Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us with Michael Hershman

Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us with Michael Hershman

Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group, designed to foster connection and understanding. Through candid interviews with everyday citizens on the streets of Manhattan, Michael gathers unscripted, authentic perspectives that spark in-depth discussions with expert guests. Each episode tackles vital national topics such as culture, democracy, and liberty, with the aim of uncovering common ground and highlighting the forces that unite us. Learn More BuildingBridges.nyc

Episodes

December 17, 2025 36 mins
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Amir Korangy for a personal conversation about his journey from a young immigrant to the founder and publisher of The Real Deal, one of the most influential real estate outlets. They also discuss changes in the sector over the course of Amir’s 20-plus year career, the impact of technology, and the evolving profession of journalism in an ever-...
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In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with David Rubenstein—cofounder and cochairman of The Carlyle Group, philanthropist, historian, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient—for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the lessons history offers today. Throughout their discussion, David reflects on his time in the public sector and shares insights from his latest book,...
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In this episode of Building Bridges, Michael Hershman sits down with nationally respected advisor Jonathan Kilman to discuss shaping policy, guiding major companies through complex challenges, and strengthening communities at every level of government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with acclaimed comedian, actor, and LA Times best-selling author Maz Jobrani for a heartfelt conversation about family, identity, and community — and the role humor played along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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In this of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Frank Carone—founder and chairman of Oaktree Solutions, former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams, and bestselling author. In a particularly timely conversation, they discuss the strength of character shaped by growing up in New York City, maintaining civility through compromise, and the need to make voter registration easier to increase turnout and ...
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On this episode, Michael Hershman sits down with Michele Risa, CEO & Founder of Collaborative Solutions and a global leader in purpose-driven leadership. From building women’s business incubators in post-Soviet Russia to launching Universities United, Michele shares how storytelling, trust-building, and human-centric skills help students and communities combat loneliness and find meaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
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On this episode, Michael Hershman sits down with Rufus Edmisten, former North Carolina Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Deputy Chief Counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee. Rufus reflects on his journey from growing up in a log cabin to serving in historic roles that shaped American politics, including delivering the first congressional subpoena to a sitting president. Together, they discuss lessons from Watergate, the ...
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In this very special episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman is joined in spirit and conversation by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Drawing on the enduring power of his words and leadership, they explore how the ideals of democracy, unity, and civic responsibility continue to shape America today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. As she prepares to retire next summer, Kathryn reflects on her decades-long career mobilizing private sector expertise to support and strengthen New York City’s economy. Together, they discuss the essential role of collaboration in building a future that is dynamic and equ...
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In this episode of Building Bridges with Michael Hershman, Michael sits down with JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of U.S. Soccer, to discuss the power of sports in uniting communities and cultures. As the U.S. prepares to co-host the World's Biggest Soccer Tournament, JT shares his journey from tech to soccer leadership, the growing popularity of the sport, and the economic and social impact of the tournament. They explore ini...
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In this episode of Building Bridges, host Michael Hershman is joined by acclaimed comedian and writer Colin Quinn for a dynamic conversation on comedy, culture, and the evolving role of humor in public discourse. From his early days on MTV’s Remote Control and Saturday Night Live to his critically acclaimed Broadway shows directed by Jerry Seinfeld and his latest YouTube special, Quinn reflects on a career shaped by authenticity an...
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In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman speaks with Marc Norman, Associate Dean at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, about the rising cost of college, New York City’s housing crisis, and the future of the job market. Drawing on decades of experience in urban development and housing equity, Dean Norman offers insights on expanding access to education and housing, the importance of school–indu...
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In this episode of Building Bridges, Michael Hershman sits down with NBA All-Star and former Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury to discuss his journey from Coney Island to China’s basketball scene. Marbury shares thoughts on the Knicks, the NIL system, youth sports, and his mission to help the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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On this episode, Dr. Vin Gupta, a Harvard-trained pulmonary and critical care physician, public health expert, and major in the United States Army Medical Reserve Corps, joins the show. Dr. Gupta shares his diverse experiences, from guiding Amazon Pharmacy's COVID-19 response to leveraging technology for patient-centered healthcare at Manatt, Phelps, and Phillips. He discusses the public's distrust in the American healthcare system...
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In this compelling episode of Building Bridges, host Michael Hershman sits down with Mitzi Perdue — author, humanitarian, and global advocate — to explore her remarkable journey from American farmland to international conflict zones. They discuss her work supporting war-torn communities, combating human trafficking, and continuing the legacy of two iconic American business families. Mitzi shares powerful stories from her travels to...
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In this episode of 'Building Bridges,' host Michael Hershman engages in a conversation with Dr. Richard Firshein, an integrative medicine physician with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the declining happiness levels in the U.S., the importance of community, and the role social media plays in modern dissatisfaction. Dr. Richard Firshein shares insights into how connectedness and happiness contribute to longevity and well-b...
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On this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, host Michael Hershman sits down with Richard Esposito, an award-winning journalist, author, and communications strategist. In this engaging conversation, the two explore the evolving landscape of journalism and its profound impact on democracy. They also tackle the challenges of promoting meaningful dialogue in a divided society, drawing on their own experiences and the ins...
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On the debut episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, host Michael Hershman is joined by successful serial entrepreneur Arthur Leopold, CEO & Co-Founder of Agentio, a cutting-edge AI-driven platform that amplifies personal narratives and creates moments for individuals to connect and share their experiences. Together, they explore New York’s depth of talent, prominence in the emerging world of AI, and highlight how techno...
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