Policy & Culture

Ep. 26 – The Art of Political Influence ft. Manhattan Democratic Chair Kyle Ishmael

In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with Manhattan Democratic Chair Kyle Ishmael for a powerful conversation on political influence, party leadership, and the art of getting people to agree with you. Kyle shares his journey through New York politics and breaks down what it really takes to build coalitions, navigate political power, and move ideas into action. We discuss the growing divide between Long Island and New York City Democrats, the internal dynamics between progressive and moderate wings of the party, and why messaging to working-class communities has become one of the Democratic Party’s biggest challenges. A major part of this discussion focuses on political strategy, persuasion, leadership, and how relationships, trust, and communication shape policy outcomes behind the scenes. We also explore voter engagement, public perception, and the importance of building authentic connections with communities across New York. This episode offers a real look at how politics actually works and how power, strategy, and culture intersect to create influence and impact. Subscribe to Policy & Culture for weekly conversations at the intersection of power, politics, and culture. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Policy & Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We’re your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are available. Follow us on Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit www.policynculture.com for more episodes, articles, and in-depth conversations. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy & Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/support] Thanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: * Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com [http://www.policyandculture.com] for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.

Ep. 25 - The Highbridge to Albany: Assemblymember Landon C. Dais on Power, Legacy & Building The Bronx

In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with Landon C. Dais [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0] for a powerful conversation on leadership, community development, and what it means to represent the Bronx with purpose. Assemblymember Dais shares his journey from Highbridge to Albany, reflecting on how his background in law, economic development, youth mentorship, and advocacy shaped his path to public office. We discuss the real challenges facing working families in the Bronx, from affordable housing and public safety to small business growth and creating pathways to opportunity. A major part of this discussion focuses on criminal justice reform, cannabis legalization, and how policy can be used as a tool to repair harm, create jobs, and open doors for communities that have historically been left behind. We also explore the importance of fatherhood, mentorship, and why investing in young people is essential to building stronger neighborhoods. This episode offers a real look at how politics works behind the scenes and how leadership, strategy, and culture intersect to create impact. Subscribe to Policy & Culture  for weekly conversations at the intersection of power, politics, and culture. Support the show Thanks for tuning in to Policy & Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We’re your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy & Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/support] Thanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: * Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com [http://www.policyandculture.com] for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.

Ep. 24 - Reparations & Politics w/ NY Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages

In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with New York State Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages for a powerful and unfiltered conversation on reparations, representation, and the realities of governing. Assembly Member Solages breaks down the ongoing conversation around reparations, what it means, where policy stands, and what it will take to move from dialogue to action. We also explore the landscape of local politics, the role of women in leadership, and the responsibility that comes with serving diverse communities. A key part of this discussion highlights the influence of the Black, Hispanic, Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus in Albany, and how collective power is used to shape policy, advocate for equity, and drive meaningful change across New York State. This episode offers a real look at how politics works behind the scenes and how leadership, strategy, and culture intersect to create impact. Subscribe to Policy & Culture for weekly conversations at the intersection of power, politics, and culture. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/support] Thanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: * Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com [http://www.policyandculture.com] for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.

Ep. 23 - Power in Practice: Assembly Member Brian Cunningham on Delivering $1B for Brooklyn

Episode 23: Power in Practice — Assemblymember Brian Cunningham on Delivering $1B for Brooklyn In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with New York State Assemblymember Brian Cunningham (D–43rd District) for a powerful conversation on what it really means to turn policy into impact. Representing Brooklyn, Assemblymember Cunningham shares how he helped secure over $1 billion in funding for local hospitals, breaking down the strategy, relationships, and political capital required to deliver real resources to communities. We also dive into his personal journey into public service, the current state of politics, and how culture shapes leadership and decision-making at every level of government. This episode is about more than politics, it’s about understanding how power works, how it’s built, and how it can be used to create opportunity and improve quality of life. If you want to better understand the connection between policy, culture, and community impact, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Subscribe to Policy & Culture for weekly conversations at the intersection of power, politics, and culture. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/support] Thanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: * Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com [http://www.policyandculture.com] for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.

Ep. 22 - The People’s Majority: Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Power, Purpose & Policy in New York

🎙️ Episode 22 — The People’s Majority: Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Power, Purpose & Policy in New York Policy & Culture Podcast Hosted by Dan Lloyd & Andrew Ayodeji In this landmark episode, we sit down with Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly and a living example of what it means to lead with purpose, conviction, and community at the center. From her early beginnings as a teacher and community advocate in Buffalo, to becoming the first woman and first African American to hold the position of Assembly Majority Leader, Peoples-Stokes has broken barriers at every stage of her career. But her legacy isn’t just about “firsts” it’s about impact. With over two decades in public office, she has consistently championed policies that uplift marginalized communities, open doors for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs), and shift systems toward justice — most notably as the lead sponsor of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA), one of the most equity-centered cannabis laws in the country. 🔊 In this episode, we explore: * The boldness it took to win two tough Democratic primaries and step into state leadership * The 8-year journey behind the scenes to pass MRTA — and what’s needed to make it real for communities most harmed by prohibition * Her deep commitment to MWBE access and the hard truths about state contracting equity * The importance of growing teacher and healthcare pipelines through diversity-focused legislation * How her faith, family, and Buffalo roots continue to ground her in service over politics * Her advice to future leaders: why the long game is worth it, and how to stay rooted in the people you’re called to serve Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes doesn’t just hold power she redefines how it’s used. This episode is a rare and raw conversation with a woman who’s helped shape the policy landscape of New York and continues to push for progress that’s both principled and people-first. 🔔 Subscribe to Policy & Culture on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/episodes/18056474 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/episodes/18056474] 🌐 For more: www.policynculture.com [https://www.policynculture.com/] 📲 Follow us: Instagram — @PolicynCulture [https://www.instagram.com/policynculture] LinkedIn — Policy & Culture Email — policynculture@gmail.com #PolicynCulture #CannabisJustice #MWBE #BuffaloNY #NewYorkPolitics #BlackWomenLead #FaithAndLeadership #MRTA #CivicPower #PublicService #StateAssembly #MinorityMillennials Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396987/support] Thanks for tuning in to Policy and Culture, where we bridge the gap between policy and culture. We're your hosts, Dan Lloyd and Drew Ayodeji. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. For more content and updates, follow us on social media: * Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit our website at www.policynculture.com [http://www.policyandculture.com] for articles, videos, and more in-depth analysis on the topics we discuss. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at policynculture@gmail.com Remember, staying informed is the first step to making a difference. Until next time, this is Policy and Culture, empowering you to understand the world around us.