This episode of the perNYC Podcast—recorded at Tompkins Square Library—features Robert Galinsky, the playwright of The Bench.

The Bench: A Homeless Love Story is set in urban decay and rubble, and explores the emotional heartbreak of five homeless characters and the catastrophic hysteria surrounding AIDS in the 1980's.

Hosted by Jennifer Brodsky, perNYC is the "must listen now" podcast exploring NYC creations as per their creators.

What Robert Is Reading

If You Want to Write: A Book About Art, Independence, and Spirit by Brenda Ueland
A best-selling classic on the process of writing that has already inspired thousands to find their own creative center

About This Episode

Robert Galinsky is a contributing writer to The Fresh Toast, is Head Speaker Coach for TEDxTeen, TEDxFultonStreet, and teaches writing and performance at Rikers Island Jail, through the non-profit Literacy for Incarcerated Teens and GalinskyCoaching.com.  His work as an artist activist has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York magazine, and on The View, NPR, ABC Nightline News, and many media outlets. 

Jennifer Brodsky is the founder/creator, producer, and host of perNYC. When not emceeing events such as this podcast recording, she is often found sitting on her East Village stoop with neighbors and people who pass by telling their stories.

Tompkins Square Library has served residents of Manhattan's Lower East Side since 1904.