Claim OwnershipThe Manhattan Sideways Podcast
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© Copyright 2023 by Betsy Bober Polivy and Ellie Cody
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The Manhattan Sideways Podcast aims to create a platform to share the stories of the small businesses on the side streets of Manhattan. What motivated the business owners to open their businesses, and then to learn the ups and downs of their environments? What makes these businesses unique? We are not only documenting the owners' remarkable personal stories, but also their advice to current and aspiring business owners.
The podcast is a product of Manhattan Sideways, a documentary project begun in 2011 with the goal of supporting the small businesses across Manhattan's original grid -- from 1st to 155th street, East River to the Hudson. After six years, we now have over 10,000 businesses represented on our website, sideways.nyc, with write-ups and more than 40,000 gorgeous photos. The founder, Betsy Polivy, and her team hope that while listening to the Sideways Podcast you will be inspired to set out on your own adventure of walking the side streets, and, if you find yourself in New York, that in your explorations you will seek out some of the Manhattan Sideways Podcast businesses. You'll be glad you did.
The podcast is a product of Manhattan Sideways, a documentary project begun in 2011 with the goal of supporting the small businesses across Manhattan's original grid -- from 1st to 155th street, East River to the Hudson. After six years, we now have over 10,000 businesses represented on our website, sideways.nyc, with write-ups and more than 40,000 gorgeous photos. The founder, Betsy Polivy, and her team hope that while listening to the Sideways Podcast you will be inspired to set out on your own adventure of walking the side streets, and, if you find yourself in New York, that in your explorations you will seek out some of the Manhattan Sideways Podcast businesses. You'll be glad you did.
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Welcome back to the Manhattan Sideways Podcast! In this episode, Ellie and Betsy reflect on the publication of Betsy's first book, "Walking Manhattan Sideways", and share some exciting news about the upcoming publication of another book: "The Art of Walking Manhattan Sideways", which will be released in October of 2021. The new book includes chapters focused on the arts, nonprofits, museums, places of worship, and much more -- all on the side streets of Manhattan.
You can place an order for either (or both!) of the books now at www.gosideways.nyc/books. If you are a business owner or would like to order in bulk, e-mail Betsy directly at betsy@sideways.nyc -- we'd love to hear from you!
In this week's episode, Ellie speaks with founder of Manhattan Sideways, Betsy Bober Polivy, about her new book, "Walking Manhattan Sideways".
They talk about how Betsy got started documenting the side streets, how the book came to be, and how Betsy chose the incredible businesses that are featured in "Walking Manhattan Sideways". Betsy's creativity, care and passion are awe-inspiring, and the book is nothing short of the same.
Find the book here
Also mentioned in the episode: Episode 2: Grandma's Place
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Tiziana Agnello, the founder and owner of Love Thy Beast, a boutique pet store in the East Village. Tiziana started her business on her kitchen table, where she made her first pet totes, inspired by her own dog's love of bags. Since beginning her business, Tiziana has refused to stray from her vision and values, and today Love Thy Beast offers everything you need for the dogs in your life -- all ethically sourced, and often locally made.
Big thank you to the editor of this episode, Aiman Walid Najah!
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Linda St. John, designer and co-owner of the East Village boutique D.L. Cerney, which also serves as Linda's creative studio. It was in this space that Linda wrote her book, "Even Dogs Go Home to Die", and in this space that Linda designs most of her gorgeous vintage-inspired clothing, which she makes out of deadstock fabrics and materials. Linda's resilience and optimism is deeply inspiring, and is something we could all use a little more of these days!
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Santo Mollica of The East Village's own The Source Ultd. Print and Copy Shop, opened in 1979. Santo and the shop he owns with his wife Margaret are something of an ode to the Village in the 80s and 90s: before it was a copy shop, in fact, it was a performance space for local bands and artists, and Santo continues this legacy by producing tourbooks for the likes of Arcade Fire and Mumford and Sons. Santo is self taught in much of his trade, and is the first to say that failure is a necessity to success — something we all need to hear sometimes.
In this episode, Ellie and Betsy interview clothing designer Kathy Kemp, founder of ANNA, along with creative collaborator and dear friend Rebecca Kaye. They discuss the strong community of women that comes together over ANNA (and Kathy!), the East Village, and Kathy's creative process, among other things. Kathy and Rebecca's positivity spills right into our interview, and we hope you'll come away from this conversation feeling as inspired as we did.
In this episode, Ellie speaks to New York-based artist Mikel Glass, whose "business" is to reflect on the world around him and encourage others to do the same. They discuss his artistic trajectory, the challenge of balancing financial stability with passion and ethics, the New York gallery scene, and some of Mikel's recent work. Mikel's perspective is thoughtful and unique, and absolutely deserves to be heard through both his art and your headphones.
This week we have put together a special episode of our podcast to report on the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic on New York's small businesses. Ellie makes phone calls to five business owners from all over the city: Seren Morey of Guerra Paint and Pigment Corp., Alan Heron of The Hunterian, Mike Spitz of Mr. Throwback, Nic Faitos of Starbright Floral, and the eponymous Jill Herlands. Each interview offers insight into the new realities and challenges of daily life, as well as projections of what is to come, and suggestions about how we can all adjust and support each other in this time.
Each owner interviewed for this special episode has been previously featured in his or her own full-length episode, and we encourage you to learn more about them by giving their episodes a listen!
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Jim and Stoney of Ryan's Daughter Pub. Stoney came to the U.S. in 1958, began bartending in '68, found the space for Ryan's daughter in 1979, and has been there ever since, joined by Jim in 1999. Jim grew up in Hawaii, and Stoney grew up in Ireland, both finding their homes in New York City. This laugh-out-loud interview covers everything from stick-ups to equality in the United States, and the ways that owning a bar is like running a farm.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Tilde Mariani Giacche, whose family owned Asti's Restaurant, and still owns the building that now houses Strip House Steak House. Tilde shares amazing stories of her father and his singing waiters, her experiences growing up around the restaurant, and tells about her continued connection to this special place.
In this episode, Ellie and Betsy speak with Deborah Koenigsberger of Noir et Blanc NYC and Hearts of Gold. They discuss Deborah's modeling career, what it's like to help others find their style, and how the Hearts of Gold and the Thrifty HoG help to transition women and their children out of the shelter system.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Voza Rivers of the Harlem Chamber of Commerce. They chat about the rich history of Harlem, Vozza's own past, and his journey to the positions he currently holds at the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce as well as the Harlem Arts Alliance.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Andy Tarshis of Tiecrafters, a longstanding business now found on 29th street. They dive deep into the niche business of tie alterations: a niche that motivates customers to travel from far corners of the globe to support Andy's work. They also discuss the importance of sentimental values, the well-chronicled tragedies of bolognese sauce, and much more.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Chad Beightol of Consigliere. Chad speaks about the current trends in men's grooming and beauty, the origin of his shop's name (hint: "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."), Chad's own personal care routine, and the role of gender in cultural beauty standards. Absolutely everyone has something to learn from this interview!
In this episode, Ellie interviews Seren, Jody and Art, owners of Guerra Paint and Pigment Corporation in New York's East Village. Art shares stories about the more chaotic years of the neighborhood, Jody and Seren talk about their "origin story", and all together they explain some of the science and business behind pigment and color -- and why it all matters.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with the three sisters — Judith Lowry, Naomi Hample, and Adina Cohen — behind the Argosy Bookstore. They discuss Argosy's foundation in their father's deep love of books, and tell many stories about their adventures in the business … all while laying bare the sisterly elasticity that defines the “rubber band” of their relationship to each other.
In this episode, Ellie speaks with Alan Heron, bartender and co-owner of The Hunterian Bar on East 70th Street. They discuss Alan's move to the U.S., how the bar-scene is changing (and Alan's hopes for his own space), and whether or not to offer an open bar at a wedding in the Scottish highlands.
On this episode, Ellie speaks to Lorcan Otway of William Barnacle Tavern, Theatre 80, and the Museum of the American Gangster -- all of which are connected and housed in the historic buildings at 80 St. Mark's. Lorcan discusses the "mobbed-up" past of the building as well as its deeper origins in New Amsterdam, and then goes on to share his perspectives on how New York is changing today and the role he hopes to play in the city's evolution. And -- of course -- Lorcan's story wouldn't be complete without an introduction to the building's resident ghost, Gia.
In this episode, Ellie and Betsy speak with Dimitri Gatanas of Urban Garden Center. Dimitri discusses his Greek roots, tells of uprooting an 18 foot tree, and talks about what it means to be an “urban” business, along with how UGC strives to be a positive part of its Harlem community.
On this episode, Ellie speaks with Suzanne Newman, owner of Suzanne Couture Millinery. Suzanne tells us about her design process, as well as the ways she's seen New York change, and how she sold her car to work in the fashion industry. Suzanne's charm (and beautiful accent) is sure to brighten up your day!
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