Small Stakes, Big Opinions: The Subway Edition

Summary

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

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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.

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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."
(Note: Advertisement segment skipped as per instructions)

"[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."

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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?"

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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])

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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.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Alison Stewart]

All of it is supported by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if.

[Josh Gondelman]

You could save when you bundle your.

[Alison Stewart]

Home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates.

[Josh Gondelman]

Potential savings will vary.

[Alison Stewart]

Not available in all states.

[Josh Gondelman]

Listener Supported WNYC Studios.

[Michael]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. To wrap up today's show, we're continuing our conversation about New York City's subway system with another installment of our call in series called Small Stakes. Big Opinions which we discuss. Something that is deeply felt and not all all that meaningful in the grand scheme of things. In previous conversations we've debated topics like best seltzer flavors, cruise ships, where upstate New York begins. Today's topic, subways. Often called the great equalizer. The trains are a vital part of transportation for New Yorkers and a plan and a place to interact with people from different backgrounds and places. Everyone has a subway story or an opinion so we want to know your hot takes. Joining us now to help navigate this important question is comedian and writer Josh Gondelman. He often accompanies us on the small stake. Big Opinions conversation Josh, welcome to wmyc. It is nice to see you.

[Josh Gondelman]

It's so nice to see you. Thank you so much for having me back. I'm very excited to hear what the most opinionated New Yorkers think about one of the topics that generates, I think the most and biggest opinions the most.

[Michael]

Listeners join in this conversation. What is the best train line and why is it the ace? Are you a one type of three gal? Maybe? Do you think dogs should be allowed on the subway? On the train? Should they be in bags? Should they be charged a fee? And finally, how do you feel about buskers or showtime in the station on the train? That's what makes New York special, right? Or do you just want a silent train ride? Our Phone lines are open. 2124-3396-9221-2433-WNYC or you can hit us up on social media at all of it. Wnyc. So you've taken on transportation in your act in New York specifically, you said it is the crucible of humanity in New York City testing what you're made of so you can come out a different person on the other side.

[Josh Gondelman]

I agree with that. 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.

[Michael]

What is your definition of just a really good subway ride?

[Josh Gondelman]

I had the greatest subway setup. This is gonna sound made up. I used to live at 137th Street. That part is believable. But I used to live at 137th between Broadway and Riverside. And I had a job that I just had to get down to Columbus, Columbus Circle. So I took the one train straight down. And there was a secret one train that was not announced on the readout board of upcoming trains. And it would come at 8:42 or 8:47 every morning. And it would arrive at 137th street, which is not an express stop, empty. And the people at my stop would get on and have the full run of the train and get to sit in whichever seat. It was truly a dream, a blessing, a joy. It was. I, like, think about that train all the time.

[Michael]

What about a truly nightmarish subway ride?

[Josh Gondelman]

Ooh. I think stopped between stations for a long time is where, you know, after a minute you go, well, these things happen. There's train traffic up ahead. And then they start. The more vague the excuse, the more you're looking around like, okay, am I going to eat someone else or are they going to eat me? What's going to happen? Are we going to rebuild society in these tunnels?

[Michael]

We had one of our producers got stuck on the subway train where they had to get people out.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, yeah, that happened to friends of mine, I think, like a month ago when there was that terrible rainstorm.

[Michael]

That was it.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yeah. Oh, that is. What a nightmare.

[Michael]

Let's talk to Michael calling in from Forest Hills. Hi, Michael, thank you for calling all of it.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi, thanks for taking the call. I may be the last person to still carry a newspaper on the subway. And, you know, I do it not just to read the paper, but, you know, you can use it, actually, if you spread it out for privacy. But, you know, my favorite use is on a crowded train. It might be a spot where nobody's sitting and you look closely, you know, it might be a discolored color. So I put the newspaper down to sit on it, and then I feel like yelling out, you know, haystuckers, ties sitting on your smartphone.

[Michael]

Thank you so much for calling in. We are talking about small stakes, big opinions. It's our call in series. Hey, tell us what the best train line is. Should dogs be allowed on board? What are your thoughts about people playing music out loud on the train? Should it just Be at the stops. Give us a call. 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. That's our phone number. We actually have a call that's specifically for you, Josh.

[Josh Gondelman]

Whoa.

[Michael]

Yeah, this is Joe calling in from Park Slope. Hey, Joe, you're on the air with Josh Gondelman.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yeah, I was wondering if I see.

[Alison Stewart]

Someone who, you know, maybe they're sort of not the most well known celebrity, but, you know, they love sneakers, they love Dunkin Donuts, and you see them.

[Josh Gondelman]

On the subway, you know, because I.

[Alison Stewart]

Did see this person on the subway.

[Josh Gondelman]

Recently, and I didn't know whether it.

[Alison Stewart]

Was okay to talk to them or not.

[Josh Gondelman]

I think if you see Ben Affleck on the subway. No, you know, that is such a thoughtful and interesting question. I like truly never, especially in commute, never mind someone saying like, oh, hey, nice to meet you. And I think generally the. Especially if I'm just like sitting alone, it is. I always feel like, say hi and keep it moving. I feel like anyone more famous than me, and I consider myself not a famous person. You know, I've seen some true celebrities on the train, and I'm like, oh, you know what? This person doesn't. I don't think it's blowing up anyone's spot to say Michael Cera doesn't need me to bother them, but please trust that if you're recognizing me on the subway, you're the only person that's having that experience.

[Michael]

This guy on the subway said to me it was crowded, and he looked, and this one, I worked at msnbc. And he said, I bet we don't see Olbermann on the subway, huh? I was like, I don't make as much money as Olbermann, was my response. And that is why I'm on the subway.

[Josh Gondelman]

That's so funny.

[Michael]

Let's talk about your stance on dogs on trains. You had a dog.

[Josh Gondelman]

I did have a dog.

[Michael]

You had a lovely dog. What's your stance on dogs on the train?

[Josh Gondelman]

So I think dog in a bag, not controversial. Right? If someone's got a dog in a bag, I've never seen a complaint with that. I've also, I'm okay with dog hanging out as long as they're sitting or on someone's lap and not taking up a place that a human being might. And this obviously service animals is a different. I'm not like, all right, blind people, keep your dogs at home. That would be monstrous of me. But our dog, we never had to take a Stand. Because our dog hated transportation. She was like a little Emily Dogginson, and she hated to leave home. But I'm like, I think as long as the dog has behaved well, that's fine. And as long as if you have a dog that's, like, at all misbehaving, it's like, well, maybe you gotta get out and walk a little bit.

[Michael]

Well, it's interesting because people are just bringing their big dogs on the train, and it's kind of wild.

[Josh Gondelman]

It feels like something that switched after people started going back on the train, after the 2020 when nobody was on the train. It felt like that was when big dogs started just hanging out on the train.

[Michael]

Well, it's kind of weird because I. On one hand, I love dogs, but I get weird when I see. Honestly, I see a little dog on one end and a big dog on the other, and we're in between.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yep. And I understand that discomfort as well. Like, it doesn't. It doesn't bother me, but I understand if there are people that are, like, I didn't count on having an interaction with just a friendly, but maybe too exuberant out of place animal down here.

[Michael]

What is the most ridiculous quote bag that you've seen somebody put their dog in?

[Josh Gondelman]

Ooh. I mean, I think I've seen somebody with a dog just sitting on a tote basket, just sitting on a bag. Like that one caller had with his own newspaper. Cause that did feel like going housebreaking mode.

[Michael]

Oh, that is really funny. Let's talk to Lisa from Manhattan. Hi, Lisa. Thanks so much for calling, all of it.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi, thanks for taking my call. I actually am on my way going to the subway. Years ago, when I was a kid, I'm now in my 60s, there used to be a sign that said, if they're young enough to sit on your knee, they're young enough. Or if they're young enough to go in for free, they're young enough to sit on your knee. And nowadays I'm seeing parents encourage kids to take up a whole seat when there are adults and even elderly adults standing. So, Josh, what do you think about that?

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, that's a good question. I think, like, airplane rules for laps. Right. Like, if they're the size of a kid that you can bring on an airplane without having their own seat, you can bring them on the subway without their own seat. I think that's fair. And I do think this is a problem that I have. I was thinking about this earlier. I am not always as attentive as I should be. Because of just on my phone that I should be swiveling a little more for older people, people who maybe look uncomfortable to offer a seat if I'm sitting. I always try to do it, but unless someone is right up in front of me, I don't do a good enough job all the time. And that's on me. And so I always try like at the stops to kind of head up, look around, make sure there's not like a person three seats down that needs my spot. Because I do think that is etiquette that is fading away a little bit and people should be more conscious of it.

[Michael]

Let's talk to Aaron from Fort Lee. Hey Aaron, you are on the air.

[Alison Stewart]

Hello. So I lived in Washington Heights for years and years. I took the A train every day. Back in the 70s, you probably, if you remember this, trains used to just stop in the stage or so stop in the tunnel and the lights would go out and you'd sit there and sit there and then eventually the lights would come on and you go on. So I was on the A train, same thing. Lights went out, we're sitting there in the dark and the motorman comes on and says, there's a body under the train.

[Josh Gondelman]

Wow.

[Alison Stewart]

That's it, right? That's. Oh my God. I'm sorry. Go ahead.

[Michael]

No, I'm saying. Oh yeah.

[Josh Gondelman]

We were just reacting viscerally.

[Alison Stewart]

I have never forgotten this. And we luckily, I guess that one of the car, the front car was just coming into a station and they closed, locked all the doors and they opened the doors up between the cars and we all evacuated out like the first door in the first car into the station. I just, I mean, I saw and heard a lot of strange things in the subway, but that took it.

[Michael]

Anyway, thanks for calling. We appreciate it. This says love you both. Thank you.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, thank you.

[Michael]

Nothing annoys me more than someone leaning against the pole with their back takes up the whole pole.

[Josh Gondelman]

That's right. That's for hands.

[Michael]

Do we refer to the lines by their colors or by the letters and numbers? I'm team color. But others insist only outsiders do that.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, interesting.

[Michael]

I know about. That's interesting.

[Josh Gondelman]

So I grew up in the Boston area and there's just colors on the train. It's red light. Yeah, Red, orange, blue, green. And then it forks out to letters on the green line. Too specific. This is not WBOS or WBUR Boston. But I do think the letters and numbers are specific because they converge and diverge too much to like if I said I'm going to Take the orange line. That could mean so many different things.

[Michael]

Before we leave, the dogs on the subway, train of thought, what do you think the dog's internal monologue is when he's on the train?

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, that's such a good question. I feel like they notice the motion. Right. But they can't clock it with their eyes. So I bet they're kind of like, this is an interesting house I'm in.

[Michael]

This is an interesting house.

[Josh Gondelman]

Cause I bet it feels more like a house.

[Michael]

There's a lot of people in this house.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yeah. Okay. Nobody's putting out any food. That's not super gracious of these folks. Whose home is this?

[Michael]

My guest is Josh Gahleman. We're talking small stakes, big opinions, the Subway Edition. Our phone number is 212433, WNYC, 212-433-9692. We'll take more of your calls after a real quick break. This is all next time on the.

[Alison Stewart]

New Yorker Radio Hour. Are we on the brink of a constitutional crisis?

[Josh Gondelman]

I think we could very well be there.

[Alison Stewart]

We're at the Rubicon. Whether we've crossed it is yet to be determined.

[Josh Gondelman]

If the Trump administration decides to openly.

[Alison Stewart]

Defy a judicial order, then I think we're there.

[Josh Gondelman]

The head of the aclu, Anthony Romero.

[Alison Stewart]

On fighting Donald Trump in the courts, next time on the New Yorker Radio Hour.

[Josh Gondelman]

Love it.

[Michael]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. My guest is Josh Gonnelman. He's joining us for this small stakes, big opinion series where talking about Subway Edition, you can call in, tell us what the best train line is. Should dogs be allowed on boards? What are your thoughts about people playing their music out loud in the train? Should it be in the stops only? 212-433-WNYC, 212-433-9692. That's our phone number. You can also hit us up on social media@olivet WNYC. This text says, I saw a dude with his medium large sized dog in an IKEA bag with the legs cut out. So basically a walking tote bag. This is Jacob calling in from Brooklyn. Hi, Jacob, thanks for calling all of it.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi, Allison. Thanks for having me. I have a complaint about people's body traffic on the subway. There's always been problems with letting people off the train before you yourself get on. Then post Covid, I noticed people just aren't moving into the cars.

[Josh Gondelman]

And now I'm noticing that people are.

[Alison Stewart]

Trying to get off the cars before the trains have stopped, which Results in people losing their grip, falling over, losing their balance. And I'm just worried about where the next sign of subway etiquette decay is going to be. It's a slippery slope, and I'm concerned.

[Michael]

It is a slippery slope, and it was definitely post Covid. I really, really think that was a breaking point.

[Josh Gondelman]

I think when people got back on the subways, or maybe there were new people moving to the city that didn't have as much experience or, you know, or maybe it was just people being out of practice that I definitely felt that slipping. Like the. To me, the number one subway etiquette of on and off is you wait until people get off the train before you get on the train. And once. Once that starts to slip, I agree with you. It is like I get very. Like. We live in a society about things.

[Michael]

Let's talk to alan on Line 8. He's calling from Chelsea. Hi, Alan.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi, Alison. And hi, Josh. I spoke to you both when you did the segment on cruising.

[Michael]

Remember the guy who was on a cruise?

[Josh Gondelman]

Yes. So nice to hear from you.

[Michael]

Yes.

[Josh Gondelman]

Glad you made it back.

[Alison Stewart]

I assume I made it back. I'm back in Chelsea, but for this call. The thing I love about New York most is the competitive spirit. You know, the fact that everything is so lively and people are walking faster than anywhere else. You know, we have 11 industries that are the number one industry in the country, but in the subway, it is not the appropriate thing to do. The subway is the place where graciousness works the best, not competitiveness. You don't want to rush into the subway, into the door. You don't want to rush out. You don't want to take the best seat you can. You want to give up your seat to somebody who's mobility impaired, but you have to be looking up to notice that. So New Yorkers just forget that, you know, when they're inside, they need to be gracious. And being in the subway is kind of like being inside.

[Michael]

Alan should. He should run for, like, etiquette czar of New York.

[Josh Gondelman]

You know, I. I've heard there's been some controversy with the mayor, so there might be an open seat coming up there.

[Michael]

Let's talk about music. Let's talk about loud music.

[Josh Gondelman]

Okay.

[Michael]

Is there a volume where it's acceptable to play music out loud, or is it always annoying?

[Josh Gondelman]

I love the live performances. I think that is so beautiful and such a wonderful texture to the city. And I always try to give a buck or two if I have it, and then for some reason, I have this weird thing that if I don't have $2 or $1, I will not listen. Cause I'm like, I didn't pay for this. I shouldn't be. But I think music off a speaker, just remember your headphones. It's not. That's not for everyone else. That's for you. Except for one time, my wife and I were on the subway. There was a guy playing loud music from, like, a Bluetooth speaker, and people were not feeling it. And then another guy gets on with a bigger speaker and played louder music. And then the first guy turned up his music, and then the second guy turned up his music, and then the first guy turned his off and got off the train, and the second guy turned off his music as well. So he was like a sonic vigilante.

[Michael]

That's a good one. This one says yes to buskers. As long as they're good.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yes.

[Michael]

Ooh.

[Josh Gondelman]

It's not a practice space.

[Michael]

It's not a practice space. If you had to create a PSA about music on the subway, what would it be?

[Josh Gondelman]

I think if anyone's ever told you, like, wow, you're pretty good, you could do that professionally. Then you can play, you can busk. But until one person has ever told you that, you've got to keep it. Keep it to acoustic guitar. At the party.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah.

[Michael]

I saw a wonderful, wonderful woman playing violin.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael]

On the subway. It was so. And she wanted a new. A new violin. I gave her a lot of money.

[Josh Gondelman]

Yeah.

[Michael]

I'm like, go buy a violet. It's so exciting.

[Josh Gondelman]

There's a woman who I've seen play accordion, I think, at the 2nd Ave. F train stop. And I think that's. It's like. I think that the differences of how these things happen, like, the different musical styles represented are so beautiful. Right. You hear some, like, barbershop quartet type performances and some, like, mariachi type performances, and I just, like. I don't know. It really makes me feel alive and in tune with the heartbeat of the city.

[Michael]

Maybe it's the idea, if you're making the music, it's okay. If it's just coming out of a.

[Josh Gondelman]

Speaker, it's not for sure. And I think the small. Occasionally someone in a station, if they're playing a backing track and singing or like playing guitar, like sometimes at Penn Station, there'll be someone in the backing, tracking, playing violin over it. But if you're just playing someone else's song on the moving train, it's like, well, that you could enjoy that at home. You can enjoy that in headphones, the technology exists. You can avail yourself of it.

[Michael]

Let's talk to some more callers. Heather is calling in from Brooklyn. Hi, Heather. Thanks for calling Olivet.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi, Allison. Thank you for taking my call. I'm calling about someone mentioned at the very beginning. It's a place where gather, they're all together. And I've been on the subway a lot in the last seven years because I moved far away. And at first, seven years ago, I could sit next to someone and we'd have a conversation. Soon they'd be showing me their pictures or their grandchildren. And they get off the train and say goodbye. And now no one's looking at anyone. They're looking at their phones, and no one can hear you because they have something in their ear. So every once in a while, I'll say something to someone and they'll pull their earphones out and I'll say, oh, something like this. And we'll have a little talk. And then they'll sort of get up and put their hand over their heart and say goodbye.

[Michael]

Oh, that's really lovely. Can you think of a situation where you would talk to somebody you haven't met in the subway?

[Josh Gondelman]

I mean, I'm very chatty, so this is gonna come up. I usually try not to bother anyone that has headphones in. I feel like that sends a pretty strong signal. But I have. I mean. Oh, you know what? The one time that most frequently talk to other people on the train is when there are, like, delays or stoppages. And then you get a real full car. Like, can you believe this? And that is, even amidst the bad feeling is kind of like a nice commiseration.

[Michael]

It's happened after I go to a Broadway show. Cause everybody's got their Playbill.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael]

And you're like, was that good? That was good. What do you think about this one? You like it?

[Josh Gondelman]

That's really fun. Or leaving a sporting event. You get the kind of same like, oh, what a game.

[Michael]

This says, buskers enrich the subway and all public spaces. Buskers make the subway safer. And buskers are the Jedi of freedom and expression. Go busk.

[Josh Gondelman]

That's beautiful.

[Michael]

Let's go to Richard in Jersey City. Hi, Richard. Thanks for calling all of it.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi. I'm so glad to talk to you. I was telling your screener that I moved here in 1980, and I realized I was a true New Yorker when maybe a year later, I got on the train and sat down in a relatively empty car and noticed something funny about my feet and looked down. And I was sitting with my feet in a puddle of blood. Wow. That was the old days of the subway. But anything's possible on the subway.

[Michael]

Anything is possible on the subway.

[Josh Gondelman]

One beautiful thing about New York is that people get warmly nostalgic for things that in most many other places in America would be arguably the worst thing that's ever happened in your life. We're just like, ah. I remember the olden days when my feet would be covered in someone else's blood on my commute.

[Michael]

So great. Let's talk best train line. Do you have a line you like?

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, you know, it depends. I've moved around a little bit, and so it kind of changes based on where I have to go. I think the F is kind of underrated.

[Michael]

Tell me more. I need to hear more.

[Josh Gondelman]

It goes a bunch of places that I need to go between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

[Michael]

If it goes.

[Josh Gondelman]

If it goes. But that's a caveat for any. There's not a single line where I'm like, NHL. It never has delays, and it always gets me where I need to be. And I like that it goes. I can take it to. I mean, almost all the way to LaGuardia from where I live. So that's not bad. I like a train that goes to the airport. So the F and the A are two that I like being able to get to the airport on the subway. And the A gets you there to JFK, sort of. And the F gets you there to LaGuardia, sort of.

[Michael]

It's funny. I kind of. I like the 7 now that it goes, like, so easy.

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael]

All the way over. There's something about it like, I'm on the 7. I'm on the 10th Avenue. I can.

[Josh Gondelman]

I also like a train that stays steady north, south, or east, west. So I have an affection for the L, where you're like, it's gonna be on 14th street all the way across Manhattan, and then it's gonna go down Metropolitan for a while. And like in Brooklyn. And so I like that steadiness. Or the same with the. You know, the ace going up and down 8th Ave. Is like, that's. I know where to find you.

[Michael]

Hey, train, let's talk to Bob from Baldwin. Hey, Bob.

[Alison Stewart]

Hi there. Thanks for taking my call. In addition to what he was saying about the A in terms of the airport, it is one of the prettiest rides around because once you get out at Grant Avenue, it goes to cross Bay Boulevard, and then the ones that go past the airport to Far Rockway or to 1 16th street, you're going over the water and you get to see the airport. You get to see Gateway National Park. It's just a beautiful ride.

[Michael]

Bob, thanks for your call and our last minute. Anything you want to add about the subway?

[Josh Gondelman]

Oh, gosh, I just, I'm such a Subway fan. I hate when people who aren't from here are like, do you feel safe on the subway? And I, yeah, love it. I do. I want to echo Bob and say like a train that goes above ground for like one stop feels like being the whale cresting the surface of the ocean and being like, whoa, a lot of sky and then back down. So that is always a beautiful experience. Yeah. Big Subway fan. Love it. Love all the subway enthusiasm. Thank you for having me as part of this conversation.

[Alison Stewart]

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[Josh Gondelman]

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[Alison Stewart]

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