How We Make It in NY

Episode 7 with Elissa Hecker of The Law Office of Elissa D. Hecker and How to make it as an Entertainment Attorney in NYC!

In this episode of How We Make It In NY, we sit down with entertainment attorney Elissa Hecker to break down what creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a brand need to know right now. From contracts and copyrights to social media, influencer deals, and the realities of today’s evolving entertainment landscape, Elissa shares practical insights that demystify the legal side of creating—and protecting—your work. Whether you’re in traditional entertainment or just posting online, this conversation highlights why understanding your rights (and risks) matters more than ever. We also get into industry shifts, unions and strikes, and how the rules are changing for creatives across the board. If you’ve ever wondered: *  Do I actually need a contract for this?  *  Who owns the content I create?  *  What should I look out for in brand deals or collaborations?  *  How do I protect myself as a creator?  This episode is your crash course. Tune in for a candid, informative, and surprisingly accessible conversation about the business behind the creative world—and how to navigate it smartly. For more information on how to work with Elissa or to contact her: https://www.eheckeresq.com/ or eheckeresq@eheckeresq.com.   Follow us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/ [https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny [https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny] or email us directly at PepinPodcastNYC@gmail.com Also check out our personal websites: Lauren Pepin: http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com [http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com] Michael Pepin: http://www.pepinlawyer.com [http://www.pepinlawyer.com]

Episode 6 with Deb Notis of GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection and How to make it as a Tutoring Concierge in NYC!

The hot topic this spring in NYC was all about education!  Kindergarten admission, pre-school applications, college applicatons were the rage amongst the parenting community.  But what does all of this really mean and how should we be navigating this incredibly important part of our child's lives?   Introducing GAMECHANGER Tutoring Connection founder Deb Notis who joined us on the podcast this episode to talk about everything related to education!  GAMECHANGER is your free tutoring concierge service in Westchester, NY and beyond. They connect you to hard-to-find tutors for your child from pre-k through post college. They know our tutors and care about families and will match you to the tutor that best fits your child’s needs. They believe in a personal approach to learning – not a classroom setting. GAMECHANGER refers families to tutors and specialists who offer one-on-one instruction that provides encouragement, understanding and accountability. Interested in more information?  Deb will be back for a second part two to cover college prep!  Check out her website at https://gamechangertutoring.com/ or email her at connect@gamechangertutoring.com [connect@gamechangertutoring.com] for more info! Follow us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/ [https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny [https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny] or email us directly at PepinPodcastNYC@gmail.com Also check out our personal websites: Lauren Pepin: http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com [http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com] Michael Pepin: http://www.pepinlawyer.com [http://www.pepinlawyer.com]

Episode 5 with Erin Reddan of ECR Vintners and How to make it as a Winemaker!

Now that Dry January is over, it's time to warm up in February with some delicious wine and check out our first episode of 2026 featuring Erin Reddan from ECR Vintners.  Erin Reddan is the founder of ECR Vintners, a woman-led wine company dedicated to redefining the wine industry by creating refined, approachable wines crafted with women’s preferences in mind. While building a successful career in healthcare, Erin pursued her love of wine, earning her WSET Level 3 certification and diving into wine education.  Based in New York City, ECR Vintners sources grapes from premier California vineyards to produce small-batch wines —crisp whites, balanced reds, and sparkling wines perfect for any occasion. But ECR Vintners is more than just a wine company. It’s about building confidence, fostering connection, and empowering women to explore their tastes. Through thoughtfully designed events, engaging tastings, and approachable wine education, Erin inspires confidence and curiosity, inviting guests — whether a wine novice or connoisseur — to explore their palates and discover wines they truly love. Her wines are inspired by the moments that matter: meaningful conversations, laughter-filled evenings, and unforgettable memories. Upcoming Event in NYC:  Galentine’s Day Girl Dinner Soirée  Friday, February 13th from 7:30PM-9:30PM  Midtown Manhattan Ticket and Additional Information: https://luma.com/ztaqngld  [https://luma.com/ztaqngld] To purchase wine from ERC Vintners: https://ecrvintners.securewinemerchant.com/ [https://ecrvintners.securewinemerchant.com/] Follow Erin on IG @ecr_vintners and more information on her website at https://ecrvintners.com/ [https://ecrvintners.com/]. Follow us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/ [https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny [https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny] or email us directly at PepinPodcastNYC@gmail.com Also check out our personal websites: Lauren Pepin: http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com [http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com] Michael Pepin: http://www.pepinlawyer.com [http://www.pepinlawyer.com]

Episode 4 with Dr. Nadia Rodriguez of No Limits Dental and How to make it as a Cosmetic Dentist in NYC

Want a Hollywood smile and be excited about going to the dentist?  Meet Dr. Nadia Rodriguez on our next episode of the “How We Make It in NY” Podcast!   Located in Midtown Manhattan, Dr. Nadia Rodriguez's No Limits Dental practice is a leading luxury cosmetic dentist that helps patients achieve a natural-looking smile with the convenience of insurance accepted.  Her niche expertise lies in using groundbreaking technology to transform smiles using a variety of cosmetic dental procedures including Invisalign, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and dental restructuring. Their woman-led dental practice has always provided the best cosmetic dental care available in the Upper West Side, Hell's Kitchen, and Columbus Circle. With graduate and undergraduate degrees from Cornell, NYU, and Rutgers Universities, Dr. Rodriguez graduated with honors as a Doctor of Medicine with a specialization in Dentistry after a decade of studies.  As a first-generation American that speaks Russian and Spanish, she has been able to connect and work with patients and dentists from around the world that she would have otherwise not had the opportunity to meet. Check out this episode to learn more about her thriving and successful NYC practice, running a medical business in the ultra-competitive NYC and why you shouldn’t be scared to go to the dentist!  For more information on No Limits Dental check out their website here to make an appointment: https://nolimitsdental.com/ [https://nolimitsdental.com/].  Follow on social media as well: https://www.instagram.com/nolimitsdental [https://www.instagram.com/nolimitsdental] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuCJpbfzBrcZNgSQ0f9MT3A [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuCJpbfzBrcZNgSQ0f9MT3A] https://www.facebook.com/nolimitsdental [https://www.facebook.com/nolimitsdental] Follow us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/ [https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny [https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny] or email us directly at PepinPodcastNYC@gmail.com Also check out our personal websites: Lauren Pepin: http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com [http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com] Michael Pepin: http://www.pepinlawyer.com [http://www.pepinlawyer.com]

Episode 3 with Alli Tallman of Nourished Routes and How to make it as a Registered Dietician Nutritionist

Ready to tackle your diet and get your summer body ready?   Check out our third episode with Alli Tallman, MS, RD who is a registered dietitian with nearly 9 years of experience helping women transform their health through personalized nutrition. As a passionate advocate for sustainable health practices, Allison empowers women to break free from the cycle of restrictive dieting and emotional eating, guiding them to boost their metabolism, improve energy, and achieve lasting results without the all-or-nothing mentality. She has worked with hundreds of women using her proven 3M method, providing tailored strategies that make nutrition manageable, enjoyable and second nature. Allison is also the founder of Nourished Routes, where she offers one-on-one coaching, group programs, and a wealth of educational resources to help women lose weight, boost their metabolism, and stop their sugar cravings without dieting. Allison’s holistic approach combines mindset, mindfulness, and metabolism-boosting techniques to make nutrition feel less overwhelming and more aligned with each individual’s lifestyle. You can learn more about her here: www.nourishedroutes.com [http://www.nourishedroutes.com/] FREE RESOURCES: Free Metabolism Boosting Masterclass & Meal Plan: If you're ready to learn how to break free from yo-yo diets, shed the weight to feel more confident in your body, and boost your metabolism for more energy than ever, check out my free masterclass! I'll share the proven 3-step process that I've used to help hundreds of women achieve lasting results. Plus, you'll get a free meal plan to kickstart your journey. Watch now and grab your free metabolism-boosting meal plan by clicking here. [https://nourishedroutes.easywebinar.live/frustration-to-freedom] Apply for individualized nutrition coaching: If you're ready to take it to the next step and work together, apply to work with me here. [https://nourishedroutes.com/apply] For more metabolism-boosting tips and recipes, follow on IG here. [https://www.instagram.com/nourishedroutes/]   Follow us on our socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/ [https://www.instagram.com/howwemakeitinny/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeMakeitinNYPodcast] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny [https://www.tiktok.com/@how.we.make.it.in.ny] or email us directly at PepinPodcastNYC@gmail.com Also check out our personal websites: Lauren Pepin: http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com [http://www.laurenpepinrealestate.com] Michael Pepin: http://www.pepinlawyer.com [http://www.pepinlawyer.com]