Sounds like New York
In this episode, Londyn Miller speaks to Peter Beaini, a recent graduate of Columbia University’s Master of Science in Marketing Science program. Peter is an international student and engineer. Though, he almost didn’t get into Columbia. He talks about his journey getting accepted and what it was like witnessing violent protests in Lebanon.
In this episode, Alice Harrison profiles David Graves, New York City’s original rooftop beekeeper. Nearly 30 years after creating his first urban hive, Graves remains dedicated to his craft, adapting to both personal hardships and the pressures of a changing climate.
In this episode, Alice Harrison heads to East Harlem on Election Day with a group of volunteers from Jews For Racial & Economic Justice. The group of “Jews for Zohran” catches voters before they cast their ballots at the polls, doing one final push for Democratic mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani.
In this episode, Olivia Morrison talks to Theodore Bouloukos, a working actor in New York City with three decades of experience. He’s starring in a new play, Nepo Baby, and shares what this new project means to him.
In this episode, Baiz Hoen talks to Lady Di Mega Diva. She’s a 26 year old aspiring pop star living in New York City. And she’s just released the song Mrs. Soprano, both a single and a new music video. It’s the first in what she hopes to be a long line of projects: revisionist…
In this episode, Max Rykov interviews Brooklyn-based artist Noreen Sumpter about how a chance encounter led her from painting privately to opening a pop-up gallery on Myrtle Avenue. She reflects on what it’s been like to suddenly share deeply personal work with the public.
I profile Gabriel Tavarez, a 20-year-old BMCC student balancing 4 jobs as a Judge’s Aide, Gelato Scooper, HVAC Assistant, and a Bartender to support this nearly fully funded education and his mentally ill mother. I detail him and how New York City is becoming increasingly more unaffordable for people like him. By David Cheung
I stayed at a polling station during the 2025 Mayoral Election between Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Silwa, where I reported on what happens before, during, and after 9 PM deadline. I detail the atmosphere an hour or so before they close when late voters walk in, during their closing procedures, and when the…
In this episode, Max Rykov travels across New York City on election night and ends up outside Nowadays in Ridgewood, where crowds celebrate Zohran Mamdani becoming the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
In this episode, Laïny Jernidier interviews New York Senator Roxanne Persaud, who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during the presidential campaign, to discuss her reflections the morning after Harris’s loss.
In this episode of Onomatopoeia, Hope Talbot interviews Zach Purtzer, an artist living in Williamsburg. Commonly dismissed as just yet another starving artist, there’s more to Purtzer than just a Brooklyn stereotype.
In this episode, Hope Talbot revisits the MoMA Sculpture Garden, her late mother’s favorite spot. Grieving her mother’s death, and coming to New York in the immediate aftermath, Hope explores how she got here.
Paul Maniaci faces his fear of heights in riding the Roosevelt Island Tramway high above New York City.
Every year, as autumn comes to an end and the Christmas season draws near, Ann pulls a box down from her closet. Inside it are wigs and hats, white fur, jingles and green and red clothes. When she puts it on, she becomes Mrs. Claus. Santa Claus’s wife. But even though Christmas is a joyful…
In this episode, Leilani Combs speaks with River Glassberg, a 25 year old actor, poet and now… clown. Listen along as we enjoy their first clown performance as a part of Coney Island USA’s inaugural class of the new Clown Skool. We talk about how the clowning community has played a role in their queer…
In this episode, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism Masters student Leilani Combs navigates identity, aging and New York City.
On a mission to inspire and create a better world—starting now—this theater’s work is encouraging children and audiences alike to take action and be part of a movement shaping a brighter future.
In this episode, Laïny Jernidier takes you inside her first BDSM and kink workshop, held in the heart of Chinatown. From flogging to spanking, this experience marks the beginning of a three-month deep dive into an underground culture and community that she is exploring for her master’s thesis long-form story.
Malene decides to eat meat for the first time in over a year. As she stands with the burger in her hand, it doesn’t take long before she starts to doubt her decision.
In this episode, Liza Monasebian meets a pediatric hospice nurse practitioner and volunteer who have found moments of joy in one of life’s most challenging professions.
Long time dancer Mary Six Rupert has made it her life’s mission to help those with mobility challenges get to tap dance.
This episode is about the first time I, Jace Zhang, was riding on a horse back. I’m a big fan of the game “Red Dead Redemption” and always eager to get myself closer the world of the Wild West. The horse indeed in some way brought me into that world.
Cory Ng, a restaurant owner born and raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown. While with more residents moving out the community, he decided to come back and bring his energy back to his loving community.
On this episode of Onomatopoeia, Tabius McCoy steps out of his comfort zone. As a liberal from a historically liberal city, Tabius McCoy made the decision to visit a bar on the South Shore of Staten Island that was deemed rather conservative based on various online reviews. Tune in to see how his experience goes.
NBC Pages are anxious of graduating from the program, as layoffs and budget cuts continue to grow in the media industry.
This episode of Onomatopoeia features Dr. Yoko Katagriri, a longtime professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Dr. Katagiri talks about her courageous battle with cancer and how fashion and teaching have helped her inspire and encourage other people who are also fighting cancer like herself.
How can someone feel close to their cultural roots when they don’t speak their native language? A music lover, buys a solo ticket to see a jazz show for the first time at The Red Pavilion in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
In this episode, Juliana Giacone meets Coppy Holzman — the co-founder of Boris and Horton. Coppy shares how he and his daughter built a successful dog-friendly cafe business in New York City.
This episode is about henna artist and singer-songwriter, Saharah, and her motivations as a creative.
A poignant exploration of Yiru Chen’s experiences as a deaf educator, feminist, and survivor of cyberstalking. Navigating the challenges of disability and advocacy, Yiru’s story unfolds in the vibrant backdrop of New York’s unique feminist stand-up scene, where humor becomes a tool for empowerment and resilience. Join us on this episode and witness how Yiru…
In this episode, Jasmin Matthews speaks to Michela Muserra – an artist, curator, and founder of the mural festival, Bed-Stuy Walls.
Kira takes a journey to a Russian supermarket to feed a craving for her grandmother’s cooking.
How a liquor store in Washington Heights came to be.
Rediscover the essence of table tennis in ‘Echoes of the Game.’ Join Charlotte Zhao as she returns to the court after a decade, blending the sounds of competition with personal reflection. This story is more than a game; it’s a journey through memories and the joy of playing for the sake of play.
In this episode, Jasmin Matthews brings us along for a seemingly simple activity: riding a bike.
How do you grieve someone that is still with you? Meet Kira Birney—painter, doula and daughter as she prepares for her mother’s passing.
Meet Sahasra Sambamoorthi, a dancer and performer who runs an Indian classical dance studio in the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown.
Maria Olloqui speaks to a chocolate connoisseur and takes a trip to her factory in Brooklyn.
In this episode, Maria Olloqui dances out of her comfort zone in none other than a Cuban salsa class.
In this episode, Ryan Kilkenny speaks to actress and financial coach Jacqueline Keeley on the heels of making her directorial debut.
Summer Xia took the train to Sunset Park on a Saturday to try to talk to Chinese seniors for a story she was working on. However, when she arrived, she found something unexpectedly beautiful and unique and realized that fast-pace life might also need a break.
Aviva Zablocki explores how one woman’s pursuit of change altered the private school landscape in her local community.
In this episode, Churchill Ndonwie attends a dinner where friendship is the main course on the menu
In this episode, Churchill Ndonwie visits the ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center and explores its history
In this episode, Elissa Castles talks with Djhn Williams, a sanitation worker at Bryant Park who is more famously known as “The Birdman”
In this episode, follow Yuchen Li to the world of mahjong. Listen to the secret behind the tiles told by Gregg Swain, a mahjong author, collector – and, most importantly – a player.
Patrick Hagan talks to an actor with an unexpected side gig.
Thomas Copeland travels to Queens with the host of an unusual podcast.
Tamia Fowlkes speaks with Phantom of the Opera’s history-making leading lady, Emilie Kouatchou about being the first Black actress to take on the role on Broadway.
In this episode, Ryan Kilkenny visits Roosevelt Island for the first time to see the ruins of a virus…and a cat sanctuary.
In this episode, Yanan Sun introduces us to Emma Ma, an esthetician who works, studies, and lives to realize her dream as an immigrant from China.
In this episode, Chioma Nwana introduces us to James “Doogz” McDonald, talent manager and founder of Bask, a community-oriented studio and creative agency. An evening walk through James’ old neighborhood in the Lower East Side reminds him that he was always destined for a career in community development.
In this episode, Chioma Nwana meets up with her brother at a Super Smash Bros Brawl tournament in Brooklyn, but she learns much more than just how to play video games.
In this episode, a short visit to Columbus park. Listen to how Yuchen Li, a native Chinese, spends 10 minutes plucking up the courage before stepping into his home community.
Sanjana Bhambhani introduces us to New York-based dancer, pianist and attorney Justin Lynch and his journey to becoming a triple threat.
Patrick Hagan takes on the most infamous hike in the Hudson Valley to see what he can learn from it.
Anahita Sachdev, a self professed metal-phobe visits Duff’s, a heavy metal bar in Brooklyn. She thinks she will be out of there in no time. But the night is not what she expected.
In this episode, Yanan Sun takes us to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights. For a nonreligious, this visit to the biggest cathedral in New York City is special.
At sunrise on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, Thomas Copeland visits Little Island. But the empty park makes him think about something else.
Sophia Romero was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 years old. Now 32, she is learning to process the emotional toll the disease took on her.
Sunni Bean visits the Old Broadway Synagogue for Shabbat. Growing up, her family celebrated every Friday. But for this orthodox congregation, she’s still probably not considered jewish.
Rosemarie Miller tours a Cat Cafe for the first time. The thing is, she’s a germaphobe…let’s see how this goes.
Hanna Tamrat attends a prayer service and bible study evening offered in Spanish, which she doesn’t speak or understand, at Meeting With God Church. She attempts to blend in with the congregation of the Pentecostal church, although she grew up in and frequents the Ethiopian Christian Orthodox Church.
Shannon gains a new perspective – literally – during a circus silks class at Aerial Arts NYC. With the help of her instructor, Lisa, Shannon will get out of her head and into the air.
In this episode, Shannon introduces us to Kayla Rodriguez, otherwise known as Quelokay, aka the stone(r) queen of Union Square Park. Kayla used the pandemic as an opportunity for artistic reinvention and began making custom jewelry that is an extension of her spiritual beliefs.
Devon DiComo introduces us to Jacob, also known as Boxa Crayonz. Jacob is a preschool teacher for his day job – but outside of school hours, he performs as a drag queen in New York City. In this episode, Jacob will talk about how drag became a safe space for him to learn more about…
Sarah Thomas Oxtoby visits the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which connects lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. Born and raised in Los Angeles, walking anywhere was unfamiliar to her before moving to the Big Apple for grad school. Sarah travels outside of her comfort zone as she walks the Brooklyn Bridge, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and back.
Lucy Grindon takes us along on her first visit to Henrietta Hudson, the oldest lesbian bar in the city. She makes a few new friends, but it turns out that flirting on a dance floor is just as hard here as it is anywhere else.
Hanna Tamrat introduces us to Amanda Humes, a jazz tour guide and a rising vocalist. Deeply immersed in the Harlem community that she cares for, it was a long time coming for Amanda to have her first gig. She epitomizes the love and support that exists within the Harlem jazz community.
Other music credit: Amanda Humes, vocals; Paul Odeh, piano; Nathan Garrett, bass; Will Terrill, drums and Mike Young, trumpet.
Lucy Grindon introduces us to Alex Barylski, who plays the piano at Marie’s Crisis Café, a showtunes-only singalong piano bar. Regulars call him Alex B., or Alex B-Side; he likes to play the unexpected songs. Actually, “unexpected” is kind of his whole thing. Before he started playing at Marie’s, he worked in the Russian art…
Devon DiComo gets out her dancing shoes and goes to a silent disco dance practice. Here, Devon will have to get past her discomfort with dancing in public – while in the middle of Prospect Park.
Hanna Darroll introduces us to Chanese Elifé, a queer vocalist and musician based in Washington Heights who can play over 50 instruments. Despite others pressuring Chanese to change her musical style and even her sexuality, she has remained true to herself.
Sunni Bean brings us to midtown Manhattan to Jacob Agai’s 68th floor apartment. Jacob believes in the power of the mind. He uses it.
Sarah Thomas Oxtoby takes us to Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and introduces us to Adrian Van der Plas, of the Van der Plas Gallery. He provides a space for street artists to exhibit their work. Artist Jason McLean talks to us about his exhibit, “As Seen on TV,” street art, and graffiti.
Elizabeth Erb introduces us to Melissa Brice. The weekly trivia host at Ryan’s Daughter, a bar on the Upper East Side. In Melissa’s six years of hosting, she has written over 10,000 questions. Some of them are so tricky, they’ve even stumped former Jeopardy champions.
Anastasia Johnson gets to know Germaine Goodson, a Broadway tap master, performer and teacher. Germaine’s passion is infectious and her stories are too. Meet her kind and resilient spirit.
David Newtown hates working out, especially where others can see him. But after a year of being forced to stay inside, he decides to challenge himself and signs up for Yoga in the Park.
Jackson Ellison spends time getting to know Aaron Harding, a former business owner, who took to the streets during the pandemic to help keep people safe.
Rebekah Robinson grabs some soup and dumplings at a Russian restaurant in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. She works up the courage to practice her Russian while enjoying some tasty treats.
Mariana Castro introduces us to Logan Riman, a 17 year-old pianist from Brooklyn. Logan made headlines as a piano prodigy when he was only 14 years old for having played with Billy Joel. More impressively, Logan happens to be blind, and music is his way of communicating.
Mariana Castro spent an afternoon in a bath house in Williamsburg. Her personal insecurity was the reason preventing her from going to places like that in the first place – so she had to face that there, alone.
Marta Campabadal Graus introduces us to Michael Walrond Junior, also known as Pastor Mike. He is the man behind the pulpit at the First Corinthian Baptist Church and spiritual leader of his community, Harlem. Even outgoing NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is a fan.
Marta Campabadal Graus spends a morning at Caffe Reggio, one of the oldest cafes in New York City. It’s a place that makes her feel like she is home in Barcelona, but where Marta will have to overcome some insecurities.
Elizabeth Erb spends the afternoon on the Circle Line, a 90 minute boat ride to see the highlights of Manhattan. The first time she has done something “touristy” since COVID hit. However, the pandemic constantly looms as she sails with a throng of strangers.
Rebekah Robinson introduces us to Amber Janelle Brown. She works as a dancer, model, and sommelier in and around the New York City area. She tells you what her hustle is all about and what drives her to navigate her packed weekly schedule.
Anastasia Johnson gets a reading from a New York City psychic. The question is what, or who, will come through?
David Newtown sits down with Dr. Nori Rost, the new leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. She discusses the steps that brought her to NYC, and she teaches David how to live a queer and ethical life.
Onomatopoeia is when something’s named after the sound it makes. What is the sound of New York City? That’s what we’re going to find out. In each episode of Onomatopoeia, we’ll take you to the places and introduce you to the people that sound like New York.
Sixteen reporters, one noisy city. Coming soon, wherever you get your podcasts.
onomatopoeia.podcasts.library.columbia.edu