Podcast Summary: "Can I Walk With You, Mike?" Season 1, Episode: Can I Walk With You, Mike?
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Thoraya

Introduction

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 strangers. This episode features a candid interaction with Mike, a local from Queens, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the life and sentiments of a New Yorker.

Meeting Mike

Thoraya initiates the conversation with Mike in a friendly and approachable manner.

• [00:00] Thoraya: "I do this series called Can I Walk With You, where I walk with strangers and have a conversation."
• [00:36] Mike: "Park."

Mike reveals his immediate plans, indicating his love for basketball and the outdoors.

Discussing New York City

The conversation delves into Mike’s experiences and feelings about living in New York City.

• [01:15] Mike: "I guess it's the action on a Friday night. The diversity of people. Food, entertainment. Yeah, yeah. The high prices, the lack of good housing. All of the wonderful things."

Mike highlights both the vibrancy and challenges of NYC, emphasizing its dynamic nature.

Changes Over Time

Thoraya and Mike discuss how the city has evolved over the decades.

• [01:46] Mike: "Nah. Like in the 70s, it wasn't 80s. It started when you voted for Reagan. It was a problem. It started. People got a little less kinder and a little less gentler around the early."
• [02:03] Mike: "Trump, I gotta say, takes it to a whole new level."

Mike reflects on the socio-political shifts, attributing changes in the city's atmosphere to broader political leadership and figures like Reagan and Trump.

Professional Lives

The dialogue shifts to their careers, revealing personal insights and aspirations.

• [02:44] Mike: "I work. I'm a working man."
• [03:20] Mike: "Oh, I got a ton, but they're boring."
• [03:35] Thoraya: "I'm a filmmaker."

Mike initially downplays his profession as a lawyer but later shares more about his career frustrations.

• [02:54] Mike: "It's so soul stealing, mind numbing, the whole thing."
• [03:09] Thoraya: "How long have you been a lawyer for?"
• [03:11] Mike: "I guess about 20 years."

Thoraya discusses her work as a filmmaker, showcasing her passion for storytelling through various YouTube series.

• [03:48] Thoraya: "Strangers Share a Secret Anonymously... a project at the park where I put like a wall between two strangers."

Basketball: Bridging Connections

The conversation naturally transitions into playing basketball, symbolizing the connection between Thoraya and Mike.

• [04:35] Mike: "Yeah. And Queensland, you know, and I refrain from using the word diversity as a description. It's more like variety."
• [04:57] Mike: "I like to shoot around. I play with these two guys. They don't have hands and it's an issue."

Mike shares his passion for basketball, highlighting the inclusive and spirited nature of the sport.

The Game Begins

Thoraya and Mike engage in a friendly game of basketball, filled with playful banter and competitive spirit.

• [06:33] Thoraya: "How did you hurt it? Is that what the scar is from?"
• [07:03] Mike: "You are pretty good. Hold on a second. Look at you. Hey, whoa. You are."

The game showcases their camaraderie and mutual respect.

• [09:36] Mike: "You're taking advantage."
• [12:28] Thoraya: "Oh, no."
• [13:48] Thoraya: "Yeah. You got to motivate me."

Personal Insights and Messages

Beyond basketball, Mike shares his personal interests and offers messages to the audience.

• [05:28] Mike: "Lately I have been rehabbing houses, which is rewarding. And I work on cars, too."
• [14:26] Mike: "Hey, keep hope alive and don't let this guy run all over us and kill our democracy and kill our standard of living. Be bullies around the world to other people and to each other. Independent journalism... voices that are honest and come from a good place to keep our country the way it should be, alive and the way it should be."

Mike emphasizes the importance of hope, resilience, and independent voices in maintaining societal integrity.

• [15:23] Mike: "You know, I do, actually. I really do. I think at the end of the day, the majority of people come around and they do the right thing, hopefully."

His optimistic outlook underscores a belief in the fundamental goodness of people.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation and warm goodbyes, reflecting the genuine connection formed through their walk and game.

• [14:21] Thoraya: "That was so much fun."
• [15:45] Thoraya: "I will. Are they playing today?"
• [15:52] Thoraya: "Okay. I'll root for them. Just for you."

Notable Quotes

• Mike on NYC's Vibrancy and Challenges

  • “The diversity of people. Food, entertainment. Yeah, yeah. The high prices, the lack of good housing. All of the wonderful things.” [01:15]

• Mike Reflecting on Social Changes

  • “Trump... takes it to a whole new level.” [02:15]

• Mike on His Legal Career

  • “It's so soul stealing, mind numbing, the whole thing.” [02:54]

• Thoraya on Filmmaking Projects

  • “Strangers Share a Secret Anonymously... a project at the park where I put like a wall between two strangers.” [03:48]

• Mike on Hope and Society

  • “Keep hope alive and don't let this guy run all over us and kill our democracy... voices that are honest and come from a good place...” [14:26]

• Mike’s Optimism

  • “I think at the end of the day, the majority of people come around and they do the right thing, hopefully.” [15:23]

Insights and Takeaways

• Authentic Interactions: The episode exemplifies authentic human connections, showcasing how spontaneous conversations can reveal deep insights about individuals and the environment they inhabit.
• New York City as a Microcosm: Through Mike’s experiences, listeners gain an understanding of NYC’s diversity, challenges, and the enduring spirit of its residents.
• Balancing Work and Passion: Mike’s discussion about his legal career juxtaposed with his hobbies highlights the common struggle of balancing demanding professions with personal passions.
• Hope and Resilience: Despite acknowledging societal issues, both Thoraya and Mike convey a message of hope and the belief in collective goodness.

Conclusion

Thoraya’s first episode, “Can I Walk With You, Mike?”, successfully sets the tone for the series by blending casual conversation with meaningful discussions. Through engaging dialogue and heartfelt exchanges, the podcast invites listeners to explore the multifaceted lives of New Yorkers, capturing the essence of the city’s vibrant yet complex character.