Formative

Latest Episodes:

Mayor Eric Adams and Akadir: Dark Places As A Burial…Or A Planting Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

He didn’t always know who he wanted to be — but for the past 3 decades becoming Mayor was his goal. NYC Mayor Eric Adams joins us on this episode of Formative. Co-host Akadir asks him about everything from his dyslexia, to his time in juvenile detention to how he credits plant-based eating with changing his life.

Barbara Marcus and Cece: Never Too Old or Too Young Sep 05, 2023

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It’s episode 9 ¾ on this season of Formative! We’re heading back to school with Barbara Marcus, President and Publisher of Random House Children’s Books. She’s the woman we can thank for bringing Harry Potter to the states! Today, she talks publishing with 11-year-old Cece. We learn what makes a book worth writing, what makes an author great to work with, and we learn we’re never too old or too young to write the story we’ve got in us.

Corey B. and Tapa: Two Tablespoons Of Courage Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

So, how does a self-described “high pitched energetic guy that you can't shut up” end up with millions of fans? We say you take a dash of bravery, an ounce of love, 2 cups of creativity, and more confidence than you can fit in a bread box. Today’s guest, Cory B., is a social media content creator with more than 10 million followers on TikTok. A lot of his latest clips are 1-minute reaction and re-creation videos based on cooking tutorials he’s found online. We recommend enjoying this fast-paced episode of Formative with a cup of decaf!

Dr. Damon Love and Aiden: Teaching Next Generation’s Scientists Aug 22, 2023

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Finding the cure for cancer: that’s what set Dr. Damon Love out to make a dream bigger than himself. Now the co-founder of S.E.E.D. STEM program, Dr. Love’s legacy is all about finding and raising next generation’s scientists. He and his wife are redefining the way STEM education is taught — and they’re making science fun and accessible to all students.

Teresa Younger and Nylah: Being The Buffalo Aug 15, 2023

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What’s it mean to advocate for women across the country? One strategy is to “be the buffalo”. 6th-grader Nylah learns a bit of what that means from Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation For Women. On this episode of Formative, we hear the joys of family support, some of the big challenges facing women this year, and the intersection of women’s rights and Black history. We just might even tackle Mount Kilimanjaro and our fears of bugs!

Marvin Krislov and Sunni: I’m My Own Favorite Topic Aug 08, 2023

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In this episode of Formative, Sunni gets the lowdown on what it’s like being the president of Pace University and she gets some encouragement that she’ll be able to handle college like a champ when it’s her time. Marvin Krislov used to prosecute cases involving police brutality and racial violence in the 1990s. Now, as Pace’s chief, he wants to build a nurturing and supportive environment where students grow — and continue to thrive long after graduation.

Tina Cervasio and Tamia: Not An All Boys Club Anymore Aug 01, 2023

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What’s it like being in a male-dominated field? Well, sports anchor Tina Cervasio is here to tell us it’s now a womens’ game! On this episode of Formative, 8th grader, Tamia, takes a conversational spin on the uneven bars and sticks the landing with a deep-dive discussion on the reality (or not) of dramatized sports entertainment. We round the bend and get some tips for students considering a career in journalism before crossing the finish line.

David Barclay Moore and Allyson: Reading As A Form Of Listening Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

Even though he’s 6’3” and weighs over 200, this week’s guest still goes by “Baby Dave” to those who love him. David Barclay Moore is an author who sees “reading as a form of listening” and wants his work to be a vehicle for identifying with people all over the world who may be pretty different from us. In this episode of Formative, we get to listen to his thoughts on everything from comic books, to advice to his younger, queer, self — to why we just may need to give Huck Finn another shot.

Commissioner Keith Howard and Kureem: Everyone Has A Role To Play Jul 18, 2023

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Growing up, Keith Howard knew he was the best — and he was going to the NBA. How’s he then find himself as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)? How does his love for the game influence his work? And what basketball dreams are still alive? These are just some of the things Kureem asks him about on this episode of Formative.

Dr. Shanika Hope and Emily: Taking The Limits Off Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

It’s the season 4 launch of Formative! This week’s guest was so focused on surviving transitional life in foster care, she didn’t think she’d attend college — much less accomplish a PhD and keep going. Dr. Shanika Hope is now the Director of Education for Social Impact at Google. In this episode, 8th grader, Emily, shares her own hopes and concerns and hears what it’s like for one woman in technology who learned to take the limits off and take a risk on herself.

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