Policy & Culture

Ep. 27 – The Suburban Housing Dilemma ft. RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYS Homes & Community Renewal

Ep. 27 – Who Gets to Live Here? Inside New York’s Suburban Housing Debate ft. RuthAnne Visnauskas In this episode of Policy & Culture, we sit down with RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), for an in-depth conversation about one of the most pressing issues facing New Yorkers today: housing. RuthAnne breaks down the complex challenges driving New York’s housing shortage and affordability crisis, particularly in suburban communities where demand continues to outpace supply. We discuss the barriers to building new housing, the role of local governments in shaping development, and how state policies can help create more opportunities for working families, young professionals, seniors, and first-time homebuyers. The conversation explores the tension between growth and community character, the politics surrounding housing development, and why addressing housing affordability is critical to New York’s economic future. RuthAnne also shares insights into HCR’s efforts to preserve affordable housing, expand homeownership opportunities, revitalize communities, and ensure that New Yorkers have access to safe and stable housing. This episode offers a thoughtful look at the policies, politics, and cultural dynamics shaping where people live, who can afford to stay, and what the future of housing in New York may look like. Subscribe to Policy & Culture for weekly conversations at the intersection of power, policy, 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 wherever podcasts are available. Follow us on Instagram: @PolicynCulture Visit www.policyandculture.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. 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.