Homegrown Heroes: Desus & Mero with Lovia Gyarkye

The Bronx's own offer up love for the city that made them and lessons from the borough that shaped them.

"We want to share all we've learned, after years in the Bronx streets, with you: the people," write Desus Nice and The Kid Mero in their book, God-Level Knowledge Darts, a guide to life that answers the big questions, like: How do I talk to my kids about drugs if I do them, too? What are the ethics of ghosting in a relationship? How much is too much to spend on sneakers? Is porn really that bad for me? The hosts of the Bodega Boys podcast and the Showtime late-night series Desus and Mero take the wisdom they've collected over years of trials, tribulations—and a few misdemeanors—to look back on the year that was 2020 for New York and spread some love for their city.

Lovia Gyarkye, editor at The New York Times, speaks with Desus Nice and The Kid Mero about the city that keeps them sharp and inspired.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the support of Library patrons and friends, as well as by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, and the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
 Desus Nice & The Kid Mero (aka The Bodega Boys) are multitalented comedians, podcasters, and New York Times bestselling authors who co-host the late-night show Desus & Mero, which just wrapped its second season on Showtime. Twice weekly, the Bronx-bred pals offer their hilarious takes on the latest news and sit down with an all-star line-up of guests that spans the cultural landscape, infusing the format with their signature brand of kinetic, off-the-cuff comedy. Their third season is slated to premiere in 2021. Desus and Mero also co-host the long-running and wildly popular Bodega Boys podcast. Their New York Times Best Seller life advice book, God-Level Knowledge Darts: Life Lessons from the Bronx, was released by Random House in September.

 Lovia Gyarkye is an editor at The New York Times. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Nation, The Believer, and The New Republic.

GET THE BOOK
If you have a NYPL library card—or live in New York state and want to apply for one now—you can borrow God-Level Knowledge Darts for free with our e-reader app SimplyE, available for iOS and Android devices. The title is available in accessible formats for community members who do not use standard print. Find out more at: nypl.org/talkingbooks. You can also request this book, and more, for pickup at one of our Grab & Go locations.

Readers everywhere who wish to purchase copies of God-Level Knowledge Darts can do so at The New York Public Library Shop. Proceeds benefit the New York Public Library. Plus, receive a 125th Anniversary tote bag with your purchase!

This program will be streamed on Zoom and simulcast to YouTube. You must register with your email address in order to receive the link to participate. Please check your email shortly before the discussion to receive the link. Captions for this event will be provided. 

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Desus & Mero © Greg Endries, Showtime

Lovia Gyarkye © Olivia Adechi