Policy & Culture
The Policy & Culture Podcast, hosted by Dan Lloyd and Andrew Ayodeji, breaks down the powerful connections between politics, the economy, and cultural trends. We guide you through the corridors of influence, revealing how decisions shape our world and your future. In an age of rapid change, we explore key economic projects that could redefine wealth and opportunity. Our mission is to equip you with the insights to lead, adapt, and thrive in the evolving 21st-century landscape. Story Form: Imagine walking through the grand hallways of power, where every decision ripples out to shape the world we live in. In the shadows, the economy and culture dance in a complex interplay, influencing everything from the jobs we pursue to the values we hold dear. Dan Lloyd and Andrew Ayodeji, your guides on The Policy & Culture Podcast, take you by the hand, demystifying this intricate dance. They don’t just stop at explanations; they show you the doors to new opportunities, especially in the booming sectors poised to create generational wealth. In this era of rapid technological shifts and economic change, Dan and Andrew uncover the strategies and projects that will define our future. They shine a light on how you, too, can navigate this evolving landscape, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. Whether you’re a cultural leader, an aspiring influencer, or simply someone curious about the world, they offer the knowledge and tools you need to be at the forefront of these seismic shifts. Join them on this journey, as they empower you to not only understand the world around you but to shape it, ensuring that you and your community are prepared to lead in the 21st-century economy.
Episodes
🎙️ Episode 22 — The People’s Majority: Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Power, Purpose & Policy in New York
Policy & Culture Podcast
Hosted by Dan Lloyd & Andrew Ayodeji
In this landmark episode, we sit down with Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly and a living example of what it means to lead with purpose, conviction, and community at the center.
From her early beginnings as a teacher and co...
In this episode, we sit down with Alicia Gené Artessa, Esq., Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance (NYOWA), to explore the real forces shaping New York’s clean energy future from state politics and legislative processes to the promise of offshore wind as a tool for climate and economic transformation.
A seasoned attorney and government relations strategist, Alicia brings over seven years of experience working in the New Yo...
Episode Title: Built for This Moment: Chris Alexander on Carrying the NAACP Legacy Forward
Welcome to Episode 20 of Policy & Culture — where power meets the people.
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Chris Alexander, newly appointed Executive Director of the NAACP New York State Conference, to unpack what it means to lead the oldest and largest civil rights organization in America during one of the most urgent moment...
Welcome to Policy & Culture — where power meets the people.
In this episode, we sit down with Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) and NYLCV Education Fund, to cut through the noise and expose the real story behind offshore wind, clean energy, and the growing political backlash against climate solutions in New York and beyond.
Julie Tighe has been at the forefront of environmental policy an...
Episode 18 – The Role of the New York Secretary of State w/ Walter T. Mosley
In this episode of Policy & Culture, we are joined by Walter T. Mosley, who shares his insights on the vital role of the New York Secretary of State and its impact on governance, economic development, and community engagement across the state.
Walter breaks down the wide-ranging responsibilities of the office, including business registration, overseeing ...
Episode 17 – The Role of a NYC Councilman w/ Kevin Riley
In this episode of Policy & Culture, we’re joined by Council Member Kevin C. Riley, who represents New York City’s 12th Council District in the Bronx. From his roots growing up in Williamsbridge to his role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, Councilman Riley brings both lived experience and legislative...
In this episode of Policy & Culture, we are joined by Olena Nicks, Nassau County Legislator and proud native of Uniondale, New York—a community with a long-standing tradition of civic participation and grassroots advocacy.
Olena shares her inspiring journey from a civically engaged youth to becoming one of the youngest elected officials in Nassau County. Drawing from her deep roots in Uniondale, she discusses the impact of local...
In this powerful episode of Policy and Culture, we sit down with Vanessa Baird-Streeter, CEO of the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and service.
Vanessa shares her journey from entrepreneur to trusted public servant, reflecting on her time as Deputy County Executive of Suffolk County Government, where she helped shape critical policies impacting families ...
Episode 14: Building the Future with Matthew Aracich
President – Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties
In this episode of Policy and Culture, we sit down with Matthew Aracich, a third-generation union member and the dynamic President of the Nassau-Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council, representing over 65,000 tradesmen and tradeswomen across 37 affiliated unions.
Before leading the NSBCTC...
🎙️ Episode 13: Clean Energy for the Culture – Live with 19 Keys & Jim Jones
In this powerful live event edition of @policynculture, we bring you front-row access to an electrifying conversation between visionary thought leader 19 Keys and cultural icon Jim Jones—recorded live at the Clean Energy for the Culture kickoff event at Nassau Coliseum, hosted by Minority Millennials in partnership with Vineyard Offshore.
This episode go...
In this episode of @policynculture, we sit down with Chef Kenny Ware, Owner of Backyard BBQ and President of the Black Restaurant Coalition, to talk about his journey from Roosevelt, NY to becoming a top-tier chef and entrepreneur. 🍽️🔥
Kenny dives into the rich history of Roosevelt—home to legends like Dr. J and Chuck D—and shares the ups and downs of managing a restaurant, the skills needed to thrive in the culinary wor...
In this episode of @policynculture, we sit down with Ryan Stanton, Executive Director of the Long Island Federation of Labor, to break down what it takes to start a career in union construction and trades. 🏗️
Ryan shares his journey into the labor movement, explains the vital role unions play in strengthening the American middle class, and defines what livable wages really mean. He also lays out the steps for young people...
🚨 In Episode 10 of @policynculture, we sat down with Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury, for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss!
Dr. Sams reflects on his journey from Syracuse, NY, growing up in the 70s, and how the wisdom of his grandparents and teachers shaped his path to leadership. As President of SUNY Old Westbury, he shares the vision and mission of the institution...
In this episode of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Retha Fernandez, Manager of Workforce Development & Equity, to explore the opportunities and policies shaping clean energy and offshore wind developments across Long Island and New York. 🌊⚡
Retha shares insights into the growing clean energy sector, its impact on workforce development, and the pathways for careers in this rapidly evolving field. We also ...
In this episode of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Dan Bythewood, President and Co-Founder of La Cité Development, to explore his journey as a real estate financier and developer. With a career spanning major projects in New York and internationally, Dan shares his insights into the complex real estate market and the critical role of access to capital for new developers.
We also dive into his impactful work o...
In this episode, we sit down with Bryant Postell, Founder of the Black Restaurant Coalition, to talk about his journey from the lively NYC 90's party scene to becoming a fine dining restaurant owner. Bryant shares insights from his early days at the University of Albany, Greek life, and his lessons on timing and finding the right entry point to make it in the restaurant industry.
Please tune in for a fascinating look ...
In Episode 06 of the @policynculture podcast, we sit down with Derek Peterson, CEO of Soter Technologies, to explore his journey from his upbringing to becoming a successful tech founder and CEO. Derek opens up about his pathway into technology and engineering, the unique challenges of being a Black male CEO on Long Island, and his passion for mentoring Black youth to pursue careers in STEM.
Derek also shares his personal ...
The Role of a Suffolk County Legislator and Suburban Elected Official W/ Jason Richberg
In our next episode, we sit down with Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg to dive into Suffolk County politics and the structure of the legislative branch. 🏛️ He shares his journey to becoming an elected official and what it takes to navigate local government effectively.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on leadersh...
In this episode, we sit down with Babylon Town Councilman DuWayne Gregory to discuss his remarkable journey to becoming the first African American Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature. 💼 He shares his experiences breaking barriers, leading with purpose, and navigating the challenges of local government.
We also explore the role of a Town Councilman and reflect on his past run for Congress, diving into what ...
We sat down with Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages of Assembly District 22 for a compelling conversation on her work as a New York State legislator and her efforts to create meaningful change in her community. We delved into her role in passing a bill to study the impact of reparations further, exploring how historical injustices can be addressed to build a more equitable future. Assemblywoman Solages also shared her insights on h...
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