What is the Best Subway Seat? (Small Stakes, Big Opinions)

What Does Patriotism Mean in 2026?

As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, many Americans are examining their own relationship to patriotism. How has patriotism changed in the wake of intense political divides? What does it mean to feel proud to be an American? Have symbols of American patriotism come to stand for the right more than the left? Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor at The Atlantic, discusses the nuances of patriotism in 2026, and listeners share what patriotism means to them. [https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/07/american-history-common-narrative/687301/] Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Does 'Pride' Mean To You?

Pride Month is coming to a close, but the conversation about LGBTQ+ life continues. NYC Pride co-chair Kazz Alexander shares his reflections, and listeners call in to share what 'pride' means to them. Photo by Manoli Figetakis/Getty Images: Grand Marshal Peppermint attends the 2026 New York City Pride March on June 28, 2026 in New York City. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is the Best Subway Seat? (Small Stakes, Big Opinions)

Soon, the famous orange and yellow seats that can be found on certain subway lines will be no more, as the MTA continues its process of upgrading and improving subway cars and equipment. The New York Transit Museum has organized a new exhibit, 'Ode to the Orange Seats [https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/exhibits/#brooklyn],' that bids farewell, but also looks at the history of the bucket seats that were first introduced on R44 cars in 1971. Curator Jodi Shapiro discusses the exhibit, which includes work from 14 artists inspired by the subway. And as part of our Small Stakes, Big Opinions series, listeners weigh in on the question that perhaps most divides New Yorkers, which is the best seat on the subway and why? Photo by Argenis Apolinario: Gabriel Bautista's viral tweet with set of orange seats.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Brooklyn Artist Izzy Barber Painted Her American Roadtrips

In 2025, amidst political turmoil around the United States, Brooklyn artist Izzy Barber wanted to feel more connected to her country, and decided to leave the bubble that can often take shape in New York City. She went on multiple road trips across the country, painting what she saw. The result of her travels is a new exhibit, Clay Pigeons [https://www.artrabbit.com/events/izzy-barber-clay-pigeons?__cc=1], featuring her paintings of the diversity of American life and landscapes. The exhibit is on view through July 31, and Izzy Barber discusses her practice and inspiration for the show.  Art by Izzy Barber (Oil Field, Midland, TX (2026)): Digital photo by Max Yawney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

'Dad Don't Read This' Brings a Slumber Party to the Stage

The new play "Dad Don't Read This" [https://www.daddontreadthis.com/] explores the lives of four teenage girls as they gather for a slumber party in suburban Ohio. Playwright Eliya Smith and actor Amalia Yoo discuss the show, which is running now at the Greenwich House Theater after a sold-out premiere at St. Luke's Theatre. Photo by Maria Baranova Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.