FAQ NYC

Zohran Mamdani has promised to have 1 percent of the city budget go to the Parks Department — but so did Eric Adams, who never came close to delivering. Three experts and advocates discuss all that and more with host Katie Honan. Plus, Katie and Harry Siegel talk about all the latest developments from another wild week, and with just over a week to go before a new adminsitration takes power.

“In my quest to be more American than Americans, I wanted to know more than American music [and in 1972] I was staying with a great fiddle player and banjo player in North Carolina named Tommy Jarrell and he was puzzled, because a lot of the people who had come from up north to study with him were Jews and Italians — people for whom this was not their continuity. Tommy was a very inquisitive guy and at one point he asked me, ‘Hank, don't your people got none of your own music?’… That sent me scuttling back to Brooklyn to begin the same kind of research that I had done for hillbilly music.” Henry H. Sapoznik, the author of the Tourist’s Guide To Lost Yiddish New York City and a Grammy-nominated musician and producer, sits down with Lit Nyc hosts Harry Siegel and and Amy Sohn for a wide-ranging conversation about assimilation and adaptability, the difference between faux music and folk music, the overlaps between kosher, halal and Chinese foods, and much more. This episode was produced by Amy Sohn and Noah Smith, and engineered by Noah Smith.

The FAQ NYC hosts discuss terror fears here, a slow transition and a marathon listening session for Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, a time capsule for outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, and much more — including a man dressed as a hamburger with some serious small business concerns.

As New Yorkers speculate about their new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, they anticipate how he'll transition from campaign messenger to city leader. Mamdani's pledge to end homeless encampment sweeps faces pushback from state officials. The hosts discuss the implications of his move to Gracie Mansion and reflect on the differences in tone between him and the outgoing administration. They explore key issues like education, transit priorities, and accessibility, all while navigating the tension of a still-developing transition team.

Baruch Herzfeld, Founder and CEO of Pop Wheels, is on a mission to revolutionize battery charging in NYC with shared battery-swap cabinets. He shares how personal experiences with battery fires led him to create a safer solution for delivery workers. The discussion delves into NYC's regulatory challenges and Baruch's clever strategies, including using AI to engage potential partners. He envisions a future where communal batteries power not just bikes but also food carts and more. Baruch’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he connects deeply with NYC’s delivery culture.

A historical miscount reveals that New York's next mayor will actually be the 112th, changing the narrative of mayors in the city. The hosts delve into Julie Menin's victory in the speaker race and how it may shape the new administration. Exciting discussions cover ongoing protests against ICE, a recently deceased deputy chief from 9/11, and tensions surrounding the upcoming FDNY leadership changes. They debate the implications of mayoral counting and explore the dynamics of Mamdani's transition and his partner's potential role at Gracie Mansion.

Crystal Hudson, a Brooklyn City Council member and candidate for New York City Council Speaker, dives into her vision for the city, focusing on affordability, safety, and services for older adults. She shares insights on the importance of the speaker's role in maintaining accountability and working effectively with the mayor. Hudson emphasizes building consensus across diverse communities and her plans for a more responsive city government. She also discusses the complexities of the speaker race and her stance on council pay raises amidst the affordability crisis.

Hosts delve into New York's bustling political landscape, questioning if it's time for generational change in Congress. They analyze the crowded race to replace a veteran politician and debate the merits of age limits for candidates. Discussions shift to Mayor-elect Mamdani's potential challenges and opportunities in governance. Themes of hope versus skepticism emerge, especially regarding housing affordability and community safety. They wrap up with insights into transition staffing risks and a look at upcoming races.

Michael Rohatyn, a filmmaker and son of financier Felix Rohatyn, teams up with documentary filmmaker Peter Yost to explore New York City's precarious fiscal crisis in 1975 through their documentary, Drop Dead City. They discuss Michael's emotional interviews with his father as he faced Alzheimer's, uncover the significance of the Municipal Assistance Corporation, and reveal how archival footage shaped the film's narrative. The duo reflects on civic commitment, the evolving perception of public service, and the lessons this historic crisis imparts for today's policymakers.

The hosts dive into the intense Council Speaker race post-election and the rising tensions around Mayor Mamdani's agenda. Kathy Hochul faces chants of "tax the rich" at Somos, showcasing her political challenges. They also explore early movements for the 2026 Congressional elections, highlighting potential candidates. Discussion turns to the NYPD, community responses to recent events, and the implications of decision-making power within the new administration. As political dynamics shift, the hosts examine how deal-making could define the future leadership landscape.