Shows
The Montclair PodWho Pays for Youth Sports in Montclair? Plus New School Kerfuffle & Film Festival FinaleThis week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber ask what it takes to keep youth sports affordable in Montclair. Their reported package features Peter Daddabbo, who has spent 18 years helping run Montclair United Soccer Club; Michael-John Van Rhyn, who started Montclair Ultimate when his son couldn't find a middle school team; and the volunteers and donors who kept Clary Anderson Arena open. It's set against a national backdrop of rising costs and private equity money moving into clubs, facilities and game streaming.Next, it's closing weekend of the Montclair Film Festival. Farnoosh and...
2026-10-2236 minThe Montclair PodBOE Candidates Talk Referendum, a Cornell Alum Speaks Out & the YMCA Steps SagaThis week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber revisit the Pod's first candidate forum, co-hosted with MPACT, featuring the six candidates running for three open seats on the Montclair Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. They play two exchanges: how each candidate voted in the March school referendum, and what academic success should look like for Montclair students. Then they talk through what surprised them. Farnoosh also owns up to a Google Form mishap with the councilor-at-large candidates.Next, longtime friend Allison Fishman Task, a Montclair career coach and former TV cook...
2026-10-151h 10The Montclair PodMeet the Candidates for Montclair’s Board of EdSix candidates. Three open seats on Montclair’s Board of Education. Who’s asking for your vote—and what do they hope to accomplish?In this bonus episode, The Montclair Pod partners with MPACT, Montclair Partnership for Accountability, Clarity and Trust, to host a forum featuring all six candidates: Andrew W. Gideon, Ayelet Haran, David Moon, Corey Pierson, Richard Reynics and George Simpson. Whether you have children in the district or not, school board decisions help shape our schools, our spending and the future of Montclair. This conversation offers a chance...
2026-10-141h 25The Montclair PodUptown Sound Recap: Montclair's Newest Music Festival, Plus the New Documentary About Our SchoolsA nor’easter pushed Uptown Sound back a week, and it still drew a huge crowd. Mike and Farnoosh recap the festival and talk with organizers Dan Campeas and Dayana Ordonez. Plus, filmmaker Craig Schattner on his school-funding documentary Referendum, a What the Hell on the parking ticket cameras headed to Montclair, a shakeup in the Board of Ed race, Church Street comings and goings, and more.In this episodeUptown Sound recap and a conversation with organizers Dan Campeas and Dayana OrdonezCraig Shattner on his documentary Referendum, with a screening at Just Ja...
2026-10-0853 minThe Montclair PodNJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Bloomfield Preschool-Church Controversy & 2026 Montclair Film Fest PreviewThis week on The Montclair Pod, a chance encounter with Gov, Mikie Sherril, Montclair Film's Tom Hall previews the 2026 festival, and public tickets go on sale today. Plus: religious signs at a Bloomfield preschool, the lieutenant governor's resignation, a shuttle bus report, and the end(?) of the swim school saga.WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODEWe're Signal Awards finalists! Vote for us for Best Local News Podcast and Best Local News Episode by Oct. 15. Be sure to confirm your vote in Signal's email.What the Hell Is Going On With That? Foundations Prep...
2026-10-0159 minThe Montclair PodReal Talk with the Superintendent: Dress Code, IEPs, Cell Phones and, Of Course, MoneyThis week, Supper with the Super is basically doing double duty as What the Hell Is Going On With That? — Montclair Schools Edition.We sit down with Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ruth B. Turner for a candid conversation about the first weeks of the new school year — and some of the biggest questions parents, students and taxpayers are asking right now.We get into the district’s financial picture, the latest on the forensic audit, concerns around IEPs and special education services, the new cell phone rules, changes in classroom technology, freshman sports — and the...
2026-09-241h 10The Montclair PodAn 8th Grader Takes on the Dress Code, Who Pays for Freshman Sports, and Stephen Colbert's Next ActThis week on The Montclair Pod, we dig into how the school district quietly updated the middle school dress code — and the very loud debate it's kicked off among parents, students, and now the Board of Ed. We hear from the 8th grader at Glenfield Middle School who started a petition over it. We also check back in on freshman sports: the community raised enough to bring them back this year, but is this a one-time rescue or an ongoing bill? Plus: your library card can save you money around town this month, two festivals close out September, a le...
2026-09-1746 minThe Montclair Pod“Trump” Roasts Montclair. Plus: A Local Lead Problem and a Church Street Tax BreakThis week, we sit down with comedian and Trump impersonator J-L. Cauvin — who also happens to be a full-time eviction prevention attorney and once ran for Congress in this district — to talk about his viral impression, why he never left the law, and what it was like campaigning against Anna Lilia Mejia. Plus: a Church Street development finally gets a tax-break green light, Montclair's water lines show a stark lead divide by ward, and we remember 9/11 and Gloria Steinem.In this episode:Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — Farnoosh and Mike share where they were that d...
2026-09-1052 minThe Montclair PodHow the School Cell Phone Ban Will (or Won’t) Work, Bullets at the Movies and a New Town Called BeltleyIt's the first day of school, and we're digging into Montclair's new cell phone and Chromebook rules with Screen Aware Montclair co-founder Jordan Goldberg, breaking down the massive Meta settlement, and introducing you to Beltley — the brand-new "town" that popped up overnight in a field between Nutley and Belleville, whose founder has some choice words for Montclair. Plus: a loaded magazine (no gun) found at a West Orange movie theater, a new Italian steakhouse coming to town, a rough night for Mounties football, a Tupac tribute event, and a very special tease for next week's show.In...
2026-09-031h 07The Montclair PodIs Our Board of Ed Working? Plus: The New School Cell Phone Ban and What Your Next Tax Bill MeansThis week on The Montclair Pod, the new school year is almost here — and there’s a lot changing inside Montclair’s schools. Farnoosh and Mike sit down with MPACT founding member Dan Hafetz to unpack the group’s new report on Board of Education governance, what stronger oversight could look like, and why it matters heading into a wide-open school board race with zero incumbents running. They also look at the long-awaited forensic audit — including what it can and can’t actually tell us about the district’s financial problems.Then, Montclair schools are going bell-to-bell p...
2026-08-271h 05The Montclair PodIs Montclair in a Housing Bubble? Plus: Front Row at Jazz Fest & If a Tree Falls, Who Pays? Montclair's 07042 ZIP code just landed at #2 on Realtor.com's list of the hottest housing markets in the country — so naturally, we wanted to know: is this a bubble waiting to burst? We put the question to Professor Joshua Harris, a real estate economist at Fordham, and break down what's actually driving the numbers, including a wild bit of compounding-interest math on a Bellevue Avenue building that sold for $50,000 in 1973. We also cover a very "Montclair Pod" legal question after a tree branch came down in Mike's yard, catch you up on the sights and sounds of the Montclair Jazz Fe...
2026-08-201h 12The Montclair PodThe Future of Uptown, Montclair’s Bunny Boom & Our Favorite Restaurant What does Upper Montclair need — and what should it look like in the years ahead? This week, we’re digging into the conversation about Uptown’s future, following a community meeting where residents and business owners weighed in on what’s working, what’s missing and what they want to see next.We’re also catching up on a busy stretch of Montclair school news: the long-awaited forensic audit is moving forward, the district has hired a new communications director, there’s some encouraging news about district reserves, and new data offers a window into just how much stude...
2026-08-1344 minThe Montclair PodChristian McBride talks Montclair Jazz, A.I. & the Live Experience - Plus Madonna’s Montclair ConnectionThis week: Christian McBride stops by ahead of the Montclair Jazz Festival, Madonna's new single traces back to a Montclair DJ, and we get real about how (and when) we use AI on this show.In This EpisodeChristian McBride & the Montclair Jazz Festival Eleven-time Grammy winner and Montclair Jazz Festival artistic director Christian McBride joins us to talk about how he and his wife, Jazz House Kids founder Melissa Walker, put down roots in Montclair back in 2005. We get into the 17th annual festival, happening Saturday, August 15th...
2026-08-061h 23The Montclair PodCar-Free Church Street, an Urban Outfitters Mystery, and Uptown's New Fried ChickenThis week on The Montclair Pod:Church Street goes car-free (for now), Urban Outfitters quietly leaves downtown after 20 years, and our youngest correspondents ask Montclair what they’d change about their town — plus fried chicken, a music festival, and an ab robot.Urban Outfitters quietly closed its downtown Montclair store after 15+ years, the chain’s first-ever NJ location. We dig into why, with theories from BID director Cesar Claro and developer Dave Placek, break down how Urban, Free People, and Anthropologie actually differ, and share your wild guesses for what should move in next (spoiler: “another clothing...
2026-07-3045 minThe Montclair PodThe Pod Makes the News, $1M Liquor Licenses and Two ThrowbacksThis week, Columbia Journalism Review takes a close look at how The Montclair Pod became a go-to source for the school budget story, and where Mike and Farnoosh want to take the “Montclair-ish” format next. We also break down why Montclair only has about 13 liquor licenses for a town of around 41,000 people, and what that means for your next dinner reservation. Plus, two throwbacks worth a re-listen: our visit to the Montclair History Center and our conversation with The Local Girl’s Jen Tripucka.WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODECJR’s “Hyperlocal Listening”: Writer Amos Barshad profiles the P...
2026-07-2343 minThe Montclair PodHow the World Cup Took Over Montclair (And Our Podcast)Welcome to our World Cup Rehash. (Watch for special clips on YouTube)Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium — and Montclair had a front-row seat. In this special reflection episode, Farnoosh and Mike step back from their nonstop World Cup coverage to look at what the last few weeks revealed: about the town's surprising love of soccer, about how hard it is for Montclair to coordinate on something this big, and about how New Jersey as a whole let New York cash in on a tournament NJ paid for and hosted. They revisit their in...
2026-07-2035 minThe Montclair PodGetting Weird in Montclair, The Bloomfield Ave Banners and the MC Hotel's Wild World CupWeird NJ founder Mark Sceurman stops by to talk all things weird in the garden state, not to mention the story of a Montclair poet obsessed with writing letters to the police, and three decades of chasing New Jersey's strangest stories — plus a visit from local zine Eighty-Six'd. We track down who actually owns the giant banner flapping over Bloomfield Avenue, sit down with MC Hotel owner Jeff Sica ahead of the World Cup Final, and dig into New Jersey's rough new business-friendliness ranking. Plus: the BID's last-minute World Cup watch party lands directly across the street from Lackawanna Pl...
2026-07-161h 18The Montclair PodMontclair's World Cup Fumble, The Quiet $8 Million Sale & The British Guy Living in New Jersey Co-HostsWith the World Cup playing eight matches down the road at MetLife Stadium and national teams bunking at the MC Hotel, Montclair business owners expected a boom — instead they got a shrug. We dig into who was supposed to own that moment (the BID? The township? Nobody?), welcome British Guy Living in New Jersey Ollie McAteer as our guest host, and break down the wildest real estate sale we've covered yet: an $8.1 million deal on Gates Avenue with two pools, a Kushner family backstory, and zero bidding war. Plus: a carpenter ant explosion, a drug bust tied to Mission St...
2026-07-091h 13The Montclair PodFarnoosh's Commencement Speech, a Brookdale Park Surprise & Montclair's $4 Million MarketWith 36 hours' notice, Farnoosh was asked to deliver the commencement address at Montclair High School — and we play you the full speech. We also debrief all the "this is so Montclair" moments from graduation day, debut our new Saturdays in the Park series with a remarkable chance encounter at Brookdale Park, and catch up on spiking real estate prices, a school principal shuffle, a stolen car on Bloomfield Ave, new e-bike rules, and everything happening this Fourth of July.In this episode:Principal Freeman called Farnoosh 36 hours before graduation and asked her to...
2026-07-0257 minThe Montclair PodThe Endless BOE Meeting, Toni's Kitchen Under Pressure & Is Montclair an “Interracial Wakanda?”This week on The Montclair Pod, we go inside a Board of Ed meeting that ran past 1 a.m. — and somehow still ended with a discussion about how to make meetings more efficient. We also hear from outgoing student rep Wyatt Foster, who's heading to Brown in the fall and has plenty to say. Then we sit down with Anne Mernin, Executive Director of Toni's Kitchen, about what the SNAP cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill actually mean for families in Montclair. Plus: a viral Substack post has labeled us "interracial Wakanda," Pride Fest has a new new date, Ec...
2026-06-251h 04The Montclair PodSupper with the Super: Tax Hike, Juneteenth Mishap & the Stalled Forensic Audit. Plus: Jackie's Reopens & Java Love Celebrates 15This week on The Montclair Pod, we're serving up a packed episode featuring school budget questions, local food news, community concerns, and a few major updates from around town.For the latest installment of Supper with the Super, we sat down with Montclair Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner at Turtle + the Wolf for an honest conversation about the issues residents are talking about most: the forensic audit, the Juneteenth lunch menu controversy, the search for a permanent business administrator, and the school tax increase that's moving forward despite voters rejecting Question 2.Plus, Mike...
2026-06-181h 23The Montclair PodClementina Opens Uptown & We're Obsessed. Plus: Sushi at Ani + Ultimate Frisbee in MontclairWe have a very food-forward episode this week.We dive into our unforgettable dinner at Clementina, the new Adriatic-inspired Italian restaurant on Valley Road, and explain why we think it's one of the most exciting openings Montclair has seen in years. We share the remarkable origin story of chef and co-owner Michele Rocchi, whose dream of opening his own restaurant was sparked by an unexpected conversation with a guest while working on a luxury cruise ship.We also share the news that sushi is coming to Ani Ramen. Mike spotted signage inside Ani...
2026-06-1155 minThe Montclair PodMontclair’s Best Bacon Egg and Cheese, World Cup Preview and What’s Up with the Forensic Audit?This week on The Montclair Pod, we tackle some of the biggest conversations happening in town—from breakfast sandwiches to PrideFest, the World Cup, school finances, and a local immigration case that has touched many residents.The Great Montclair Bacon, Egg & Cheese Taste TestAfter asking listeners for recommendations, we embarked on a highly scientific (and cholesterol-heavy) tour of six local favorites: Dutch’s, Hot Bagels Abroad, Ray’s, Minia’s, Sunrise, and Jefferson’s. We sampled them side-by-side, debated the merits of rolls versus bagels, crowned favorites, and explored what each sandwich s...
2026-06-0459 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Football Hits Refresh with New Coach. Plus: A New Uptown Music Fest + Pricier ParkingThis week on The Montclair Pod, we dive into a surprisingly emotional episode about football, parking and civic spirit.First: Montclair parking is officially getting more expensive. Meter rates are rising for the first time in eight years, evening enforcement hours are expanding until 10 p.m., and surge-style pricing is coming to parts of downtown Thursday through Saturday nights. Mike and Farnoosh unpack what’s changing, why residents are frustrated, and why the “after 7 p.m. is free” era is officially over.We also get into the failed valet parking ordinance, the mysterious Warman...
2026-05-281h 11The Montclair PodYard Sales, Transit Woes, and Farewell, ColbertIt's 90 degrees in May, NJ Transit has heard from Montclair, and this Sunday there's a townwide yard sale (not to be confused with a garage sale). We've got the story behind the two tag-sales, a packed NJ Transit survey, and a Montclair coffee truck that could keep you up at night for two reasons. Plus: a farewell to a neighbor who’s repped Montclair to the world honorably and hilariously… and is not allowed to leave (at least not entirely).The Townwide Yard SaleWe talked with Valentin Guerin, the Montclair dad who organized this...
2026-05-211h 07The Montclair PodLocal History, Home Discoveries, and Last-Minute Summer CampsIs history just a boatload of fun, or a series of anxiety-inducing tests? This week, we argue it’s the former as we take a field trip to the Montclair History Center. We explore 250 years of township secrets—from the "Montclair Situation" at the segregated YWCA to the names of the people who slept in our bedrooms 100 years ago.We tackle our inboxes, including a high school hibachi lunch that hit a rain delay right in the middle of a $20 million budget deficit. We also have your final guide to summer camps and a heav...
2026-05-1437 minThe Montclair PodInside School of Rock, Fashion World Fiction and Another Big School Budget MeetingThis week, we are celebrating Montclair as a “Creative Island.” We sit down with legendary drummer Kevin March (Guided by Voices, The Dambuilders) to discuss his journey from Brooklyn to the heart of the Montclair music scene and his mission to help the next generation find their “Honest Noise.” We also explore the high-stakes world of fashion with former Vogue editor and author Caroline Palmer, whose debut novel Workhorse is taking the literary world by storm.But it’s not all rock stars and fashion icons—we have some heavy lifting to do in the local news department. W...
2026-05-071h 01The Montclair PodParents Race to Save Montclair Sports. Plus: What’s Happening at The Corner Restaurant?This week, we’re looking at what happens when the budget crisis hits the playing field. With freshman sports on the chopping block at Montclair High, we sit down with the parents leading the charge to save the program. We also hear from a graduating senior about his journey through the MHS athletic system and take a stunning trip back in time to the 1960s "Golden Age" of Montclair football.The Fight for Freshman Sports: The Blue & White ClubThe elimination of freshman sports at MHS isn't just about missing games; it’s ab...
2026-04-301h 14The Montclair PodThe Making of The Montclair Girl, Book Buzz & a Church Street MysteryThis week, we’re clearing the air on the school budget "heist" rumors and diving into the incredible backstories of two women with ties to Montclair. We sit down with Jennifer Tripucka, the founder of The Local Girl Media Group (and our own The Montclair Girl), to talk about building a local media empire in a shifting landscape. Then, we hear a story that sounds like a movie: Nikki Mammano joins us to discuss her memoir, Breaking Good, which follows her journey from the criminal underworld in Hawaii to finding a new life in Montclair. Plus, we investigate that un...
2026-04-231h 07The Montclair PodSupper with the Super: Cuts, Confusion and the Fight for TrustIn this second installment of Supper with the Super, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for a candid, wide-ranging conversation—this time over Ethiopian comfort food at Mesob, a beloved local institution on Bloomfield Avenue.We dig into the realities behind the district’s budget crisis, the difficult decisions shaping the next school year, and what it will take to rebuild trust with families. Turner speaks openly about the pressure of the role, why transparency matters more than ever, and how she’s approaching leadership in one of Montclair’s most challenging moments.
2026-04-161h 13The Montclair PodSpring Break Stories, Thrift Shopping in Montclair and Mikie Sherrill’s ExitSpring break is over and we have stories.In this episode of The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh and Mike recap their very different getaways. From delayed flights and unforgettable meals in Los Angeles to a low-key beach escape in Miami, it is a tale of two trips and a reminder that sometimes the best part of traveling is coming home.Then, we shift gears and head into town for a spring shopping adventure with The Montclairnista, Wendy Tiburcio. We explore local boutiques, standout finds, and what makes Montclair’s retail scene feel so personal....
2026-04-0957 minThe Montclair PodOur Magnet Schools and Cannabis: Why We’re Revisiting These Stories NowHappy Spring Break, Montclair. While Mike and Farnoosh are away, we are opening the archives to revisit two significant segments that explore the unique history and the evolving economy of our town.This special compilation includes a deep dive into the Magnet School Explainer and an update on the local cannabis industry with Genuine Grow.Segment 1: The Magnet School ExplainerMontclair’s school system is unique and often misunderstood by those outside the district. Born from a landmark 1970s desegregation plan, the magnet system avoided the "forced busing" conflicts se...
2026-04-0256 minThe Montclair PodSen. Andrew Kim on The Sandwich Generation, Aging in Montclair, Plus the Results Are (Finally) InAre you feeling "squeezed"? This week, we’re tackling the "Sandwich Generation"—that unique, often exhausting stage of life where you’re simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. We’re joined by Senator Andrew Kim, who shares his firsthand experience navigating his father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis while parenting two young boys.We also bring in the experts: Elder Law attorney Laurie Hauptman gives us the "Sandwich Generation" survival guide for estate planning, and psychotherapist Maris Pasquale Doran teaches us how to regulate our nervous systems when the world feels like it’s on fire...
2026-03-261h 22The Montclair PodSupper with the Super: Ruth Turner on the School Vote. Plus: Cory Booker Part TwoIn a candid sit-down interview, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner joins us for the first installment of a new series we’re calling “Supper with the Super.” Over pizza and pasta at Italiana by Zod, we talk about the controversial school referendum, the district’s financial challenges, a potential school “reinvestment”, and what comes next for families, students, and taxpayers.We also share Part Two of our interview with U.S. Senator Cory Booker, where the conversation expands beyond Montclair schools to the cost of living, immigration policy, healthcare costs, political fundraising, and the future of in...
2026-03-191h 12The Montclair PodDangerous Intersections, School Vote Chaos, and a Big Get: Senator Cory BookerThis week on The Montclair Pod, we bring you one of our most important episodes yet.We tackle a deeply emotional and urgent issue: street safety. NPR's David Folkenflik joins us to share the heartbreaking story of losing his mother to a preventable traffic collision right outside his Upper Montclair home, followed by a conversation with Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director, Jacob Nieman. Then we sit down with Senator Cory Booker to discuss his new legislation, independent media, and his time under a state monitor in Newark. Plus, we break down the district-wide school lockdown, th...
2026-03-121h 24The Montclair PodWhere Did Our School District Money Go...Exactly?With the high-stakes school vote looming—or maybe not, thanks to a new lawsuit—we sit down with New York Magazine journalist Andrew Rice to figure out exactly where the school district's money went. We also talk a bit about local news collaboration and why it benefits everyone. Plus, a heartbreaking preview of next week's street safety episode with NPR's David Folkenflik, and a packed local news roundup.The "Missing" Money: Andrew RiceNew York Magazine contributing editor and local dad Andrew Rice joins us to discuss his new Substack, My Montclair Educ...
2026-03-051h 09The Montclair PodIt’s All Up in the Air. Our School Vote, Lackawanna’s Future…Mike’s ApologyWatch and subscribe on YoutubeThis week, so much is in flux.First, Mike has to face the music after literally falling asleep at a recent Town Hall meeting. He also issues a formal apology to the MSU Men’s Basketball team for jinxing their perfect season.But it’s not all fun and games—we get down to serious business with three major interviews. Superintendent Dr. Ruth Turner invites us into her office to discuss the high-stakes March 10th special referendum, while developer Dave Placek gives us an update on the lon...
2026-02-261h 01The Montclair PodThe Town and the School District: It's Complicated. (1:1 With Town Manager Stephen Marks)Watch and subscribe on Youtube!This week, we welcome back Township Manager Stephen Marks to discuss how the town might intervene in the school budget crisis and the latest on Lackawanna Plaza. Then, we take a trip back in time with Lonnie Brandon—historian, former Parks & Rec director, and Montclair High football alum—who shares a powerful story from the 1960s involving legendary coach Clary Anderson.We also cover the "Cutover"—the month-long disruption to the Montclair-Boonton train line as work begins on the Portal North Bridge (hope you like the ferry...
2026-02-191h 03The Montclair PodICE Anxiety and How to Support Our Immigrant Community. Plus: NJ-11’s Primary WinWatch and subscribe on Youtube!Montclair is freezing - literally and politically.This week, Mike and Farnoosh break down the surprise NJ-11 primary win by Analila Mejia, and take a deep dive into growing immigration fears across Montclair. Immigration law expert Dr. Jackie Vimo, a professor at Montclair State University, joins the show, alongside local leaders Masiel Rodriguez-Vars, President of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence and Emily Kraft, founder of Craftivists, to separate rumor from reality and explain what families need to know right now.Plus: student walkouts over...
2026-02-1246 minThe Montclair PodRethinking Public School in Montclair? The Private Pivot, Preschool Lottery & More #SlushiegateWatch the show on YouTubeIn this episode, Farnoosh reports from a packed preschool info session at the Montclair Public Library, where parents of young children are weighing rising pre-K costs, the Mini Mounties lottery, and what comes next for kindergarten and beyond.We hear directly from families, admissions leaders, and new data showing a surge in interest from Montclair residents exploring private and alternative school options — and we unpack what a public-to-private pivot could mean for enrollment, funding, and equity across the district.We’re also joined by tech foun...
2026-02-051h 17The Montclair PodSlushiegate, Hackensack's Bailout & The NJ-11 Political PileupWatch the show on YouTubeThis week on the Montclair Pod, Mike and Farnoosh are back to tackle the snowy aftermath and a whirlwind of local news. From the high stakes of the NJ-11 Special Primary—where a crowded field of 12 candidates is vying for your vote—to the sugar-fueled controversy of "Slushiegate" in our school cafeterias, we’re covering the stories that have the town talking. Grab your coffee (or a Walking Taco) and settle in for a jam-packed episode on everything happening in Montclair right now.The Special Electi...
2026-01-2950 minThe Montclair PodSchools, Liquor Licenses & Fraud with Former AG Matt Platkin. Plus: Are We Really Still a Magnet System?Watch the show on YouTubeThis episode of The Montclair Pod moves between local crisis and statewide context.School Budget Crises: Montclair and HackensackWe dig into the growing reality that Montclair is not alone in facing financial trouble in its school district. We look closely at what’s unfolding in Hackensack, where an independent audit revealed a staggering $15 million budget deficit, prompting lawsuits against former administrators and vendors.State Power, Schools & SegregationFormer New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin helps explain how the state approaches ov...
2026-01-221h 13The Montclair PodCan We Afford Our Magnet School System? A Cost-Benefit Analysis (Plus: Our Trip to the Budget Town Hall)Watch the show on YouTubeFollowing last week’s episode on the origins of the magnet system, we pick up the conversation at a critical crossroads—one where values, finances, and state oversight collide. We attend the latest school budget town hall, where Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and district leaders lay out the long road ahead, explain the district’s structural deficit, and address growing anxiety around the possibility of a state monitor and what that would mean for local control.We break down what we heard at the meeting, including important clarifications about...
2026-01-151h 13The Montclair PodMontclair’s Magnet Schools at a Crossroads: The History Lesson We NeedWatch the show on YouTubeMontclair has long defined itself by its district-wide magnet system—a model built on choice, diversity, and integration by design. But today, that system is under unprecedented strain. Facing a $20 million budget deficit and rising transportation costs, Mike and Farnoosh go back in time to explore the system's roots in activism and legal battles, while asking hard questions about its future. Is the promise of equity being met, and what happens when our ideals stay the same but our resources don’t?Show Notes & LinksWatc...
2026-01-081h 06The Montclair PodHNY Montclair! Our Modern Love and Swingers Episode Once More (You're Welcome)Happy New Year, Montclair! This week, we replay one of our hottest shows from 2025 that may inspire new connections in 2026 -- our field guide on modern love in Montclair.Featuring insights from:Junie Moon, relationship expert and Montclair’s own love coachElizabeth and Jason, single parents share their experiences dating in MontclairGrace L. Williams, journalist and Montclair Pod special assignment reporterMishiko Passikoff, therapist on tension in relationships over politicsReubena Spence, co-founder of Out Montclair, on the LGBTQ+ dating sceneRegister now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.
2026-01-0136 minThe Montclair PodUnhoused in Montclair: A Look Back at Our Acclaimed EpisodeThis week on The Montclair Pod, we revisit one of the most consequential and talked-about episodes of the year: a deeply reported look at homelessness in Montclair and the growing tension between compassion, public safety, and limited resources. As rents rise and safety-net funding faces new pressures, this episode asks a hard but necessary question: what kind of town do we want to be—and what kind of town can we realistically be?At the center of the episode is Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH), a frontline nonprofit providing meals, clothing, hygiene supplies, job support, an...
2025-12-2532 minThe Montclair PodThe Season of Giving in Montclair: How to Make the Most Impact Right NowIt’s the season of giving, and this week on The Montclair Pod we step away from school budgets and deficits to focus on something just as important: how we show up for each other. From financial support to time, attention, and presence, this episode explores what meaningful giving looks like in Montclair and why generosity doesn’t have to feel heavy, performative, or transactional.We’re joined by Ray Graj, co-founder of Montclair Helps, an organization built around a simple but powerful idea: neighbors helping neighbors in moments of acute need. Montclair Helps works behind the sc...
2025-12-1844 minThe Montclair PodThe School Vote Is Off. Wait, Never Mind. Also: What Happened to the $20 Million?Why is Montclair nearly 20 million dollars in the red, and how did no one stop it? This week, we peel back the curtain on one of the most consequential crises the town has ever faced, examining how years of rising costs, missed warning signs, and avoided hard decisions brought the school district to this moment.We also break down:• The Superior Court ruling that invalidated the December 9 special election, the superintendent’s new plan for a March vote, and what immediate cuts mean for families, staff, and classrooms.• What the judge found...
2025-12-111h 04The Montclair PodHigh Time in Montclair: Meet the Locals Behind the Town’s Cannabis FutureWhy doesn’t Montclair have any legal weed stores? This week on The Montclair Pod, we tackle a question that has floated around town for years, with a deep look at Montclair’s cannabis landscape, tracing how a town that once hosted New Jersey’s first medical dispensary now has zero open shops. Farnoosh and Mike walk through the long, complicated road to legalization in New Jersey, the zoning bottlenecks in Montclair, and the Catch-22 of opening a dispensary in a system where you need a lease before you have a license.We unpack:• How stat...
2025-12-0452 minThe Montclair PodThe Local Meets The Pod: Is This Election Even Legal? Plus: Tracking Down Christina Hunt. Who's In for a Road Trip?This week on The Montclair Pod, we drop the episode a little early because Montclair’s school deficit story is moving at warp speed, and because some of us need something to listen to while hiding from relatives in the bathroom.In our roundtable, we bring in Matt Kadosh and Asad Jung, two Montclair Local reporters who’ve been working around the clock to cover the town’s $19.6 million school deficit, the December 9 special election, and the sudden flurry of lawsuits, claims, and shifting narratives.We unpack:The human side of reporting the cr...
2025-11-2549 minThe Montclair Pod"We Deserve Answers": Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill on Montclair Schools' Fiscal CrisisSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill sits down with The Montclair Pod for one of her first interviews since the election. She delivers a candid, forceful take on Montclair’s deepening school budget crisis. Sherrill, a longtime Montclair resident and parent of public-school students, voices fury and frustration over what she calls a “breakdown in fiscal management,” questioning how the district ended up with a $20+ million deficit and why taxpayers are being asked to contribute more w...
2025-11-201h 02The Montclair PodBehind the Dec 9th Ballot: Superintendent Ruth B. Turner on Montclair’s Fiscal CrossroadsIn her most candid interview yet, Superintendent Ruth B. Turner discusses accountability, fiscal discipline, and the tough choices facing Montclair schools, as the district faces a $19.6 million deficit and a pivotal special election on December 9.In the interview, Turner explains:Why Question 1 leaves out mention of the state loan and monitorWhy Question 2 makes the tax hike permanentWhat a fiscal monitor could and couldn’t do in MontclairWhy the forensic audit is tied to Question 2Whether teachers and nurses could be reinstated if new funds passHow the district plans to avoid another deficit an...
2025-11-1355 minThe Montclair PodWill Montclair’s School Crisis Hit Home Values? Plus: Mikie Sherrill’s Big WinSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh and Mike put two of Montclair’s favorite topics under the microscope: schools and real estate. With a nearly 20 million dollar school deficit, a December 9 referendum, and talk of a possible state monitor, they ask the question everyone is whispering at open houses: Could this hurt Montclair’s reputation and even our property values?They revisit their interview with Town Manager Step...
2025-11-0648 minThe Montclair PodImmigration, Art, and County Commissioner Brendan Gill on the School Fiscal CrisisSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh and Mike head straight into Montclair’s creative heart, from film to storytelling to live theater, before zooming out to the pressing issue shaping our town right now: the future of our schools.Montclair Film FestivalWe begin at the Montclair Film Festival, where Farnoosh and Mike hosted a live conversation with the filmmakers behind Brenda, a moving short documentary ab...
2025-10-3057 minThe Montclair PodModern Love in Montclair: Gay, Straight, Swinging. Plus: Yes-Yes or No-No?Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.This episode dives into how residents are navigating modern relationships in all their forms: gay, straight, open, and swinging. The hosts examine how political views, community culture, and midlife realities shape connection and commitment in town.The pod also continues its coverage of Montclair’s ongoing school budget crisis, unpacking what’s at stake in the upcoming “Yes-Yes” vs. “No-No” vote and how it could reshape the district’s financial future.
2025-10-231h 05The Montclair PodState Monitor or Local Control? Montclair Is Divided. Plus: Town Manager Stephen Marks on Budget ChallengesSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.This week, Montclair’s financial story gets real. We sit down with Town Manager Stephen Marks to talk candidly about the township’s budget, his first six months on the job, and why he believes a state fiscal monitor might be “warranted” for Montclair’s schools, given a nearly $20 million deficit.Then: What can Montclair learn from our neighbors in Nutley, who are currently experiencing the effects of a state take...
2025-10-1644 minThe Montclair PodIs Montclair Worth It? The Real Cost of Living HereSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.In this episode, we dig into the cost of living in Montclair and ask, is it worth it? We start at the Farmers Market, where residents share how rising prices are changing their day-to-day lives. Then, we meet a renter who dreams of buying in town but feels priced out, and hear from Councilor-at-Large and Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen on what the township is doing to address affordability....
2025-10-0953 minThe Montclair PodMontclair’s $20M School Deficit Explained and the Big Montclair Film PreviewThis week on The Montclair Pod, it’s a jam-packed episode:Montclair Schools Budget Town Hall. We take you inside last Friday night’s meeting at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, where Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and Interim Business Administrator Dana Sullivan laid out the reality: the district is facing nearly $20 million in debt. Parents pressed for answers, students spoke out, and hard choices are on the table, from closing schools to eliminating Chromebooks. We break down what’s really at stake and the options ahead, from state loans with oversight to a possible special election on a t...
2025-10-0246 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Schools at a Crossroads: $18M Shortfall, BOE Ballots, and What Families Need NowSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.In our Season 3 debut, we are talking all-things schools.First, as we reported, Montclair Public Schools’ deficit is closer to $18M than $11M. We replay part of our conversation with Superintendent Ruth B. Turner, unpack what’s fact vs. speculation, and talk about oversight, a possible forensic audit, and what a “hard reset” could look like.Then: Is Montclair still a smart move for families seeking a great...
2025-09-2553 minThe Montclair PodA Sudden Council Resignation, O’Bagel’s Big Debut, and Bobbi Brown’s Big New BookThis week on The Montclair Pod News:Councilor-at-Large Carmel Loughman has resigned just over a year into her term. We break down what happened, what it means for the council, and hear directly from Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen on what comes next.The Montclair school deficit grows to $18 million. We revisit our conversation with Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and the state’s response to the district’s financial troubles.A new bagel shop is here — O’Bagel opened on Bloomfield Avenue to lines around the block. We talk to fans and the second-generation owner about wh...
2025-09-1847 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Schools' Budget Deficit: It's Worse Than We Thought. A New Interview with Superintendent Ruth B. TurnerIn a frank and revealing interview on The Montclair Pod, Montclair's new schools superintendent, Ruth B. Turner, announced that the district’s financial deficit has swelled to approximately $18 million. The startling figure combines inherited debts with a newly discovered $4 to $5 million shortfall in the current budget. Compounding the crisis, Turner revealed that after a direct appeal for help, the Township of Montclair has declined to provide any financial support to the schools.The interview, coming just two-and-a-half months into her tenure, casts a harsh light on the deep-seated fiscal and procedural issues plaguing a district that has str...
2025-09-1136 minThe Montclair Pod9/11 Reflections, Bellevue Theatre’s Glow-Up, and The World Cup Ticket CatchOn the September 11, 2025, edition of The Montclair Pod News, Mike and Farnoosh open with reflections on 9/11 and how it shaped their early journalism careers. Then it’s:A fast tour through first-week-of-school headaches (and why better district communication is an equity issue)A sneak peek inside the revived Bellevue TheaterA tense car-theft chase on Porter PlacePaper Plane Coffee’s expansionThe quirks of World Cup ticketingA playful pitch for HBO to film The White Lotus in Upper Montclair.In “The One Thing,” they spotlight a new Italian restaurant on the way, Bob Ross ori...
2025-09-1128 minThe Montclair PodBack to School, More Town Debt and Gas Under $3In this episode of The Montclair Pod, Mike and Farnoosh dive into the first week of September in town, with plenty of local updates and a few personal confessions.Highlights include:Back to School Drama – Montclair renews its $1.5M contract with food service provider Southwest Food Service Excellence. Will new “healthier” options and salad bars outweigh student complaints?Gas Below $3? – Prices hit five-year lows in Montclair, with one Valley Road station leading the way. Plus, what’s next for electric car buyers as the federal tax credit winds down?Dining Outdoors – Montclair ranks #102 o...
2025-09-0429 minThe Montclair PodMontclair High Takes a Rankings Hit, a $7.5M Listing Shock, and Daikichi Rumors Swirl?This week on The Montclair Pod News, we’re covering a packed lineup of local stories and some irresistible neighborhood gossip. Montclair High School slipped in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, falling from #55 to #95 in the state — sparking debates about test scores, funding, and what really defines success in our schools.We also take a peek inside a jaw-dropping $7.5 million listing for a two-family home once tied to Kool & the Gang — is it worth the price tag? Over in Watchung Plaza, renovations are nearly complete, promising a safer and more welcoming space for the co...
2025-08-2831 minThe Montclair PodMore School Drama, A Local Mail Heist & Lead in Our Water?This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh, Mike, and political correspondent Terrence McDonald from the New Jersey Monitor break down the stories making waves in Montclair and beyond:Lead Pipe Replacements Coming: Homes built before 1940 may still have lead service lines. Montclair will begin replacing them in 2026 under a statewide mandate to eliminate all lead pipes by 2031. The Montclair Water Bureau has created an online inventory of all known service lines here.New Power Substation on Valley Road: PSE&G plans to replace the nearly 100-year-old facility to prevent failures and meet modern codes, though...
2025-08-2137 minThe Montclair PodMikie vs. Jack, the Montclair Jitney and Clary Anderson’s ComebackAward-winning journalist Terrence McDonald, editor at the New Jersey Monitor, joins Mike and Farnoosh for a deep dive into state politics, local news, and Montclair's ever-evolving dining scene.We kick off with a look at the New Jersey governor’s race and why polls might not tell the whole story. Terrence breaks down the latest political flashpoints, including the tragic Lakewood DUI case that’s become a national talking point, the Trump administration’s investment in the state race, and how bail reform and sanctuary status are entering the conversation.From there, we pivot...
2025-08-1432 minThe Montclair PodAugust in Montclair: MedievalFest, End of Summer Escapes and an $11 Million SurpriseAs summer winds down and Montclair empties out, The Montclair Pod is here with a jam-packed Season 2 finale to help you make the most of August, whether you’re staying put or sneaking in one last getaway.Co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike share their personal plans (pork shoulder rotisserie, anyone?), surprising listener hotspots, and clever ways to spend your August locally, including music, comedy, beaches, workouts at Brain and Body Method, and yes…MedievalFest.Plus:A fire closes two Bloomfield Ave. businesses—how to helpMontclair Public Schools’ $11M budget shortfall (check out the Reddit T...
2025-08-0742 minThe Montclair PodGoing Green in Montclair: Beehives, Solar Panels, Second-Hand Clothing & Climate HacksIn this episode, Farnoosh and Mike explore sustainability with a Montclair lens. What does it really mean to “live green” in our town—and is it affordable, practical, or even possible?You’ll hear:A solar reality check from Montclair local Ivy Sheibar, who breaks down the truth behind “free” solar panels, what the upcoming federal tax credit deadline means for homeowners, and how to decide if solar is worth it for your house. Plus, she’s offering a free guide for listeners.A trip to American Royal Hardware with longtime staffer Cliff Proven...
2025-07-3145 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Art: From Frames to Fine Art, Dance Icons, Tiny Galleries and Colbert's Next ActBack by demand: It’s our second deep dive into the world of Montclair arts: bigger, bolder, and possibly haunted. Dance phenom Sharron Miller takes us from flat feet to Broadway, and back to Montclair where she’s mentored generations of dancers at her namesake academy. The Montclair Dance Festival has arrived. Hear from founder Donna Scro Samori about its community roots and big dreams.Step into Ria Frame Shop x Art Gallery, where frames meet fine art. Owner Ria Mulvey shares how her dual business helps emerging artists and protects pieces from $5 to $500,000.We visit T...
2025-07-2451 minThe Montclair PodHomeless in Montclair: The Story of MESH and a Town Finding Its WayMontclair is facing a growing crisis: homelessness. As of the latest count, there are 93 homeless people (sheltered and unsheltered) in Montclair, according to a study by Monarch Housing. That's the fourth highest number in Essex County. And while the need for help has never been more urgent, the community’s response has never felt more complicated.In this episode, co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike take listeners deep into the story behind MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), a local nonprofit operating out of a former restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. MESH provides meals, shelter, and vital services six da...
2025-07-1739 minThe Montclair PodMontclair’s Non-Profit Network: Stories of Urgency, Impact and CommunityThis week's show highlights some of the nonprofits doing critical, often unsung work to support our community. With over 210 registered nonprofits in town, we hear from some of the most impactful organizations responding to food insecurity, domestic violence, and urgent financial crises. Guest co-host is Tom Hall, Artistic Director/Co-Head of Montclair Film, who also provides insights into how the arts fit into the nonprofit landscape.Guests include:Ray Graj, co-founder of Montclair Helps, on how his group delivers emergency financial aid within 48 hours via a unique partnership model.Kristin Wald of...
2025-07-1048 minThe Montclair PodMontclair’s New Superintendent Speaks: School Financial Audit, Staffing Cuts, and More Tough QuestionsMontclair has a new superintendent—and she’s stepping into the role at a critical moment. In this episode, Farnoosh and Mike sit down with Ruth B. Turner, the newly appointed head of Montclair Public Schools, for an unfiltered conversation about the district’s financial audit, recent staffing cuts, and her vision for rebuilding trust in the community. To learn more about Turner's upcoming Listen and Learn sessions check out our site.Turner shares how her background in social work informs her leadership style, what “equity” means to her in practice, and how she plans to engage wit...
2025-07-0445 minThe Montclair PodTraffic Safety in Montclair: Necessary Improvements For Drivers, Bikers and WalkersThis week on The Montclair Pod, we’re taking a closer look at how safe it feels to get around Montclair and what’s being done to improve it.We sit down with Laura Torchio, the town’s new Complete Streets Director, in her first public interview since stepping into the role. Torchio shares her vision for making Montclair’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, or driving. She also talks candidly about the obstacles: slow change, coordination, and the need for community trust.You’ll also hear from re...
2025-06-2646 minThe Montclair PodThe Foodie Episode: The Best Downtown Pizza, a New Farm Stop and BBQ DeliveryThis week, The Montclair Pod goes deep on all things food. First up, the pizza crawl. We hit five of Montclair’s most talked-about pizza spots, all within walking distance of downtown Bloomfield Avenue. Along the way, we debate what makes a true Jersey slice, swap pronunciation tips and crown a surprise winner.Stops include:My Little Pizza Heaven – Food truck nostalgia and Jersey-style prideLuigino Parmigiana – A gourmet lamb flatbread that sparks debateAh’ Pizz – A rustic pie with big flavorTeglia Pizza Bar – Thick sourdough squaresLeone’s – A buffalo chicken slice with hot honey and old-school vibes...
2025-06-1940 minThe Montclair PodIs Montclair Real Estate Cooling? Plus: Confessions of a Renter, Host Departures, and Remodeling on a BudgetIs Montclair’s red-hot real estate market finally cooling down? In this episode, we dig into the latest local housing trends with longtime agent Karin Diana from Compass, who says even the best listings aren’t flying off the market like they used to. Why? Think rising interest rates, nervous buyers watching their stock portfolios, and fewer outlier bids. Plus: one Montclair renter shares what it’s really like to compete in the town’s high-stakes rental scene, and one co-host shares why her family decided to sell and head west. With special thanks to our brand partner Sarah Elizabet...
2025-06-1247 minThe Montclair PodWhy Some Residents Opt for Private School. Plus: School Calendar Chaos and Summer Job SpotlightsEducation takes center stage .We’re tackling three hot-button issues on the minds of Montclair families: why some parents are pulling their kids from public school in favor of private, what’s behind the heated debate over the newly approved 2025–26 school calendar (with insights from Danielle Neff of the Montclair Moms, Dads and Parents Facebook page), and how one local teen, Carla Osbourne, beat the odds to land a summer job at Egan’s amid a drop in youth employment.Plus, we feature a powerful moment from Danny Marcketta, president of the Montclair Education Association, during a recent...
2025-06-0537 minThe Montclair PodAre Retail Prices Going Up (Again)? The Cost of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty in MontclairThis week on The Montclair Pod, we explore how global economic forces—tariffs, inflation, and climate change—show up here in Montclair. From toy stores to farmers, local businesses are navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty. Download our free guide to shopping local here. We speak with:Wendy Lacey, owner of The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, about how proposed tariffs could impact her ability to employ young people and adults with disabilities.Chelsea Smith and Nessa Murphy, co-owners of Just Kidding Around, on how they’re responding to rising supplier costs and ha...
2025-05-2937 minThe Montclair PodTaxes, Traffic and Safety. How Montclair Really Works. A Conversation the New Town ManagerSeason 2 of The Montclair Pod kicks off with a deep dive into the heart of local government. Who actually runs Montclair? Where do our property taxes go? And what’s really happening behind the scenes at places like Clary Anderson Arena? Hosts Farnoosh, Ali, and Mike sit down with Montclair’s newly appointed Township Manager, Stephen Marks, for answers. Marks, a lifelong New Jersey public servant with roots in South Orange and a deep appreciation for Montclair, shares how his job functions like the town’s CEO—managing a $107 million budget, overseeing departments from public safety to recre...
2025-05-2240 minThe Montclair PodThe Best Fried Chicken in Montclair (Encore)This episode was originally published on April 3.The Montclair Pod Team - Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali - eat their way through town and talk to some of the people making it all happen. You’ll hear from local chef and Montclair native Lauren Hirschberg of Turtle + the Wolf and Pineapple Express. We speak to Max Gray of Chow Town Food Tours about why he brings people here. And we hit some true local favorites with content creator and community advocate Wendy Tiburcio (aka The Montclairnista).The pod team sampled food from no fewer th...
2025-05-1551 minThe Montclair PodComedian Zarna Garg: Live at Loopwell in MontclairComedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman. In this candid and hilarious conversation, Garg shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edge, and how she’s navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor.Register now for the NJ Small Business Sumit at Montclair State University.Happening on October 21.
2025-05-0829 minThe Montclair PodInside The Human Needs Food Pantry: Preparing for Greater DemandIf you’ve ever seen a long line of people on Label Street, chances are it leads to The Human Needs Food Pantry—Montclair’s quiet but essential resource for residents and area neighbors facing food insecurity. In this episode, we talk with executive director Mike Bruno about the growing demand for services, the challenge of operating in a high-cost town, and why 2025 may be one of the toughest years yet. To learn more about how to donate, visit their website. Follow on Instagram.Additional non-profits in the area, supporting residents facing food insecurity, housing instability, and ot...
2025-05-0123 minThe Montclair PodTEDx Montclair Returns: How Did We Almost Miss This?Did you hear? TEDx is coming to Montclair. On today's mini episode, we’re joined by Katina Rodriguez and Nova Pierre Lewis, the organizers behind this year’s TEDx Montclair, themed The Domino Effect. We get the behind-the-scenes on how speakers were selected, why Montclair is the perfect host, and how this TEDx will stand out from others—with a focus on community, connection, and conversations that carry beyond the stage.TEDx Montclair is happening on June 24 at Montclair Mezzanine.Learn more here.[And if you'd like to join a live re...
2025-04-2418 minThe Montclair PodBrick + Dough Owner Speaks Out on Mural ControversyIn his first published interview since a TikTok video criticizing the mural change at Brick + Dough went viral, owner Jason Rosenthal sits down with The Montclair Pod to share his side of the story. Rosenthal walks us through the decision to paint over the original mural—an evocative 2021 piece by Jayemaich depicting two elderly women, meant to represent “the wear of time being oppressed”—and replace it with a new mural by Jen Flaum that celebrates pizza as a form of art. While the mural swap quietly happened months ago, it only recently caught fire on social m...
2025-04-1820 minThe Montclair PodWho’s Running for NJ Governor — and Why Montclair Should CareThe race to become New Jersey’s next governor is officially underway — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential elections in years. With no incumbent, a crowded field of candidates, and a new primary ballot format that could reshape outcomes, the 2025 election is already stirring big questions about the state’s political future. The primary election is June 10th.Terrence McDonald, a longtime political reporter and editor of The New Jersey Monitor, is joining us in breaking it all down. We cover who’s in the race, the role of campaig...
2025-04-1729 minThe Montclair PodGrowing Up in Montclair: Photographer Tyler Chan on Documenting Gen Z LifeThis week on The Montclair Pod, we’re doing something a little different — and a little fun. We're teaming up with the Montclair Art Museum’s podcast Maybe Actually Museums Are For Me for a cross-promotion episode that celebrates local creativity and community.Host Alex Pavljuk sits down with Montclair-raised documentary photographer Tyler Chan, whose first solo museum show Montclair Snap Memories debuts at MAM this weekend. Tyler’s work captures what it feels like to come of age in Montclair — from the quiet moments to the chaotic ones — all through the lens of his Gen Z experience...
2025-04-1028 minThe Montclair PodFrom Montclair to Washington: Local Voices in a National MovementSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Just days after wrapping Season 1, the Montclair Pod crew is back—because Montclair never sleeps. In this bonus episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali regroup to cover a powerful local rally held in Brookdale Park as part of a national “Hands Off” movement. Through interviews with attendees—spanning three generations of local women, including a 7-year-old activist-in-the-making—and a stirring moment with a long-time immigrant fearful of deportation, the episode ca...
2025-04-0720 minThe Montclair PodThe Best Food in Montclair: Hidden Gems & Hot Takes (Plus: A Load of Fried Chicken)Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Montclair is known as a food town, and for good reason. People from all around North Jersey come here to eat. Some even come from… wait for it… New York City. But does Montclair really live up to the hype? And more importantly, what is the average culinary visitor, or even the odd local or two, missing out on?In this week’s episode, our season...
2025-04-0349 minThe Montclair PodThe Arts in Montclair: Jazz, Paint, Film, and PorchFestIn this episode, we explore Montclair’s rich and thriving arts scene—one that continues to shape and inspire generations of creatives. Known for its vibrant community of actors, artists, musicians, poets, and performers, Montclair is more than just a place to live; it’s where art lives and inspires. We sit down with acclaimed visual artist Nanette Carter, whose work is currently on view at The Montclair Art Museum. We speak with Tom Hall, Artistic Director of the Montclair Film Festival, about what’s ahead for one of New Jersey’s top cultural events. Jazz legend and...
2025-03-2748 minThe Montclair PodCrime in Montclair: Break-Ins, Car Theft & Our Trip to the Police StationSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Lately, crime has been one of the hottest topics in Montclair. From home break-ins to car thefts, the fear is real—but is the reality as bad as it seems? Are crime rates actually rising, or is social media just making it all more visible? How are police managing and responding? And what can we do to better protect our homes, our valuables, and ourselves?Th...
2025-03-2039 minThe Montclair PodMontclair’s Small Business Battles: What Owners & Landlords SaySubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Why are so many storefronts in Montclair empty? What does it take to run a successful small business in town? In this in-depth episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali explore local businesses' challenges, from skyrocketing rents to shifting consumer habits.We hear from Abhishake Shah, Executive Director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID), on why some businesses struggle despite residents’ demands. Jason Gleason and Da...
2025-03-1337 minThe Montclair PodStuck on the Platform: The Reality of the Montclair Commute (And What We Can Do About It)Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Montclair commuters, we hear you. In this episode of The Montclair Pod, hosts Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali break down the ongoing frustrations with NJ Transit—from constant delays and cancellations to rising fares and limited weekend service. You'll hear from local resident Alexis Scigliano, who has been pushing NJ Transit for accountability, and Nick Giglia, founder of ROUTE (Restore Our Transit in Essex), a group advocating for better ser...
2025-03-0640 minThe Montclair PodGhosts, Shadows and Strange Noises: Montclair's Haunted HistorySubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.Montclair has a long and storied past—one that some say refuses to stay buried. In this episode we explore a few of the town’s chilling ghost stories, from haunted schools and historic homes to unexplained phenomena at beloved local spots.Hosts Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali dive deep into Montclair’s paranormal history, sharing eerie first-hand accounts from residents, ghost hunters, and local historians. We hea...
2025-02-2734 minThe Montclair PodLive from Tierney's: The Montclair Pod Origin Story and What's NextSubscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.In this special episode, we celebrate the official launch of the Montclair Pod, featuring over 100 attendees at Tierney's Tavern. Special guest Jon Fortt, co-anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell: Overtime” and Monclair resident, joins the conversation, setting the stage for an engaging discussion about the podcast's mission and vision.Hosts Michael, Farnoosh, and Ali dive into the inspiration behind the Montclair Pod, emphasizing their commitment to ad...
2025-02-2028 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Schools Part Deux: Bad Apples, Screens and $188M in RepairsJoin us at The Montclair Pod Launch Party at Tierney’s Tavern for live music, giveaways, and a live taping! Proceeds support Toni’s Kitchen. Grab your tickets here.Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail with your ideas and questions at MontclairPod.comMontclair schools are back in the spotlight. After our first deep dive into the state of the district went hyper-local viral, we’re continuing the conversation with new updates, expert insights, and community reactions. In this episode, we unpack the latest poll results from Montclair parents on the...
2025-02-1341 minThe Montclair PodMontclair Real Estate: High Prices, Low Inventory & the Fight for HousingJoin us at Tierneys on February 18 to celebrate The Montclair Pod launch! Reserve here.Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.On today's episode: Montclair’s real estate market feels more like The Hunger Games—with buyers battling in fierce bidding wars for limited homes, only to be priced out or forced to walk away. In this episode, we break down the sky-high prices, low inventory, and the relentless competition that defines the mark...
2025-02-0641 minThe Montclair PodFrom Blue Ribbon to “Broken”: Inside Montclair Schools**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com. In this episode, we dig deep into the Montclair school district. From crumbling school buildings to curriculum concerns and special education challenges, we share real talk on what it’s like to raise and educate kids here. Hear from newly elected Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman on what she would like to have the the board prioritize: improving facilities, hiring a superintendent, and supporting special ed....
2025-01-3043 minThe Montclair PodMontclair for Trump? How Changes in National Policy Hit Home**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram. Email us at Hello@MontclairPod.com** We explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 2024 election.The episode begins with voices from the community with a visit to Tierney’s Tavern on Inauguration Day. The hosts discuss the dynamics of political affiliat...
2025-01-2337 minThe Montclair PodWhat the Lackawanna!? What's *Really* Happening at the Historic Terminal**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com. In the inaugural episode we dive into the story behind Lackawanna Plaza, one of Montclair’s most iconic yet controversial redevelopment projects. The hosts reflect on the broader implications of Lackawanna’s redevelopment for Montclair’s identity, governance, and future.Developer Dave Placek, managing partner at BDP Holdings, shares his ambitious vision for revitalizing the long-neglected space with dining, retail, residences, and community hubs. Placek discus...
2025-01-2328 minThe Montclair PodWelcome to The Montclair PodWelcome to The Montclair Pod, your weekly deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity, humor, and a little bit of neighborly gossip. Visit us at MontclairPod.com, follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com.The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, whi...
2024-12-0603 min
Brewsing BanterBrewery Banter Series - Montclair BreweryBrewsing Banter Podcast presents... The Brewery Banter Series. This week “ The Legendary Brew Crew” visit Montclair Brewery in Montclair, NJ. Owners Leo & Denise Sawadogo join the crew and talk about their entry into the craft beer industry and the creation and all the happenings of Montclair Brewery as we sample some of their tasty offerings. Join Us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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