Burck shares how reading Tony Robbins as a teenager transformed his outlook on life, inspiring him to pursue impossible goals and ultimately create the Naked Cowboy brand. From modeling and music to performing in Times Square wearing nothing more than cowboy boots, a hat, and white briefs, he reveals how persistence, daily routines, and relentless self-belief turned an unconventional idea into an internationally recognized success story.

Dean and Robert explore life behind the character, including his rigorous fitness regimen, philosophy of goal setting, years of performing in every imaginable weather condition, celebrity encounters, New Year's Eve in Times Square, navigating media attention, and the realities of earning a living as one of the world's best-known street performers.

The conversation also ventures into Robert's personal life, discussing relationships, resilience, happiness, and what keeps him returning to Times Square nearly every day after more than twenty-seven years. Whether discussing branding, psychology, entrepreneurship, or simply the power of showing up every day, this episode offers a fascinating look at the man behind one of New York's most iconic personalities.

About Robert Burck (The Naked Cowboy)

Robert Burck, known worldwide as The Naked Cowboy, is a musician, entertainer, entrepreneur, and one of New York City's most photographed attractions. Since the late 1990s, he has become a fixture of Times Square, entertaining millions of visitors while building one of the world's most recognizable personal brands. His appearances in television, film, advertising, and international media have made him a global symbol of New York City, proving that creativity, consistency, and determination can transform an unconventional dream into lasting success.

Learn More

Official Naked Cowboy Website
Follow The Naked Cowboy on Instagram
Book The Naked Cowboy on Cameo

Support Deep Threads

If you've listened to Deep Threads, you've probably noticed Dean Balsamini's signature Huega House hat. We're proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show.

If you'd like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link:

https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI

Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts.

Credits

• Host: Dean Balsamini
• Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher
• Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

In this episode of Deep Threads, veteran investigative journalist Robert Gavin, Albany Bureau Chief for The Buffalo News, joins Dean Balsamini for a wide-ranging conversation about New York politics, the rise of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, the changing political landscape, and some of the most significant criminal cases Gavin has covered throughout his career.

From reporting on the federal prosecution of Keith Raniere and the NXIVM organization to covering public corruption, organized crime, and the New York State Capitol, Gavin shares the stories behind the headlines and explains why great journalism is ultimately about understanding people.

About Robert Gavin

Robert Gavin is an award-winning investigative journalist and the Albany Bureau Chief for The Buffalo News, where he leads coverage of New York State politics, government, public policy, and the State Capitol. A veteran reporter with more than 30 years of experience, Gavin is widely respected for his reporting on criminal justice, public corruption, legal affairs, and high-profile court cases.

Before joining The Buffalo News, Gavin spent nearly two decades at the Times Union in Albany as the newspaper's chief legal affairs and courts reporter. His work has covered landmark stories including the Keith Raniere/NXIVM federal trial, the Joe Bruno corruption trials, the Buffalo Billion prosecutions, and numerous major criminal investigations throughout New York.

His reporting has also been featured in national documentaries and television programs including HBO's The Vow, Dateline NBC, American Greed, and Investigation Discovery.

Learn More

Robert Gavin on LinkedIn
Follow Robert Gavin on X

Support Deep Threads

If you've listened to Deep Threads, you've probably noticed Dean Balsamini's signature Huega House hat. We're proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show.

If you'd like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link:

https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI

Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts.

Credits

• Host: Dean Balsamini
• Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher
• Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey

From her childhood in Ohio to being personally selected by legendary choreographer George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet, Franceschi reflects on an extraordinary career that has taken her from the stages of Lincoln Center to London's West End. She shares stories of working alongside ballet legends, starring in the iconic films Fame and Grease, and choreographing acclaimed productions around the world.

Whether you're a lifelong dance enthusiast or simply fascinated by creative lives, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the dedication, artistry, and passion required to build a career at the highest levels of ballet, theater, and film.

About Antonia Franceschi

Antonia Franceschi is an award-winning choreographer, former New York City Ballet dancer, actress, and writer whose career spans ballet, theater, film, and television. A Time Out Award winner for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, Franceschi was personally selected by George Balanchine to join the New York City Ballet, where she performed works by Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Baldwin, and many of the world's leading choreographers.

Before joining New York City Ballet, Franceschi appeared in the classic films Fame and Grease while still in high school and performed with Makarova and Company, where she was partnered by Sir Anthony Dowell.

As a choreographer, she recently earned five-star reviews for Dr. Semmelweis at London's Harold Pinter Theatre, starring Mark Rylance. Her work has also been featured at Shakespeare's Globe, the Royal Opera House, Candoco Dance Company, and numerous ballet and theater companies throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.

Franceschi has taught and performed internationally with organizations including The Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, Juilliard, Alvin Ailey, Rambert, and the Joffrey Ballet School. She has served as a judge on the BBC's Young Dancer, appeared at London's Tate Modern, and continues to influence generations of dancers through her choreography, teaching, and writing.

Learn More

Official Website
Fashion Reverie: Antonia Franceschi Comes Full Circle
Follow Antonia Franceschi on Instagram

Support Deep Threads

If you've listened to Deep Threads, you've probably noticed Dean Balsamini's signature Huega House hat. We're proud to partner with Huega House, a brand whose philosophy of slowing down, being intentional, and creating meaningful moments perfectly complements the conversations we have on this show.

If you'd like to support both Huega House and Deep Threads, please shop using our affiliate link:

https://huegahouse.com/DEANBALSAMINI

Thank you for supporting the companies that support independent podcasts.

Credits

• Host: Dean Balsamini
• Produced & Engineered by: Dave Fletcher
• Recorded at: Cedar Bean's Coffee Joint, 575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, New Jersey