Formative: Recent Episodes
New York Edge
Formative, from New York Edge, is the podcast where the leaders of today are interviewed by leaders of tomorrow! Our intrepid co-hosts, all between the ages of eleven and fourteen, conduct long-form interviews with successful adults from the worlds of business, science, the arts, and beyond.
Rio Vander Stahl’s childhood dream was to become a cellist in the ranks of the great Yo-Yo Ma. But his career didn’t turn out that way, which makes his story much more fun. On this episode of Formative, 8th grader and co-host, Lauren, learns that your career path doesn’t have to be linear and that your experience ends up being more magical when you’re not following a strict blueprint.
Kristy Marmorato joins us on Formative today to discuss her journey from being a radiologic technologist to now serving as the Councilwoman for the 13th District of the New York City Council. In conversation with Councilwoman Marmorato, 8th grader and co-host, Lamiya, learns about the importance of taking matters into our own hands and how far we can go as long as we foster a strong community around us.
Courtney Helm has always been able to make her own way using the skills she’s developed as a toy designer. Today, she’s joined by 8th grader and co-host, Keyani, to talk about her business, Drip Accessory, an innovative brand making fitness terry cloth towels. Keyani learns how working on your craft can lead to unexpected great success and how you can always work really hard and make space for yourself being creative.
From playing basketball professionally to becoming CEO of the Charles Hayden Foundation, Sonni Holland joins our co-host, Andrew, to talk about the choices he’s made in his career that have led to an enriching life. Andrew learns about the difficult work of making critical decisions and the grace we must give ourselves when we make mistakes.
Grace Meng is the U.S. representative for New York's 6th congressional district. Today, Congresswoman Meng is joined by Jasmine, an eighth grader whose favorite subject in school is U.S. History and Government. Congresswoman Meng tells Jasmine about her upbringing in Queens and how growing up as the daughter of immigrants showed her the importance of accessibility and representation. Together, they discuss their vision for solutions to some of the biggest issues teens face today, such as climate change, gun violence and public school funding.
Niesha Foster is Vice President of Product Access, Global Health & Social Impact at Pfizer. Her work is focused on addressing patient affordability challenges and driving community engagement. Today, Niesha is joined by 8th grader, Carrera, to talk about what it means to be successful. In this episode, Carrera learns how the challenges she meets at every stage of life will require her to develop skills and come up with solutions that will propel her toward her own unique vision of success.
Eric Winterling is a costume maker whose life’s work is creating clothes that tell a story. You’ve seen his work on television shows like Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Gilded Age, as well as Broadway shows like Frozen, Beauty and the Beast and Wicked. On today’s episode of Formative, Eric joins 8th grader, Kaymani, to talk about his early love of sewing and the joys of being able to make, with your own hands, something out of nothing. Kaymani learns about the power of mentorship and how sometimes you have to learn to make your own luck.
Alex Segura joins us today to kick off the seventh season of Formative! Alex has written numerous comics and novels, including Secret Identity, which won the 2023 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery. Joining Alex is middle schooler and co-host, Amber, who learns the importance of seeing yourself represented in the stories you consume. In this episode of Formative, Alex shares how he was able to make a career shift into writing full time and why he believes that being engaged in a community of like-minded people has been one of his most career-defining achievements.
Cartoonist, Justin Thompson, is the final guest for this season’s Formative. He is joined in conversation by 7th grader and co-host, Isabella. Justin and Isabella talk about the importance of doing art, even if not for professional reasons, but just to express our feelings and ideas. Justin also tells Isabella about how, through his art, he was able to become all the characters he had on his list of things to be growing up; a knight, a superhero and a cartoonist.
Bassoonist, Adrian Morejon, joins us on today’s show! 8th grader and co-host, Laylanie, asks Adrian about the appeal of the bassoon to him as a young child and how he’s been able to maintain his dedication to the instrument. Adrian tells Laylanie about his strategic career planning in the beginning of his career. He explains why it’s important to seek financially rewarding work with the added benefit of allowing you to add skills related to your passion while you are in pursuit of gaining traction in your desired field.
Ray Hennessy joins us on today's show! Ray is a wildlife photographer who specializes in bird photography. 8th grader and co-host, Nathaniel, asks Ray about the grit and nimbleness it takes to succeed in a creative field. Ray’s biggest lesson? Don’t be afraid to showcase what sets you apart. Your instinct may be telling you to blend in and do everything your peers are doing, but all that makes you different will also make you memorable, and that’s how you make the path enjoyable for yourself too!
We’ve got Lenni Benson on today’s show! Lenni has been teaching and writing in the field of immigration law since 1994. She is the Distinguished Chair of Immigration and Human Rights Law at New York Law School. 8th grader and co-host, Kaeri, joins Lenni in a conversation about how to be of service— in the legal context and in our everyday lives— and what you gain back in return when you’re thinking of how to improve the condition of the communities you inhabit.
On this episode of Formative, Isaac-Davy Aronson is interviewed by 8th grader, Kayanna. Isaac is a radio and television journalist. For the last eight years, he’s been a producer on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. One of his most important pieces of advice for young people? Everyone can teach you something. Take your blinders off and become teachable because you never know who can give you your most valuable skill or piece of knowledge.
Megan Davidson joins us on today’s show! Megan is a certified labor doula and childbirth educator. 8th-grader and co-host, Kaelynn, learns that sometimes the perfect career looks unconventional from what you imagined. Following our curiosity can lead us to exactly what we’re meant to do. In this episode of Formative, Megan shares the story of how she went from studying anthropology to becoming a doula and how despite her career’s unpredictable hours and circumstances, she always feels like she is doing exactly what she is meant to be doing.
Craig Balsam joins us on today’s show! Craig Balsam is an American entertainment industry entrepreneur and Tony Award-winning producer. He is the co-founder of the children's music brand, Kidz Bop. Student co-host, Tymir, learns that businesses run on grit and reinvention. In this episode of Formative, Craig shares the origin story of his company, Kidz Bop, and how it was able to maintain its success across decades and through changing technological advancements.
Elizabeth Fassberg joins us on today’s show! Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Life Science Cares New York, an organization that is activating the financial and human capital of the life science industry and partnering with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty in our communities. 8th-grader and co-host, Evan, learns that career paths aren’t always linear and that shouldn’t be seen as failure. In this episode of Formative, Elizabeth shares the many different roles she performed along her career, always leading with compassion, before she got to where she is now—and how in hindsight it all makes sense to her.
Susan Choi joins us on today’s show! Susan is a 5-time published author. Her latest novel, Trust Exercise, won the National Book Award in 2019. Joining Susan is 8th-grader and co-host, Tafari, who learns the importance of pursuing what feels the most fun for us, even when that doesn’t look like it can directly lead to a clear career path because true success comes from enjoying what we do for work. In this episode of Formative, Susan shares her joy for reading and what her creative process looks like when writing her novels.
Rod Dauphin joins us today to kick off this season’s Formative! Rod is an educator and entrepreneur. He is the Education Services Director at Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Initiative at Laguardia Community College. 8th-grader and co-host, Thibault, learns that in order to grow and challenge ourselves, we should be willing to make mistakes and fail. In this episode of Formative, Rod shares his practice of encouraging entrepreneurs to think like kids who are playful and willing to think outside the box and make a mess to find valuable ideas otherwise overlooked.
We’re landing Season 5 of Formative with New York Edge board chair Francis Greenburger! He’s a real estate developer, author, literary agent and philanthropist who’s spent a lifetime taking his multiple passions and turning them into not only a paycheck — but purpose. This episode’s co-host, 7th grader Brandelys, wants to start a business, herself, someday. She asks Francis how he got going, what he’s loved about his projects, and we learn what’s coming up for him next.
How does a skinny kid with a respiratory illness go from being bullied to training up celebrities to their peak form? Boxer, model, and fitness guru Ngo Okafor is on this episode of Formative to tell his story! Co-host, 8th-grader Marianne, gets a workout on her interviewing skills and learns what it’s like for one overcomer to help others overcome their challenges. Ngo shares how owning your own business, and teaming up with a supportive work family, can be the joy of a lifetime.
Scott Hallenbeck, President of USA Football, joins us on this episode of Formative. A lifelong fan of sports — as well as an athlete himself — Scott’s developed a holistic approach to the game. Damari, our 8th-grader co-host, learns why we’re taking the Technical Tactical approach and adding a strong focus on education, nutrition, mental health, and long-term athlete development.
Chief of Student Pathways for the New York City Department of Education, Jade Grieve, is our guest on this episode of Formative. From childhood activism, to becoming a restaurateur, through banking and government to education, Jade has followed her heart. She now says she’s landed on her passion and the thing that makes it easier to wake up in the morning — helping students get ready for their academic futures. 6th-grader, co-host Shamaya, shares her love of math and asks about what keeps us going even when we want to give up.
Lifelong computer junkie-turned-co-chair of Blacks at Microsoft, Alfred Ojukwu, is our guest on this episode of Formative. Co-host, 8th-grader Leah, hears that gaining any new skill is kind of like learning a new language and that emotional regulation is part of being a tech professional. And Alfred’s advice to his 13-year-old self? “You've got this. Keep going. You know, you may not see it now, but there's a whole planet out there waiting for you.”
On this episode of Formative, Catherine Treff and Nevaeh find beauty in all the colors of the rainbow. Catherine is the Director of Design for Macy’s, loves wearing heels, and taking it as easy as possible in the morning. We hear exactly how many hands went into making that favorite shirt of yours and we learn inspiration can come from anywhere — though there’s only one dress Catherine will never forget.
Lee Stringer joins us on today’s show! Lee is a 3-time published author. His memoirs are raw and inspiring and so is this interview. 7th-grader and co-host, Jamie, learns for every bad thing that's happened in our lives there just might be something in it for us — we grow or we get strength. In this episode of Formative, Lee shares his history of addiction and homelessness and why he’s never given up in the stormiest of seasons.
On this episode of Formative 8th grader, Cesar, interviews Bob Knakal! Bob is Senior Managing Director and Head of New York Private Capital Group for JLL. He’s had a hand in the sale of thousands of buildings in New York. One of his best pieces of advice? Pick a job because you really love it — not because you think you're gonna make a lot of money doing it. If you love what you do, you’re likely to work hard at it, and the money tends to come.
It’s Season 5 of Formative and we’re so happy you’ve tuned in! This season of the show, our students interview some of our best guests ever — from tech, education, sports, real estate, and publishing. And for this season's launch, Clover Hope joins 13-year-old Sharod! Clover is a writer, journalist, producer and so much more. She’s going to share her love of hip hop — especially women creatives. We’re thrilled to have her.
He didn’t always know who he wanted to be — but for the past 3 decades becoming Mayor was his goal. NYC Mayor Eric Adams joins us on this episode of Formative. Co-host Akadir asks him about everything from his dyslexia, to his time in juvenile detention to how he credits plant-based eating with changing his life.
It’s episode 9 ¾ on this season of Formative! We’re heading back to school with Barbara Marcus, President and Publisher of Random House Children’s Books. She’s the woman we can thank for bringing Harry Potter to the states! Today, she talks publishing with 11-year-old Cece. We learn what makes a book worth writing, what makes an author great to work with, and we learn we’re never too old or too young to write the story we’ve got in us.
So, how does a self-described “high pitched energetic guy that you can't shut up” end up with millions of fans? We say you take a dash of bravery, an ounce of love, 2 cups of creativity, and more confidence than you can fit in a bread box. Today’s guest, Cory B., is a social media content creator with more than 10 million followers on TikTok. A lot of his latest clips are 1-minute reaction and re-creation videos based on cooking tutorials he’s found online. We recommend enjoying this fast-paced episode of Formative with a cup of decaf!
Finding the cure for cancer: that’s what set Dr. Damon Love out to make a dream bigger than himself. Now the co-founder of S.E.E.D. STEM program, Dr. Love’s legacy is all about finding and raising next generation’s scientists. He and his wife are redefining the way STEM education is taught — and they’re making science fun and accessible to all students.
What’s it mean to advocate for women across the country? One strategy is to “be the buffalo”. 6th-grader Nylah learns a bit of what that means from Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation For Women. On this episode of Formative, we hear the joys of family support, some of the big challenges facing women this year, and the intersection of women’s rights and Black history. We just might even tackle Mount Kilimanjaro and our fears of bugs!
In this episode of Formative, Sunni gets the lowdown on what it’s like being the president of Pace University and she gets some encouragement that she’ll be able to handle college like a champ when it’s her time. Marvin Krislov used to prosecute cases involving police brutality and racial violence in the 1990s. Now, as Pace’s chief, he wants to build a nurturing and supportive environment where students grow — and continue to thrive long after graduation.
What’s it like being in a male-dominated field? Well, sports anchor Tina Cervasio is here to tell us it’s now a womens’ game! On this episode of Formative, 8th grader, Tamia, takes a conversational spin on the uneven bars and sticks the landing with a deep-dive discussion on the reality (or not) of dramatized sports entertainment. We round the bend and get some tips for students considering a career in journalism before crossing the finish line.
Even though he’s 6’3” and weighs over 200, this week’s guest still goes by “Baby Dave” to those who love him. David Barclay Moore is an author who sees “reading as a form of listening” and wants his work to be a vehicle for identifying with people all over the world who may be pretty different from us. In this episode of Formative, we get to listen to his thoughts on everything from comic books, to advice to his younger, queer, self — to why we just may need to give Huck Finn another shot.
Growing up, Keith Howard knew he was the best — and he was going to the NBA. How’s he then find himself as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)? How does his love for the game influence his work? And what basketball dreams are still alive? These are just some of the things Kureem asks him about on this episode of Formative.
It’s the season 4 launch of Formative! This week’s guest was so focused on surviving transitional life in foster care, she didn’t think she’d attend college — much less accomplish a PhD and keep going. Dr. Shanika Hope is now the Director of Education for Social Impact at Google. In this episode, 8th grader, Emily, shares her own hopes and concerns and hears what it’s like for one woman in technology who learned to take the limits off and take a risk on herself.
After 25 years in the public eye, Sportscaster John Chandler still gets nervous before going on the air. On this episode, of Formative, he tells co-host Khody how those nerves show him he still cares after all this time. Coming into his career through a deep love of sports, John talks about the highlights and challenges of being the face fanatics see.
Author Chrystal D. Giles had a son and began to crave seeing him and her family reflected in children’s books. In this episode she tells 6th grader, Christina, how this absence of diversity spurred her on to write the books missing from the shelves. Once an accountant, she’s now a full-time author who believes we have time to do “all the things” we’re interested in.
After a successful nonprofit career, Rich found himself pivoting to an organization that had made his community work possible. Now the CEO of Robin Hood, he’s getting to support projects he loves, in neighborhoods he loves. In this episode, 7th grader Chanse picks his brain on everything from the importance of pre-k and afterschool programs — to anime.
It’s not every day you meet someone who can catch a speeding tap shoe mid-air in the dark — fix it — and then send it back out to finish the show. This week’s guest can do just that. Islah Abdul-Rahim is a successful visual artist and Broadway wardrobe professional. In this episode, co-host Prianna asks her what in her career she’d do exactly the same — and what she’d make alterations on.
Entrepreneur, podcast professional, and New York Edge board member, Robert Tuchman joins 12-year-old Rokiat to discuss the winding path many of our careers take. We dream of one thing and a couple of pivots down the road we’re enjoying a career we didn’t expect.
In this episode of Formative, 7th grader, Angel, connects with Simone Harris-Laws who’s in charge of DEI marketing and community partnerships for Macy’s. We learn to find common ground through ice cream, get less rigid with our schedules, and the importance of mentors as an alternate family who want us to be happy.
Let’s get our butterflies into formation and make the next right move. On this episode of Formative, former U.S. Ambassador, and aspiring aerospace engineer, Suzan LeVine deep dives with 8th grader, Allyson. They mull over the power of the listening ear and how, as women leaders, it’s sometimes hard to be heard.
How does Overwatch teach valuable life lessons? Should I be a chef…or psychotherapist? And how can chocolate make a difference in a borough…and the world? That’s just some of the things we learn on this episode of Formative as D’Angelo from 362K interviews Carlos Cortes of Chocobar Cortés.
What’s the difference between and E and E10+ rating? It’s just one of the things we learn on this episode of Formative where 13-year-old Sandesh interviews Pat Vance — president of Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). In her role, Pat oversees and directs momentum of the organization that helps us know which video games are the right ones for us.
Amaurys Grullon kicks off the Season 3 premiere of Formative. He’s a self-described “multipotentialite” who has his feet in creative worlds from illustration, to fashion, to music. We caught up with him in The Bronx — where he’s in love with his community and finding the most creative ways to give back. In this episode, co-host Allyson shares some Dominican pride and learns a little about the grind it takes to be an entrepreneur as we get a peek at those keys to success.
Jameel McClain played in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens. In retirement, he’s only picking up the pace. He’s currently Director of Player Engagement for the Baltimore Ravens as well as a multi-faceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. On this season two finale of Formative, he tells co-host Jonathan how he ended up in football, how his education is still serving him, and how he recovers after some of the toughest passes life can throw.
Takaira from MS 375X brings her natural interviewing chops to this episode of Formative as guest Debra OConnell lets us in on her incredible career trajectory. Now, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, she has her fingers in a little bit of everything that we see and love from their studios. From Marvel, to impressive scripted shows on FX, Debra and her team are behind the scenes helping bring our favorite entertainment to our screens.
Rico Joseph Brogna almost had a professional career in football, but ended up as a pro baseball player, coach and scout instead. His love for sports is infectious in this episode of Formative. Rico walks us through his career path, and talks with 8th grade athlete and episode co-host Kaadel about managing a body and mind that sometimes want to quit. Sleep on it. Then take the next step.
Chef Nini Nguyen got so much hands-on experience working in restaurants, she left culinary school after only one semester. In this episode of Formative, 13-year-old Dalani asks this Top Chef contestant if being a woman in a male-dominant career is tough, learns if banh bao is a dumpling — or not — and hears how tomatoes are a key ingredient differentiating cajun and creole cuisine.
14-year-old Ronesha from MS356Q asks, “How would you like to make an impact in the world?” Some of us know right away what we want to be when we grow up. And, this was the case for Dr. Lisa Moreno! In this episode, we learn one path to becoming a doctor with multiple specialties — and how to find balance with an important career, close-knit-family, and two dogs to top it all off.
3rd-generation Girl Scout Meridith Maskara came from a career in merchandising and promotion for Broadway theaters to become the CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York. In this episode, 11-year-old Tabitha connects with Meredith on the best parts of the scout experience — and being a chicken nuggets girl. We also hear why self-care is important when you have a crazy busy job and a troupe of your own at home.
In this episode, 12-year-old Madison dives deep with Steve Gross — founder and chief playmaker of Life is Good Kids Foundation. As Steve’s father told him, “the one thing we have control over is making somebody else's journey from birth to death better because we were there to help along the way.” Madison investigates why Steve’s desire to help his community actually has some selfish roots, and how he tries to bring play into everything he does.
Longtime NYC Council Member, James Vacca, tells 11-year-old Tabitha how a missing bus in middle school sparked his drive for making change in his community. Since that day, Mr. Vacca has worked on problems from transportation legislation, to algorithm transparency, to protecting older residents and organizing City Island around ladder accessibility, and has been everywhere — even handing out advice at his local gym.
“You may have a plan, but you have to be nimble because life will take you on a different journey.” That’s just one piece of advice Marilu Galvez, an Emmy-award-winning journalist and President & General Manager of WABC-TV, gives Kureem, a basketball-loving middle schooler from the Bronx. In this episode we talk about the importance of communication, diversity, persistence, and ending up somewhere good you never thought you’d be.
In this season 2 premiere, engineer-turned-television-host Emily Calandrelli sits down with 6th grader Chelsea to dish about the joys of being a woman in STEM with a scientific mind and creative heart. We also go a bit astral and take a ride on the Vomit Comet!
Most of us will spend our whole lives in pursuit of ourselves: our passions, our identities, our voices. How is that experience changed by economic hardship, by physical displacement, by the languages we hear and speak? In this episode of Formative, celebrated Haitian-American novelist Edwidge Danticat talks with young artist Alyson about resilience through community, story, and documenting our inner worlds.
Over his long career as an artist and writer, Pops Peterson has explored many forms of self-expression—but his most impactful effort has been the re-expression of another artist’s work. His series “Rockwell Revisited,” in which Peterson reimagines Norman Rockwell’s work for the modern age, is the longest-running solo exhibition in the history of the Norman Rockwell Museum. On this episode of Formative, Pops joins student co-host Lili in a wide-ranging conversation about art, civil rights, show business, and always being true to yourself.
If all the world’s a stage, what would it be like to be the understudy in your own life? To watch the play unfold from the wings? Award-winning playwright Emily Mann has no idea—when she was told women couldn’t write or direct theater, she boldly took back the narrative, shining a spotlight on the stories of women and people of color. On this episode of Formative, young Kevin—a student of history—asks about how her illustrious career was shaped by feminism, family, and the struggle for civil rights in America.
It’s tough to be a physician, and tougher still to be a physician for people who make a career out of testing their bodies: athletes. So how tough is it to be the physician to nearly half a million student athletes? Ambitious young student co-host Jake talks to Dr. Brain Hainline, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA, about writing books, work-life balance, understanding traumatic injury, and how being a doctor is (kind of) like being Indiana Jones.
Before he joined the Jamaican bobsled team whose 1988 Winter Olympics bid inspired the Disney film “Cool Runnings,” Devon Harris was a track and field runner and an officer in the Jamaican army. In his conversation with Josh, a fellow Jamaican, Devon shares some lessons from a dynamic lifetime as an athlete, a soldier, a public speaker, a dad, and a guy who had a movie made about him once.
At first blush, commercial real estate might not be the easiest or most compelling concept for an 11-year-old. But precocious sixth-grader Lili has plenty of questions for Matt Petrula, Senior Group Manager at M&T Bank, who explains why his job lets him draw on their shared interests in math, science, and—most importantly—community.
Being a children’s book author may not be quite as exciting as being a Ninja Turtle, but it still lets you have as many adventures as you can imagine! And the more experiences you have, the better you get at thinking up adventures. Writer Jesse Byrd collaborated with a group of New York Edge students to write and publish their very own book, and now he has advice for young Orlando about the value—and the fun!—of trying everything.
There’s perspective, and then there’s perspective. Future game developer Jake gets the 220-mile view from Dr. Charles Camarda, a retired NASA astronaut who flew the first Space Shuttle mission after the Columbia explosion. Dr. Camarda offers some valuable advice about failure, perseverance, and finding the slope of a line.
Seventh-grader Josh has a lot of questions for Tom Cornish, the Chief Operating Officer for BankUnited: how did dropping out of school affect his career path? As a kid, what hobbies kept him happy in tough times? And, perhaps most importantly: what is Tom’s position on playing Monopoly?
On the premiere episode of Formative, seventh-grader Kevin interviews Kaitlin McGaw, a musician, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the hip-hop children’s music collective Alphabet Rockers, who just received their third Grammy nomination! Kevin and Kaitlin have a candid, joyful conversation about music, Harvard, justice, and the power of the human voice.
Formative is coming soon to a podcast player near you! Subsctibe now at NewYorkEdge.org/formative or wherever you get your podcasts.