Reporter Sam Zachar has been living with chronic pain following a back injury in 2022. The chronic pain and limited mobility have made her see New York City in a  new light. Sam spoke with disability rights activists from across NYC to learn about their own experiences with having limited mobility. In this episode we'll be sharing some of those conversations.

Disabled In Action

Elevator Action Group

Reporter Sam Zachar has been living with chronic pain following a back injury in 2022. The chronic pain and limited mobility have made her see New York City in a  new light. Sam spoke with disability rights activists from across NYC to learn about their own experiences with having limited mobility. In this episode we'll be sharing some of those conversations.
<hr>
<a href="https://www.disabledinaction.org/">Disabled In Action</a>
<a href="https://www.riseandresist.org/elevator-action-group">Elevator Action Group</a>

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/

Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at <a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/">epicenter-nyc.com</a> and subscribe to our newsletter.
Intro music: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://karavikamusic.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1620801442290000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BA7tOmAA5pmyU6HLQXTLH" data-rawhref="http://karavikamusic.com/">http://karavikamusic.com/</a>
Production: <a href="https://www.pirateaudio.co/">https://www.pirateaudio.co/</a>

Epicenter NYC

New Yorkers With Disabilities Are Finding Community in Activism

Carlos Mercado — better known as Charly Hustle — is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club.

Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that stands for hustle, growth, and community. We’ll also talk about the evolution of The Hustle Barbershop into more than just a place for a haircut—but a hub for connection and inspiration. Later, Charly opens up about starting his run club, the role it plays in transforming lives, and his vision for the future of his business and beyond.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-convivial-hustle-of-a-barber-shop-in-richmond-hill/

https://www.thehustlebarbershop.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebarbershop/

Carlos Mercado &mdash; better known as Charly Hustle &mdash; is the proud owner of The Hustle Barbershop in Richmond Hill, Queens, and the founder of the Run Hustle Run club.
Today, he shares how his upbringing shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, the pivotal moments that defined his career as a barber, and how he turned a childhood nickname into a brand that stands for hustle, growth, and community.&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll also talk about the evolution of The Hustle Barbershop into more than just a place for a haircut&mdash;but a hub for connection and inspiration. Later, Charly opens up about starting his run club, the role it plays in transforming lives, and his vision for the future of his business and beyond.
<hr>
<a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-convivial-hustle-of-a-barber-shop-in-richmond-hill/">https://epicenter-nyc.com/the-convivial-hustle-of-a-barber-shop-in-richmond-hill/</a>
<a href="https://www.thehustlebarbershop.com/">https://www.thehustlebarbershop.com/</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebarbershop/">https://www.instagram.com/thehustlebarbershop/</a>

Inside the Queens barbershop where community and style come together

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we’ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary. 

We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney at the nonprofit Community Health Advocates, on what to do if you receive an insurance claim or pre-authorization denial.
Community Health Advocates: 1-888-614-5400
Community Service Society of New York: 212-254-8900
Make the Road New York, Health Services: 1-866-365-2724

The&nbsp;<a href="https://url-media.com/about-unitedhealthcare/">killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;has created a conversation about the health insurance industry. One consistent problem we&rsquo;ve been hearing from community members is how often their claims or pre-authorizations are denied, even when their doctors say the procedures are necessary.&nbsp;
We spoke with Diane K. Spicer, supervising attorney at the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/community-health-advocates?">Community Health Advocates</a>, on what to do if you receive an insurance claim or pre-authorization denial.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.cssny.org/pages/contact-us?">Community Health Advocates</a>: 1-888-614-5400</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Consumer-Assistance-Grants/ny">Community Service Society of New York</a>: 212-254-8900</li>
<li><a href="https://maketheroadny.org/services-info/">Make the Road New York</a>, Health Services: 1-866-365-2724</li>
</ul>

What to do if your insurance claim is denied in New York

Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions—a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor’s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through college basketball courts, medical training, and, ultimately, the creation of a platform for empowerment.

Mpower Productions is what Dr. Ward calls “CPR for empowerment,” focusing on stress management, resilience, and unlocking the unique strengths in each of us. 

Today - I sit down with Dr. Ward to learn more about her experiences breaking barriers as a Black female doctor, how she mixes science with spirituality to connect with clients of all ages, and her vision for a global empowerment mission.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-doctor-forged-multiple-paths-to-heal-and-mpower-others/

https://mpowerproductions.com/ 

Dr. Wendy Ward is an anesthesiologist, a coach, and the founder of Mpower Productions&mdash;a business built on helping others recognize their own power and potential. Her journey started on Doctor&rsquo;s Row in Crown Heights, surrounded by the influence of community leaders and a family dedicated to service. From there, Dr. Ward's path took her through college basketball courts, medical training, and, ultimately, the creation of a platform for empowerment.
Mpower Productions is what Dr. Ward calls &ldquo;CPR for empowerment,&rdquo; focusing on stress management, resilience, and unlocking the unique strengths in each of us.&nbsp;
Today - I sit down with Dr. Ward to learn more about her experiences breaking barriers as a Black female doctor, how she mixes science with spirituality to connect with clients of all ages, and her vision for a global empowerment mission.
<a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-doctor-forged-multiple-paths-to-heal-and-mpower-others/">https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-a-doctor-forged-multiple-paths-to-heal-and-mpower-others/</a>
<a href="https://mpowerproductions.com/">https://mpowerproductions.com/</a>&nbsp;

New Yorkers With Disabilities Are Finding Community in Activism

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