This Sunday at 8 PM, Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas, Live! brings another heavyweight conversation to the airwaves — this time with a guest whose fingerprints are on some of the most influential shows in American television.

Candi Carter
CEO & Founder, Cistus Media
Multi‑Emmy Award–Winning Executive Producer
Former Executive Producer: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Tamron Hall
Founder, We’ve Got Friends — a national nonprofit for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities

For more than thirty years, Candi Carter has been one of the defining forces behind daytime television. She has built and led the teams that shape national conversations, steered high‑pressure productions, and delivered programming that consistently moves culture. At Cistus Media, she partners with global brands and creators to develop premium content, live events, and purpose‑driven storytelling with reach and impact.

She is also the visionary behind We’ve Got Friends, a fast‑growing nonprofit creating social communities for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities — work grounded in dignity, belonging, and the belief that every young person deserves a place to connect.

WHAT SHE’LL BE DIVING INTO

• The state of American media — what’s broken, what’s working, and what’s next
• Leading creative teams when the stakes are high and the pressure is real
• Why authenticity is the last real currency in television
• How Cistus Media is rewriting the content playbook
• The urgency of community‑building for teens with disabilities
• The stories she’s never shared publicly — and the lessons learned inside the rooms where major decisions in TV are made

Expect a conversation that’s sharp, candid, and unfiltered.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas, Live! is where media, culture, and real‑world stakes collide. Each week, the show hands the microphone to newsmakers, creators, thinkers, and disruptors — and invites them to cut through the noise with clarity, honesty, and substance.

ABOUT THE CO‑HOSTS

Mert Roberts brings the global lens — a strategist and storyteller with a sharp eye for how culture, technology, and power intersect. His interviews are fast, incisive, and built to get past the surface.

Lucas A. Ferrara is a New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist whose work spans media, law, and narrative craft. He’s known for muscular analysis, caller‑bait clarity, and a talent for exposing what’s left unsaid.

Together, they anchor a show built on straight talk, smart questions, and conversations that don’t flinch.

TUNE IN
LIVE on AM970 Radio or the AM970 mobile app
Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 8 PM EDT
Replays on Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more
More info: https://shakeitofflive.com/

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To view a list of some of Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara

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On May 17, the usual hierarchy flips.
Not the institutions. Not the insiders. Not the systems that insist they know what’s best.

For two hours, the conversation shifts to the people who live with the consequences — the national decisions made far above them and the personal decisions made deep within them. Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas, Live! is dedicating this episode to the forces that shape your world and the forces that shape your mind.

THE BROADCAST
SHAKE IT OFF WITH MERT & LUCAS — LIVE
MAY 17 | 7–9 PM EDT
AM970 + AM970 Mobile App + Streaming Everywhere

Two hours. Two authors. Two radically different vantage points on pressure, identity, and the unseen machinery that governs modern life.

HOUR 1 — INSIDE THE NATIONAL SECURITY MACHINE
Lt. Commander Jack Ratliff (Ret.) — Riding the White Bull

The night opens withLt. Commander Jack Ratliff, a career intelligence officer who spent decades operating in the gray zones of national security. His book,Riding the White Bull, strips away the cinematic gloss and exposes the moral strain, psychological fallout, and human cost of intelligence work.

This isn’t the Hollywood version.
This is the version told by someone who lived it — the pressure, the ambiguity, the impossible choices, and the toll carried home long after the mission ends.

Ratliff’s hour asks a blunt question:
What happens to the people we task with protecting the country when the job itself erodes the person doing it?

HOUR 2 — THE FORCES WITHIN
Prof. Eric Oliver — How to Know Your Self

Then the lens turns inward.

Prof. Eric Oliver, author of How to Know Your Self, explores identity, intuition, and the unconscious habits that shape how we think, react, and define who we are. His work argues that in a world built on noise, distraction, and constant external pressure, self-awareness isn’t a luxury — it’s a survival skill.

Oliver’s hour asks its own question:
How much of your life is shaped by forces you’ve never examined?

THE COLLISION OF TWO WORLDS

One guest spent a career navigating geopolitical shadows.
The other studies the shadows inside the human mind.

Together, they frame a single, unavoidable question for the audience:

What shapes you more — the forces outside you or the forces inside you?

ABOUT MERT & LUCAS

Mert Roberts and Lucas A. Ferrara bring two distinct but complementary lenses to Shake It Off. Mert is the man of the people — the grounded voice who cuts through jargon, challenges spin, and keeps every conversation anchored in the lived reality of the audience. Lucas is a New York attorney, law professor, and award‑winning film producer whose precision, narrative instinct, and sharp editorial eye frame each topic with clarity and purpose. Together, they create a space where real questions get real answers, and where the microphone always finds its way back to the listeners who deserve to be heard.

TUNE IN
Sunday, MAY 17 | 7–9 PM EDT
AM970 Radio + AM970 Mobile App
Streaming on all major platforms
More information: https://shakeitofflive.com/

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A group of Crown Heights tenants has filed a sweeping class‑action lawsuit accusing their landlord of illegally deregulating dozens of rent‑stabilized apartments by claiming high‑cost renovations that tenants say were never performed. The suit, brought by residents of 283–285 Albany Avenue, alleges that the landlord used fabricated Individual Apartment Improvements (IAIs) to justify dramatic rent hikes and push units out of stabilization.

According to the complaint, 52 of the building’s 53 units were rent‑stabilized in 2010. Today, only 20 remain. Tenants argue that the rapid loss of stabilized units was no accident but the result of a deliberate strategy to inflate rents beyond legal thresholds.

The lawsuit targets 283 Albany Equities LLC, a subsidiary of Shamco Management Corp., and claims the company reported renovation costs so high they would have required tens of thousands of dollars in work per unit — work tenants say is nowhere to be found.

One apartment’s legal rent jumped 186% in a single year, a spike that would have required more than $83,000 in improvements. Another unit’s rent rose to over $3,000 per month, which would have required nearly $93,000 in IAIs. Tenants say the apartments show no evidence of such extensive upgrades.

Roger A. Sachar, a partner at Newman Ferrara LLP and one of the attorneys representing the tenants, said the numbers speak for themselves.

“These rent increases simply don’t match reality,” Sachar said. “When you analyze the rent histories and compare them to the costs required to justify these jumps, the math doesn’t add up. It is highly unlikely anyone spent $90,000 renovating multiple units in this building.”

The Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), which investigated the building before the lawsuit was filed, said the alleged conduct goes beyond paperwork manipulation.

“Our investigation uncovered what appears to be a systematic and pervasive scheme to illegally overcharge tenants,” said Aaron Carr, HRI’s founder and executive director. “When a landlord overcharges a tenant, they’re not just taking money — they’re undermining that tenant’s ability to live.”

City records show the building currently has more than two dozen open housing violations, including missing smoke detectors, broken windows, leaks, and electrical hazards. Tenants say these conditions further undermine the landlord’s claims of extensive renovations.

Local elected officials have also weighed in. Council Member Crystal Hudson said the allegations reflect a broader pattern of abuse in rent‑regulated housing.

“Any landlord who preys on low‑income Black and brown tenants must be held accountable,” Hudson said. “I stand with the tenants of 283–285 Albany Avenue in their fight to recover thousands of dollars in illegal rent increases.”

The lawsuit seeks to restore rent‑stabilized status to improperly deregulated units, correct legal rents, and award damages for alleged overcharges. If successful, the case could become another high‑profile example of tenants using data‑driven analysis to challenge landlords’ deregulation tactics.

Sachar said the case fits a familiar pattern seen across the city.

“Landlords who manipulate the IAI system rely on tenants not knowing how the numbers work,” he said. “But when you break down the math, the truth becomes impossible to ignore.”

SOURCE:

“Crown Heights tenants sue landlord for allegedly de-stabilizing apartments after fake renovations,” Brooklyn Paper
https://www.brooklynpaper.com/crown-heights-tenants-sue-landlord-rents

For years, the Times has positioned itself as a national arbiter of equity, fairness, and moral clarity — a publication eager to diagnose systemic bias in every corner of American life. Yet according to the EEOC, the paper may have been practicing a form of discrimination it has long insisted is both pervasive and unforgivable.

The allegation is straightforward: a white male editor with extensive experience in real estate journalism was passed over for a promotion in favor of a non‑white female candidate with little to no experience in the field. The EEOC claims the Times not only excluded the longtime editor from the final interview panel but also advanced the external candidate outside the standard hiring process, despite internal evaluators rating her less favorably than other finalists.

In other words, the nation’s most influential newsroom — one that routinely warns readers about the dangers of bias — is now accused of allowing bias to guide its own decision‑making.

The DEI Paradox

The Times’s 2021 “Call to Action” laid out an ambitious set of race‑ and sex‑conscious goals for diversifying leadership. The document was celebrated in progressive circles as a model of corporate self‑reflection. But the EEOC’s lawsuit suggests that in the pursuit of those goals, the Times may have crossed a legal line.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas put it bluntly:

“There is no diversity exception to federal law.”

That statement lands with particular force when directed at an institution that has spent years insisting that discrimination — in any form — is intolerable. The Commission’s position is clear: Title VII prohibits employment decisions motivated in whole or in part by race or sex, regardless of the employer’s intentions or ideological commitments.

The Times, in its public posture, has often argued that equity requires proactive correction. The EEOC is now arguing that the law requires something else entirely: neutrality.

Merit, Process, and the Appearance of Fairness

The most striking element of the complaint is not the identity of the candidates but the alleged disregard for process. According to the EEOC, the chosen candidate bypassed standard interview requirements and was advanced despite weaker evaluations. If true, this is not merely a question of DEI philosophy — it is a question of institutional integrity.

A newsroom that demands transparency from others must demonstrate it internally. A newsroom that interrogates power must be accountable when it exercises its own.

The Broader Implications

This case arrives at a moment when DEI programs across the country are under heightened scrutiny. Critics argue that well‑intentioned initiatives have drifted into legally and ethically fraught territory. Supporters counter that systemic inequities require systemic remedies.

But the Times is not just any employer. It is a cultural institution whose editorial voice shapes national debates about fairness, justice, and discrimination. When such an institution is accused of violating the very principles it champions, the contradiction is impossible to ignore.

The lawsuit does not prove guilt. The Times will have its opportunity to respond, and the courts will determine the facts. But the allegations alone raise a question the paper has often posed to others: What happens when an institution’s stated values collide with its internal practices?

A Moment for Reflection

If the EEOC’s claims are accurate, the Times may find itself confronting a truth it has long urged others to accept: that discrimination, even when framed as progress, remains discrimination under the law.

And perhaps the most uncomfortable lesson of all is this:
When identity becomes the deciding factor, even for noble reasons, the result is not equity — it is exclusion.

The Times has spent years urging the country to grapple with uncomfortable realities. Now it may have to grapple with one of its own.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST
Our special guest is Dr. Dale Atkins, a licensed psychologist, bestselling author, educator, and frequent guest on NBC’s TODAY and CNN. With more than 40 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s biggest transitions, Dr. Atkins brings unmatched insight into how people think, feel, and decide.

She will explore the powerful psychology behind buying a home — how emotion, logic, memory, stress, and family dynamics shape decisions far more than most buyers realize. Dr. Atkins will break down why real estate is so deeply personal, what triggers emotional attachment, how couples navigate competing priorities, and how understanding human behavior can make every transaction smoother, smarter, and more grounded.

ABOUT THE HOST
Dottie Herman is one of the most accomplished leaders in modern real estate and a quintessential New York success story. Recognized by Forbes as America’s Richest Self‑Made Woman in Real Estate, she began her career in 1978 and went on to acquire Prudential Long Island Realty with a $17 million loan. In 2003, she partnered with Howard Lorber to acquire Douglas Elliman, transforming it into New York’s largest residential brokerage and one of the top firms in the United States. Today, she continues to shape the industry while hosting Eye on Real Estate to deliver market insights, mortgage updates, and expert guidance to listeners.

TUNE IN
Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Find us on AM 970 Radio. Stream live at am970theanswer.com or via the AM 970 mobile app.
Catch replays on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Audacy, Apple Podcasts, and more.
Call in with your questions: 866 970 9622

Because understanding people is the real key to understanding real estate.

JODY KREUSH & RICHARD KREUSH

Sunday, May 10, at 9 PM (Eastern) on AM 970: The Answer

This week’s Mother’s Day edition of Culinary Confidential turns the spotlight toward the heart of one of the Southeast’s most beloved bakery concepts: The Cinnamon Roll Deli of Columbia, South Carolina. The mother‑son team behind it, Jody Kreush and Richard Kreush, join the program to share the story of how a simple, nostalgic comfort became a nationally recognized phenomenon.

The Cinnamon Roll Deli has earned a loyal following and widespread acclaim for what many call the best cinnamon roll in the United States. But the real story reaches far beyond the product. It is a story of family, trust, and the kind of partnership that blends generations, instincts, and vision. Together, Jody and Richard have built a concept rooted in warmth, consistency, and genuine hospitality — the kind that keeps guests returning not just for the food, but for the feeling.

From long hours to big wins, from shared risks to shared purpose, their journey offers a candid look at what it takes to build a thriving brand without losing the soul that started it. This episode explores how family and business can come together — and get it right.

Hosted by Christina Cates, a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in New York City’s restaurant industry, Culinary Confidential spotlights the people, ideas, and innovations shaping today’s food and beverage world. Her background at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca brings depth and perspective to every conversation.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative thinker, or simply fascinated by the stories behind enduring hospitality concepts, this episode delivers a heartfelt and insightful look at the power of family‑driven leadership.

Tune in Sunday, May 10, at 9 PM (Eastern) on AM 970 Radio and the AM970 mobile app.
More info visit: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/
Episodes available on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

Warm roots. Real partnership. A legacy baked from scratch.

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On Sunday, May 10, from 7–9 PM Eastern on AM970 Radio, the show brings together two guests whose work sits at opposite ends of modern disruption — global leadership under pressure and the rise of high‑conflict personalities — offering a sharp look at the forces reshaping trust, autonomy, and public life.

Hour 1: The AI Voice Cloning Reckoning

Adm. William J. “Fox” Fallon — Decisions, Discord & Diplomacy

The hour opens with a chilling truth: your voice — your emotions, your cadence, your identity — can now be stolen in seconds. The hosts break down how AI voice cloning has already fueled scams, misinformation, and deepfake manipulation, and why lawmakers, studios, and families are scrambling to catch up. It’s a conversation about ownership, vulnerability, and the unsettling question of who gets to sound like you.

The episode then shifts to Adm. William J. “Fox” Fallon (Ret.), whose new book Decisions, Discord & Diplomacy pulls back the curtain on global tension points and the high‑stakes choices that shaped his career. A former Commander of U.S. Central Command and Pacific Command, Fallon has spent decades navigating geopolitical flashpoints, military strategy, and the quiet negotiations the public never sees. His perspective grounds the hour in real‑world leadership — the kind forged in crisis, conflict, and consequence.

Hour 2: The Right to Disconnect Fight

Bill Eddy — Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths

Hour 2 tackles America’s “always on” work culture — a world where late‑night emails, unpaid after‑hours labor, and digital tethering have quietly become the norm. The hosts argue that the push for a legal right to disconnect is really a push for boundaries, dignity, and the basic human right to reclaim your own time.

The hour concludes with Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, author of Why We Elect Narcissists and Sociopaths. Eddy is one of the country’s leading experts on high‑conflict personalities — individuals whose behavior destabilizes workplaces, families, and political systems. His work blends psychology, law, and conflict resolution to explain how certain personalities rise to power, why they attract followers, and what it means for the rest of us. His insights offer a clear, psychologically grounded look at influence, persuasion, and the patterns that shape public leadership.

Extended Guest Profiles

Adm. William J. “Fox” Fallon

A four‑star admiral with a career spanning more than four decades, Fallon has overseen some of the most sensitive and consequential military operations of the modern era. As head of U.S. Central Command, he managed U.S. military strategy across the Middle East during a period of intense global scrutiny. As Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, he navigated the complex diplomatic terrain of Asia‑Pacific relations. His book distills a lifetime of strategic decision‑making — the pressures, the politics, and the human cost of choices made at the highest levels of government.

Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD

A therapist, attorney, mediator, and co‑founder of the High Conflict Institute, Eddy has spent decades studying the psychology of individuals who thrive on chaos, manipulation, and division. His work explains why high‑conflict personalities succeed in politics, how they exploit emotional narratives, and what voters can do to recognize — and resist — their influence. His frameworks are used worldwide in legal systems, workplaces, and government agencies.

Extended Host Profiles

Lucas A. Ferrara

A New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist, Lucas brings a rare blend of legal precision and narrative instinct to the show. His work spans litigation, media, and storytelling — a combination that allows him to interrogate complex issues with clarity, skepticism, and a sharp eye for what’s being left unsaid. As co‑host, he anchors the show with muscular analysis, real‑world experience, and a talent for cutting through noise to get to the structural truth of a topic.

Mert Roberts

Known for incisive analysis, grounded perspective, and sharp, engaging debate, Mert approaches every topic with a journalist’s curiosity and a strategist’s discipline. His commentary blends cultural insight, political fluency, and a knack for framing issues in ways that spark conversation — and confrontation. Together with Lucas, he creates a dynamic that is equal parts rigorous, provocative, and deeply human.

Tune In

LIVE on AM970 Radio
Sunday, May 10 | 7–9 PM EDT
Replays on Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
More info: shakeitofflive.com

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SUNDAY NIGHTS AT 9 PM EDT ON AM970: THE ANSWER
STREAMING ON EVERY MAJOR PLATFORM

In the accompanying video, Christina Cates tells the story she’s been sitting on for a while. She finally spills the beans — literally and figuratively — about the happy accident that pushed her into radio. One unexpected conversation, and suddenly she was behind a mic instead of behind a stove.

Christina has built a reputation as a sharp, curious voice in food culture — writing, consulting, and spotlighting the people and pressures that shape the way we eat. Her work has taken her from neighborhood kitchens to high‑profile dining rooms, always chasing the story behind the plate.

That tenacity and love for the hospitality industry is what birthed the show. As Christina puts it:

“Great food has always been my way of connecting with people. Every dish carries a memory, a moment, a story — and sharing those stories with an audience feels like inviting thousands of listeners to sit at the same table.”

Every Sunday at 9 PM EDT, she brings that passion to the airwaves — talking with chefs, owners, innovators, and the characters who make food culture more than recipes and reviews.

If you want the truth behind the kitchen door, this is where you tune in.

Sundays, at 9 PM EDT on AM970 Radio + AM970 Mobile App
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify & more.

More info here: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com

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#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

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This week on Culinary Confidential, we sit down with Brandon Manly, CEO of The Foundry Group, and Casey Cooley, Chief Development Officer of Foundry Development — two leaders shaping how modern hospitality brands are launched, scaled, and sustained.

What began as a development-minded approach to franchising has evolved into a full‑scale growth platform operating at the crossroads of real estate, brand strategy, operational systems, and multi‑unit expansion. Their work goes far beyond opening doors; it’s about building concepts that can survive the market, travel across regions, and grow with discipline rather than drift.

From identifying the DNA of a scalable brand to engineering the infrastructure that turns a single location into a multi‑unit powerhouse, this episode unpacks the playbook behind sustainable growth in today’s fast‑moving hospitality landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how a restaurant becomes a replicable, investable, national concept — this conversation is your blueprint.

MEET THE HOST: CHRISTINA CATES
With more than twenty years in NYC’s restaurant world, Christina Cates brings a seasoned, insider’s perspective to every conversation. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York’s Restaurant Management program, she’s held leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca — experience that fuels sharp, grounded storytelling about food, culture, and the people who shape hospitality.

TUNE IN
Sunday, May 3 at 9 PM EDT
AM 970 Radio + AM970 Mobile App
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify & more.
More info: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com

Because growth isn’t an accident — it’s engineered.

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#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

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Premiere Date: Tuesday, 28th April 2026
Time: 16:00 GMT | 17:00 London (BST) | 12:00 PM EDT | 09:00 AM PDT
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ts6QquxHaKI

About the Film

TWOFOLD is a riveting, emotionally charged drama that unfolds in real time. As New Year’s Eve festivities rage on the floor above, Allie and Erin share a tense, chance encounter down below. But when Allie recognizes Erin from over a decade ago, buried secrets surface, old wounds reopen, and emotional fireworks explode between them. This intense one-take short explores themes of lost love, confrontation, and the lingering impact of the past — delivering a powerful punch in under 20 minutes.

It’s a story that moves at breakneck speed, blending raw tension, exceptional performances, and masterful direction into a scintillating exploration of human connection and unresolved history.

Cast & Crew Highlights

• Directed by: Ella Greenwood — Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree, British Citizen Award recipient, mental health advocate, and founder of Broken Flames Productions. Ella is known for her bold, socially impactful storytelling.
• Written by: Toto Bruin — A British non-binary screenwriter and actor from South London. Toto’s work focuses on modern, character-driven comedies and dramas that are quick-witted, dark, and full of heart.
• Starring:
  • Phoebe Campbell (as Allie) — Recognizable from House of the Dragon and bringing incredible depth to the role.
  • Rebecca Calder (as Erin) — Delivering a standout performance alongside Campbell.
  • Clinton Blake — Completing the key cast in this intimate, powerful story.
• Produced by: Lucas A. Ferrara
• Co-Producers: Maya Bartley O’Dea & Ella Greenwood

TWOFOLD has already earned critical acclaim and awards, including Best Short Film wins, Audience Awards, and nominations at prestigious festivals like the British Short Film Awards. It was also selected for the Amazon MGM Studios Short Film Competition.

Join the Premiere!

Mark your calendars and join us on Short Frame for this special streaming premiere! Whether you’re a fan of bold indie cinema, powerful performances, or stories that stay with you long after the credits roll, TWOFOLD is not to be missed.

Bring your friends, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for an unforgettable cinematic experience. We’ll be celebrating together as this gem reaches a global audience.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ts6QquxHaKI

See you there on April 28th at 16:00 GMT (17:00 London BST / 12:00 EDT / 09:00 PDT)! Drop a comment on the YouTube premiere, share your thoughts with #TWOFOLD, and help spread the word.

A huge thank you to the entire cast, crew, and team at Broken Flames Productions for bringing this story to life. We can’t wait for you to experience it!

Short Frame: Where great short films find their audience.

This week’s SHAKE IT OFF WITH MERT & LUCAS, LIVE! brings two guests who cut straight into the psychological and technological forces shaping modern life. One hour examines the inner battles we carry; the next confronts the digital systems rewiring how we think, work, and relate. Two perspectives. One unflinching broadcast.

HOUR 1 — DR. MONICA VERMANI, Author of A Deeper Wellness

We open with Dr. Monica Vermani — returning to the show with the clarity, compassion, and clinical precision that made her a listener favorite. Her book A Deeper Wellness maps the emotional patterns, traumas, and habits that quietly dictate our lives. This hour goes beyond self‑help slogans and into the real work of healing: how to break cycles, build resilience, and reclaim a sense of grounded well‑being in a world that rarely slows down. It’s practical, honest, and immediately usable.

HOUR 2 — DR. JARED COONEY HORVATH, Author of The Digital Delusion

Then we shift to the cognitive battlefield with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, whose new book The Digital Delusion dismantles the myths we’ve been sold about screens, learning, attention, and productivity. Horvath brings decades of neuroscience and education research to a simple but urgent question: What is technology doing to our minds — and what can we do about it? Expect a sharp, myth‑busting conversation that challenges assumptions and reframes the digital world we take for granted.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Lucas A. Ferrara — New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist whose conversations cut through noise and get to the marrow of the moment.
Mert Roberts — A seasoned commentator whose wit and grounded analysis keep every discussion sharp, surprising, and unmistakably alive.

TUNE IN

LIVE on AM970 Radio or the AM970 mobile app
Sunday, May 3 | 7–9 PM EDT
Replays stream everywhere: Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
More info: shakeitofflive.com

Some shows entertain. This one recalibrates the room.

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#author #authors #talkshow #talkradio #radio #shakeitoff #opinion #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #politics #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview

Shake It Off with Mert & Lucas

Starting at 7 PM, Mert & Lucas dive into the pressing issues transforming American society. The first hour features Jonathan Tepper, author of “Shooting Up,” who recounts his experiences growing up in Madrid’s San Blas neighborhood, marked by the challenges of heroin addiction, personal loss, and hard-earned truths.

In the second hour, Justin Keener, President of Americans for Public Safety, joins the conversation for a data-driven discussion about crime, accountability, and the urgent demands communities are making of their leaders.

More about the show here: https://shakeitofflive.com/

Culinary Confidential with Christina Cates

At 9 PM, Christina Cates takes the spotlight, redirecting the focus from tough realities to the vibrant world of dining. She interviews Steve Lombardo III of Gibsons Restaurant Group, offering a rare glimpse into how a single steakhouse on Rush Street grew into a hospitality powerhouse.

Their discussion covers legacy, leadership, energy, trust, and the unique craft of transforming a meal into a lasting memory, highlighting the ongoing influence of the Lombardo family on Chicago’s identity.

More about the show here: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/

Tune In and Replay

Catch it live on AM970 Radio and the AM970 mobile app.

Sunday, April 26 | 7–10 PM (Eastern)

Replays available on Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and other platforms.

For more information, visit:  https://am970theanswer.com/

SOME NIGHTS DON’T JUST AIR — THEY LAND.

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The suit, filed on April 21, 2026, in Manhattan Supreme Court, accuses the landlord of systematically inflating tenant rents through false renovation claims. This case draws attention to how financial pressures, notably foreclosures, can drive property owners to engage in questionable practices that adversely impact rent-stabilized tenants.

Details of the Allegations

Seven tenants, represented by attorneys from Newman Ferrara, filed the case on behalf of residents of four buildings comprising approximately 100 apartments. The properties in question are located in Hamilton Heights at 520-522 West 136th Street, 507 West 139th Street, 500 West 148th Street, and 554 West 148th Street. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $1.5 million in damages for alleged overcharges and an order to revert rents to their lawful stabilized levels.

The lawsuit is based on findings from the tenant watchdog group Housing Rights Initiative. It asserts that the owner deregulated apartments by reporting major improvement expenses that, in some cases, were never actually undertaken. One notable example involves tenant Gerald Robinson, whose three-bedroom apartment at 507 West 139th Street was removed from rent stabilization in 2010 after the owner reportedly claimed about $23,000 in renovations. However, the suit contends that no building permits were ever issued, implying that these improvements were fabricated.

Rent Stabilization and Regulatory Reforms

Such tactics were reportedly more common before the 2019 pro-tenant housing reforms, which significantly limited landlords’ ability to use renovation expenses to deregulate units. Previously, owners could pass a portion of “improvement” costs on to tenants, and once rents reached around $2,000 per month, apartments could exit stabilization, allowing market-rate pricing. Critics have argued that some landlords exaggerated or invented renovation projects to take advantage of the system. The lawsuit claims this case exemplifies such abuse.

“The stabilization system is like the tax system. It’s based on honor and integrity,” said Lucas Ferrara, an attorney with Newman Ferrara who filed the suit along with fellow lawyer Roger Sachar. “But we have found those qualities over the years to be lacking.”

“The fraudulently hiked rents have simply been carried forward year after year,” explained co-counsel Roger Sachar of Newman Ferrara.

Financial Pressures and Broader Implications

The lawsuit does not occur in isolation. This particular landlord owns a portfolio of at least three dozen rental buildings in Manhattan and the Bronx, many of which have experienced significant financial difficulties. Ownership has faced multiple foreclosure actions involving at least 20 properties. In 2023, Fannie Mae sued them for allegedly defaulting on a $72 million mortgage backed by 11 buildings, including 554 West 148th Street. While that case appears to be resolved, 507 West 139th Street was lost to foreclosure in the previous year. Arbor Agency Lending, now the owner of that property, has also been named as a defendant in the class action. The plaintiffs’ attorneys at Newman Ferrara argue that the current owner would remain responsible for any proven overcharges.

“As is oftentimes the case, desperate landlords turn into fraudulent landlords,” stated Aaron Carr, executive director of Housing Rights Initiative.

City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, a Democrat and former tenants’ rights attorney who represents Hamilton Heights, addressed the larger issues: “Landlords need to have the resources that they need to operate, and I’m all for helping them. But if you are facing financial pressure, you shouldn’t make tenants pay for that through unlawful behavior.”

Systemic Challenges and Legal Precedent

This case sheds light on a broader issue within New York’s rent-stabilization system. The program relies heavily on landlords’ self-reporting for improvements and deregulation, which can be problematic when the honor system fails—particularly during widespread foreclosures in the stabilized multifamily sector. As a result, tenants may experience higher rents, while necessary maintenance and building upkeep may be neglected.

The legal team at Newman Ferrara has a history of holding landlords accountable in similar disputes. By including the current building owner as a defendant, they signal an intent to seek remedies regardless of changes in ownership. The lawsuit also seeks class-action status, which could provide relief to many more tenants if approved.

Conclusion

As the case progresses, it will be closely observed by tenant advocates, housing attorneys, and property owners. The situation serves as a reminder that while many landlords act ethically, economic distress and regulatory loopholes can create incentives for abuse. Enhanced enforcement, better tenant education, and clearer oversight from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) are crucial to preventing similar incidents in the future.

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Attribution and Sources

This post is based on C.J. Hughes’s reporting in Crain’s New York Business, published April 21, 2026, in the article “Upper Manhattan landlord sued for alleged rent overcharges.” The full story is available on the Crain’s website (subscription may be required).

This Saturday on EYE ON REAL ESTATE, Dottie Herman and Lucas A. Ferrara welcome Peter G. Conte, CPIA, MSRE, a leading insurance expert and broker with Honig Conte Porrino Insurance Agency, Inc.

With deep experience in property, casualty, liability, and homeowner coverage, Peter is known for cutting through the fine print and helping consumers understand what their policies actually protect — and where hidden exposures can cost them. He brings a clear, practical perspective on rising premiums, climate‑driven risk, coverage gaps, and the insurance pitfalls every homeowner, buyer, and landlord needs to avoid in 2026.

Guiding the conversation is Dottie Herman, one of the most influential figures in American real estate. As the former CEO and now Vice Chair of Douglas Elliman, Dottie has shaped how millions understand the housing market. Her insight into rates, inventory, and consumer behavior continues to define the national conversation.

Together, they’ll break down the intersection of real estate and insurance — what’s changing, what’s driving the market, and what smart consumers should be doing right now.

EYE ON REAL ESTATE
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10 AM – 12 PM ET
AM970 The Answer

Stream live on am970theanswer.com, the AM970 mobile app, Apple, Audacy, or iHeartRadio.

Call in with your questions: 866‑970‑9622.

Because nothing says "weekend fun"  like discovering your policy exclusions.

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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse did exactly that. What began in 1989 as a bold Rush Street gamble by Steve Lombardo Jr. and Hugo Ralli became one of the highest‑grossing independent restaurants in America, redefining what a modern steakhouse could be and helping cement Chicago as a global dining capital.

This week on Culinary Confidential, we sit down with Steve Lombardo III, the next-generation force guiding Gibsons Restaurant Group into its next era. He inherits not just a company, but a legacy built on consistency, premium product, polished‑yet‑warm service, and an understanding that a great steakhouse is never just about the steak—it’s about energy, trust, and occasion.

WHAT WE’RE EXPLORING

Our conversation traces how the Lombardo family built more than a dozen concepts that all share the same DNA: hospitality that feels personal, rooms that hum with life, and a guest experience that turns a meal into a memory. We look at how Gibsons helped transform the American steakhouse into a cultural institution—part dining room, part social club, part Chicago identity—and how Steve Lombardo III is carrying that legacy forward while shaping what comes next.

MEET THE HOST: CHRISTINA CATES

With more than twenty years in New York City’s restaurant world, Christina Cates brings seasoned insight and a global perspective to every episode. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York’s Restaurant Management program, she has held leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca—experience that fuels thoughtful, grounded conversations about food, culture, and the people who define hospitality from the inside out.

TUNE IN

Sunday, April 26 at 9 PM EST
AM 970 radio or the AM970 mobile app
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more.

More info: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com

Because some legacies aren’t just preserved—they’re lived.

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You can also stream a replay here:

#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

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This week’s SHAKE IT OFF WITH MERT & LUCAS, LIVE! brings two voices who confront the forces reshaping American life from radically different vantage points. From the street-level realities of addiction to the policy battles defining public safety, it’s a two-hour broadcast that refuses to look away.

Hour 1: Jonathan Tepper — Author, SHOOTING UP

We open with Jonathan Tepper, whose new book Shooting Up returns to his childhood in Madrid’s heroin‑ravaged San Blas neighborhood, where his parents founded a drug rehabilitation center and the addicts he grew up with—nearly all HIV‑positive—became his friends, teachers, and losses. A writer with a reporter’s precision and a survivor’s clarity, Tepper traces how a boy shaped by death, loyalty, and literature came to understand the systems that fail, the communities that fracture, and the people who keep fighting to survive.

Expect a conversation that is unflinching, empathetic, and grounded in realities most policymakers only gesture toward.

Hour 2: Justin Keener — President, Americans for Public Safety

Then we shift into the policy arena with Justin Keener, President of Americans for Public Safety, whose work sits at the intersection of crime, accountability, and community protection. Keener brings a data-driven lens to the national debate, examining what’s working, what isn’t, and what the public is demanding from leaders at every level.

This hour promises clarity, candor, and a sober look at the stakes for cities, families, and the future of public safety.

About the Hosts

• Lucas A. Ferrara — New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist. Lucas blends legal insight with narrative precision, shaping conversations that cut through noise and get to the marrow of the moment.
• Mert Roberts — A seasoned commentator whose wit, clarity, and grounded analysis keep every discussion sharp, surprising, and unmistakably alive.

Tune In

LIVE on AM970 Radio or the AM970 mobile app | Sunday, April 26 | 7–9 PM (Eastern)
Replays stream everywhere: Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
More info: shakeitofflive.com

Some shows entertain. This one reminds you why live conversation still matters — because when the right voices meet at the right moment, something shifts.

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To view a list of some of Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara

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Join Dottie Herman and Lucas A. Ferrara for an inspiring episode of Eye on Real Estate featuring the acclaimed UK interior architect and designer Jessica Summer.

Renowned for transforming Victorian townhouses and luxury residences into serene, harmonious sanctuaries, Jessica brings a signature blend of sophisticated craftsmanship — from ebonized oak kitchens and rich textured finishes to warm Mediterranean-inspired palettes and heritage-sensitive modern renovations. Whether you’re passionate about high-end design, property transformations, or creating your dream home, this conversation will deliver fresh inspiration and expert insights you won’t want to miss.

What to Expect:

• Latest market trends and mortgage news
• Expert advice on buying, selling, and investing
• In-depth conversation on architectural design, luxury interiors, and creating dream homes
• Your calls and questions answered live at 866-970-9622

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or design enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable insights straight from the top!

About the Host
Dottie Herman served as CEO of Douglas Elliman, one of the largest and most prestigious residential real estate firms in the United States. A quintessential New York success story and named one of America’s richest self-made women in real estate, Dottie built her career from broker to leading the company’s growth across New York, Florida, and beyond. She co-hosts the show with Lucas A. Ferrara, bringing decades of expertise in luxury real estate, market trends, and client service.

Together, they deliver the longest-running real estate show on talk radio, offering practical insights for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Eye on Real Estate with Dottie Herman
This Saturday | 10 AM - Noon EDT
AM 970 The Answer | Listen live at am970theanswer.com or on the AM970 mobile app.

You'll also find replays streaming on Apple, Android, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and Audacy.

Don’t Miss It – Saturday Mornings Start with Eye on Real Estate!

Expect elegance in every detail. Insight in every conversation.

This week on Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates sits down with Joe Cordero—chef and visionary behind Rosa: Agave & Wine Lounge in Tribeca—to explore the rich tapestry of Latin flavors, techniques, and traditions that continue to influence global gastronomy.

From the soulful kitchens of Mexico and Peru to the bold innovation happening in New York City today, Joe brings deep insight into how Latin cuisine has become a powerful movement of identity, legacy, and creativity in the restaurant world.

WHAT WE’RE EXPLORING
In this flavorful and insightful conversation, Joe and Christina discuss:
– The deep history and cultural roots of Latin cuisine
– How Mexican and Peruvian flavors are transforming fine dining and beyond
– The resilience and innovation driving today’s Latin chefs
– The stories ingredients tell and the next chapter of Latin culinary influence
– Challenges and triumphs facing Latin hospitality professionals today

MEET THE HOST: CHRISTINA CATES
With more than twenty years in New York City’s restaurant world, Christina brings seasoned insight and a global perspective to every episode. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York’s Restaurant Management program, she has held leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca—experience that fuels thoughtful, grounded conversations about food, culture, and the people who define both.

TUNE IN
Sunday, April 19 at 9 PM EDT
AM 970 Radio + 970AM Mobile App
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more.

More info: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com

Because some cuisines aren’t just eaten—they’re lived.

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You can also stream a replay here:

#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

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This week’s SHAKE IT OFF WITH MERT & LUCAS, LIVE! brings two authors who approach influence from entirely different vantage points: one distilling the traits that define enduring leadership, the other confronting the messy, magnetic, and often uncomfortable truths about power and persona.

It’s a two‑hour dive into discipline, persuasion, and the human forces that shape how we move through the world.

Hour 1: Ray Zinn — Author, The Essential Leader
We open with Ray Zinn, a Silicon Valley pioneer whose decades of experience inform a grounded, no‑nonsense blueprint for what leadership really demands. In The Essential Leader, he strips away jargon and trend-chasing, focusing instead on character, consistency, and the habits that separate those who merely manage from those who truly lead.

Expect a conversation rooted in integrity, experience, and the belief that leadership is built, not bestowed.

Hour 2: Barry Maher — Author, The Great Dick
Then we pivot to Barry Maher, whose supernatural thriller The Great Dick uses dark humor and demonic meddling to probe how ego and identity unravel. It’s candid, chaotic, and sharply observed — a story about the personas we build and the forces that expose them.

This hour promises humor with bite, insight with edge, and a clear-eyed look at what drives us -- and derails us.

About the Hosts
• Lucas A. Ferrara — New York attorney, law professor, award‑winning film producer, and editorial strategist. Lucas brings legal acuity and narrative precision to every conversation, cutting through noise to reach the ideas that matter.
• Mert Roberts — A seasoned commentator whose wit, clarity, and grounded analysis keep each discussion sharp, surprising, and unmistakably alive.

Tune In
LIVE on AM970 Radio or the AM970 mobile app | Sunday, April 19 | 7–9 PM (Eastern)
Replays stream everywhere: Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, and more.
For more info visit: shakeitofflive.com

Some shows inform. This one reminds you that leadership — in all its forms — still has something to teach us.

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You can also find the show playing here:

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To view a list of some of Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara

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#author #authors #talkshow #talkradio #radio #shakeitoff #opinion #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #politics #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview

This week on Culinary Confidential, that story comes full circle as Christina Cates sits down with Jennifer Oz LeRoy—hospitality powerhouse, cultural storyteller, and the woman who carries one of the most iconic American dynasties with both grace and grit.

From Jack Warner, the visionary who co‑founded Warner Bros…
To Mervyn LeRoy, the filmmaker behind The Wizard of Oz…
To Warner LeRoy, the showman who transformed dining into spectacle at Tavern on the Green…

Jennifer grew up inside a world where imagination, glamour, and ambition weren’t just ideals—they were the family business.

WHAT WE’RE EXPLORING
In a conversation that’s as intimate as it is historic, Jennifer opens up about:
– Growing up inside a Hollywood–New York dynasty
– The weight and wonder of carrying a legendary name
– How her father redefined hospitality as theater
– The evolution of New York’s dining scene
– And how she forged her own voice within a legacy that spans generations

For Christina, this episode is personal. Tavern on the Green wasn’t just a landmark—it was the place where her own New York story began. Jennifer wasn’t just a name in the history books—she was her first boss, the woman who set the tone for what hospitality at its highest level truly looks like.

MEET THE HOST: CHRISTINA CATES
With more than twenty years in New York City’s restaurant world, Christina brings seasoned insight and a global perspective to every episode. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York’s Restaurant Management program, she has held leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca—experience that fuels thoughtful, grounded conversations about food, culture, and the people who define both.

TUNE IN
Sunday, April 12 at 9 PM EST
AM 970 Radio + 970AM Mobile App
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify, and more.

More info: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com

Because some legacies aren’t just remembered—they’re lived.

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You can also stream a replay here:

#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

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