WGRL NYC

WGRL went to the birds literally when we had a visit last Spring with one of the most inspiring guests we have had the pleasure to host – Zacchaeus the Merlin Falcon! Zacchaeus arrived at the studio with his equally inspiring human, migratory bird specialist Jo Santiago. After a program educating our girls and the community about birds of prey and introducing us to a few more of her feathered friend including an American Bald Eagle, Zaccheaus and Jo came up to the WGRL HQ for an intimate heartfelt chat. Take a listen to hear how a New York City girl followed her dreams and passions and now lives a life beyond her wildest dreams. Inspiring listening for all ages and Zacchaeus even gets a word or two in! Special shout out to the U.S. Forest Service and the Wings Across the Americas program for making this phenomenal visit possible!

We were very lucky to take a break with the “Rockstar of Meditation” Donna D’Cruz who came by our studio and got us in touch with some much needed inner peace! The mediation expert and celebrity DJ took us through a short guided meditation and shared some insights about her path using music and mediation to heal and de-stress. Donna has also taken time out of her busy schedule to conduct mediations for our Girls Club Community and we are so proud to have her was part of the Girls Club family! Take a listen and “Dip Into Bliss” with us!  

We were tickled to have actress/writer/comedian Michelle Buteau at the WGRL studios recently. Born in New Jersey to Caribbean parents,  Michelle brings a cheeky swagger, unique perspective and big personality to stage and screen. As Michelle herself says “Put on a onesie and get ready to have some funsie” by tuning into this intimate interview with a very funny lady!

Get on the Bus! January 21st we did just that – taking a group of 50 young women, Moms and supporters to the historic Women’s March on Washington D.C.!!! Take a listen to our WGRL girl-powered podcast coverage below and get an idea of what it was like to join close to a million people coming together in solidarity for peace, justice and human rights. It was a truly empowering moment and inspired us to commit ourselves to the work of making this world a place where all people especially young women and girls feel valued, welcome and safe!

We had a blast with double platinum musician Angelica Rahe when she swung by our WGRL studios! From playing flamenco in the alleyways of Spain as a young child to showcasing her roots in a Pop-driven, "Spanglish" representation of her "hybrid-child" experience Angelica's music is truly soulful and inspiring! We had a chat with Angelica about her career and inspirations and she even played not one but TWO fabulous numbers for us. Check out the interview about and don't forget to grab her latest release Pa'lante!

Nicole’s love for music and community led her from a successful career as a promoter to becoming one of the most highly respected DJ and Music Producers in techno and house music today. An international figure, Nicole is also credited for being among the first to bring electronic dance music to Beirut, Lebanon. Nicole took time out from her busy touring schedule to sit down with our WGRL journalists led by Jeannie Hopper of Liquid Sound Lounge and WBAI fame.

We were thrilled to have the influential Editor-in- Chief of Glamour magazine, Cindi Leive, take time out from her hectic schedule to drop by our studios for an interview in the famous WGRL airstream! Cindi shared her outlook and personal history in this intimate chat and reinforced how important it is for women to support each other. We were so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to speak with one of the most innovative and forward thinking women in the publishing business today. We hope you enjoy the interview! Thanks Glamour magazine for your continued support of our programs!

With so many great projects happening at the Girls Club, our investigative reporters never have to travel far for a story! Check out our latest podcast where we visited our Couture Department to get the background story on actress and comedian Amy Sedaris’s new project with the Girls Club: “Mellow Kitty”, featuring fun catnip toys designed by Amy and handmade by our girls! If you don’t have a cat, you can opt for a lavender sachet to soothe your senses and support the Girls Club.   Thanks Amy, we had a great time with you! To purchase this product and support the Girl’s Club please visit La Tiendita at Essex Market. Located at 120 Essex Street, New York City (open Tuesday – Saturday from 12-6pm). For special orders please contact Riki@girlsclub.org. 

Girls Club friend and supporter Mara Hoffman stopped by our WGRL studio for an inspiring chat about her career and the art of fashion. We had a blast and hope she will be back soon with more fashion biz news!

At a time when police and community relations are at an all time low, our WGRL reporters took the opportunity to reach out and speak to two retired members of the police force, Karen Carlo and Joey Morelli, in the hopes that better communication and understanding of one another's worlds can foster healthier communities. Please take a listen to these fascinating glimpses into the lives of two very dedicated officers as they paint a vivid picture of the struggles and rewards that come with a life dedicated to law enforcement.

We chatted with Loisaida legend, musicologist, and resident dandy Pepe Flores about two forms of traditional Puerto Rican music: Bomba and Plena. It's always a great pleasure to stumble upon Pepe in the neighborhood. If you're not lucky enough to spend time with him in person (he travels quite extensively as an extension of his dance and musical interests) take a listen to our podcast and read to learn more about this fascinating scholar of Latin dance and music.

This March, WGRL was thrilled to have an audience with some of the women who literally run New York City – City Council Members Laurie A. Cumbo, Helen Rosenthal, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito! WGRL attended the New York City Council Women’s Caucus event, the Third Annual Women’s Herstory Month celebration, recognizing women in uniform. The Council Members spoke with our young reporters about what inspires them, obstacles they encountered on their journey and why women’s voices are so important in politics. Thanks to the Women’s Caucus for the leadership they exemplify – we hope you enjoy the podcast and are as inspired by these women as we are!

We were so honored that Councilwoman Margaret Chin took some time out of her busy schedule to visit the Sound Studio at Girl's Club and explain her history as an immigrant, her job in politics and her inspiration to serve as the District 1 representative. She even took our suggestions after the interview on how to improve our schools! We hope you enjoy this intimate interview with an inspiring woman!