All Of It: Small Stakes, Big Opinions – The Subway Edition

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Josh Gondelman, Comedian and Writer
Produced by WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the everyday yet passionately debated topic of New York City's subway system through the "Small Stakes, Big Opinions" segment. Joined by comedian and writer Josh Gondelman, the conversation explores the myriad facets of subway culture, from favorite train lines to the evolving etiquette among commuters.

The Subway as a Microcosm of Humanity

Josh Gondelman emphasizes the subway's role as a "crucible of humanity," highlighting how daily commutes test individuals' resilience and adaptability.

"[00:10] Josh Gondelman: You could save when you bundle your... policies."
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"[02:24] Josh Gondelman: I agree with me from the past. I think it is. It really shows you how you respond to stress, how you can plan for the future, how you adapt on the Fly and like how you feel and engage with your fellow human beings in suboptimal conditions."

Best and Worst Subway Experiences

Defining a Good Ride:

Gondelman shares his most cherished subway memory, recounting a rare, empty train that allowed passengers to enjoy a peaceful and comfortable journey.

"[02:44] Josh Gondelman: It was truly a dream, a blessing, a joy. I, like, think about that train all the time."

Nightmarish Rides:

Conversely, he describes the frustration of trains stalling between stations without clear explanations, heightening anxiety among passengers.

"[03:32] Josh Gondelman: Ooh. I think stopped between stations for a long time is where, you know... am I going to eat someone else or are they going to eat me?"

Subway Etiquette and Changing Behaviors

Post-COVID Etiquette Decline:

The discussion shifts to the noticeable decline in subway etiquette following the COVID-19 pandemic. Alison Stewart shares observations of passengers no longer moving into cars post-arrival, leading to congestion and accidents.

"[14:13] Alison Stewart: ...post Covid, I noticed people just aren't moving into the cars. ...people are trying to get off the cars before the trains have stopped, which results in people losing their grip, falling over, losing their balance."

Josh's Take on Etiquette:

Gondelman concurs, emphasizing the importance of waiting for passengers to disembark before boarding to maintain order and safety.

"[15:22] Josh Gondelman: I think the number one subway etiquette of on and off is you wait until people get off the train before you get on the train."

Dogs on the Subway

Acceptable Practices:

Gondelman advocates for allowing dogs on the subway, provided they are well-behaved and appropriately contained, such as being in a bag or on a leash without occupying excess space.

"[06:42] Josh Gondelman: ...as long as the dog has behaved well, that's fine."

Public Perception:

The conversation acknowledges the mixed feelings among commuters regarding dogs, especially larger breeds potentially disrupting the balance of space and comfort.

Music and Performances on Trains

Live Performances vs. Speaker Music:

While Gondelman celebrates live busking as enriching the subway experience, he criticizes the use of personal speakers broadcasting music, which can intrude on others' commutes.

"[18:11] Josh Gondelman: ...busking. But until one person has ever told you that, you've got to keep it. Keep it to acoustic guitar. At the party."

Personal Anecdotes:

Listeners recount experiences of both enjoyable and intrusive musical performances, highlighting the fine line between enhancing and detracting from the subway environment.

Regional Terminology and Train Preferences

Naming Conventions:

Gondelman discusses the differences in train line naming between New York and other cities, expressing a preference for letters and numbers over colors for clarity and specificity.

"[11:38] Josh Gondelman: ...there's just colors on the train. It's red light. Yeah, Red, orange, blue, green...the letters and numbers are specific because they converge and diverge too much."

Favorite Train Lines:

Gondelman shares his favorite lines—the F and A—citing their reliability, coverage to essential locations like airports, and consistent routing as key factors.

"[22:19] Josh Gondelman: ...I have an affection for the L, where you're like, it's gonna be on 14th street all the way across Manhattan...the A and F because they go to the airport."

Personal Stories and Experiences

Callers contribute personal anecdotes, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives:

• Michael from Forest Hills shares frustration with fellow commuters using smartphones excessively, leading to diminished interpersonal interactions.

  "[04:15] Alison Stewart: ...I feel like yelling out, you know, hey subway riders sitting on your smartphone."

• Aaron from Fort Lee recounts a harrowing experience of encountering a body under the train, underscoring the unpredictable and sometimes unsettling nature of subway travel.

  "[10:14] Alison Stewart: ...there's a body under the train."

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Gondelman expressing his deep appreciation for the subway as a fundamental aspect of New York City's vibrancy. He celebrates the diversity of experiences and the unique character each commuter brings to the daily grind.

"[24:21] Josh Gondelman: ...Big Subway fan. Love it. Love all the subway enthusiasm. Thank you for having me as part of this conversation."

Final Takeaway:

The subway, despite its challenges, remains a vital and beloved component of New York City's cultural fabric, offering endless stories, interactions, and moments that encapsulate the spirit of the city.

Notable Quotes

• "The subway is the crucible of humanity in New York City." — Josh Gondelman ([02:24])

• "A train that goes above ground for like one stop feels like being the whale cresting the surface of the ocean." — Josh Gondelman ([24:21])

• "Buskers are the Jedi of freedom and expression. Go busk." — Listener ([21:11])

Community Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to participate by sharing their own subway stories and opinions through calls or social media, fostering a community dialogue around the everyday experiences that shape New York City's cultural landscape.

End of Summary