Rediscovering New York with Jeff Goodman: Recent Episodes
Halstead Real Estate
Rediscovering New York is a weekly show that showcases New York City’s extraordinary neighborhoods. Each week we focus on a particular neighborhood; we explore its history, its vibe, its feel and its energy, really what makes the neighborhood special.
My live guest will be Sarah Seidman, Puffin Foundation Curator of Social Activism at the Museum of the City of New York, and curator of the museum’s present exhibition “Activist New York”.
We also will go into our archive for an interview with Lucie Levine, Founder of Archive on Parade, who will discuss the women behind Brooklyn’s own suffrage movement in the 19th Century. (Brooklyn was its own municipality, separate from New York City until 1898!)
Segment 1
The show begins with Jeff introducing the guest, Lucie Levine, who talks living in Brooklyn, continuing her story on how she entered the business she is working into now, having a love of history and being intrigued by the women’s suffrage movement in Brooklyn. Lucie gives a history of women’s suffrage, its roots lying all the back in the aftermath of the Civil War, outlining why Brooklyn would be the place where movements would be birthed, also noting the abolitionist history of the borough. She talks about a few key figures in the founding of Sorosis, focusing particularly on Celia M. Burleigh, including her founding of Brooklyn Women’s Club.
Segment 2
Lucie talks about where the listener can find information for ‘Archive on Parade’. The conversation continues with the history of suffrage organizations formed for black women in Brooklyn. The talks steers towards Sarah J. Garnet and her founding of the Equal Suffrage League of Brooklyn, and her sister, Susan McKinney Steward, their history being from a family of trailblazers in African-American suffrage. Victoria Earle Matthew working her way into the conversation as well through a talk of intersectionality being birthed in the 19th century, the two talking about her founding of the White Rose Mission. The segment closes with an anecdote about a little known figure named, Cornelia K. Hood, the first women graduate of the NYU Law School and with the two talking about an interesting figure in the suffrage movement, Lucy Burns.
Segment 3
Jeff introduces the second guest of the show, Sarah Seidman, who talks growing up in Boston and now living in New York City, and her decision to go into curating, joining the staff back in 2014. She reflects on an older exhibition, Beyond Suffrage, which outlines the history of the suffrage from 1917 to 2017, and a current exhibition, Activist New York, which covers a broader history of social activism in New York. The two talk about Mabel Ping-Hua Lee’s role in the suffrage movement and who pursued a larger suffrage goal when her right to vote came into conflict with the Chinese Exclusion Act. The segment closes with a brief discussion on the ‘Uprising of the 20,000’.
Segment 4
Sarah talks about a few current exhibitions opening at Museum of the City of New York. The conversation continues with Belle Moskowitz’s and Pauli Murray’s parts in the suffrage and other social movements, naming more important figures as these movements persisted through the 20th century. They talk about a duo of living activists, Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes, name-dropping important figures in more niche social movements in New York City like Denise Oliver-Velez and Sylvia Rivera. The show closes with Sarah giving out her website and promoting upcoming exhibitions.
[EPISODE] The West Village, One of Manhattan's Oldest Neighborhoods
Join me as we visit the West Village, both past and present. My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, andNicky Perry, Owner and Founder of Tea and Sympathy.
Segment 1
Jeff is joined once again by Joyce Gold to discuss The West Village. Joyce begins tonight’s show discussing her time growing up in Pennsylvania before moving to Queens. Joyce tells how she became interested in New York’s history. Joyce notes the origin of the name Greenwich Village and details the early development of the area. Jeff and Joyce discuss the grid plan in the Village and the architecture of certain buildings in the Village.
Segment 2
Jeff and Joyce continue to explore the Village’s history, touching on the history of the Docks in the area. They talk about the development of the Landmark district in the West Village. They touch on the ethnic profile of the area and how it changed throughout history. Joyce shares the story of Chumley’s at 86 Bedford Street, a noted speakeasy rumored to to be the origin of the phrase “86 it”.
Segment 3
Jeff is joined by Nicky Perry, owner of Tea and Sympathy. Nicky gives her background and how she moved from Greenwich in London to Greenwich Village in New York. Nicky mentions her career working in tea shops in London and America. She tells how these jobs led her to open her own restaurant to bring British cuisine to New York City. She explains how she used her passion, care, love, and compassion to make her restaurant successful.
Segment 4
Jeff and Nicky discuss the changes she’s seen in the West Village in the past thirty years. Nicky laments the negative changes she has noticed in her time owning a business in the area. She mentions the loss of business in the area due to rent increases and high real estate taxes. Joyce, Jeff, and Nicky mention how even famous businesses like the The Strand Bookstore face these issues. Nicky urges citizens to be involved and deal with these community issues.
Join me this week for a water-themed program: “Maritime New York”, when we explore the City’s relationship with our waterways, past and present.
We will have two Rediscovering New York regulars as my guests: Justin Rivers, Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide for Untapped New York; and David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding. David is also the program’s Special Consultant!
Segment 1
Jeff begins the show by introducing his guests Justin Rivers and David Griffin. Both guests share their backgrounds with the audience. David talks about how he got into his current business. He says he and his family were always interested in architecture. Justin mentions how he got into the business of touring New York. Justin began as a teacher. Justin then begins to
talk of Henry Hudson and how he found New York; Henry was actually looking for water. David talks about the Dutch and their first settlement. The gentlemen chat about the history of the Dutch and why they decided to have their settlement at the Harbor. Fun Fact: Before the European change, the island of Manhattan was much bigger. The conversation continues with Jeff explaining how the water was used by the British. Justin ends the segment by explaining how we defend the water around New York.
Segment 2
This segment begins with Justin talking about upcoming touring opportunities from the old Penn Station to locations all over Manhattan. David talks about the missions of ‘Landmark Branding’ and a few articles discussing the architectural history of New York. Justin continues his historical overview of New York’s trading culture via the harbor going into Dutch trading practices, as well as discussing the gradual change in boating technology, including the anxieties around the introduction of the steamboat. He gives a few anecdotes: how mailing ships turned into the start of the first luxury boats riding in and out of New York and the expected arrival of the Titanic. David then goes into the history of the creations of docks that lined the city and the creation of the manufactured shoreline. The segments ends with the two discussing how piers and docks became obsolete with the introduction of container ships.
Segment 3
The conversation continues with the guys talking about the waterways in New York and passenger ferries. David gives a brief history of the passenger ferries in New York and New Jersey.
The most famous ferry, the Staten Island Ferry began in 1712. David shares how the ferries changed the development of New York; especially the Financial District. Justin begins to share the history of Day Steamers. Jeff shares a sad maritime memory; there was a fire on a boat, and almost 1,300 people passed away in 1904. The conversation goes back to the Staten Island Ferry; which runs 5.2 miles. The Staten Island Ferry is actually FREE! Jeff ends the segment by briefly mentioning how busy the Staten Island
Ferry is.
Segment 4
The final segment begins with David outlining nautical themes in New York architecture, noting how it can be seen in all of buildings around the city today, the city never losing its touch with its maritime roots, he talks about a few specific examples of these buildings standing today. He goes into the varied locations of Nautical-themed architecture in the city as well, as it travels all over Manhattan through its history. Justin adds the history of the International Mercantile Marine Company Building, another staple of the city’s maritime history. The show closes with a brief discussion of the long and rich history of pirates in New York, the city at one time being especially known as a ‘haven’ of piracy.
Join me this week as we journey beyond any one neighborhood and go to many different parts of New York and explore some of the City’s most interesting and fascinating cemeteries.
My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, and Vincent and Robert Gardino, authors of Grave Trippers: History at Our Feet.
Segment 1
The show begins with Jeff introducing the first guest, Joyce Gold, who begins with his history initially growing up in Pennsylvania and first moving to New York and outlines her journey from working in finance to her current line of work today, finding a passion in showing the history of the city and how this work comes to include cemeteries. She speaks on the connections cemeteries have to religious institutions and how burials correlated to superstitions at the time, going into the history of grave-sites for Native Americans and the early Dutch settlers. The talk continues with the burial history of the Trinity Church Yard and St. Paul’s Chapel, as well as a history of segregation and exclusion at these sites.
Segment 2
Joyce informs the audience about a few upcoming tours this spring and where listeners can find information. They return to the topic with the African graveyard and the establishment of the first non-sectarian cemeteries in New York as well as a few notable people buried at those sights. Jeffs notes a history of placing remains inside vaults and Joyce talks about the history of Trinity Cemetery in uptown, the segment closing with some interesting tombstones and notable burials
at this location.
Segment 3
In the second half of the show, Jeff introduces the next guests Vincent and Robert Gardino, who talk about their history growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, their education, and their previous careers, all leading towards how they developed their niche interests in exploring cemeteries and burial grounds, being inspired by the assassination of JFK to go to DC, and being in awe by the majesty of the setting. The brothers also talk about their history collecting autographs and their reasoning behind the name of their book ‘Grave Trippers’ as well as how they came to know James McPherson.
Segment 4
The brothers talk about upcoming tours this year, as well as their motivations behind including Greenwood Cemetery in the book, the burial site being a natural choice due to the aesthetics notoriety of the buried, and they discuss the spectacular architecture that decorates the sight as well as a few familiar names buried at that sight. The three also several famous musicians, politicians, and authors currently resting at The Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservatory. The brothers give their preferences between the two cemeteries, noting which has their favorite mausoleums. The show closes with the brothers listing their favorite burials and resting places.
Join me this week as we journey to Astoria.
My guests will be Bob Singleton, Executive Director of the Greater Astoria Historical Society, and Hoong Yee Lee Krakauer, Executive Director of the Queens Council on the Arts.
Segment 1
The show begins with Jeff introducing the first guest, Bob Singleton, who discusses how he first was able to move from Pittsburgh to New York City through an education from NYU and how he transitioned from finance to becoming a historial, working as a bookkeeper in SoHo in the 80s. He talks about how first became affiliated with the Greater Astoria Historical Society, being involved in for about twenty-five years. The two get started with the pre-America history, the neighborhood once being a home of Native cultures, going into its history as a trading port during the colonial era. They then travel to the American Revolution, the neighborhood being a British foothold and then to the 19th century, discussing Stephen Hasley, who saw opportunity in the budding Hallet’s Cove, changing its name to Astoria.
Segment 2
This segment begins with Bob talking about the mission of the Greater Astoria Historical Society and a few upcoming opportunities. The two jump into the middle of the 19th century and focus in particular on Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, an immigrant who came with his family, who is mostly known for making pianos under ‘Steinway & Sons’ and becoming established members of the community. They then talk about a few historical landmarks within Astoria itself and how it shifted into modern times through the expansion of the subway system and becoming a commuter city. Bob outlines the motion picture history of the area and names key names and players, the city being a backdrop for several films and the neighborhood’s silk industry even playing a role in costume design. The segment ends with the ethnic history of Astoria, which is especially noted for its wide-selection of restaurants, behind which are cultures from all around the world.
Segment 3
Jeff introduces the second guest of the show, Hoong Yee Lee Krakauer, reflects on growing up in Queens and discussing her artistic journey, starting with ballet, transitioning in piano and soon splitting and stretching her creative impulse into drawing and writing. She talks about her history studying music in Europe and then deciding to work toward supporting other creative minds with a website. Hoong Yee then went into how she got into writing children’s books and her future in the field as well as getting approached to assume the title she has today twenty years ago. She talks about the mission of the Queens Council of the Arts and how they go about giving out grants to support local artists in Queens.
Segment 4
The final segment begins with Hoong Yee discussing basing the Council in Astoria and how she feels about being in the neighborhood, particularly loving the diverse choice of food, and what excites her about the area, Yee being fond of the creative tension in the area, watching the clashes of cultures and generation gaps. She talks about what surprises her about Astoria, curious to see how the city will make sense of the growing gentrification, as well as voicing her desires for the area including independent bookstores and less franchises talking up real estate. The show ends with Hoong Yee adding in how artists searching for a foothold in Queens can come into contact with her.
Join me this week for a special program during Black History Month, when we explore the history of African Americans and some of their communities in New York City, as well the Jazz Age and some of the great New Yorkers who were part of its core.
My guests will be Dominique Jean-Louis, Project Historian at the New York Historical Society; Tracy Hyter-Suffern, Executive Director of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem; and Ryan Maloney, Director of Education and Programming at the Jazz Museum.
Segment 1
The show opens with Dominique discussing her initial interest in studying history when she first came to New York, switching from a journalism education to history one at Columbia. She continues with her journey joining the New York Historical Society transitioning to the history of African-Americans in New York, working as slaves for the Dutch in the 1620s. Dominique talks ‘The Land of the Blacks’, an area given to African-American slaves that seperated Native land and Dutch land, which today is known as Washington Square and Greenwich Village. She discusses the growing culture of slavery New York, the city being a hub for enslavement back in the 17th century, and becoming home to one of the largest black populations in the country much before the Great Migration. The segment ends with the abolition of slavery in New York and shifting economics and new organizations that provided labor jobs for freed slaves in the city.
Segment 2
Dominique begins this segment by informing the audience about her most recent exhibition at the Historical Society. The exhibition is about the reconstruction of New York after the Jim Crow laws. The exhibition also travels; it just opened in Atlanta. She then discusses her new exhibition, which
opens up this week. This new exhibition explores the history of the U.S. Presidents. The conversation transitions to talking about the history of African American neighborhoods/communities throughout New York City. She mentions neighborhoods such as Crown Heights and Hells Kitchen. Dominique then delves into the history of slavery and its complicated relationship with New York. She talks of how racial violence made lots of Africa Americans leave New York during the Civil War. However, after that time in history, New York received a mix of African American migrates. The two discuss Harlem next, and how it’s a premier destination for African Americans. Dominique mentions how Harlem became black on purpose.
Segment 3
This segment introduces Tracy Hyter-Suffern and Ryan Maloney, the two discussing their histories in New York before transitioning to how they ended up working at the Jazz Museum. Tracy’s start being working at a jazz radio show back in college, being a musician herself at a time as well as art's deep influence in her life. Ryan talks about a similar early influence of music in his life that persisted through his education and why he chose to focus on jazz specifically. This turns into a brief history of jazz itself, its West African roots that permeated through slave culture that slowly evolved with its meld with many worldwide musical forms and styles. Ryan roughly dates The Jazz Age and the implementation of new ideas that made the music standout, tracing back the seeds of this period back to World War I and labeling key figures that allowed the music to ferment and develop.
Segment 4
Tracy begins this segment by discussing the history of the museum. Next, the two discuss the Harlem Renaissance and how it contributed to the Jazz movement in New York. Although African Americans could play at clubs, they could not be customers of the clubs. Ryan then discusses the integration of jazz clubs. The two end the segment by mentioning places you can go to hear good jazz music now.
Join me this week as we journey to Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill.
My guests are Kevin Draper, Director of New York Historical Tours, and Beejhy Barhany, Founder and Owner of Tsion Café.
Segment 1
Jeff introduces the first guest of the night, Kevin Draper. Kevin starts the segment by briefly discussing his background and where he grew up. Kevin shares how New York City has always been a passion of his, even at a young age. Kevin talks of how there were Natives living in Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill before the Europeans came. Kevin thenen talks about notable history in these areas. He discusses Harlem and other northern Manhattan neighborhoods. He delves into the history of the Battle of Harlem. He shares the history of how the land was spearted before Central Park was created. Hamilton and his city life is mentioned. The segment ends with Kevin chatting about Hamilton Terrace.
Segment 2
Kevin opens this segment by mentioning his upcoming tours. He chats about the tours, lectures, and exhibits you can see at Grange Mansion. The guys discuss how the neighborhood came about, including the subway systems and nice apartments. Kevin then talks about the Harlem Renaissance and Sugar Hill. He tells the audience about how Sugar Hill got its name. Jeff mentions a few famous people who had residences in Sugar Hill. Kevin then discusses City College and the principals it was first founded on. City College was initially a free college for men. Kevin chats about Trinity Church Cemetery next. He mentions that the cemetery is very beautiful, and how there are some famous people buried there. Kevin ends the segment by speaking about a Mural Project that is going on in Hamilton Heights and other nice things happening there.
Segment 3
The second guest of the night is Beejhy Barhany. Beejhy was born in Ethiopia. Her cafe, Tsion Cafe is located on a historical site in Sugar Hill. She begins by discussing her upbringing and her journey to Israel. She describes how her experiences as a young child was critical in her decision to start eating/drinking healthy. She originally wanted to create a non-profit. She had a few jobs before her cafe was founded. She was determined to teach people about Ethiopian Jews. Beejhy talks about how she decided to open up her own business. She talks about the different kinds of healthy Ethiopian foods that are served at her cafe. She chats about how her cafe is just for food; there is music, live shows, and film screenings there! It is a cultural experience.
Segment 4
Beejhy opens this segment by mentioning some exciting events that are coming up at her cafe. There is an exhibition that just started at her cafe in tribute to Black History Month. She chats about how her cafe isn’t just Ethiopian; she blends flavors from different foods/cultures. She talks of how her cafe brings a diverse group of customers. She chats about how Sugar Hill is an extremely diverse, and historic neighborhood. Beejhy then talks about what makes Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill such unique communities. She talks about a different struggles she has faced with running a business. Beejhy ends the segment by giving advice to people who want to open a business in Sugar Hill.
Join us this week as we journey to New York’s two greatest Train Stations: Pennsylvania Station & Grand Central Terminal. In typical New York fashion there were/are two of them!
My guests will be Chief Experience Officer and Lead Tour Guide Justin Rivers of Untapped New York, and Rediscovering New York regular Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours.
Segment 1
Jeff starts this segment by sharing some fun facts about Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. He then introduces the first guest of the night, Justin Rivers. Justin was born right outside of NYC, in Hackensack, NJ. Justin began his career as a teacher. After several years as a teacher, he decided to learn about the history of NYC and explore writing. Justin tells the audience of the history of why Penn Station is located where it is. Justin chats about the partnership between Penn Station and the LIRR. The conversation transitions into discussing the infrastructure and architecture of Penn Station. The segment ends with Jeff referencing the original Penn Station.
Segment 2
Justin starts this segment by informing the audience about his upcoming tours. Justin continues by discussing why Penn Station’s walls were originally made out of pink granite.
He explains why the granite was used; light exposure and cost. The gentlemen discuss the engineering of Penn Station and how it came about. Penn Station originally had dual tracks; where incoming and outgoing commuters would get on and off without meeting each other. Fun fact: Most Presidents came to NYC through Penn Station because it goes through D.C. Penn Station went through a tough time, when commuters were choosing planes and cars over trains. Justin explains how Penn Station tried to attract more commuters by modernizing itself. The segment ends with Justin talking about how Madison Square Garden helped Penn Station become what it is today. Justin reveals that there are still some original Penn Station parts in the new Penn Station.
Segment 3
Joyce Gold is the second guest of the evening. Joyce starts of by talking a little bit about her background. She briefly discuss how she got into the tour guide business. Joyce begins to talk about the origins of Grand Central Terminal. The station was originally called Grand Station Depot. She talks of why the new Grand Central was set up at 42nd Street. Joyce then explains why the new Grand Central was built. Unfortunately, there was a tragedy on a train, and this proved to be one of the major factors behind building the new Grand Central Terminal. This segment ends with Joyce discussing the history of the architecture and the designs of Grand Central.
Segment 4
Joyce begins this segment by informing the audience about her upcoming tours. Joyce then discuss notable architectural features of Grand Central Terminal. She discusses the height of the ceilings, the waiting rooms, and the ramps. Grand Central has the deepest basement in New York. Joyce discusses Grand Central during WWII, and the activities therein. Grand Central Terminal fell on hard times as well, as commuters began to travel via car and/or plane. Joyce talks about how we almost lost Grand Central Terminal and how it was saved. The segment concludes with Joyce discussing the landmark status of Grand Central. The phrase “Red Carpet Treatment” originated in Grand Central.
Join me this week as we journey to Flatiron and NoMad!
My guests will be architectural expert and Rediscovering New York regular David Griffin of Landmark Branding, and George Calderaro, board member of the 29th Street Neighborhood Association.
Segment 1
Jeff introduces his first guest of the night, David Griffin. David begins the show by discussing his childhood and the areas he grew up in. He talks of the many different games he would play as a child/teenager. David then transitions the conversation into talking about the history of Madison Square Park. David continues by exploring the histories of other sites, such as the Madison Cottage and New York Knickerbockers Club. David also shares an interesting fact of how Theordore Roosevelt was born in the Madison area.
Segment 2
David opens up this segment by discussing his new venture and his new blog. David also talks about his architectural business. David begins to discuss the history of the Fifth Avenue Hotel and its architecture. The Fifth Avenue Hotel started a wave of luxury hotels. Next, David talks about Madison Square Garden and how it came about. He delves into how the venue was constructed, the costs, and all the different aspects inside the venue. Jeff and David then discuss the Lady’s Mile and its historical significance. The segment ends with David informing the audience about NoMad.
Segment 3
George Calderaro opens up this segment by talking about where he grew up. He also discusses his professional career at
Columbia University. He talks about how he became involved with Historic Districts Council and what the HDC does. Once George moved to NoMad, he became aware of the 29th Street Neighborhood Association. However, the area that he was most intrigued by was, Tin Pan Alley. Tin Pan Fun Fact: Tin Pan Alley is the birthplace of American Popular music.
Segment 4
George begins this segment by sharing the website information for The 29th Street Neighborhood Association. At the moment, he is working on getting a Landmark designation for a building in NoMad, in which the current owners want to demolish and build a hotel. George continues the conversation by talking about other historical and modern buildings in the neighborhood. George ends the segment by talking about the things that he struggle with within the neighborhood; for example homelessness.
[EPISODE] The West Village, One of Manhattan's Oldest Neighborhoods
Join me as we visit the West Village, both past and present. My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, andNicky Perry, Owner and Founder of Tea and Sympathy.
Segment 1
Jeff is joined once again by Joyce Gold to discuss The West Village. Joyce begins tonight’s show discussing her time growing up in Pennsylvania before moving to Queens. Joyce tells how she became interested in New York’s history. Joyce notes the origin of the name Greenwich Village and details the early development of the area. Jeff and Joyce discuss the grid plan in the Village and the architecture of certain buildings in the Village.
Segment 2
Jeff and Joyce continue to explore the Village’s history, touching on the history of the Docks in the area. They talk about the development of the Landmark district in the West Village. They touch on the ethnic profile of the area and how it changed throughout history. Joyce shares the story of Chumley’s at 86 Bedford Street, a noted speakeasy rumored to to be the origin of the phrase “86 it”.
Segment 3
Jeff is joined by Nicky Perry, owner of Tea and Sympathy. Nicky gives her background and how she moved from Greenwich in London to Greenwich Village in New York. Nicky mentions her career working in tea shops in London and America. She tells how these jobs led her to open her own restaurant to bring British cuisine to New York City. She explains how she used her passion, care, love, and compassion to make her restaurant successful.
Segment 4
Jeff and Nicky discuss the changes she’s seen in the West Village in the past thirty years. Nicky laments the negative changes she has noticed in her time owning a business in the area. She mentions the loss of business in the area due to rent increases and high real estate taxes. Joyce, Jeff, and Nicky mention how even famous businesses like the The Strand Bookstore face these issues. Nicky urges citizens to be involved and deal with these community issues.
[EPISODE]
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn's First Neighborhood!
Join us as local historian David Griffin talks about the history of the Heights, and restaurateur Francesco Nuccitelli shares with us what he loves about the neighborhood. Segment 1
To start this wonderful show about Brooklyn Heights, Jeff Goodman is joined by local historian David Griffin. David shares his childhood memories and how he came to love learning about the city and its architecture. He also talks about how Brooklyn Heights was established and the history of the neighborhood’s development including the increase in population, wealth, real estate, and businesses. Plus, why Brooklyn Heights is a great neighborhood for visitors to enjoy.
Segment 2
Jeff and David talk briefly about his company Landmark Branding, which provides creative sales-enhancing services for the national real estate community. The guys then talk about how building the Brooklyn Bridge and the Subway took some of the attention away from Brooklyn Heights. Also, how Robert Moses transformed the borough of Brooklyn, the best kept secrets about New York City, and when exactly did Brooklyn Heights start to prosper?
Segment 3
Restaurateur and owner of Sociale Brooklyn, Francesco Nuccitelli, joins the show. Francesco starts off by telling a story of how he became a restaurant owner, from his origins in Italy to new beginnings in the Big Apple. While experiencing culture shock in America was tough for Francesco, he never gave up his dream of owning a restaurant. After a few years working for a hot spot in midtown, he finally opened up Sociale in Brooklyn Heights. Francesco talks about the process of opening his restaurant, why he chose the neighborhood, and how the community has became one of the biggest reasons for Sociale’s success.
Segment 4
Francesco Nuccitelli returns for one last segment. Him and Jeff talk about the changes in Brooklyn Heights ever since he began running his Italian Restaurant. Francesco also mentions the challenges of owning a food place in Brooklyn Heights and offers advice to those that want to run a business in that neighborhood. As previously mentioned, Francesco says that it’s all about community and what you can provide for others. Also, it’s okay not to be too creative when making your Italian menu. Plus, how is important letting go your ego when running a business?
[EPISODE] The Financial District, New York City's First Neighborhood!
Join Jeff this week as we explore the Financial District. First, its history (preview: it's where the Dutch first settled in New Amsterdam) with Phil Desiere, owner of Walkabout New York Tours. And we'll get a taste of the present feel and vibe of the neighborhood with business ownerRonan Downs, owner of the Stone Street Tavern, and other businesses on Stone St., probably the oldest paved street in New York!
Segment 1
Jeff is joined by Phil Desiere of Walkabout New York Tours, who shares how his career in art director brought him to New York City.
Phil expresses his passion for New York’s history and sharing his knowledge with both tourists and locals. Phil explains the Financial District’s connection to the Dutch settlement of New York. Phil traces the development of Wall Street into the financial center it is today.
Segment 2
Jeff and Phil continue their discussion and to explore the development of the Financial District as a residential, consumer-friendly area. Phil describes the push to revitalize the neighborhood post 9/11. Phil discusses the history of the Financial District during the American Revolution. Phil touches on St. Paul’s Chapel and its place in New York history.
Segment 3
Ronan Downs of Stone Street Tavern joins the show to discuss his experiences as a business owner in the Financial District. Ronan tells the story of growing up in Ireland and coming to New York for college. Ronan describes his career beginning as a bartender and gradually becoming a partner in several businesses in the Financial District. Jeff and Ronan discuss the development of Stone Street and how it affected the entire Financial District.
Segment 4
Jeff and Ronan explore their love of the history in Lower Manhattan. Ronan expresses the history of the area and what it’s like thinking about past generations who lived in the area. Ronan mentions the recent changes in the Financial District as the area transitions from commercial to residential. Ronan shares how Stone Street has inspired people post 9/11 and attracted visitors to the Financial District. They conclude by predicting the future of Lower Manhattan and its potential for future development.
A General History of New York and Its Housing Development
For our first episode we will cover a general history of New York, and how the development of our housing fostered the growth of New York’s great neighborhoods.
My guests will be Joyce Gold of Joyce Gold History Tours, and Kent Swig, CEO of Swig Equities and co-owner & co-chair of Terra Holdings, which owns and operates Halstead Real Estate and Vanderbilt Appraisal Company, among others.
Segment 1
Jeff begins tonight’s show by sharing the story of how his career as a real estate broker and guiding New York City neighborhood tours led him to create Rediscovering New York. Jeff is joined by Joyce Gold, who shares how her life experiences led her to create Joyce Gold History Tours. Joyce describes the original settlement of New York and the importance of Dutch influence on New York’s early development.
Segment 2
Jeff and Joyce discuss the history of the Five Points, considering the historical events abroad in Europe that led to immigration to New York and how these events affected the demographics in New York. Joyce describes the development of areas of Manhattan, breaking down socioeconomic factors that differentiated each neighborhood. Joyce traces the development of public transportation in the 19th century. They pivot to their favorite NYC neighborhoods and how history can encourage people to preserve landmarks in their area.
Segment 3
Jeff is joined by Kent Swig, who shares how his various interests Chinese, architecture, law, and design combined to drive his interest in real estate. Kent traces his career in real estate, describing one of his first projects in Tudor City. Kent finds his passion for real estate in seeing the potential in real estate projects, specifically the older and more historical buildings throughout NYC. Kent shares the magic of New York City being a walking city and the energy on the street.
Segment 4
Jeff and Kent continue their conversation by exploring the developing neighborhoods in New York today. They discuss current developments in Hudson Yards and its potential to develop the open space in the area. They explore how long it may take to develop a community like Hudson Yards. Kent describes the lasting impacts of loss of population and jobs in the 1970s and how today Hudson Yards represents an opportunity to further develop NYC given the city’s population growth. Kent and Jeff offers predictions for which neighborhoods have great potential for growth in the next 5 years.