Can I walk with you, Anthony?

Summary

Podcast Title: Can I Walk With You?
Host: Thoraya
Episode: Can I Walk with You, Anthony?
Release Date: June 6, 2025

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Introduction to the Journey

In the inaugural episode of "Can I Walk With You?", host Thoraya ventures into the bustling streets of New York City to engage in spontaneous conversations with passersby. This episode features a profound dialogue with Anthony, a native New Yorker with a tumultuous past and unwavering faith. The conversation navigates through Anthony's personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives on society, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his life.

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First Impressions and Initial Conversation

Thoraya initiates the walk by asking Anthony if he’d like to join her for a conversation. Their interaction quickly turns to Anthony’s distinctive Boston hat, sparking a light-hearted exchange.

• Thoraya (00:02): "I just asked people if I could walk with them and have a conversation."
• Anthony (00:05): "Why would you walk around New York with a Boston hat on?"

Their banter sets a relaxed tone, allowing Anthony to open up about himself beyond the superficial first impressions.

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Exploring Identity and Faith

As they continue their walk, Thoraya delves deeper, prompting Anthony to reflect on his identity beyond his outward appearance.

• Thoraya (00:32): "Like, on a deeper level, who would you say you are?"
• Anthony (00:46): "I've been through a lot. In and out of jail most of my life... Never lost my faith. Not in God."

Anthony candidly shares his lifelong struggle with the justice system and how his faith has been a cornerstone through his hardships.

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Faith as a Pillar

The conversation shifts to the role of religion in Anthony’s life. He emphasizes that his belief in God has been a constant, even amidst frequent incarcerations.

• Anthony (05:36): "As long as I got God on my side, no matter where I've been or what I've done, I'm good."
• Thoraya (04:02): "I think it's a beautiful thing. As long as the person who believes in their religion respects others..."

Anthony distinguishes his personal faith from the institutional church, expressing skepticism towards church authorities while maintaining his spiritual beliefs.

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Navigating the Prison System

Anthony provides a raw and honest perspective on the prison system, recounting his extensive time spent in various correctional facilities.

• Anthony (05:53): "I've been in and out of jail most of my adult life... State prison, federal prison, local Rikers Island."
• Thoraya (09:23): "What do you think of the prison system?"
• Anthony (09:56): "90% of the people there, 100% guilty. The problem is the things they charge with and the years they get don't equal the crimes."

He criticizes the disproportionate sentencing and the inefficiencies within the system, highlighting the personal toll it has taken on his life.

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Life Transformation and Resilience

Discussing his turnaround, Anthony attributes his change to sheer exhaustion with his former life and a desire to succeed legitimately.

• Anthony (08:20): "Tired."
• Thoraya (11:28): "Do you have any advice for people who are maybe still in?"
• Anthony (11:31): "Do anything to get out. Just like you'll do anything to make money."

Anthony shares his journey from multiple incarcerations to stable employment, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance.

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Perceptions and Misunderstandings

Addressing societal perceptions, Anthony admits he doesn't care about how others view him, a trait that contributed to his past troubles.

• Anthony (12:35): "I don't care. That's the problem with a lot of people."
• Thoraya (12:43): "Like, you don't care what people think."
• Anthony (12:45): "Because at one point they thought we were kings."

He reflects on the lack of concern for others' opinions as a double-edged sword, providing freedom but also leading to destructive behavior.

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Modern Influences and Social Media

The dialogue touches upon the shift from traditional celebrities to influencers, with Anthony appreciating the authenticity social media brings.

• Anthony (10:21): "Whoever's got the most followers... They just give it to an influencer."
• Thoraya (11:09): "I kind of like that aspect of it."

He contrasts the genuine connections fostered by influencers with the often aloof nature of traditional celebrities.

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Memories and Mental Landscape

When asked about memorable strangers, Anthony admits he doesn't retain memories of them, focusing instead on the present and future.

• Anthony (15:15): "That is still Nobody."
• Thoraya (15:19): "Nobody."
• Anthony (15:27): "What do they call that? The Roman Empire."

He dismisses superficial connections, emphasizing his focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.

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Concluding Thoughts and Advice

As their walk concludes, Anthony offers heartfelt advice to listeners, urging them to stay out of trouble and pursue legitimate success.

• Anthony (16:09): "To stay out of trouble, do anything to succeed legitimately."

Thoraya expresses appreciation for the meaningful conversation, highlighting the episode’s goal of fostering deep, authentic connections.

• Thoraya (16:03): "I really enjoyed our walk."

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Key Takeaways

• Faith and Resilience: Anthony’s unwavering faith in God has been pivotal in navigating his numerous incarcerations and personal struggles.

• Critique of the Prison System: He provides a critical view of the justice system, highlighting issues of disproportionate sentencing and systemic failures.

• Personal Transformation: Anthony’s journey from a life of crime to legitimate employment underscores the potential for personal change and redemption.

• Authenticity in Modern Influences: The conversation sheds light on the shift towards influencers in media, valuing authenticity over traditional celebrity personas.

• Focus on the Present and Future: Anthony emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and looking ahead rather than getting bogged down by past experiences or external perceptions.

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Notable Quotes

• Anthony on Faith:
  "Never lost my faith. Not in God." (00:46)

• Anthony on the Prison System:
  "90% of the people there, 100% guilty. The problem is the things they charge with and the years they get don't equal the crimes." (09:56)

• Anthony's Advice:
  "To stay out of trouble, do anything to succeed legitimately." (16:09)

• Thoraya on Religion:
  "I think it's a beautiful thing. As long as the person who believes in their religion respects others..." (04:18)

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Conclusion

The first episode of "Can I Walk With You?" sets a profound tone for the series, showcasing Thoraya’s ability to engage deeply with her guests. Anthony’s story is one of hardship, resilience, and redemption, offering listeners valuable insights into overcoming adversity and maintaining faith amidst life's challenges. This episode serves as a compelling invitation to explore more authentic and meaningful conversations in the vibrant streets of New York City.

Transcript

[Thoraya Thaya]

Excuse me. Do you have a moment by any chance?

[Anthony]

Sure. What's up?

[Thoraya Thaya]

I just asked people if I could walk with them and have a conversation.

[Anthony]

Sure. Why would you walk around New York with a Boston hat on? I usually won't talk to somebody with a Boston hat. Can't believe they let you get away with it.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah. Put it in the pocket. Is it weird that I wear the hat and I'm not even a baseball fan?

[Anthony]

It's weird that you wear it in New York. Where do we have to walk?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Wherever you're headed. I'll just, like.

[Anthony]

I'll just walk into the east side.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay.

[Anthony]

Well, a nickname. My friends call me Hootie.

[Thoraya Thaya]

So were you born and raised in New York?

[Anthony]

Well, if you can sell. I got a Yankee hat on, she got a Boston hat.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Like, on a deeper level, who would you say you are?

[Anthony]

Oh, on a deeper level. That's a little crazy.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Why is it crazy?

[Anthony]

I wouldn't know. I don't think I've ever asked myself that.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Really? That's what my podcast is all about.

[Anthony]

Oh, is it?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah, it's about, like, getting to really know someone on the line.

[Anthony]

Oh, yeah. It's just like being with a psychiatrist. I've been through a lot. In and out of jail most of my life. State prison, federal prison, local. Rikers Island. Because of my past life. Never lost my faith. Not in God.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Right.

[Anthony]

In other things, absolutely. Is this like a religious podcast?

[Thoraya Thaya]

It's not.

[Anthony]

Oh. Cause we just got rent.

[Thoraya Thaya]

We did? Yeah.

[Anthony]

We just went down that lane.

[Thoraya Thaya]

We really did.

[Anthony]

And we're already on the east side. How did that happen?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Do you mind if we keep walking a little bit longer? Yeah.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

What's your name?

[Anthony]

Anthony.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Anthony, I'm Thoraya Thaya.

[Anthony]

Pleasure.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Nice to meet you. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? Like, who are you? What do you do?

[Anthony]

Well, my nickname. My friends call me Hoodie. And then whenever I get a chance, I'm in the West Village. I love it over here. Well, now we're walking towards the east side.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Why do you like it here?

[Anthony]

It's just the vibe is. I don't think there's any vibe like the West Village.

[Thoraya Thaya]

So were you born and raised in New York?

[Anthony]

Little neighborhood called Ozone Park. It's in Queens.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I guess the question asked you, who are you? Aside from, like, what you do? Like, on a deeper level, who would you say you are?

[Anthony]

Whoa. I guess this is. This is like being with a psychiatrist. I wouldn't know. I don't think I've ever asked myself that really? Yeah. Spiritual. I believe. God fearing man. I don't know. On a deeper level, it's a little crazy.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Why is it crazy?

[Anthony]

That's weird. To just be asked. Walking in the West Village of Manhattan on a deeper note.

[Thoraya Thaya]

That's what my podcast is all about.

[Anthony]

Oh, is it?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah, it's about, like getting to really know someone.

[Anthony]

Oh, yeah. Well, if you can tell. I got a Yankee hat on. She got a Boston hat.

[Thoraya Thaya]

No socks.

[Anthony]

That's terrible. Being in new. She said, go socks. That's awful. I just haven't been a big baseball fan lately, so I didn't mind when I seen that.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay, but if you were, you probably would have.

[Anthony]

I would have kept moving. I would have kept it moving.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah. I have a Yankee tattoo.

[Anthony]

But you think, if you're not into baseball, why would you walk around New York with a Boston hat on?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Oh, you.

[Anthony]

On a deeper level.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I like living on the edge.

[Anthony]

That's all right. So you're looking for someone to start a beef with you.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You know, kind of. And then after they get like, heated, I'm just. I just tell them, not even a fan of baseball.

[Anthony]

But you led with that with me.

[Thoraya Thaya]

What was that?

[Anthony]

You led with that.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I did, I did. Because like, I was trying to get you to walk with me.

[Anthony]

But I didn't say no.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You're right. You're right. Yeah.

[Anthony]

I don't know. I guess we're still on a deeper level, huh?

[Thoraya Thaya]

What was that?

[Anthony]

I think the deeper level was still on that.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah, that's the.

[Anthony]

I guess it can only go back to religion, spirituality. Right.

[Thoraya Thaya]

For you?

[Anthony]

Yeah, I'm a Catholic. I believe in God.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Why is that important to you?

[Anthony]

It's how I was raised. It's what I believe in.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You think if you weren't raised that way, you'd still find your way there?

[Anthony]

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. I definitely believe in the Catholic Bible. Absolutely. I mean, I could see how a lot of people believe in other things.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Right.

[Anthony]

What? For me, it's always been that. I think I would have found my way there no matter what.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I think these days a lot of people knock religion, but I still think it's a beautiful thing. As long as the person who believes in their religion respects other people believing in theirs and doesn't try to put.

[Anthony]

It on them, you know, it's not my business.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah. Right.

[Anthony]

I don't care what anybody does.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

But myself. But in this day and age, you can't tell people you're a Catholic.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Really?

[Anthony]

Oh, my God. Years ago, used to Be a church on every other block now they close the doors. But I understand that people have a lot of bad experiences with the church. I, for one, don't believe in the church's rules.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You don't?

[Anthony]

No, not all of them, because a lot of them stray from what their Bible says.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Oh, really?

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Private.

[Anthony]

Easy, buddy. Being a Catholic is a little bit more complicated than just being a Christian. And say you believe in Christ. Is this like a religious podcast?

[Thoraya Thaya]

It's not. Oh, that was just strange. We did?

[Anthony]

Yeah, we just went down that lane.

[Thoraya Thaya]

We really did. I mean, I guess it seems like that's your deep answer.

[Anthony]

Right. And we're already on the east side. How'd that happen?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Do you mind if we keep walking a little bit longer? Yeah.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

So how would you say, like, how has religion helped you?

[Anthony]

I don't look. I don't look at it that way. Not at all. I look as God help me every day. Any situation I'm in, I don't expect a religion to help me.

[Thoraya Thaya]

That's a good point. Yeah. Yeah.

[Anthony]

As long as I got God on my side, no matter where I've been or what I've done, I'm good. I know I could come up and go against anything.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Can you tell us a little bit about, like, what your life experience is? Any hard things you've gone through, or.

[Anthony]

You got a month? Yeah, we got a month.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Can you hold that for a month?

[Anthony]

No. I've been through a lot. I mean, in and out of jail most of my life, most of my adult life. State prison, federal prison, local Rikers Island. I've been all over because of my past life, and that's where it eventually sent me. But I was prepared for that. And the whole time I was doing all of that, I always knew I'd be all right because I had God on my side. But you know what happened before I ever got into any trouble? I've always believed in God. What happens is people go to jail, find themselves in a bad situation. They find God, then.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah, I've heard a lot of that's good.

[Anthony]

I'm glad you finally got to him. But you hear a lot of people, like, in my situation, oh, I found Christ. I did this, I did that. He's always been there with me. Day one. You know, in the Catholic Church, I received all my sacraments, Communion, confirmation, you know, everything you have to do. So it was all before I ever got in trouble. I knew he was always there.

[Thoraya Thaya]

And then, even through the hard times, it didn't make you Lose it either.

[Anthony]

Never lost my faith.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

Not in God.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Right.

[Anthony]

In other things. Absolutely. Other people lost my faith in the church for a lot of years with the priest. I mean, don't get me wrong. Now we got an American Pope. Never thought I'd see the day. Is that beautiful thing.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Oh, is that, like, shocking? I don't know.

[Anthony]

Yeah, yeah. That's one of the. It was founded before America was even discovered. Started from season, you know, so for somebody to be. I mean, we always wish, like we used to say Timothy Dolan, who's the cardinal for New York, would be always in line. But that was always like a wish upon a star type thing. But for a guy born in Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois White Sox fan, he like to change his mind on that just to have that. It's like, wow, an American Pope for the Catholic Church. And I promise you, how many people went back to the Catholic Church after because of that? Absolutely. So, yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Do you mind me asking? So you said that you were in and out of jail when you were living a certain life. What made you change your life around?

[Anthony]

Tired.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You got tired?

[Anthony]

Just see the, like, the things that I was convicted of, it's like hearsay. It's conspiracy. So it's like the hardest thing in the world to beat that. It's my word against that. It's not like you don't need any evidence. You don't got to get caught doing anything wrong. You can't beat the United States government at anything. So I was just tired of getting beat up by the government.

[Thoraya Thaya]

What do you think of the prison system? I was talking to this girl a couple days ago. She said she doesn't believe anyone should go to jail.

[Anthony]

Ooh, that's a far left if I ever heard of one.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You don't do.

[Anthony]

Wow. I don't do politics, but that's definitely a liberal. Wow. Listen, the life I lived, you don't wish. You wish. We used to say years ago when AIDS was a huge deal. I know it still is big, but back in the 80s and 90s was real big. We used to say, you wish AIDS on somebody before you was jailed. That's how bad jail is.

[Thoraya Thaya]

But so do you kind of.

[Anthony]

I can't say that I'm supposed to agree with her and say jails aren't supposed to exist, because that used to be the old me, but the new me says they. They're there for a reason. 90% of the people there, 100% guilty. The problem is the things they charge with and the years they get don't equal the crimes. That's what don't equal out. So. Oh, you don't hear me breathing heavy? I'm just eating the ice. Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I think she was saying, in the perfect world, like, people would have so many resources and, like, different ways of dealing with it.

[Anthony]

Don't get to other countries. We do. Do you? Anywhere else, they're. The problem is those governments, the people in charge, like, can I curse? They don't give a. What people say. But here, whoever's got the most followers, whoever's tweet gets reposted the most. The government and powers that be, take their word for it.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You think there's, like, people have influence here?

[Anthony]

Absolutely. How could they not? We went from paying actors, musicians, models to promote something. Now you just give it to an ordinary person who went to college and just happened to get a huge following, and that's all you need. They don't need to pay these actors anymore. Just give it to an influencer, which that's what they're called now. And they're just regular people that might have had a viral video in college or whatever. They're nobodies, really. But I. I mean, I like that better because of all the years of actors and actresses walking by people and not signing autographs or they're running like they think they're. And then you got these people make more money than them, more followers than them, more influence than them. Walk into a local bar and hang out with everybody.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Right.

[Anthony]

You know what I mean? I kind of like that aspect of it. I do.

[Thoraya Thaya]

And you said you went to Rikers. That's like the.

[Anthony]

I've been in and out of there since my early 20s. Every time I got in trouble, you get sent there first. Until I stepped it up and started getting federal charges. It's not funny, but it's the way it is. To me, that's the worst place on earth that I've ever seen, and I've been in some bad places. Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Do you have any advice for people who are maybe still in?

[Anthony]

Do anything to get out. Just like you'll do anything to make money. I always put it, you'll do anything to go to jail. That's committing crimes, making money for new sneakers, a new car. So if you're doing anything to go to jail in this day and age, do anything not to go do anything. You can work. I mean, when I came out 2015, I started working for $10 an hour in a thrift store selling furniture. Just changed my life. Yeah. At one point, I Was working three jobs, and I never had a job before anything, never to go back.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Good for you. That's. That must have been really hard. Especially because it seems like since you were young, you're, like, in and out of jail.

[Anthony]

Well, you know what it is? It's not that it was hard. The lifestyle I was living was dead. It was amongst all Italians, My own, you know, my heritage. And it got dismantled. So that kind of helped me not to. I already had my mind set. I already had my mind made up. But it was a lot easier knowing that. That life was over for everybody.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Right. So do you ever feel misunderstood by people who meet you or, like, hear your story?

[Anthony]

I don't care.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You don't care?

[Anthony]

Nah. That's the problem with a lot of people. And that's like, the life that I live and the people that I was around. That's how we lived.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Like, you don't care what people think.

[Anthony]

Because at one point they thought we were kings. But I. I think if you start caring about what people think, I don't think you would ever commit crimes to begin with.

[Thoraya Thaya]

So maybe it's a good thing to care about.

[Anthony]

Yeah, I mean. But I guess that's why I was always in trouble. I never gave what anybody thought about me. I still don't. I walk around Manhattan like, I don't do that. Don't bother me.

[Thoraya Thaya]

And so I'm gonna ask you, you.

[Anthony]

Know what's crazy about Manhattan?

[Thoraya Thaya]

What?

[Anthony]

People see me talking and see that they're trying to look to see from somebody famous. Cause you're in Manhattan, so they think that. Who that might be? Nobody. Keep it moving.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You should just pretend like you're famous.

[Anthony]

No.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I've been doing my YouTube channel for, like, seven years. I met so many strangers. Yeah.

[Anthony]

Is it successful?

[Thoraya Thaya]

It is, yeah. So I have a couple of questions I've asked throughout the years that are my favorites to ask strangers. I'm going to ask you, if you don't mind, One of them is, what's something I wouldn't believe about you or, like, people around you wouldn't believe about you? Let's wait for the ambulance.

[Anthony]

I kind of think I am what. What you see is what you get. I don't know. I like to read.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You like to read?

[Anthony]

I read, but I like nonfiction.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Like. Okay, let me wait for that. Sorry. You're probably used to that. I'm not from here.

[Anthony]

How about. I was talking to somebody in Scotland on FaceTime, and they heard that they asked me to follow the antig. That is the most amazing. They love that sound in the uk. I was like, what he was telling me. I'm like, are you crazy? I mean, I live on the sixth floor. It's a walk up. So that. That runs right through your body because it's like a firehouse or an ambulance station on every other block.

[Thoraya Thaya]

It doesn't phase you anymore.

[Anthony]

No. Now you just sleep through it.

[Thoraya Thaya]

But. Yeah. So back to the question.

[Anthony]

What's the other one?

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah. You said you don't have an answer to that. What you see is what you get. You're a reader. And people.

[Anthony]

Nonfiction.

[Thoraya Thaya]

And when you share that with people, they're shocked.

[Anthony]

Yeah. And actually books. Not on the computer.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

I'm terrible on the computer. Terrible on the iPhone. Tech ain't just. Ain't me.

[Thoraya Thaya]

And then the other question I ask people is, who's one stranger you still remember? Like someone who stood out to you anywhere? Like, for good or bad reasons?

[Anthony]

Good or bad reasons.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

A stranger.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Yeah. That you still think about?

[Anthony]

That is still Nobody.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Nobody.

[Anthony]

I don't think about anybody. That's too much to have on your mind. That's like, what. What's that? What do they call that? The Roman Empire. Right? They say, what's your Roman Empire? They ask people.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Oh, right.

[Anthony]

Something you think about all the time. You know how someone just told me that I didn't even know what that meant when it was a trend? Like, what's your wrong with them? I live the past in the past.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay.

[Anthony]

Unless somebody brings it up. I got too much to think about going forward.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I need to get more like you. I overthink everything.

[Anthony]

That's. Oh, yeah, but that's like adhd, add. Overthinking is like. People have that. It's like a disease almost.

[Thoraya Thaya]

But it's not overthinking adhd.

[Anthony]

You're just an overthinker.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I just overthink. Yeah. Do you. Is there anything else you want to talk about?

[Anthony]

No, I'm good.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay. Do you want to.

[Anthony]

I couldn't think of anything.

[Thoraya Thaya]

I really enjoyed our walk.

[Anthony]

Yeah, me too.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Do you have any. I always like to end it with asking the stranger to, like, do anything.

[Anthony]

To stay out of trouble, do anything to succeed legitimately. That's it. That's what I got for you. Okay, Good.

[Thoraya Thaya]

There you go. Well done. Thank you so much.

[Anthony]

You're welcome.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You're okay with that? Going online too?

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Thoraya Thaya]

Okay.

[Anthony]

I think we just walked the whole east side. It was a pleasure.

[Thoraya Thaya]

You too, man. I appreciate it. Have a good one.