Delve into the challenges of navigating health insurance denial claims in New York, with tips on appealing decisions and understanding your rights. Transitioning to holiday traditions, explore the evolution of Christmas shopping from a meaningful celebration to a consumer holiday influenced by cultural shifts. Finally, celebrate the creativity of photography as winners of a contest share their stunning images and the stories behind them, highlighting the emotional resonance captured in everyday moments.

Listeners submitted over 700 stunning photos, showcasing creativity and skill. A special guest judge explored the emotional impact of the winning images. The discussion dives into a powerful black and white shot, 'Weight of the World,' presenting its artistic significance. Highlights include insights into the deeper stories captured in everyday moments and the beauty found in common scenes. The podcast also looks ahead to the upcoming Photoville festival, inviting photographers to participate in celebrating visual storytelling.

Damian Woetzel, President of The Juilliard School, is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and affordability in performing arts education. He discusses innovative programs aimed at underrepresented students and the importance of inclusivity in music, dance, and drama. The transformative partnership with Washington Heights Inwood Charter Music School showcases the positive impact of music education on community engagement and academic success. Woetzel emphasizes the need for a balance between tradition and innovation to nurture diverse artistic talent.

Tracey Tully, a New York Times reporter known for her investigative work on New Jersey, discusses a significant drop in traffic stops by state troopers and the alarming rise in accidents that followed. She highlights the connection between these changes and a new union directive aimed at more equitable enforcement. Tully also delves into a tragic truck accident that underscores enforcement disparities and explores emotional experiences tied to traffic encounters, illustrating broader issues of community trust in law enforcement.

Katie Fallow, Deputy Litigation Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, discusses critical legal aspects of President Trump's defamation lawsuits against media outlets like ABC. She explores the implications these actions have on journalism and democracy. Fallow explains the chilling effects of such litigation on free speech, referencing landmark cases like New York Times v. Sullivan. The conversation also touches on how powerful figures may misuse legal strategies to silence dissent, raising concerns over media integrity and political discourse.

David Brand, housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, rounds up the latest housing-related news, including that a real estate group has sued over the new law banning broker fees, disputes over landlords not returning security deposits and more.

The federal government is headed for a shutdown after President-elect Trump and Elon Musk appear to have scuttled a funding deal. Kadia Goba, politics reporter for Semafor, reports on what's going on, and whether there might be a solution to prevent the shutdown.   

Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator (D NY), talks about her work in Washington, including her push for President Biden to add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, President-elect Trump's nominations, drones and more.

Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president of Health Initiatives at the Community Service Society and co-founder of the Health Care for All New York Campaign, discusses the issue of health insurance claim denials and offers advice to New Yorkers for navigating today's health care system. 

The holiday season can be a hard time of year for people who are grieving over friends and family members who have died. Listeners call in to offer personal tributes to their loved ones they lost this year.