Description

“If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.”

In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie sits down with Rebecca Bratspies, a law professor, author, and environmental justice advocate, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked history of New York City’s place names. Her book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, reveals the incredible (and sometimes shocking) stories behind the names of streets, bridges, and parks in NYC.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

From the surprising origins of the Major Deegan Expressway to the dark past of Rikers Island, Rebecca takes us on a journey through power, politics, and the shaping of a city. She uncovers stories of forgotten heroes like Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who fought for freedom on two continents, and exposes figures like Richard Riker, whose “Kidnapping Club” sent free Black New Yorkers into slavery.

Beyond history, Rebecca also dives into her environmental justice work, including the Environmental Justice Chronicles, a series of graphic novels that make legal and environmental issues accessible to everyone. She shares her passion for storytelling, how she breaks out of conventional academic roles, and why “staying in your lane” is overrated.

This conversation is packed with history, social justice, and inspiration—perfect for rebels looking to challenge the status quo and make a difference.

Cool Things Rebecca Says

• “You don’t have to stay in your lane.” 

• “The segregation we see in cities today was created intentionally. If we want to solve it, we need to understand that history.”

• “Major Deegan was not the war hero I expected. He was a mid-level bureaucrat!” 

• “Rikers Island was named after a man who kidnapped Black New Yorkers into slavery. And it’s still a jail today. That history matters.” 

• “If you want to create change, do it. Don’t wait for permission.” 

Episode Highlights

• Rebecca’s journey to writing Naming Gotham and why NYC’s street names reveal hidden stories.
• Major Deegan’s surprising past – Not a war hero, but a bureaucrat!
• The dark history of Rikers Island and its connection to slavery.
• Tadeusz Kosciuszko: A Revolutionary War hero and anti-slavery advocate.
• Robert Moses: The man who shaped NYC—but at what cost?
• How place names reflect power and exclusion in urban planning.
• Rebecca’s environmental justice work and how it intersects with her historical research.
• The Environmental Justice Chronicles: Using comics to make legal and environmental issues accessible.
• Why “staying in your lane” is a myth—and why you should follow your passions.

Links from the Episode

• Rebecca Bratspies’ Website – https://rebeccabratspies.com

• Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names – https://www.amazon.com/Naming-Gotham-Villains-Rogues-Heroes-ebook/dp/B0BVBY7BV6/

• The Environmental Justice Chronicles (Free Download) – https://www.rebeccabratspies.com/environmental-justice-chronicles

• Non-Stop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas by Rebecca Solnit & Joshua Jelly-Schapiro – https://www.amazon.com/Nonstop-Metropolis-York-City-Atlas/dp/0520285956

Get Your Copy of Michael's Book:
"BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable"
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