Don McLeod, historian

My brother introduced me to Gillian, and she kindly let her place to me while I was in the city between September and November 2023. She also introduced me to her bookclub, her neighbours and friends – some of who also feature on this podcast. It is only fitting that she is the culmination of my podcast series. There won’t be any more episodes unless I return to the city one day. So here she is: audience -  please meet Gillian.

Oysters and volunteering aren't necessarily two things I would have put together. Until Ann explained it to me. We originally met through the book club I was invoted to join. We later found out that we both liked volunteering. Her contribution is quite unusual, and one of the best things you can do for New York, I thought.

I lived right next door to Don when I was in NYC in 2023 and yet I didn’t get to interview him until shortly before I left. In a way, it made me appreciate even more what he told me. As we were standing on the 14th floor of our building, looking across the East River, he told me about the history of the neighbourhood and revealed the most interesting street in the Lower East Side. I had been down that street many times before but went again on the day before I left to have a proper look.  

I met Rowena only once while I was in New York City – but she inspired me to hop on a train and explore the countryside around it. It felt very local doing this. Rowena has spotted a market for New Yorkers, particularly families, who want to explore the city and beyond but simply haven’t got time for the logistics of it. Rowena is another example of the can-do New York entrepreneurial spirit that I came across on so many occasions. She has now launched her website, go and check it out if you’re in New York: meaningfulexp.com.

To me, Mya epitomizes the New York spirit: artistic, full of ideas, entrepreneurial and curious - and a lovely person to boot. Doubtless, you'll want to see her art after you listend to this episode. Here's her instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mya2kewl/

Amy wasn't born in New York but from what I gathered, she's a true New Yorker. She epitomizes what I think makes this city so special.

I stumbled into Sheila's class at the 14th street Y more or less by accident. After a couple of weeks it slowly dawned on my that she was far more famous than she let on. I loved her sense of humour and her exquisite way of  making us move like professional dancers. Well, almost.

Shortly after I arrived in NYC, I joined the 14th Street Y, which turned out to be a very good move. And I was lucky to snatch the last spot on Kirin’s Tuesday pickle ball beginners class. All I knew about pickle ball at that point was that the Americans play it. Kirin turned out to be a great coach and I was delighted to interview her. If you want to learn more about pickle ball, Kirin can be reached on kirinpickle(at)gmail.com.

I met Rob at the Centre for Recovery and Wellness, where we both helped at the food pantry. Rob is grateful to New York City for giving him the chance to reboot. 

Nicole Klokiw is Volunteer Services Associate at the Centre for Recovery and Wellness on the Lower East Side in Manhattan, and this is where we met. She lives in New York because she can’t sleep when it’s quiet.