The application process for landing a coveted spot at a NYC High School opened up this week and families will have the next couple of months to navigate the often overwhelming system. We'll learn about the latest changes to the process with Chalkbeat's Julian Shen-Berro as well as how to avoid the doom loop of anxiety while doing it with consultant Elissa Stein, who runs a organization dedicated to helping parents apply. And, we'll take listener calls.

The work of artist Don Hershman has returned to the walls of Salomon Arts Gallery in Tribeca, this time centered around the idea of code switching, which Hershman experienced as a gay man living in the American South in the 1980s while completing his medical residency. That's right, on top of being a fine artist, Hershman is also a trained doctor, and still works as a podiatric surgeon in San Francisco. The Art of Code Switching is on view through October 15, and 10% of the proceeds of the show's sales will be donated to The Trevor Project, which support suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth.

EVENT: The gallery will be hosting an Artist Talk open to the public on October 12, when Hershman will be in conversation with Anthony Haden Guest.

Jonathan Lethem joins us to discuss his latest book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, which follows the crime that occurs all across a 1970s Brooklyn neighborhood.

"Story Ave" is a new debut feature independent film from Bronx-born writer and director Aristotle Torres. The movie tells the story of Bronx teenage graffiti artist (played by Asante Blackk), who runs away from home and tries to rob an MTA worker (played by Luis Guzmán). The robbery doesn't go as planned, and the event changes the course of both of their lives. Torres and Blackk join to discuss their film, which is in select New York theaters now.