In this Episode, Kelly is joined by CEO of American Christmas: Dan Casterella! He has been the leader of the company since 2017 which is responsible for all of the incredible Christmas decorations around midtown that we know and love.

Kelly starts the episode off by asking Dan about how he started working with the company. Dan talks about how he loved decorating houses for Christmas since he was a kid and how he would even cut class in high school in order to decorate houses!

Dan talks about his journey through the company; starting as an installer and working his way up to becoming CEO! He talks about how he runs the company, and what it means to be in a seasonal buisness. Dan talks about how he and his employees deal with the stress of Christmas and what it means for them and their families.

Kelly asks Dan about The Headquarters in Mount Vernon, Westchester. Kelly talks about his visit to the facilities and all of the different iconic fixtures of Christmas in NYC that he got to see. Dan talks about how they let visitors tour the facilities and on the weekends kids take pictures with Santa Clauese. Dan donates all of the proceeds from santa clause to local organizations that help local youth.

Kelly asks Dan about instalations. How long they take, what the planning process is like and where they go around the City. Dan talks about some of the world famous fixtures that they do, such as the one at Saks 5th Ave, Radio City Musica Hall and all over 5th and 6th ave in midtown.

Dan talks a bit about the other work that they do all over the country. He tells us which state has the biggest market for christmas in the country, and what the second biggest city that they decorate is.

Jae asks about some more details regarding the creation process, and Dan talks about the two different ways that they work on projects: Clients come to them with the idea that they have to execute, or their prefered way which is doing all of the creating and designing themselves. He talks about what that process is like too.

Finally, Kelly asks him what his favorite christmas decoration is in New York and Dan surprises us and says that it's one that he doesn't do!

But above all else; Dan Casterella is a New Yorker.

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

American Christmas on Social Media:

@AmericanChristmas

Jae's Social Media:

Studiojae170@gmail.com

• (00:00:00) - The New Yorkers: Dan Castorella
• (00:02:10) - American Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays
• (00:05:24) - How to Win at Your Job
• (00:09:21) - How to Create a Holiday Installation in New York
• (00:14:30) - Santa Claus and the Mount Vernon Christmas
• (00:15:57) - Christmas decorations on display in New York
• (00:17:33) - Tree Lighting in New York
• (00:19:57) - American Christmas Expands
• (00:21:28) - Christmas in America: Dan Lowe
• (00:25:08) - How To Put Up a Christmas Tree!
• (00:28:24) - What is the biggest project that you do?
• (00:29:41) - Favorite Decorations in New York
• (00:31:53) - Do You Design Christmas Decorations?
• (00:34:07) - An Installation With a Proposal
• (00:36:21) - Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Display
• (00:40:34) - The New York City Holiday Decorations
• (00:42:19) - Favorite Subway Line in New York
• (00:44:17) - Christmas in New York

During this busy Holiday Season, the New Yorkers have their plates full. So please sit back and enjoy a great episode from last Thanksgiving!

In this episode, Kelly is joined by John Friia! He is a digital creator, New York City historian and featured on PIX11's New York Living!

Kelly asks John about his New York Story: Where he's from, What kind of content he does, and why he has such a profound interest for New York City History.

Kelly tells us about his time as a balloon handler in the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade. How he got the position, which balloons he got to handle, and he tells the story about the time he almost got to High Five a Rockette!

Kelly and John give tips about where to go to see the parade the best. Where has the best view, how to go so you can leave early, and where the best place to go to the bathroom is.

John tells Kelly about the history of the parade. When it started, the original parade route, how the Central Park Zoo was involved. John also tells us about the lengthy process that the balloons and floats go through before they can make it to the day of the Parade.

Kelly also tells John about the inflation ceremony, where thousands of people from around the world gather to see the balloons inflated. He gives the listeners tips on the best places and times to see this too.

But above all else; John Friia is a New Yorker!

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:
@NewYorkCityKopp

John Friia's Social Media:
@Here_in_NY on Instagram
@hereinnyc on TikTok

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

• (00:00:00) - The New Yorkers Podcast
• (00:02:33) - TikTok Cops: Tell us Your Story
• (00:05:32) - I Surprising Drew Barrymore With a Broadway Playbill
• (00:08:47) - Can You Officiate A Wedding?
• (00:10:39) - New York City Legends on Social Media
• (00:13:06) - Mickey Mouse in the Macy's Parade
• (00:15:17) - Hello Kitty Balloon Impressions
• (00:18:32) - The History of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• (00:22:27) - The New Year's parade balloon deflation
• (00:24:40) - How the Float Is Made
• (00:27:02) - The 2013 Macy's Parade
• (00:30:24) - How to watch the Macy's Parade Grandstand Tickets
• (00:34:20) - How to Watch the Macy's Parade in NYC
• (00:37:10) - Thanksgiving and Christmas: Where to Eat in NYC With Frank Sin
• (00:39:44) - Carol Ann on the Thanksgiving Day Parade
• (00:40:29) - The Best Place To See the Parade
• (00:40:56) - How to Get to the Parade
• (00:41:38) - Where to Sit During the Pride Parade
• (00:43:09) - When Will Restaurants Be Open in Times Square?
• (00:43:51) - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
• (00:44:15) - How Long Does It Take for a Parade Balloon to Be Intox
• (00:46:28) - How to Watch the Macy's Parade
• (00:50:04) - A Thanksgiving Talk With John McCain
• (00:50:34) - John Freya on What It Means To Be A New Yorker
• (00:51:44) - New Yorkers Podcast: Episode 291

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by historian, Justin Southern!

Join them as Justin tells Kelly how he first became a tourguide. He talks about his time teaching English in Italy, responding to an ad to become a tourguide while living in Italy, and how he came to New York.

Kelly asks Justin about imigration before Ellis Island. Justin talks about the different ways that people emmegrated from their home countries before the US created a way, on the federal level, for people to immigrate to the United States.

Justin talks about the creation of Ellis Island and the first ship that landed on the island. He talks about how many immagrants went through Ellis Island during its peak use. Then he talks about how many immigrants were turned away from staying in the US due to sickness, and puts into perspective how small a number that is.

Kelly asks Justin what people did while they were on Ellis Island. Justin tells him how they had different wards of the hospital and the different patients they took at each. He tells us about how due to the previlance of disease, children had to be seperated from their families.

He also talks about how nurses and doctors made huge advancements in health during this time period because they were able to study so many patients. Justin also gives somes stories about how nurses befriended their patients and stayed connected even after they made it back to the mainland.

Finaly, Kelly asks Justin about the Hard Hat Tour, Justin tells everyone what they can experience when they take the tour. He also gives some great tips for visiting Ellis Island and the stature of Liberty. He also tells everyone how they can take the hard hat tour.

Kelly also tells everyone about his experience taking the hard hat tour. He talks about what he saw on the tour as well as what it felt like to be in the space that so many immagrants went through.

But above all else; Justin Southern is a New Yorker.

Follow Justin Southern

@Southbysouthern

Follow Kelly Kopp's Social media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Follow Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

• (00:00:00) - New Yorkers: Episode 1
• (00:01:04) - Hard Hats at Ellis Island
• (00:01:39) - I Made A Lady Cry In My First English Teacher Lesson
• (00:04:59) - Telling stories of Ellis Island
• (00:10:49) - How Ellis Island Changed the Immigration Process
• (00:16:28) - Immigrant Customs Agents on the Titanic
• (00:21:33) - Ellis Island: A story of the hospital
• (00:27:34) - Ellis Island: The Stories of the Nurses
• (00:31:22) - How Would an Imm Get to America?
• (00:34:41) - The story of the girl with the boat
• (00:41:34) - The story of Ellis Island
• (00:43:44) - The Ellis Island Hardhat Tour
• (00:45:46) - What It Means to Be a New Yorker
• (00:48:11) - Ellis Island Tours

In this episode, Kelly is joined by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.

Join them as Mark tells Kelly and Jae about how he got his start in politics: His origin as a teacher, in the south Bronx, and how he saw a need in his community and filled it.

Kelly asks Mark about his journey to where he is now. What his early campaigns were like, the first races he ran, and what kept him in it even when he faced hardships.

Mark tells us about the job of the Manhattan Borough President: what his duties are, what he has power over, and what he has used his position to accomplish.

Mark then talks about his journey to become Comptroler of New York City. What that job means, what all it entails and how it exists in relationship to the Mayor.

Finally Mark talks about what he hopes to accomplish as the Comptroler of the city. He talks about affordablity, and financing ways to reach these goals. Mark also talks about how he would work with Zohran Mamdani, if he were to become Mayor of New York, and how their goals align for a more affordable New York.

But above all else; Mark Levine is a New Yorker.

Follow Mark Levine

@MBPMarkLevine

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

• (00:00:00) - The New Yorkers: Mark Levine
• (00:01:23) - Thank You for Your Love of New York
• (00:01:54) - Meet the Teacher of the South Bronx
• (00:03:21) - Teacher talks about her time as a teacher
• (00:04:04) - Phil Levine on Community Development Credit Unite
• (00:09:45) - Democrat on the New York City Council
• (00:10:26) - Democrat on the City Council's Parks Committee
• (00:12:45) - What Are the Responsibilities of the Manhattan Borough President?
• (00:14:50) - Who Is the Comptroller of New York City?
• (00:17:48) - Comptroller says she will fight for New York City's economy
• (00:21:27) - Cuomo on Affordable Housing
• (00:24:26) - Exclusive: Working With Mayor de Blasio as Comptroller
• (00:27:13) - Kelly on Walking Through NYC's Parks
• (00:28:29) - Mark Levine on Being a New Yorker
• (00:29:34) - Mark Levine on the Comptroller's Race
• (00:30:08) - The New Yorkers: Last Train

In this Episode, Kelly is joined by President and Founder Michael Presser!

Join them as Michael tells Kelly and Jae how he fell in love with theater. From a young age, his Aunts took him to see broadway stars as they developed shows in Philidalphia. He talks about how he knew that he wanted to move to New York to be a part of that because of those experiences.

Michael tells The New Yorkers that he is working on a new book! And he talks about the writing process and how it has brought up memories of his journey to where he is now. He also gives some advice to young people who are starting out in their careers.

Kelly asks Michael about Inside Broadway, What the organization does, how it got founded, and what kind of programs it runs. Michael talks about how it started from a simple task that he was asked to help out with. He tells us about the importance of art in young people's lives and how his organization's sole purpose is to be a vehicle for that.

Jae asks Michael about the trade ascpet of theater, and Michael talks about how theater is a vast field of job opportunities for people to go into. He talks about the different skills that are required to put on productions.

Kelly asks Michael about the Cats ticket program. Michael tells the story about how that was the thing that started inside broadway. He talks about how it has changed the lives of hundreds of kids, and how he hopes that it provides a ripple effect in that other kids and families will get to enjoy theater.

The New Yorkers talk about the future of theater: how the industry was affected by covid, how advertising strategies have evolved, how the media plays a part in theater, and how social media has effected the theater landscape.

But above all else; Michael Presser is a New Yorker.

Follow Inside Broadway

@Inside_Broadway

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

Jae's Social Media

@Studiojae170

• (00:00:00) - The New Yorker: Michael Presser
• (00:02:14) - Philip Seymour on Acting
• (00:06:26) - In the Elevator With Kids on Broadway
• (00:08:19) - Inside Broadway: The Shubert Organization's Program for Kids on Broadway
• (00:16:46) - Broadway Kids on the Stage
• (00:19:08) - Broadway Theater Programs in Schools
• (00:25:41) - Inside Broadway
• (00:35:05) - Inside Broadway: The Cat's Ticket Program
• (00:39:28) - How Social Media Affects Broadway
• (00:43:58) - The Future of Broadway
• (00:45:07) - Broadway: For Profit
• (00:45:53) - The importance of art in our society
• (00:50:35) - In the Elevator With Jay Leno
• (00:53:46) - Michael Presser on Being a New Yorker
• (00:55:43) - The New Yorkers Podcast

In this Episode, Kelly is Joined by Open House New York Executive Director Kristin LaBuz!

Join them as Kristin tells us how she became an urban enthusiest, growing up in upstate New York. She talks about going to UPENN and studying Urban Planning. She tells us about some of the work that she's done improving communities on her way to working with Open House New York.

Kelly asks Kristin about Open House New York Weekend. Kristin tells him about all of the different events and activities that are taking place October 17th-19th, 2025.

Kristin tells us how Open House New York got started, and how it was an act of rebellion during a time where things were very closed off.

Kelly tells Kristin how much he loves doing the open house events, getting to see private residences, secret rooftops, and the under guts of the city.

Kristin talks about raising a child in the city. How the world is her child's teacher and how everthing is amazing to a child. She tells a heartwarming story about how kind New Yorkers can be.

Jae asks about the scavenger hunts that Open House New York puts on and Krisitn talks about what go into those and when you can participate.

Kelly asks Kristin some rappid fire questions about her time with Open House New York.

And finally, Kristin asks Kelly what he would want to see opened up.

But above all else; Kristin LaBuz is a New Yorker.

Follow Open House New York

@OpenHouseNewYork

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

• (00:00:00) - Meet The New Yorkers
• (00:02:44) - Open House New York Weekend
• (00:05:05) - Open House New York: Kristen and the
• (00:07:07) - Urban Planner Richard Hayden on the High Line
• (00:10:34) - Workers bring nature to New York's
• (00:13:14) - Exploring the City of New York: Open House NYC
• (00:16:32) - Open House: The Story of
• (00:18:08) - Open House New York: Unsung Heroes
• (00:22:02) - What Parents Wish They Knew About New York
• (00:24:38) - Questions for Parents of Children in New York
• (00:26:09) - What Makes New York So Great?
• (00:27:33) - Planning your Open House New York Weekend
• (00:31:49) - Open House New York Weekend
• (00:32:30) - DEP Open House New York
• (00:32:53) - Open House New York 2017
• (00:33:44) - Open House NY: The Impact
• (00:34:43) - Exploring Open House New York
• (00:35:55) - Open House New York: A Personal Story
• (00:37:35) - What Changed the Way You See NYC?
• (00:38:36) - What Makes You Fall In Love With New York?
• (00:39:18) - Open House New York's Scavenger Hunts
• (00:41:21) - Charlie Pellet
• (00:43:16) - Exploring New York City's Underground
• (00:44:38) - What Is It About New Yorkers?
• (00:46:26) - The New Yorkers: Open House New Yorkers

In this Episode: Kelly is joined by Civic Leader, Madelyn Wils! She was on the Tribeca Community Board, Head of the Hudson River Park Trust, and is now overseeing the 400 Million Dollar Overhaul of 5th ave.

From Kelly asking where Madelyn was from, they learn that they lived on the same block in washington Heights!

Madelyn tells Kelly about her time in Television: Working in advertisment sales to selling tv shows, to eventually running her own company and Producing her own shows. Madelyn also tells kelly about the discrimination that she faced and the sexism that was pervasive in the industry.

Kelly asks Madelyn about working with Charlie Rose and Larry King. Madelyn tells some funny stories about working behind the scenes on their shows.

Madelyn then tells us about how she got into becoming a civic leader. How she joined the community board, and how she was able to procure an empty lot owned by the city for the nearby school's playground.

Living in Tribeca in the late 90s and early 2000s, Kelly asks Madelyn about 911. Medelyn recounts her experience on that day, and tells us about how she was able to rally together her fellow community leaders to help everyone in need.

Madelyn tells us about her experience with standing up to Rudy Giuliani in the wake of the attacks and how she advocated for her community and brought them the help they deserved.

She then talks about how the next administration had been following her work and decided to hire her to work on developing the city. Madelyn talks about how she was able to set up the East River Ferry system, Rebuild Coney Island, start work on the east river park and settle a turf war at Essex Square.

Kelly then asks Madelyn about her new project. And Madelyn tells him about how she planned to retire after covid, but decided that she really loved working on the city. So when she got called to work on a project to rebuild 5th avenue; She couldn't say no.

Madelyn talks about the project and their plans for 5th avenue: Widening the sidewalks, adding more greenery and creating outdoor cafe space. She talks about wanting to create a beautiful scene that people want to spend time in.

But above all else; Madelyn Wils is a New Yorker.

Kelly's Social Media

@NewYorkCityKopp

For updates on the 5th ave project, Follow

@Fifthavenue

on instagram

• (00:00:00) - New Yorkers: Episode 1
• (00:01:20) - In the Elevator With Madeline Wills
• (00:02:22) - Tamela Mann on Sexual Harassment
• (00:06:53) - In the Elevator With Hillary Clinton
• (00:07:15) - Jane Fonda on Working With Larry King and Charlie Rose
• (00:12:25) - Tribeca's metamorphosis
• (00:18:00) - "You're inspiring me to get out and do something!"
• (00:18:32) - Mandela on 9/11
• (00:24:53) - Tom Brokaw on 911
• (00:29:57) - Clinton on his time at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
• (00:35:52) - Fifth Avenue in New York
• (00:45:27) - Pedestrian lanes on Fifth Avenue
• (00:51:20) - The Old Spaghetti Street
• (00:53:17) - In the Elevator With Mayor Bloomberg
• (00:54:16) - Madeline on Building New York City Dance Schools
• (00:55:51) - The New Yorkers Podcast: Madeline Wills

In this episode, Kelly is joined by the founder of "NYC for Free", Rebeka Getty to discuss all of the free things that New York has to offer.

Kelly asks Rebeka how she got started on her content journey: What her origin story was, the challenges of getting a page going during covid, and how she finds the events she posts about.

Rebeka tells kelly about her favorite free events in the city, from shakesphere in the park, to gorgeous city views, to sponsored pop up events!

Rebeka talks about all of the free concerts that happen in the city. She remembers the time she saw Ed Sheeran perform live on the streets of SoHo, and tells everyone how she found out early about the Jonas Brothers Concert on the Ferry. Kelly tells her about the time that he saw Jimmy Fallon and Alanis Morissette perform live at a subway station.

Kelly asks Rebeka about content creation: What are some of the challenges she faces, if she works with a team of creators, and how does she deal with the hate that they get from people in the comments.

Finishing the show off, Kelly asks Rebeka some rapid fire questions about her opinions on classic NYC topics: Pizza or Bagel, Subway or walking, Favoirte park in the city.

But above all else; Rebeka Getty is a New Yorker.

Kelly Kopp's Social Media:

@NewYorkCityKopp

Rebeka Getty's Social Media:

NYC_ForFree

• (00:00:00) - New Yorkers: The Podcast
• (00:01:04) - Rebeka Getty on NYC for Free
• (00:01:49) - Rebeka's NYC for Free Instagram Story
• (00:03:31) - How Covid Pandemic Affected My Account
• (00:07:13) - Beyond Social Media, Do You Have a Plan for the Weekend?
• (00:08:00) - Do You Know You Are A Leo?
• (00:09:47) - Free NYC Experience You Didn't Know About
• (00:11:29) - Ed Sheeran Performs Unplanned Free Event
• (00:12:53) - Jay Goes Bonkers At The Jonas Brothers Concert
• (00:16:23) - "It's All Meant to Be..." In New York City
• (00:17:21) - How Do You Find New York City's Best Events?
• (00:18:16) - Have Free Events In NYC Popped Up?
• (00:19:37) - Free Things to Do in NYC
• (00:21:40) - Which Season Is the Best for Free Activities in NYC?
• (00:22:57) - The New Yorkers' Love of NYC
• (00:25:09) - hidden gem: community gardens in East Village
• (00:28:01) - NYC is a very expensive city, but so many free things
• (00:31:52) - How To Get Your Husband to Attend an Event
• (00:32:34) - How to Run NYC For Free
• (00:35:12) - Rebeka Getty on Working With New York City Institutions
• (00:36:18) - Subway Q&A
• (00:38:29) - Favorite NYC Neighborhoods
• (00:40:03) - What It Means to Be a New Yorker
• (00:40:59) - The New Yorkers Podcast: Episode 291