Formative

Latest Episodes:

Rod and Thibault: The Art of Defying Convention Mar 12, 2024

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Rod Dauphin joins us today to kick off this season’s Formative! Rod is an educator and entrepreneur. He is the Education Services Director at Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Initiative at Laguardia Community College. 8th-grader and co-host, Thibault, learns that in order to grow and challenge ourselves, we should be willing to make mistakes and fail. In this episode of Formative, Rod shares his practice of encouraging entrepreneurs to think like kids who are playful and willing to think outside the box and make a mess to find valuable ideas otherwise overlooked.

Francis and Brandelys: Paycheck, Passion and Purpose Dec 12, 2023

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We’re landing Season 5 of Formative with New York Edge board chair Francis Greenburger! He’s a real estate developer, author, literary agent and philanthropist who’s spent a lifetime taking his multiple passions and turning them into not only a paycheck — but purpose. This episode’s co-host, 7th grader Brandelys, wants to start a business, herself, someday. She asks Francis how he got going, what he’s loved about his projects, and we learn what’s coming up for him next.

Ngo and Marianne: We’re Working It Out Dec 05, 2023

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How does a skinny kid with a respiratory illness go from being bullied to training up celebrities to their peak form? Boxer, model, and fitness guru Ngo Okafor is on this episode of Formative to tell his story! Co-host, 8th-grader Marianne, gets a workout on her interviewing skills and learns what it’s like for one overcomer to help others overcome their challenges. Ngo shares how owning your own business, and teaming up with a supportive work family, can be the joy of a lifetime.

Scott and Damari: Tackling It All Nov 28, 2023

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Scott Hallenbeck, President of USA Football, joins us on this episode of Formative. A lifelong fan of sports — as well as an athlete himself — Scott’s developed a holistic approach to the game. Damari, our 8th-grader co-host, learns why we’re taking the Technical Tactical approach and adding a strong focus on education, nutrition, mental health, and long-term athlete development.

Jade and Shamaya: Helping Students Find Their Path Nov 21, 2023

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Chief of Student Pathways for the New York City Department of Education, Jade Grieve, is our guest on this episode of Formative. From childhood activism, to becoming a restaurateur, through banking and government to education, Jade has followed her heart. She now says she’s landed on her passion and the thing that makes it easier to wake up in the morning — helping students get ready for their academic futures. 6th-grader, co-host Shamaya, shares her love of math and asks about what keeps us going even when we want to give up.

Alfred and Leah: Learning A New Language Nov 14, 2023

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Lifelong computer junkie-turned-co-chair of Blacks at Microsoft, Alfred Ojukwu, is our guest on this episode of Formative. Co-host, 8th-grader Leah, hears that gaining any new skill is kind of like learning a new language and that emotional regulation is part of being a tech professional. And Alfred’s advice to his 13-year-old self? “You've got this. Keep going. You know, you may not see it now, but there's a whole planet out there waiting for you.”

Catherine and Nevaeh: Finding Beauty In Everything Nov 07, 2023

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On this episode of Formative, Catherine Treff and Nevaeh find beauty in all the colors of the rainbow. Catherine is the Director of Design for Macy’s, loves wearing heels, and taking it as easy as possible in the morning. We hear exactly how many hands went into making that favorite shirt of yours and we learn inspiration can come from anywhere — though there’s only one dress Catherine will never forget.

Lee and Jamie: We Knew What We Were Doing Oct 31, 2023

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Lee Stringer joins us on today’s show! Lee is a 3-time published author. His memoirs are raw and inspiring and so is this interview. 7th-grader and co-host, Jamie, learns for every bad thing that's happened in our lives there just might be something in it for us — we grow or we get strength. In this episode of Formative, Lee shares his history of addiction and homelessness and why he’s never given up in the stormiest of seasons.

Bob and Cesar: What You Really, Really Love Oct 24, 2023

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On this episode of Formative 8th grader, Cesar, interviews Bob Knakal! Bob is Senior Managing Director and Head of New York Private Capital Group for JLL. He’s had a hand in the sale of thousands of buildings in New York. One of his best pieces of advice? Pick a job because you really love it — not because you think you're gonna make a lot of money doing it. If you love what you do, you’re likely to work hard at it, and the money tends to come.

Clover and Sharod: A Legacy Worth Leaving Oct 17, 2023

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It’s Season 5 of Formative and we’re so happy you’ve tuned in! This season of the show, our students interview some of our best guests ever — from tech, education, sports, real estate, and publishing. And for this season's launch, Clover Hope joins 13-year-old Sharod! Clover is a writer, journalist, producer and so much more. She’s going to share her love of hip hop — especially women creatives. We’re thrilled to have her.

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