Around Queens with Luchia Dragosh

From the UK to Queens, Richard Mazda and the Secret Theater

In this episode, Luchia sits down with Richard Mazda - actor, director, musician and founder of The Secret Theatre in Queens. They talk about his journey from the UK to New York, what it takes to build and sustain an independent theatre, and the many roles he’s taken on, both behind the scenes and on stage. Luchia and Richard also explore what continues to drive his work - storytelling, community, and the future of the arts in Queens.

Why Maternal Care Is Failing - and What Charline Mitchell Is Building Instead

In this episode, Luchia sits down with Charline Mitchell, lactation consultant, doula and founder of what could become Queens’ first birth center. They talk about Charline’s journey from school counselor to maternal health advocate, the moment that pushed her to leave the system and why she’s now building something entirely new for families in Queens. Luchia and Charline also get into what’s ahead - the barriers, the vision and what it will take to create real change in maternal care.

Leading Queens Theatre into a New Era with Julia del Palacio

In this episode, Luchia sits down with Julia del Palacio, Executive Director of Queens Theatre, to talk about the moment she left the path she thought she had to follow - and built something bigger. Julia and Luchia also discuss the real work of sustaining the arts, why access still isn't equal and what it takes to keep culture not just alive, but essential.

The Woman Turning Queens into a Stage with Karesia Batan

In this episode, Luchia sits down with Karesia Batan, Founding Executive Director of the Queensboro Dance Festival, to explore how she turned a lack of access into one of Queens’ most powerful cultural platforms. They talk about the real story behind QDF, the mission to bring dance out of institutions and into the streets and what it means to build community through art in a city that often overlooks it. And, finally, they dive into what’s ahead - how Karesia is reimagining the future of culture, access and belonging in Queens.

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health with Dr. Edgar Hobbs Jr.

In this episode, Luchia sits down with Dr. Edgar Hobbs Jr., a Queens native, licensed mental health counselor and longtime guidance counselor who spent 26 years supporting students with emotional and developmental needs in New York City's District 75. Now the founder of Strategies & Solutions for Life and Director of the Hope & Grace Mental Health Wellness Center at First Baptist Church of Corona, Dr. Hobbs works to bring open and honest conversations about mental health into the community. They discuss his personal journey, the growing awareness around mental health and why he is especially committed to helping Black and Brown men access the support they deserve.