Around Queens with Luchia Dragosh

Around Queens with Luchia Dragosh

Around Queens is a long-form interview series exploring how people build community, culture and meaningful systems when traditional structures fall short. Each episode centers on a conversation with a Queens-based builder, creator or community leader. The goal is not to spotlight titles or resumes, but to understand the moments that changed their direction and the values shaping the work they are doing today. The show looks beyond typical success narratives to explore how care, culture and quality of life shape thriving communities. While rooted in Queens, these stories resonate far beyond the borough, touching on themes of economic change, public policy, cultural identity and the search for what truly matters. Hosted by Luchia Dragosh, Around Queens uses the borough as a lens to understand how people respond when institutions fall short and individuals step forward to build something meaningful.

Episodes

May 4, 2026 40 mins
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Richard Mazda - actor, director, musician and founder of The Secret Theatre in Queens. They talk about his journey from the UK to New York, what it takes to build and sustain an independent theatre, and the many roles he’s taken on, both behind the scenes and on stage. Luchia and Richard also explore what continues to drive his work - storytelling, community, and the future of the arts in Q...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Charline Mitchell, lactation consultant, doula and founder of what could become Queens’ first birth center. They talk about Charline’s journey from school counselor to maternal health advocate, the moment that pushed her to leave the system and why she’s now building something entirely new for families in Queens. Luchia and Charline also get into what’s ahead - the barriers, the vision and w...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Julia del Palacio, Executive Director of Queens Theatre, to talk about the moment she left the path she thought she had to follow - and built something bigger. Julia and Luchia also discuss the real work of sustaining the arts, why access still isn't equal and what it takes to keep culture not just alive, but essential.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Karesia Batan, Founding Executive Director of the Queensboro Dance Festival, to explore how she turned a lack of access into one of Queens’ most powerful cultural platforms. They talk about the real story behind QDF, the mission to bring dance out of institutions and into the streets and what it means to build community through art in a city that often overlooks it. And, finally, they dive i...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Dr. Edgar Hobbs Jr., a Queens native, licensed mental health counselor and longtime guidance counselor who spent 26 years supporting students with emotional and developmental needs in New York City's District 75. Now the founder of Strategies & Solutions for Life and Director of the Hope & Grace Mental Health Wellness Center at First Baptist Church of Corona, Dr. Hobbs works to bring open and...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia speaks with Thom Harmon, performer and co-founder of City Gate Productions, an independent theater company supporting the performing arts scene in Queens. Originally from Philadelphia, Thom built a career in fundraising for academic medical research before rediscovering his passion for theater later in life. That path eventually led him to help build a growing theater community in Queens. They discuss coll...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
This episode explores the world of Balkan music and dance with Michael Ginsburg, a musician, teacher and founder of the Golden Festival. Ginsburg has spent decades sharing Balkan music traditions through performance and community events. His band, Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band, founded in 1983, has performed across the United States and internationally - including at Serbia's renowned Guca Brass Festival. The conversation looks a...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Leslie A. Ramos, Executive Director of the 82nd Street Partnership in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. Leslie has built her career at the intersection of public policy, economic development and community leadership. Under her guidance, the 82nd Street Partnership has become internationally recognized for culturally responsive programming, creative placemaking and initiatives supporting immigrant...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia speaks with Rob MacKay, Deputy Director of Community at the Queens Economic Development Corporation and Director of the Queens Tourism Council. If you've attended Queens Taste, Restaurant Week or discovered something new through the “It's In Queens” brand, you've likely experienced Rob's work. Since 2011, Rob has helped shape how Queens tells its story - promoting events, supporting small businesses and hi...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, Luchia sits down with Jonathan Forgash, founder of Queens Together, whose work began with a deeply personal request: cooking for a friend undergoing cancer treatment. What started as an act of care grew into a community response to food insecurity during the pandemic. Today, Queens Together connects volunteers, restaurants and organizations to provide meals to people in need. This conversation explores how simple...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    iHeartRadio 24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Emergency Intercom

    Emergency Intercom is a comedy podcast by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. There is no emergency, but there is an intense need for attention, so maybe listen up… You don’t want to know what happens if you don’t. (we will be violent)

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices