“My view is that if your philosophy is not unsettled daily then you are blind to all the universe has to offer.” ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson via DailyGood.org
Are you annoyed? Be thankful for the object of your irritation.
Having a naturally constitution that some describe as “spicy” and “fire-y”, I often find my annoyance barometer rising. At least as my initial reaction. New York presents some hefty challenges in every day living. From just trying to get coffee to getting on the subway to get to work during rush hour, New York can be a relentless button-pusher.It can also be an incredible partner on the path to transformation. This city is Darwin’s perfect test case for his theory of evolution – in this place, we have the grim choice to “change or die”, at least metaphorically. In reality, it’s closer to the idea “adjust or be constantly irritated”. I choose to adjust, and it’s been a blessing to master that skill.
Contrary to some recent research, I don’t believe we can change our natural reactions. It’s a much more efficient use of our energy to change our actions that are caused by our reactions. Recently I’ve deployed a new way of dealing with my initial reactions of irritation. I take the SBNRR train – stop, breathe, notice, reflect, and respond. And though that process seems like it may take more than a split second to execute, we can actually do this in the moment once we consciously and consistently practice it for a short period of time. I’ve found my recent responses to obstacles to be much more graceful and thoughtful than ever before thanks to SBNRR.
The Universe has a lot of knowledge to offer and some of the deepest lessons are served up in moments of great risk and change. Risk and change can feel unsettling at the outset but don’t back down. Soak it up, let it sink in, and then take it for what it’s worth – a great chance to learn and grow.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
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