Breslin "What's Doin'?"
The world and works of Jimmy 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.
Episodes
26 episodes
Jimmy Breslin’s Unlikely Advertising Career | Aaron Goldfarb
On this episode, Kevin and Aaron discuss Jimmy Breslin’s unlikely career in advertising, the humor and personality behind his writing, the importance of finding an original angle, and how journalism has changed in the digital age.Aaron G...
Dick Schaap, Jimmy Breslin, and New York Journalism | Jeremy Schaap
On this episode, Kevin and Jeremy discuss the life and legacy of Dick Schaap, his friendship and work with Jimmy Breslin, the golden age of New York journalism, and the reporting principles that defined their generation.Jeremy Schaap is ...
New York Journalism, Donald Trump, and the Digital Age | Ross Barkan
On this episode, Kevin and Ross discuss the lost art of the big city newspaper columnist, whether great writing and bold opinions can survive in the digital age, the complicated relationship between Donald Trump and the New York media, and what...
AI Writing Coaches and Jimmy Breslin’s Voice | Ed Madison
In this episode, Kevin and Ed discuss how a dead man ended up with a new job, whether AI can ever truly capture the voice and soul behind great writing, and what the future of journalism means for the next generation.Ed Madison, PhD
Sports Broadcasting, Viral Fame, and College Athletics | James Rosselli
On this episode, Kevin and James discuss his path into sports broadcasting, the craft of calling a game and preparing like a pro, handling pressure and viral attention at a young age, and the evolving future of sports media, including NIL and t...
Student Reporters Revive Local Print Journalism | Billy Stern
On this episode, Kevin and Billy discuss why he decided to start a print newspaper at a time when many say print is dying, the challenges of running a newsroom with a team of student reporters, how local journalism strengthens communities, and ...
Gossip Journalism and Life in the Gotti Family | Victoria Gotti
On this episode, Kevin and Victoria discuss her path into writing and journalism, the challenges of building a media career while her family was constantly in the public spotlight, the ethics and realities of gossip reporting, and her personal ...
Jimmy Breslin’s Legacy and the Craft of Journalism | Dan Barry
On this episode, Kevin and Dan discuss the legacy and influence of Jimmy Breslin, the discipline and grind behind great newspaper writing, the craft of finding stories others miss, and the humanity and responsibility at the heart of journalism....
Press Freedom and the Power of Outrage in Journalism | Carl Hiaasen
On this episode, Kevin and Carl discuss the role of anger and outrage in great column writing, the changing culture of modern journalism, press freedom in the Trump era, and how fiction can sometimes reveal deeper truths than the daily news.&nb...
Sports Journalism and the “Loser’s Locker Room” | Mitch Albom
On this episode, Kevin and Mitch discuss the art of powerful storytelling, lessons from sports journalism and covering the “loser’s locker room,” the state of modern media and press credibility, and why honesty and humanity still matter in writ...
The Mailer–Breslin “51st State” Campaign | Gabriel Tennen
On this episode, Kevin and Gabriel discuss the origins of the Mailer–Breslin campaign, the bold proposal to make New York City the 51st state, the use of humor and imagination as political tools, and what the campaign reveals about democracy, p...
Jimmy Breslin and New York’s AIDS Crisis | James Duff & Allen Roskoff
In this episode, Kevin, James, and Allen discuss the power of empathy in journalism, the impact of the AIDS crisis on New York’s gay community, Jimmy Breslin’s unexpected role as a chronicler of that struggle, and the enduring importance of act...
Jimmy Breslin, Gangsters, and New York’s Underworld | Denis Hamill
In this episode, Kevin and Denis discuss Jimmy Breslin’s fascination with gangsters, the colorful characters of New York’s underworld, and how Breslin’s storytelling changed the way we see both crime and the city itself & more.Denis ...
The Guardian Angels and the Bernhard Goetz Incident | Curtis Sliwa
In this episode, Kevin & Curtis talk the formation + evolution of The Guardian Angels, New York City, Bernhard Goetz incident & more.Curtis Sliwa is a longtime New York City activist, radio personality, and founder of the Guardia...
Jimmy Breslin and the State of Journalism | Ken Sunshine & Dan Klores
In this episode, Kevin, Ken & Dan talk style, current state of journalism/reporters, Breslin saving the day & more.Ken Sunshine is a public relations consultant, Founder and Chairman of Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis. He...
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Political Rhetoric and the Current Administration | Maureen Dowd
In this episode, Kevin & Maureen discuss rhetoric, the current administration, opinions, history and more.Maureen Dowd, winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, is a columnist for The New York Times and an auth...
What's Doin' everybody? | The INTRO
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 20t...
The Future of Newspapers and Journalism | Kelsey Russell
In this episode, Kevin & Kelsey discuss the evolution of newspapers + journalism, media style, representation in news and more.Kelsey Russell is known as “the Print Princess” and “the girl who reads the newspaper” on TikTok. A recent...
Jimmy Breslin and the 1962 New York Mets | Pete King & Ron Swoboda
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.Pete King served 14 terms as a congressman representing New York and earned the reputation of a ‘f...
Jimmy Breslin and Mario Cuomo’s Shared Roots | Maria & Matilda Cuomo
In this episode, Matilda, Maria and Kevin discuss Jimmy & Mario’s shared foundational origin, their principles and legacy.Matilda Cuomo, wife of the late Mario Cuomo, is a teacher, an American advocate for women and children, and for...
Jimmy Breslin Exposes NYPD Stun Gun Torture | Mark Davidson
In this episode, Mark, Marvyn and Kevin dive into the story, expand on what happened, the lasting impact, where they are now, and more.In 1985, Jimmy wrote the article “Torture Charge Could Prod Cops” to help bring justice to Mark Davids...
JFK’s Gravedigger: Jimmy Breslin’s “It’s an Honor” | John Jones
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.John Jones is the son of Clifton Pol...
Jimmy Breslin on JFK’s Assassination | Colin Miner
In this episode, Colin and Kevin discuss Jimmy’s approach, mentorship, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and more. Colin Miner is a journalist who has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, Patch, Oregonian, NY Post, N...
John Lennon’s Death: Jimmy Breslin’s Account | Tony Palma
In this episode, Tony and Kevin discuss the sad historic moment, Jimmy’s article, the impact it left on him, and more.Tony Palma served a long, valiant career as an Officer for the New York City Police Department. He was one of the first...
Jimmy Breslin and the Mailer–Breslin Campaign | Gloria Steinem
In this episode, Gloria and Kevin chat about her friendship with Jimmy, new journalism, the Breslin-Mailer campaign, equality, hometowns, and more.Gloria Steinem is a writer, political activist, and feminist organizer. She was a founder ...
