A group of MTA students in Dr. Potocki’s Podcast elective were given the incredible opportunity to interview former New York Governor George Pataki. Basil Edelstein, Moshe Katz, Elie Husarsky and Max Fellner-Dublin were recently tasked with creating a podcast story as part of MTA’s new elective program. The students worked diligently for several weeks and eventually secured an interview with former Pataki.

The boys discussed a wide range of topics and found themselves deep in conversation about current events. Pataki, although no longer active politically, remains heavily involved in his community and overseas through the George Pataki Center’s Ukrainian Relief Fund. Over the course of the interview, they discovered the governor’s commitment to supporting families in the midst of the war with Russia.

Katz recalls one particular story about one of five mission trips to Ukraine, when Pataki and his team delivered over 150 tons of essential supplies, including food, housing, hygiene and medical supplies. The people of Ukraine were grateful, but requested that the aid be given to their troops instead of them. Pataki was astounded by their deep patriotism and urged American youth to reignite such enthusiasm for their country.

The seniors look forward to editing the podcast and submitting it to the New York Times’ annual podcast contest. They are certain that Pataki’s insights and experiences will be invaluable to students all across New York and the country.