Discover the best kept secret in Saint Lucia and immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury. East Winds is a breath taking tropical garden by the sea, set on a sandy, secluded storybook beach. Our Caribbean hideaway is the island’s original boutique resort, featuring 30 cottage style suites and an ocean front beach house, tucked away amongst
lush plants, trees, and a kaleidoscope of colourful bird life. East Winds is home to what many consider the island’s finest beach shared only by a small number of like-minded travellers. Guests at East Winds can expect personalized care, exclusive adventures, and an all-inclusive service, as well as the most authentic of Caribbean experiences.
After my own health crisis in January, my co-publisher, Bill Mason, and I took a more honest look at our own health and how we arrived where we are. As we put together this issue, the largest Health and Wellness issue we have ever done featuring some of the best experts in the sector, and after speaking with many of our readers, writers and contributors, we realized how vital a path these topics are to a better tomorrow for all of us. And we want to help our readers.
So, it’s apropos in this issue that we announce, starting with the May edition, we are going to expand our Health & Wellness section go-forward. And we will continue to use these incredible experts and more to help you get through the many challenges our city faces from a health POV. As an example, next month, you will find a story about Dr. Michael Gerling and The Gerling Institute’s non-invasive methodology and science in restoring spine health. As many of you know, I suffered horrific back trauma in an accident in 2003, so this is especially important to me and the millions of others who suffer from spine pain. You will also find more health-oriented foods and recipes in my Great Bites column, and you will continue to see our new columnist, Danny Rizzz who is the most fit man (in body & spirit) that I have ever met. You can read about him in this month’s issue in our profile section and see his column’s debut!
We cannot wait to hear what you think of this incredible issue. And just wait until you see what we have in store for you in our May issue: Prelude to Summer and Mother’s Day!
Stay Real. Keep Rockin’.
Vol. 11 #4 | APRIL 2025
President / Publisher BILL MASON
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief SEAN-PATRICK M. HILLMAN
Art Director SCOTT CUOLLO
Director of Special Projects Adam Kluger Entertainment Jenny Peters
Contributors
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, MD, MS, FACOG
Dr. Alexander Zubkov, PH.D., MD, FAHA
Dr. Austin Chiang, MD, MPH, FASGE
Danielle Gordon, Reni Gertner, Natalie Bickel
Ilyssa Panitz, Sean O’Connor, Kerry Cheeseboro
Jenna Guarneri, Stacey Zable, John Dake
Irvina Lew, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva
Anne Raso, Kylie Edmond
Columnists
Melanie Carden - Curated By Mel
Jon Salas - The Look
Mindie Barnett - The MINDIE Method
Dr. Jennifer Jablow - Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Danny Rizzz – What The Mind Believes, The Body Achieves
Internet Presence
Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group
New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651
Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888
Sales
Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development
Don Fetherman - Director of Travel
For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651
April is an exciting time in our city. As it is right after the start of the spring equinox, we all begin to develop a renewed sense of hope, while reflecting on the trials and tribulations we may have experienced in winter. For my co-publisher, SeanPatrick Hillman, and I this winter presented its own health challenges. But it is with that sense of hope, or renewal, that we have put together our largest Health & Wellness issue ever.
From former ABC Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton to our latest columnist, Danny Rizzz, and even to Sean-Patrick’s Great Bites column with healthy and flavorful recipes curated with FreshDirect, this year we focused on bringing in content from some of the best experts our city has to offer. All to try and help our readers achieve better health outcomes, and a healthier lifestyle.
We were honored to feature one of television’s most talented on our cover this month: award winning actress, Carrie Preston who stars in one of the hottest shows on TV right now, CBS’ ELSBETH! We even have a profile on Irish actor, Eoin Macken, who stars in Netflix’s highly anticipated Ransom Canyon on the 17th of this month. He got his start in acting right here in the Big Apple!
This month we also feature some incredible destinations like Lambertville House in New Jersey and, for international travel, Lisbon. And for those rainy nights, our Entertainment section has plenty of shows and movies for you to binge that rain away with (so long as you are enjoying the snacks in Great Bites’ Snack Bites page!).
This April issue is the most comprehensive we have ever had. And we are so excited for you to enjoy all of the stories we have curated for you!
Wishing you less rain and more flowers as we head into our new May issue next month, A Prelude To Summer!
See you next issue!
-Bill Mason Publisher
THE CHARISMATIC CARRIE PRESTON
STAR OF THE CBS HIT SHOW ELSBETH
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
When you think of iconic TV detectives, the usual suspects come to mind; Columbo, Jessica Fletcher, Magnum, Kojak, Monk, et al. But in the 21st century, especially in 2025, the most well-known character that solves crimes in primetime is Elsbeth Tascioni. Portrayed perfectly by award-winning actress, Carrie Preston, Elsbeth has captured the hearts and minds of TV sleuth lovers everywhere. So, we had to find out more about the talent behind the character. This is Carrie Preston, today’s most charismatic actress.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Carrie in a very relaxed, fun and engaging interview. Now, I must confess, I have been a fan of Carrie’s for a long time. And the same is true of her husband, fellow actor Michael Emerson. So, this interview meant a lot to me. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes or your favorite actors because you will always be disappointed.” That could not be further from the truth when it came to Carrie. She was one of the most honest, compassionate and engaging actresses I have had the pleasure of speaking with in a long time. Her very normal approach to the conversation was not only refreshing, but it was also energizing in the most honest way. And that is exactly who she is as a person; much of that going into the title character of one of the hottest shows on TV right now.
Let’s talk Elsbeth first. Carrie was cast to play Elsbeth Tascioni in the first season of the CBS hit, The Good Wife. But something told the actress, even over 15 years ago when the show’s first season ended, that Elsbeth had a bright, if not unconventional future, “When they offered me the role at the end of Season 1 of The Good Wife, Robert (Robert King) got on the phone with me and said, ‘You know, we’re thinking about this character like a female Columbo.’ And so, he somehow had that planted in the back of his mind that even though she’s a lawyer, there’s something very much like a detective about her.”
After seven seasons, The Good Wife ended in 2016. However, Carrie wasn’t aware that Robert King had another offing in the works that would potentially keep Carrie in pink. She was tapped again a year later to reprise the role of the 21st century female Columbo-esque character in a spin-off series, The Good Fight, the first scripted series on CBS’ new streaming platform, CBS All-Access. Elsbeth Tascioni was on the show for the first two seasons and then returned for the sixth and final.
And, as we all know, in 2024, Carrie Preston reprised her role as the title character in what has become one of CBS’ biggest hits, Elsbeth. At this point, I have to remind our readers that in television history, there is only one actor who has appeared across as many shows with the same character; the late Richard Belzer as Detective John Munch. Detective Munch started on NBC’s Homicide: Life On The Street, then on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order multiple times. The character also had cameo appearances on The X-Files and The Wire. In this pop culture fan’s opinion, that is a feat unto itself for Carrie given how popular Munch was amongst procedural crime drama fans.
I asked Carrie how she felt about the fact that Elsbeth Tascioni has been on television for 13 years across three different series. Of course, her response is what I discovered to be textbook Carrie, very humble and honest, “I think it starts with Robert and Michelle King who are geniuses. They know when to create a certain type of show for the demands of whatever the zeitgeist is in the moment. You know, they were very clever to kind of pepper Elsbeth throughout those two series.
Yes, the creator of a role and a show is vital. It is the genesis of so many legendary television characters. But, when it comes to how a role evolves as a character, how that actor takes it and makes it their own, Carrie Preston’s portrayal of Elsbeth Tascioni is not only one of the most entertaining, but also one of the most memorable in television history. The critics agree. So do the fans. And considering some of the aforementioned icons in the televised sleuth and procedural crime drama spaces, that is a huge, but true statement. And, from listening to and watching Carrie’s expressions during our interview, I can tell you, this incredible woman is as genuine a human as you will ever find. There is literally no thought of anything other than just enjoying life and working hard to deliver a performance she is proud to show her fans and viewers.
When Carrie had mentioned the Outsider Art Fair, that gave me the opportunity to ask about her as a New Yorker, “Has playing Elsbeth given you a new look on life or changed how you look at the city in any way?” Carrie took a second to think about it and instantly her eyes widened as if it was a kid in a candy store, “Elsbeth is very infectious. She’s got this glass half full, glass full, attitude about everything. And there’s a curiosity there. There’s a positivity there, even when there’s obstacles. So, it’s been fun to let that infect me in my life. I look at New York City with fresh eyes since playing her on this regular basis. Cause I’ve lived here for 35 years and you forget, you know, you just forget because it’s, it’s just where, where you live.”
Truer words were never spoken. It is a well-known fact, and I can confirm this as a third generation Manhattan born and bred, that New Yorkers become very jaded, very quickly. But I didn’t sense any of that from Carrie Preston at all. Quite the opposite in fact.
With her undeniable talent, infectious charm, and impressive range, Carrie Preston has carved out a career that is both versatile and enduring. From her early beginnings in the South to her award-winning roles on television, Preston’s journey is one of persistence, passion, and artistic dedication. But also, one steeped in experience. As I asked Carrie if she felt that there is a little of her in Elsbeth Tascioni, she responded, “With any good actor, the character you are playing must come from you. Your experience. Who you are. So yes. I think there is definitely some Elsbeth in me or some of me in Elsbeth.”
So of course, I had to ask Carrie what she felt like being the title character versus a supporting or recurring role. Again, her true persona shone through. Carrie said, “I think if you were to talk to anybody on our crew, they would agree that we have like a real ensemble feeling on our show. There’s not ‘I’m the lead and then there’s everyone else.’ That’s not how I play. That’s not how I ever have and I think it creates an environment where people can do their best work. You could say the same of Christine Baranski, you could say the same of Julianna Margulies. I am following in the footsteps of giants.”
Even when it comes to fan interaction in the real world, Carrie is just such a sweet person who loves hearing peoples’ reactions and still thinks of herself as the character and vice-versa. As an example, my wife Kylie and I, even though we watch the show, had been binge-watching Elsbeth so I could prepare for this interview. So, the night before I reminded her that I was interviewing Carrie Preston the next day. Kylie responded, “Carrie Preston? Oh, that’s right. We were just watching Elsbeth the other night! So fun!” So of course I had to tell Carrie this. She laughed and said, “I was just at the Outsider Art Fair and someone came up to me and said, ‘I just watched you last night. What are you doing here? Why are you here?’ It’s so funny to me because mostly I just sort of go about my day. So that was fun today to think that somebody, you know, was sitting in their living room like your wife and you were watching this character, which feels, you know, it feels like it’s me, but it’s not.”
So given all of the notoriety around Elsbeth, and the amazing amount of roles Carrie has played, I was curious what her favorite role was, “I mean, Elsbeth aside, well, let’s just say that she’s #1 obviously just because it’s so unique. But I really loved this show that I did on TNT called Claws.
It was about five women in a West Florida nail salon who were involved with organized crime. And I was trusted with this wonderful role. On paper, she’s called, you know, she’s an identity thief. But I thought, well, instead of just stealing people’s credit cards, what if she also steals their personalities? And they loved that idea. They gave me creative license to basically become whatever character I wanted to play on any given situation.”
In addition to her acting work, Preston is a talented director and producer. She has directed several independent films, including “That’s What She Said” (2012), a comedy starring the late Anne Heche. Her passion for storytelling extends beyond performing, and she has been a champion for independent filmmaking, using her platform to support emerging voices in the industry. Despite her many achievements, Preston remains down-to-earth and deeply committed to her craft.
Carrie has been married to fellow actor Michael Emerson, best known for his roles in Lost and Person of Interest, since 1998. The couple, both celebrated for their character-driven performances, have shared the screen on multiple occasions (including in Season 2 of Elsbeth), showcasing their undeniable chemistry and mutual admiration for each other’s work.
As someone who spends a lot of time away from his wife as she travels to Australia to be with her family twice a year, I asked Carrie how she and Michael stay so close, despite the distance that often comes with roles in the acting world. She responded, “You know, Michael and I are pretty old school. We got together 30 years ago and you know, this was pre Internet, for us it was the good old fashioned telephone and that was what we relied on for our communication. We make sure we talk to each other every day. But, when we started travelling a lot in different places, we had this six-week rule. At least once out of every six weeks, we had to see each other. Even if it was just one day, and if somebody had to fly it didn’t matter. Then it was four weeks. And now it’s two and we really do make that work.”
Then, of course, knowing Carrie and Michael adopted their dog, I had to ask about Chumly. Carrie, again with that look of joie de vivre in her eyes answered, “We’ve had him for almost 16 years now. He’s the thing Michael and I share most. There’s just not a moment that goes by that we aren’t talking about the dog.”
Given her “Elsbethian” (as Carrie puts it) and positive view of the world, I wish more people were like Carrie Preston. While she believes that the Elsbeth persona is infectious, I might argue that Carrie Preston has her own brand of infectious positivity.
Elsbeth airs on the CBS Television Network and streams on Paramount+. Season 3 will premiere in the 2025-2026 season, but no official air date has been released yet.
BALANCING HEALTH & WELLNESS IN 2025
WHY EXPERIMENTS WORK FOR A BETTER YOU
By Dr. Jennifer Ashton
It is well-known that most people get the bulk of their health and medical information from media sources, NOT their actual human physicians. Let that sink in for a second. While the implications of that are clearly significant, and while it reflects a complex web of issues and opportunities for our collective and individual health, it has been my professional life for nearly the past 20 years.
As the former Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News and the former co-host of the third hour of Good Morning America, GMA3, it was my job to deliver and interpret the medical headline du jour for millions of people every single day on live national television. After covering everything from the pandemic to perimenopause, I decided to step away from this role at ABC News after 12 years at the network so that I could focus 100% of my bandwidth on the medical issues that matter most to me (and that I am board-certified in): Women’s Health and Weight Management/Nutrition.
HOW IT STARTED
In July 2024, I launched Ajenda, a free weekly newsletter dedicated to these very topics. At the same time, as I was transitioning from 18 years of waking up at 4 or 5am every day for my job in television, I decided to take a minute to do something for myself. I wanted to embark on a six-month wellness experiment in which I would try to achieve the best fitness, nutritional and overall health of my entire life. As the saying goes, if you want something you’ve never had before, be prepared to do something you’ve never done before.
SELF ACCOUNTABILITY
I wanted to make sure I was holding myself accountable, which can be difficult for a lot of people. One of the best ways to do that is to tell your friends and family, tell your butcher, or, since nothing is official until it’s “Instagram official” (haha), I announced this experiment to my half a million followers on the social platform. It went viral. I was genuinely surprised by the volume of likes but figured it must have been a slow news cycle, or maybe it was a fluke. However, as the six months progressed, and I continued to post updates of my daily fitness program that I was doing with professional trainer, Korey Rowe, more and more comments really sunk in. “Inspired”, “I can’t wait to see all of this”, “take me with you”, “I am so looking forward to this. This is exactly what I need. Thank you.” etc., etc., etc. The positivity was infectious and inspired to me to keep going. By the end of the six-month journey, my body was dramatically different, but so was my spirit. My scientific data endpoints had all improved: body fat percentage down, muscle mass (and overall weight) up slightly, resting heart rate the lowest it had ever been, sleep better, alcohol intake almost non-existent, skin tighter, back pain gone.
I felt like a new person. And the comments had evolved into more of a calling/request: “Your inspiration is helping many women.” “Love following your journey! Thank you for your inspiration” “Excited about your new platform Dr Jen!” That’s when I knew I had to figure out a way to share my whole experiment with everyone. After all, my job as a physician and a medical correspondent had always been to educate, inform and motivate, and there was no way I was going to cease doing those things just because I wasn’t on national TV everyday anymore!
LAUNCHING THE EXPERIMENT
In response to the requests of thousands, and also in light of the significant void in the health and wellness space for credentialed and credible experts, I designed a three-part wellness offering that recently launched with an overwhelmingly popular response. I called it the “8-Week Wellness Experiment.”
I deliberately chose the word “experiment” over “challenge” for several reasons. One, you can fail a challenge, you can’t fail at an experiment. Two, challenge puts the emphasis on the end result, and experiment focuses on the process. And lastly, challenges are about doing, experiments are about learning. Designed by Ajenda, my women’s health and wellness brand, in partnership with trainer Korey Rowe, the 8-week Wellness Experiment provides daily workouts, meal plans/recipes/ shopping lists and weekly wellness themes in both video and PDF formats. As a physician who is double board-certified in OBGYN and Obesity Medicine, who also has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, I devised the nutrition program and wellness philosophy, and Korey Rowe designed the workouts
I present the science behind each week’s themes, and then provide a system by which the participant can follow along. The meal plan follows the latest, evidence-based literature on high protein, high fiber, largely plant-based eating, and Korey’s workouts focus on progressive overload, compound movements and unilateral, polarized training protocols. Together, it is a powerful approach that can be utilized by women or men, of any age, at any fitness level. Because cost is an issue for many, I wanted to make sure that it was within reach of almost everyone: $59 for the 8 weeks. For less than $1 a day, participants get the information, content and analysis to follow the same program that I followed at the start of my six-month experiment, the same steps I took to be more fit and stronger at the age of 55, than I was at 35.
No gimmicks, no excuses, no smoke and mirrors. The response was more than I could have expected! Thousands of people enrolled in the first cohort, and the waiting list is currently open for the second cohort, starting in Spring of 2025. The sense of community and support within the platform has been incredible and the vibe of dedication and curiosity is powerful.
Join the next 8-week wellness experiment at experiment.joinajenda.com
Sign up for the free weekly newsletter at joinajenda.com
Follow on instagram @drjashton @joinajenda
THE EIGHT WEEK WELLNESS EXPERIMENT
HOW IT HELPS CHANGE YOUR LIFE
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
After over 12 years of waking up at untold hours to help the ABC Good Morning America audience navigate the ins and outs of health issues, Dr. Jennifer Ashton left ABC News as the Chief Medical Correspondent not exactly sure where destiny would take her next. Over the next six months, she performed a hard reset, so to speak. Thankfully, that led her to the next chapter of not just her life, but that of the millions of women who have followed her for years.
Throughout her six-month reset, Dr. Ashton had shared on Instagram everything she was doing, including her workouts with trainer Korey Rowe. The comments she was getting from followers was not only inspiring, but also had her thinking of ways she could help them. Once her health/life reset was complete, Dr. Ashton realized how healthy, happy and in tune with her body and spirit she had become. More than ever in her life. Meanwhile, thousands of followers kept asking for her to put together the same program that she follows herself. The rest, as they say, is history!
Dr. Ashton was committed to having three pillars in this program: nutrition, wellness and fitness. The experiment provides eight weeks of her nutritionist/doctor-designed daily meal plans, recipes, grocery lists, Korey’s workouts and nutritional/medical scientific information. Dr. Jen and Korey Rowe do live weekly Q&A’s that have thousands of people on the RSVP lists with a community that are engaged to the max. Here are a couple of examples of what fans have been saying:
Tara L: “Week 2 in the books and I’m feeling great! I decided I would take measurements every 2 weeks throughout the experiment. Happy to report I’ve lost 2.5 inches with the majority from around the waistline. Thank you, Dr. Jen, for such an awesome, easy to follow program!”
Kim S: “I’ve tried so many meal and exercise plans over the years, but this by far is my favorite! I love the organization, the variety of foods, the ease and time it takes making the meals, and of course, the workouts, community, and information sessions. This is just what I needed - this kind of plan is sustainable for me. Thank you so much. I’m so grateful!”
spring ahead
Warm thoughts, awesome views, and so many things to do. Our charming small towns always burst with outdoor fun, unique events, food, and drink in any season.
It’s Always Eventful:
APRIL 1:
Opening Day of Trout Season
MAY 2:
Opening Day – Lander’s River Trips
JUNE 14: Hurleyville Pride Festival
JUNE 7: Catskill Barbeque
JUNE 8: Callicoon Tractor Parade
JUNE 14: Livingston Manor Trout Parade
JUNE 17: Boeing, Boeing Forestburgh Playhouse Season Opener
JUNE 22: The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at Bethel Woods
JULY 12: Wurtsboro Founder’s Day Street Fair
JULY 27: Narrowsburg Riverfest
AUG 10: Monticello Bagel Festival
AUG 15-17: Grahamsville Little World’s Fair
AUG 16: Parksville B’Kawk
AUG 31-OCT 5: Harvest Festival Sundays at Bethel Woods
SEPT 6: Livingston Manor Conductor’s Clambake
SEPT 13: Jeff Jamboree, Tractor Parade & Duck Race
SEPT 25-28: Big Eddy Film Festival
OCT 3 & 4: Catskill Cuisine
OCT 11: Callicoon Art Walk
OCT: Peace, Love & Pumpkins at Bethel Woods
NOV 28-DEC 28:
Peace, Love & Lights at Bethel Woods
THROUGH THE LENS
Photography By Annie Watt.com
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA GALA
Acting Consul General Melanie Hopkins OBE
David Burke, LPO CEO
Irene Rosner, Joyce DiDonato
Jacqueline, Gilbert and Marc Wassermann, Ashley James, David Weiss
Kate Broug, Joe Frank, Meg and Steve Smith, Jay Goffman
Sophia Zhou, Sterling Elliott
Susan Mathisen, Hannah Young, Olivia Highland
Xiaoping Zhu, Ann and Steven Berzin, Michael and Inmo Parloff
Douglas Braff, Meg Braff
Jason Schwartz, Meg Braff, Dial Kitchens, Abby Brickner
Scott Sanders, Mario Navara
Jonathan Savage, Jordan Winston, Lewis Miller
Ruben Machado, Ken Dail, Brittany Jobes, Megg Braff, Jason Schwartz
Tate Casper, Ken Dail, Ellen Kavanaugh, Ruben Machado
Tim Johnson, Meg Braff, Fernando Wong Meg Braff
Alexandra Greenawalt, Julianne Michelle, Simone Valentine, Dan Bauer, and Debra Tomarin
Alisa Rubinstein, Daniella Dillon, Dr. Sam Kelley
Diana Davis, Judy Gilbert
Diana Davis, Stephanie Branscomb, Carol Anderson, and Bobbi Harari
Jill Senter, Kenny Schwartz
Justin Alexander, Kelly O’Shea, Chase Backer
Lisa Marie Kao, Lexye Aversa, Julia Isabel, Luisa Fernanda Monteverde, H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Julianne Michelle, Paola Ibarra, Sully Saenz, Diana Davis, and Daniela Sonnenfeld
Tikky and Philip Nicosizis
Charles Royce, Deborah Royce on Mini Brooke and Djuana Dolan
Duchess and Noah Rhodes, Lansing Moore, Jordan Rhodes, Cody Kittle, Alexandra Kittle
Duchess with Michael Kovner, Jean Doyen de Montaillou, Mary Randolph Ballinger, Paul Verbinne
Jim Read, Patty Read, Jeff Salzman
Joseph Singer, Katie Carpenter, Mish Tworkowski
Michel Witmer, Meredith Townsend West Palm Beach skyline and guests
Mary Anne Hunting and Kevin D. Murphy
Crystal Harper, Mary Anne Hunting, Sophia and Laslyn Harper, Marilyn Symmes
Jennie Wallace, Kim Towner, Helen Allen and Silas Smith
Kate Wood, Geoffrey Nimmer
Kristen Fealy, Kristin Frank, Hallie Nath, Helen Allen Smith, Mary Anne Hunting, Locky Trachsel, Amanda Heath, Kim Towner, Courtney Stern
Rafael Urano, Mara Eskinazi, Mary McLeod, Marta Gutman
Tom Remien, Gail Fenske, Caterina and Charlie Stewart Wendy Cromwell, Tom Strauss, Ira Schachner, Pamela Beckerman
Catherine Carey, Jean Shafiroff, Katherine Gage Boulud
Ramona Singer, Logan Horne, Yaz Hernandez, Kara Ross
Jack Lynch, Janna Bullock, Catherine Loevner, Nathan Frank, Melanie Holland
THE IMITABLE DANNY RIZZZ
CALLING HIM AN INFLUENCER IS JUST NOT ENOUGH
By Kylie Edmond
“A kid from the Bronx does good.”
“Beast of NYC Marathon wants to share his tricks of the trade.”
“How to go viral without really trying.”
“Financial investment manager turns health and wellness expert.”
All are fitting headlines for this article, but none are all-inclusive enough. Dan Grozev, a.k.a. Danny Rizzz is all of this and then some. But, without all the headlines and fluff, you find yourself talking with a guy who is a true New Yorker, just as passionate about health and fitness as he is about this city.
Growing up in New York gives you a certain edge, a specific flair. The type of energy that is simply part of your DNA and compels much of what you do. It’s true for Dan that, as a Sicilian American kid from the Bronx, he wanted everything this glittering city could give.
When you speak to Dan about fitness and health, you see his face light up and his enthusiasm rise. It’s no wonder he quit his big-time finance job and traded in the 3-piece suit for trainers and moisture-wicking fabrics.
He started his career on Wall Street, working for some of the biggest financial firms on the planet. He found himself grinding daily. Dan explains, “I had huge financial successes, but found myself completing tasks ASAP so that I could leave early each day. Why? Because I knew this wasn’t my path. This wasn’t where I was supposed to be. And it was slowly draining the life out of me”.
Sharpening his tools and expertise with a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science (in addition to various prior degrees and accreditations in Finance and Asset Management), Dan worked the high-end health club circuit, breaking private training records. But it also broke his perceptions of what a private trainer was, and what clients were subjected to. That kid from the Bronx wanted more, again. But more, for others
Dan realized that clients were not getting what they deserved. He said, “If a client needed to buy another 24-pack from me, then I failed at my job. Other trainers wanted their clients to stay unhappy with their body, health and fitness. That meant they kept buying. I wanted my clients to succeed.”
But success doesn’t always come easy. Not even for Dan. There’s work, research, effort and grit. And if signing up for the NYC Marathon isn’t already a massive effort and a gritty drain on the body, he pushed through an insurmountable day that in turn raised a far-reaching amount of funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the NYPD.
When asked for an example of what he meant, he said, “At mile-17 a ligament popped. I had to finish the race. I literally hopped on one leg the last nine miles. It took 8.5 hours. I was busted but determined. Once the story broke, the donations came flooding in and they raised more that year than ever before.” I guess Dan figured out in that moment he was the kind of human that can push through adversity and pain. Adrenaline helps, but the biggest component is grit. And maybe even a little Bronx. But definitely, all New York.
It’s this determination and selfless service to others that makes Dan stand out among a field of self-proclaimed fitness experts. That and his innate knowledge of the field. And it’s why his work as Regional Director of SWEAT440 has helped exponentially grow the business, formulate its fitness model, and set it apart from every other fitness enterprise in NYC and beyond.
Dan explains, “I know what works and what doesn’t in fitness, and I know what it’s like being a busy New Yorker. That’s why SWEAT440 is something I was drawn to. It works. Especially for a New Yorker’s lifestyle. With 40-minute HIIT1 workouts starting every 10 minutes, you’re never late. We pack each workout with effective training, encouragement and great music. Our clients love it!”
But this guy isn’t multi-dimensional in just these ways. Remember one of the possible headlines was about going viral without trying? Check out Dan’s TikTok @danny.rizzz and you’ll find pretty amazing NBA content, to the tune of over 12M views, 2M likes and 53K followers. All because he believes basketball inspires dreams and the belief that others can become better versions of themselves through hard work. His philosophy is that through the relentless pursuit of fear and failure, and the will to persevere through both, you will become a better person on the other side. Dan showcases his connection to the game, the players, and the energy that you can only feel in Madison Square Garden's famed Section 7.
When asked about this crazy experience and how it has changed him, Dan replied, “It happened accidentally. Suddenly, I was thrown out there, someone who people looked to for this type of content. I was just having the time of my life, and now it’s become something so much bigger. But I want to do more with it, I want to use it to reach people, to help them live their best and healthiest lives.”
He ended the interview with, “My goal is to help as many people as possible realize that they can make a difference in themselves. It doesn’t matter if they have barely any time, are a new mom, are 80 years of age or dealing with a disability or injury. With the right tools and encouragement, we can all be beasts.”
Maybe we wouldn’t all hop 9 miles to finish a race like Dan…but it does feel like we’d at least be better cheerleaders for ourselves with Dan in our corner. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S NOTE:
Danny Rizzz
THE LOOK
COMMON FASHION MISTAKES
By Jon Salas
In the court of style, are you guilty or innocent? Far too little is said about the most common fashion mistakes seen around town. Okay, seen everywhere. We have all made them at one point or another, me included.
Last month, we talked about trends for spring and summer but one thing we didn’t cover are the most common fashion blunders that would have the late, great, Fashion Police Supreme herself, Joan Rivers, stopping perpetrators in their tracks! She must be rolling in her stunningly fashionable grave right now at some of these issues that keep popping up! So, I am going to channel my inner-Joan for a moment and get a little judgy, but just know it’s because I want to help you! So don’t take it personally!
In the court of public vestment, we have offense numero uno: mismatching in public. We’ve seen this faux pas one too many times where the idea of color matching seems like a good one but, in reality, unless pulled off properly, it’s fashion road kill to the third degree.
When wearing a bold colored top or bottom such as a pink blouse with jeans, it can be instinctual to match the top with matching shoes, jewelry, belt and other accessories. In theory it should work but in actuality, it looks uncoordinated and as if one might be a little color blind. It doesn’t work because the outfit lacks visual balance. If you’re going to commit to one color, go all in, don’t do it halfway. Try a full monochrome look from head to toe. Take that pink blouse and pair it with some pink trousers. You can match your shoes and accessories, or, this is where you can add a touch of contrast, have your accessories and shoes be the rebel and go for an opposite color. Playing into monochromatism is an easy way to create a cohesive look that looks expensive and on point with what’s been trending on the runway.
Offense number two – an oversized felony in sizing. There’s no doubt oversized everything is in these days and it’s easy to see why as a relaxed fit flatters all shapes. Oversized pieces have been popular as they help add volume to smaller frames and give wider frames a draping effect that creates a slimming silhouette. It’s a universal style that flatters all - if executed correctly.
The cardinal rule when wearing oversized garments is that they must fit you around three key areas: the neck and shoulders for tops, and your waist for bottoms. If the fit isn’t right in these points, then you will be guilty of sporting a shirt three sizes too big rather than looking effortlessly chic. As for the pants, those will speak for themselves when the waistline falls to the knees. If you nail the fit in those places, you’ll be on point for the season, and if you cinch your look with a belt, you’ll take it even further to the next level!
Fashion infraction number three – accessory neglect. We’re always busy and on the go, sometimes opting for practical over aesthetic as it pertains to our day-to-day bag. Or, quite the opposite, we fell in love with a purse or backpack that we want to sport everywhere – but just because that bag took your breath away doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for every look.
Remember that your bag is part of your look. Make sure it matches your attire and vice versa – otherwise, why put in the effort in styling your look if it’s going to clash? Your arm piece is your secret weapon to levelling up. I’m not saying to not buy these – Carrie Bradshaw is proof that those iconic pieces are always a good idea but there is a time and place and fit for them all. For a safe, everyday bet, try smaller, neutralcolored accessories as they usually have more versatility to pair with different outfits versus larger loud, monogrammed purses.
A key rule for any look is finding balance. Let’s think numbers as “fashion math” is real. Think of the rule of thirds. If wearing three different colors, are they all in perfect balance like three same-sized pieces of a pie? Are they equal in style ratio? Shoes, accessories and handbags can equal one portion while your top and bottom complete the equation. This also applies when opting for only two colors – you want a harmonized fiftyfifty, and if you’re going to be bold and go all in with one hue, make sure that monochrome look is a perfect one hundred. And yes, prints also count as a color.
And another, perhaps the most important style rule of all –forget everything you were taught about fashion.
No white after Labor Day, no mixing brown and black, gold and silver can’t mingle – throw all those fashion rules out the window. They were indoctrinated to us in an era when fashion was different and following style norms of the time. In other words, that was so yesterday!
Fashion has evolved so rapidly year after year that we now live in a moment where we’re more adventurous and have gone against the grain and learned that it pays off to be a rebel.
Experiment and have fun breaking fashion rules of yestercentury. Try a new and unexpected combination. Trying an outfit doesn’t mean you have to commit, but you won’t know what it’ll look like if you don’t try it. The dressing room is like a chemistry lab – play with different shapes, pieces, colors and textures, and the more you experiment, the closer you’ll be to a winning formula. Joan would surely approve and pardon you of any infractions if she knew you were attempting to take a style risk. After all, she was the final authority on so many incredible looks of her time!
CURATED BY MEL
A BOUQUET OF BEAUTIFUL BAUBLES TO CELEBRATE SPRING
By Melanie Carden
Easter, Passover, and fresh hues of pink and purple. You’d be hard pressed to not feel a flutter of cheer when the calendar changes over from March to April. So, this month I’ve gathered some particularly cheery goods for gifting and getting into the spring season in style. I’m more than ready for pastels as well as bold pops of jewel tones—and jewels!—and spring breezes that seem to beckon back to al fresco dining. From debonair bunnies and limited-edition watches to velvety Mary Janes in the most beguiling champagne-mustard color—usher in spring in style.
SIR BUNNINGTON
His name is Sir Bunnington, and he looks best when he’s holding Easter candy, but he’s equally dapper holding soap. Though if you’re looking for a traditional Easter basket, the Cottontail Easter Basket is a gorgeous all-ages gift—complete with a fluffy bunny tail and ears. Both are available at Olive & Cocoa and ship in their signature wooden crate with satin ribbon. Info: oliveandcocoa.com
BOUQUET WITH BENEFITS
Better than a bouquet of spring flowers, this pop of springtime color from Dooney & Bourke boasts Italian Florentine leather and plenty of classic-meets-chic hardware. The inside whispers quiet luxury with its emerald and crimson styling. Though this satchel is available in six colors, the flowery Fuchsia hue is too dreamy to resist.
Info: dooney.com/home
SPRING TIME
For the man who prioritizes adventure and craftsmanship— Bremont Watch Company Limited. With ambassadors like climber and NatGeo photographer Jimmy Chin, the British watchmaker creates watches with a meticulous end-to-end manufacturing process. This beauty, the Limited-Edition Terra Nova 38 ‘Pink,’ is limited to a production of just 250 pieces. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy time-piece, look no further.
Info: us.bremont.com
CHAMPAGNE-MUSTARD, PLEASE
In its most minimalist form, the Mary Jane flat is a ballet slipper, at heart. Luckily, the ballet trend isn’t showing signs of falling out of favor, and this sunshiny champagne-mustard option from Mar Soreli is as versatile as it gets. The brand caught my eye because it’s the darling of the former owners of Cosabella, and I especially love velvet for early spring when’s there’s still a bit of bite in the air.
Info: marsoreli.com
EASY BREEZY
Fact—two out of ten men’s shirts should be conversation-worthy pattern. Exaggeration? Perhaps, a fashion musthave, nonetheless. But there’s a not-so fine line between classy quirk and garish, and Toad & Co offers a masterclass with this Salton Short Sleeve Shirt in the North Shore Block Print. It’s the perfect spring floral shirt with pops of green and cornflower blue. In fact, you’ll find plenty of such gems in their new spring collection.
Info: toadandco.com
TRAVELING UNICORN
Inevitably, I find myself scouring the far reaches of the web, looking for the “unicorn” of travel shoes—slim, easy to pack, and versatile. I’m over the moon for the Finch Leather Toe Ring Sandal from beek, which has a molded arch, a feature often overlooked. The platinum-honey elevates a look for a chic boho night out look but is comfortable enough for visiting museums and shopping bazaars. Info: beekshop.com
DAZZLING FEAST
Whether your Easter look is chic capris or sundress, the Kelly CZ Circle Drop Earrings from Sterling Forever finish the look with a little sparkle. These are the LBD of the earring realm—easily incorporated into day or night out looks with ease. I’ve mentioned I always travel with jewelry dupes, and this brand makes it easy. Info: sterlingforever.com
SUNSHINE AURA
We all love that pinnacle springtime moment, when we step outside and the air finally smells sweet, like meadow flowers warmed in the sun. Well, Saltair’s Multi-Lipid Body Butter somehow captures that essence while also healing winter-parched skin. Enjoy Santal Bloom’s jasmine, sandalwood, and rose or four other scents, like Golden Hour (my favorite!) or Salt Water Vanilla.
Info: saltair.com
SCENTED SENSORY JOY
I’m a sucker for a puzzle with unique qualities like laser-cut wood pieces, glow in the dark creations, or this adorable scratch and sniff Easter puzzle from Mudpuppy. It’s a super cute addition to an Easter basket or gift for your niece, nephew, or godchild. In addition to puzzles, the site offers a variety of wonder-inspiring children’s activities like sparkle sticker dinosaur kits, kaleidoscopes, and magnet play sets.
Info: mudpuppy.com
PASSOVER WINE
Of course, April also brings Passover and its many traditions. A lovely rose is a nice choice for Seder, due to its moderate alcohol content. Razi’el Rose blends handpicked Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre grapes and is known for its gastronomical qualities. In other words, a lovely choice for any holiday—Passover included. After some twenty-plus years in a different location, the Ben Zaken family was able to return to their original land at Ramat Razi’el. They’ve been celebrating with deeply felt manifestations of their terroir. Info: raziel-winery.co.il/en
HOLIDAY TEES
For as long as I can remember, Vineyard Vines has been king of the graphic tee. The brand’s iconic holiday and seasonal long-sleeve tees always deliver just the right balance of casual whimsy, and the fluffy bunny tail on its signature whale is just too darn cute. Though the design is unisex, the brand offers this Easter shirt in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes. Info: vineyardvines.com
ALAS! SWIMSUIT SEASON
It’s just around the corner— summer and all its magnificence. I love the simplicity of Boden’s Enhance Swimsuit, but there are a few key points that puts it on my must-have list. The light padding is flattering, and the halter-style neckline creates a slight triangular effect—the magic formula for beautifully proportioned looks. The lowprofile waffled textured adds a little something, and the easy tie straps banish any twisted back straps.
Info: us.boden.com
Welcome To An Enchangting, Exclusive And Unparalleled Island Escape To Anguilla
The Manoah
SHOAL BAY EAST IS AS PRISTINE AS EVER
Spotless beach, no seaweed, white sand, clear and warm water, mild waves, pollution free...
Idyllic Shoal Bay East – a shimmering, nearly deserted stretch of brilliant white sand strewn with tiny crushed shells – is still miraculously blight-free. There's a handful of small-scale resorts and villas as well as a string of laid-back beach bars along the sand, but it's surprisingly quiet, even in high season. Bring your snorkeling gear (or rent some on-site), as the glassy turquoise waters are perfect for underwater observation.
Island Adventures, Unparalleled Attractions & Exclusive Events
Exquisite Cuisine & luxury accommodations, with an unparalleled experience.
PRESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE | 2 BEDROOM SUITE | SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW | SUPERIOR BEACH FRONT THE MANOAH BOUTIQUE HOTEL Shoal Bay East Shoal Bay Village A.I. 2640 ANGUILLA B.W.I. www.the-manoah.com contact@the-manoah.com Tel : +1 264 498 5900
THE SMALL TOWN CHARM OF LAMBERTVILLE, NJ
EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY & CHARM AT LAMBERTVILLE HOUSE
By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva
Combining a rich history and inviting charm, the quaint town of Lambertville, NJ has all the potential of being that perfect destination for your next getaway. A charming, picturesque town on the Delaware River, barely a square mile in size, Lambertville is a small town that has been largely unchanged since the 1800’s.
Named by Forbes Magazine as one of the “Top 15 Prettiest Towns in America,” Lambertville is populated by quaint Victorian houses and Federal Row homes nestled among the town’s tree-lined streets. Fashionable boutiques, hip art galleries, and eclectic antique shops beckon visitors to browse the day away.
OUTSTANDING ACCOMMODATIONS
The best place to experience the charm and history of Lambertville is a stay at the Lambertville House. A National Historic Inn, Lambertville House first opened its doors in 1812. Captain John Lambert erected a tavern and hostelry (the present Lambertville House) following the construction of a wooden bridge across the Delaware. Through the years Lambertville House has hosted many historical and famous guests, among them President Andrew Johnson, General Ulysses S. Grant, General Tom Thumb, Robert Lincoln, Pearl White, and most recently, WW II hero General Chuck Yeager.
The hotel’s 26 rooms are beautifully appointed with appropriate historical furnishings, while providing a luxurious atmosphere replete with modern conveniences. Room accommodations are varied, including Luxury King Suites and Queens, with a number of rooms having fireplaces, jetted tubs, and balconies. Each of the rooms is named for a famous or historical figure that has some connection to the hotel or the town. The property offers complimentary parking, bikes, and gym passes.
EXCELLENT DINING, CREATIVE COCKTAILS
Be sure to dine at the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, Lambertville Social. The menu offers a variety of creative small-plate options as well as some hearty entrees. Some of the noteworthy shareable items include Korean Beef Bao Buns, marinated short rib with Kimchi, and the Chorizo & Manchego Sliders with Calabrian Chili Aioli. We also recommend two entrees - the Carne Asada with Whipped Feta, Roasted Carrots, and Cilantro Mint Chimichurri, and the Yuzu Tuna, perfectly seared tuna with Yuzu Aioli, Kimchi Black Rice, and Crispy Wontons.
Dining is offered in the classic dining room, the lounge area, the sunlit Canal Room, and when the weather turns warmer, on the peaceful backyard patio or the terraced front porch with its perfect view of the action along Bridge Street.
The cocktail scene at Lambertville Social is smart and lively. The drinks menu boasts an enticing list of Signature Cocktails, such as the Late Night in Tokyo, the Fire Island Frenzy, and the Headless Horseman. They have the classics covered with the Sazerac, Side Car, and Vesper. When asked for something different, the bartender, Stephanie, came up with a perfectly balanced riff on an old classic, a Chocolate Manhattan. Solidifying its claim to be the “best martini menu in the Bucks County area”, Social offers a variety of martinis, including three different espresso martinis made with fresh espresso. You might want to enjoy your cocktail listening to the live music in the lounge every Friday night from 6 - 9pm.
Courtesy of Lamberville House
Courtesy of Lamberville House
AREA ACTIVITIES
Antique hunters will love the many shops in town, especially the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market, considered one of the East Coast’s premier markets for vintage and retro items. Art enthusiasts will find a variety of galleries and shops featuring an eclectic collection of art, hand-crafted jewelry, and fine crafts. A vibrant arts scene also thrives in Lambertville. The Delaware Canal Towpath, a nearly 70mile long trail, runs through Lambertville, offering some great hiking, biking and picnicking along its trails. Two popular events in Lambertville include the Annual spring ShadFest and the town-wide Halloween celebration.
Savor a wonderful wine tasting at the Tomasello Winery tasting room, located just around the corner from the Lambertville House. The tasting room offers a variety of tasting flights, as well as an interesting menu of small bites, charcuterie, and flatbreads. A number of other winery and brewery tasting rooms are nearby. Someone at the hotel’s front desk can direct you to these.
ACROSS THE RIVER
A stroll across the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge brings you to the picturesque town of New Hope, PA, a popular shopping and dining destination. For many, a visit to New Hope includes taking in a show at Bucks County Playhouse, affectionately known as “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater.” The Playhouse, which opened its doors on July 1, 1939, boasts a veritable who’s who list of theatrical performers that have graced its stage. The Playhouse was renovated in 2012 and continues to present first-rate productions year round. We had a great time at a Sunday matinee performance by “Yacht Rock Gold Experience.” Consider dining - or at least a cocktail - at the Playhouse Deck. This laid back venue attached to the Playhouse offers indoor and outdoor dining with great views of the Delaware River.
Serious shoppers will also want to take the short drive west of New Hope to Peddlers’ Village and Penn’s Purchase Outlet Center in Lahaska, PA. Peddlers’ Village is a collection of 75 specialty shops and restaurants on 42 acres of colorful gardens and winding brick walkways.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find two-and-a-half miles of inviting walking trails at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve located 2.5 miles south of New Hope. The 134-acre Preserve has more than two dozen well-marked trails that wind through woodlands and meadow, along a pond and Pidcock Creek showcasing rare, threatened, and endangered native plants of the Delaware Valley Region. Other area activities include golfing; horseback riding; hot air ballooning; and canoeing, rafting, kayaking or tubing on the Delaware River.
For more information on Lambertville House visit lambertvillehouse.com For more information on Lambertville visit lambertvillechamber.com
Courtesy of Lamberville House
LOVELY LISBON
EXPLORE THE CITY AND ITS NEIGHBORS FOR A SUPERIOR STAY
By Stacey Zable
It’s no surprise that Lisbon was voted “Europe’s Leading City Destination” at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Portugal’s capital offers all the great components of a city vacation and then some: cultural attractions, interesting neighborhoods, and fabulous food. Add on day trips to Sintra, the city of palaces, and Cascais, a picturesque town by the sea, and you’ve easily filled a multi-day trip to Lisbon that will leave you ready to plan your return.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Head off on foot for your exploration of Lisbon but be prepared to encounter hilly streets. It’s also part of the Lisbon experience to hop on a tram, including the famous Tram 28—though expect crowds as it is more tourist attraction than mode of transport. The route runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique through such popular Lisbon neighborhoods as Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. UBER and BOLT (a similar car service app) are both relatively cheap and fast for those that prefer door-to-door service.
Alfama is Lisbon’s most historic district and is filled with narrow streets and the city’s infamous hills. Castelo de São Jorge here is on the highest hill in the city for lovely views. The Santa Justa elevator in Baixa Chiado is another must for vistas that cannot be missed. It takes you up to Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife including live fado shows that pair Portuguese food with vocals and the Portuguese guitarra, a pear-shaped guitar.
Shoppers will find local shops as well as international chain stores in Chiado. While in this area, stop into Taberna da Rua das Flores for an authentic casual restaurant. Servers can explain the small plates menu and suggest their top picks. When we ate there for a late lunch, it was also fun to look around at what other diners were eating and add the most interesting options to our list to order. Keep in mind that the restaurant does not take reservations, and it is cash only.
Loco, located in the Estrela neighborhood, boasts a Michelin One Star and is the spot for something truly special. Make reservations ahead of time for Chef Alexandre Silva’s 16-course seasonal tasting menu with or without wine pairing. Go see the Baroque Basílica da Estrela located nearby before you dine.
DAY TRIPS
Dedicate a full-day to historic Sintra, an easy 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is home to magnificent castles, palaces, and a cute town filled with shops and eateries. The Moorish Castle with its stunning panoramic views and the fairy-tale and colorful Pena Palace are located up on the hill, accessible by local taxi or bus. Quinta da Regaleira is closer to town and boasts lovely gardens. Expect to walk a lot and up hills.
Set aside a morning or afternoon for a trip to the coastal town of Cascais, also about a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. It has a charming town center right by the train station with shopping and dining choices. Walk along the seaside promenade for views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs.
WHERE TO STAY
We opted to stay a bit further from Lisbon’s main tourist center and a few blocks off the lovely Avenida da Liberdade at the new Locke de Santa Joana, which opened in the summer 2024. The fact that a former 17th century convent makes up part of the property was the real allure for us. Be sure to ask for guest rooms that are actually part of the convent so you get to enjoy the original architecture. These rooms also tend to be larger and a bit more private as they are not part of the modern building where the hotel reception is located, and guest rooms tend to be smaller. One option is the 473-square-foot Convent Apartment with an open plan, fully equipped kitchen, dining table, and living space (some may include stairs to access.) Since all guest rooms here are classified as “apartments,” housekeeping is limited to once a week but fresh towels and amenities are available anytime through the front desk.
We enjoyed the facilities at the property, with a lovely swimming pool set into a relaxing courtyard and lounge area. Set aside time to dine at Santa Joana, an upscale Portuguese brasserie and bar in the beautiful, renovated convent space. It is also the spot for the daily extensive breakfast buffet where you can start your day off with Portugal’s famed pastel de nata pastry and a whole lot more. Another dining choice at the hotel is the more casual Santa Marta restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes. In the evening, stop in at the Kissaten whisky bar or the cool late-night Spiritland located below-ground and offering music with a live DJ.
Visit lockeliving.com to book.
LONG HAUL TRAVEL
TIPS TO TO MAKE IT MORE BEARABLE & COMFORTABLE
By Kylie Edmond
As the cabin doors close, I’m relaxed and ready to jet. Flying used to be at the pinnacle of class, and besides the cigarette smoking, it looked like a sweet leg-room flush type of deal. These days they cram you in, charge a fee for checked luggage, give you attitude and rarely get you there on time. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be flying Business, First or Suites class, read along to see what the rest of us must contend with beyond that divider curtain.
While long-haul travel is typically defined as 6-12 hours or more, I generally sit in the “or more” category. I fly NYC > Singapore > Perth, Australia = 26+ hours, twice a year. My first flight is 18 hours, non-stop. So, I know a little about long-haul.
Hopefully you have a trip planned somewhere far away. Home is our sanctuary, but travel provides adventure and discovery. There’s nothing like discovering yourself at up to 42,000 feet while wearing earplugs. Since you’ll be in this tin can for a while, take some time before you fly to get your ducks in a row.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS
Research your seat options and choose mindfully. Visit seatguru. com to read seat reviews. Consider if your seat is too close to the bathroom (smelly, noisy, sometimes there is a line) or the galley (noisy, people chatting). A bulkhead could mean less legroom. While you can’t be sure who’ll sit next to you, you can at least be happy with your location.
TAKING OFF SHORTLY
Plan a loose schedule for what you’ll be doing in-flight. To relax, watch a movie while you eat (pre-choose your food-type preference). Check out the entertainment options on the airline website. Pre-download content to your own device. Plan it out. Don’t watch all the great stuff on the way to your destination, or it’ll be a boring trip home.
Factor in a little sleep, mostly napping. Bring magazines, a book and word puzzles to keep your brain active. I enjoy being not as connected to the world while flying, but most long-haul flights come with free WIFI so you can catch up on texts, emails, and even Instagram when you are super antsy at the 14th hour mark.
CLEAN YOUR SPACE
I bring wipes and spray to clean anything I might touch – belt, tray, buttons, arm rests, etc. Imagine that before you was a child with sticky fingers, or someone with a flu.
CLEAR SKIES + A SMOOTH RIDE
I have some go-to items that I won’t travel long-haul without. Most important are compression socks, technically medical rather than comfort, but for long trips they help ward off deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg swelling.
I love my Trtl – the best neck pillow invented. It’s a cozy neck wrap that holds your neck in a comfy, ergonomic position. Genius.
Bring your own mini pillow and blanket, I got mine from REI.
A black-out eye mask that has indentations for your eyes – you can open your eyes while wearing them and your eyelashes won’t hit the mask.
Noise-cancelling ear buds or headset is a must, I love BOSE.
Melatonin – I wouldn’t recommend sleeping pills, the odds are you will just nap and be groggy / dehydrated. You need to move around, walk, stretch to beat blood clots.
Moisturizer as recirculated air can make your skin very dry.
Comfy clothes are key. Pack a cute change of clothes to suit your destination’s weather… plus deodorant and body wipes!
SAFE LANDING
Hydrate with water, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Bring a charger, sweater, toiletries, meds and snacks. Exercise the day of travel, and the day you land. Stretch and move in flight. Your body and mind will thank you.
Travel is exciting, but long-haul can be hard on your body. You want to bounce back ASAP so you can enjoy your destination. Have patience, be considerate and kind, and get ready for an adventure!
Imagine yourself reclining on the sandy white beaches, soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, ziplining through lush rainforests, indulging in authentic island food, club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip, and riding ATVs through the countryside. Envision exploring abandoned sugar plantations, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, chasing brightly colored fish in the shadow of the Pitons, or experiencing a live sea turtle hatching in the last light of dusk.
Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return. Your Next Adventure Awaits....
THE UPPER WEST SIDE
HOME TO ART, CULTURE, ACADEMIA AND FAMILIES
By John Dake
Tucked between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side (UWS) of Manhattan is one of New York City’s most iconic and enduring neighborhoods. Known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, vibrant culture, and intellectual spirit, the Upper West Side has long held a special place in the city’s heart—a neighborhood that manages to feel both sophisticated and approachable.
Strolling through the Upper West Side, it’s easy to see why it’s often used as a backdrop in movies and TV shows. Classic brownstones line residential blocks, their stoops shaded by towering trees. Pre-war apartment buildings with ornate facades reflect a rich architectural history, while corner cafes, neighborhood restaurants and bustling bagel shops bring daily life into sharp, familiar focus. There’s a sense of timelessness here, a rhythm that feels a little less rushed than other parts of Manhattan, yet still very much part of the city’s hum.
The neighborhood stretches roughly from West 59th Street to West 110th Street, bordered by Central Park on the east and the Hudson River on the west. Central Park is Central Park West’s backyard. An obvious gem, offering winding paths, playgrounds, and the peaceful calm of the Great Lawn. On the western edge, Riverside Park runs along the river, offering stunning views, bike paths, dog runs, and picnic spots that feel like a retreat from the urban grid.
The cultural roots of the Upper West Side run deep. Lincoln Center is a world-renowned complex of performing arts, home to the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. Just a few blocks north, the American Museum of Natural History welcomes millions of visitors a year with its grand dinosaur skeletons, planetarium, and sprawling exhibits.
A REAL NEIGHBORHOOD
But beyond these landmarks, it’s the neighborhood feel that gives the UWS its charm. There’s something deeply neighborly about the way locals greet each other at farmer’s markets or share benches outside Zabar’s, the legendary gourmet deli that’s been serving smoked fish and babka since 1934. On weekend mornings, lines form outside Barney Greengrass, a Jewish appetizing institution known for its Nova and bagels. Family-run shops still have a foothold here, providing a contrast to the big brands of midtown or downtown.
Historically, the Upper West Side has been home to a diverse mix of residents—artists, academics, families, and longtime New Yorkers. In the 20th century, the UWS was a hub for progressive thinking, music, and arts, with residents like Leonard Bernstein, Nina Simone, and many of the city’s literary and artistic elite.
Today, the neighborhood retains its eclectic spirit, though like much of Manhattan, it has become increasingly expensive. Still, the UWS manages to preserve a sense of accessibility and warmth. Schools are a draw for families, and the area is considered one of the more livable parts of the city, with ample green space, a relatively laid-back atmosphere, and strong community ties. Block associations and local events—like street fairs and outdoor concerts—help foster that smalltown-in-a-big-city vibe.
The subway lines—the 1, 2, 3, B, and C—make the Upper West Side well-connected, but many residents are content to stay within the neighborhood’s cozy confines. There’s a rhythm here, a comforting routine: morning jogs in the park, afternoons spent reading on stoops, dogs being walked past French bakeries, the scent of roasted coffee drifting from tiny cafes.
At night, the neighborhood glows softly. The lights from apartment windows cast a golden hue on the sidewalks. Classical music may float from an open window. Couples walk hand-in-hand after a show at Lincoln Center or catch a late movie at the indie theaters that still hang on in an era of streaming.
The Upper West Side is not just a place on the map—it’s a feeling. A sense of continuity in a city that is constantly evolving. It’s a corner of New York that balances progress and tradition, intellect and warmth, urban energy and everyday comfort. For many, it’s the quintessential New York neighborhood—and for those who live there, it’s home in the truest sense of the word.
GREENWICH VILLAGE
THE SOUL OF MANHATTAN
By John Dake
Nestled between the steel spires of downtown Manhattan and the glittering bustle of Midtown lies a neighborhood unlike any other in New York City—Greenwich Village. Known simply as The Village, this iconic enclave has long stood as a haven for artists, rebels, and dreamers, a place where cobblestone streets wind through a patchwork of brownstones, jazz clubs, cafes, and bookstores. It’s a place steeped in history, layered with culture, and pulsing with creativity.
Long before it became synonymous with bohemian life, Greenwich Village was farmland. In the 17th century, the Dutch settlers called it Noortwyck, and it later evolved into a quiet village separate from the grid of New York City. When a yellow fever epidemic struck lower Manhattan in the early 19th century, many New Yorkers fled to the healthier air of the Village, unintentionally setting the stage for its transformation into a vibrant urban neighborhood.
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Greenwich Village had become a magnet for artists, writers, and political thinkers. The neighborhood’s quirky street layout—resisting the city’s grid system—mirrored its residents’ resistance to convention. In smoky cafés and tiny apartments, avant-garde ideas flourished. The likes of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Eugene O’Neill, and Jackson Pollock all found inspiration among its crooked streets. This was the beating heart of the American bohemian movement.
In the 1950s and ’60s, the Village again became a cultural hotbed—this time for folk music and counterculture. At Café Wha?, an unknown Bob Dylan took the stage for the first time. Down the street, Joan Baez and Pete Seeger sang songs of protest. Washington Square Park, with its iconic marble arch, became a gathering place for artists, beatniks, and civil rights activists. The Stonewall Inn, still standing on Christopher Street, became ground zero for the LGBTQ+ rights movement after the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment that changed the course of history.
But Greenwich Village isn’t just about history. It continues to evolve—retaining its charm while adapting to the times. Walk through Bleecker Street today, and you’ll find a blend of old-school Italian bakeries and sleek boutiques. Independent bookstores like Three Lives & Company sit just blocks from stylish wine bars and trendy restaurants. And while the Village has gentrified over the decades, it still preserves its fiercely independent spirit.
The architectural character of the Village is unique within Manhattan. Low-rise townhouses and 19th-century brownstones dominate the streets, many with ivy-covered facades and iron railings. St. Luke in the Fields Church, built in 1822, still stands proudly on Hudson Street. These historic structures aren’t just beautiful—they tell stories of generations that came before, each adding a layer to the neighborhood’s identity.
A walk through the Village is a sensory experience. There’s the smell of roasted coffee from corner cafés, the sound of jazz drifting out of a basement bar, the sight of artists painting in the park. It’s a neighborhood where every block feels like a film set, where every building could house a story worth telling. In fact, the Village has been featured in countless films and TV shows, from Friends to Inside Llewyn Davis, cementing its place in pop culture.
And yet, for all its fame, Greenwich Village still feels personal. It’s a place where people greet each other by name, where dogs tug at their owners near the park, where history and modernity sit comfortably side by side. The Village defies easy definition. It is, at once, a memory and a moment.
In many ways, Greenwich Village represents the soul of New York City—a place that celebrates diversity, nurtures creativity, and never stops evolving. Whether you’re a first-time visitor wandering its winding lanes or a longtime local sipping espresso at a favorite haunt, the Village always offers something new to discover.
Because in Greenwich Village, the story never really ends—it just keeps adding new chapters.
DR. NIPA GANDHI, COLORECTAL SURGERY
MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL SYSTEM: MOUNT SINAI WEST
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Dr. Nipa Gandhi is a colorectal surgeon at Mount Sinai West (the former St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital). Dr. Gandhi is also the surgeon who saved my life in January when I suffered a case of extreme sepsis and diverticulitis that caused my large intestine (colon) to perforate. Dr. Gandhi also happens to be considered one of the best colorectal surgeons in the city. Being the consummate journalist, I needed to know how this incredible surgeon came to be, and how her talents saved my life.
Many children in our country have a fleeting desire to become a doctor. Fewer follow through. For Dr. Nipa Gandhi, her earliest desire to become a doctor started in school and she never looked back. According to Dr. Gandhi, “Going through school and high school, the thing that really fascinated me was biology, the human body and how it really worked. It was one of the courses that I truly enjoyed. It’s something that I kind of felt just came to me naturally.” That could not be truer in my experience with her.
Knowing how accomplished she was in college and medical school, I had to understand why Dr. Gandhi, out of all the specialties she could have chosen, decided to become a colorectal surgeon. She responded, “When we do our surgical residency, it’s five years of training and we basically get to experience everything from the neck all the way down to the pelvis. I really liked colorectal surgery. When it comes to the body, it’s like plumbing and pipes, and I think the reason I chose it is there’s so much variety. I can do big abdominal cases, such as your extreme case, cancer cases and more. I can do colonoscopies, and I can also do outpatient surgery for hemorrhoids, fistulas and the like.” In other words, all Dr. Gandhi wants to do is help her patients live more productive, longer and healthier lives.
After researching the cause of my medical crisis, I had discovered that the use of ileostomy and colostomy procedures is on the rise across many subsets of gastroenterology and oncology. Not to mention the increase in colorectal issues in younger than normal people versus a generation ago. That begged the question of what the root cause of this is likely to be. Of course, Dr. Gandhi knew the answer, “The general consensus is that it has a lot to do with diet, with our environment and really what we are putting into our bodies. We are absolutely seeing younger patients who are developing colorectal cancer, who are developing diverticular disease, even inflammatory bowel disease. And we think it has to do with all the processed foods that we are now exposed to. It really was in the 70s and 80s when there were all these varieties of junk food and fast food. At the time, no one thought anything of it. So, in those early years of life, being exposed to those foods, it is now manifesting in these sorts of diseases.”
Knowing Dr. Gandhi’s expertise, and her answer as to why there is an increase in this kind of surgery, I asked her one final question as a follow up; if she had met me prior to my surgery is there something she would have recommended to me to help avoid this kind of outcome?
Her response could not have been more informative, “I think that the biggest thing I try to tell patients is that it’s not about taking foods out of your diet. Because that is just what is so challenging. That’s why so many diet fads fail. It’s really about getting more fiber and more plant-based foods into it. If all things stay equal and you know you have fast food or you know you eat some richer foods a couple of times a week or more, if you are at least using a fiber supplement like psyllium husk or Metamucil. That can help minimize the impact the effects some of these foods are having on us. Fiber helps evacuate you better, so to speak.”
Truer words could not have been spoken. I’ve always been told that fiber helps “clean the pipes” and if Dr. Gandhi is recommending this, my advice, for what that is worth to you, is to follow exactly what she says. After all, she did save my life, and that of many more.
Special thanks to Dr. Nipa Gandhi, her team and Mount Sinai Hospital for allowing us to do this interview.
To learn more about Dr. Gandhi, and Mount Sinai, please visit mountsinai.org
I WAS NEARLY GONE THEN I WAS SAVED
HOW I SURVIVED EXTREME SEPSIS & EMERGENCY SURGERY
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Ihave never hidden the fact that my philosophy was, as the old saying goes, “Live hard. Die young. Leave a good-looking corpse.” That involved years of working hard as a marketing executive and journalist all day while going out all night as a hellion, and then repeatedly doing it again. And, yes, I danced with the Devil, smacked the Reaper in the face and tempted the Sisters of Fate more times than I care to admit. But at the end of day, that isn’t what essentially was going to end my life. Genetics was.
No, this is not some desperate cry for help or a Dear John letter from the grave to our readers. I am still very much alive. But on January 16th, it seemed my fate was sealed as I was laying on the shoreline of the River Styx. Ironically, it was not the years of damage I had done to my body that caused what was happening, but a genetic gift from the maternal side of my family that started it and proved to be the final nail in what would have been my coffin. Yet thanks to Dr. Nipa Gandhi and her team at Mount Sinai West (MSWest), my life was saved. And I could not be more thankful.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Let me start from the beginning so you understand the whole picture. This is where the genetic side of the situation comes in. The maternal side of my family suffers from severe gastro-intestinal issues such as diverticulitis. This is an infection that results from a disease called diverticulosis. Essentially, the disease creates pockets in the intestinal tract which can become infected. Once that infection, or diverticulitis, takes hold, the level of pain that accompanies it is something I personally pray none of you ever have to endure. I watched my Nana suffer in agony from this many times throughout my life, and she was the toughest woman I had ever known. As a boy, I often referred to her as Wonder Woman; a sentiment and belief I held until her passing at the age of 91. But even the Amazonian Princess had her weakness and for my Nana, this pain was too much. To give you some context – about 1 in 50 people have diverticulosis, however rare it is that it turns into the infection. Unfortunately, it is becoming more common. This is due to our aging population across multiple generations such as Baby Boomers and GenX. And research shows that now our population is beginning to suffer from this at younger ages with some blaming chemicals in the food supply chain, others blaming rampant use of narcotics and abuse of alcohol. Nana was one of those rare cases. And I am one that is a result of both the rarity as well as it becoming more common. In other words, genetics played a primary role while that commonality and my own foolishness accelerated it.
On Christmas Eve last year, at the age of 48, I ended up in the emergency room with my first attack of diverticulitis, far younger than my Nana was when she first suffered its fury. As my wife Kylie was in Australia visiting her family for Christmas, the only support I had at home was our dog, Brioreo (Bri). For six hours, I was hooked up to three IV lines of antibiotics to try and bring down the infection. They foolishly discharged me too soon, providing me with ten days of oral antibiotics and pain medication. I should have been on those IV lines for at least 24 hours. I spent much of the next week cuddling with Bri and binge-watching TV shows. As the New Year approached, I began returning to my normal routine, though I still felt a little off. And the timing could not have been better, or at least I thought so at the time.
On January 3rd, we announced that I had taken over as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) and on January 12th, my friends at the greatest gossip column in the world, Page Six, published that I had taken on the role. That day and into the 13th, my inbox was filling up while text messages were coming in like crazy with congratulations. My mobile was ringing off the hook, as we used to say, as if it were my birthday. What I didn’t know was that those Sisters of Fate had other plans for me.
A HORRIFIC TWIST OF FATE
That night, around seven o’clock, with Kylie still in Australia, I suddenly found myself on the floor of my bathroom, writhing and screaming in agony. The diverticulitis had never gone away, and from the pain and overall morose feeling, I knew sepsis was starting to take hold. At some point I lost consciousness as I don’t remember, somehow, getting dressed and walking out of my building onto 16th Street. Once on First Avenue, the windchill’s freezing bite startled me back into cognizance just as my legs buckled. I fell to the ground as I no longer had the ability to stand. With no one on the street, and darkness fully set, I knew waiting for an ambulance to another hospital facility would spell certain doom; my intestines would have burst from the infection.
I had no choice but to, literally, drag my own body up the street back to the ER that had mistreated me just three weeks prior. I remember being amazed that there was not a soul outside. I remember the smell coming from the deli on the corner and hoping that would not be the last thing I experienced. At the time, while praying for mercy as I crawled through 16th street to the emergency room, all I wanted was to feel the smoke from one last Marlboro cigarette in my lungs. All I wanted was to enjoy the smell of that tobacco exhaling from my nose and mouth in case my worst fears came to fruition. Sadly, I couldn’t even muster the strength to do that because it would have meant giving up on my destination. I had to make a conscious choice; have a cigarette to satisfy my addiction and disappear into the annuls of time or use every ounce of energy to get to the hospital. Needless to say, the human instinct for survival kicked in and I soldiered on.
Once I managed to get to the ER, I quickly realized just how bad things were. After a bit of drama at the start with the staff, as I am sure, given how filthy I was from the street, they thought I was a homeless person seeking a quick morphine fix, I called a neighbor to come help, my dear friend Natella (a fellow New York native who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen). I knew I would not be able to communicate much longer as the pain set deeper and that I needed someone with me to advocate for me. I was also worried because, if the worst-case scenario ensued, she could manage helping Bri who was home alone, getting in touch with Kylie in Australia and my family. Thankfully this wasn’t the case.
A HELPING HAND
Natella helped reach out to my parents, my wife and my Aunt Marissa who was closest and came in from Long Island. I knew if anyone could control the situation it would be the woman who has acted as my big sister my entire life (she is only nine years my senior). Marissa also knew what I was suffering from as she was there when Nana experienced her worst scenario of diverticulitis, resulting in a burst colon and colostomy. Sadly, almost an identical situation to what was about to happen to me.
The ER had me hooked up on heavy IV antibiotics, gave me a cat scan and issued a seemingly endless stream of pain medication. After passing out a few times from the pain and infection, I was finally able to talk to my wife. I could hear the worry in her voice. But more importantly, also the strength of faith in her knowing that I was going to make it through what I was about to experience: something that I can only describe as taking a sharp right turn into oncoming rush hour traffic on the FDR. The ER needed to transfer me to Mount Sinai West immediately because of the severity of the infection. They had already alerted one of the best gastro surgeons in the city to my case, Dr. Nipa Gandhi who was en route to MS West. All I wanted to do was go home. But it was my aunt who made it clear to me that there was just no way that even my Irish American perseverance and pride would help me survive. Yes, the sepsis was that bad, and it was getting worse by the minute.
By seven o’clock on the morning of the 14th, I was in a room in the surgical wing of what used to be St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, had already had a second cat scan and bloods drawn. After a series of calls with the hospital, my parents and Marissa to make sure I was settled, Kylie was on a flight home that would take more than a day from Perth, Western Australia. My aunt had stayed with me all night to make sure I was okay and that I was getting the best possible care. Over the course of the next two weeks, she would check on me every day by phone, always ready to rush in if I asked for or needed her. That is who she has been my entire life.
MY SURGEON THE ANGEL
Then Dr. Gandhi walked into my room. My stomach was distended. My temperature on the roller coaster ride from hell. I didn’t want to have the surgery at all. Knowing that Kylie was on her way, and that the diverticulitis hadn’t perforated my intestines yet, they agreed to a 24-hour period of the heaviest IV antibiotics possible in the hopes of bringing the infection to bear.
I was in and out of consciousness over the next day, until Kylie arrived straight from the airport. Shortly thereafter, my stomach began to distend further with my temperature skyrocketing. Being the consummate caregiver, Kylie insisted the surgeon be informed right away. And when Dr. Gandhi marched into my room with her surgical team, that’s when reality really set in; there was nothing they could do but go in.
The sepsis was too severe. The latest scan and bloodwork had shown what they feared worst; the diverticulitis had eaten through the intestinal wall, pouring poison into my body cavity. But no one was prepared for just how bad things were about to get, except Dr. Gandhi.
They didn’t wait for transport to bring me down to the operating room. One of the surgical team stayed behind and prepped me in my room. He personally took me down. My wife kissed me and said, “I will see you soon” as we approached the surgical suite. I asked the doctor to stop the bed. I got up on my own two feet, grabbed the IV stand connected on wheels, and said, “If I am going to die, I am going to walk in on my own damn feet.” As I entered the operating room, Dr. Gandhi had the look of shock on her face, asking, “What are you doing?” I simply replied, “I’ll be damned if I’m going out like this. Like Frank, I’m doing it my way. Just tell me where you need me.” She had already discovered I was not a normal patient and that I was determined. So, she pointed to the operating table, and I plopped down right on it. As Dr. Gandhi diligently and kindly explained what was going to happen, the anesthesiologist still in shock that someone walked into the OR, explained the process to me for general anesthesia. As they put the mask on me, injected my IV port with medication to put me down, I remember seeing my Nana and Grandpa Jay standing there watching over me as if to say, “Fight. Fight like you’ve never fought before. You will live.”
DARKNESS FALLS
At first, Dr. Gandhi and her team used a laparoscope to see exactly what the damage was and what needed to be done so they could perform the surgery. As I was a heavy smoker of almost 40 years, the anesthesiologist voiced their concern that the surgery could not go more than five hours without complications. When the scope went in, the surgeon’s worst fear had come to pass; my entire body cavity filled up with dark puss, blocking their ability from being able to pre-assess.
They immediately cut open my abdomen from above my belly button all the way down to my pubic bone. My body cavity was indeed full, with fungus growing on some of my organs. They had to remove most of my organs from the cavity, cleaning and inspecting each to make sure they were viable; perform an appendectomy, remove a section of my small bowel as well as parts of my intestines and give me an ileostomy. This is a surgical procedure that takes the end of the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) through an opening to form a stoma, usually on the lower right side of the abdomen, and into an apparatus that connects to a colostomy bag so you can expel waste. It bypasses the colon and is done so that the colon, small intestine and other parts of the waste extraction process has time to heal.
After almost six hours of surgery (yes, my lungs held on!), they put me into recovery and then brought me back to my room. When I woke up from the anesthesia the next day, I had a catheter, an oxygen tube in my nose, a waste drain in my nose for bile, a surgical drain in my abdomen, a colostomy bag, a massive incision closed with surgical staples and numerous IV lines out of my arm. I am not sure how much weight I lost at that time, but over the course of the more than two weeks I was in the hospital, I had dropped 40 pounds in fat and muscle mass. The problem here is that it also prevented me from having the strength to walk properly, or with any length. In other words, I was essentially crippled in a few ways.
However, there is no other way to say this than Dr. Gandhi literally saved my life that night. It is that simple.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMES THE LIGHT
The truth of the matter is that I literally felt less than human, less of a man. I had feared this is what I was going to live like for the rest of my life; a man who has to have a bag of waste attached to his stomach, emptying it into a toilet throughout the day. Someone strangers would look at and think, “freak.” Someone who at the age of 48 couldn’t get around without a walker or some semblance of physical assistance. Folks, as someone who has always been the emcee on stage before thousands, the guy on news shows before millions talking about any number of causes, or the man who was about to launch three podcasts, I felt my life was over. As it turns out, I could not have been more wrong.
Instead, what I found, was a renewed determination stemming from that Irish American perseverance, that pride, to beat the odds. Kylie and I feverishly scanned the internet, absorbing every ounce of information we could on ileostomy surgery, on recovery and what I needed to do to get my body back to normal. Despite knowing the odds, and what I had in front of me after suffering from such severe sepsis, I worked my proverbial ass off. I started to do leg and thigh exercises every day in bed; then began walking more and more in the apartment without a walker; finally extending that to being outside so as to make sure the loss of muscle mass I had suffered was not going to permanently cripple me.
I became stubborn in following my surgeon’s instructions to the letter. I even ate all of the bland foods without cheating once (which is extremely difficult for a guy who has been cooking since he was five and loves to eat), took all of the medications, didn’t even think of having a cigarette and, most importantly, listen to everything my wife told me to do.
And in under six weeks, I have beaten those odds. The normal full recovery time for an ileostomy, from surgery to normalcy and the potential of a reversal, is three to four months. I achieved that in less than two. And, just so you know, a reversal is when they push the stoma back into your stomach, reconnecting it to the large intestine, and then seal up the hole in your gut where the stoma was. In other words, as of the writing of this story, roughly six weeks post-surgery, I have been cleared for reversal. Even the radiologist who took my last scans couldn’t believe it. He said, “I have never seen anything like this. Normally four months later we see a fully healed system.” Well, I guess that perseverance, that stubbornness, and listening to my wife paid off. Especially that last part. Yes, Kylie was the most important part of my recovery. There was no guarantee that I would return to normalcy. There was no assurance that I would walk normally again. Yet, today, I am scheduled for that reversal and while I still have some physical weakness outside, every day is a better day. In other words, there is a tomorrow and I’ll be damned if I am going to let some addiction, or some sense of foolish nostalgia set me back. My time to rise from the ashes is here.
Check the June issue of New York Lifestyles Magazine for the next part in the story after Sean-Patrick has his reversal surgery
WHY APPLE HEALTH WORKS
HOW APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 HELPS ME RECOVER
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
After teaching myself how to use a computer in the earliest days of DOS, I quickly became a technophile. It got to the point when I had to experience every new device, before or as soon as it was released. But, for whatever reason, during the pandemic, I lost my passion for it. So, when my medical crisis hit, one of the first thoughts I had was, “I need to start using tech to track my health progress so I can get through this faster.” But I was about three years behind in wearable technology. That’s when my friends at Apple gave me some advice.
I contacted a friend in Apple’s PR department shortly after being released from the hospital about helping me figure out what I needed to be able to track my health progress more effectively. Shortly thereafter, I started using their new Apple Watch Series 10 in tandem with the Apple Health app on my iPhone. Yes, I had used both before on earlier versions of the watch, but not to the degree I am now.
I can track all my exercise progress, weight management and diet, sleep routines as well as other vital readings to make sure I am progressing, but also to monitor for any shortcomings or warning signs. Plus, all the relevant information about my medical history is readily available to First Responders should I have any complications or emergencies. My Apple Watch Series 10 also alerts my emergency contacts in case of a fall or collapse which for me is a plus as I navigate getting strength back in my legs and lower extremities.
Finally, all the information from my Apple Watch and iPhone are tied into my MyChart account at Mount Sinai Hospital, which updates my medical care team so when I have checkups, all my relevant data is already there. That helps as they track my progress as well.
It takes a genius company like Apple to really understand the consumer need, especially with an aging population. Apple Watch Series 10 is not only a leap in wearable technology, it also gives me peace of mind to know that all of my information is literally at the tip of my fingers, or that of an EMT just in case.
Over the next couple of months, I am going to update our readers on the progress I am making using Apple Health, inclusive of Apple Watch, iPhone and more. And, just to be clear, the magazine is not receiving compensation for this. I am doing this to make sure our readers understand the benefit of how Apple technology can improve your health, and your life.
ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY
IN USING SCIENCE TO DEFY AGE AND DISEASE
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman and Reni Gertner
At age 39, Leslie Kenny found herself at a crossroads. In the midst of trying to conceive through IVF, she was blindsided by a devastating diagnosis — two autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Not only did these diseases threaten her dreams of becoming a mother, but they left her life hanging in the balance. A high-powered professional with a scientific mindset, she had expected her doctors to have the answers. But as they told her to accept her fate and manage her decline with immunosuppressants, something inside her refused to surrender. What followed was a personal health revolution.
Every day, she chose to fight to save her own life, exploring new and uncharted ways to, hopefully, elongate her time on this Earth. Leslie pored over research, explored integrative approaches, and embraced radical lifestyle changes.
She changed her diet, eliminated inflammatory triggers, took up yoga and hiking, and dove deep into the emerging science of longevity. She also found and used a cutting-edge therapy called Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg), which modulated her immune system back to balance instead of suppressing it. Within six months, she returned to her doctor for routine follow-up, and the impossible had happened — her biomarkers had normalized. She no longer met the criteria for any of the autoimmune diseases. Yet, instead of curiosity and excitement, she was met with indifference.
“The doctor barely looked up from my file,” remembers Leslie, an Oxford-based, Harvard-educated longevity expert and CEO. “I wanted to tell her everything I had done, but she wasn’t interested. That was the moment I realized: our doctors aren’t gods and we patients have more power than we think to change the outcome of our illnesses.”
Now 59 years old, with a biological age of 21 according to cutting-edge testing, Leslie is living proof that lifestyle changes can profoundly impact aging. She attributes her transformation to a combination of dietary changes, movement, stress reduction, and immune system balance — strategies she initially adopted to overcome her autoimmune conditions. Her experience ignited her lifelong passion for understanding how we can slow, and even reverse, the aging process.
Years later, as she continued to refine her approach to longevity, Leslie discovered a breakthrough that would take her understanding of aging to the next level. It was a compound called spermidine— naturally found in certain foods and essential for cellular renewal, immune support, and even cognitive health
Scientists at the University of Oxford had been studying its potential for reversing cellular aging, and the findings were compelling. Studies showed that spermidine could activate autophagy, the body’s natural process of cellular renewal, and target the root causes of aging. Despite its promise, there was no clear path to bringing it to the public — yet. The challenge was bridging the gap between the cutting-edge research and making this compound widely available in a natural, foodderived form. But, just like in her own prognosis of her own life, Leslie saw what others didn’t.
For centuries, women have sought the so-called “Fountain of Youth.” Be it everything from Botox and collagen treatments to trend-driven food and exercise fads, and everything in between, the glitterati of Hollywood and the doyennes up and down Park Avenue are no different. And like the many centuries of those foolish enough to believe in the myth of the Fountain, they often suffer the consequences from such toxic obsessions, resulting in the exact opposite outcome of what they were seeking. Little did they know that the answer to their dreams might have long resided in certain natural foods.
“If this were something our ancestors had been consuming in food for centuries, why weren’t we paying attention?” she said. “People spend fortunes on anti-aging treatments that work from the outside in. This was about restoring vitality from the inside out.”
Determined to make this breakthrough accessible, Leslie founded Oxford Healthspan and introduced Primeadine®, a food-derived spermidine supplement designed to support longevity naturally that’s now expanding into the U.S. from the U.K. Sourced from Japan, home to some of the world’s longest-lived people, Primeadine is made using the highest quality, naturally occurring spermidine from wheat germ, blended with prebiotic fiber to enhance absorption and encourage the body’s own production of spermidine.
The response to the supplement was overwhelmingly positive. Healthconscious consumers, longevity researchers, and wellness experts alike took notice. Users reported improved sleep, enhanced skin and hair health, and sharper cognitive function – and even the reversal of gray hair.
“Think of it like decluttering your house,” Leslie explained. “Autophagy helps clear out damaged cells and allows your body to function optimally. The problem is, as we age, our natural production of spermidine declines. That’s why supplementing with a food-derived source is so powerful. It supports the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate.”
Leslie is dedicated to longevity education as much as supplementation. Through the not-for-profit Oxford Longevity Project, she collaborates with top researchers, hosts discussions on cutting-edge aging science, and continues to advocate for a holistic approach to health.
“Longevity isn’t about hacking your way to health overnight — it’s about giving your body what it needs, consistently, to thrive,” Leslie said. “When you support the body with the right nutrients, the right lifestyle, and the right mindset, it knows how to heal and renew itself.”
Oxford Healthspan also offers Primeadine® GF, a first-of-its-kind glutenfree formulation with spermidine sourced from Okinawan chlorella and botanicals known for their cellular renewal properties. The original Primeadine is also available in a powdered format for mixing into food or drinks.
For more information on Primeadine and the science of longevity, visit oxfordhealthspan.com
OZEMPIC & BLINDNESS
AN HONEST LOOK AT EYE HEALTH & OBESITY IN AMERICA
By Danielle Gordon
We all know the Ozempic craze is gripping the nation right now. It is the latest in a series of weight loss fads that is not only causing shortages of much needed diabetic medications, but also serious side effects that are harming other facets of the anatomy. One of those, which is the more serious of the reported side effects, is blindness. As a leading optometrist, we turned to Dr. James Dello Russo for the truth about what exactly is going on.
NYLM Q: There have been recent studies that prove those taking Ozempic and other semaglutides can lead to an elevated risk of developing a very rare form of vision loss/blindness. How rare is this, and should those on their health journey be concerned?
Dr. Dello Russo: There is a rare condition associated with Ozempic and other semaglutides called a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or (NAION for short.) This condition is characterized by a disruption in blood flow to the optic nerve which can cause ischemia and permanent damage. It is analogous to a stroke of the optic nerve that can result in blindness.
The emerging concern is the potential link between semaglutide and NAION. Symptoms of NAION include sudden vision loss in one eye, or blurred vision in one eye, or a visual field defect. The risks of developing this condition are quite rare, so those taking Ozempic and other semaglutides shouldn’t be concerned.
We have seen recent reports show the connection between obesity and serious eye diseases, nearsightedness, cataract disease, glaucoma and more. This is especially concerning to eye experts as obesity rates are forecasted to increase by 64% in the next 25-years.
NYLM Q: What are some weight management and healthy lifestyle choices that can help in preventing or slowing down the progression of vision problems related to obesity?
Dr. Dello Russo: That’s a great question. With all of the information on the internet, I still suggest that anyone seeking to lose weight, or change their diet speak with a medical professional before embarking on this effort. It’s better to be safe in these kinds of cases, especially if someone is what is considered “obese.
The first thing to tackle are dietary changes. Portion control is a big part of that. But you also need to focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated and trans fats. For eye-oriented healthy fare, incorporate foods rich in antioxidants like leafy greens and colorful vegetables. Consume omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon, to support retinal health. When it comes to weight loss, you need to focus on sustainable, gradual weight loss instead of rapid, extreme diets. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance to maintain a healthy BMI.
The second part of this is regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, to manage weight and improve cardiovascular health. It’s all about consistent exercise and daily movement. Opt to take the stairs or walk to your destination when you can. It will drastically improve your physical health.
Then there are related health conditions we all have to consider. The two most common problem areas are blood pressure and cholesterol. For both, lifestyle changes such as healthy diet are paramount, but you may also need to take medication, depending on what your physician tells you. That includes exercise as your doctor is who will know what is best to help you. For those who have diabetes, you must diligently manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
When it comes to your eyes, make sure you schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to detect any early signs of eye problems. And last, but certainly not least, getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including eye health.
Dr. James Dello Russo is one of the most well respected optometrists in the Tri-State area, having cared for patients and their eye health for over 30 years. To learn more about Dr. James Dello Russo, please visit DelloRusso.com
The resort sits on a lush tropical estate featuring dramatic caves along the water’s edge in Bailey’s Bay. Scattered over 21 acres and sloping down toward two private beaches are 11 colorful cottages in traditional Bermudian architecture overlooking the clear turquoise waters dotted with small islands.
Swim in the shallow waters off our private beach, in the fresh water pool, or languish in the outdoor Jacuzzi situated among a garden overlooking the bay. Sail, snorkel, paddle board, dive ancient wrecks or explore the delicate coral reefs. Grab an early morning fishing charter, take a cruise on a sunny afternoon or a glorious sunset sail right from our dock.
At Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa our extensive list of amenities and activities ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR NEUROLOGY
THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN COGNITIVE HEALTH
By Alexander Zubkov, MD
In the fast-paced life of a bustling city like New York, maintaining cognitive health may seem like a daunting challenge. However, research shows that taking proactive measures centered around nutrition can dramatically impact your brain’s longevity and function. As a boardcertified neurologist and critical stroke specialist, I have witnessed firsthand the shift in how we should think about brain health—it’s not just about medications but about a holistic approach that includes dietary wisdom and lifestyle choices.
THE NUTRITIONAL FOUNDATION OF BRAIN HEALTH
The connection between what we eat and how our brains function is undeniable. Our neurons thrive on essential nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Research increasingly highlights that deficiencies in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can impair cognitive functions and promote inflammation, accelerating cognitive decline.
Consider incorporating the following key nutrients into your daily regimen for optimal brain support:
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats, found in fish oil and algae, are vital for maintaining brain cell integrity. A consistent intake can lower the risks of cognitive decline and enhance memory function.
• Bacopa Monnieri: This herb has been celebrated for its cognitive-boosting properties in traditional medicine and is believed to enhance mental clarity and memory.
• B Vitamins: Vitamins B6, B12, and Folate are essential for reducing homocysteine levels—the amino acid associated with brain aging and atrophy.
• Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, may help combat the formation of amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer’s.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom: This unique mushroom is known for stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF), fostering neural regeneration.
WHEN
TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?
Cognitive decline often does not present itself suddenly; it is a gradual process that may start in your 30s or 40s. If you reside in an environment bustling with information and distraction, such as New York City, prioritizing your brain health is crucial, even if you don’t feel immediate symptoms. Integrating brain-supporting supplements early on can be particularly beneficial, especially for those with a family history of neurodegenerative diseases.
UNDERSTANDING THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
An intriguing frontier in cognitive wellness lies in the gut-brain axis. A balanced gut microbiome—home to trillions of bacteria—plays a critical role in neurochemical production and regulating inflammation. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, has been linked not only to cognitive decline but also to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Incorporating probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods can enhance gut health, which is quintessential for maintaining cognitive function. Foods rich in fiber and fermented products, along with specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can work wonders for your mental clarity.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Beyond nutrition, here are additional lifestyle changes that can profoundly affect cognitive health:
• Adopt a Mediterranean Diet: Rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables, this diet is associated with lower dementia risk.
• Practice Intermittent Fasting: This approach can facilitate the body’s natural repair processes and support overall cognitive function.
• Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise not only boosts blood flow to the brain but also promotes neuroplasticity, which is vital for learning and memory.
• Utilize Mindfulness Practices: Stress management through meditation and spending time in nature can help combat the negative cognitive effects of chronic stress.
• Prioritize Quality Sleep: Deep, restorative sleep is crucial for brain detoxification and consolidating memories.
A NEW ERA OF BRAIN HEALTH
As we continue to uncover the science behind brain maintenance, a shift toward integrative neurology is becoming apparent. Neurologists are beginning to recognize the profound implications of nutrition and holistic therapies. My objective is to bridge the gap between traditional medical practices and innovative, natural solutions for brain health.
Empowering yourself through informed dietary choices, strategic supplementation, and lifestyle modifications will allow you to take control of your cognitive health effectively. Amidst the challenges of city living, nurturing your brain is not just a necessity—it’s a lifestyle.
Dr. Alexander Zubkov is a board-certified Neurologist specializing in functional medicine and an advisory member of the medical team at 1MD Nutrition, focusing on cognitive health solutions. To learn more, please visit 1md.org
DANNY RIZZZ
WHAT THE MIND BELIEVES, THE BODY ACHIEVES
By Dan Grozev
The Power of the Mind-Body Connection. In the journey of life, some people merely talk about success, while others take action and walk the path. Then, every once in a while, someone comes along who changes the game entirely. What sets them apart? Their belief in themselves.
The greatest gift you can give someone is your belief in them. But what about the belief in yourself? That unwavering confidence that fuels resilience, pushing you to overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable? The moment you break through barriers, a total stranger witnessing your triumph may think, “If they can do it, so can I.” That spark of inspiration is how legacies are built—one person’s perseverance igniting another’s journey to greatness.
The everyday New Yorker’s blueprint for success is a constant reminder that our mind and body are not separate entities; they are intrinsically connected, influencing each other in profound ways. When you train your mind to believe in success, your body follows suit.
New Yorkers embrace the fear and failure that is rock bottom. The toughness and perseverance of the city is often the most solid foundation on which to build. It is the place where resilience is forged, the mind is tested, and the decision to rise is made. Crawling through the mud to reach higher ground in life is not just a metaphor—it is the reality of those who achieve greatness. They understand that true success is only attained by those willing to humble themselves, to put in the hard work, to start from nothing, and to build something extraordinary.
Think about the moments in life that have inspired you. Perhaps it was seeing someone defy the odds, overcome adversity, or rise from failure stronger than before. These moments plant a seed of possibility.
Imagine an image of inspiration—a person standing victorious after a grueling challenge, sweat dripping, exhaustion evident, but triumph undeniable. That image isn’t just about that person’s success; it’s a symbol for everyone else who has faced similar adversity. It’s a message that says, “If he can do it, I can do it too.”
That belief builds a legacy—not just in personal achievement but in inspiring others to push beyond their own limits. It starts by believing it before you ever see it.
The will to succeed makes all the difference. If you are content with where you are, that’s as far as you will ever go. The mind-body connection thrives on growth, challenge, and discomfort. True transformation begins when you step beyond your comfort zone, because the comfort zone is the danger zone—it is where dreams go to die.
Having the will to succeed means embracing fear and failure. These are not roadblocks but steppingstones. Fear is self-created, something you allow to manifest and feed every day. Once you face it head-on, you realize it was never as big as it seemed. That shift in perspective transfers fear into confidence—you walk taller, move with purpose, and radiate resilience.
It’s not genetics or raw potential that separates the successful from the unsuccessful; it’s perseverance. You will learn more through failure than you ever will through success. Every setback is a lesson, every struggle a steppingstone. Overcoming fear isn’t about eliminating it—it’s about transforming it into energy that propels you forward.
Fall in love with the process. Transformation isn’t a moment; it’s a process. It requires sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. The pain you feel isn’t punishment—it’s a signal that something in your life is changing, improving, strengthening. The discomfort is the price of progress.
The ones who succeed are the ones who keep getting back up. They possess an unbreakable perseverance, a relentless mindset that refuses to quit. The mind is the ultimate weapon in life’s battles. Integrity, honor, sacrifice, due diligence, and sweat equity—all of these contribute to the never-say-die attitude that defines true warriors of success.
Nothing is subjective. Pain fades, but pride remains. The moment of triumph—the natural high of toughness and confidence—is the proof that you have overcome, that you have grown, that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.
Your thoughts shape your reality. What the mind believes, the body achieves. You must see your success before it happens. You must believe in it before anyone else does. You must persist long after others have given up.
The connection between mind and body is not just philosophy; it is the foundation of resilience, transformation, and ultimate success. When you control your thoughts, you control your destiny. Wish it, dream it, and most importantly—do it.
DANNY RIZZZ
JOINS OUR GROWING FAMILY
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
When I had a scheduled meeting with Danny Rizzz one fateful afternoon at my friend’s restaurant, I already had a fairly decent idea what to expect. Or at least I thought I did. I was right and wrong at the same time. And I could not have been happier.
Danny stuck out to me the minute I walked in the doorway. I knew exactly what he looked like, but had no idea that I was literally about to meet the most fit man I had ever met. He stood taller than I, but not overwhelming. More personal in his approach, with a smile and a look that only said, “happy to see you.” It’s difficult to explain, but I knew the minute we met, he was someone I wanted in our magazine.
Less than five minutes into the conversation and I already knew exactly where he fit, exactly how to position his column, and precisely how many of you are going to love him. His honest, forthright nature combined with a brilliant mind and dedicated soul is only outmatched by his perseverance and devotion to achieving his goal; helping others become the best they can be through health and wellness. And we could not be more proud to welcome him to the New York Lifestyles Magazine family.
AI AND YOUR COLON
WHY SMARTER SCREENINGS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
By Austin Chiang, MD
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and on the rise in younger people, according to the American Cancer Society. The encouraging part? It’s also one of the most preventable types of cancer. The key is catching it early, before it becomes lifethreatening.1
If you’re 45 or older it’s time to get screened. Regular colorectal cancer screenings can detect growths (called polyps), before they turn into cancer2. Plus, with AI technology, doctors can now spot polyps more accurately during a colonoscopy3
WHY ARE WE STILL AVOIDING THIS CONVERSATION?
Let’s be real: there seems to be a general stigma and discomfort around discussing all things guts and butts. But ignoring your gut health isn’t the answer. Low-fiber diets, red meat consumption, smoking, and being inactive are risk factors. You could also be more vulnerable if colon cancer runs in your family.
Early-stage cancers often have no symptoms, so get screened even if you feel healthy. If you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits, see your doctor immediately, including if you’re under 45.
COLONOSCOPY:
THE GOLD STANDARD
Colonoscopy is hands down the best way to catch colorectal cancer early—and even stop it before it starts. During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera to examine the interior lining of your large intestine. Sounds intense? Maybe. The good news is you’ll be asleep the whole time!
So why is colonoscopy the preferred method over a stool or blood test? Simple: it’s the only screening that lets doctors find potential cancer and remove it on the spot. Non-invasive tests are usually best at detecting cancer or advanced polyps, and if they come back positive, you’ll still need a colonoscopy.
THE PREP ISN’T FUN…BUT
IT’S WORTH IT
Let’s be honest: no one loves colonoscopy prep. But if you want a clear view of your colon (and trust me, you do), you’ve got to clean it out. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but here’s the gist: A few days before your procedure you’ll need to adjust your diet and the day before you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet. Then comes the infamous bowel prep kit—a strong laxative that gets things moving. Fast. Yes, you’ll be spending quality time near a bathroom, but think of it as a short-term inconvenience for a long-term benefit.
A.I.: THE EXTRA SET OF EYES THAT HELPS SAVE LIVES.
A recent Medtronic/Morning Consult survey of 2,200 U.S. adults revealed that 80% believe healthcare technology can help people live longer and healthier. This is very true in colonoscopy where AI has emerged as a gamechanger.
GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy system, an AI tool from Medtronic, aids doctors in detecting polyps during colonoscopies. It utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze video footage captured during a colonoscopy in real time, identifying suspicious lesions or polyps that might otherwise be missed by the human eye. It’s like a second set of eyes that never get tired or distracted.
And it’s not just hype. Studies show that AI-assisted colonoscopies can significantly boost polyp detection rates, reducing the chance of missing potentially cancerous growths. As a doctor, I see AI as an incredible ally— helping us catch more precancerous polyps, protecting more lives, and making colonoscopies even more effective. For our patients, this can be lifesaving.
YOUR HEALTH, YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. Screening isn’t just about catching cancer—it’s about preventing it and living better, longer. Early-stage cancers are easier to treat, and removing polyps early can stop cancer altogether. This reduces the need for chemotherapy or radiation, which can significantly impact quality of life.
There’s also something to be said for peace of mind. Regular screenings help you take control of your health, work proactively with your doctor, and reduce the “what ifs” that can weigh on you. And honestly, who can’t use a boost to their mental health?
The bottom line—colorectal cancer is preventable, and screening saves lives. If you are 45 or older, or have symptoms, don’t delay. Schedule your AIenabled colonoscopy today! Your future you will thank you.
To find an AI-enabled colonoscopy near you, visit medtronic.com/genius.
Dr. Austin Chiang is a Chief Medical Officer for Medtronic, the global leader in health technology, a practicing interventional gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at a university hospital in Philadelphia, and author of Gut: An Owner’s Guide.
1“Detecting early may prevent polyps from developing into something more serious”, Corley DA, Jenson CD, Marks AR JR, et al. “Adenoma detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death”, N Engl J Med.
2 “Adenoma detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death”, Corley DA, Jenson CD, Marks AR JR, et al., N Engl J Med.
3“Efficacy of Real-Time Computer-Aided Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia in a Randomized Trial”, Repici, A., et al., Gastroenterology.
HIVE MENTALITY
CREATES COMMUNITY IN SPIN CLASSES
By Natalie Bickel
Illuminated above the rest, spin instructors move their bodies with graceful intention as people tap each other’s arms in silent encouragement. Endorphins rage, not from a night at the club, but from a popular workout using stationary bikes. Spin classes are back, and this low-impact workout is producing high-impact results that go beyond the gym.
However, a recent survey found that women feel they have to “fight” for space in the gym and with an underlying notion they shouldn’t take up “too much space.” This is the opposite approach spin studios take — with instructors encouraging riders to move their bodies in big ways.
New studios are continuing to open and change the narrative. Abica Dubay, founder and coowner of the standalone studio, Cyclst8, which opened in 2023, holds her team to certain moral standards with “a zero-tolerance policy for drama, gossip, and bullshit,” creating a welcoming environment.
WHY SPIN CLASSES FOSTER BONDING WITHOUT LIMITS
A contagious synergy occurs during cycling, allowing participants to “engage more effectively; pushing past limitations and fostering team building,” said Sarah Jeffries, former psychologist.
This mentality comes from what Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist, coined as a “hive switch” — where moving together in time can create a superorganism, through which we’re able to “lose ourselves temporarily and ecstatically in something larger than us.”
A SoulCycle studio in Brooklyn Heights enforces a “no phone policy” so that riders can be fully present in the moment; ensuring mutual respect with the removal of all distractions and creating felt safety through thousands of pedal revolutions.
MUSIC MATTERS
Music also creates a “sense of safety and connection” with recent studies illustrating how it “can quiet parts of the amygdala, the part of the brain that experiences fear, and amplify parts of the brain associated with memory and meaning,” according to Katina Bajaj, cofounder of health startup, Daydreamers. “This creates the perfect blend for having ‘peak’ experiences,” she added.
This heightened state is further induced by the nightclub-inspired environment. “The dark room creates disconnection from the outside world. It eliminates the feeling of competition or comparison,” said Mady Martin, co-owner and instructor at Cyclst8. Martin added, “Music is a universal uniting force. People bond over music they like, music that inspires them, and, in our classes, the music that moves them.”
SHARED ENERGY
With over 20,000 classes under his belt, Philip “PK” Kessel, Bay Club instructor notes that “the power of shared energy” differentiates this type of workout from other group fitness classes. “Indoor cycling creates more of a mini-community than other formats,” said PK. “The combination of movements and music creates an environment where only effort becomes important—not strength or speed.”
Part of this sensation comes from the release of oxytocin, which Haidt puts as the “glue that binds people together,” creating trust from physical touch. The more arm taps from fellow riders spurs the ability to surpass limiting beliefs and mutual support. The ignited feelings of camaraderie are also experienced by instructors.
“Even though I’m technically solo up on that stage, there’s this incredible sense of connection with the class,” said Lindsey Koester, spin instructor. “It’s empowering to guide the room and feel the energy you create as an instructor reciprocated back to you,” she added.
CHOREOGRAPHY CAUSES A “HIVE” MENTALITY
Mirror neurons aid in initiating the hive switch, evoking imitation. When instructors demonstrate choreography, something instinctual occurs with the bass existing as a unifying heartbeat. Haidt refers to this as muscular bonding, which “enables people to forget themselves, trust each other, and function as one unit.” Movements designed to be performed in unison further the impact of indoor cycling because, according to Haidt, “even tapping out a beat together makes people trust each other more.”
“There’s nothing better than when the beat drops and everyone’s nailing the choreography. Ultimately, it’s not just a workout; it’s a whole experience that feeds the soul,” Koester stated.
Jeffries seconds Koester’s sentiment, “It shapes them into an effective form of group therapy, powerfully elevating motivation while fostering unyielding community bonds”—a notion that purposefully contrasts with the thought that women shouldn’t “take up space” at a gym.
The Flanders Hotel Ocean City’s most historic and prestigious boardwalk hotel, known as “The Jewel of the Southern Shore”, was built in 1923. This serviceoriented Ocean City, NJ hotel, which was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2009. The Flanders combines the elegance and hospitality of yesteryear with modern amenities to offer the finest in luxury accommodations. All suites in our Ocean City hotel have private bedrooms and full kitchens, equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers and stove tops, along with irons and ironing boards.
Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, our full-service NJ beach hotel is a seaside destination that provides the following amenities:
• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space
• Emily’s Ocean Room (featuring family friendly dining)
• The Shoppes at The Flanders (featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories)
• Divine Images Salon & Spa
• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)
• Fitness Center
• 24-hour business center
Ocean City, known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, is one of the best beach towns in South Jersey. The Flanders, with its premier accommodations and prime location, is a landmark known throughout the region, state and nation. Vacationers have marveled at the towering structure as one of the great hotels along the Jersey Shore while local residents and business owners are reminded of the glory and memories provided by the resort. Because of its status as the grandest of Ocean City, New Jersey hotels, the community is fortunate that this architectural gem has survived to the present and continues to remain an important part of Ocean City’s past and future.
HEALTHY MOUTH, HEALTHY BODY
THE ORAL MICROBIOME: WHAT IS IT & HOW IS IT CONNECTED TO YOUR GUT?
By Dr. Jennifer Jablow, DDS
The oral microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that live in the mouth. It’s essentially the ecosystem of microbes that inhabit the soft and hard tissues of the mouth, such as the teeth, gums, tongue, and saliva. While many of these microorganisms are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause disease under certain conditions, especially if there’s an imbalance (dysbiosis) in the microbial community.
WHY DOES THE ORAL MICROBIOME MATTER?
• Oral Health: The microbes in the mouth help with processes like digestion (e.g., breaking down food particles) and protecting against harmful pathogens. However, if harmful bacteria become dominant (like Streptococcus mutans, which contributes to tooth decay), it can lead to dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Immune System Function: The oral cavity acts as a gateway to the rest of the body, and the microbiome plays a role in regulating local and systemic immune responses. A balanced microbiome helps maintain oral and overall immune health, while an imbalance can promote inflammation and increase the risk of infection.
• Systemic Health: The health of the oral microbiome is linked to broader health conditions. Poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy oral microbiome are associated with various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications.
CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ORAL AND GUT MICROBIOMES
The oral microbiome and gut microbiome are connected in several ways:
• Microbial Transmission: The microorganisms in the mouth can be swallowed and enter the digestive system, potentially affecting the gut microbiome. For instance, harmful bacteria from the mouth can be carried into the stomach and intestines, where they might disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome.
• Inflammatory Pathways: An imbalance in the oral microbiome can cause inflammation, which might contribute to systemic inflammation and impact the gut. For example, chronic gum disease (periodontitis) can promote systemic inflammation, which may alter gut microbiota composition and contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Shared Microbial Species: Some species of bacteria are found both in the oral cavity and the gut. The health of one microbiome may influence the other, as changes in the oral microbiome can impact gut health and vice versa. For example, the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum has been found in both the mouth and the gut, and its presence is linked to diseases like colorectal cancer.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, like regular brushing and flossing, can help maintain a healthy balance of oral microbes and, by extension, potentially support overall gut health as well. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics can support both microbiomes. The products that you use do matter.
You don’t want to use something that will kill your good bacteria. Harsh detergents and antibacterial ingredients can throw the microbiome out of balance by wiping away ALL the bacteria. Stay away from ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, triclosan, alcohol and high concentrations of essential oils.
An acidic environment (a low pH) in your mouth creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Make sure to limit very acidic drinks such as sports drinks, soda, hot lemon water and foods like balsamic vinegar. If you must have them, be sure to chase with a glass of water right after to help neutralize the acids. Make sure to brush with a toothpaste that is pH balanced such as IntelliWHiTE products which help keep your microbiome health intact.
In short, the oral microbiome plays a crucial role in both oral and systemic health, and its balance is closely linked to the health of the gut microbiome.
In Good Health, Dr. Jennifer Jablow
For more information on Dr. Jennifer Jablow, visit DoctorJablow.com
To learn more about IntelliWHiTE products, please visit shopintelliwhite.com
You can send your questions or a subject you would like to see covered in a future story to docsmilez@gmail.com
THE MINDIE METHOD
ADDRESSING LIFE’S DISPARITIES
By Mindie Barnett
Psychotherapist, wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straight forward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at: mindiesmusings1@gmail.com
Mindie is available for in-person and virtual psychotherapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett Psychotherapy practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com
Dear Mindie,
I am having a terrible time at work! I work in marketing and own my own practice. I have a variety of clients from many different industries. I would like to think I’m good at my job and I’ve been doing this for more than three decades. I have had a small share of unhappy clients but more have been pleased than not, to say the least! I am writing about one very disgruntled client who has been unfairly lashing out at me and is now accusing me of being unprofessional and sloppy at my job.
No projects are ever smooth sailing but most of what this person is accusing me of is unfounded. I have really tried my best to please this person but today she fired me, and this is leaving me feeling very unsettled and questioning my overall approach with her. I plan to make good on what she hired me to do, regardless, but can’t help but feel a little “less-than.” Can you please offer some advice so that I can look at this experience with less anger and more from a place of growth?
Sincerely, Unhappy
Dear Unhappy,
I am deeply sorry to hear about your work predicament. When you have your own business and work with many clients, you’re bound to have some with personalities which may not match your own. It sounds like that may be what is happening here. While I do not know anything about what your former client is accusing you of, based on your history noted and time in your industry, it’s safe to assume you are indeed seasoned and talented. Otherwise, you would not be in the industry for as long as you have, nor would you continue to have clients trust you enough to hire you.
That said, there are always 3-truths to every story: yours, theirs, and the reality. If you can try and see the situation from the perspective of your former client, review their accusations and do your best to reflect on any areas you may be able to improve. Doing so will provide you with a learning experience rather than one that is sour and makes you feel resentful.
Working out, going for a run, doing a quick fitness routine will ease your mind and bring your cortisol levels (which are at a high right now) down. Lastly, do something nice for yourself.
Allow yourself the time to watch a favorite show, enjoy a cup of tea, read a good book or simply call up a good friend. Being kind to ourselves when we aren’t feeling our best is a wonderful way to restore positive feeling and regroup.
While it sounds like your client may be treating you unfairly or simply looking for things to blame you for, you should not take it personally. I know that part may be a hard pill to swallow, but this is one person’s opinion and if you truly feel as though you’ve worked hard and have done your very best to deliver their desired results, at the end of the day, that is all you can do. You can hold your head high and know that while this client may be less than thrilled, you have a legacy of other clients who are indeed pleased. I would put your stock in that mindset and continue to collect evidence to support that frame of mind.
Best of luck and much love,
Mindie
What happens when
a Master French Pastry Chef and Chocolatier meets a robotics engineer ?
The Chocolate Video Box
VALERIE
UPBEAT NOSTALGIC AMBIANCE IN THE HEART OF MIDTOWN
By Anne Raso
Valerie is smack dab in the center of Manhattan and about a six-minute walk to Times Square— so it’s no wonder that between the location, excellent Modern American fare, extensive bar list and gorgeous 1920s style décor, it’s always crowded. The crowd skews on the young side and seems to have a lot of young professionals from surrounding neighborhoods hanging out after work. There’s a super lively atmosphere and everyone appears to be having the time of their lives while enjoying their food and cocktails.
A SEXY VIBE
On my recent trip to Valerie, I was all wide eyed when I saw the ultrahigh ceilings, gorgeous lighted mirror behind the bar and matching steps. You get the feeling that you just walked into a 1920s speakeasy as you ease onto a blue or red tufted booth and get offered a cocktail. Beverage Director Marshall Minaya comes up with creative signature cocktails (often using independently distilled spirits from the tristate area), and he oversees what could possibly be the largest gin list in all of NYC. It would not be an understatement that his Martinis and Gibsons are considered magical by bar regulars.
Executive Chef JC Colon is great at multitasking and even oversees the purchasing of meat and produce, keeping it local whenever possible. He’s all for being creative while staying within the realm of Modern American cuisine. Chef Colon tells NYLM, “I’d say we do a lot of R&D in the kitchen, constantly experimenting with new dishes. When I have an idea in mind, it’s a process of trial and error, refining flavors until we get it just right—creativity is king in the kitchen. I strive to foster an environment where the kitchen is a space for ideas, allowing both myself and the team to explore and innovate freely. Right now, we’re still fermenting and incorporating last year’s fermentations, continuing to push boundaries with flavor and technique.”
We asked Chef Colon what his favorite items on the Valerie are before we dined there just because chefs always seem to have the highest food standards and a taste for the unusual. He said, “Right now, my favorite dish on the menu is our Hamachi Aguachile Crudo. I feel this dish truly reflects who I am as a chef, balancing texture, acidity, tartness, vibrant colors, and bold flavors. It embodies California cuisine, which is deeply rooted in my culinary identity. One of our most popular dishes with guests is the Wagyu Beef Cheek Bao Buns. The beef cheeks are braised in kimchi, then lightly fried and tossed in a sticky sauce, served with a nước chấm Napa cabbage slaw for the perfect balance of richness and freshness.”
HEALTHY BUT TASTY
This is NYLM’s health and wellness issue, so I want to point out that there are plenty of healthy options on the Valerie menu including Ahi Tuna Tartare with heirloom carrots, avocado and micro cilantro; the King Salmon served with roasted flowering cauliflower and a wild onion and citrus emulsion; and the Castelfranco Salad made with orange, red onion, cucumber, carrots, avocado, Calamansi vinegar, blood orange and avocado oil.
On my visit, I only “stayed healthy” with my appetizer, which was the aforementioned Castelfranco Salad. I then partook of the Steak Frites which is a 12-ounce brandt steak with hand cut French fries, peppercorn compound butter and green garlic chimichurri. (I got obsessed with this sauce and made my own version at home afterwards, but it was not nearly as good).
The dessert menu features about seven choices but among the real stars of the dessert menu is the Mango Mousse Royale with coconut dacquoise biscuit, roasted coconut shavings, tri-gelee and raspberry powder. It’s so creamy that you want to eat it super slowly and savor every bite; the Warm Vanilla & Fig Shortbread which features a hazelnut shortbread crust, almond & pistachio cream, roasted fig, dulche de leche, Tahitian vanilla gelato and roasted pistachio. This has so many textures and flavors going on but they all complement each other well.
WHAT’S NEXT
Valerie is often referred to as a “lounge” but it is as food focused as it is cocktail focused. We asked Chef Colon to clarify the difference between just a restaurant with a big bar area and a lounge (which is such a popular word these days in the foodie world). He explained, “In my opinion, a lounge offers a more intimate drinking and dining experience compared to sitting at the bar, where guests often have people standing behind them trying to order drinks or get the bartender’s attention. Lounge seating provides the same restaurant-quality experience but in a more relaxed and comfortable setting, allowing guests to focus on their conversation or date without the distractions of a busy bar space.” Just for the record, Valerie welcomes people who just want to sit at one of the tables in the different dining areas and drink.
We just had to ask Chef Colon what his best moments in the kitchen at Valerie have been. He told NYLM, “The highlights of my time at Valerie have been the opportunity to develop and execute menus across multiple concepts within the company. I focus on crafting menus that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients while bringing unique flavor combinations to life.”
He added, “My background includes experience as an Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, and Culinary Director, along with overseeing F&B programs for hotels, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the industry.”
What new items are going to be on the menu for spring 2025? Chef Colon reveals, “I’m looking forward to the ramps returning in the spring. As mentioned earlier, we preserved over 30 pounds last year, and we’re still incorporating them into dishes. A new dish debuting soon is our Asparagus And Artichoke Risotto—fresh, vibrant, and balanced with subtle acidity, it perfectly captures the transition into the new season.”
Valerie is perfect for special occasions or just dinner with good friends. Most of the plates are big enough for sharing so your best bet is to order five or six items and let everyone sample. Valerie is especially strong when it comes to seafood and the Grilled Harissa Octopus is very simply served with cherry heirloom tomato, red onion, avocado, radish, cucumber and citrus vinegar. It has become the stuff of legend at this point.
For more information on Valerie, visit valerienyc.com
LOUNGE VS. BAR
GREAT BITES
APPROACHING HEALTH & FLAVOR WITH FRESHDIRECT
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
My recent health crisis had left me twisting in the wind, so to speak. I was relegated to a low fiber diet for six weeks with little fancifuls allowed. No Pizza Friday. No steak. No sushi. No Chinese food. Frankly, nothing with real flavor beyond some chicken breast lightly sauteed with garlic. I ate more rice than I care to admit while sucking down Ensure Max Protein Nutrition Shakes three times a day. Though I have to say, it tastes good (no, I am not being paid to say that)! So this month, I wanted to try and give our readers some balance of their own in terms of health and flavor, after all this is the Health and Wellness issue!
That balance is not easy to achieve. And I wanted recipes that are turnkey and no-nonsense but still deliver on the deliciousness Great Bites has become known for. While thinking of what to include, I remembered that my friends at FreshDirect have some great, easy recipes on their website that I had recommended to a friend last year. So I asked them if they wanted to have some fun with me in this month’s column. After all, believe it or not, I was one of their first customers when they launched 23 years ago. Great company that has some amazing groceries, produce and much more!
I wanted to offer our readers two easy recipes, one focused more on health and the other on flavor, but that didn’t have too much fat, sugar or other cautionary ingredients. So after speaking with my friend in their PR department, we settled on two recipes; the Citrus & Rotisserie Chicken Salad for health, and the Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken for flavor. Next thing I know, a delivery of incredibly fresh produce, fresh chicken, Irish Soda Bread (to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day), a couple of veggie-oriented meal kits (as my wife is a vegetarian and hates to cook – yeah, I know – opposites attract LOL), and even treats for our furrever one, Brioreo, shows up at my apartment. Needless to say, I was not only touched, I was impressed.
I made both of the recipes, and filmed them, so that I could be sure it was exactly what I had believed them to be. Needless to say, I wasn’t just right… I was deliciously right. WOW! Head over to NYLM’s Instagram and you will see what I mean. Here we go…
CITRUS & ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD
This salad is the most turnkey, yet flavorful, I have had in a long time. First of all, the rotisserie chicken they sell at FreshDirect is fresh, juicy and full of flavor. Second, the citrus fruit slices are complemented by the olive oil and lemon dressing while the red onion and salad greens add a beautiful, crunchy texture to the salad. All in all, this recipe delivers on every level and can be made at anytime; especially on those nights you are working late or just behind in your schedule. Personally I am going to start making this regularly as it just impressed me on so many levels!
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cara cara oranges, or other sweet citrus
• 5 ounces salad greens, like baby arugula or kale
• 1 cup shredded meat from a rotisserie chicken
• Half a red onion, sliced into thin rings
Instructions
Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Remove the peel from your oranges, trimming away any remaining white pith. Slice crosswise into pinwheels.
Place the fruit, greens, chicken, onion, and any additional ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with as much of the lemon dressing as you like and serve.
TAIWANESE THREE CUP CHICKEN
This dish will knock your flavor socks off and your waistline will never know! Think of it as a sneak attack of YUMMO without consequences! The name of this dish comes from the main sauce ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. And I can tell you, not only is it easy to make, but you can have it for dinner or even just for an appetizer to a larger meal. I flanked it with some Jasmine rice and it was unbelievably tasty!
Ingredients
• 3 tbsp + 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp water
• 3 tsp oil
• 6 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2 inches sliced, unpeeled ginger
• 2 lb chicken wings or boneless thighs cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 sliced jalapeno
• 2 cups of basil leaves
• 1-2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, white pepper and water. Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger. Cook until lightly browned. Remove garlic and ginger and set aside.
Increase heat to high. Add chicken. Sear 3-5 minutes, then pour in soy mixture. Bring to a boil, then return garlic and ginger to pot.
Cover and bring heat to medium low. Simmer until chicken is cooked and sauce is sticky, about 10 minutes for thighs or up to 15 for wings. Add jalapeño and basil leaves. Increase heat to high and stir well. Turn off heat and drizzle over sesame oil.
These recipes worked out better than I had hoped and I know so many of you will benefit from them! FreshDirect has an entire database of recipes varying in ranges of flavor profiles, dish types and cuisines. Most of them are straightforward and easy to make. Personally, like many foodies, I love taking existing recipes and adding my own bent to them, if you will. Though I have to say, in the case of these two recipes for this month, the only suggestion I might have is for the Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken: if you are looking to boost flavor and appearance, use only one tablespoon of sesame oil at the end. Then, plate your chicken with the aforementioned rice, and sprinkle both fresh cut strips of basil and sesame seeds. Then drizzle a few squiggles of sesame glaze across the top before serving to add some more color and texture to the dish.
By the way, you should know that FreshDirect also gives a lot of food to City Harvest, an organization I have worked with many times over the years that helps feed our city’s food insecure. I have a personal affection for this as I volunteer with seniors often and they are the largest food insecure group in New York. To learn more about City Harvest, please
Special thanks to my friends at FreshDirect for cooking with us this month. Their produce, meats and variety of grocery offerings is just perfect for anyone in the city looking to step up their quality game. To learn more about FreshDirect, to see their recipes and more, please visit FreshDirect.com
DECORATE YOUR TREATS FOR EASTER/PASSOVER OR ANYTIME!
Let’s be honest, decorating food and beverage on a normal day is not the simplest thing, especially if you aren’t adept at using piping bags, icing, or cake spatulas, etc. And, often, what you may be making is not necessarily conducive to icing like foam on a cappuccino, cup of coffee with cream, flat cookies or a macaron. So, what is one to do?
I found this incredible EVEBOT PrintPen that not only helps to decorate both food and beverages, but it is also so easy to use! This is especially important if you are having a lot of guests over to celebrate the end of Lent or for Passover this month. The EVEBOT PrintPen makes it as easy as could be and uses an APP to program the pen. The ink in the cartridges is made of food coloring and water and certified by the FDA, so you can feel safe using it!
Look for a more in-depth story on this in May for Mother’s Day food and beverage décor.
To learn more, please visit printpen.myshopify.com
In the February issue, you read about my favorite chocolatier, M. Cacao. Well, they rocked my world in the most incredible way when Chef Delphin told me they were launching something new; The Shatter Collection. OMG! Each piece is a true work of art complementary of the great Masters! They are hand-painted and Chef-crafted, and while you may not want to, you MUST shatter them. As my friend who represents the brand says, “not as an act of destruction, but as an act of discovery!” Truer words were never spoken. There is something inside each piece of this delicious collection that simulates the interior of whatever is being shattered and is, as the French say, incroyable. As an example, inside the Koi is raspberry and passion fruit pate de fruit; inside the Star is lime marshmallow.
For more information, please visit mcacao.com
Every month, I will endeavor to bring you new, interesting and incredible snacks on top of the recipes, reviews and everything else that is Great Bites. Whether that is in the form of a new product, a new discovery or just something fun that I know you will love, this is where you will find it. In this month’s debut, I have two different new products that I know you’re going to go crazy over!
You’ve undoubtedly heard me wax poetically about Prospector Popcorn. Brilliant flavors with an even more incredible mission behind them: The company, part of the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, Connecticut, employs people with disabilities who are called Prospects. Roughly 75% of their employee base self-identifies with a disability. I’ve had their popcorn many times over the last two months. Their flavors are creative, fun and the quality is unreal! They have this incredible new flavor hitting in April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month called Superstar Crunch. It’s colorful candy-coated chocolate chips and brownie bits that are generously mixed in with their Classic Caramel gourmet popcorn. Cosmic blue sparkles are handmixed into Superstar Crunch, making it really shine. Talk about a great way to show support for such an incredible cause!
For more information, please visit prospectorpopcorn.org
SNACK BITES
ON THE BIG SCREEN
By Jenny Peters
SPRING INTO CRIME
THE ACCOUNTANT 2
R
Ben Affleck returns as the autistic accountant whose life isn’t all it seems on the surface, along with Jon Berenthal, his hitman brother. Together, the siblings join up with U.S. Treasury agent Medina (Cynthia AddaiRobinson, also returning from the original thriller) to uncover a complex murder-for-hire plot. When the assassins come after the three of them, there’s hell to pay!
FREAKY TALES
R
THE AMATEUR PG-13
Rami Malek stars as a CIA agent whose deskbound job is perfectly good for him, until his wife is murdered in the midst of a terrorist attack. In his grief, he decides to go after her killers, with the help of one of the CIA’s trained killers (Laurence Fishburne). As the chase begins, he seems to be out of his element, but soon proves to be much more than just a computer geek. Rachel Brosnahan, Juliana Nicholson and Caitronia Balfe join in this action-filled adventure.
Oakland, 1987, is the setting for this wild flick filled with murder, mayhem and music that was a Sundance Film Festival favorite. Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis lead a talented cast in this four-thread tale that goes off into some seriously whacked-out places. At times funny, then ultra-violent, this one’s got a Tarantino vibe. Written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel).
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
PG
SINNERS R
Director-writer Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed) directs Michael B. Jordan once again, this time as twins who return home and discover that going back to the beginning is not a good idea. Set in bygone Southern times, this is a horror story with a new twist, so don’t let anyone spoil it before you see it. Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell join in the mayhem that happens here.
ONE FOR THE KIDS
Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks and Jack Black join forces to delight the legion of Minecraft video game fans in this big-screen action adventure filled with wacky creatures straight out of the game. And while those two are actual humans who drop into the game, make sure to listen closely to pick out Jennifer Coolidge and Kate McKinnon in this flick that’s got kids begging their parents for a trip to the multiplex.
ON THE SMALL SCREEN
By Jenny Peters
NEW SHOWS FROM EMMY WINNERS
DYING FOR SEX
FX/Hulu
Emmy winner and five-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams comes back to the small screen in this provocative limited series based on a reallife story. She’s a married woman diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer who decides to upend her whole life before it actually comes to an end. She leaves her husband and sets out to find sexual satisfaction before it is too late; Jenny Slate and Jay Duplass co-star in this eye-opening story.
YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Apple
TV+
ETOILE
Prime Video
Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, creators of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and multiple Emmy Award winners, return to the small screen with this drama centered around two famed ballet companies and the people in both troupes. It’s a big change from Maisel, but actor (and twotime Emmy winner from that show) Luke Kirby again joins that creative duo in a very different kind of story that also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Didi Conn and Simon Callow.
With one Emmy Award and seventeen other nominations, Jon Hamm has got what people like to see on the small screen. Now he’s back in another less-than-likable leading role in this new crime series, playing a desperate financier who turns to burglary to keep his pockets full of cash. Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn join in the neighborhood mayhem that Hamm relishes in creating here.
RETURNING EMMY-WINNING FAVORITES
THE LAST OF US
HBO
THE HANDMAID’S TALE
Hulu
After nearly ten years of making women everywhere fear for what can happen in a dystopian world, The Handmaid’s Tale returns for its sixth (and final) season, still with Emmy winning favorites Elisabeth Moss and Ann Dowd leading the female revolt in Gilead. Yvone Strahovski, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley and O.T. Fagbenle also come back for one more bone-chilling look at what can happen when fascists take over a country and force women into single-object roles.
The 2023 first season of The Last of Us took home eight Emmy Awards and garnered millions of rabid fans. Season 2 begins this month, with Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey and Gabriel Luna all back to scare the hell out of us once again in this futuristic story of zombies, rebels and the frightening world they are facing. Five years have passed, so be ready for some big plot twists in this much-anticipated return that adds Kaitlyn Dever and Isabela Merced to the new season’s cast.
BAREFOOT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
SOLD OUT FEST ONLY HAS SUPER VIP TICKETS REMAINING
By John Dake
This June, the Jersey Shore transforms into a sea of cowboy hats, red handkerchiefs, and Southern twang as the Barefoot Country Music Fest takes over Wildwood, New Jersey. With a powerhouse lineup featuring Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Jordan Davis, and more—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean—this four-day beachfront celebration is officially SOLD OUT, with only SUPER VIP (SVIP) tickets remaining.
Each year, Barefoot Country Music Fest brings tens of thousands of country music fans together for an unforgettable experience. With the salty breeze in the air and toes in the sand, fans gather to sing, dance, and celebrate country music in one of the most unique fest settings in the country.
For those still looking to be part of the Barefoot experience, ALL General Admission and VIP tickets are SOLD OUT, with only SVIP packages left. The Super VIP experience takes the fest to the next level, offering everything included in Main Stage VIP PLUS:
• An elevated viewing platform with a full bar
• Air-conditioned catering tent with seating
• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and an evening buffet (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
• A $500 beverage credit (exclusive to the Super VIP section)
• Exclusive VIP entrance and posh, private restrooms!
From the moment fans step onto the beach, the energy is electric. The Main Stage towers over the sand, flanked by massive LED screens and high-end sound that carries every chord and lyric across the shoreline. In between sets, concertgoers can explore a sprawling layout of food trucks, artisan vendors, beach games, and refreshing drink tents. Whether it’s grabbing an ice-cold beer, testing your aim at a cornhole tournament, or picking up custom boots, there’s something for everyone.
The lineup is stacked with a mix of country legends, today’s biggest chart-toppers, and rising stars. Past headliners have included Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton, each bringing their signature sound and high-energy performance to the stage. Beyond the big names, Barefoot also shines a spotlight on up-and-coming talent, giving fans a front-row seat to country’s next breakout stars.
But Barefoot is more than just the music—it’s an entire community experience. Friends reunite here year after year, and strangers quickly become friends in the crowd. Many attendees arrive early, staking out their spot on the beach with blankets and chairs. Whether you’re rocking out in General Admission or kicking back in Super VIP, the vibe is the same—fun, welcoming, and all about the love of country music.
As the sun sets over the ocean, the beach comes alive with lights, laughter, and the sound of thousands singing in unison under a sky full of stars. Nightly fireworks close out the party in true Barefoot style, leaving everyone with memories to last a lifetime.
The Barefoot Country Music Fest isn’t just a concert—it’s a coastal escape, a celebration of country music and good times, and an experience that keeps fans coming back year after year. And if you’re lucky enough to lock in a SVIP pass? Get ready for something truly unforgettable.
For more information, please visit barefootcountrymusicfestival.com
Ctsy. jeffcasella
STEFANIE POWERS HAS A BIG HART
AND LOVE FOR ANIMALS WORLDWIDE
By Ilyssa Panitz
Stefanie Powers loves to trot around globe. Not only does each location represent a special significance, but no matter where the Hart to Hart star plants herself, she always surrounds herself with many of her four-legged besties.
For instance, when Powers is in California, she lives with her five dogs: Sunny, a 76-pound Golden Doodle. BB, short for Bridget Bardot, because according to Powers, she thinks she is. There is Ozzy, who Powers says is mostly terrier. Bailey, who Powers describes as a mix of terrier and schnauzer, and finally Luna, the newest member of the family who is a rescue.
During this exclusive interview for New York Lifestyles Magazine and Pet Lifestyles Magazine from her West Coast residence, Powers was chuckling as her dogs were vying for her attention or barking at the squirrels running outside. “There is no such thing as a quiet night at home,” Powers said, “and if I walk around the house, I always have an entourage.”
While juggling five dogs may seem like a lot for some people, it’s not for this Hollywood icon because she says her dogs are her priority. In fact, Powers has a simple trick to keeping all the moving parts running smoothly. “I developed a system,” Powers confesses. “The key is, to stay calm especially during mealtime. For example, I make sure to separate the big dogs from the little dogs and not let them steal each other’s food.”
Another habit Powers constantly enforces is making sure every dog follows the rules and routines she sets forth. “I really believe structure has a positive effect on my dogs, and they feel more comfortable with the familiarity of the environment and their surroundings.” Take for example the SUV Powers purchased specifically to shuttle her furry troop around. “I replaced the back seat with little beds,” Powers tells us, “So when I go somewhere with the dogs, they each have a place to sit and know which space is theirs.
When Powers jets overseas to visit The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization the TV star founded in 1983, she soaks up the love from three of her other dogs: Simba, Chui and Kali. Powers tells us, “They are a combination of street and rescue dogs and when I saw them, I knew they needed my help.”
The mission of the 501(c)(3) is wildlife conservation through education and alternatives to habitat destruction.
The organization’s main education center serves nearly 11,000 Kenyan students every year beginning at age nine, by offering education programs, lectures, field trips, camping, practical displays of sustainable farming, cooking, composting, and bio-energy.
The William Holden Wildlife Foundation’s rural outreach program is available in seven different remote areas of central Kenya, for an additional 6,000 students and their parents. According to the website, it has fully equipped libraries, visits from speakers to support environmental protection, and renewable farming techniques. Powers notes, “This is not a tourist facility or attraction but rather a place for the people of the land to learn about their environment.”
In addition to being a mommy to eight dogs, Powers also owns 14 horses. They reside in three different countries: the United States, England and Kenya. Not only does Powers see her horses on a regular basis, but she also schedules ample time to go riding every week.
Powers’ passion for animals began when she was just a kid. She recalls fond memories of how much of her childhood was spent around racehorses, dogs, and a sun-bear she purchased from a pet shop named Eugene. “He lived for 12-years,” Powers tells us, “And he loved to eat peanut butter and climb trees.”
Despite her many years of advocacy work and being able to reach many different generations, the tone in her voice drastically changes when Powers explains how it deeply upset her to discover how the kill rate in Los Angeles shelters has reportedly gone up 30% due to the individuals who allegedly got a pet during the pandemic and then returned them after they went back to the office because they were no longer able to care for them on a full-time basis.
“That is why” Powers adds, “there is still so much more work to be done and love to provide to animals everywhere.”
A HEALTHIER LIFE FOR ALL
HOW HAVING A DOG IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Yes, having a dog in New York can come with its challenges. But did you know that being a dog parent can also lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, stress, and loneliness? They say the bond between humans and dogs can lead to better health outcomes. Therefore, a dog is more than just a freeloader who can eat you out of house and home. That dog can literally save your life, just as you will likely have saved theirs if you adopted them. In other words, it’s a two-way street.
So, do dogs just magically lower your vitals to healthier levels? Believe it or not, yes and no. While just cuddling a dog will likely provide you with an overall calming effect, according to a 2004 study, University of Missouri-Columbia scientists found that human blood pressure dropped by approximately 10 percent around 15 to 30 minutes after petting a dog. Now if you are running out the door for that slice of New York pizza right afterward, well, you are out of luck because your blood pressure and cholesterol are most certainly going to rise.
Speaking of which, how does being a dog parent tend to lower cholesterol levels? That one is an easy answer. Dog parents tend to spend more time outdoors, walking and running with their furrever one. So that exercise ends up helping to bring those numbers down a decent amount.
Here is a little confession for you: I have had naturally high cholesterol my entire life, well until my recent health crisis (having nothing to do with my heart). It is a family trait many generations old. Has my cholesterol subsided any because of my dog, Brioreo, or Bri for short? Yes, by about 15% since we adopted her three and a half years ago. Remember, Bri is the Spokesdog for our sister publication, Pet Lifestyles Magazine.
HIGHS & LOWS
The truth is that Brioreo has helped me get through a lot of emotional and physical angst over her three plus years as our FurrBaby. When both our Snickers and Rolo died from different cancers a few years ago, my wife Kylie could not even look at another dog without balling. That lasted for months on end. Nine months later, Brioreo was being fostered by another couple but kept pulling them to say hi to me, and just wouldn’t leave my side. I knew we had to adopt her. So after arranging a meet up with Bri, Kylie too fell in love. Now we are a pack. So were my cholesterol and blood pressure numbers high after Snickers and Rolo passed? Yes. But then then they came down pretty quickly after adopting Bri.
Those numbers are far lower today after my health crisis in January, which Bri has helped me get through emotionally. Physically is a different story because of the limitations that are related to what happened to me. Thankfully they are temporary and I will be walking Brioreo all around my community again very soon.
What is the likeliest outcome is that as I get stronger, I will be able to start walking her again (as opposed to Kylie who has had to take on the responsibility completely). And once that begins, my longer distance and more frequent walks will begin again. Last time I did this, my numbers dropped significantly!
But Bri also is the beneficiary of this kind of relationship. As I have been primarily homebound, Kylie has been taking her out with high frequency and for far longer walks. This not only helps Brioreo’s overall health, it also assists with her temperament. After all, the saying is “a tired dog is a happy dog!”
Now let me tackle the real issue at hand, one I touched on earlier; saving their lives. Please consider heading over to your local shelter or rescue to inquire about bringing home a furrever one today that can help you live a healthier, happier life. To find one, visit our friends at Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org to learn about their Lifesaving Centers and Best Friends Network Partners today!
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER
PHILIP RICHTER: AUTOMOTIVE DREAM BECOMES REALITY
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Speaking with Philip Richter, President, Founder & Co-Chief Investment Officer of Hollow Brook Wealth Management, LLC. about cars, financial markets and history is like studying at the Library of Alexandria. Not only does this Titan possess an endless knowledge, his story tugs on your heart strings as if Orpheus himself were playing. Philip Richter is also the founder of The Turtle Invitational, a biannual car show in Bedford, NY that has restored the love once had for these incredible gatherings at a time when commercialization has ruined most. The Turtle is celebrating its fifth invitational in September of this year.
Gone are the days when upscale regional car shows were about relationships, fun and healthy commerce. There is no art of the conversation, or relationship growth. The class these events were once known for has all but disappeared. In other words, it’s all about the price and the car being sold. And much like their larger cousins, the big auto shows that draw millions of consumers per annum to convention centers, they have become commercial to the point that you don’t recognize why you are there anymore.
Saddened by the current state of these shows and recognizing that car collecting and classic car inventory management were no longer a hobbybased cottage industry, in 2017, Philip launched The Turtle Invitational. Having been an avid car collector virtually his entire life, and mentored by his “second father,” automotive business legend Malcom S. Pray, Jr., Philip knew he had to restore the sass and fun these shows were long known for. He knew he had a mission to return the former glory of elbow-toelbow interaction, on a more intimate level. But he also knew that many of his wealth management clients desired a show that focused on the very industry so many had spent decades building; the car collecting, trading and management sector. Early on in Hollow Brook Wealth Management’s founding days, Philip discovered many of his clients were also car collectors. And for any expert or real enthusiast in the space, they knew it was, and is, no longer a cottage industry, or a hobby. After all, billions of dollars are spent every year on logistics, inventory management, and, of course, the sale of these rare gems themselves.
This year’s invitational features a schedule of intimate, exclusive, educational, and exhilarating events for any enthusiast of both classic automobiles and finance.
According to Philip, “The Turtle tries to bring it all back to people and camaraderie and connections. But also meeting new people. All that as an attractor of being, if you will, a fun get-together.”
Philip views The Turtle as a true blend of the famed Sun Valley Retreat with an old fashion classic car collector’s show, “The idea of this is being more like a salon or Chautauqua. On Friday night, we have an intimate dinner with about 100 people who are a close-knit group. We have a speaker that’s usually not from the car world. For example, in 2023, we had one of the leading investors in biotech talk about the revolution in medicine and the future of medicine and just talked about that, which was really kind of cool. Then on Saturday we have a symposium in the morning. Again, in 2023, we had an unbelievable morning with the Revs Institute doing an Engine 101 course. Then we do a tour of Northern Westchester County with all the cars, escorted by the State Police, ending up at the Malcolm Pray Achievement Center which is at the border of Greenwich and Bedford.”
Every year, Philip honors Malcom Pray who spent decades building the largest Audi, Volkswagen and Porsche dealerships and was known to be a brilliant businessman and entrepreneur. Pray sold his dealership group in 1999 for an astronomical sum of money – something no other dealership group had done before. A notoriously brilliant and talented car collector, Pray tragically lost his son, Malcolm Pray, III, in a 1986 car accident. Philip had been Malcolm’s best friend since childhood. Over the many decades together since, Philip became the “adopted son” to the senior Pray, cherishing every moment and every kernel of adoration, support and knowledge bestowed upon him.
Pray started the Pray Achievement Center to inspire young people to succeed using educational programs and a world-class private automobile collection. A mission that the Pray Achievement Center, which Philip sits on the Board of, still fulfills to this day. Clearly it was more than the knowledge of classic cars and a drive for business that Philip learned from the older Pray. According to Philip’s
Chief of Staff, Phoebe Rubenstein, “It’s not just at the Pray Achievement Center where Philip supports education and mentoring youth. Connecting with the next generation is a huge part of what Philip works on at Hollow Brook. Any family that we service, if there is a next generation present (children or grandchildren) he really champions the fact that we are open, willing, and able to give financial literacy, responsibility, mentorship to all ages.”
Whether it is teaching his clients’ children or those who visit the Pray Achievement Center, or just in this interview, it’s as clear as day that Philip Richter has an incredible depth of knowledge that he loves to pass onto others. Something I have a feeling he inherited not just from his time with Malcolm Pray, but also from his mother, Judy Richter who was a renowned horse trainer and riding instructor at the family’s Coker Farm, where the Turtle Invitational is held. The matriarch of the family taught many champions over her storied career, including an Olympic entrant in the boycotted 1980 Olympics. Sadly, Judy Richter passed away in 2022.
This does, however, explain Philip’s obsession with horsepower, of all kinds. It also explains the dedication and perseverance I had found in my conversation with him. His mother began teaching Philip to ride at a very young age. Unfortunately, he faced his own trials and tribulations with horses after an accident at the age of six. But even the young Richter had the stamina and drive to rise above the trauma to keep riding. And still does to this day. Given his time in the boardroom, and with his automotive initiatives, Philip doesn’t have the time to dedicate to equestrian full time. Instead, he enjoys his time on horseback these days as an amateur Equestrian Show Jumper. His most recent showing was in Wellington, Florida this past season.
Financier. Philanthropist. Classic Car Collector. Equestrian Show Jumper. Teacher. I don’t think any of these are appropriate titles or descriptions for him. I think it’s safe to say that Philip Richter is a Renaissance Man. After all, his favorite cars are the perfect indication as to the range this Titan possesses in his cerebral arsenal, both a 1985 Jeep CJ-7 and Mercedes-Benz SL 65 Black Series: two iconic vehicles on opposite ends of the vehicular spectrum.
MY NEW YORK STORY
EOIN MACKEN, STAR OF NETFLIX’S RANSOM CANYON
By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
In a recent interview with Irish actor Eoin Macken, star of the highly anticipated Netflix series, Ransom Canyon, releasing on April 17. I had the opportunity to ask him “What is your New York story?” Not only did his answer surprise me, but found out that the incredibly talented thespian is a former New Yorker whose screen career has its genesis in the City That Never Sleeps!
Let’s first start off with who this talented gentleman is. Eoin Macken is not just an actor; he’s a filmmaker, writer, and former model who has carved a diverse career across film and television. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Macken initially pursued a degree in psychology, then marine biology, at University College Dublin before his creative passions led him toward the entertainment industry.
Macken said, “I studied acting the first time when I was in New York. I didn’t want to be an actor until that point. I was modeling then and got flown to New York for some work. They wanted to send me to acting class. So, I said sure, I’ll stay a week and do that. At first, I hated it. I didn’t want to do it after the first couple of days. But I got along really well with my acting coach, Nina, and she spoke to me about films and stuff and forced me to do it. I then really enjoyed it so much I went back to Ireland and started doing shows in college. The next year I did a film and everything sort of snowballed from there.”
Many say, including some of my own friends, that the Irish are stubborn. Given how much Irish heritage I have, I can’t argue with that. However, Eoin is not someone I can say that trait exists in, far from it. But traits from the Emerald Isle I will say he does possess is his charm, wit and certainly his interest in experiencing all this world has to offer. I asked Eoin what his first New York apartment was like.
“When I first moved to New York, with a buddy of mine from London, we moved to the East Village and rented this weird apartment off Craig’s List. We had to meet this woman at some subway station to pay her the rent in cash in 20s – she was this lady with pink hair who met us at the top of the subway. She counted the money and then disappeared. This apartment was above where STOMP is in the East Village. I was working at a bar across from Thompkins Square Park and that was where we lived for four or five months. That was my neighborhood. I loved it and every time I come back to New York, which is frequently, I stay in the area.”
After starring as Sir Gwaine in BBC’s Merlin (which aired domestically on NBC) from 2010 – 2012, Macken had roles across many movies and shows on both sides of “The Pond.” But in 2021, he joined the ensemble cast of the sci-fi drama La Brea, playing Gavin Harris, a man desperate to reunite with his family after they fall into a mysterious time portal. After three seasons, the NBC drama ended in 2024. After a six-episode arc in the BBC series Borderline, Macken was cast in Netflix’s Ransom Canyon.
To end the interview, I asked Eoin what his favorite New York moment was; what really defined our city for him. No one could have chosen a better answer, “The very first time I was properly in New York, that first week with Nina, I remember getting off the subway at Union Square. I got to the top of the steps and just pressed play on my Discman with my favorite band, Oasis, on. I walked about 40 blocks to where I was going for acting class. I was just walking through New York, all different people around you, through traffic, past yellow cabs and just being so happy. It was one of my favorite things ever.”
Whether he’s acting, directing, or writing, Macken brings a distinct Irish charm and sensibility to his work—one that blends depth, wit, and a touch of melancholy. His career is a testament to the power of creativity, proving that true artists don’t limit themselves to one craft—they explore them all. In other words, I get the sense from him that his soul never left New York. And we should all be thankful for that!
While I adore the springtime for its return to warmer temperatures, that feeling of life returning from the cold winter months, and the smells emanating from open doors at bakeries, coffee houses and restaurants alike, it can also be a difficult time for so many. Spring’s arrival is, after all, the holiest time of year for our two largest religious populations; Judeo-Christians.
Look, you folks know that I rarely play the Roman Catholic card and, yes, even someone as “New York” as I am celebrates and prays to an invisible being who we believe to be all-forgiving and altruistic, but the truth of the matter is that in today’s day and age faith plays an even more important role in our lives.
Without faith, I don’t think many of us would have survived the last quarter of a century given the events we have endured as a city. Without faith, I think New York would have surrendered into a smoldering cesspool of hell. Think about this: we have literally survived everything from terrorist attacks to absurdly corrupt lockdowns during the pandemic to race riots to crooked and ethically bankrupt Mayors and Governors destroying the fabric of our way of life. If that isn’t the definition of a miracle, I don’t know what is. And, from a personal note, I did just dance with the devil less than a few months ago, surviving extreme sepsis and emergency surgery (much thanks to my surgeon). Though a visit from my deceased forbearers in a dream seemed to help as well – a subconscious indication of my faith.
This time of year for my fellow followers of Christianity and my Jewish brothers and sisters is all about penance and self-discipline. As an example, During Lent (a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving observed by many Christian churches in preparation for Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday), Catholics are supposed to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays until Easter.
Catholics are also to eat only one main meal and two smaller meals while giving up snacking. During Passover, people of the Jewish faith avoid eating leavened foods, also known as chametz, and sometimes also avoid legumes, corn, rice, and other foods called kitniyot. Essentially, from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday, it’s a landmine field of restrictions.
My only advice there is to be sure that whatever your faith, you are also keeping an eye on your health. For those that are diabetic, you know what your recommended diet entails. Those with high cholesterol and blood pressure, well, eating less red meat isn’t a bad thing (I have suffered from both for decades, so I know).
But, if you do make the mistake of eating meat on a Friday, or having more than one meal per day, as a practicing Roman Catholic, I can assure you God will forgive you if you are a good person and you go to confession. At least that is what I was told when I asked what happens when Catholics make a mistake and don’t follow the laws of our religion. As I recall, I asked this question when I was going through the Rite of Confirmation in sixth grade at Saint David’s School. Monsignor Thomas Leonard, our chaplain, told me right before the ceremony at St. Thomas More on East 89th Street (our church). As for my Jewish brothers and sisters, I believe the same holds true with respect to leavened breads during Passover. A dear friend who was a Rabbi told me some years ago that God will always forgive a repentant person who has a good heart and soul.
And that is my real point in this – if you are a good person, if you make a mistake, that’s okay. Just remember to ask for forgiveness and continue being that good person. After all, that is what Lent is about, self-reflection and penance.’
THE FINAL WORD
Regardless of your color or creed, as long as you are a good person, that is all that should matter in this world.
I wish all of you a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, or, for those who do not celebrate, peace and good health in life.
America's First Wine Trail
Escape the city and discover the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail—New York’s first and longest-running wine trail, just 4 to 5 hours from NYC. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, our 10 unique wineries offer awardwinning wines, stunning lake views, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Whether you're sipping Riesling by the water, pairing local bites with bold reds, or just taking in the scenery, it’s the perfect weekend getaway —easy to reach, hard to forget.
