April 15, 2024

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As we usher in a new season, it’s the perfect time to explore some fresh creations from the minds of NYU alumni. From captivating books that transport you to new worlds, to compelling movies and shows that ignite the imagination, and thought-provoking podcasts exploring various topics, these works promise to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. Dive in and discover something new to watch, read, or listen to this spring, from a vast array of NYU alumni talent.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list and only includes a small number of the many talented NYU alumni who work in these respective fields. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement. 

WATCH

Movie and TV show poster art

Daniel Dae Kim (TSOA ’96) as Lord Ozai in Avatar the Last Airbender

Tisch alum Daniel Dae Kim stars as Lord Ozai in this series, which follows the journeys of the protagonist, Aang, and his companions as they embark on a mission to rescue the world by vanquishing Fire Lord Ozai and bringing an end to the devastating conflict with the Fire Nation.

Donald Glover (TSOA ’06) as Mr. John Smith in Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Two unrelated individuals separately decide to join a secret organization, assuming the roles of undercover agents posing as a married couple named "John" and "Jane" Smith. Together, they face a series of missions where their espionage abilities and evolving relationships are pushed to their limits.

Bryce Dallas Howard (TSOA ’20) as Elly Conway in Argylle

Elly Conway, a reclusive author, crafts chart-topping espionage novels featuring a protagonist named Argylle, embarking on a quest to dismantle a worldwide spy syndicate. Yet, as the narratives of her books begin to mirror the clandestine operations of an actual spy group, the boundary between fiction and reality becomes increasingly indistinct.

Mahershala Ali (TSOA ’00) as Clay Sanford in Leave The World Behind

A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the danger escalates, both families find themselves confronted with difficult choices on how to navigate through the impending crisis, all while wrestling with their own roles in this unraveling world.

Veena Sud (TSOA ’01), Writer and Directori The Strangers

A seemingly ordinary rideshare driver's world turns upside down when she picks up a mysterious passenger in the Hollywood Hills. What begins as a routine trip spirals into her worst nightmare, spanning 12 intense hours as she traverses the dark and dangerous side of Los Angeles in a harrowing game of cat and mouse.

READ

Books covers of featured books

Mateo Askaripour (CAS ’12), This Great Hemisphere (‎Dutton)
(Coming July 2024)

Award-winning author Mateo Askaripour crafts a tale of courage and determination as Sweetmint, an invisible woman who has fought to be seen throughout her life, defies the expected and embarks on a journey to find her brother, the prime suspect in a high-profile investigation.

Nell Freudenberger (GSAS ’00), The Limits (‎Knopf)

Set against the backdrop of Mo’orea and New York City, two teenagers—Pia, uprooted from her island home, and Athyna, struggling with the weight of responsibility—navigate privilege, isolation, and societal inequalities, culminating in an insightful exploration of nation, race, and family.

Omotara James (GSAS ’19), Song of My Softening (‎Alice James Books)

This anthology delves into themes of tenderness, vulnerability, and honesty. Through James’ lens, readers are offered a raw portrayal of perseverance, unadorned and unapologetic—a reflection for those navigating cultures beyond their own. Within these poems, echoes of resilience resound, painting a vivid picture of multifaceted survival.

Toby Lloyd (GSAS ’15), Fervor (‎Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster)

An eerie and unforgettable tale unfolds as a tightly-knit Jewish family in London finds themselves on the edge of despair when they harbor suspicions that their daughter possesses witch-like abilities.

January Gill O'Neil (GSAS ’97), Glitter Road (‎CavanKerry Press)

In Glitter Road, the narrative reflects on the dissolution of a marriage, experiences of loss, and the emergence of a new relationship amidst the changing seasons of Mississippi. Delving into the intertwined histories of Emmett Till and the narrator, the book illuminates how their stories intersect and the profound impact of race that connects us all.

Gregory Pardlo (GSAS ’01), Spectral Evidence (‎Knopf)

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gregory Pardlo explores race, faith, and the complexities of the law, blending profound reflections on historical figures with contemporary social issues, inviting readers into a deeply personal and thought-provoking journey through poetry.

Morgan Parker (TSOA ’22), You Get What You Pay For (One World)

Acclaimed poet and writer Morgan Parker candidly explores her personal struggles with loneliness, depression, and the pervasive effects of racism in America. Through a collection of essays, she examines America’s cultural history and relationship to Black Americans through different time periods.

Sara Shepard (CAS ’99), Nowhere Like Home (‎Dutton)

In Sara Shepard’s Nowhere Like Home, the main character Lenna is drawn into a mysterious community in the desert by her long-lost friend Rhiannon, and uncovers unsettling secrets and confronts her own past. This novel explores friendship, trauma, and unexpected twists.

LISTEN

Album art for the songs and podcasts mentioned

Take A Day Trip (Denzel Baptiste TSOA ’14 and David Biral TSOA ’15), Producers, “Human Made” by Kid Cudi

This dynamic NYU alumni duo produced “Human Made” on hip-hop icon Kid Cudi’s latest album Insano.

Fletcher (TSOA ’16), In Search Of The Antidote

FLETCHER’s sophomore album, In Search of the Antidote, released in March chronicles her journey towards self-love and healing from past experiences.

Johanna (Hanna) Herbst (STERN ’09), Reach Your Goals

Each week, Johanna engages in enlightening conversations with inspiring figures, delving into a wide array of career and business-related subjects to provide you with the wisdom necessary to progress toward a more fulfilling professional journey. 

Karina Longworth (GSAS ’05), You Must Remember This

Created and narrated by alum Karina Longworth, You Must Remember This explores the secret and forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century, featuring guest stars from various fields and delivering researched creative nonfiction stories that navigate the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry.

June Diane Raphael (TSOA ’02) and Paul Scheer (STEINHARDT ’98), How Did This Get Made?

Hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas welcome guest creatives to engage in lively, candid, and heated discussions about some of cinema’s most notorious worst films.

Maggie Rogers (TSOA ’16), “So Sick Of Dreaming” 

“So Sick Of Dreaming,” a song exploring the complexities of relationships, is part of Maggie Rogers' highly anticipated third studio album, Don't Forget Me.

Rob Silverstone (STERN ’89), Rob Silverstone Show

Host Rob Silverstone draws from his experiences in finance and media to impart invaluable lessons, empowering you to excel in your professional endeavors. Explore insights on management, leadership, personal finance, goal achievement, and effective networking.

Anna Van Valin (TSOA ’04), Every Day is a Food Day

Discover the unexpected stories behind your favorite snacks. Co-hosts Lia Ballentine and Anna Van Valin get into the fascinating world of food, uncovering tales of lawsuits, corporate intrigue, and more. 

Lindsey Weber (CAS ’08), Who? Weekly

If you’ve ever felt lost in the midst of social media chatter, hosts Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger will bring you up to speed. They dish out the latest scoop on all the who's who, what they're up to, and why it matters.

Nicole Zuraitis (STEINHARDT ’07), How Love Begins

How Love Begins, the Grammy-winning jazz vocal album captivates with its original compositions, drawing inspiration from the environment around us.


Are you involved in something new? We’d love to hear about it! Email alumni.info@nyu.edu to be considered for inclusion in future content, and submit a Class Note to share the news with your fellow NYU alumni.