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James Duff is an American television writer and producer, best known as the creator of The Closer and Major Crimes. Originally from New Orleans, Duff built a career in theater and television while navigating the deeply personal challenges of the AIDS crisis, including the loss of his partner, David Camacho. His work and life experiences have been profoundly shaped by themes of resilience, empathy, and storytelling. Allen Roskoff is a veteran gay rights activist and longtime friend of legendary columnist Jimmy Breslin. A central figure in New York’s LGBTQ+ political scene since the early 1980s, Roskoff has fought tirelessly for equality and visibility, often bringing public figures—including Breslin—into the heart of the movement. His activism during the AIDS epidemic was instrumental in pushing political leaders and media voices to confront the crisis with compassion and urgency. In this episode, Kevin, James, and Allen discuss the power of empathy in journalism, the impact of the AIDS crisis on New York’s gay community, Jimmy Breslin’s unexpected role as a chronicler of that struggle, and the enduring importance of activism and storytelling in shaping cultural change. Send us a text Support the show

Denis Hamill is a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and TV writer. As a journalist at the Village Voice, he won the prestigious Meyer Berger Award from Columbia University for best NYC reporting. His columns for New York magazine, the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, the Boston Herald American, New York Newsday and 24 years at New York Daily News became an integral part of each city's life. In addition, he is the author of ten novels, several screenplays, movies, and TV shows/series. In this episode, Kevin and Denis discuss Jimmy Breslin’s fascination with gangsters, the colorful characters of New York’s underworld, and how Breslin’s storytelling changed the way we see both crime and the city itself & more. Send us a text Support the show

Curtis Sliwa is a longtime New York City activist, radio personality, and founder of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer organization dedicated to public safety and community service. Known for his signature red beret and energetic presence, he has spent decades advocating for safer streets and civic engagement. In 2021, he ran for mayor of New York City, championing grassroots solutions and neighborhood empowerment. In this episode, Kevin & Curtis talk the formation + evolution of The Guardian Angels, New York City, Bernhard Goetz incident & more. Send us a text Support the show

Ken Sunshine is a public relations consultant, Founder and Chairman of Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis. He’s worked in the political arena as delegate to the Democratic National Convention and Chief of Staff to NYC Mayor David Dinkins, as well as the entertainment business where he headed the PR department of ASCAP. Sunshine currently serves on the board for various NYC committees in education, art and community service. Dan Klores is a former public relations consultant, Founder of Dan Klores Communications firm) turned award-winning filmmaker and playwright who has made six movies during the last 13 years, four of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and three plays. He has received widespread recognition for his work, most notably being awarded the 2008 Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary for Crazy Love.  In this episode, Kevin, Ken & Dan talk style, current state of journalism/reporters, Breslin saving the day & more. Send us a text Support the show

Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, is a columnist for The New York Times and an author of several books, including “Bushworld,” “Are Men Necessary? When Sexes Collide,” “Notorious: Portraits of Stars from Hollywood, Culture, Fashion, and Tech” and more. She has covered four presidential campaigns and served as a White House correspondent. Maureen has also written for GQ, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Time and elsewhere. In this episode, Kevin & Maureen discuss rhetoric, the current administration, opinions, history and more. Send us a text Support the show

Welcome to the world and works of Jimmy Breslin. Hosted by Kevin Breslin. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Jimmy Breslin is the subject of Breslin: “What’s Doin’?” which explores his influence on journalism over the second half of the 20th Century. His columns for the New York Herald Tribune, Newsday and The Daily News and his writing for many other notable publications including New York Magazine, helped define New York City and the world for 50 years.  Kevin Breslin grew up in Queens as one of six children to the constant sound of a typewriter clapping and his father scrambling to hit deadlines. This unique perspective gave him a backstage pass to history. Breslin: “What’s Doin’?” explores Jimmy Breslin’s career in a way that’s designed to give listeners an inside look of who he was and why his writing is both memorable and as important today as it was when he wrote it.  Send us a text Support the show

Kelsey Russell is known as “the Print Princess” and “the girl who reads the newspaper” on TikTok. A recent Columbia University grad, Kelsey is a co-host of the weekly children’s news program, First Stop News. She uses her social media platforms (@kelscruss) to promote critical thinking, media literacy and to talk about the day’s most important stories. In this episode, Kevin & Kelsey discuss the evolution of newspapers + journalism, media style, representation in news and more. Send us a text Support the show

Pete King served 14 terms as a congressman representing New York and earned the reputation of a ‘fighter for the people.’ Ron Swoboda is a former MLB player from 1965 - 1973, most notably as an outfielder for the New York Mets championship team, ‘The Miracle Mets.’ In this episode, Pete, Ron & Kevin talk baseball, NYC and Jimmy’s book Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game? about the 1962 New York Mets. Send us a text Support the show

Matilda Cuomo, wife of the late Mario Cuomo, is a teacher, an American advocate for women and children, and former First Lady of New York from 1983 to 1994. Their daughter, Maria Cuomo Cole, is a Peabody and Emmy-award winning producer of short films, public service announcements and digital content that raises awareness of a variety of social issues —additionally she serves as a Director of The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, HELP PSI, Mentoring USA and HELP USA and is a founding member of Sankofa. In this episode, Matilda, Maria and Kevin discuss Jimmy & Mario’s shared foundational origin, their principles and legacy.  Send us a text Support the show

In 1985, Jimmy wrote the articles “Torture Charge Could Prod Cops” & “Putting the Cattle Prod to Justice” to help bring justice to Mark Davidson, an 18-year-old from Queens who was falsely arrested over a $10 marijuana sale and then tortured in the police station by stun gun. Along with devoted support from attorney Marvyn Kornberg, this chilling story shed light of the cruel and unjust treatment occurring at the NYPD.  In this episode, Mark, Marvyn and Kevin dive into the story, expand on what happened, the lasting impact, where they are now, and more.  Articles here: https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/jimmy-breslin Send us a text Support the show

John Jones is the son of Clifton Pollard, grave digger for John F. Kennedy and the center of Jimmy’s column piece covering the assassination titled “It’s an Honor.”  Continuing where episode four’s conversation left off with esteemed writer Colin Miner, John Jones joins in to share more background on Clifton, historical context and the lasting impact of that honor. Article here: https://loa-shared.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/static/pdf/Breslin-Its-an-Honor.pdf Send us a text Support the show

Colin Miner is a journalist who has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, Patch, Oregonian, NY Post, NY Sun & more. He has been honored by the New York State Associated Press Association, the Local Cable Ace Awards and has contributed to several regional Emmy, Murrow and AP award-winning newscasts. Miner is currently writing a book. In this episode, Colin and Kevin discuss Jimmy’s approach, mentorship, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and more.  Article here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/jimmy-breslin-on-jfks-assassination-two-classic-columns/ Send us a text Support the show

Tony Palma served a long, valiant career as an Officer for the New York City Police Department. He was one of the first responders to the murder of famous singer-songwriter, musician, and political activist, John Lennon.  Instead of flocking to the busy scene, Jimmy Breslin went to the precinct and interviewed Palma for his unique firsthand experience of the tragic event. In this episode, Tony and Kevin discuss the sad historic moment, Jimmy’s article, the impact it left on him, and more. Article here: https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/12/09/the-day-john-lennon-died-jimmy-breslin-writes-iconic-tale-of-nypd-cops-who-drove-the-dying-beatles-star-to-the-hospital/ Send us a text Support the show

Gloria Steinem is a writer, political activist, and feminist organizer. She was a founder of New York and Ms. magazines, and is the author of The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off, My Life on the Road, Moving Beyond Words, Revolution from Within, and Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions. She co-founded the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation, and the Women’s Media Center in the United States. As links to other countries, she helped found Equality Now, Donor Direct Action, and Direct Impact Africa. In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. In 2019, she received the Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum.  In this episode, Gloria and Kevin chat about her friendship with Jimmy, new journalism, the Breslin-Mailer campaign, equality, hometowns, and more. Send us a text Support the show

Andrew Cuomo served as the 56th Governor of New York State for 11 years. Queens-raised and son of the late Governor Mario Cuomo, Andrew learned from a young age the importance of fighting for equality and opportunity. He successfully fought for and delivered progressive accomplishments including marriage equality, the codification of Roe v. Wade into New York State law, the most comprehensive paid family leave policy in the nation, a $15 minimum wage, free college tuition for New York's middle class, and the nation's strongest gun violence prevention laws. His father’s legacy of public service remains an inspiration in Andrew’s life. In this episode, Andrew and Kevin discuss their fathers’ mutual respect, friendship, NY history, legacy, and more. Send us a text Support the show