Welcome to the Sugary Scoop, my free weekly newsletter where we help you see and experience the magic of NYC that I love so much through curated events, experiences, artists, and community stories.

Let’s get to this week’s Scoop!

Starting this week, I want to flip the script a bit.

Instead of me just sharing thoughts about connection and culture, I want to start hearing yours.

We’re opening up space for you to ask questions — about anything that sits at the intersection of connection, culture, and community in NYC.

- Maybe it’s why making real friends in this city feels harder than it should.
- Maybe it’s how we can gather better — with more meaning and less performance.
- Or maybe it’s just where you feel the pulse of culture shifting next.

Drop your questions HERE

Some we’ll unpack on the podcast. Others might spark their own stories or content entirely.

The whole point of Sugary has always been simple — help each of us feel more connected to people, to purpose, and to the city we call home.

Can’t wait to see what you send in. Let’s make this next chapter a conversation, not just a broadcast.

🍬 Sugary

THE SUGARY EFFECT

Becoming American in Unnatural Times

Last week, I had the privilege of witnessing my good friend Garima go through her naturalization ceremony and complete the final steps towards becoming an American citizen.

It was actually the first time I had witnessed a moment like this in person.

As I snaked my way through the time-honored American tradition of an impossibly long security screening, I entered a ceremonial courtroom and joined the countless family and friends sequestered toward the back half of the room while approximately 200 immigrants representing 53 countries and 4 continents sat patiently up front for their chance to live the American dream…

200 new citizens

200 new voices

200 new reasons to hope

And this was occurring in court houses across our nation every day…about 2,250 to be more specific.

Yet for me, this was particularly poignant because even as we welcomed this daily renewal to our nation’s tapestry, it arrives against a backdrop of great uncertainty in our country’s history.

I hoped that the determination and fortitude that brought each of these individuals to this moment (typically 5-7 years) would help them endure the challenges they would face as members of our star spangled dysfunction even while enjoying its benefits.

As the elderly judge entered the room to administer the oath, he offered a preamble in soft spoken tone that offered comfort and assurance.  He conveyed that this “American dream” built on immigrant aspirations was in fact secure and with a subtle yet wry smile indicated that “no kings” should impede that vision as has always been in line with our traditions.

Gangster mic drop your honor.

As we stood collectively and faced our flag, I got a tiny shiver down my spine for the opening line that I knew was about to come, “I pledge allegiance…” 

It just hit different given our current administration.

As the pledge concluded with, “…for liberty and justice for ALL”, I prayed for the day that we might finally live up to this most sacred of American testaments. 

As the ceremony drew to a close, I gave Garima a big hug and told her how honored I was to be able to witness her becoming a “natural woman” during these unnatural times (…I also had Aretha Franklin cued up for this specific occasion…yes I’m a cheese ball…but an endearing one) and took a plethora of photos to mark the occasion before treating her to her first meal as a US Citizen…naturally.

Earlier in the waiting process, I took Garima on a short break to the adjoining mini mart stationed inside the courthouse and bought her a lottery ticket as a metaphor for her current situation and reintroduced her to the central tenet of our nation…capitalism.

 And wouldn’t you know it…

…she won!

Well I’ll be damned, maybe there’s hope after all…

🍬 Sugary

NOTABLE NYC EVENTS, HAND-PICKED BY SUGARY

Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Sweet List—our newly standardized events newsletter built with complete with a color-coded Trust System, clear Time & Place formatting, crystal-clean social-battery icons, concise one-line value props, bite-sized “Your People” profiles, Free 🆓/Ticketed 🎟️ markers, and curated experience icons to help you zero in on the perfect vibe.

AND DON’T SAY I DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT…

UNMUTED

I’ve long believed that the fate of a healthy society hangs in the balance of our ability to communicate with each other.

Especially in these times, the natural tethers towards one another are fraying to precarious levels.

Enter UNMUTED, a non-partisan organization creating a safe space for in person conversations about the big issues affecting our times without hate or judgement.

Founded by Ed Manzi,  the community has been growing at an ambitious pace hosting 50+ events  since they formed this year.  

A typical event takes the form of a panel discussion followed by breakout groups led by a group moderator and concluding with a Q&A.

I had the pleasure of attending a recent event where the theme of the evening was focused on religion in America and the panelists included an imam, a rabbi and a Christian priest. 

I was impressed by the diversity of the attendees both in terms of ethnic and cultural backgrounds present, but also how it seemed to draw in a healthy mix of Gen Z, Millenials and even some X’ers such as myself.

In speaking with Ed, UNMUTED isn’t shy to tackle any array of difficult themes such as immigration, AI, tariffs, and the ethics of sports betting among many others. For 2026 their hope is to scale their activations so that they can engage a greater portion of the populace in the necessary work towards communion even when the very topics themselves discourage the effort.

It’s tough work, and I have a lot of respect for any community that commits to tackling difficult aspects of our society for the greater benefit of a more civil and functional society.

I definitely encourage you to check out UNMUTED and lend your own ears and voice to the ongoing conversation.

Connect IRL. Experience Fabrik.

Get in touch with NYC’s brightest communities and make new friends.

Fabrik is a home for communities and where everyone has a place to belong. With spaces designed to feel more like your living room than your office, Fabrik’s 'third spaces' are vibrant hubs where you can come together in real life, explore interests, forge meaningful connections, and enjoy a sense of community.

Sign-up here to experience a free trial at Fabrik.

Weekly events at Fabrik HERE

Othership

Othership offers immersive sauna and ice bath experiences that help human beings feel good now. A sanctuary for social self-care to move you from city buzz to inner calm.

Dive into the largest performance saunas in North America, experience otherworldly ice bath spaces and connect in an intimate amphitheater-style tea lounge surrounding a cozy fire place for socializing.

Expect towel-waving performances, aromatherapy, guided breathwork, visualizations, and somatic release to help you shift your state and regulate your emotions, in a world that can’t be regulated.

The founders of Othership have gifted us a New York 2 for 1 Deal. Get yours while they last!