Episodes

  • No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 05-10-26

    No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 05-10-26
    May 10 2026
    Fernando Mateo and guest Jake Novak critique the current political and social landscape of New York City, specifically targeting government inefficiency and the protection of criminals over victims. The duo expresses deep frustration with elected officials who allegedly prioritize anti-enforcement rhetoric and support for undocumented offenders over the safety of working-class residents and the integrity of law enforcement. They propose a shift toward private-sector partnerships, suggesting that the city’s affordability and housing crises could be solved by incentivizing billionaires and tax-advantaged institutions to invest in public infrastructure. Furthermore, they argue that prestigious organizations like the Met, which hold massive endowments, should provide free admission to New Yorkers rather than accumulating wealth through high entry fees and lavish fundraisers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • David Do | 05-03-26

    David Do | 05-03-26
    May 3 2026
    Fernando Matteo interviews former New York City Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Do to reflect on his four-year tenure and the evolving state of the industry. The conversation centers on Do's efforts to provide financial relief for medallion owners through debt restructuring and his push for the Green Rides Initiative, which mandates a transition to electric vehicles for ride-share giants like Uber and Lyft. While Matteo commends Do's accessibility to individual drivers, he challenges the former commissioner on persistent issues such as the high cost of insurance fraud, the dominance of leasing companies over individual plates, and the need for better service for vulnerable populations relying on government-funded transportation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • Brooklyn Pres. Antonio Reynoso (D-NY) | 05-03-26

    Brooklyn Pres. Antonio Reynoso (D-NY) | 05-03-26
    May 3 2026
    Fernando Mateo interviews Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso regarding his background and his run for the U.S. Congress. The dialogue highlights a sharp contrast between Reynoso’s belief in socialist principles and government assistance as a foundation for equity and Mateo’s staunch defense of individualism and the American dream. While Reynoso views his political success as a result of both hard work and luck, Mateo argues that ambition and the refusal to rely on public subsidies are the true drivers of prosperity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 05-03-26

    No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 05-03-26
    May 3 2026
    Fernando Mateo engages in separate dialogues with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and former TLC Commissioner David Do. The discussions explore the friction between individual ambition and government support, highlighting Mateo’s belief in self-reliance versus Reynoso’s focus on the systemic necessity of socialist principles to bolster the middle class. In the second segment, the conversation shifts to the economic viability of the taxi industry, specifically focusing on debt relief for medallion owners, the transition to electric vehicles, and the need for specialized licensing to serve the city's poorest residents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Anthony Pena and Pedro Gool | 04-26-26

    Anthony Pena and Pedro Gool | 04-26-26
    Apr 27 2026
    Fernando Mateo speaks with leaders from the National Supermarket Association, an organization representing approximately one thousand independent grocers primarily owned by Dominican immigrants. The dialogue centers on a critique of a government proposal by Mayor Zohran Mandami to open a taxpayer-funded grocery store, which the guests argue is an inefficient use of resources compared to subsidizing affordable aisles within existing local businesses. Beyond this policy dispute, the speakers address the harsh realities of operating in New York City, highlighting the escalating costs of crime, the impact of minimum wage increases on consumer prices, and the perceived unfair competition from unregulated street vendors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • NYC Comp. Mark Levine (D-NY) | 04-26-26

    NYC Comp. Mark Levine (D-NY) | 04-26-26
    Apr 27 2026
    New York City Comptroller Mark Levine outlines his vision for the city’s financial future and explains his role as the Chief Financial Officer responsible for managing a $320 billion pension fund. Levine emphasizes his commitment to economic development and fiscal oversight, specifically through his power to audit city agencies and investigate wasteful spending. The conversation highlights a tension between government-funded initiatives, such as a proposed municipal supermarket, and the host's preference for capitalism and private-sector support for small businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 04-26-26

    No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 04-26-26
    Apr 27 2026
    Fernando Mateo first interviews representatives from the National Supermarkets Association, who argue that taxpayer-funded government competition and unchecked illegal street vending undermine the stability of independent, immigrant-owned grocery stores. The dialogue then shifts to an interview with City Comptroller Mark Levine, focusing on his role as the chief financial officer responsible for overseeing pension funds and auditing city spending to ensure transparency. Throughout the broadcast, Mateo emphasizes the importance of protecting capitalism and small businesses while challenging the efficiency of municipal projects that bypass existing neighborhood infrastructure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 04-19-26

    No Excuses with Fernando Mateo | 04-19-26
    Apr 20 2026
    Fernando Mateo explores the evolving landscape of modern business, focusing on the shift from traditional media to social media marketing and recent legislative changes affecting the hospitality industry. Mateo and guest Alex Betton Court discuss the risks of influencer fraud, warning business owners to investigate engagement metrics rather than relying on potentially fake follower counts purchased through third-party apps. The program transitions into a conversation with restaurateur Peter Kambits and his staff regarding the elimination of federal taxes on tips, a policy credited to Donald Trump that aims to improve employee retention and consumer spending power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins