Formative

Latest Episodes:

Jameel McClain and Jonathan: Climbing To Get It Dec 20, 2022

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Jameel McClain played in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens. In retirement, he’s only picking up the pace. He’s currently Director of Player Engagement for the Baltimore Ravens as well as a multi-faceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. On this season two finale of Formative, he tells co-host Jonathan how he ended up in football, how his education is still serving him, and how he recovers after some of the toughest passes life can throw.

Debra OConnell and Takaira: Confidently Creative Dec 13, 2022

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Takaira from MS 375X brings her natural interviewing chops to this episode of Formative as guest Debra OConnell lets us in on her incredible career trajectory. Now, president of Networks for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, she has her fingers in a little bit of everything that we see and love from their studios. From Marvel, to impressive scripted shows on FX, Debra and her team are behind the scenes helping bring our favorite entertainment to our screens.

Rico Brogna and Kaadel: Taking the Next Step Dec 06, 2022

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Rico Joseph Brogna almost had a professional career in football, but ended up as a pro baseball player, coach and scout instead. His love for sports is infectious in this episode of Formative. Rico walks us through his career path, and talks with 8th grade athlete and episode co-host Kaadel about managing a body and mind that sometimes want to quit. Sleep on it. Then take the next step.

Nini Nguyen and Dalani: A Chef Skips School Nov 29, 2022

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Chef Nini Nguyen got so much hands-on experience working in restaurants, she left culinary school after only one semester. In this episode of Formative, 13-year-old Dalani asks this Top Chef contestant if being a woman in a male-dominant career is tough, learns if banh bao is a dumpling — or not — and hears how tomatoes are a key ingredient differentiating cajun and creole cuisine.

Dr. Lisa Moreno and Ronesha Watts-Bethune: Whatever Makes You Happy Nov 22, 2022

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14-year-old Ronesha from MS356Q asks, “How would you like to make an impact in the world?” Some of us know right away what we want to be when we grow up. And, this was the case for Dr. Lisa Moreno! In this episode, we learn one path to becoming a doctor with multiple specialties — and how to find balance with an important career, close-knit-family, and two dogs to top it all off.

Meredith and Tabitha: Bleeding Green Nov 08, 2022

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3rd-generation Girl Scout Meridith Maskara came from a career in merchandising and promotion for Broadway theaters to become the CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York. In this episode, 11-year-old Tabitha connects with Meredith on the best parts of the scout experience — and being a chicken nuggets girl. We also hear why self-care is important when you have a crazy busy job and a troupe of your own at home.

Steve and Madison: Becoming A Playmaker Nov 01, 2022

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In this episode, 12-year-old Madison dives deep with Steve Gross — founder and chief playmaker of Life is Good Kids Foundation. As Steve’s father told him, “the one thing we have control over is making somebody else's journey from birth to death better because we were there to help along the way.” Madison investigates why Steve’s desire to help his community actually has some selfish roots, and how he tries to bring play into everything he does.

James and Tabitha: Trying To Be Everywhere At Once Oct 25, 2022

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Longtime NYC Council Member, James Vacca, tells 11-year-old Tabitha how a missing bus in middle school sparked his drive for making change in his community. Since that day, Mr. Vacca has worked on problems from transportation legislation, to algorithm transparency, to protecting older residents and organizing City Island around ladder accessibility, and has been everywhere — even handing out advice at his local gym.

Marilu and Kureem: Learning To Pivot With Purpose Oct 18, 2022

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“You may have a plan, but you have to be nimble because life will take you on a different journey.” That’s just one piece of advice Marilu Galvez, an Emmy-award-winning journalist and President & General Manager of WABC-TV, gives Kureem, a basketball-loving middle schooler from the Bronx. In this episode we talk about the importance of communication, diversity, persistence, and ending up somewhere good you never thought you’d be.

Emily and Chelsea: Riding The Vomit Comet Oct 11, 2022

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In this season 2 premiere, engineer-turned-television-host Emily Calandrelli sits down with 6th grader Chelsea to dish about the joys of being a woman in STEM with a scientific mind and creative heart. We also go a bit astral and take a ride on the Vomit Comet!

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