The New Yorkers Podcast

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by President and Founder Michael Presser!  Join them as Michael tells Kelly and Jae how he fell in love with theater. From a young age, his Aunts took him to see broadway stars as they developed shows in Philidalphia. He talks about how he knew that he wanted to move to New York to be a part of that because of those experiences.  Michael tells The New Yorkers that he is working on a new book! And he talks about the writing process and how it has brought up memories of his journey to where he is now. He also gives some advice to young people who are starting out in their careers.  Kelly asks Michael about Inside Broadway, What the organization does, how it got founded, and what kind of programs it runs. Michael talks about how it started from a simple task that he was asked to help out with. He tells us about the importance of art in young people's lives and how his organization's sole purpose is to be a vehicle for that.  Jae asks Michael about the trade ascpet of theater, and Michael talks about how theater is a vast field of job opportunities for people to go into. He talks about the different skills that are required to put on productions.  Kelly asks Michael about the Cats ticket program. Michael tells the story about how that was the thing that started inside broadway. He talks about how it has changed the lives of hundreds of kids, and how he hopes that it provides a ripple effect in that other kids and families will get to enjoy theater.  The New Yorkers talk about the future of theater: how the industry was affected by covid, how advertising strategies have evolved, how the media plays a part in theater, and how social media has effected the theater landscape.  But above all else; Michael Presser is a New Yorker.    Follow Inside Broadway @Inside_Broadway   Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp   Jae's Social Media @Studiojae170

In this Episode, Kelly is Joined by Open House New York Executive Director Kristin LaBuz! Join them as Kristin tells us how she became an urban enthusiest, growing up in upstate New York. She talks about going to UPENN and studying Urban Planning. She tells us about some of the work that she's done improving communities on her way to working with Open House New York. Kelly asks Kristin about Open House New York Weekend. Kristin tells him about all of the different events and activities that are taking place October 17th-19th, 2025. Kristin tells us how Open House New York got started, and how it was an act of rebellion during a time where things were very closed off.  Kelly tells Kristin how much he loves doing the open house events, getting to see private residences, secret rooftops, and the under guts of the city. Kristin talks about raising a child in the city. How the world is her child's teacher and how everthing is amazing to a child. She tells a heartwarming story about how kind New Yorkers can be.  Jae asks about the scavenger hunts that Open House New York puts on and Krisitn talks about what go into those and when you can participate.  Kelly asks Kristin some rappid fire questions about her time with Open House New York. And finally, Kristin asks Kelly what he would want to see opened up.  But above all else; Kristin LaBuz is a New Yorker.   Follow Open House New York  @OpenHouseNewYork   Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp

In this Episode: Kelly is joined by Civic Leader, Madelyn Wils! She was on the Tribeca Community Board, Head of the Hudson River Park Trust, and is now overseeing the 400 Million Dollar Overhaul of 5th ave.  From Kelly asking where Madelyn was from, they learn that they lived on the same block in washington Heights! Madelyn tells Kelly about her time in Television: Working in advertisment sales to selling tv shows, to eventually running her own company and Producing her own shows. Madelyn also tells kelly about the discrimination that she faced and the sexism that was pervasive in the industry.  Kelly asks Madelyn about working with Charlie Rose and Larry King. Madelyn tells some funny stories about working behind the scenes on their shows.  Madelyn then tells us about how she got into becoming a civic leader. How she joined the community board, and how she was able to procure an empty lot owned by the city for the nearby school's playground.  Living in Tribeca in the late 90s and early 2000s, Kelly asks Madelyn about 911. Medelyn recounts her experience on that day, and tells us about how she was able to rally together her fellow community leaders to help everyone in need.  Madelyn tells us about her experience with standing up to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the attacks and how she advocated for her community and brought them the help they deserved.  She then talks about how the next administration had been following her work and decided to hire her to work on developing the city. Madelyn talks about how she was able to set up the East River Ferry system, Rebuild Coney Island, start work on the east river park and settle a turf war at Essex Square.  Kelly then asks Madelyn about her new project. And Madelyn tells him about how she planned to retire after covid, but decided that she really loved working on the city. So when she got called to work on a project to rebuild 5th avenue; She couldn't say no.  Madelyn talks about the project and their plans for 5th avenue: Widening the sidewalks, adding more greenery and creating outdoor cafe space. She talks about wanting to create a beautiful scene that people want to spend time in.    But above all else; Madelyn Wils is a New Yorker.   Kelly's Social Media @NewYorkCityKopp   For updates on the 5th ave project, Follow @Fifthavenue  on instagram

In this episode, Kelly is joined by the founder of "NYC for Free", Rebeka Getty to discuss all of the free things that New York has to offer.  Kelly asks Rebeka how she got started on her content journey: What her origin story was, the challenges of getting a page going during covid, and how she finds the events she posts about.  Rebeka tells kelly about her favorite free events in the city, from shakesphere in the park, to gorgeous city views, to sponsored pop up events!  Rebeka talks about all of the free concerts that happen in the city. She remembers the time she saw Ed Sheeran perform live on the streets of SoHo, and tells everyone how she found out early about the Jonas Brothers Concert on the Ferry. Kelly tells her about the time that he saw Jimmy Fallon and Alanis Morissette perform live at a subway station.  Kelly asks Rebeka about content creation: What are some of the challenges she faces, if she works with a team of creators, and how does she deal with the hate that they get from people in the comments.  Finishing the show off, Kelly asks Rebeka some rapid fire questions about her opinions on classic NYC topics: Pizza or Bagel, Subway or walking, Favoirte park in the city.   But above all else; Rebeka Getty is a New Yorker.   Kelly Kopp's Social Media: @NewYorkCityKopp   Rebeka Getty's Social Media: NYC_ForFree

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Jonathan Mahler! He is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, his sports journalism has been featured in the book “The Best American Sports Writing”, and he is the  author of two books: “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx is Burning” as well as “The Challenge.” And his third book “The Gods of New York” is available now wherever you buy books! Join them, as Jonathan tells kelly a bit about where he's from, and his profession. Kelly asks about raising kids in New York City, and what age did he think is ok for kids to ride the subway.  Kelly asks Jonathan to give him a background of New York City leading up to the 1980s. Jonathan tells him what it was like to cover the 2016 presidential campaign, and how he was inspired to write this book.  Jonathan tells Kelly about some of the stories that were going on during the second half of the 1980s, and Kelly talks about how he remembers living through a lot of these headlines.  Kelly asks Jonathan what he thinks of the current Mayoral race in New York City. Jae tells a funny story of what floridians think of the race. And Jonathan recounts how he thinks that the events of his book have a direct effect on this current political climate.  Jonathan talks about his research process for the book, what archival he used, and the people he was able to interview. Jae and Kelly talk about how much they love the writing of the book: How personable it is, how funny it is, and how the passion for New York City is dripping off every page.  Kelly asks Jonathan to tell us about the title of the book: "The Gods of New York". Jonathan talks about where the title came from, how much he loves the title, but also why he was apprehensive to call it that. Finally, Kelly asks Jonathan some questions about his writing process, as well as some fun quick New York City questions that every New Yorker has an answer for.    But above all else; Jonathan Mahler is a New Yorker!   Kelly Kopp's Social Media: @NewYorkCityKopp   Jonathan Mahler's Social Media: