Chilly Underground 'Show' (English)

This weeks edition of Chilly Underground comes to you in three distinct parts.

First we check in with our in house beer expert and industry insider, Bryan Roth, who is currently serving as the director for the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Bryan kindly shares with us his top five winter seasonal beer selections as well as some industry beer news including how the current government shut down might be affecting your beer choices in the very near future.

We then check in with Cinema Savant Roger Hackett to hear about the films that are driving the early award buzzand the top 5 films that should be on your radar as we head into award season later next month.

And lastly, Brazil’s controversial new President, Jair Bolsanaro, just finished his first week on the job. We re-air part of a segment we did in the fall with Columbia Professor & Brazil political expert Rodrigo Soares to remind us of who Bolsonaro is, what he stands for, and what lead to his unforeseen political rise in the worlds 5th largest democracy.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services including iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

With shocking last minute news coming from Governor Cuomo's hastily arranged Thursday afternoon press conference that the Manhattan/Brooklyn L Train will not be shut in its entirety for 15 months beginning in April, host Chilly Pete speaks with local Assemblyman Joe Lentol to better understand the news. What alternate travel accommodations will remain in place on nights and weekends, how much money will the new plan require, and is Assemblyman Lentol comfortable with Governor Cuomo's non-traditional approach to this issue? They also discuss pending legislation in Albany that is set to legalize cannabis for consumer use in this upcoming legislative session.

Chilly Pete is then joined with transit consultant Joe Anastasio of Access Queens who authored the organization's L train closure analysis plan. They discuss the logistical dilemmas that will still exist during the L trains night and weekend disruptions for the next few years as the work is slated to take at minimum 15 months to complete.

We then lighten the mood and after the political fix, we turn to music and my interview with James Felice of the Felice Brothers which I taped last week before their sold out December 29th show at The Brooklyn Bowl. James was ultra candid about his thoughts on our society and the interplay between the toxic political climate and the art that it is breeding including his bands own music. James revealed that the bands 6th full length release will be hitting the airwaves in May of this year and he also sheds light on the music industry and the ever evolving music landscape that he continues to traverse 12 years after the Catskill family band began busking in the New York city Subway.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services including iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

This is the last program of the 2018 calendar year. One of my main passions is politics, so I thought I would speak to two individuals who also share a passion of the political gridiron- one from political left and one from the political right- to hear what they thought of the past year- a year that would never end.

Due to the 24/7 wall to wall political coverage of the Trump Presidency, which typically goes from one scandal to to the next, sometimes scandals by Presidential Twitter design, it is harder and harder to keep track of time. Things just seem to be so blurry and keeping track of political data points continually is becoming tougher to do as our heads keep spinning. Congress doesn’t even convene until January 3rd, but the November election seems like it happened a year ago. The migrant children being taken into custody and put into change linked pens also seems like years ago, as does the Kim Jong Un/ Trump summit, but that too happened this past year.

We speak to Patrick McGill- a Washington DC based Democratic political consultant who is currently very bullish after what he dubs Novembers election- a Blue Tsunami. We are then joined by a Western NY attorney and Trump supporter , Mario Fratto, who sees things very differently. He’s much more pessimistic about the months to come, especially with this new Democratically controlled Congress, and Fratto sadly believes the political tribalism the country witnessed this past fall during the Brett Kavanaugh Hearing will be more of what we come to expect as normal in 2019. For our countries sake, I hope that is not the case.

So for this week it is two civil political conversations, from both sides of the aisles.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services including iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Todays show comes to you in three segments, beginning with local New York news, 2018 Music Review, and as we approach Christmas we have a conversation regarding living a spiritually guided ethical life.

First we begin with a conversation with the head of Sunnnyside Queens Chamber of Commerce and the co-founder of Access Queens, Melissa Orlando, who briefs us on last weeks tragic 5 alarm fire that decimated 6 stores in the Sunnyside’s commercial district. With the holiday quickly approaching, Melissa describes the amazing organic ways in which the Sunnyside community has come together and rallied for all parties involved and she outlines ways that you can help Sunnyside’s residents in overcoming this tragic event.

We then turn to Axios Economics reporter, who generously took some time to moonlight as a music critique, but don’t worry- we also discussed the markets latest bout of volatility. Dion runs down his six top albums of 2018 and we discuss several other music highlights including the rapid rise of Cardi B and emergence of musical superstar Kasey Musgraves who takes Dion’s number position in 2018.

Lastly, we air a formerly unaired portion of my conversation with Reverened Dr Katrina Foster of St John’s Lutheran Church here in Greenpoint, about what it means to live a life of faith and what that does for the community where we live. Reverened Foster discusses what goes into her daily decision making process and how it leads to a more fulfilling and uplifting life that also fosters community and personal growth.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services including iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

This weeks show comes to you in three segments, blending marijuana legalization news out of New York State, Winter fashion updates from an LA Fashion influencer Tillie Adelson, and a serious ethical discussion revolving around the Me Too movement.

First we begin with a conversation around the breaking news out of Albany that Governor Cuomo is quickly changing his attitude on recreational cannabis as states around the country fully legalize with Michigan joining the club last week. Cuomo’s top aid publicly disclosed this past week that legislation is being drafted which could be introduced to the state legislature as soon as January. I speak with the Executive director, David Holland, of the Empire State chapter of The NationalOrganization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, to fully understand what the legislation looks like and to better understand the environment that has fostered this rapid breakthrough.

We then turn to this weeks ethical dilemma segment with Chabad Rabbi Yisroel Nissim and social worker Ariel PJ Stewart. In the Me Too age, we discuss the concept of redemption. I have personally been in talks with an individual who was very publicly judged in the court of public opinion in regards to sexual transgressions, and he’s considering a come back. Is it possible, and if so, what steps must they go through before publicly re-emerging?

And lastly we touch base with fashion blogger and influencer Tillie Adelson of My Stiletto Life, to hear about this seasons fashions trends for both males and females, and we talk about Payless Shoe stores recent viral marketing campaign which turned heads in and out of the fashion world and forced many to consider what defines fashion in the first place.

Guitar Phenom Brandon Taz Niederauer Delves into the Process, Top Rank Boxing Outlook with Evan Korn, And Adventurer Tony's World Travel Tips

1) Brandon "Taz" Niederauer picked up the guitar when he was 8 years old, and he rarely puts it down. By age 10 he was playing songs by request for Ellen Degeneres on her nationally syndicated TV program and the rest is history. His next move to was to star in the Broadway hit musical "School of Rock." His surging musical prowess has turned heads across the music landscape, getting him playing time at the nations top music festivals with blues legends such as Buddy Guy and B.B. King , to metal gods like Slash, to his idol Derek Trucks.

Now that Brandon is in high school and maturing as an artist, he brings his talents to Manhattan's Mercury Lounge on Saturday night, November 8th. Before the show, Brandon spoke with Chilly Pete in a wide ranging interview and lets him into his creative process both as a rising musical star and as a person who is trying to hang on to a sense of normalcy.

2) Top Rank Boxing's Evan Korn joins Chilly Pete to discuss Saturday's Championship bout at Madison Square Garden's Hulu theater between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza. Chilly Pete and Evan also delve into the current status of the boxing business and discuss upcoming events for other Top Rank boxing stars.

3) It's almost 2019 and as people prioritize many of their New Years Resolutions, many will choose to travel more. There is no one better to speak to about world travel than Tony Divino, an adventurer who never sits still for very long.

Where is the best food? How do you get the cheapest airline tickets? How to avoid hostile Taliban militants? Tony has your bases covered.

Tony lost count of how many countries he's been to at around 125. After arriving home from a recent trip to Ethiopia earlier this month, Tony spokee with Chilly Pete to share some travel tips, stories, and strategies that may help in your next journey abroad.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM
For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Long Island City and The New Home of Amazon Under the lens, A Journey from Baghdad to Brooklyn, and Music from Nick Demaris

This week we have a fully loaded three part show, mixing local Amazon news and analysis, in studio music, and a personal story of escaping war in war ravaged Iraq.

First, Newtown Creek Alliance historian Mitch Waxman joins Chilly Underground by phone to offer his analysis and insight into the recent news that Amazon- the worlds largest online retailer- aims to build part of its new headquarters in Long Island City, a region of the city Mitch knows very, very well. As a historian writing for the Newtown Pentacle, Steering committee member of Access Queens, his decades of familiarity with the region, offers a unique multi pronged glimpse into this important community discussion that is just beginning.

We then are joined in studio with Nick Demeris, a NYC based artist, musician, and community builder- who offers a brutally intense blend of musical theater which he continually hones throughout the city including in theaters and subway stops near you. We hear about Nick’s creative roots and hear a few of his unique songs that he was kind enough to do for me in studio.

Lastly, we take a journey from Baghdad to Brooklyn- we hear from Saif, an Iraqi born accountant who tells us his personal story- spanning life under Saddam Hussein in Iraq, to his 2005 escape from his war torn country, to his journey to Brooklyn. What he misses, what he doesn’t, and what it means to be an American.


Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM
For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Chilly Underground debuts its first comedy segment on this edition, welcoming comedian and Last Week Tonight writer Josh Gondelman to the studio. The interview was a throwback to when Josh’s ‘Modern Seinfeld’ Twitter account was beginning to surge into prominence and he spoke about what it was like to be riding the sudden Twitter boom, to the point where real life Seinfeld actors were giving him praise. Gondelman also discusses his Boston comedy roots and joined co-host Ben Conrad for a round of Seinfeld inspired trivia.

Lauren Daab moved to Canada in November 2016, the same month Donald Trump won the Presidency. She joined Chilly Pete to discuss what it has been like being abroad during the Trump Presidency, a very odd political time in American history. Daab discusses the constant Trump fascination she confronts from our Northern neighbors, as well as what it’s like watching from the sidelines as political norms and institutions are challenged on a daily basis.

Rabbi Yisroel Nassim joins Chilly Pete for the programs “Ethical Dilemma” segment. In this edition, questions such as when is the right time to disclose ones large student loan debt to a significant other, and if it is ever okay to keep secret the fact that certain young children in baby group are not vaccinated at the request of a parent.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services including iTunes, Spotify, Spreaker.
Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM
For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

This weeks edition of Chilly Underground covers a lot of ground, beginning with a full scale analysis and breakdown of the 2018 Midterm and state elections with veteran political analyst “The Political Junkie” Ken Rudin. Who were the big winners and losers, and what will the political road map look like moving forward?

Chilly then goes behind the senes with restaurant insider Mike Miranti, to illuminate what actually happens when the department of health appears at restaurants for their critically important health grade which can make or break a business. Is it a fair process and should you be eating at a restaurant with a C grade?

And to close out to the program, with News that Amazon is looking to locate one of its new headquarters in the Greenpoint area, Chilly discusses the potential seismic economic changes it could have on the local Polish Community of North Brooklyn and puts it all in perspective with a history of the neighborhoods Polish roots with local historian Geoffrey Cobb.

Be sure to subscribe to Chilly Underground on your favorite Podcasting services, including itunes, Spotify, Spreaker, and Radio.com .

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Brazil Goes Poppulist- Understanding the Politics.

Brazil's new President is taking the Western world by surprise with his heated rhetoric and aggressive politics. Who is Jair Bolsonaro and what lead to his rapid political rise in the worlds 4th largest democracy? Some analysts are calling Bolsonaro the Trump of South America, but is that comparison accurate?

Chilly Pete speaks with Brazilian political expert Rodrigo Soares to better understand the political realities that catapulted a recently unknown congressman into the international headlines. Is there reason to be concerned about the future of Brazil's young democracy? Will Bolsonaro be able to remain scandal free?


"Wrongfully Convicted and the Road to Redemption"

Chilly Pete is joined in Studio with Jeffrey Deskovic, a wrongful conviction advocate who did 17 years in prison for a rape and murder he did not commit.

With the help of The nationally renowned Innocence Project, Deskovic managed to get out of prison and he now lives to prevent wrongful convictions around the United States. Jeffrey recalls the tragic details that landed him behind bars as well as the work he is now engaging in with his organization. What can listeners do to help this cause and what can be done at the political level? This engaging interview delves into this story of true tragedy and redemption.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

On this edition of Chilly Underground, we break down the news, tackle some ethical dilemmas, and speak to a perennial candidate about what inspires him to public service.

Saudi dissident and Arab Gulf political analyst Ali Al-Ahmed of the Gulf Institute joins Chilly Pete and Newsweek’s staff writer Cristina Lee Maza to dive deep into the grizzly killing of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. What will be the political and economic fallout from this assassination with the Trump administration as well as with neighbors in the Persian Gulf? To fully understand the motivations and calculus that went Khashoggi’s killing, Ali Al-Ahmed paints the larger picture of the new Saudi Arabian leadership including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who allegedly orchestrated the killing that has spurred on a crisis within the Kingdom.

John Merz of Brooklyn's Episcopal Church of Ascension tackles two ethical questions. The first deals with mental illness and when is the right time to disclose that information to a significant other? And the second question deals with marriage, charity, and immigration.

Lastly, Perennial candidate Jimmy McMillan joins Chilly Pete to discuss his route to public service. From his early days in the Vietnam War to his attempts to win city wide public office, we find out what drives his never ending political spirit.

Listen to Chilly Underground live every Saturday 1pm on Radio RAMPA 620 AM

For more visit: www.ChillyUnderground.com

Episode #1 of Chilly Underground debuts the programs diverse mixed format. Chilly Pete talks midterm politics with a Texas political insider, Talks ethical dilemmas with a Jewish Rabbi, Top 5 Fall beer picks from a national beer expert, and checks in on the political fallout stemming from the death of a Bulgarian journalist. Chilly Pete also introduces himself to the audience and features the music of Sam Ravenna.

Chilly Underground (Episode 1) Airs on Radio RAMPA 620AM NYC on Saturday 1pm, Oct 18th, 2018

Chilly Underground on Radio RAMPA intro