49 episodes

The Manhattan Sideways Podcast aims to create a platform to share the stories of the small businesses on the side streets of Manhattan. What motivated the business owners to open their businesses, and then to learn the ups and downs of their environments? What makes these businesses unique? We are not only documenting the owners' remarkable personal stories, but also their advice to current and aspiring business owners.
The podcast is a product of Manhattan Sideways, a documentary project begun in 2011 with the goal of supporting the small businesses across Manhattan's original grid -- from 1st to 155th street, East River to the Hudson. After six years, we now have over 10,000 businesses represented on our website, sideways.nyc, with write-ups and more than 40,000 gorgeous photos. The founder, Betsy Polivy, and her team hope that while listening to the Sideways Podcast you will be inspired to set out on your own adventure of walking the side streets, and, if you find yourself in New York, that in your explorations you will seek out some of the Manhattan Sideways Podcast businesses. You'll be glad you did.

The Manhattan Sideways Podcast Betsy Bober Polivy and Ellie Cody

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 22 Ratings

The Manhattan Sideways Podcast aims to create a platform to share the stories of the small businesses on the side streets of Manhattan. What motivated the business owners to open their businesses, and then to learn the ups and downs of their environments? What makes these businesses unique? We are not only documenting the owners' remarkable personal stories, but also their advice to current and aspiring business owners.
The podcast is a product of Manhattan Sideways, a documentary project begun in 2011 with the goal of supporting the small businesses across Manhattan's original grid -- from 1st to 155th street, East River to the Hudson. After six years, we now have over 10,000 businesses represented on our website, sideways.nyc, with write-ups and more than 40,000 gorgeous photos. The founder, Betsy Polivy, and her team hope that while listening to the Sideways Podcast you will be inspired to set out on your own adventure of walking the side streets, and, if you find yourself in New York, that in your explorations you will seek out some of the Manhattan Sideways Podcast businesses. You'll be glad you did.

    Episode 46: Stanley and Dean Poll of William Poll

    Episode 46: Stanley and Dean Poll of William Poll

    In this episode, recorded in the Fall of 2022, Betsy and Ellie speak with the co-owners of the Upper East Side gourmet food shop William Poll: Stanley and Dean Poll, and their store manager and chef, Anthony Walton.
    The shop was founded more than 100 years ago in 1921, and has been a favorite of New York City socialites and international celebrities almost since the beginning. Today, William Poll continues to keep pace with the culinary wants and needs of the city while maintaining its history and warm family atmosphere.

    • 44 min
    Episode 45: The Art of Walking Manhattan Sideways

    Episode 45: The Art of Walking Manhattan Sideways

    Welcome back to the Manhattan Sideways Podcast! In this episode, Ellie and Betsy reflect on the publication of Betsy's first book, "Walking Manhattan Sideways", and share some exciting news about the upcoming publication of another book: "The Art of Walking Manhattan Sideways", which will be released in October of 2021. The new book includes chapters focused on the arts, nonprofits, museums, places of worship, and much more -- all on the side streets of Manhattan.

    You can place an order for either (or both!) of the books now at www.gosideways.nyc/books. If you are a business owner or would like to order in bulk, e-mail Betsy directly at betsy@sideways.nyc -- we'd love to hear from you!

    • 41 min
    Episode 44: Betsy Bober Polivy, Founder of Manhattan Sideways

    Episode 44: Betsy Bober Polivy, Founder of Manhattan Sideways

    In this week's episode, Ellie speaks with founder of Manhattan Sideways, Betsy Bober Polivy, about her new book, "Walking Manhattan Sideways".
    They talk about how Betsy got started documenting the side streets, how the book came to be, and how Betsy chose the incredible businesses that are featured in "Walking Manhattan Sideways". Betsy's creativity, care and passion are awe-inspiring, and the book is nothing short of the same.
    Find the book here

    Also mentioned in the episode: Episode 2: Grandma's Place

    • 34 min
    Episode 43: Tiziana Agnello, Love Thy Beast

    Episode 43: Tiziana Agnello, Love Thy Beast

    In this episode, Ellie speaks with Tiziana Agnello, the founder and owner of Love Thy Beast, a boutique pet store in the East Village. Tiziana started her business on her kitchen table, where she made her first pet totes, inspired by her own dog's love of bags. Since beginning her business, Tiziana has refused to stray from her vision and values, and today Love Thy Beast offers everything you need for the dogs in your life -- all ethically sourced, and often locally made.
    Big thank you to the editor of this episode, Aiman Walid Najah!

    • 38 min
    Episode 42: Linda St. John, D.L. Cerney

    Episode 42: Linda St. John, D.L. Cerney

    In this episode, Ellie speaks with Linda St. John, designer and co-owner of the East Village boutique D.L. Cerney, which also serves as Linda's creative studio. It was in this space that Linda wrote her book, "Even Dogs Go Home to Die", and in this space that Linda designs most of her gorgeous vintage-inspired clothing, which she makes out of deadstock fabrics and materials. Linda's resilience and optimism is deeply inspiring, and is something we could all use a little more of these days!

    • 38 min
    Episode 41: Santo Mollica, The Source Unltd Print & Copy Shop

    Episode 41: Santo Mollica, The Source Unltd Print & Copy Shop

    In this episode, Ellie speaks with Santo Mollica of The East Village's own The Source Ultd. Print and Copy Shop, opened in 1979. Santo and the shop he owns with his wife Margaret are something of an ode to the Village in the 80s and 90s: before it was a copy shop, in fact, it was a performance space for local bands and artists, and Santo continues this legacy by producing tourbooks for the likes of Arcade Fire and Mumford and Sons. Santo is self taught in much of his trade, and is the first to say that failure is a necessity to success — something we all need to hear sometimes.

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
22 Ratings

22 Ratings

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