Podcast Episode Summary: "Can I Walk With You? (4 Strangers)"

Podcast Information

• Title: Can I Walk With You?
• Host: Tharaya
• Episode: Can I Walk With You? (4 Strangers)
• Release Date: July 10, 2025
• Description: Season one kicks off in New York City—America’s most walkable city—capturing honest, spontaneous conversations with the people who pass us by.

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Can I Walk With You?, host Tharaya ventures into the bustling streets of New York City to engage in spontaneous conversations with four strangers. The premise is simple yet profound: walk alongside everyday individuals and delve into their personal stories, perspectives, and philosophies. This episode sets the tone for the series, emphasizing genuine human connections and the rich tapestry of experiences found within the city.

Meet the Participants

1. Antonio – The Maintenance Specialist

   • Background: Antonio has been a maintenance professional for 22 years, specializing in plumbing and electrical work within some of New York's century-old buildings.
   • Personal Insights: He expresses a deep love for his trade, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from troubleshooting and repairing intricate systems.

2. Unnamed Transporter – The Hospital Body Transporter

   • Background: Hailing from Guyana, the transporter has been working in the United States for 53 years. His role involves handling deceased bodies at a hospital, preparing them for final services.
   • Personal Insights: Despite the morbid nature of his job, he has grown accustomed to it over the years, emphasizing a sense of detachment and professionalism.

3. Justin – The Mitigation Specialist and Part-Time Therapist

   • Background: Justin recently transitioned into a role focused on criminal defense work. Additionally, he works part-time as a therapist, drawing from his personal and professional experiences to aid others.
   • Personal Insights: Justin grapples with intense cases, balancing his belief in abolitionist values with the realities of the criminal justice system.

4. Olivia – The Aspiring Outgoing Personality

   • Background: Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Olivia has been living in New York City for five years. She identifies as kind, generous, and is actively working to overcome her shy nature.
   • Personal Insights: Olivia is inspired by her family, striving to make them proud while continuously seeking personal growth.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Embracing the Human Experience

Tharaya initiates the conversation by expressing her curiosity about people and her belief that walking together facilitates deep understanding. This sets a collaborative and open tone for the discussions.

• Olivia: "I feel like you could get to know a person pretty well if you just walk with them." (02:25)

2. The Value of Skilled Trades

Antonio delves into his passion for maintenance work, emphasizing the importance of precision and expertise, especially when dealing with older infrastructures.

• Antonio: "I'm a troubleshooter, you know?" (01:35)
• Antonio: "A lot of the buildings that we work in are like 100 years old... you got to really, really know what you're doing in them." (02:30)

He further discusses sustainable practices, cautioning against quick fixes that may lead to greater expenses down the line.

• Antonio: "Never do that [use Drano]. It's the same thing with the pipes... you try to clean them out, only thing you're doing is making holes in them." (05:24)

3. Navigating Challenging Roles

The unnamed transporter shares his unique occupation, shedding light on a role that many might find unsettling. He speaks candidly about the emotional and psychological adjustments required to perform his duties.

• Unnamed Transporter: "I do body bags with dead people." (03:21)
• Unnamed Transporter: "After a while, nothing bothered me. I put them in the cold freezer... and that's it." (06:01)

4. Balancing Personal Beliefs with Professional Responsibilities

Justin offers a heartfelt perspective on his work in criminal defense, particularly focusing on a complex case involving a young individual with a tumultuous background.

• Justin: "I think that people need care and support and help, and obviously this guy does, rather than to be locked up." (08:30)

He connects his professional role with his personal values, advocating for a more compassionate approach to justice.

5. Overcoming Personal Challenges

Olivia discusses her journey to overcome shyness, inspired by engaging in activities like the podcast. She expresses admiration for Tharaya's ability to connect with strangers and aspires to develop similar confidence.

• Olivia: "You just gotta let it go. Cause then you would never elevate in life because you caring about what someone else thinks." (18:58)

6. The Pursuit of Self-Discovery and Community

All participants reflect on their personal growth, the importance of relationships, and the continuous journey of understanding oneself.

• Justin: "I'm just somebody that's trying to figure out life, truly... I feel like I figured out relationships in that platonic way." (12:36)
• Olivia: "Life is about progress, you know, elevation... I just want to make my family proud." (14:14)

7. Taking Chances and Embracing Opportunities

Justin emphasizes the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to seize opportunities and form meaningful connections.

• Justin: "We take chances... free Palestine." (20:31)

Olivia echoes the sentiment, encouraging perseverance and faith in one's beliefs.

• Olivia: "Never give up on what you believe in and to keep the faith." (21:02)

Antonio adds a note on fairness and authenticity in life.

• Antonio: "Be fair in life. Be true to yourself and you can be true to others." (21:21)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Antonio: "I'm a troubleshooter, you know?" (01:35)
• Antonio: "Never do that [use Drano]... you try to clean them out, only thing you're doing is making holes in them." (05:24)
• Unnamed Transporter: "I do body bags with dead people." (03:21)
• Justin: "I think that people need care and support and help, and obviously this guy does, rather than to be locked up." (08:30)
• Olivia: "Never give up on what you believe in and to keep the faith." (21:02)
• Antonio: "Be fair in life. Be true to yourself and you can be true to others." (21:21)
• Justin: "We take chances... free Palestine." (20:31)

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt messages from each participant, leaving listeners with profound takeaways about fairness, resilience, and the importance of human connections. Tharaya successfully bridges the gap between strangers, fostering an environment where vulnerable and authentic conversations can flourish.

• Tharaya: "I'm just trying to figure out who I am, too." (12:27)
• Olivia: "I'm trying to be like you." (18:01)

Final Messages to the Audience

Each participant shares a personal message, encapsulating their life philosophies and aspirations:

• Justin: Encourages taking chances and advocates for free Palestine.
• Olivia: Urges listeners to persevere in their beliefs and maintain faith.
• Antonio: Advises fairness and authenticity in interactions with others.
• Unnamed Transporter: Compliments Tharaya, highlighting the value of genuine conversation.

Overall Impression

In this episode, Can I Walk With You? captures the essence of human connection through candid dialogues. Tharaya's ability to engage and draw out meaningful insights from her guests offers listeners an intimate glimpse into diverse lives and perspectives. The episode not only showcases the vibrancy of New York City's inhabitants but also underscores universal themes of self-discovery, empathy, and the continual pursuit of personal growth.