THE BADASS NEW YORKER — by Supriya Vani

Joy Ngoma, the granddaughter of late Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Today on The Badass New Yorker, we speak with Joy Ngoma, granddaughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Joy is living her own story while carrying forward a powerful legacy—showing that justice and joy aren’t opposites, and that forgiveness is the ultimate act of courage. In this episode, we explore: * How her grandfather’s legacy shaped her path in peace education and human rights advocacy * The pivotal moment that inspired her dedication to youth empowerment and peacebuilding * Studying international peace at UPEACE in Costa Rica and working in a UN-mandated environment * Founding Precious Joy Productions and its mission * Balancing the weight of family legacy with forging her own path * Stories of advocacy making real differences in people’s lives * Lessons on peace, justice, and global youth engagement * Her vision for transforming youth education for human rights Join us for an inspiring conversation about stepping into your own light, transforming inherited legacies, and creating a more compassionate world.

Muriel Quancard: Curation, Power, and the Architecture of Culture

In this episode of The Badass New Yorker, Supriya Vani sits down with Muriel Quancard—a New York–based curator and cultural strategist whose work shapes how art, memory, and value move through time. This conversation explores curation not as presentation, but as responsibility: who decides what is preserved, what is amplified, and what future generations inherit. From contemporary art and performance to the deeper ethics of cultural stewardship, Muriel reflects on the unseen power behind institutions, exhibitions, and legacy-making. A thoughtful dialogue on art as moral architecture, cultural discernment, and what it truly means to hold space for meaning in a noisy world.

Dr. Deborah Smilovitz Foster, Ph.D. — A conversation on emotional regulation, resilience, and the neuropsychology of well-being

Today on The Badass New Yorker by Supriya Vani, I sat down with Deborah Smilovitz Foster, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist whose work bridges neuroscience, emotional regulation, trauma healing, and mindfulness. In this episode, Dr. Smilovitz Foster shares how the nervous system shapes our emotional lives, how trauma is held in both mind and body, and what it truly means to cultivate resilience from within. We explore the science of regulation, the role of awareness in healing, and how individuals can reconnect with steadiness, clarity, and presence—even in times of stress and uncertainty. This is a grounded, thoughtful conversation about mental health, self-understanding, and the inner architecture of well-being. https://www.drdeborahsmilovitzfoster.com/

Marc Dullaert, Founder of the International Children’s Peace Prize

Today on The Badass New Yorker by Supriya Vani, I’m in conversation with Marc Dullaert—founder and chair of KidsRights and the initiator of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The International Children’s Peace Prize has recognized extraordinary young changemakers, including past recipients Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai, who have shaped global conversations on justice, courage, and leadership. Marc shares his vision for protecting children’s rights worldwide and why empowering young voices is essential to building a more humane and responsible future.

Dr. Scott Conkright on Emotional Resilience, and Reclaiming Inner Power

In this episode of THE BadAss NEWYorker Podcast, Supriya Vani sits down with Dr. Scott Conkright, a leading voice in emotional resilience and mental health, for a grounded and deeply human conversation on healing, breakups, and rebuilding inner strength. Dr. Conkright speaks with rare clarity about why emotional pain is not a weakness but a doorway—one that, when understood, leads to self-trust, stability, and personal power. Together, they explore patterns behind emotional attachment, the psychological impact of separation, and how individuals can move forward with dignity, awareness, and confidence. This episode is for anyone navigating transition, reclaiming self-worth, or choosing growth over emotional chaos.