Formative

Ray Hennessy joins us on today's show! Ray is a wildlife photographer who specializes in bird photography. 8th grader and co-host, Nathaniel, asks Ray about the grit and nimbleness it takes to succeed in a creative field. Ray’s biggest lesson? Don’t be afraid to showcase what sets you apart. Your instinct may be telling you to blend in and do everything your peers are doing, bu

We’ve got Lenni Benson on today’s show! Lenni has been teaching and writing in the field of immigration law since 1994. She is the Distinguished Chair of Immigration and Human Rights Law at New York Law School. 8th grader and co-host, Kaeri, joins Lenni in a conversation about how to be of service— in the legal context and in our everyday lives— and what you gain back in re

On this episode of Formative, Isaac-Davy Aronson is interviewed by 8th grader, Kayanna. Isaac is a radio and television journalist. For the last eight years, he’s been a producer on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. One of his most important pieces of advice for young people? Everyone can teach you something. Take your blinders off and become teachable because you never know who c

Megan Davidson joins us on today’s show! Megan is a certified labor doula and childbirth educator. 8th-grader and co-host, Kaelynn, learns that sometimes the perfect career looks unconventional from what you imagined. Following our curiosity can lead us to exactly what we’re meant to do. In this episode of Formative, Megan shares the story of how she went from studying anthropo

Craig Balsam joins us on today’s show! Craig Balsam is an American entertainment industry entrepreneur and Tony Award-winning producer. He is the co-founder of the children's music brand, Kidz Bop. Student co-host, Tymir, learns that businesses run on grit and reinvention. In this episode of Formative, Craig shares the origin story of his company, Kidz Bop, and how it was able to

Elizabeth Fassberg joins us on today’s show! Elizabeth is the Executive Director of Life Science Cares New York, an organization that is activating the financial and human capital of the life science industry and partnering with nonprofits to disrupt the cycle of poverty in our communities. 8th-grader and co-host, Evan, learns that career paths aren’t always linear and that sho

Susan Choi joins us on today’s show! Susan is a 5-time published author. Her latest novel, Trust Exercise, won the National Book Award in 2019. Joining Susan is 8th-grader and co-host, Tafari, who learns the importance of pursuing what feels the most fun for us, even when that doesn’t look like it can directly lead to a clear career path because true success comes from enjoying

Rod Dauphin joins us today to kick off this season’s Formative! Rod is an educator and entrepreneur. He is the Education Services Director at Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Initiative at Laguardia Community College. 8th-grader and co-host, Thibault, learns that in order to grow and challenge ourselves, we should be willing to make mistakes and fail. In this episode of Formative,

We’re landing Season 5 of Formative with New York Edge board chair Francis Greenburger! He’s a real estate developer, author, literary agent and philanthropist who’s spent a lifetime taking his multiple passions and turning them into not only a paycheck — but purpose. This episode’s co-host, 7th grader Brandelys, wants to start a business, herself, someday. She asks Franc

How does a skinny kid with a respiratory illness go from being bullied to training up celebrities to their peak form? Boxer, model, and fitness guru Ngo Okafor is on this episode of Formative to tell his story! Co-host, 8th-grader Marianne, gets a workout on her interviewing skills and learns what it’s like for one overcomer to help others overcome their challenges. Ngo shares ho