Podcast Summary: "All Of It" Episode - Listeners Share Their Weekend Plans

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of All Of It, hosted by David Fuerst in lieu of Alison Stewart, WNYC invites listeners to share their weekend plans, painting a colorful tapestry of New York City's diverse cultural landscape. All Of It focuses on celebrating and exploring the myriad facets of culture through the experiences of its community members. Released on April 25, 2025, this episode exemplifies the show's commitment to fostering a sense of community by highlighting both the host's activities and those of its listeners.

Hosts' Weekend Plans

David begins the episode by setting the stage for listener engagement, encouraging calls and texts about weekend activities. He also shares the weekend plans of the All Of It production team:

• Andrea is catching the latest work by dancer and choreographer Kyle Abrams at the Joyce Theater on Saturday afternoon, planning to watch Sinners with her kids in the evening, and taking her son to the SUNY College Fair on Sunday. Additionally, she's gearing up to watch the new season of The Last of Us, despite being frustrated with the previous week's episode.

  "She'll be back on Monday so it's Friday. I work weekends so my Saturdays and Sundays are probably not like yours." [00:23]

• Jordan, a producer, has a bustling weekend filled with pre-wedding drinks at Strong Rope Brewery, attending the Brooklyn Quilters Guild spring showcase, dancing at a friend's wedding at the Ace Hotel, and cheering on the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in hopes of seeing Aaron Judge hit a home run.

  "She's hoping to see Sinners in the evening with her kids." [02:15]

Listener Contributions

A steady stream of listener calls and texts enrich the episode with personal stories and plans:

1. Marie from Manhattan shares her involvement with Aging In Place, detailing her participation in Thursday softball games for those 65 and older at a picturesque Hudson River park.

   "They're fun but fierce." [06:40]

2. Tamara from Seaford, Long Island, originally from Seattle, enthusiastically describes her explorations across Long Island, including birdwatching and discovering local landmarks like the gargoyles on St. Patrick's Church.

   "Finding that big white duck up in Flannery Flattery up there somewhere." [08:50]

3. Rosaria from Bergen County expresses joy in supporting her sister's dance competition and cherishing time with her 96-year-old mother, highlighting the value of family bonds.

   "We look at old albums and we reminisce and it's just a real joy." [09:47]

4. Carlotta, a musician, announces her performance at CI Wear on Bleecker Street, where she'll be showcasing original music and eclectic covers during a trunk show event.

   "I'm writing music. I'm a singer and guitar player based in New Jersey." [10:40]

5. Elizabeth from Montrose eagerly anticipates attending Being Somebody at the Sparta Avenue Stage in New Jersey, a heartwarming father-daughter performance by an 89-year-old psychologist and his daughter.

   "It's inspiring, it's hopeful and it reminds us of the things that really matter in life." [11:48]

6. Julia from Manhattan promotes the Losers Lounge's tribute to Dusty Springfield at Joe's Pub, encouraging fellow music lovers to attend one of their two weekend performances.

   "I'm going to be singing and this is happening at Joe's Pub, a tribute to Dusty Springfield." [13:39]

7. Dan, the Handyman, introduces his Handyman 101 class in Long Island City, aiming to empower others with practical skills while humorously hoping to "put himself out of business."

   "I believe everybody should be a little bit handy." [14:55]

8. Tracy from Montclair, New Jersey, shares her excitement about attending the Penn Relays to support her daughter and her teammates competing in the 4x400 relay.

   "We're very excited." [15:37]

9. Steve from Hell's Kitchen plans to attend a special performance of Aida at the Metropolitan Opera with his friend visiting from Florida.

   "They're having a friend visiting from Florida. This is going to be a treat for her." [16:02]

10. Angela from Brooklyn discusses a proactive approach to improving communication with her Trump-supporting mother by collaboratively researching their family history and building a family tree.

    "We decided we're going to do some family history research and work on a family tree." [16:36]

11. Ginny from Brooklyn is excited to attend the Brooklyn Quilt Show, highlighting her daughter's participation and encouraging others to appreciate the craftsmanship on display.

    "My daughter has four of them in the show. And so I hope everybody gets out and looks at these quilts." [17:51]

12. Nora shares her passion for music by busking at the South Gatehouse of the Central Park Reservoir, performing a diverse repertoire from Ellington to Fats Waller.

    "I maintain that acapella solo singing is music." [20:19]

Notable Highlights and Insights

• Community and Diversity: The episode underscores the rich diversity of activities that New Yorkers engage in during the weekends, from sports and music to family gatherings and educational events.

• Intergenerational Connections: Calls like Rosaria's and Angela's highlight the importance of family bonds and finding common ground across different generations.

• Cultural Engagement: Listeners demonstrate a strong connection to the arts, whether through attending operas, supporting local musicians, or appreciating craft shows like quilting.

• Personal Growth and Learning: Initiatives like Dan's Handyman class exemplify the community's emphasis on continuous learning and skill development.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It beautifully encapsulates the essence of New York City's cultural dynamism through the lens of its listeners' weekend activities. By sharing diverse stories and plans, the show fosters a deeper sense of community and appreciation for the varied ways individuals contribute to and engage with the cultural fabric of the city. Whether it's through sports, music, arts, or family connections, All Of It celebrates the multitude of experiences that make the city vibrant and inclusive.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "They're fun but fierce." — Marie [06:40]
• "Finding that big white duck up in Flannery Flattery up there somewhere." — Tamara [08:50]
• "It's inspiring, it's hopeful and it reminds us of the things that really matter in life." — Elizabeth [11:48]
• "I believe everybody should be a little bit handy." — Dan [14:55]
• "We decided we're going to do some family history research and work on a family tree." — Angela [16:36]
• "I maintain that acapella solo singing is music." — Nora [20:19]

Contact Information

For listeners interested in joining the conversation or participating in future episodes, All Of It encourages reaching out via phone at 212-433-9692 or through WNYC's social media channels.