Zoo Days and Coney Nights

Audio By Carbonatix

This episode of Fun Friday kicks off with Kevin and Cristyne reveling in the arrival of summer—and the heat that comes with it. Between golf outings and Aperol spritzes, they dive into the quintessential New Yorker pastime: complaining about the weather. But the real heat comes from the sizzling lineup of guests and NYC happenings.

John Calvelli from the Wildlife Conservation Society joins to share exciting news about the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium. From free admission Wednesdays to the return of the legendary “World of Darkness” nocturnal exhibit, John dishes on how New Yorkers can explore sloths, vampire bats, and sand cats without breaking the bank—or the daylight cycle.

The conversation then swims over to Coney Island, where the aquarium is making waves with its Hudson Canyon exhibit and marine conservation efforts. John highlights the importance of protecting this underwater treasure trove, which supplies much of our seafood. Bonus: there's a goat-grazing contest coming to Riverside Park. Yes, goats. Mowing lawns. For sport.

Next up is George Shea, the ringmaster of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. He spills the mustard on Joey Chestnut’s dramatic return after a contract dispute and shares the contest’s quirky history—from elephant stunts to mayoral weigh-ins. Vegas odds are in, and Joey’s aiming to reclaim his title with over 70 dogs down the hatch.

The episode wraps with a smorgasbord of NYC summer tips: discounted theater, patriotic museum exhibits, and a reminder that if you live near the city and don’t explore it, you’re doing life wrong. With humor, heart, and a dash of hot dog water, Kevin and Cristyne serve up a perfect pre-Fourth-of-July celebration.