Join Nils and I as we share more details from our unforgettable Princess Cruise around the Mediterranean with our family. 

Let’s dive into the cruise line's convenient Medallion Class technology and our experience in an interior cabin. Tune in to discover the variety of food options on the ship, along with my mixed reviews of the dining rooms. We also recount our entertainment experiences, stops in unique ports like Gibraltar and charming Spanish towns, and cultural highlights in Barcelona and Italy. 

This episode transports you along on our family's once-in-a-lifetime European adventure. Tune in now, only here at the Coming To New York City podcast.

Catch up with Nils and I as we share how I earned a Mediterranean cruise!

Our family flew to Rome and stayed in an Airbnb to explore the city before our cruise. Experiences like a golf cart tour to see hidden gems of Rome, a pasta-making class in a local home and seeing incredible landmarks like the Colosseum helped us quickly fall in love with The Eternal City and its people.

There’s so much adventure you don’t want to miss! You’ll also get to learn about our budget travel tips, recommendations for tours and activities and insights into Roman culture and cuisine. 

Tune in now, only here at the Coming To New York City podcast.

As a family, we’re always trying new things and this year it’s a new approach to education. We have loved having our girls in the NYC public school system but our desire for a flexible schedule to travel and explore the city has led us to a new school.

Tune in as we navigate the realm of online education and pave the way for a bright future for our girls–only here on the Coming To New York City podcast.

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal moments that ignited Katie's desire for change, the career that almost was and how this podcast inspired a new path.

Tune in now to find out what exciting new endeavor Katie has chosen and how it can actually benefit you, only here on the Coming To New York City Podcast.

With a keen eye for timeless treasures, Amy Abrams is the Queen of NYC vintage and beyond! In this episode you’ll hear more about her love for vintage finds and for connecting collectors through an array of stores that she owns and events that she hosts. She’ll even give tips for vintage hunting to those of us who are new to the space! 

Be sure to put Amy’s tips into action by visiting one of her shops or events:

Artists & Fleas: Chelsea Market/Williamsburg, BK/Venice, CA/Atlanta, GA

Regeneration:  Williamsburg, BK

Manhattan Vintage Show: October 20-22, 2023/February 2-4, 2024/April 12-14, 2024/October 18-20, 2024

Visit www.artistsandfleas.com and www.manhattanvintage.com to find addresses and operating hours.

Get ready to be inspired by the charm of vintage and her unique stories only here at the Coming to New York City podcast.

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, join Shelby and I as we talk about our NYC favorites and best moments while living here in the Big Apple. With Shelby's infectious enthusiasm and unique perspective, this episode will immerse you in the magic of the city that never sleeps and leave you inspired to discover your own New York City story.

Grab your favorite drink and wear comfiest clothes, ‘cause this episode is about to make your heart melt with Shelby. Join the conversation, only here on the Coming to New York City podcast.

On today’s podcast we have a very special guest, my oldest daughter Emery. And, in typical 13 year old fashion, she really makes me work for this interview, haha. She’s hilarious and has been asking to be on the podcast again but . . . well, you’ll hear how she decided to play cool when you listen.

Emery describes her 'Perfect Day' in this podcast. She reveals starting a summer day by having breakfast at a coffee shop, getting a bagel, avocado toast, or a sausage-egg-and-cheese sandwich, and a mocha (no coffee!). She mentions ending her long day with bubble tea. Her day is mainly based on food, shopping, and Instagramming! Listen to get to know her and get ideas for the next time you're in the Times Square area.

After listening, you'll want to try out all of her choices and explore New York City from the perspective of a 13-year-old. This latest episode of the 'Coming to New York City' podcast will intrigue you about what's special in the 'City That Never Sleeps"--- at least for a teenager like my Emery.

One of the most exciting things about moving into a new neighborhood is meeting new people and finding hidden gems. Today we’ll introduce you to Perri Salka, the owner of the cutest little shop in Greenpoint: The WonderMart.

So many people come to the city to get something from it but Perri has come up with a unique was to add to her community by supporting local artisans. Listen to find out what makes The WonderMart different from other stores and what it took to get there. 

Prepare to be inspired by Perri’s vision and then get excited about coming to visit the WonderMart! It’s all here on the Coming to New York City podcast. 

Nestled in the northernmost part of Brooklyn, Greenpoint is a place where history, culture, and creativity converge.

Get ready as we share our honest first impressions of this awesome neighborhood, discussing our obsession with pizza (because who isn't obsessed with pizza?) and exploring the local theaters that are buzzing with entertainment and creativity. Join us as we embrace the thrill of settling in and exploring the unique flavors and culture that made Greenpoint our new home sweet home. 

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into our Greenpoint adventures in this new episode of Coming to New York City Podcast.

We finally moved in! 

As we unpack boxes and decorate our new place, we'll discuss the excitement and challenges of turning a blank canvas into a cozy, personalized home. From navigating the quirks of New York apartment living to discovering the best local services and amenities, we'll provide insights and recommendations to help fellow New Yorkers make the most of their own moving experiences.

Join us on this new episode as we share our adventures, insights, and anecdotes from our recent move into a new apartment in the vibrant city that never sleeps. Whether you're a current resident, a future New Yorker, or simply intrigued by the energy and charm of this iconic city, this episode is your insider's guide to living the New York dream–only here on the Coming To New York City podcast. 

Meet my good friend and fellow NYC enthusiast, Patty Burbacher. 

This episode shares the story of Patty, a 65-year-old empty nester and retiree from Ohio who fell head over heels for New York City so much that she decided to move here. Join us as we hear about Patty's journey of discovering the city's hidden gems, embracing new experiences, and exploring the neighborhoods of the Big Apple. 

Get ready to be inspired by Patty's zest for life and her incredible adventure in the city that never sleeps in this new episode of Coming To New York City Podcast.

Get ready to discover a side of New York City that you won't find in the guidebooks! 

In this episode of "New York City Icks," we're shining a light on the challenges and issues that are all too real for the city's residents. We'll talk about the crowded subways, the high cost of housing, and the environmental hazards that come with city living. But we'll also explore potential solutions to make life better for all New Yorkers. 

Whether you're a local or a curious visitor, join us as we take an honest and thought-provoking look at the "icks" of New York City–only here at Coming to New York City Podcast!

In this episode, Nils and I share some of our most embarrassing moments in New York City!

From public transportation mishaps to desperate bathroom emergencies, we've both experienced some cringeworthy situations in the city. We've all been there! 

As the stories get more revealing, I describe not one but two car-related digestive disasters. You'll laugh, but also feel for me as I describe pulling a desperate U-turn and raiding a Halloween store bathroom. 

TMI? Maybe, but we're all human. This no-holds-barred chat was cathartic and we hope it helps others feel less alone. Tune in now to our most embarrassing episode now!

Are you thinking about setting up an office space in New York City?

In our new episode, we'll be talking about the advantages and challenges of having an office space, the different neighborhoods and boroughs to consider, and the cost of renting or owning an office space in New York City. That’s not all! We’ll also highlight the cultural and social perks of working in this vibrant city.

Whether you're an established business owner, a startup founder, or just someone interested in the business scene in New York, this episode is for you! 

Let's dive into the world of having an office space in the city that never sleeps in this new episode of Coming to New York City Podcast.

It’s moving day for the Smith family! 

Moving in NYC can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help. In this episode, Nils and I will talk through our comprehensive NYC moving checklist. From finding a reputable moving company to navigating the building’s moving rules, listen in as we talk through it all.  Whether you're a checklist pro or new to the game, we highly recommend creating a comprehensive moving checklist for your upcoming move. Tune in and get ready to tackle your NYC move like a pro!

In case you missed the last episode, we played the game Would You Rather: New York City Edition - Part 1. 

In Part 1, Nils asked 5 questions about transportation, food, go-to spots, and airports! This time around, it’s Katie’s turn to ask the questions. Will they agree on their answers this time around?

So, if you’re up for another round with Would You Rather, hop into the conversation in this new episode of Coming to New York City Podcast!

Let’s play a game of Would You Rather: New York City Edition! 

We’ve got 5 ‘Would You Rather’ questions that we’re excited for you to answer in this interactive episode. The rules are simple: in every question that is thrown out, pause for a moment and pick your answer. When you're ready, resume the podcast to know which option we chose in every round.

In this episode, Nils is in charge of asking the questions so prepare yourselves ‘cause it’s going to be an episode full of New York City choices. So sit back, relax, and get ready to choose between this or that in this new episode of Coming to New York City Podcast!

We often get looks of disbelief when we share our NYC urgent care and ER stories with friends and family so we thought you might enjoy them, too!

We also talk about how we found good doctors and dentists here in the city as well as some of the innovative healthcare startups here that have helped us stay healthy without breaking the bank. So take your vitamins and a mental health break today with this new episode of Coming to New York City Podcast!

We won! 

In the last podcast episode before we took a little break, we talked about the NYC housing lottery and how we were hopeful that we’d get selected for a place that would work well for our family soon. Randomly, a little over 3 weeks ago, we got a call about the building we were hoping for and the rest is history!

Ok, so the process of actually getting the apartment was  not that easy. We had to turn in endless paperwork and documentation but in the end it was all worth it. 

There’s so much more in our housing lottery journey we’re excited for you to know, so join us as we recount the chaos in this new episode of the Coming to New York City podcast!

Put a finger down if overnight trips are your go-to quality time activity with your friends and loved ones. 

We have a bunch of recommendations we’re excited to share with you, if you’re up for this kind of trip! You can visit the famous Hershey Park in Pennsylvania if you're craving something sweet or ride the roller coasters if you’re feeling adventurous. If that’s a little too much for you, you can always stroll around the Freedom Trail located in Boston, Massachusetts or visit world-class museums in Washington D.C.

Pack your overnight essentials with us and hop into the conversation in the new episode of the Coming to New York City podcast!

Roosevelt Island is such an amazing place for our family. And I’m glad we made the decision to move . . . but another move may be in our future.

We are navigating the complex world of lottery apartments and doing our best to figure out all on the ins and outs. We’ll introduce the concept in this episode as we have experienced it so far and then keep you updated as our journey unfolds!

So, prepare your moving boxes and packing peanuts if you’re ready to take the leap of faith applying for a housing lottery. And don’t forget to join the conversation in this new episode of Coming to New York City podcast!

Whether it’s by car, by train, or by boat, day trips out of New York City are a great way to explore new places we know you’ll love! 

From visiting a cool museum in Philadelphia, to stepping foot in a little town in Connecticut, and enjoying a burger spot in New England, day trips like these will always hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve got so many great places we’d love for you to know about and we’re excited for you to experience one of these extraordinary adventures. 

So pack your bags if day trips are your cup of tea, and hop into the conversation in this new episode of Coming to New York City podcast!

It’s time to pull your coats out of the closet ‘cause it’s about to get chilly!

December is one of the most magical months of the year and we’re excited for what this month has to offer! We really enjoy indulging in different food booths and souvenir shops. We also love ice skating and participating in the Christmas tree lighting, and opening gifts on Christmas morning! So many great things to do and love about December in New York City. 

Grab some hot chocolate ‘cause this episode is going to make you want to celebrate Christmas all month long. If you love the holidays just as much as we do, hop into the conversation in this week’s episode of Coming to New York City podcast!

Join me along with Nils as we provide an update on our first year back in Brooklyn after living in Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. 

In this episode, we share what we love about Greenpoint, from the neighborhood vibes and stunning views of Manhattan to the diverse restaurant options. 

We also reflect on our decision to transition our daughters to online school, a choice that has exceeded our expectations by offering more flexibility, quality family time, and a sense of responsibility for the girls. 

Tune in for an insightful and personal look at our life in Greenpoint, only here at the Coming To New York City Podcast.

It’s almost turkey season in New York City! 

Experience Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade during the coziest time of the year—November! This month is one of the most festive months to celebrate in New York City with your friends and family because Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most anticipated outdoor activity of the season. In this episode, we’ll talk about the preparation, do’s and don’ts, and we will give you hacks about the event. 

So don’t miss this one! Join in the conversation of the Coming to New York City Podcast if you’re planning to go to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

It’s finally fall! Prepare your boots and cardigans as we welcome our family’s favorite month of the year—October. 

When the temperature drops, October in New York City is the place to be. During this time of the year, picnics at Central Park are always so pleasant. You get to witness the leaves start to change colors as everyone is busy preparing for Halloween. Plus, you get to layer your favorite jackets and sweaters! October is a busy month for New Yorkers because tourism picks up as people come to visit and celebrate Halloween in the city! So if you want to celebrate Halloween and make some new friends, we’ve got some tips and tricks for you!

Hop into this conversation of Coming to New York Podcast if you like all things October!

It’s been a while since an episode was released. Now, it’s time to jump right back in!

A lot has happened over the summer with the Smiths. It was a jam-packed summer of adventure, traveling from Australia to the Philippines to Dubai! From seeing the kangaroos and koalas up close, to getting Emery’s 13th birthday celebration canceled due to a crazy storm in the land down under, to spending a few nights in the middle of the jungle with Nils’ team from Amplify Social Media, to eating rice meals day in and out, to trying out the famous Filipino “balut,” to witnessing the pristine beaches of Boracay, to spending very spontaneous crazy hot and humid days in Dubai, the land of the world’s largest literally everything, and so much more!

So if you’re up for some epic story time about our summer experience and what the future for the Coming to New York podcast will be, then hop into this conversation with us for more!

Thinking about moving to New York City with your dog? There are some things you should know first, especially if you’re thinking about  moving in the city. There are challenges that come with raising a dog in NYC, but it can be an awesome experience as long as you prepare and do your research ahead of time. In this episode, Katie and Nils explore everything there is to know about living with a dog in New York City; from basic training to doggy daycares, and whether or not dogs can easily be brought out on the streets of New York City. You can catch more of it in this episode of Coming to New York City, so tune in!

“Do you think people visiting New York City should ride the subway?” 

“Absolutely!” 

In this episode, Nils and Katie share their favorite experiences while riding the subway. 

The New York City Subway is such a unique and enjoyable way to see the city, but it can be so much better if you know all the tips and tricks of it. Using the subway is the key to traveling around in the city quickly and cost-effectively but it can be tricky to understand the routes at first. Don’t worry because Nils and Katie explain the benefits of using e-wallets, the cost of traveling through the different systems, and so much more! You can catch more of it in this episode of Coming to New York City so tune in!

*This episode was recorded before the subway shooting tragedy in Brooklyn. Our thoughts are with all of those who experienced that scary situation.

New York City is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. While many of its attractions are indoor experiences, there are also plenty of outdoor activities that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of a movie. In this episode, Nils and Katie talk about their favorite outdoor activities to do in New York City. From outdoor dining, to visiting parks, to riding double-decker buses, to watching ball games, and so much more! You can catch more of it in this episode of Coming to New York City so tune in!

Broadway is finally back!. If you love food and Broadway, this is the perfect episode for you! New York City might be the heart of theater and home to some of the greatest museums in the world, but it’s also known as one of the food capitals of the world. From traditional dishes like pizza to fusion cuisine from all over the globe, there’s no shortage of great places to eat here. In this episode, Katie talks about the best New York City dining options before watching a Broadway show and shares her experience seeing one of the newest hit show. We hope you will listen in as she gives some tips if you’re planning to attend a show this year. You can catch more of it in this episode of Coming to New York City so tune in!

As you plan your next trip to the city, you’re probably excited about its resurgence post-Covid but you may be wondering: Is New York City safe? In this episode of Coming to New York City, Nils and Katie talk about the security of traveling around the city—is it really safe around here? And a useful app that you can use to track situations that are going around in the city. You can catch more of it in this episode of Coming to New York City so tune in!

It’s easy to talk about emergencies after it has happened or if it hasn’t even happened to us yet. But when it does, it’s true that your mind goes blank. So was the case for Katie and Nils as they talked about the fire that happened in the apartment complex, which originated from next door. It was a rollercoaster ride for the family, standing in the hallway of their apartment in their jammies, while waiting for the fire to go out. The couple also shares what their apartment complex looks and is built of, which is helpful if you ever decide on getting your own place in New York City. So tune in to this episode of the Coming to New York podcast for more of this story.

As the COVID cases in New York City go down, they have now decided to open their doors to inviting everyone to travel back in. Tune in to this episode as Nils and Katie get back to you on new mandates regarding policies of establishments and transportation in wearing of masks and vaccination cards. 

In this episode of Coming to New York City Podcast, sit-down with Nils and I as we provide an update on transportation options in and around New York City for 2024. 

We discuss the three major airports: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark–comparing prices, amenities, and best ways to get into Manhattan from each one. Learn tips from our experience for choosing between rideshares, trains, and ferries depending on their destination. Nils and I also cover changes like upcoming congestion pricing tolls and the ease of contactless payments now available on public transit. 

Whether you're planning a trip or just curious how getting around NYC is changing, this episode has valuable information for navigating transportation in 2024.

Are you a tourist in New York? Or someone new coming to New York? Or are you still in the planning phase of going to New York City but don’t know where to start or who to ask about things to do in the city? Or you’re just overwhelmed with researching and reading a lot of blogs on where to go?

Don’t worry too much about it because Nils and Katie are here to help you in this podcast of Coming To New York! So sit down with your coffee and settle in because there’s going to be a lot they’ll share with you, including many tips you should keep in mind when traveling to the city.

If you have any questions, Katie’s got you covered! You can DM her on Instagram @comingtoNYC. She would love to hear from you!

If you’re wondering about what to do and where to eat in New York, then this podcast episode is for you!

In this special episode of Coming To New York with Nils and Katie, they’re accompanied by very adorable guests – Shelby and Emery! The Smiths are going to share their favorite go-to places to eat and activities to do in New York City (that you might want to try when you come visit), especially if you have kids tagging along – Shelby’s and Emery’s suggestions might come in handy.

Jump in on this podcast episode to get a glimpse of a fun-filled itinerary in New York City – for a day during the BIG holiday! 

Nils and Katie will take you around with their tips on the best places to go and things to do if you visit New York during the holiday season. Be prepared for a lot of walking around the city to get a feel for the quintessential Christmas vibe! 

And don’t forget to drop by Katie’s Instagram account @comingtonyc if you have any more questions, or if you just want to chat about coming to New York City – she’d be more than glad to talk about it with you!

This one’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!

In this podcast episode, tune in as Nils and Katie walk you through one of the newest attractions of New York City—the Summit One Vanderbilt. If you’ve been to the Chrysler Building or the Empire State, then this one’s way better because it’s not just focused on the view but on the art and the experience as well. 

So hop in on the podcast to know more (about Nils’ and Katie’s honest review and experience) about Summit One Vanderbilt!

Guess whose birthday it is? It's Katie's birthday!

Join Nils and Katie as they recap their epic celebration for Katie's 40th birthday. From going on a helicopter ride to spending a day on a surprisingly comfortable yacht cruise, and then another day on a rooftop bar with the best views of New York City. And to cap it off, it didn't just happen in one day—but over two weeks! Seems to me like the best birthday celebration.

So tune in to this episode of The Coming To New York podcast and don't forget to send some love to Katie through their Instagram account @comingtonyc.

Thanksgiving Day is getting closer and closer and in this episode of the Coming to New York City podcast, Nils and Katie share some very useful tips on how to celebrate a fun and memorable Thanksgiving Day in New York City this 2021!

Tune in as they share some tips on where to stay if you wanna get a good view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade or an awesome spot to hang out to if you want to see the parade upfront! They’ll also be sharing a preview of the parade routes, a few life hacks and reminders, and good food places to visit—whether you want to have the traditional Thanksgiving meal or celebrate it in a new way with Korean barbecue. Catch all this and more and get a feel on how a true New Yorker celebrates Thanksgiving Day.

Catch up with Nils and Katie in this new episode of Coming to New York as they fill you in about what they've been up to in the past 7 months in their new home on  Roosevelt Island. They also talk about various topics — from the upcoming election, safety in the city, and how New York is slowly opening up to vaccinated travelers. All this and more in the new season of Coming to New York!

Join Nils and Katie in this episode of Coming to New York City podcast as they discuss their top 5 brunch places in New York City. Listen to this podcast and get ideas about where to go for brunch the next time you visit. If Nils and Katie recommend it, then it’s definitely a must-try!

Do you want to do something in New York City but just don’t know what activity fits you? In this episode of Coming to New York City podcast, allow Nils and Katie to guide you on the activities that you can do while in the City based on what you like!

#ComingtoNewYorkCity #IfThen

Join Nils and Katie in this episode of Coming to New York City podcast as they tackle the ongoing news and issues of safety and racial diversity that people in New York City are facing. They share their experiences and perspectives on the topic, and how they address the issue as a Christian American couple.

Is NYC safe in 2024? 

Let’s dive into our personal experiences with safety in New York City, drawing from our years of living here. We tackle common worries regarding crime, homelessness, and protests, balancing acknowledgment of real issues with the observation that day-to-day life typically feels secure. 

With a bit of basic awareness, visitors can fully enjoy what the city has to offer. We offer practical advice, such as steering clear of loitering areas and staying vigilant in transport hubs. 

Overall, we're optimistic about NYC's progress on crime, and we encourage travelers to reach out to Katie for expert trip planning advice to make the most of their time in this dynamic city.

In this episode of Coming to New York City podcast, take a glimpse of how summer would look like in New York City as Nils and Katie share their experience in Little Island. They also give tips about the right footwear for summer in New York City. More of this in this episode.

The environment that we live in definitely influences us in more ways than one. Moving to Roosevelt Island has created a difference in Nils and Katie. So, how much has changed? Listen to this episode of Coming to New York City podcast.

Follow Katie on Instagram @comingtonyc

After more than a year of travel restrictions, New York City is finally opening its doors to domestic visitors. In this episode of Coming to New York City podcast, Nils and Katie give updates and information about what activities you can do when you come to visit New York City at this time.