Rare in New York is a podcast love letter to the city, intimate conversations with the people, places, and moments that make it one-of-a-kind.
Through unguarded interviews and reflective storytelling, we celebrate the singular magic of New York and the rare ways it shapes those who dare to belong.
Brought to you by the one and only, Rachel Aschalew.
The Secret Behind Your Favorite Michelin-Star Spaces | Preeti Sriratana
He’s behind some of the most iconic restaurants in New York but for him it’s never just about the space.
It’s about who feels welcome inside it.
Preeti Sriratana, co-founder of @modellus_novus (https://www.instagram.com/modellus_novus/) builds dining rooms that reflect culture, invite community, and make people feel like they belong.
That same belief extends beyond the table through his work with @apexforyouth (https://www.instagram.com/apexforyouth/) for Youth, creating access, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation of Asian American leaders.
Because at a certain point, it’s not about what you build
it’s about who you’re building it for.
Episode live now 🎧
31 Mar 2026
Advice From The Network President Who Passed on Friends But Led The Kardashian Era ft. Ted Harbert
Rare in NY, hosted by Rachel Aschalew, explores the people shaping culture, business, and media.At 11 years old, he decided he’d run network television.And he did.From inside Saturday Night Live with Lorne Michaelsto shaping the shows we all grew up on.Ted Harbert didn’t just work in TV.He helped define it.He created America’s Funniest Home Videos.He helped bring Keeping Up with the Kardashians to life.And yes —he passed on Friends.This episode is about taste, risk, and the decisions that shape culture.Because success isn’t just about what you choose.It’s about putting in 10,000 hours and then some.
24 Mar 2026
Ex-felon coaches CEO’s on the chokehold of fear ft. Ian Jarvis
Rare in NY, hosted by Rachel Aschalew, explores the people shaping culture, business, and media.At 21, he escaped federal agents.Now he coaches Fortune 500 CEOs.Ian Jarvis built his life on one thing:the courage to change.Comfort is a slow death.Crisis is where change begins.In every problem… there’s an answer.This episode isn’t advice.It’s a confrontation.
17 Mar 2026
New York Doesn't Hand You An Identity So He Built One ft. JamseyWorld
In this episode of Rare in New York, Rachel Aschalew sits down with Jamesy (James Park), the creator behind JamesyWorld.
What began as a passion for food and meeting people across the city eventually grew into a powerful personal brand, a cookbook, and a platform built around storytelling and connection.
Rachel and James reflect on their early days at Dumbo Life and Style, making this conversation a true full-circle moment.
James shares his journey from immigrating to the U.S. and growing up in the South to building a life in New York through curiosity, networking, and community.
They talk about identity, ambition, the power of relationships in New York, and why the most valuable thing anyone has is their story.
In a city of millions, the rarest thing you can be is yourself.
10 Mar 2026
The Cost of Building Rare ft. Mark Jupiter
In this episode of Rare in New York, Rachel Aschalew sits down with master furniture maker Mark Jupiter, founder of Mark Jupiter Designs.
Before becoming one of New York’s most respected custom furniture designers, Mark was building entire houses. Over time, his passion for craftsmanship evolved — shifting from construction sites to a workshop where raw wood is transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces.
Rachel and Mark talk about:
the passion that drives true craftsmanship
knowing your worth as a creative
staying focused despite the noise and frustrations of the world
and what it means to build something that lasts
In a city that moves fast and rarely slows down, Mark represents something increasingly rare: patience, mastery, and dedication to a craft.
This episode is about passion, resilience, and the beauty of building something real with your own two hands. 🪵
3 Mar 2026
The Epicenter of the USA ft. AllDayNYC
In this episode of Rare in New York, Rachel Aschalew sits down with Dan — aka AllDayNYC — a true product of the city he documents.By day, he’s a building super. By night, he’s on the streets capturing New York exactly as it is — unfiltered, chaotic, and alive.From cheese ball competitions…to raccoon armies in Central Park…to the strange, hilarious, and beautifully unhinged moments that only happen here…Dan opens up about starting from humble beginnings on social media — posting consistently with no expectations — simply showing up and showing everyone what NYC is about.Rachel and Dan dive into everything New York:
nostalgia, neighborhood characters, infuriating yet somehow iconic mayors, and the culture shifts that only locals truly understand.This isn’t just a creator story.It’s a love letter to New York — the good, the absurd, and the unforgettable.
If you’ve ever called this city home, this one will hit.
24 Feb 2026
She Left the Catwalk for a James Beard ft. Hawa Hassan
Food feeds us.
Stories shape us.
Somali refugee. New Yorker. James Beard Award–winning chef. Author of In Bibi’s Kitchen and Setting a Place for Us.
Hawa Hassan carries memory like a recipe — passed down, protected, reclaimed.
This is a conversation about displacement, identity, and the quiet work of turning survival into power in a city built by immigrants.
The rarest flavor isn’t the dish.
It’s the story behind it.
16 Feb 2026
From Broke & Canceled to Building The Strength Club | The Cost of Becoming Strong ft. Kenny Santucci
Strength isn’t about the gym.
It’s about who you become when everything falls apart.
In this episode of Rare in NY, Kenny Santucci opens up about the parts of his story most people don’t see.
From MTV fame, to being broke and living in his car, to failed businesses, constant critics and rebuilding from scratch.
Kenny shares what it really takes to keep going when your identity collapses.
This isn’t just a fitness story.
It’s a story about identity, humility, and choosing service over ego.
If you’ve ever had to rebuild in silence, this one is for you.
🎧 Subscribe to Rare in NY for more stories of builders, founders, and culture shapers redefining what success really means.
10 Feb 2026
Battery in My Back ft. Browstress
From humble Greenpoint beginnings to a thriving studio in DUMBO, Browstress is more than just a brow bar. It's a confidence engine. Sisters Kyrstal Cummings and Keila Simmons join Rare in NY to talk about building a beauty brand that's earned praise from Essence to New York Times, all while staying rooted in craft, care, and community.
In this episode they open up about the trials, tribulations, and breakups that didn't break them but fueled them. This episode is about sisterhood, resilience, and turning passion into power.
3 Feb 2026
Hype Doesn't Pay the Bills ft. Brooklyn D.O.P.
Brooklyn D.O.P., named a Top 5 Best Slice by 50 Top Pizza, didn’t just survive the pandemic — it was born in it. Owners Jason D'Amelio and Thomas Ardito join the show to talk about building one of Brooklyn’s most talked-about pizzerias with the odds stacked against them. From industry snubs to hard-earned dubs, this episode dives into the grit, risks, and moments that defined their rise.
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