Building Bridges:
That Which Unites Us
Episode 17: David Rubenstein
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with David Rubenstein—cofounder and cochairman of The Carlyle Group, philanthropist, historian, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient—for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the lessons history offers today. Throughout their discussion, David reflects on his time in the public sector and shares insights from his latest book, The Highest Calling, on the presidency and the responsibilities that shape our nation’s future.
Episode 16: Jonathan Kilman
In this episode of Building Bridges, Michael Hershman sits down with nationally respected advisor Jonathan Kilman to discuss shaping policy, guiding major companies through complex challenges, and strengthening communities at every level of government.
Episode 15: Maz Jobrani
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with acclaimed comedian, actor, and LA Times best-selling author Maz Jobrani for a heartfelt conversation about family, identity, and community — and the role humor played along the way.
Episode 14: Frank Carone
In this of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Frank Carone—founder and chairman of Oaktree Solutions, former chief of staff to Mayor Eric Adams, and bestselling author. In a particularly timely conversation, they discuss the strength of character shaped by growing up in New York City, maintaining civility through compromise, and the need to make voter registration easier to increase turnout and ensure that all voices are heard.
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Michele Risa, CEO & Founder of Collaborative Solutions and a global leader in purpose-driven leadership. From building women’s business incubators in post-Soviet Russia to launching Universities United, Michele shares how storytelling, trust-building, and human-centric skills help students and communities combat loneliness and find meaning.
Episode 12: Rufus Edmisten
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Rufus Edmisten, former North Carolina Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Deputy Chief Counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee. Rufus reflects on his journey from growing up in a log cabin to serving in historic roles that shaped American politics, including delivering the first congressional subpoena to a sitting president. Together, they discuss lessons from Watergate, the decline of civility in public life, and the urgent need to restore trust, civic education, and respect for institutions to ensure America’s democracy remains strong for generations to come.
Episode 11: Abraham Lincoln
In this very special episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman is joined in spirit and conversation by Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Drawing on the enduring power of his words and leadership, they explore how the ideals of democracy, unity, and civic responsibility continue to shape America today.
Episode 10: Kathryn Wylde
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman sits down with Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. As she prepares to retire next summer, Kathryn reflects on her decades-long career mobilizing private sector expertise to support and strengthen New York City’s economy. Together, they discuss the essential role of collaboration in building a future that is dynamic and equitable—and in ensuring the city remains globally competitive and connected to the people who call it home.
Episode 9: JT Batson
In this episode of Building Bridges with Michael Hershman, Michael sits down with JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of U.S. Soccer, to discuss the power of sports in uniting communities and cultures. As the U.S. prepares to co-host the World's Biggest Soccer Tournament, JT shares his journey from tech to soccer leadership, the growing popularity of the sport, and the economic and social impact of the tournament. They explore initiatives like Soccer Forward, efforts to make the game more inclusive, and JT’s vision for the future of U.S. soccer—on and off the field.
Episode 8: Colin Quinn
In this episode of Building Bridges, host Michael Hershman is joined by acclaimed comedian and writer Colin Quinn for a dynamic conversation on comedy, culture, and the evolving role of humor in public discourse. From his early days on MTV’s Remote Control and Saturday Night Live to his critically acclaimed Broadway shows directed by Jerry Seinfeld and his latest YouTube special, Quinn reflects on a career shaped by authenticity and resilience. Together, they explore the influence of growing up in New York and the power of humor as a means of connection. The episode also features candid man-on-the-street interviews asking New Yorkers how humor helps them navigate difficult topics in today’s world.
Episode 7: Marc Norman, Associate Dean
In this episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, Michael Hershman speaks with Marc Norman, Associate Dean at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate, about the rising cost of college, New York City’s housing crisis, and the future of the job market. Drawing on decades of experience in urban development and housing equity, Dean Norman offers insights on expanding access to education and housing, the importance of school–industry partnerships, and how urban planning can help create stronger, more inclusive communities.
Episode 6: Stephon Marbury
In this episode of Building Bridges, Michael Hershman sits down with NBA All-Star and former Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury to discuss his journey from Coney Island to China’s basketball scene. Marbury shares thoughts on the Knicks, the NIL system, youth sports, and his mission to help the community.
Episode 5: Dr. Vin Gupta
In this episode of Building Bridges, host Michael Hershman speaks with Dr. Vin Gupta — physician, professor, and health policy expert — about the growing mistrust in American healthcare. They discuss why many avoid the doctor, how AI could reshape medicine, and the danger of health misinformation. Dr. Gupta shares insights from the front lines and offers a hopeful vision for a smarter, more compassionate system.
Episode 4: Mitzi Perdue
In this compelling episode of Building Bridges, host Michael Hershman sits down with Mitzi Perdue — author, humanitarian, and global advocate — to explore her remarkable journey from American farmland to international conflict zones. They discuss her work supporting war-torn communities, combating human trafficking, and continuing the legacy of two iconic American business families. Mitzi shares powerful stories from her travels to Ukraine and beyond, emphasizing resilience, dignity, and the human cost of war. This episode highlights the importance of empathy, service, and action in bridging divides and defending human rights in a turbulent world.
Episode 3: Dr. Richard Firshein
In this episode of 'Building Bridges,' host Michael Hershman engages in a conversation with Dr. Richard Firshein, an integrative medicine physician with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the declining happiness levels in the U.S., the importance of community, and the role social media plays in modern dissatisfaction. Dr. Richard Firshein shares insights into how connectedness and happiness contribute to longevity and well-being. The conversation touches on the challenges of the healthcare system, the benefits of integrative medicine, and the inherent value of humor and personal connections in fostering mental health. Dr. Richard Firshein emphasizes the significance of addressing the root causes of unhappiness and the need to re-prioritize values in society.
Episode 2: Rich Esposito
In the latest episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, host Michael Hershman sits down with Richard Esposito, an award-winning journalist, author, and communications strategist. In this engaging conversation, the two explore the evolving landscape of journalism and its profound impact on democracy. They also tackle the challenges of promoting meaningful dialogue in a divided society, drawing on their own experiences and the insights shared by citizens on the street.
Episode 1: Arthur Leopold
In the debut episode of Building Bridges: That Which Unites Us, host Michael Hershman is joined by successful serial entrepreneur Arthur Leopold, CEO & Co-Founder of Agentio, a cutting-edge AI-driven platform that amplifies personal narratives and creates moments for individuals to connect and share their experiences.
Together, they explore New York’s depth of talent, prominence in the emerging world of AI, and highlight how technology and innovation can shape democratic engagement in the face of evolving challenges.