#PatrioticPeachy #AwesomeAuthors #RedCarpetRegulars #MoverandShaker #EmmyWinner #GracieWinner #NewYorkTimesBestsellingAuthor #RitaCosby @RitaCosby #Exclusive #Interview with #PeachyDeegan @ManhattanPeachy #WhomYouKnow On Her Accomplishments of the Past Decade!
Mover and Shaker Rita Cosby
Rita Cosby was first featured as a Mover and Shaker in 2011:
Since May of 2011, Rita Cosby‘s book about her father, QUIET HERO, became a New York Times Best Seller which is no surprise to us as we loved it so much we reviewed it twice. It remains the only book we have ever reviewed more than once in our dozen-year history.
She was deeply grateful to be able to share this news with her father Richard Cosby who sadly passed away soon after in 2012, and was posthumously awarded with one of Poland’s highest honors, the Polonia Restituta, for his courage in World War II.
Rita Cosby continues to highlight her father’s legacy, as well as spotlight the unwavering heroism of Polish and American troops, through countless broadcast interviews, speaking at major events all over the world, and in 2019, Rita was heralded at The White House, and also honored at The Royal Palace in Warsaw, Poland, decorated with one of the country’s highest civilian honors for her work recognizing Poland and its veterans.
In 2014, she joined WABC Radio. She has received six prestigious Gracie awards for her work in radio, including for Outstanding Host and Outstanding Talk Show.
In June 2014, she was the first American journalist to interview Pope Francis when she talked to him at the Vatican about his historic Mideast Peace Summit. She was able to conduct the interview entirely in Spanish, as she lived in Seville, Spain during her college studies abroad. In 2018, she was selected as female Legend of the Year by Radio Ink Magazine, chosen among all women on and off air in the radio industry. She currently hosts “The Rita Cosby Show” in primetime, 10pm to Midnight EST, where she interviews major newsmakers from all over the world.
Since 2011, Rita served as a frequent guest host on HLN/CNN and continues to do TV Specials for the network to this day. She is also frequently interviewed on numerous networks for her exclusive interviews and other current events. As an Emmy-winning TV host who has interviewed more than 20 world leaders, including seven US Presidents, she is constantly asked to give her valuable insight and perspective on major news events covered on TV, radio and elsewhere.
Since 2019, Rita has also been Chair of The Global Service Institute at Long Island University. This groundbreaking initiative teaches young and old how to get involved in various levels of volunteerism. Additionally, under here guidance the Institute created the innovative and much-needed Global Service App. This global app is believed to be the first of its kind tied to an educational institution.
Rita has also been co-hosting Troopathon for about ten years. To date, they have raised well over $8 million to send care packages to our nation’s active duty troops in harm’s way based all around the globe.
She also played a pivotal role in recognizing the unsung heroes of WWII, The Merchant Marines, who will now soon be accorded Congressional Gold Medals for their critical efforts in the war’s success.
Since Rita's Mover and Shaker Interview with Whom You Know in May 2011, she was given a special honor a few months later. Wherein because of her “extraordinary journalism and exemplary service on behalf of her community,” October 11, 2010, was officially named Rita Cosby Day in The State of New York. We are absolutely thrilled to present our newest interview with Rita Cosby! Peachy Deegan interviewed Rita for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: You are one of our most if not the most favorite patriot of Peachy’s favorite patriots.
What does the USA mean to you and why?
Rita Cosby: It represents freedom, hope and opportunity. America literally saved my father in World War II and has often saved the world in pivotal moments throughout history.
What should everyone know about your dad, Richard Cosby?
He was a deeply proud Polish freedom fighter who loved America and his homeland beyond words.
What is going to The White House like?
It’s always exciting, majestic and an honor.
What was it like to meet and interview Pope Francis?
Unforgettable, as I could clearly see his heart and spirit resonate his love of God and man profoundly.
What should everyone know about Pope Francis that they might not know?
He is not as well-versed in English as some other Popes, so when I spoke to him in Spanish, his native tongue, he deeply appreciated that and had a big smile on his face.
How does your Catholicism influence your life and career?
My faith always guides my life’s mission and how I treat others.
America has changed quite a bit since we met you over a decade ago. How would you characterize this change and how do you work to make America better?
Sadly, America has become more divisive and tumultuous. Through my broadcast work, I try to cover many sides of the story, as well as spotlight heroes who make this country great.
Why do people criticize those that are proud of being American and how can the USA as a country work to become more unified?
I think we should always be proud of this great country and try to work together where we can find common ground for the good of the nation and the world.
Have you interviewed President Biden and if so what was that like?
Yes, the last time was several years ago and he was friendly and spirited.
Please comment on all of the Presidents of the USA you have interviewed.
All of them are so different, but it is always a privilege to speak to the leader of the free world.
What world leaders outside the USA impress you most today and why?
President Duda of Poland as he is doing a great job of highlighting Poland’s courageous past and positioning it well for the future. Also King Abdullah of Jordan, who has truly been a peacemaker in a very difficult neighborhood.
How would you characterize the fairness of the media today and how can an educated citizen acquire real news as opposed to news that is completely biased?
Today, everyone should make sure to look at several news sources to gain a variety of perspectives. As many in the media have become incredibly biased, and often not as balanced as they truly should be.
Peachy herself has lost about 25k followers on Twitter due to censorship and sometimes is edited and silenced by social media platforms: this is a widespread problem. What do you think the USA as a country should do to address this?
I’m a big supporter of The First Amendment, and I believe both Republicans and Democrats should stand together and speak out against this.
What do you feel President Trump’s greatest successes were and his greatest challenges?
Expediting the vaccines and creating a strong economy were among his greatest successes. Among his challenges, large divisions within his own political party and within the country.
Will you ever run for office?
No. But I might run away from it! I prefer to cover politicians from the outside.
What kind of ticket do you think we’ll see in both 2022 and 2024?
We’ll see many heated political races for Congress in 2022. The results of 2022 will certainly play a big role in shaping the Presidential Race in 2024. It’s too early to make predictions on either.
You are equally proud of your Polish heritage. What should everyone know about Poland and how do you connect with your culture there?
Poles share a great love of America and the values of freedom. Each and every time I visit Poland, I see a country that is blossoming with arts and culture and tremendous Polish pride. Needless to say, I think of my beloved late father as I walk the streets there where he and his comrades tirelessly fought.
What do you love about WABC Radio?
WABC’s iconic, storied history and its tremendous impact on our great listening audience all across the nation.
We have enjoyed John Cats’s company with you; what should everyone know about him that they might not know?
John is incredibly devoted to New York, our country and his beautiful family. He is a tremendous role model and human being.
How can we restore safety to New York City?
By getting out to vote and making sure criminals are being held responsible for crimes they have committed. Stop the revolving door of justice.
What do you like best about Manhattan and what would you like to see change?
Manhattan is the greatest city in the world. Everything is here for you to experience and attain your dreams.
Sadly, the quality of life throughout the city has diminished in recent years with rising crime and the economy with the pandemic. It’s time the city that never sleeps, wakes up and becomes the top destination for residents and tourists again.
What do you love about being on the radio?
My relationship with my loyal listeners, as I frequently take their calls during my action-packed show. I love listening and learning from them on the biggest stories of the day.
How do you so successfully connect with your radio listeners?
By talking about topics they passionately care about and sharing my own views in an honest, common sense way. I’m described as feisty and fair… I love that.
In our last interview you said you aspire to interview Queen Elizabeth. If you had the opportunity to interview her, where would you want to do it, what would you wear and what would you ask her?
After doing a curtsy at Kensington Palace, and greeting her in my elegant dress, I’d ask her the inside scoop on all the world leaders she has met. Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable life is a walking testament to history.
Will you write more books and if so what will they be about?
I probably will as I love writing and sharing the journey with others. As to what journey I’ll write about next, I’m not sure as I always have a lot to say and share.
Have you met any penguins since our last interview? You had said you’d like to do a live show from the South Pole.
Sadly, I have not, especially since there hasn’t been a lot of travel recently due to the pandemic. But I hope to see my adorable penguins soon!
What honors and awards have you received in your profession and do you have a trophy case?
I have several Emmys and Gracies among other awards. No trophy case yet, but very proud of all of them.
What one word best describes you and why?
Fearless. As I am afraid not to try, rather than try and even possibly fail. Most importantly, no regrets.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
A mission of life and purpose, and my gutsy family heritage.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
I have so many that I love, including the energy of Times Square, the tranquility of Central Park and the extraordinary views of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
The one with the best sale… as I love a good bargain.
If you could hire anybody who would it be and why?
Since I know my own strengths and weaknesses, I would hire myself... But I can’t afford me.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career and what mentors have influenced you the most?
I received tremendous advice from legendary journalist Diane Sawyer early on in my career, including her telling me to catch sleep whenever you can, because sleep is tough to find when you’re covering breaking news around the globe. Unfortunately, I’m still working on following that advice much better.
What is your favorite drink to drink five in a row as you had said the 5th is your favorite? Thank you for imbibing with Peachy during the last decade in person.
These days I’ve been so busy, all five drinks are usually water... and I’m really missing my favorite pink champagne.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Being the only one who could speak English, so I had to communicate with creative hand signals. It still turned out to be a pretty good party!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
These days, because of the lingering pandemic, the ones that are open and serving.
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
What is your favorite TV show and why?
The one I’m on that day.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I love action movies, like “Taken” with Liam Neeson or “Olympus Has Fallen” with Gerard Butler.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
To enjoy the ride and treasure the moments.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
A person without a schedule... Since that’s never happened.
What would you like to be asked in an interview that you never have been asked, and how would you answer it?
How was your journey to outer space? I would love to be able to answer that... So that’s on my bucket list.
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why?
I’ve had a “Rita Reuben” sandwich and a “Rita Cosby Day” named after me... But I’ve never had a “Rita Road”… Hopefully with a high speed lane.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Grabbing a cab at rush hour!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Watch a great show, enjoy a world class dinner and go for a special dessert... all after midnight.
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
I have to pick at least two, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, as I never had the honor to meet either of these giants who epitomize courage and were steadfast in their beliefs and actions.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
I was blessed to be asked to host the largest Polish music concert in Central Park. To view from the stage that beautiful sea of Polish and American flags was truly a sight to behold and brought tears to my eyes.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I try to help as many good charitable causes as possible, and I am deeply proud to now also be the Chair of the Global Service Institute at LIU, which is a game-changing initiative, creating a modern day Peace Corps. Being able to inspire future generations towards service is extremely gratifying.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan?
The most underrated is a free parking space... and the most overated and overpriced is parking in Midtown on a weekday.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
I love the Made in America and Patriotic Peachy segments. I also enjoy the movie and restaurant reviews which tell me what to explore and what to avoid.
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
There's always more to come... Stay Tuned.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
