On this episode of OPEN, Principal Lillian Lopez of United Charter High School for the Humanities, alongside students Nay Shawn Davis and Genesis Ardon, discusses expanding student opportunities through Model UN, as well as the skills students gain through debate and leadership. Then, Eli Dvorkin, Editorial & Policy Director at the Center for an Urban Future, discusses a new report outlining five revenue-raising ideas to help address New York City’s budget challenges. Next, A. Curtis Farrow, producer and director of McDonald’s Gospelfest, discusses the 2026 Mother’s Day weekend celebration and the legacy and global impact of gospel music. Lastly, Beth Gardner, author of One Rowing Stroke at a Time, discusses her cancer recovery journey, resilience, and finding purpose through faith and storytelling.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this week's edition of OPEN Monday, host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with Cenia Paredes, Entrepreneur, Fashion designer and Author, to highlight her ready-to-wear fashion collection, "Cenia New York", and to speak about her new guide book on aging gracefully, "Timeless Beauty: A Guide to Cultivating Radiant Allure at 50 & Beyond". Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, Brooklyn-based Social and Behavioral Scientist, speaks about how her groundbreaking "Trauma-to-Triumph" framework is revolutionizing how institutions approach leadership development and reflects on her personal journey in becoming a leading trauma expert. Anna Linzie, an Award-winning Entrepreneur, Affiliate of Oasis Montage Magazine, Brand Ambassador, Author, Fashion Designer, and the TV and Podcast Host of "The Anna Linzie Show", highlights how she is using her platform to empower her audience.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by the Director of Development of the Bronx Tourism Council, Julius Drake, here to discuss Bronx Week 2026. Then, the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is back, and today we are highlighting Chef Gigi Lawrence, founder of RastaRant, here to talk about her Caribbean-infused vegan cuisine. After that, actor, educator, and producer Victor Cruz is here to discuss his new role in the hit Broadway play The Fear of 13. And finally, our Open Artist Spotlight shines on hip-hop artist, producer, and engineer, July Quin, who closes out the show performing his song "Champion."

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this episode of OPEN, Jimmy Carbone, Founder of Food Karma NYC and Producer of Brisket King NYC, discusses the 14th annual Brisket King NYC celebration. Then, Allison Cuesta Tardio, Development & Communications Specialist at Anthos|Home, breaks down New York City’s housing voucher crisis, explaining the barriers families face and the innovative solutions helping more New Yorkers secure permanent housing. Next, Gia Mead, Founder of UallNatural, along with Adele Stewart, Co-Founder and Licensed Cosmetologist, share some products and the journey into natural hair and scalp care. Finally, Tené Howard, Executive Director, and Marissa Hatten, Senior Director of Strategic Advancement at Sadie Nash Leadership Project, discuss the work empowering young women and gender-expansive youth of color and the expansion of their Summer Institute to the Bronx.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee sits down with husband and wife team Rob and Sharon Hoskins, Co-founders of Hoskins Life and Legacy Planning, P.C., who highlight the vital estate planning services and resources they provide to Black and Brown communities. Then, Auburn Chandler, Actor, reflects on his journey as a mainstay in the entertainment industry and spotlights upcoming film projects. Orange, Connecticut native singer and songwriter Chadwick shares his passion for music and spotlights his debut release. Yadi Garcia, Director of Programs, Corbin Hill Food Project, speaks about how her organization is bridging the food equity gap for black and brown farmers and communities. Prof. Michael Bacon, Associate Professor of Music, Lehman College, and Handal Abdelrahim, Co-producer of Bronx Beat Week, previews the annual CUNY Bronx Beat Battle competition.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this episode of OPEN, we recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month with John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, alongside Robert Baittie, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease. Then, we take a look back at our conversation with Estela Starr, founder of Healing Through Unity, an organization working to raise awareness around domestic violence through education, advocacy, and community care. Next, we’re joined by Johnathan Hornig, Director of Well-Being Services at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ Community Center and a member of Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council. He shares his experience on Smile Train’s “Journey of Smiles” in Mexico, meeting children and families receiving cleft care. And lastly, actor Christian Gunn joins us to talk about his journey in the industry and what’s next as he continues to grow his career.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this episode of Open Friday, host Rhina Valentin is joined by Provost and Vice President for the Office of Academic Affairs Dr. Andrea Fabrizio, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Julie Gafney to discuss the Hostos Community College Foundation’s upcoming 2026 Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala. Then, actress and producer Paige Hapeman joins the show to talk about her performance in Thoughts & Prayers happening at New York City’s Fringe Festival. After that, Director Joel Alfonso Vargas and actress Nathaly Navarro share details on the release of their new film, Mad Bills to Pay. Finally, the Open Artist Spotlight shines on singer, songwriter, and founder of Built Two Last Media, Tieasha Baker, who closes the show with her song, "Rejoice".

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.

On this episode of OPEN, John King Oppermann, Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative, discusses the upcoming Earth Day Festival in NYC, and ways people can take action for the environment. Then, Yolanda Durant, Stakeholder Liaison at the IRS, shares tips for filing taxes at the last minute, avoiding common errors, and requesting extensions. Next, Mario Armstrong, Digital Lifestyle Expert, offers tech tips for home safety, productivity, and lifestyle upgrades. Lastly, Robert Whelan and Deivid R. Valdez highlight the 48th annual Run The Bronx, a community event promoting health, fitness, and wellness.

OPEN is BronxNet’s premier weekday magazine show, bringing you the heartbeat of the Bronx and beyond. Join hosts Dr. Bob Lee (Mondays), Daren Jaime (Wednesdays), and Rhina Valentin (Fridays) for an essential mix of local news, civic engagement, and world-class culture. From hard-hitting conversations with community leaders to exclusive performances by rising stars in arts and entertainment, OPEN is your daily window into the stories and people shaping our borough.