The Bowery Boys: New York City History

3,233
History #61

The tides of American history lead through the streets of New York City — from the huddled masses on Ellis Island to the sleazy theaters of 1970s Times Square. The elevated railroad to the Underground Railroad. Hamilton to Hammerstein! Greg and Tom explore more than 400 years of action-packed stories, featuring both classic and forgotten figures who have shaped the world.

Recent Episodes
  • #457 FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD
    Apr 25, 2025 – 00:59:46
  • #456 Walking New York: Manhattan History on Foot with Keith Taillon
    Apr 18, 2025 – 00:59:07
  • #455 House of Beauty: The Story of the Frick Collection
    Apr 11, 2025 – 01:12:10
  • #454 Special Delivery: A History of the Post Office
    Mar 28, 2025 – 01:22:59
  • #453 All The Beauty In The World: Guarding the Met with Patrick Bringley
    Mar 21, 2025 – 00:58:53
  • #452 How New York Got Its Name
    Mar 14, 2025 – 01:10:32
  • #451 The New Yorker Magazine: Talk of the Town for 100 Years
    Feb 28, 2025 – 01:11:29
  • At The Movies with Meyers and Young (Side Streets)
    Feb 21, 2025 – 00:59:35
  • #450 Harlem in the Jazz Age: A Renaissance in New York
    Feb 14, 2025 – 01:23:32
  • #449 Italian Harlem: New York's Forgotten Little Italy
    Jan 31, 2025 – 01:22:11
  • The Return of the Waldorf Astoria (Rewind)
    Jan 17, 2025 – 00:51:52
  • #448 Inside the Memory Palace with Nate DiMeo
    Jan 10, 2025 – 00:58:44
  • The World of Tiffany Glass: Lighting the Gilded Age
    Jan 3, 2025 – 01:00:01
  • #447 Bob Dylan's Greenwich Village
    Dec 20, 2024 – 01:20:05
  • #446 Mr. Morgan and His Magnificent Library
    Dec 6, 2024 – 01:10:47
  • The Radio City Rockettes: New York's Dancing Queens (Rewind)
    Nov 29, 2024 – 00:52:23
  • #445 The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Century of Cheer
    Nov 22, 2024 – 01:16:39
  • #444 New York's Classic Mom-and-Pop Shops (with New York Nico)
    Nov 8, 2024 – 00:58:59
  • Whatever Happened to Dorothy Arnold? (Rewind)
    Oct 25, 2024 – 00:45:52
  • #443 Ghost Stories of the Five Boroughs
    Oct 11, 2024 – 01:24:13
  • #442 Urban Legends of New York City
    Sep 27, 2024 – 01:14:19
  • #441 The Recluse of Herald Square: The Ida Wood Mystery
    Sep 13, 2024 – 01:00:49
  • The Ghosty Men: Inside the Collyer Mansion (Rewind)
    Sep 6, 2024 – 00:52:42
  • #440 When Longacre Square Became Times Square
    Aug 30, 2024 – 01:04:05
  • #439 The Ticker-Tape Parade: A Very New York Celebration
    Aug 16, 2024 – 00:58:34
  • #438 The Ramones at CBGB: Revolution on the Bowery
    Aug 2, 2024 – 01:04:54
  • The Hidden World of Gramercy Park
    Jul 19, 2024 – 00:58:38
  • #437 Haarlem, Breukelen, Utrecht: Exploring New York's Dutch Roots
    Jul 5, 2024 – 01:27:12
  • #436 Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: Finding Peter Stuyvesant
    Jun 28, 2024 – 01:21:00
  • #435 Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: The Radical Walloons
    Jun 21, 2024 – 01:17:42
  • #434 Amsterdam/New Amsterdam: Empire of the Seas
    Jun 14, 2024 – 01:18:29
  • #433 New Amsterdam Man: An Interview with Russell Shorto
    Jun 7, 2024 – 01:07:34
  • The Bowery Boys Adventures in the Netherlands TRAILER
    May 31, 2024 – 00:02:40
  • #432 The Lenape Nation: Past, Present and Future
    May 24, 2024 – 01:22:02
  • History of the New York City Subway (Rewind)
    May 10, 2024 – 01:33:25
  • #431 Park Avenue: History with a Penthouse View
    Apr 26, 2024 – 01:19:32
  • #430 The Story of Flushing: Queens History, Old and New
    Apr 12, 2024 – 01:35:11
  • #429 The Moores: A Black Family in 1860s New York
    Mar 29, 2024 – 01:05:50
  • The Age of Innocence: Inside Edith Wharton's Classic Novel
    Mar 22, 2024 – 00:48:15
  • #428 The New York Game: Baseball in the Early Years
    Mar 15, 2024 – 01:09:10
  • #427 The Chrysler Building and the Great Skyscraper Race
    Mar 1, 2024 – 01:25:09
  • #426 Behind the Domino Sign: Brooklyn's Bittersweet Empire
    Feb 16, 2024 – 01:13:53
  • #425 It Happened at Madison Square Park
    Feb 2, 2024 – 01:24:10
  • Truman Capote and the Black and White Ball (Rewind)
    Jan 19, 2024 – 00:52:22
  • #424 Kosciuszko! The Man. The Bridge. The Legend.
    Jan 5, 2024 – 00:50:27
  • #423 Leonard Bernstein's New York, New York
    Dec 21, 2023 – 01:10:35
  • #422 Grace Church: A Most Fashionable History
    Dec 8, 2023 – 01:03:55
  • Christmas in Old New York: Holiday History
    Dec 1, 2023 – 00:53:04
  • #421 Evacuation Day: Forgotten Holiday of the American Revolution
    Nov 22, 2023 – 01:04:55
  • #420 Garbo Walks: Old Hollywood in New York
    Nov 10, 2023 – 00:51:25
Recent Reviews
  • Curiouscrane
    The visit to the Frick
    What a fantastic podcast from the Frick Museum. You and your guest “painted” a beautiful sense of the rooms and their history. Thank you!
  • Lemonbrine
    I had higher hopes
    The constant background music makes it hard to play at 1.25x, it sounds all choppy and weird. Overall It comes across as very scripted and poorly read by people who have no chemistry with each other. The content is fine, the delivery is really fake.
  • Ginagina Smith
    Underdog
    Love him as well!
  • Anita - R
    Bad layer
    Would be great without the layer of electronic so-called "music" and constant noise things. It is all so unnecessary. Overused.
  • Mahobbs
    Transplanted New Yorker
    I enjoy hearing about places and events in NYC. I LIVED and worked there for many years. It’s nice to look back on the city I miss so much Thanks Guys👍🏽.
  • Hedgepigs4evah
    Wonderful, engaging show!
    Love this show. It’s my go-to podcast when I want something interesting but not stressful. The interaction between the two likable hosts keeps the show moving. I have recommended it to family and friends who now are devoted listeners as well. Looking forward to taking one of their NYC tours one day! Highly recommend!
  • dafna z
    I ❤️ Bowery Boys!
    I relish in every episode! Thanks for bringing NYC history alive!
  • Izzetgirgin
    Fantastic!
    Highly recommended!
  • colorfulmeta4
    Still Helpful and Fun!
    I’ve come back to this podcast off and on for many years now, often after making one of my regular NYC trips to see family or to just hit a show. Out of my entire fifty-mumble years of life, I’ve only ever lived in NYC for nine months (Kip’s Bay and Belmont), but I have past deep family roots there and remain fascinated by the City’s history. My recent trip to the Transit Museum just set off that fascination even more, so I’m back. Thank you for all you do. And thumbs-up on the episode about the Lenape!
  • memikitty
    Enchanting and Peaceful
    Hands down my favorite show. So thoughtfully curated. Thank you!
  • C_L3K
    Great
    Great show! I have learned so much here.
  • Lisa Anne 55
    Mr Capote
    In the late 70’s Mr Capote came to Utah State university and spoke to the student body. I wish I could remember his topic. All I know is I enjoyed it very much.
  • Dharmaamy
    A delight
    Came for the Black & White Ball episode. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
  • indieperfume
    always rewarding
    if you love new york city this is a lovely set of stories about the people, neighborhoods and forces that created and move the city. well researched and good humored and enthusiastic, it focuses on the magic and energy of this city
  • pattikat190
    Favorite Podcast
    My favorite podcast is Bowery Boys. Your interaction is natural, your knowledge is spot on and your topics are always interesting. I love love your shows. I’m so interesting at dinner bc you teach me so much. ❤️
  • JFD Loves NYC
    My All Time Favorite podcast
    I have been listening to this podcast since 2010 and I love it as much now as I did then!
  • Monrad Touhy
    Capote’s Black and White Ball!!
    This was a fantastic podcast! Informative and interesting. The Bowery Boys have done it again!
  • cubanita#1
    Homesick
    I fell in love with NYC when I was attending NYU in the late 80s. I took a fantastic class about the architectural history of NYC that was part indoor lecture and part outside walking tour. It made the city come alive. The Bowery Boys reminds me of those days and once again, stirs up my love for the city. It is in these bygone glimpses that I focus when I go back to visit because the current state of the city is far from fabulous.
  • twilover76
    New listener
    Good day! I’m thoroughly enjoying the podcast after finding it from another podcast. My comment is that you mentioned the Draft riot of 1863 as a horrific event but failed to mention a key aspect of that event is that the orphanage was for colored children and a white mob targeted the institution likely because of its mission. I would expect an enjoyable and historically, hopefully accurate podcast, would mention this salient point.
  • TheWillTorres
    Maybe the best podcast I’ve ever heard.
    First time listen. The Hotel Theresa episode. Mind blown. Info. Mood. Quips. I was completely mesmerized. I had to rethink my own ideas of Harlem.
  • marketpop
    The Best
    Love love love!!!
  • Titania Red
    Like having time travelers with you
    Listening to this show is like getting a behind the scenes tour of ALL of New York from its very beginnings. It really enriches any trip you take to New York
  • betarj
    Love it…but facts.
    Loved the Teddy Roosevelt episode #418 but check your facts, data and science Re: endangered species (USFWS Enhancement Reports) before casting blanket statements.
  • Dan Quiterio
    Better Late Than Never
    I can’t believe it took me 16 years to discover this podcast about one of my favorite topics: NYC! Nevertheless, I’m glad I’m here. I was inspired to search for a podcast about NYC history after getting my sightseeing guide license. In the two months I’ve been listening, I’ve devoured over 100 episodes, often listening to six or more back to back. Greg and Tom have great chemistry and passion for the subject, and their stories are easily digestible and offer incredible insights into this city that we love. I can’t wait to see them live this month!
  • Baileybuddy30
    Re. East Village podcast
    In 1967 when I was a college student I had some involvement in The Catholic Worker. I’m wondering if you will be addressing this organization in your next podcast about the East Village?
  • Wall-Streeter
    A favorite
    I lived in New York for 10 years during the late 70s and 80s. I wish this podcast had been available then. Great job! Always informative and entertaining. It shapes all my visits back to nyc. Bravo!
  • auntie m44jl
    Almost a New Yorker
    Listening to Valerie boys podcast is time well spent. And I don’t live in New York and never been to New York but I’m beginning to feel like a New Yorker.
  • justbenice1
    TOP TEN PODCASTS
    (no particular order) Let’s not be kidding - Atlas Obscura - This American life - The Moth - The Bowery Boys - Twenty Thousand Hertz - The Retroist Retro Podcast - Heavyweight - Anthropocene Reviewed and Brought to you by…
  • AmySueOnSaturday
    Bravo Bowery Boys!
    I just recently discovered your podcast and I love it! It’s so well done, and there are topics for every interest! Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge of New York with us!
  • LuluInTheHeights
    No Better Time Spent Than w/ Bowery Boys
    This podcast is a grad level course gifted by The Bowery Boys to the public. The entertainment value added to this educational experience is 100% due to the passion that Greg Young and Tom Meyers have for ALL things NYC. Even if you think you’ve uncovered it- let the Bowery Boys teach you what you think you “might” know. The song and the slant capture the essence of this jewel of a city!!
  • SeeYouNextThursday69
    One of my favorites
    The history. The silly jokes. The love for NYC. It’s contagious. If you live in NYC or you just love it, this pod simply transports you to your favorite neighborhood or street.
  • Rinney1
    Long time listener
    My last trip to NYC was October 2019, just before Covid happened. I started listening a month after that trip! I now have the LONGEST list of places I need to visit soon! Can’t wait for my next trip. In the meantime I’m going to keep listening to the Bowery Boys!
  • SpaceyChic
    Perfect for history nerds, NYC-lovers, & anyone who loves a good story
    Whether you live in NYC or not (I don’t), the Bowery Boys is a must-listen. Tom and Greg do an amazing job of covering fascinating people, histories, and stories with their trademark insight and humor, and almost all the stories end up having ripples far beyond just New York. The show is full of curious tales, hidden gem places and stories, and an impressive number of cheesy puns, and it’s always a delightful listen!
  • Gloses G
    Thanks Bowery Boys
    My dad and I have listened since the start of the series. We would talk about the episodes over the phone and all things New York history. Perhaps you will see this or not, but he passed away today and talking about your podcast was the first thing I realized I’d miss. From the both of us, thanks for the good years and conversations.
  • Fezziwig's Ball
    Awesomeness
    Love Love Love this podcast! Thanks guys!
  • Almost debt free in NJ
    Tale of Two Edies
    Just re-listened to Tale of Two Edies. Great episode!
  • Curious Portraits
    Fun AND Educational!
    A must for any NYC history buff. So entertaining and fascinating
  • Agatha Fan!
    Amazing!!
    The photography episode was so thought provoking. We’ve come a long way! Well researched and pleasant to listen to! Thank you for broadening my mind.
  • Irish gal 333
    Best New York podcast
    What a great podcast about the people and places that make New York City the greatest city in the world Sean Yonkers New York
  • SmittyWermenVanJensen
    Amazing
    Best one yet.
  • 4d mynd
    One of my favorites
    Each time I listen it makes me want to go to NYC and take their tour. I bought the book, and read it cover to cover. Enjoy their information and their personalities.
  • femme_pride
    Visions of New York from small Midwestern town
    Fascinating situates and way backs for this girl trapped in the Midwest with long forgotten dreams of a future in the big city ❤️
  • JJNYC114
    Informative and entertaining!
    Excellent podcast. If you enjoy history podcasts, this one is for you. I also love their voices. Perfect podcast to listen to while falling asleep. I've been a listener for many years and I recommend it to anyone! Great job guys!
  • amybethq
    My favorite podcast!
    I’ve been listening to the Bowery boys for 10 years but only just getting around to giving it the 5 stars it deserves. My all time favorite podcast, I’ve probably listened to every episode twice and I always recommend it to friends! If you love history, and cities full of it, you’ll love this. I am not from NYC (but I’m lucky enough to visit once a year it) so I don’t know the areas they discuss but I love looking it up on a map and sometimes plan a few stops when I know I’ll be going next. Not knowing NYC that well doesn’t stop this from being an incredibly enjoyable listen. I love the hosts, and I am thankful for their research, and for their sharing what they find!
  • nycnando
    My favorite podcast
    As a native New Yorker, urban planner, and history nerd, The Bowery Boys podcast absolutely feeds my soul with every episode. Greg and Tom and do an incredible job of diving deep into each topic they tackle, and have made me even more enthusiastic about the city I already love.
  • radar146
    Love the show. The editing needs work
    Discovered the show through the Gilded Age Podcast. Listened to every episode available through iTunes. Have enjoyed nearly every episode. The only issue I have is that the end of every episode the editing is clipped with periods of conversations repeated. It’s like they were rushed and didn’t bother to clean up the last 10 to 5 minutes of the podcast.
  • ReadNJ
    The first place I send visitors
    I have loved the Bowery Boys for years. When friends tell me they’re coming to NY, I tell them to start listening to this podcast immediately! It’s a great way to enrich a visit
  • Lovetotravel540
    Loving this podcast
    I just found this podcast and I’m obsessed! I love the conversations about the topics and I truly appreciate the research that is done to make them so informative . The show are lively and entertaining. Thanks and I will definitely keep listening!
  • at-all-hours-45
    I love this podcast, of course
    I have been binge listening to this podcast. I am not from New York but there’s so much rich history and some great stories, I love it! My only issue is that I recently realized how much the two hosts use the phrase “of course”. And once you notice it, you can’t stop hearing how much they overuse it. I’m sure I do something similar “like” with my speech pattern but I don’t host a podcast. Otherwise I really do love the stories and how much fun they have geeking out on NY history!
  • M. Highland
    Speak slowly … why so rushed ?
    The language is rushed- slow your speech pattern.
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