College/CUNY, Truman Scholarship winner and Jibreel Jalloh, Baruch College/CUNY, NYC Urban Fellows Program comment on political parties.
Leading election law lawyer, Jerry Goldfeder, a keen observer of democratic politics, discusses the importance of a more welcoming Democratic Party, urging young and old to join, bringing ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to their local Democratic Party.
NYC Council Member Dan Garodnick, representing District 4, discusses issues impacting all New Yorkers: the President's Travel Ban, Immigration, Police Department Transparency, Closing Rikers Island and more.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is New York State's highest ranked elected woman. Chair of 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, she has visited the State's 62 counties, logging 51,000 miles, building support for the Governor's initiatives.
Dr. Lilliam Barrios Paoli, dedicated to public service, continues to contribute to the public good at Hunter College and their programs in support of NYC's most challenged communities: East Harlem. Dr. Barrios Paoli discusses the complexity of homlessnes
Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor, Graduate Center/CUNY, a leader in the struggle for economic and social justice, believes policy of the administration has brought people together in resistance - that everybody is in it for everybody else.
Mark Green, public servant, elected official, attorney, best selling author reviews the times and events of the 1960s to today's Presidents, Millennial voters and the Progressive movement on "Bright, Infinite Future."
Blanche Wiesen Cook author of 3 works on Eleanor Roosevelt, says that we're still talking about the same issues: race and refugees. In "Eleanor Roosevelt: Vol 3" Cook discusses her core issues: economic security, racial equality, New Deal and refugees.
Commenting that "battles for civil liberties never stay won," Donna Lieberman of the NY Civil Liberties Union, is deeply concerned that progress made over the last 50 years is being shredded-with bullying, lose of women's rights, achieving a safe society.
Liz Abzug, attorney, professor, ex director of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, reminds us of her mother, Bella Abzug, the feminist and civil rights advocate; Bella's career and contributions, to Liz's own work at BALI, inspiring girls.
Michelle Fine, Distinguished Professor of Social Psychology, CUNY Graduate Center, studies and reports on social injustice in urban communities, schools and prisons, promoting education to reduce recidivism and aid a return to a productive life.
Dorothy Samuels, of Brennan Center for Justice, 30 year member of the NY Times editorial board, comments "This country is in unprecedented territory and we're in terrible trouble in terms of our democracy and progress on issues that ... many care about."
Gov. Cuomo commuted Judith Clark's sentence from 75 to 35 years, already served, making her eligible for parole in 2017. Clark is among 113 inmates receiving various forms of clemency. Attorney Steve Zeidman called the Governor's actions courageous.
Journalist, award-winning author of books on three American presidents, currently a biography of President Jimmy Carter Jonathan Alter indicated he would not write a book about the president-elect but the Trump time in office might be of interest.
Les Leopold, "Runaway Inequality: An Activist's Guide to Economic Justice" and 3 other publications, executive director of the Labor Institute continues to discuss the "revolt against neo-liberalism" and the enormous inequality that will not just go away.
Les Leopold, author of "Runaway Inequality: An Activist's Guide to Economic Justice," presents an intriguing analysis of the 2016 Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns and interesting suggestions for future action.
Liz Accles, Community Food Advocates' executive director, describes the School Lunch Campaign - to provide school age children with a nutritious lunch - free - one of many programs supported by the organization.
The New York Immigration Coalition unites almost 200 organizations, working to assist and protect immigrants. Thanu Yakupitiyage reviews obstacles-language barriers, inadequate legal representation, and anxiety and fear generated by the 2016 election.
Vincent Montalbano describes the 2016 election as the "culmination of 50 years of neglect by two institutions that should be caring about and intimately involved with the working class: the Democratic party and labor unions." So, what's to be done?
Nancy Azara, sculptor, author, feminist activist believing that we all have art inside ourselves, discusses her work and creative process. Co-founder of the NY Feminist Art Institute (1979), Azara talks about opportunities for women artist then and now.
In Part 2 of his conversation with Ronnie Eldridge, author Larry Tye remarks that he wrote "Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon" as a "matter of history," discussing the battles over civil rights, Viet Nam, the assassination of Martin Luther King.
Part 1/2 part conversation, Larry Tye, "Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon," describes times, events, people: Sen. J. McCarthy, Marian Wright Edelman, Pres. John F. Kennedy, and more, contributing to make RFK the dynamic idealist, loved by many.
Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of "The Nation." comments on some of the issues, rhetoric and individuals swirling around in anticipation of the Presidential Election - November 8, 2016.
The Women's City Club of New York, celebrating its 100th anniversary, is a "nonprofit, non-partisan... organization dedicated to improving the lives of all New Yorkers." Exec. director Jacqueline Ebanks talks about WCCNY's member-led programs.
Former Congressman Barney Frank, talks about his personal struggle: fearing his homosexuality would be revealed while continuing to work for gay rights. He is the author of "Frank: A Life in Politics from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage."
Bob Herbert, journalist, columnist, host of Bob Herbert's Op-Ed.TV says "we're going backwards..." in politics, the economy, the media, sighting the power of money, student debt, employers lack of obligation for their employees, highlighting Regan years.
Former Washington Post managing editor, Robert Kaiser discusses Pres. Reagan's declaration that "government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem," to big money, to the triumph of lobbying, to the 2016 presidential election
CUNY School of Law professor, director of the Criminal Defense Clinic, Steven Zeidman asks "why are we the world's largest jailers?" with aged inmates and a system based on punishment and vengeance. Zeidman applauds Gov. Cuomo's clemency initiative.
Bob Herbert, journalist, columnist, host of Bob Herbert's Op-Ed.TV says "we're going backwards..." in politics, the economy, the media, sighting the power of money, student debt, employers lack of obligation for their employees, highlighting Regan years.
Bella Abzug predicted events of the 21st century "...the women's century and young people are to be its leaders." Liz Abzug, founder and executive director of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, discusses women in leadership roles.
Dorothy Samuels, Brennan Center for Justice Senior Fellow, analyzes the Supreme Court's decision, affirming women's constitutional right to abortion access. Discussion included voting rights, campaign finance and more.
Lauren-Brooke Eisen, at the Brennan Center's Justice Program, indicates that the phrase "mass incarceration" is being heard today more than ever before, becoming a bi-partisan issue, bringing together Democrats, Republicans and "even some Libertarians."
In part 2 of their 2 part program, Doug Muzzio, Baruch College and "CityTalk" host and Ronnie Eldridge continue their conversation, discussing Governor Cuomo, the state legislature, Mayor de Blasio, the city government...and the greatness of Muhammad Ali.
Doug Muzzio, Baruch College and "CityTalk" host, and Ronnie Eldridge discuss candidates, political parties, the nominating process, the discontent of the electorate and distrust of the elected in this 2016 "most critical election."
In "Dear Princess Grace, Dear Betty: The Memoir of a Romantic Feminist," Alida Brill writes candidly about her parents' strength, her chronic illness, relationships, marriage, and with great affection, about her friendship and respect for Betty Friedan.
Starting with the "deal" made in 1787 giving States control over the voting process, on to acrimonious conventions of the 1800's, to the advent of primaries and caucuses, to our "crazy quilt" of states' rules and regulations: is this the best we can do?
Peter Yarrow, honored singer, songwriter, activist and advocate discusses the educational non-profit "Operation Respect," the song "Don't Laugh at Me," the inspiration for his vision and the campaign to end bullying.
Award winning author and Hunter College distinguished professor in English, Elizabeth Nunez discuses her new novel, "Even in Paradise," a retelling of Shakespeare's "King Lear" with additional components of race, class and privilege in the Caribbean.
Artist, cultural observer, feminist, award winning author and poet, Naomi Chase, tells the tale of "the only women in history to rule Rome" in her novel in verse, "The Journals of Empress Galla Placidia from Her Faithful Servant Lepida."
Dorothy Samuels, currently a Senior Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU, calls herself "fortunate" to have been a member of the NY Times editorial board, where she served for more than 30 years, noting the wide array of issues under review.
Ronnie Eldridge, host of "Eldridge & Co." went to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to interview Judith Clark, an inmate serving 75 years-to-life. Judith Clark will be eligible for parole in 2056. She will be 107 years old. Unedited interview follows
Anthony Maniscalco, Rogowsky Internship Program in Government and Public Affairs, author of "Public Spaces, Marketplaces, and the Constitution" tells us that many public spaces and marketplaces in American cities and suburbs are off limits to free speech.
Investigative reporter Tom Robbins and Ronnie Eldridge discuss the purposes of imprisonment, prison programming and rehabilitation versus retribution. Part 1/2 has an exclusive interview with Judith Clark, serving 75 years to life at Bedford Hills Prison.
Jack Caravanos, professor at the CUNY School of Public Health talks about the public health crisis - not only in Flint, Michigan but in other parts of the country and throughout the world.
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, representing the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, describes her vibrant, economically, racially and culturally diverse district as the "epicenter of Brooklyn."
Dr. Ruth Finkelstein of the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center and Mailman School of Public Health discusses the impact of our aging population on "everything" in our society, noting that there is a whole generation of people who are really old.
Award winning broadcast journalist, author and host of "Black America," Carol Jenkins and show's host Ronnie Eldridge talk politics - the young voter, race - Black Lives Matter movement - and more.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), headed by Donna Lieberman, is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization, promoting and defending basic principles and values: freedom of speech and religion, the right to privacy, and to due process of law.
Helen Rosenthal, NYC Council Member, serving the Upper West Side-District 6, discusses issues of major concern to her community and most New Yorker's: affordable housing. Ms. Rosenthal is enthusiastic about proposed budget reforms, effecting the Council.
Comm. Loree Sutton, MD, of the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs discusses programs and services for veterans, their dependents and survivors facing the challenges of unemployment, mental health issues, and homelessness.
Comm. Loree Sutton, MD, of the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs discusses programs and services for veterans, their dependents and survivors facing the challenges of unemployment, mental health issues, and homelessness.
Erin Butler, Helaine Soller and Marie Schepis, members of the Women in the Arts Foundation, talk about the attitudes that still exist and the difficulties for women to exhibit and take their place as professional artists.
Shari Silberstein is executive director of Equal Justice USA, a national organization, partnering with state and local groups, working to repeal the death penalty and to help crime victims and their families rebuild their lives.
NYC Councilmember Corey Johnson describes his district 3 as "the best district." Calling the Hudson Yards the "Abu Dahbi on the Hudson" office towers, residents, parks, commercial space, Councilmember Johnson spoke of 100% affordable housing in the plan.
Professors Nicholas Bloom and Matthew Lasner, co-editors of "Affordable Housing in New York," discuss the history of public housing, condos/co-ops, Mitchell-Lama, NYCHA and more, remarking that there is never enough affordable housing in NYC.
Ronnie Eldridge asks guest Doug Muzzio, Baruch College, "So, what do you think?" beginning a passionate conversation about candidates for the presidency - particularly Republican candidates: fear tactics, mistruths, lies, demagoguery.
NY City Council Member Ritchie Torres represents 165,000 people of which 6,000 individuals vote. Torres works to boost civic awareness and to increase the number of voters. He is chair of the Committee on Public Housing (NYCHA), home to 600,000 NYers.
Les Leopold's book "Runaway Inequality" explains how economic inequality developed, what it is doing to us-to our families and to our country, illustrating how virtually all the key issues we face, are ultimately connected to rising economic inequality.
This country has 2.3 million people in its jails and prisons, the highest incarceration rate in the world. Jeremy Travis, John Jay College president, discusses the damage of mass incarceration on families, communities, and the economy and reform efforts.
Mark Levine, representing the 7th Councilmanic district in Manhattan discusses the challenges to his community of housing, homelessness, and harassment. Chair of Parks and Recreation, Levine advocates for equality for parks in low income neighborhoods.
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, founded in 1993 by Brooklyn mothers, after the shooting death of a teacher, works to reduce gun violence through legislative advocacy and education. Leah Gunn Barrett, outlines issues and NYAGV's programs.
Sharon Content, founder and president, of Children of Promise, NYC brings sharp reality to our attention: two and a half million children-and in New York State-around 105,000 children currently have a parent serving time.
NY City Councilman Jumaane D. Williams, (45th Council District) describes his interest in political science and his attraction to public service. Discussing gun violence, housing, community safety, Councilman Williams focuses on realistic solutions
New York City's taxi and livery system is the 4th largest transportation provider in the United States, making over 600,000 trips every day. In addition to its service, the business provides employment to a large number of entry level workers and more.
Sara Bennett, a criminal justice attorney, follows four women as they return to the world, having served long terms in maximum security prison. The stories are sad yet inspiring; leaving us to question the system of parole and the length of sentencing.
Joel J. Ehrlich, The Harmony Group president and FIT marketing professor defines, explains, and illustrates advertising, marketing, branding, social media, integrated marketing and more, commenting on their power to effect people and events.
Brooklyn Defender Services provides legal representation to those unable to afford an attorney. The Family Defense Practice, part of BDS, founded and directed by Lauren Shapiro, works to keep the family together and children out of foster care.
Wayne Barrett applies Ocean Hill-Brownsville experiences to today's issues in education. Author of "Grand Illusion" and with Jack Newfield, "City for Sale," and "Trump" books about NY's governments, politics, Mr. Barrett is the "go-to" person on Trump.
The Irish and the Italian immigrant shared poverty and the Catholic religion. What prevented them from getting along in 19th century NY? In "An Unlikely Union," author Paul Moses recounts the rivalry of these ethnic groups so important to the City.
Angelo Falcón, founder president of the National Institute for Latino Policy, describes Puerto Rico as being in a political "twilight zone," with a fragile economy, a poorly managed government, and out-of-control borrowing leading to a $73 billion debt.
Allen Roskoff, gay rights activist, president of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, discusses Stonewall, campaigns of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance to change minds and hearts, rules and practices about the LGBT community.
Doug Muzzio, Baruch College Survey Research Unit, discusses "polling," an integral part of our political lives and more, facing significant problems: the increase in cell phones, for one, making it difficult and very expensive to reach people.
Asha Bandele, "The Prisoner's Wife" talks about the policies of the "prison industrial complex" on the community and on the lives of the incarcerated and their families. Technology in private prisons substitutes "virtual visits" for face-to-face visits.
Emily Horowitz, St. Francis College, and author of "Protecting Our Kids? How Sex Offender Laws are Failing Us" discusses draconian sex offender laws, asking if these laws protect children or are they examples of unfair practices that are not effective.
Mika Dashman, founder of the Restorative Justice Initiative in NYC discusses the victor/offender dialogue, face-to-face mediation, which seeks to address the needs of the injured, while encouraging those who have caused injury to take responsibility.
Landmarks Conservancy president Peg Breen discusses the public's concern of especially tall buildings going up in Tribeca, Lower Manhattan, near parks and particularly on 57th Street, affecting the character and quality of life of these communities.
NYS Senator Liz Krueger lists some of the most important issues of government today, including affordable housing, public education, equal pay, and jobs, discussing rent regulation, 421-a, ethics reform among many areas requiring attention.
Dr. Carol Burris, principal of South Side High School for 13 years, named New York State Outstanding Principal of the Year in 2013 is taking early retirement to continue to write and advocate against test-based accountability for students and teachers.
Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer discusses zoning, 421-a, up-zoning, destabilization, air rights - a dizzying array of complicated and even contradictory programs, plans, laws, practices, that must be considered when dealing with housing in NY.
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services oversees an extensive portfolio that includes many services and operations that effect the most vulnerable in our society - the poor. 1/3rd of those in shelters are working at full-time.
Letitia James, NYC Public Advocate, says that while embracing being the first African American elected to citywide office, this fact is nothing more than an "historical footnote if you don't do something with it," talking of work on behalf of the public.
SayAh! is a service designed to make health care safer, more effective and easier to manage for patients and caregivers. With health professionals and the community, Anna Allen and Helene Eisman Fisher work to improve health literacy in a complex system.
Richard Brodsky, former New York State Assemblyman, sponsor of the Public Authorities Reform Act signed into law in 2009, talks about the current NYS legislature, corruption due to campaign financing law, interference in voter rights, and more.
NY's Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation brings gymnastics training to over 15,000 inner-city children for free-or at a very low cost. An advocate for her sport, national and international medalist, Hilliard supports opportunities for women in sports.
Jerry Goldfeder, top election lawyer, discusses the impact of redistricting and state's efforts to place restrictions on voting. To encourage voter participation, he suggested same-day registration, early voting, easier voting by mail.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice, co-founder and executive director, Peggy Shepard describes the work of the organization and the local community to correct threats to health and the environment from the North River Sewage Treatment Plant.
Tom Robbins, investigative reporter, Investigative Journalist in Residence at the CUNY School of Journalism, describes conversations with officials and inmates at Attica Prison, culminating in The New York Times article, "A Brutal Beating Wakes Attic
Martin F. Horn, Distinguished Lecturer at John Jay College/CUNY and former Commissioner of Corrections discusses Rikers Island, its issues going back 50 years and steps to be taken to correct conditions in the prison.
Dennis Goodman, M.D., cardiology professor/director of Integrative Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center describes the holistic approach as treating the whole-person- not just the disease. He is the author of "Magnificent Magnesium" and "K2."
Ester Fuchs, professor, public affairs and political science at Columbia University commented on some of the issues presented by Mayor de Blasio in his "State of the City" address: keeping the city safe, environmental stability, and affordable housing.
Mujahid Farid, a promoter of the Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP) Campaign works towards the release of aging prisoners, many who have transformed their lives in prison, many who are sick and infirm. Farid urges the reform of the parole system.
NYC Councilwoman Debi Rose, representing Staten Island's 49th district, discusses SI's economic development: the New York Waterfront Ferris Wheel - the world's largest observation ferris wheel; hotels, a discount shopping mall; mixed income housing-jobs!
Norman Siegel, civil rights and civil liberties lawyer, believes that the number of good cops is overwhelming and that it is essential to "talk the truth" about the number of bad apples in the police force. Education is vital to undo stereotypes.
Vincent Montalbano, president of Montalbano Initiatives for more than 24 years is retiring from the world of lobbying, but he is not retiring from the world of politics. Discussion includes unions losing strength; campaign finance, racism, and optimism.
The Independent Budget Office, led by Ronnie Lowenstein, a publicly funded agency, provides the public and elected officials with nonpartisan information about NYC's budget. The IBO's report, "Understanding New York City's Budget" clarifies the budget.
Les Leopold, author: "The Looting of America" and "How to Make a Million Dollars an HOUR" considers events leading to the rich have become richer and the rest of us have remained the same or become poorer.
PROP-Police Reform Organizing Group-and Bob Gangi, work to correct tactics that harm the city's low-income communities and people of color. An advocate for reform, PROP 's Narratives Project and others, documents aggressive approach to law enforcement.
Having just returned from meetings in Ghana, Dr. Lewis Goldfrank, director of emergency services at Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Langone Medical Center and the Manhattan VA Medical Center, talks about Ebola, and the role of public policy on health issues
1 in 3 women are killed every day by their spouse or former partner. NYC's Domestic Violence Hotlines get more than 310 calls per day. Sally MacNichol and Quentin Walcott, co-executive directors of CONNECT, talk about their outreach programs.
In "Losing Our Way" Bob Herbert describes men, women and families effected by poor decisions made by our country's leadership. Bridges collapse, jobs lost, young bodies crippled; hopes of a middle class seem-gone, like the middle class.
Richard Emery, appointed by Mayor de Blasio to chair the Civilian Complaint Review Board agreed that with "a demoralized police force and an overactive citizenry" it was a huge challenge to dole out justice fairly to police and to the public.
"A History of New York in 101 Objects" represents NY Times urban affairs correspondent, Sam Roberts' choice of objects that have played a transformative role in New York's history or are emblematic of this transformation. A great way to sell history.
Justice Brandeis' said "We can have democracy in this country or we can have great wealth, concentrated in the few, but we can't have both," opening the conversation about US's politics and government with Four Freedoms Center Fellow K. Sabeel Rahman.
2.5 million people in America's prisons, many aged, abuses: reform of NY's correctional system is overdue. Barbara Treen, former NY State Parole Commissioner, author of "Geranium Justice" calls for an overhaul of the multi-million dollar prison-system.
Comm. Nisha Agarwal of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs is enthusiastic about the organization's efforts on behalf of more than 2 million people-60% of NYC's population- who are foreign born. Comm. Agarwal outlined current and future initiatives.
Comptroller Scott Stringer, NYC's CFO, discusses his office's responsibilities: to safeguard the City's fiscal health, conducting audits; to oversee the City's $160 billion pension funds; to review contracts, etc. He talked about CHECKBOOK NYC-on line.
Addressing a White House briefing, NY Law School Professor and director of the Safe Passage Project, Lenni Benson urged "the American people and especially law firm and corporate leaders" to provide their expertise on behalf of children facing deportation
Ari Goldman is determined to make his 60th birthday particularly memorable. He will play the cello for his family and guests. In his memoir, "The Late Starters Orchestra," Avi Goldman writes about finally becoming a musician.
Jay Kriegel, Ronnie Eldridge's good friend and former colleague from the Lindsay administration consider the legacy of former Presidents Johnson, Truman, and Eisenhower; contributions of Mayor Bloomberg and New York during the Lindsay years.
Her name on the Hollywood Blacklist, Lee Grant author of "I Said Yes to Everything," tells of the pain-personal and professional-brought to her and her friends by the actions of the House Un-American Activities Committee. A story of personal strength.
The Center for an Urban Future, a NYC institute, issued a comprehensive report on the condition of the City's infrastructure. "Caution Ahead" by Adam Forman details the problems with 50+ year old water, sewer and gas pipes.
NOW-NYC chapter works to promote reproductive rights, secure economic empowerment and end violence against women, is led by Sonia Ossorio, advocate for women's rights in the criminal justice system and for ending the business of human trafficking.
Second of three reports from the Community Service Society, authored by Vic Bach and Tom Waters, "What New Yorkers Want From the New Mayor: An Affordable Place to Live," outlines the significant shortfall of affordable housing, making concrete proposals.
Rosanne Haggerty, president and CEO of Community Solutions, celebrates the success of their national 100,000 Homes Campaign-reaching their goal and then some as they work to end homelessness in America. They support better communication between agencies.
WIN or Women in Need provides temporary and permanent homes for more than 1200 women and over 2000 children, every night. Bonnie Stone, WIN's president and CEO, talks about the crisis of homelessness and WIN's life-changing programs and services.
Led by Mary Haveiland, the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault provides information and support for survivors, through rape crisis programs, education through child and adolescent programs, legal support through its criminal justice based programs.
Lola Finkelstein believes that rather than complaining about a wrong, she join forces to correct the wrong. Ms. Finkelstein has spent the past 30 years working with Community Board 5, Bellevue Hospital and other community agencies-on behalf of the City.
Peter Goldmark whose remarkable career in public service, philanthropy, as a journalist, environmentalist, and now, consultant, self-described troublemaker and practical joker discusses his time (1977-1985) as executive director of the Port Authority.
James Larocca discusses his long career and some of the people he met along the way. Mr. Larocca, former commissioner of the Public Service Commission, talks about fracking, from companies' dealing with landowners to drilling to cleanup of the land.
Peg Breen, of the New York Landmarks Conservancy describes the organization's work to preserve New York's architectural heritage. By providing technical advice, financial aid, and education, neighborhoods survive.
Camille Rivera, of UnitedNY, and Ronnie Eldridge consider the loss of connection between worker, labor unions and the community. Do we consider the low wages of the worker who has helped us, the two and three jobs needed to provide for a family?
Elizabeth Nunez, Hunter College, scholar, author of 8 novels, talks about "Not for Everyday Use: A Memoir" her latest book. Ms. Nunez explores family relationships, the struggle to meet expectations, the oppression of the church, and more.
Sheila Rule, founder of the Think Outside the Cell Foundation, works to end the stigma that follows the formerly incarcerated and their families through the End the Stigma/Expand Opportunities Campaign. NY's "broken" parole system is highlighted.
Les Leopold is puzzled that the people of the U.S., the richest nation - ever - in the world, are constantly being told that "we can't afford it." We can't afford free higher education, or children's Pre-K, or healthcare, or an unbroken infrastructure.
David Hawkins, at the Natural Resources Defense Council, has been in the business of climate change for many decades. His goals: to get the U.S. government to adapt better carbon-pollution standards in the coal industry, to promote alternative energy.
Seymour Lachman's latest book, "Mr. New York: Lew Rudin and His Love for the City," prompts Ronnie Eldridge to describe her guest as "Mr. New York himself." Author of 7 books, including "Three Men In A Room," Senator Lachman has served New York well.
Ed Ott, Distinguished Lecturer in Labor Studies, Murphy Institute/CUNY School of Professional Studies, reminds us of the 4 decades of loss suffered by the labor movement; we must adjust to the "new" economy and figure out where do we go from here.
In New York, more than 54,000 people are in prison at a cost of $60,000/year/inmate under 40 and $240,000/year/inmate over 40 due to increased health issues. Soffiyah Elijah, Correctional Association, talks about If the Risk is Low, Let Them Go! campaign.
Working towards a realistic discussion of policy, Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, discusses: housing, particularly affordable housing, education, classroom space for pre-K and charter schools, mental health programs in schools, quality of life.
Gloria Feldt, of Take the Lead, describes the organization's mission: "to prepare, develop, inspire and propel women" to leadership positions to achieve leadership parity. Ms. Feldt is an author, educator, and advocate for advancing women's equality.
Myrna Pérez, deputy director of the Democracy Project at NYU's Brennan Center for Justice is a little more optimistic these days, reporting in their "Voting Laws Roundup 2014" of "real momentum toward improving our elections..." in states and nationally.
Artist Audrey Flack and Ronnie Eldridge talk about their "callings" art and public service.
Graduates of Music & Art High School, the longtime friends discuss old masters and contemporary artists-and Ms. Flack's paintings, sculpture, writing and band.
The Brooklyn Movement Center, a community based organization, identifies issues, and works to improve the quality of life of the central Brooklyn community. Mark Winston Griffith, BMC's executive director admits to being a "serial social entrepreneur."
Mary White Ovington was a suffragette, journalist, and the first white woman to dedicate her life's work to racial equality. A trusted colleague and friend of W.E.B Du Bois, she is the main character in "Dr. Du Bois and Miss Ovington," by Clare Coss.
Richard Steier, editor of The Chief-Leader, and author of "Enough Blame to go Around: The Labor Pains of New York City's Public Employee Unions," talks about unions, in general, the complexity of NY unions, collective bargaining and the future.
CUNY Distinguished Professor and art historian Gail Levin describes the life and career of American artist Theresa Bernstein. In her long life, (1890-2002), Bernstein made and exhibited her art in every decade of the 20th century.
Ronnie Eldridge welcomes Helen Rosenthal, newly elected to the City Council, to represent Manhattan's 6th Council District-the district Ronnie represented for 12 years. Conversation referred to the Progressive Caucus, the effect of term limits & more.
Kathy Goldman, longtime advocate for children and the poor, co-founder of Community Food Advocates and Ronnie Eldridge talk about the "Lunch for Learning Campaign for Free and Healthy School Lunch for All," and their letter to Mayor Elect Bill Di Blasio.
Jennifer George presents "The Art of Rube Goldberg: (A) Inventive (B) Cartoon (C) Genius" for our pleasure.The book is filled with photos, personal stories, commentary and of course, Rube Goldberg cartoons. All great fun! (A special book cover.)
In Queens, one can find such treasures-to make any teacher, artist, set designer, social and health community service organization-any creative person's heart beat a little faster. Harriet Taub, Materials for the Arts, talks about MFTA's many services.
A teacher, mother, wife, and a Black Sash member, Jeanette Carlson describes the privileged life of the whites and the victimization of blacks in apartheid South Africa. Joel Carlson was one of South Africa's first anti-apartheid civil rights lawyers.
Jennifer Baumgardner, feminist journalist, filmmaker, writer and new publisher and executive director of the Feminist Press at CUNY and Ronnie Eldridge share their understanding of and history with the Feminist Movement.
Kate Shaw, professor at Cardozo School of Law, describes the responsibilities and long hours of the law clerk to a Supreme Court Justice. Professor Shaw has been there - serving for a year, as law clerk to Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
In 1971, men, living on Skid Row, wanting to change their lives, joined to form the Bowery Residents Committee. Executive director Muzzy Rosenblatt and host Ronnie Eldridge discuss the shelter system, the growth of poverty and a hand up-not a hand out.
Ex. director Tom Kamber of OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) and Senior Planet admires seniors "aging with attitude." Host Ronnie Eldridge says these organizations have married the Longevity Revolution to the Digital Revolution, benefiting seniors.
The 19th anniversary of the landmark legislation, the Violence Against Women Act is a bitter-sweet event. Each year-in the USA-1 in 3 women is killed by a spouse or partner; a half million women are assaulted by a partner; NYC's hotline gets 310 calls/day
Nancy Rankin and Ronnie Eldridge discuss the 2013 report, Issued by the Community Service Society, asking low-income New Yorkers their priorities. "The Race for Mayor: What's in it for low-income New Yorkers?" lists jobs, crime, housing of concern.
Prof. Kenneth Prewitt and Ronnie Eldridge talk about the history of the census and the significance of the numbers reported every 10 years and the reliance-in the 21st century-on discredited science based on the "5 races" white, black, red, yellow, brown.
Vincent Montalbano congratulates NY's candidates for elected office, commenting that-whoever wins- they are really talking about the issues. Mr. Montalbano and Ronnie Eldridge are concerned about the inability to break the link between elections & money.
Ronnie Eldridge and architect and urbanist, Michael Sorkin, talk about New York as 2 cities. They explore solutions, including the appropriate role of government. Their conversation is about Hudson Yards, lower Manhattan and East Midtown.
Tom Allon may not be running for office-this year-but he continues to bring us "21st century content, delivered in a 21st century way," via a monthly publication and the internet. Mr. Allon outlined three "huge issues" the next mayor will wrestle with.
Jerry Skurnik is the political consultant to political consultants, working behind-the-scenes, gathering information, crucial to the success of political campaigns. With experience dating back to the Koch campaign, Skurnik discusses campaigns then & now.
Ester Fuchs, Columbia University, and host Ronnie Eldridge stress how essential voting is to the future of the democracy we all enjoy, reminding us that democracy is dependent on a public that is engaged and informed.
Dick Dadey, Citizens Union and Ronnie Eldridge discuss the "porous and weak campaign finance laws" that need to be strengthened to take money out of politics. The two talk about stop & frisk, arguably a tool in fighting crime, that may be overused.
Ronnie Eldridge and New York Times columnist, Michael Powell, talk about all things New York: income disparity, high cost of living, the Bronx, parts of Brooklyn, and, of course, politics. Despite all problems, both are optimistic about NY's future.
William Cope Moyers wrote"Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption" and "Now What? An Insider's Guide to Addiction and Recovery." TV producer and his mother, Judith Moyers, joins Ronnie and William to talk about his addiction and message of hope..
Guests Ann Northrop and Andy Humm, co-hosts of "Gay USA," and host Ronnie Eldridge reflect on the early days of the gay rights movement on to the history-in-the-making Supreme Court decision, striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.
Ronnie Eldridge feels that on June 25..."5 justices of the United States Supreme Court took the heart out of the Voting Rights Act of 1965." Ronnie and Myrna Pérez, of the Brennan Center, urge letting Congress know how we feel about the decision.
Suzanne Braun Levine writes books that explore and provide fresh insights into life - life beginning with our 50's and beyond. "Inventing the Rest of Our Lives: Women in Second Adulthood" and others speak for themselves.
Common Cause New York director, Susan Lerner and host Ronnie Eldridge talk about our electoral system, described by Susan Lerner as "...mired in the 19th century." They discuss the need to overhaul the election system-from top to bottom.
Ghita Schwarz, author of "Displaced Persons," and an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights, confirms New York's long history of protecting the immigrant, and agrees with Mayor Bloomberg that "we are the best." But, only sometimes.
Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union speaks enthusiastically about the Women's Equality Agenda and Governor Cuomo's support. The Women's Equality Agenda clarifies current law and deals with existing loop-holes.
Welcoming Luke Hayes to the show, Ronnie asks Mr. Hayes about his experiences working with the Obama Presidential Campaign. Whether it be economic equality, prison reform, health care, Luke Hayes is still engaged, staying in the fight to the ideal.
A Quinnipiac poll reported that 9 out of 10 New York voters think corruption in Albany is a major problem. Ronnie Eldridge and guest Eleanor Randolph, editorial writer for the NYT, discuss the question - what in our system contributes to this corruption.
The Headmaster mentoring the Master Teachers mentoring Apprentice Teachers, team teaching of small groups, open classrooms - The New American Academy, a model school in Brooklyn, linking children's success to the quality of teacher instruction.
Artist Faith Ringgold says that she always painted and loved to listen to her families' stories. Ms. Ringgold provides her vision of African art, and tumultuous events she experienced-the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement. Faith still paints.
Tom Allon decided to run for mayor. "The word long-shot was attached to my name, said Mr. Allon, Ronnie Eldridge's guest. A crowded field, issues of money and name recognition suggested he reconsider and try other avenues to effect the political scene.
Sterling Lord, legendary representative of authors awarded Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, best-sellers, commercial novelists, politicians, scientists, journalists, is himself an author of the memoir, "Lord of Publishing."
Dr. Virginia Casper, a well-known developmental psychologist and director of Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention Programs at Bank Street College and host Ronnie Eldridge talk about the need for Head Start, pre-school and kindergarten.
Ronnie Eldridge describes her guest state Supreme Court Justice Emily Jane Goodman as an activist judge. Retired now, having served 20 years of service, Judge Goodman talks about pro bona cases, the law and about justice, and the underserved.
Les Leopold author of "How to Make a Million Dollars an Hour" and Ronnie Eldridge consider the differences in attitudes toward wealth: high taxes and controls allowing for greater equity versus getting rid of taxes, regulations and then, unions, and more.
We've muddled through short power outages; suffered through the long ones-but many fear that the loss of power will become a regular event. Comm. James Larocca of the NYS Public Service Comm and Ronnie Eldridge talk about how NY is meeting the problem.
Robert Gangi directs PROB - the Police Reform Organizing Project - a new project of the Urban Justice League. Mr. Gangi and host Ronnie Eldridge discuss what many consider the mis-use and abuse of "stop and frisk" practices.
When you're in the 9th decade of your life-and your Claire Reed, an extraordinary woman-who worked with Bella Abzug, with Women Strike for Peace, and the civil rights organization, SNCC-(the list goes on) we all take notice. "Toughing It Out" is her story
Ronnie Eldridge introduces Rachel Natelson, the legal director at SWAN. Ms. Natelson has worked on behalf of the underserved, and with SWAN, advocates for all military women.
Eldridge & Co. welcomes Al Appleton, an environmental and infrastructure consultant and a Senior Fellow at The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design. He and Ronnie discuss the booming industry of hydraulic fracturing.
Community organizer, Andrew Friedman talks with Ronnie Eldridge about the role of community organizations. Mr. Friedman now heads The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) - providing the "connective tissue" enabling an exchange of ideas enabling success.
In "Fortune in My Eyes: A Memoir of Broadway Glamour, Social Justice, and Political Passion," David Rothenberg describes his dazzling career, working with show biz stars and to his dedication to incarcerated men and women, journeying to rejoin society.
Justin Ferate knows more facts and stories about New York City than a lot of people! He is an urban, social and architectural historian and New York's most illustrious tour guides. Ferate and Ronnie Eldridge talk about both well known and obscure places
Martha Baker, working to extend paid leave to a greater number of New York's working families, talks with Ronnie Eldridge about the burden to the poor and middle-class with no employer provided paid leave, when called upon to care for family members.
The people of the Rockaways - like the people in various parts of New Jersey - have suffered terribly from Hurricane Sandy. Jeanne DuPont, president and executive director of The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance joins Ronnie Eldridge to talk about rebuilding
Ronnie Eldridge and guest Jerry Goldfeder discuss voting rights and ballot access, two issues that were so prominent in the 2012 election and the role that state and local laws play in the attempt to modify and simplify the voting process.
Doug Kellner co-chair of the NYS Board of Elections, and an early advocate for a voter verifiable paper audit trail for electronic voting machines, and Ronnie Eldridge reviewed NYS election procedures, concluding that despite long lines, all went well.
Victoria Bassetti, author of "Electoral Dysfunction: A Survival Manual for American Voters" and Ronnie Eldridge explores our electoral system, surprising some and reminding others that the Founding Fathers omitted the right to vote from the Constitution.
Merle Hoffman dreamed of life as a warrior, but she didnit think that her battle would be for women's freedom. Ronnie Eldridge talks with this relentless champion of women and pioneer in women's health care for more than 40 years.
Ronnie welcomes Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, U.S. Congresswoman from New York's 14th District representing Manhattan and Queens. The two discuss the importance of women in the political process and how they are harnessing this growing power.
Host Ronnie Eldridge of Eldridge & Co. sits down with Lawrence Norden, Deputy Director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. The two discuss recent changes in some states' voter registration laws.
Decision 2012, a two-part special featuring Ronnie Eldridge, of Eldridge & Co., and Doug Muzzio, of City Talk, brings together political strategists Bob Shrum, Senior Fellow at NYU Wagner and Ed Rollins, Senior Presidential Fellow at Hofstra University.
Eldridge & Co. welcomes back New York State Senator Liz Krueger back to the program. Senator Krueger discusses how the upcoming presidential election could affect many of the programs that New Yorkers depend on.
"Eldridge & Co." welcomes Michael Grumet, Executive Director of the 47th Street Business Improvement District, better known as New York City's diamond and jewelry district. Mr. Grumet discusses the district's history and how it continues to thrive.
Eldridge & Co. host Ronnie Eldridge is joined by Joel Berg, Exec. Dir. of the NYC Coalition Against Hunger. The organization represents over 1,100 nonprofit soup kitchens and food pantries in NYC.
On this episode of "Eldridge & Co.," Doug Muzzio, host of "City Talk," guest hosts for Ronnie Eldridge to welcome noted political consultants Ed Rollins and Robert Shrum. The three discuss the 2012 Presidential Election and the candidates chances.
Eldridge & Co. host Ronnie Eldridge welcomes Fred Cerullo, President and CEO of Grand Central Partnership, one of the largest Business Improvement Districts in the city, as well as in the country.
Ronnie Eldridge sits down with fellow CUNY TV host Doug Muzzio to discuss what is happening in politics and public affairs in the city, state and nation on this week's Eldridge & Co.
Host Ronnie Eldridge of Eldridge & Co. is joined by Deanna Zandt, media technologist and the author of "Share This! How You Will Change the World with Social Networking." The two discuss the impact social media is having throughout the world today.
Ronnie sits down with Hon. Christine Quinn, Speaker of the New York City Council, to discuss the need for childcare in New York City, affordable housing, the importance of the City Council, and the Speaker's impending nuptials.
Host Ronnie Eldridge welcomes actor, singer, dancer, and artist, Loretta Swit. She is best known as the iconic Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan from the television series MAS*H, however she is also a dedicated activist in support of animal welfare.
Ronnie welcomes NYC Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito of the 8th Council District, which covers Manhattan Valley, El Barrio/East Harlem in Manhattan, as well as part of Mott Haven in the Bronx.
Ronnie welcomes Jennifer March-Joly, Executive Director of the Citizens' Committee for Children, an organization which has a unique approach to child advocacy, combining its highly regarded public policy research with citizen activism.
Ronnie welcomes frequent CUNY TV guest Les Leopold, author of "The Looting of America: How Wall Street's Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions, and Prosperity -- and What We Can Do About It."
Ronnie welcomes Ramona Ripston, who retired last year after 40 years as the Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California.
Ronnie welcomes Matilda Cuomo, founder of Mentoring USA, a nation wide program which is based on a one-to-one mentoring model. Ms. Cuomo is also the editor of “The Person Who Changed My Life: Prominent People Recall Their Mentors.”
Eldridge & Co. has Jewell Jackson McCabe, Founder of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women discussing race relations in America.
Ronnie sits down with Jeremy Travis, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY. The two discuss our country’s criminal justice system and how important education is to society as a whole.
Ronnie sits down with Sara Bennett, attorney for Judith Clark, an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility who is currently seeking clemency.
Ronnie sits down with Jerry H. Goldfeder, a prominent election lawyer with over thirty years of trial and appellate experience. Mr. Goldfeder gives us a better understanding of some of our nations more complex voting regulations.
Ronnie sits down with New York City Council Member Brad Lander, who represents the 39th district in Brooklyn. Council Member Lander discusses the state of public schools and affordable housing.
Ronnie welcomes Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor/publisher of “The Nation” and author of the recently published book “The Change I Believe In: Fighting for Progress in the Age of Obama.”
Ronnie welcomes NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin. Councilwoman Lappin represents the 5th Dist. of Manhattan, which includes the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. Among other topics, they discuss the future graduate school campus on Roosevelt Island.
Ronnie is joined by lobbyist and political advisor Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives, Inc. to discuss the presidential and congressional races taking place in 2012.
Ronnie Eldridge sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Stuart Weiss. They discuss the growing diabetes epidemic threatening the future of our country, and what can be done to prevent and treat this terrible disease.
Ronnie is joined by Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, chair of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Center and author of “The Landmarks of New York: An Illustrated Record of the City's Historic Buildings.”
Ronnie is joined by Arva Rice, President & CEO of New York Urban League. The mission of the New York Urban League (NYUL) is to enable African Americans and other underserved ethnic communities to secure a first class education and economic self-reliance.
Eldridge & Co. has Lawrence Norden, Deputy Director of the Brennan Center for Justice's Democracy Program. They discuss the voting law changes that are currently taking place in many states throughout the U.S.
Ronnie is joined by Nancy Wackstein, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses of New York (UNH), who shares with us the history of settlement houses and explains how UNH helps New Yorkers in need and strengthens the communities in which they live.
Jennifer Raab, president of Hunter College/CUNY, and a leader in urban education discusses history of Hunter College, its programs and rigorous academics with host Ronnie Eldridge.
Ronnie welcomes Mary Brosnahan, Exec. Dir. of the Coalition for the Homeless .The two discuss the ever-present homeless problem in NYC and what the Coalition for the Homeless is doing to help combat this growing issue during the current economic climate.
CUNY TV producer Sara Porath and artist Wilhelmina Grant join Ronnie to discuss how surviving breast cancer has inspired them to share their journeys.
Community activist Bill Dobbs joins Ronnie to discuss the events unfolding in Zuccotti Park known as Occupy Wall Street. He gives us some insight and clarity into the protests and describes the current economic climate.
Ronnie Eldridge and Hilary Doe, of the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network talk about the country's first and only student think tank-a major hope for the future.
Bob Master, CWA Legislative and Political Director and Ronnie Eldridge talk about jobs, jobs, jobs and challenging labor issues.
Host Ronnie Eldridge talks with Louise Bernikow, noted author and journalist, about her commitment to feminism and fascination with politics. The stories about women's suffrage are wonderful, the characters dynamic.
Ronnie Eldridge, host of "Eldridge & Co.," discusses national and local politics - the Republican candidates, the 2012 run for the Presidency - with former Democratic Political Strategist, Robert Shrum
Ronnie welcomes Dr. Lisa Staiano-Coico, President of The City College of New York/CUNY. The two discuss the college’s rich history and the challenges the institution faces in light of New York’s economic woes.
Andy Humm, gay rights activist and co-host of the television program Gay USA, joins Ronnie to discuss the gay rights movement in New York and throughout the country.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Susan Xenarios, of the Crime Victims Treatment Center in St. Luke’s-Roosevelt, talk about the CVTC’s compassionate care of victims of violence.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Regina Quattrochi – Bailey House CEO, discuss the homelessness among men with HIV/AIDS, leading to the founding of Bailey House.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Dan Barry talk about baseball’s longest game – 33 innings – and his column “This Land.”
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Julie Menin talk about the exploding population and exciting development of Lower Manhattan.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Gloria Jacobs talk about how – and if – women’s lives have changed in the last 50 years.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Kala Ganesh talk about the increase in domestic violence and how to deal with violence against women.
Host Ronnie Eldridge and guest Sam Roberts – New York Times columnist and host of The New York Times Close Up - talk about the changes, and the implications of these changes, in the demographics of New York’s population.
Liz Abzug, president and co-founder of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, joins Ronnie to discuss how the institute mentors and trains young women to become our future leaders.
Ronnie welcomes Elizabeth Gaynes, Executive Director of The Osborne Association, one of the largest multi-service criminal justice organizations in the country.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes Anna Ciezadlo, author of “Day of Honey: A Memoir of Food, Love, and War”. The memoir tells of the six years Ms. Ciezadlo spent living in Baghdad and explores the heightened meaning of cooking during wartime.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes James Larocca back to the show. A frequent CUNY TV guest, Mr. Larocca is currently the Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission. They discuss the benefits and dangers of various sources of energy.
Ronnie welcomes comedian and activist Lee Camp. Camp is a stand-up comic and writer who has been called one of the best New Faces at the Montreal Comedy Festival. His recently released album, “Chaos for the Weary,” is receiving rave critical reviews.
In this special episode of “Eldridge & Co.” Ronnie welcomes renowned Egyptian icon, physician, scholar, author and leading feminist activist Dr. Nawal El Saadawi of The Sisterhood is Global Institute.
Ronnie is joined by Ricki Goldman, a leading media and learning theorist. She is an educator, inventor, designer and video ethnographer at the NYU Steinhardt School.
Ronnie welcomes Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate for the City of New York. Public Advocate de Blasio discusses how he got involved in public service, as well as the role of the Public Advocate.
Ronnie welcomes Frances Fox Piven, Distinguished Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center. The two discuss poverty and the welfare system in our country.
Ronnie welcomes frequent CUNY TV guest Gail Collins, Op-Ed Columnist for “The New York Times.” They discuss Collins’s latest book “When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present.”
Ronnie welcomes Richard Aborn, an attorney and longtime gun control advocate, currently the President of New York City's Citizen Crime Commission. They discuss the legislation that controls gun sales and the future of the U.S. gun culture.
Ronnie welcomes Les Leopold, author of “The Looting of America: How Wall Street's Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions, and Prosperity -- and What We Can Do About It.” The two discuss America’s current financial crisis.
Ronnie welcomes Les Leopold, author of “The Looting of America: How Wall Street's Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions, and Prosperity -- and What We Can Do About It.” The two discuss America’s current financial crisis.
Ronnie is joined by Leila Zand, director of the Iran Program for The Fellowship of Reconciliation. The Fellowship of Reconciliation is composed of women and men who have joined together to explore the power of love and truth for resolving human conflict.
Ronnie welcomes David Tipson, Director of New York Appleseed, a public interest justice center. New York Appleseed collaborates with volunteer lawyers and other professionals to identify issues, conduct research and advocate for solutions.
Ronnie welcomes Donna Nevel, a community psychologist, educator and organizer, currently working with the Center for Immigrant Families, which is a popular education-based organizing and training center for low-income immigrant women of color.
Ronnie welcomes Daniel Dromm, NYC Councilmember for District 25. Daniel Dromm is an educator, community organizer, union leader, and political activist. His district includes Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, LeFrak City, Corona, Rego Park, and Woodside.
Ronnie welcomes “New York Times” health columnist Jane Brody, author of “Jane Brody's Guide to the Great Beyond: A Practical Primer to Help You and Your Loved Ones Prepare Medically, Legally, and Emotionally for the End of Life.”
Ronnie welcomes Angelo Falcón, President and Founder of the National Institute for Latino Policy. They discuss the conditions affecting the Latino community in New York City and focus on the new report "Latino Youth in New York City.”
Ronnie is joined by Dr. Michelle Fine, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center. For the past 20 years, Dr. Fine has been engaged in varied critical participatory research projects.
Ronnie is joined by Fiona Gold and Juanita Maginley of the Vancouver Street Nurses. The street nurse program of the BC Centre for Disease Control provides effective-and non-judgmental-health care to men and women in Vancouver's inner city.
This week Ronnie is joined by political consultant, “Staten Island Advance” columnist, and frequent CUNY TV guest Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives. The two discuss the current political climate of New York State and our nation.
Ronnie welcomes Douglas Kellner, co-chair of New York State Board of Elections and outspoken advocate for election reform. The two discuss New York’s new voting machine system and why a change was made.
Ronnie welcomes Claudia Dreifus, journalist, Columbia University professor and co-author of “Higher Education? How Colleges are Wasting Our Money and Failing Our Kids and What We Can Do About It.”
Ronnie welcomes curator Jill Vexler to discuss her exhibition "Yahrzeit: September 11 Observed." First mounted at the Museum of Jewish Heritage a year after the 9/11 attacks, the exhibition honors the anniversary of the losses sustained that Tues morning.
Ronnie is joined by Carole Artigiani, founder and Exec. Dir. of Global Kids. Its mission is to educate and inspire urban youth to become global citizens and community leaders by engaging them in academically rigorous, content-rich learning experiences.
Ronnie is joined by Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). The two discuss the continuing effort the DFTA makes to improve city life for New York’s aging population.
Ronnie is joined by gay rights activist Allen Roskoff to discuss the progress that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community has made in securing the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.
Ronnie is joined by Judge Judith Kaye, retired New York judge who served as Chief Judge of New York from 1993 until 2008. Recently, Andrew Cuomo appointed Kaye as a special counsel to investigate Governor David Paterson's alleged violation of ethics laws.
Ronnie sits down with Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director of Women Make Movies, a non-profit feminist media organization that has grown into the largest distributor of films and videotapes by and about women in the world.
Ronnie is joined by Gene Russianoff, staff attorney and chief spokesman for the Straphangers Campaign for NYPIRG, a New York City-based public transport advocacy group that focuses primarily on subway and bus services run by New York City Transit.
Ronnie is joined by former Deputy Mayor Richard Aurelio, to discuss the administration of John Lindsay, currently being honored at a new exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
Ronnie welcomes Susan Herman, former Exec. Dir. of The National Center for Victims of Crime and author of “Parallel Justice for Victims of Crime.” The book presents a new approach to getting your life back on track after being a victim of a crime.
Ronnie welcomes Sandra Priest Rose, Esther Morgan Sands, and Lauren Wedeles of the Reading Reform Foundation of New York. The foundation is dedicated to improving reading instruction by providing courses and training for teachers.
Ronnie welcomes Professor Sarah Bartlett, Director of the Urban Reporting Program at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. Prof. Bartlett shares her views on the current climate of Wall Street as well as Main Street.
Ronnie welcomes Simon Heller to the program to discuss the selection of the next justice to the Supreme Court. Mr. Heller is a student of the federal courts and formerly served as the legal director of the Alliance for Justice.
Ronnie is joined by Anuradha K. Bhagwati, Marine Corps veteran and Executive Director of Service Women's Action Network (SWAN). SWAN is a non-profit human rights organization that works to improve the welfare of U.S. servicewomen and all women veterans.
Join us for "Women, Girls, Ladies: A Fresh Intergenerational Conversation" with guests Gloria Feldt, women's activist and best selling author; Courtney E. Martin, Brooklyn-based writer and teacher, and Deborah Siegel, PhD, expert on gender and politics.
Ronnie welcomes Liz Neumark, Founder and President of catering company Great Performances, and founder of the Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization that inspires healthful eating for children.
Ronnie is joined by Lorraine Diehl, author of “Over Here! New York City During World War II,” which takes a nostalgic and inspiring look at the center of the home front during World War II-New York City.
Ronnie welcomes NYC Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents District 26 in Queens. A lifelong resident of Western Queens, Council Member Van Bramer discusses the diversity of his district and what programs he is helping to implement.
Ronnie welcomes Jill Vexler, a cultural anthropologist who specializes in curating exhibitions about cultural identity. She has brought her expertise to Barnard College as Project Manager of the exhibit called "Helen Suzman: Fighter for Human Rights."
Ronnie sits down with Sean Basinski, Director of the Street Vendor Project, and vendor Cheikh Fall. They discuss the need for more vendor licenses and how important vendors are to New York City’s way of life.
Ronnie sits down with Osman Canales and Yasmine Farhang, activists travelling with the "Road Trip for Our Future: Immigration Reform." They discuss their travels across New York State in order to fight for a path to earned citizenship for all.
Ronnie sits down with Norma Ramos, Esq., Executive Director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women. CATW is a non-governmental organization that promotes women's human rights and works internationally to combat sexual exploitation in all its forms.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes back James Larocca. A frequent CUNY TV guest, Mr. Larocca has had a rich and varied career in government, business, the law and academe. He is currently the Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes Ed Ott, Executive Director of The New York City Central Labor Council. Mr. Ott shares his views on the history of the labor movement and the status of the working class in New York City.
Ronnie welcomes Fran Barrett, Founder and Exec. Dir. of Community Resource Exchange. Ms. Barrett founded CRE in 1979 to give the leadership of small neighborhood groups in NY greater access to the support they need to sustain excellent services.
Ronnie sits down with Attorney Richard D. Emery, litigator for civil rights and election law at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP. The two discuss campaign finance, recent elections, and what the country’s future may hold politically.
Ronnie welcomes Fiona Oliphant to the program. Ms. Oliphant is the attorney who directs the legal advocacy programs at CONNECT, an organization that works to prevent interpersonal violence and promotes gender justice.
Ronnie is joined by lobbyist and frequent CUNY TV guest Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives. They discuss the vital issues of the day in both local and national politics.
Ronnie is joined by Lynn Lane, widow of "Finian's Rainbow" composer Burton Lane and political activist. They discuss the Broadway revival of "Finian's Rainbow" and her commitment to social change.
Ronnie is joined by famed handbag designer Judith Leiber and Jeffrey Sussman, author of “No Mere Bagatelles: Telling the Story of Handbag Genius Judith Leiber and Modernist Artist Gerson Leiber.”
Ronnie welcomes Eleanor Randolph, editorial writer for “The New York Times.” A member of “The Times” editorial staff since 1998, Ms. Randolph is the author of the "Fixing Albany" series on state government.
Ronnie welcomes Peter Edelman, Professor at Georgetown University Law Center and author of “America's Heart: RFK and the Renewal of Hope.” Professor Edelman is a specialist in the fields of poverty, welfare, juvenile justice, and constitutional law.
Ronnie welcomes Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazines and author of the best-selling “Basic Black: The Essential Guide for Getting Ahead at Work (and in Life).”
Ronnie welcomes Nina Morrison. The two discuss the Innocence Project and how Ms. Morrison litigates claims for access to post conviction DNA evidence.
Ronnie welcomes author and activist Lillian Pollak. Her book “The Sweetest Dream: Love, Lies & Assassination” is a lively, romantic, historical novel that was published last year by iUniverse.
Ronnie welcomes Barbara Glickstein, Registered Nurse and Program Director of Project Kesher. Founded in 1989, Project Kesher is one of the fastest growing advocacy and human rights organizations in the countries of the former Soviet Union.
Ronnie welcomes Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford, President of The New York Academy of Medicine. They discuss President Obama's health care proposal, as well as the controversy it has sparked.
Ronnie welcomes Alida Brill, co-author of “Dancing at the River's Edge: A Patient and her Doctor Negotiate Life with Chronic Illness.” The book is a personal dual memoir, written in collaboration with her physician Dr. Michael Lockshin.
Ronnie is joined by Sara Horowitz, Founder and Executive Director of the Freelancers Union. The Freelancers Union is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs and concerns of independent workers.
Ronnie is joined by Elizabeth Nuñez, scholar, educator and award-winning author, most recently of the novel “Anna In-Between.”
Ronnie welcomes Democratic consultant Robert Shrum, a highly sought-after political consultant in the United States, having worked on the campaigns of hundreds of Democratic candidates for President, Congress, Governor, and other offices.
Ronnie welcomes Linda Loffredo, of the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University.
Ronnie is joined by Patricia DeGennaro, professor at New York University's Center for Global Affairs where she teaches courses on subjects such as US Foreign Policy, Civil-Military Affairs, and National Security Policy.
Ronnie is joined by Les Leopold, author of “The Looting of America: How Wall Street's Game of Fantasy Finance Destroyed Our Jobs, Pensions, and Prosperity - and What We Can Do About It.”
Ronnie is joined by Roberta Brandes Gratz, author of “The Living City: Thinking Small in a Big Way” and “Cities Back from the Edge: New Life for Downtown.” She is an international lecturer on urban development issues.
Ronnie is joined by Jessica Mates, director of high school programs for FoodChange. FoodChange is an advocacy group that runs a food pantry, helps to improve food in school cafeterias, and now helps run Food and Finance High School.
Ronnie is joined by General Janis Karpinski, author of “One Woman's Army” in the second episode of this two-part series. Gen. Karpinski was the first female general to command troops in a combat zone.
Ronnie is joined by General Janis Karpinski, author of “One Woman's Army” in the first part of a two-part series. Gen. Karpinski was the first female general to command troops in a combat zone.
Ronnie welcomes Helen Rosenthal, Chairperson of Manhattan’s Community Board 7. The board has an advisory role in dealing with land use and zoning matters, the City budget, and multiple community concerns of the Upper West Side.
Ronnie welcomes Michael Stoller, Executive Director of the Human Services Council of New York. The HSC focuses on public policy and advocacy, technology improvement, disaster preparedness and response, and government contracting.
Ronnie is joined by William vanden Heuvel, author, attorney, former diplomat and businessman. They reflect on the past and look to the future of our country.
Ronnie welcomes Steve Banks, Attorney-in-Chief of the Legal Aid Society. The Legal Aid Society is the nation's oldest and largest provider of legal services to the disadvantaged.
Ronnie welcomes Doug Lasdon, founder and Executive Director of the Urban Justice Center. The Center seeks to offer legal outreach services to New York City's most vulnerable residents through a combination of direct legal service and community education.
Ronnie is joined by poet and political activist Naomi Feigelson Chase. Author of several books of poetry, including “Gittel: The Would Be Messiah and The One Blue Thread,” Ms. Chase shares one of her poems with us and gives us insight into her craft.
Ronnie is joined by Gloria Feldt, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. A leading expert in the field of women's rights and reproductive justice, Ms. Feldt discusses the always controversial issues championed by her organization.
Ronnie welcomes Doreen Wohl, the director of a very special food pantry, West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and Margaret Jelks, a most valuable volunteer. The ladies discuss the overwhelming need for food panties in New York City.
Ronnie is joined by Dominic Carter, Senior Political Reporter for NY1. As anchor of NY1's acclaimed “Inside City Hall,” Mr. Carter is well versed in the politics of the city, the state, and the nation. He discusses his life and career choices.
Ronnie is joined by Ronnie Lowenstein, Director of the Independent Budget Office. Ms. Lowenstein talks about the current economic crisis and how it is affecting different aspects of city life, including the MTA.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes Haile Rivera, a student organizer and campaign worker for President Obama. Mr. Rivera discusses his contributions to the campaign and the significance of this election.
Ronnie is joined by Ken Macdonald, a founding member of Brooklyncohousing, a group of Brooklynites dedicated to creating a sustainable community.
Ronnie welcomes Sara Haile-Mariam to the show. Ms. Mariam is an undergraduate student at NYU who became politically active as a result of President-Elect Obama's candidacy. She discusses her work as a volunteer for the Obama campaign in New York City.
Ronnie is joined by Mary Brosnahan, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless. The two discuss the ever-present homeless problem in New York City and what the Coalition for the Homeless is doing to help combat this growing issue.
Ronnie is joined by Seth W. Pinsky, President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The two discuss the Atlantic Yards project, Hunts Point and New York’s two new baseball stadiums.
Ronnie sits down with Andy Breslau, executive director of City Futures, a nonprofit organization devoted to urban issues. They discuss the current state of the city and what critical issues we may face ahead.
In Part 2 of a two-part series, Ronnie is joined once again by lobbyist and political consultant Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives, Inc. The two discuss the City Council’s extension of term limits, as well as other local political matters.
In Part 1 of a two-part series, Ronnie is joined by lobbyist and political consultant Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives, Inc. The two discuss President-elect Barack Obama's historic win in this year's election.
In the second part of a two-part series, Ronnie is once again joined by James L. Larocca. Mr. Larocca is Chairman and Trustee of the Long Island Power Authority and lends his expertise on energy consumption.
Ronnie welcomes author and political analyst Tanya Melich. A former Republican activist, Ms. Melich is known as one of the founders of the modern women's movement.
Ronnie is joined by Hon. Ed Koch, former Mayor of New York City. The venerated political analyst discusses the controversial issue of term limits and shares his views on the upcoming election.
Ronnie is joined by James L. Larocca for the first part of a two-part series. Mr. Larocca is Chairman and Trustee of the Long Island Power Authority and lends his expertise on energy consumption.
Ronnie is joined by fellow CUNY TV host Doug Muzzio, to talk about term limits and New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s announcement that he would like to seek a third term.
Ronnie is joined by Gordon J. Davis, who in the past has served as Parks Commissioner and President of Lincoln Center. Currently, he is campaigning for Sen. Barack Obama. The two discuss what it will take to pull off a successful campaign.
Katha Pollitt, columnist for “The Nation” magazine joins Ronnie this week. Her new book of personal essays, “Learning to Drive and Other Life Stories,” is now in paperback. They discuss the current political climate from a feminist perspective.
Author, and columnist for the Daily News, Michael Daly joins Ronnie to talk about his book “The Book of Mychal: The Surprising Life and Heroic Death of Father Mychal Judge.”
Ronnie welcomes Dick Dadey, Executive Director of Citizens Union of the City of New York. They discuss election reform, including term limits and restrictions on the size of political contributions, as well as non-partisan elections.
Ronnie Eldridge returns from the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where she served as a delegate for Sen. Barack Obama. Acclaimed writer Jimmy Breslin, who covered the convention, joins Ronnie to share insights from the DNC.
Joyce Johnson, a member of this year's Democratic Party Platform Committee, returns to “Eldridge & Co.” to talk with Ronnie about what a political platform is, and how it is established.
Former NYC Councilman Sal Albanese sits down with Ronnie to discuss New York politics as well as the 2008 presidential campaign. Like Ronnie, Mr. Albanese is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention for presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama.
Ronnie welcomes Hon. John C. Liu, representing District 20 in the New York City Council, and the only Asian Pacific American ever elected to a New York City government office.
Ronnie is joined by Joyce Johnson, President of the Black Equity Alliance. This year Ms. Johnson has gone from building a base of support for Sen. Obama, to strengthening one that supports New York City’s black communities and underserved neighborhoods.
Ronnie is joined by Debra Cooper, an attorney who through the Sojourners Detention Center Visitor Project, is helping in the field of immigration.
Ronnie welcomes Rita D. Jacobs, Professor of English at Montclair State University and author of “The Useful Humanists: Alternate Careers for PhDs in the Humanities” and “The Way In: Journal Writing for Self Discovery Kit.”
Ronnie sits down with New York State Senator Liz Krueger. Representing the 26th Senate District on the eastside of Manhattan, Senator Krueger fills us in on the recent progress taking place in Albany.
Ronnie is joined by Robert Gangi, Executive Director of The Correctional Association of New York. Mr. Gangi talks about the vision of The Correctional Association, and shares how his organization aids the sizable prison population in New York State.
Ronnie is joined by Ester Fuchs, Professor at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, to discuss City Hall politics and her experiences as a college professor.
Ronnie is joined by Daniel Meltzer, author, playwright, and Professor of Journalism at NYU. He shares his opinions on the state of modern journalism and the credibility of today's media.
Ronnie welcomes Hon. Guillermo Linares, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. The two discuss New York City's vast immigrant population and the problems they face on a daily basis.
Ronnie is joined by Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Founder and Chairperson of Mentoring USA and former First Lady of New York State. Mentoring USA is an effective, early-intervention mentoring program to prevent school dropout.
Ronnie is joined by Elizabeth Berger, president of The Alliance for Downtown New York. Ms. Berger discusses the latest developments taking place downtown and the effects of 9/11 on the community.
Carol Jenkins, President of the Women’s Media Center, joins Ronnie to discuss the coverage of women in newspapers and television.
Ronnie is joined by Norman Siegel, Director of the Freedom Legal Defense and Education Project. Mr. Siegel is a civil rights lawyer who is currently running for New York City Public Advocate. He and Ronnie discuss recent, high profile New York cases.
Joan Wile, an ageless songwriter/cabaret singer has written an inspiring story, “Grandmothers Against the War.” She, along with the great actress and grandmother Vinie Burrows, join Ronnie to tell how the grannies put their anti-war effort together.
Ronnie sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner in this episode. Mr. Kushner is best known for his two-part epic “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes.” He discusses political activism and an artist’s voice in politics
Ronnie sits down with "Button Man" Mort Berkowitz, owner and president of Bold Concepts, a specialty adverting agency that produces political campaign buttons.
Joining Ronnie is James Vacca, Member of the New York City Council representing the 13th Council District in the Bronx. Born and bred in the Bronx, Councilman Vacca is a long-time community leader.
Bottomless Closet has helped thousands of women to achieve economic independence. Join Ronnie as she welcomes Kendall Farrell and Tami Peter from Bottomless Closet, as well as Deloris Nobles, one of the many women who has been helped by this organization.
Ronnie welcomes fellow CUNY TV host Doug Muzzio, of “City Talk,” to the show this week. They dissect national politics and focus in on the heated race for the Democratic nomination between Senators Obama and Clinton.
Ronnie sits down for the second part of a two-part conversation with Les Leopold, labor expert and author of “The Man Who Hated Work and Loved Labor: The Life and Times of Tony Mazzocchi.”
Ronnie sits down with Les Leopold, labor expert and author of “The Man Who Hated Work and Loved Labor: The Life and Times of Tony Mazzocchi.” The book tells of the life of Tony Mazzocchi, the late Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union leader.
Ronnie sits down with lobbyist and political consultant Vincent Montalbano of Montalbano Initiatives, Inc. The two discuss a variety of issues such as the education system in New York City and the campaigns for the Democratic nomination for president.
Ronnie is joined by Bernard L. Stein, co-publisher of “The Riverdale Press,” the community newspaper for the Northwest Bronx. Mr. Stein also edits “The Hunts Point Express,” a newspaper which is produced by students at Hunter College.
Ronnie is joined by New York City Councilman Eric Gioia to discuss his latest community improvement projects. Representing District 26 in Queens, Councilman Gioia has earned a reputation as an advocate for education and an adversary of poverty.
Elaine Berg, President of the New York Organ Donor Network, joins Ronnie this week. Ms. Berg explains the entire process of organ donation, including how to register as a donor and how organ recipients are placed on the list.
Joining Ronnie are Suzanne Braun Levine and Mary Thom, editors of an oral history on Bella Abzug. The book covers Abzug's decades of public service and leadership in the women's movement.
Ronnie visits with Catherine Abate, former New York State Senator and current President and CEO of the Community Healthcare Network. The two women discuss the network, which is a not-for-profit healthcare service provided in underserved communities.
Ronnie is visited by Dr. Carol Fineberg, a longtime arts-in-education consultant, to discuss the current state of arts education in public schools. She explains how an arts program can benefit a student's academic and social development.
Peace Corps Recruiter Merle Rubine, and New York Regional Manager of the Peace Corps Vincent Wickes, visit with Ronnie to share their experiences and to explain what they look for in recruits over 50 years of age.
Ronnie is joined by Barbara Seaman, author of a multitude of books about women’s health issues, and her co-author on several of her endeavors Laura Eldridge. The three women yield a discussion on the birth control pill, menopause and estrogen regulation.
Writer Jimmy Breslin returns to “Eldridge & Co.” for a stimulating conversation about the future of politics in New York and throughout the country. Jimmy also gives us a heads up on what he has been working on lately.
Former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo joins Ronnie for the second part of a two-part special. Governor Cuomo, now a corporate lawyer, discusses the constitutional rights of Congress, in regard to the war in Iraq.
Former New York State Governor Mario Cuomo joins Ronnie for the first part of a two-part special. Governor Cuomo, now a corporate lawyer, discusses the constitutional rights of Congress, as well as the powers of the President of the United States.
Ronnie is joined by Doug Kellner, co-chair of the New York State Board of Elections. They discuss when New York will be changing its voting machines to an electronic format, as well as how the Electoral College is created.
Ronnie is joined by Finance Commissioner for New York City Martha E. Stark, Esq. Commissioner Stark, the first African-American woman to serve as New York City's Finance Commissioner, discusses the city’s tax structure and where our money goes.
Ronnie is joined by Nina Felshin, curator of the Wesleyan University Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery. Ms. Felshin discusses her views on the relationship between art and politics and shares pieces from some previous exhibitions.
Ronnie is joined by Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union. Under Ms. Lieberman's leadership the NYCLU has experienced a resurgence in its role as the state's leading voice for freedom, justice and equality.
Ronnie welcomes best selling author, journalist, former academic and active historian Louise Bernikow. Ms. Bernikow shares her inspiration for her most recent book “Dreaming in Libro: How a Good Dog Tamed a Bad Woman.”
Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor of “The Nation” magazine, visits Ronnie for a conversation about the current state of politics and world affairs, as well as the current standards of journalism in this country.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes Bill Perkins, New York State Senator from Harlem. The two discuss health issues in New York State, including the high incidence of lead poisoning. Senator Perkins also shares his views on Rudy Giuliani's mayoral missteps.
Join Ronnie as she welcomes Ed Ott, Executive Director of The New York City Central Labor Council. Mr. Ott shares his views on the history of the labor movement and the status of the working class in New York City.
Martina Arroyo describes what life is like for an opera singer on and off the stage. She joins Ronnie to reveal the work that must be put into a strong operatic performance and shares some tales about the students from her children's foundation as well.
Ronnie is joined by Marilyn Nissenson, author of “The Lady Upstairs: Dorothy Schiff and the New York Post.” Ms. Nissenson shares her expertise on Dorothy Schiff's tumultuous personal life and career at the New York Post.
Ronnie welcomes feminist and author Alix Kates Shulman to talk about her novel “Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen,” which has been reissued in celebration of its 35th anniversary.
In the second part of a two-part series, Ronnie is joined again by Wayne Barrett, a senior editor at the Village Voice and author of “Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11.”
In the first part of a two-part series, Ronnie is joined by Wayne Barrett, a senior editor at the Village Voice and author of “Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11.”
Ronnie welcomes attorney Michael Dowd to discuss a recent trial he won regarding sexual misconduct and the Catholic Church. As a Catholic himself, Mr. Dowd shares his personal insights on issues the Catholic Church has faced over the last couple of years.
Ronnie welcomes Vincent Montalbano, lobbyist for Montalbano Initiatives, Inc. to discuss current politics in New York City as well as the on going campaigns for President of the United States.
Part 2 of a combination Eldridge & Co. and City Talk covering the disappearing middle class. Guests include Andrea Schlesinger, executive director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy and John Mollenkopf, director of the Center for Urban Research
Ronnie welcomes Sarah Henry, chief curator of the Museum of the City of New York, and Tom Mellins, curator of special exhibitions, to discuss "Facing Fascism: New York and the Spanish Civil War," an exhibit showing at the Museum of the City of New York.
Ronnie is joined by Andrew Friedman, the co-director of “Make the Road by Walking,” an organization that serves as a catalyst for change in low-income New York communities. Friedman is also a fellow at the Drum Major Institute.
Ronnie welcomes Catherine Burns, Artistic Director of The Moth. The Moth is a not-for-profit storytelling organization founded by poet and novelist George Dawes Green. Ms. Burns discusses the programs and shares one of her own intriguing stories.
Ronnie is joined by journalist Evelyn Leopold. As Reuters’ bureau chief at the United Nations, Ms. Leopold discusses her views on many of the most recent international developments that shape our world such as the conflicts in the Middle East and Darfur.
Ronnie is joined by Gloria Jacobs, Executive Director of The Feminist Press, a non-profit publisher affiliated with CUNY. The Feminist Press publishes literature for and by women, and recovers out-of-print works by women throughout history.
Ronnie sits down with veteran television critic and author Marvin Kitman to discuss his new book "The Man Who Would Not Shut Up," which covers the ascent to fame of the controversial Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly.
Ronnie talks with Elaine Lord, former superintendent at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Ms. Lord discusses her experiences rehabilitating women during her 20-year career at the Westchester facility.
Ronnie talks with Andy Breslau, executive director of City Futures, the parent organization of the Center for an Urban Future. Topics include the need for affordable housing and the problems immigrants face in finding English language classes.
Majora Carter, Founder and Executive Director of the urban revitalization organization Sustainable South Bronx, joins Ronnie to discuss the many projects her organization is currently involved in.
Ronnie welcomes Newsday columnist, Sheryl McCarthy to discuss current events and her experiences as an African-American woman in the field of journalism.
Liz Abzug, daughter of the late Congresswoman Bella Abzug, sits down to share stories about her mother's passion and achievements in the political field.
Anna Quindlen, a Newsweek columnist and author of the new novel "Rise and Shine", joins Ronnie to discuss her latest book. Covering a wide variety of topics, this episode touches on feminism, issues within our government and much more.
Ronnie is visited by award winning writer and producer Lisa Beth Kovetz to discuss her first novel "The Tuesday Erotica Club." The book covers the lunch time meetings of four women who live very different lives and gather to exchange erotic stories.
Ronnie welcomes Gloria Farber, Director of Education for Columbia University's Head Start Program. Head Start is a comprehensive child development program which serves children from birth until the age of 5.
Ronnie welcomes Manhattan Media President and CEO Tom Allon, to discuss the many newspapers and magazines of the company.
Author, activist, and editor Robin Morgan discusses her new book “Fighting Words: A Tool Kit for Combating the Religious Right," in which she writes about the separation of church and state, and how Americans are slowly merging the two together.
Ms. Slovin shares what led her to create the American Museum of the Moving Image, which helps preserve examples of television, motion picture and video game history. She discusses current exhibits at the museum and the plans for expansion.
Political activist Luke Hayes discusses campaign strategies and his experiences in the field. Also discussed is DNC Chairman Howard Dean, and what affect his 50 state strategy will have in bolstering the Democratic Party.
Emmy Award winner Gioia Timpanelli is often refered to as the 'Dean of American Storytelling' because of her contribution to the revival of the craft. Ms. Timpanelli won the 1999 American Book Award for "Sometimes the Soul: The Two Novellas of Sicily."
Author of the graphic memoir "Cancer Vixen," Ms. Marchetto discusses her new book in which she describes what happens when a "fabulous" single girl living in New York City without health insurance discovers she has breast cancer.
Martha Baker discusses her nonprofit organization, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), as well as several other women's advocacy organizations and commissions she has worked on over the years.
Michelle Anderson, the Dean of the CUNY School of Law, which brands itself as a school dealing with "law in the service of human needs."
Kate Wood, executive director of "Landmark West," a community group working to preserve the architecture of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Robert Polner, editor of "America’s Mayor: the Hidden History of Rudy Giuliani’s New York.”