Curb Enthusiasm

Emily Weidenhof and co-host Ryan Lynch sit down with New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. The trio discuss his career in public service, immigrating to the United States at 18 years of age, his proudest accomplishments as DOT commissioner, and advice for the incoming Mamdani Administration. 

Emily Weidenhof and co-host Burkina Morgan welcome esteemed sociologist, professor, and award-winning author Eric Klinenberg to the podcast to discuss what social infrastructure is and why it is vital to building strong and resilient cities. The trio talks about how everyday community staples like parks, public plazas, and even the subway can shape the connections we make with others.

Paul Schwartz, Deputy Commissioner of Bridges at the NYC Department of Transportation, joins the podcast to discuss the history behind New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and what it takes to oversee and maintain it along with over 800 other bridges across the five boroughs. 

Emily Weidenhof is joined by co-host David Breen, director of strategic initiatives at NYC DOT, for a conversation with Andy Wiley-Schwartz about his work leading the pedestrianization of Times Square, shaping the landscape of Manhattan, and how NYC DOT is continuing to reimagine the Broadway corridor. Andy is a manager consultant for Bloomberg Associates and former assistant commissioner for public space at NYC DOT.

Emily Weidenhof and co-host Rochelle Brahalla, director of transit strategy at NYC DOT, welcome Nashville Department of Transportation Director Diana Alarcon to the podcast. The conversation focuses on the Choose How You Move referendum, which raised sales tax 0.5% to fund enhanced public transportation, sidewalk expansions, upgraded traffic signals, and safety projects in Nashville, Tennessee.