

You Decide with Errol Louis
Spectrum News NY1
NY1's Errol Louis has been interviewing powerful politicians and cultural icons for years, but it's when the TV cameras are turned off that things really get interesting. From career highlights, to personal moments, to stories that have never been told, join Errol each week for intimate conversations with the people who are shaping the future of New York and beyond. Listen to "You Decide with Errol Louis" every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 16, 2025 • 25min
Exclusive interview: Andrew Cuomo blames himself for losing to Mamdani — and then attacks him
After Andrew Cuomo announced he's running for mayor as an independent candidate, the former governor spoke with NY1's Errol Louis about what went wrong with his Democratic primary campaign while also heavily criticizing the man who beat him, Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo also reflected on past initiatives during his tenure as HUD secretary under Bill Clinton, emphasizing the cultural impact of home ownership and the challenges of affordable housing in New York City. He advocated for massive construction efforts, city control of the subways and ways to tackle homelessness.

Jul 10, 2025 • 28min
Joel Berg: How Trump's food stamp cuts could tighten belts in NYC
Recent shifts in national policy and bold local proposals have put hunger relief at a crossroads. President Donald Trump's newly passed bill slashes billions of dollars from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — once known as food stamps. Meanwhile, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is pushing a radically different vision: opening city-funded grocery stores in all five boroughs. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, joined NY1's Errol Louis to break down the implications of these changes. What will Trump's cuts mean for New Yorkers when they go into effect in 2027? Can local proposals like Mamdani's make a dent in hunger in New York City? Berg discussed the policy changes he thinks are needed, from raising wages to building more housing, to address hunger at its root.

Jul 3, 2025 • 26min
Lina Khan: Tech giants under scrutiny
Google's monopoly in online search was recently adjudicated by a federal court. There is also an ongoing FTC case against Meta for anti-competitive behaviors involving Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions. What are the legal and commercial dynamics of these key antitrust cases, and what is the broader impact on the market? Lina Khan is an associate professor of law at Columbia University and a former FTC Chair. She joined Errol Louis to explain the legal principles behind maintaining market competition, historical antitrust cases and potential remedies, including the divestiture of Chrome and business model adjustments. They also discussed the broader implications of monopoly power, Amazon's dominance, privacy concerns and the bipartisan support for antitrust enforcement.

Jun 26, 2025 • 33min
Defying the odds with Zohran Mamdani
Ayana Harry, a political reporter for NY1, joins the discussion on the shocking primary win of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani over Andrew Cuomo. They explore Mamdani's innovative ground game, modern messaging, and the enthusiastic mobilization of younger, immigrant voters. Ayana critiques Cuomo's outdated campaign tactics and limited public engagement as major pitfalls. The duo also reflects on the broader implications for New York City's political landscape and what this means for future elections.

Jun 25, 2025 • 19min
BONUS EPISODE: Mamdani stuns New York City with primary day upset
Political history was made in New York City on June 24, and once NY1's live TV coverage wrapped early Wednesday morning, NY1's Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza broke down the surprise results of the Democratic primary in this special crossover episode of Off Topic/On Politics and You Decide. Queens Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, pulled off an upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an outcome few insiders predicted. The team unpacked how Mamdani's grassroots movement energized young voters and what his win means for the future of the Democratic Party.

Jun 20, 2025 • 36min
BONUS: The slate of contenders: Sorting out New York's political scene with Gerson Borrero
With the June 24 primary almost upon us, could Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani pull off an upset over Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic race for mayor? Could City Comptroller Brad Lander capitalize on his arrest by federal immigration officials and make a last-minute push? Gerson Borrero is a journalist, radio host and political commentator who appears weekly on NY1's "Inside City Hall." He's also the former editor-at-large of City & State and former editor-in-chief of El Diario/La Prensa, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in New York City. He joined Errol to discuss various angles of the primary. Borrero shared his analysis of the slate of candidates, the influence of the Working Families Party, and the potential impact of alliances between candidates.

Jun 19, 2025 • 29min
Bill de Blasio: Lessons from City Hall
When it comes to mayoral primaries, few people know the terrain better than Bill de Blasio. As the 109th mayor of New York City, he served two terms from 2014 to 2021, the last Democratic mayor since Ed Koch to serve two terms in office. De Blasio joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss his thoughts on the 2025 Democratic primary. They also discussed the importance of a clear message and how he looks back on his relationship with the media. Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Jun 11, 2025 • 40min
The race for mayor: Can Adrienne Adams become NYC's first woman mayor?
With the June 24 Democratic primary fast approaching, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams sat down with NY1's Errol Louis to discuss her run for mayor. A late addition to the race, Adams emphasized her leadership style, which she says is based on appointing competent, community-based leaders. The episode marks the eighth and final installment of the "You Decide" mayoral candidate interview series. Adams discussed her views on budgeting, the legislative achievements of a majority-female City Council and innovative approaches to address mental health and public safety. She also shared her personal background, education at Spelman College and insights on the importance of diverse leadership in the city. Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Jun 5, 2025 • 54min
The race for mayor: A look at Zohran Mamdani's grassroots campaign
Zohran Mamdani, a dynamic New York State Assemblyman and mayoral candidate, shares insights from his grassroots campaign focused on affordability and tenant protections. He highlights his personal journey from Uganda to New York, emphasizing the generational shift in leadership. Mamdani discusses his vision for free bus fares, a Department of Community Safety, and a push for universal childcare. He critiques previous administrations while outlining bold strategies to engage voters and mobilize support, showcasing his commitment to progressive policies.

Jun 3, 2025 • 41min
The race for mayor: Trying to jumpstart his campaign, Brad Lander talks housing, growth and leadership
With the June 24th Democratic primary less than a month away, City Comptroller Brad Lander sat down with NY1's Errol Louis to discuss his campaign for mayor. The episode marks the sixth installment of the "You Decide" mayoral candidate interview series. The conversation touched on Lander's background and his various roles in the city government. He outlined his proposals, including ending homelessness, improving the New York City Housing Authority, and guaranteeing childcare and after-school programs. The comptroller also talked about his comprehensive housing plan, which includes the controversial idea of repurposing some city-owned golf courses for housing. Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.


