In a recent episode of Jams 'N' Cocktails, host Brad Brock and his lively crew—Jordyn, Derek, and Elly—brought their audience along on a deep dive into the heart and soul of New York City. Through a mix of personal reflections, cultural tributes, and laugh-out-loud moments, the team captured what makes NYC one of the most iconic cities in the world.
This episode wasn’t just another podcast—it was a love letter to New York. From the city’s vibrant music history to its world-famous food and resilient spirit, Brad and the JNC crew celebrated the Big Apple in a way that was both entertaining and heartfelt. Whether you’re a long-time New Yorker or someone who’s only dreamed of visiting, this episode left you with a deeper appreciation for the city that never sleeps.
Honoring NYC’s Resilience: A 9/11 Reflection
The episode opened on a solemn yet inspiring note, with Brad leading a tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11th attacks. It was a moment of pause and reflection, as the crew took time to honor those who lost their lives and acknowledged the strength of a city that rose from the ashes stronger than ever.
Brad’s words resonated with the audience, highlighting not only the tragedy of that day but also the resilience that has come to define New York. The team shared their personal memories and thoughts on how the city has evolved since, underscoring the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers.
The Cocktail of the Week: New York Sour
As with every episode, the crew then shifted gears to their much-loved segment: the cocktail of the week. In honor of NYC, this week’s drink was the New York Sour. For those unfamiliar, the New York Sour is a twist on the classic whiskey sour, but with one crucial addition—a red wine float that gives it a visually striking finish and adds complexity to its flavor.
Derek, ever the cocktail connoisseur, walked the listeners through the recipe: a combination of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white for texture. The pièce de résistance? The slow-poured red wine that sits atop the drink like a velvet ribbon.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a JNC episode without some colorful commentary from the crew. While Jordyn and Elly had their own thoughts on the egg white addition (spoiler: they weren’t all fans), the general consensus was that the New York Sour is a perfect cocktail for anyone wanting to feel just a little bit fancy while paying homage to the city’s bar scene.
JNC Arcade Fun: Introducing Derek’s Cake Hole Challenge
With drinks in hand, the crew turned to a lighter topic: the latest updates to the JNC Arcade. Brad excitedly shared that the arcade had just gotten a fun new addition—Derek’s Cake Hole Challenge—a hilarious game inspired by Derek’s well-known love of cake. This new challenge joins other favorites like Brad's Ant Wars and Elly’s Flip Cup Challenge, all of which are now live on the JNC website.
The games have been a hit with the JNC community, and the friendly competition continues to heat up. The crew discussed high scores, shared some banter about their performances in the games, and teased more new games coming soon. If you haven’t had the chance to play, now’s the time to jump into the arcade and see how you stack up against the JNC team!
New York City: A Musical Powerhouse
One of the highlights of the episode was the deep dive into New York’s rich musical history. Brad, with his musician’s heart, led the discussion on how NYC has been a creative hub for generations of artists. From jazz legends in Harlem’s Cotton Club, like Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, to the folk music revival in Greenwich Village with artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, New York’s influence on the music world is undeniable.
The episode also touched on how New York gave birth to two other major musical movements: punk rock and hip hop. The iconic CBGB club was the breeding ground for punk pioneers like the Ramones and Blondie, while the Bronx became the birthplace of hip hop, with legends like Grandmaster Flash and Run-D.M.C. leading the charge. Each genre shaped not just the city, but the entire music industry, and Brad’s enthusiasm for these stories was contagious.
The discussion was a reminder that New York City isn’t just a backdrop for music—it’s a character in its own right, shaping and being shaped by the rhythms and beats of the people who live there.
A Live Performance by Brad Brock
As a special treat, Brad took to the mic for a live musical performance, paying tribute to New York with his rendition of New York State of Mind by Billy Joel. His soulful interpretation of the classic hit was a powerful homage to the city’s enduring spirit. Listeners were transported to the streets of NYC through Brad’s vocals, with the music capturing both the grit and the glamour that define New York.
After the performance, Brad followed up with a more lighthearted tune, 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) by Simon & Garfunkel, bringing a smile to everyone’s faces and wrapping up the performance on a high note. These live performances added an extra layer of depth to the episode, further connecting listeners to the heart and soul of New York City.
Art and Theater: The Cultural Heartbeat of NYC
In addition to music, the JNC crew also explored New York City’s thriving art and theater scene. From the street murals that tell the story of the city’s diverse neighborhoods to the world-famous Broadway stages, New York has long been a global hub for the arts.
Elly shared her excitement about New York’s street art, particularly the rise of graffiti and muralists in the 1970s, turning the city itself into a canvas. Meanwhile, Derek highlighted the importance of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and even Off-Off-Broadway productions, reminding listeners that New York has been the birthplace of some of the world’s most beloved plays and musicals. Whether it’s classics like West Side Story or modern hits like Hamilton, NYC’s theater scene continues to be an essential part of its cultural fabric.
A Culinary Journey: Bagels, Pizza, and More
Of course, no episode about New York would be complete without a discussion of the city’s food. The crew dove into the culinary delights that have made New York famous—from its bagels and hot dogs to the world-renowned New York-style pizza.
Jordyn couldn’t stop raving about NYC’s bagels, sharing fun facts about how Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought this now-iconic breakfast staple to the city. Brad’s personal favorite, the New York hot dog, also got its moment in the spotlight, as he and the team reminisced about their experiences grabbing a dog from a street vendor. Finally, Derek led the charge on New York pizza, with a live taste test of a local pizza in the studio, bringing a little slice of NYC right to their listeners.
Closing Thoughts: Cheers to New York City
As the episode came to a close, the JNC crew raised their glasses in a toast to New York City. Through its triumphs and tragedies, its music, art, and food, New York remains a city unlike any other. Brad, Jordyn, Derek, and Elly shared their admiration for the resilience of New Yorkers and the vibrant culture that continues to inspire the world.
Whether you’ve visited New York a dozen times or dream of walking its streets one day, this episode served as a reminder of why the Big Apple has captured the hearts of so many. From its history to its future, New York City will always be a beacon of creativity, strength, and endless possibility.
Want to Join in on the Fun?
If you missed the episode, you can listen to it in full on your favorite podcast platform. Be sure to follow Jams 'N' Cocktails for more episodes celebrating the people, places, and cultures that shape our world. You can also check out the JNC Arcade, play the latest games, and see how you rank against the JNC team.
And don’t forget to try making the New York Sour at home—trust us, it’s worth a sip (just maybe skip the egg white if you’re like Jordyn!).
For more exclusive content and behind-the-scenes fun, join the JNC community on Patreon, and follow along on social media for updates, upcoming episodes, and more.
Cheers to New York, and stay tuned for the next adventure with Jams 'N' Cocktails!
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