Welcome to the world and works of Jimmy Breslin. Hosted by Kevin Breslin.

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Jimmy Breslin is the subject of Breslin: “What’s Doin’?” which explores his influence on journalism over the second half of the 20th Century. His columns for the New York Herald Tribune, Newsday and The Daily News and his writing for many other notable publications including New York Magazine, helped define New York City and the world for 50 years.

Kevin Breslin grew up in Queens as one of six children to the constant sound of a typewriter clapping and his father scrambling to hit deadlines. This unique perspective gave him a backstage pass to history. Breslin: “What’s Doin’?” explores Jimmy Breslin’s career in a way that’s designed to give listeners an inside look of who he was and why his writing is both memorable and as important today as it was when he wrote it.

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Kelsey Russell is known as “the Print Princess” and “the girl who reads the newspaper” on TikTok. A recent Columbia University grad, Kelsey is a co-host of the weekly children’s news program, First Stop News. She uses her social media platforms (@kelscruss) to promote critical thinking, media literacy and to talk about the day’s most important stories.

In this episode, Kevin & Kelsey discuss the evolution of newspapers + journalism, media style, representation in news and more.

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Pete King served 14 terms as a congressman representing New York and earned the reputation of a ‘fighter for the people.’ Ron Swoboda is a former MLB player from 1965 - 1973, most notably as an outfielder for the New York Mets championship team, ‘The Miracle Mets.’

In this episode, Pete, Ron & Kevin talk baseball, NYC and Jimmy’s book Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game? about the 1962 New York Mets.

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Matilda Cuomo, wife of the late Mario Cuomo, is a teacher, an American advocate for women and children, and former First Lady of New York from 1983 to 1994. Their daughter, Maria Cuomo Cole, is a Peabody and Emmy-award winning producer of short films, public service announcements and digital content that raises awareness of a variety of social issues —additionally she serves as a Director of The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, HELP PSI, Mentoring USA and HELP USA and is a founding member of Sankofa.

In this episode, Matilda, Maria and Kevin discuss Jimmy & Mario’s shared foundational origin, their principles and legacy.

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In 1985, Jimmy wrote the articles “Torture Charge Could Prod Cops” & “Putting the Cattle Prod to Justice” to help bring justice to Mark Davidson, an 18-year-old from Queens who was falsely arrested over a $10 marijuana sale and then tortured in the police station by stun gun.

Along with devoted support from attorney Marvyn Kornberg, this chilling story shed light of the cruel and unjust treatment occurring at the NYPD.

In this episode, Mark, Marvyn and Kevin dive into the story, expand on what happened, the lasting impact, where they are now, and more.

Articles here: https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/jimmy-breslin

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John Jones is the son of Clifton Pollard, grave digger for John F. Kennedy and the center of Jimmy’s column piece covering the assassination titled “It’s an Honor.”

Continuing where episode four’s conversation left off with esteemed writer Colin Miner, John Jones joins in to share more background on Clifton, historical context and the lasting impact of that honor.

Article here: https://loa-shared.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/static/pdf/Breslin-Its-an-Honor.pdf

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Colin Miner is a journalist who has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, Patch, Oregonian, NY Post, NY Sun & more. He has been honored by the New York State Associated Press Association, the Local Cable Ace Awards and has contributed to several regional Emmy, Murrow and AP award-winning newscasts. Miner is currently writing a book.

In this episode, Colin and Kevin discuss Jimmy’s approach, mentorship, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and more.

Article here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/jimmy-breslin-on-jfks-assassination-two-classic-columns/

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Tony Palma served a long, valiant career as an Officer for the New York City Police Department. He was one of the first responders to the murder of famous singer-songwriter, musician, and political activist, John Lennon.

Instead of flocking to the busy scene, Jimmy Breslin went to the precinct and interviewed Palma for his unique firsthand experience of the tragic event.

In this episode, Tony and Kevin discuss the sad historic moment, Jimmy’s article, the impact it left on him, and more.

Article here: https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/12/09/the-day-john-lennon-died-jimmy-breslin-writes-iconic-tale-of-nypd-cops-who-drove-the-dying-beatles-star-to-the-hospital/

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