Shows
The 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
Evil Everywhere: A True Crime and Horror PodcastEpisode 19: The Murder of Angela BledsoeMontclair is one of the wealthiest suburbs in NewJersey. Very progressive with very little crime. That is until October 2018 when police receive a chilling call. This call led police to the home of Angela Bledsoe and James Ray III. Angela was discovered, deceased on the kitchen floor. Angela, a very successful financial advisor lived with her boyfriend James, a very successful lawyer on North Mountain Avenue in Montclair with their daughter. James was nowhere to be found. This investigation led the FBI on an international manhunt to detain James. When they finally do locate him, an 18-page journal was...
2024-11-2648 min
Good Beer HuntingDenise Ford Sawadogo of Montclair BreweryI first learned about Montclair Brewery during Black History Month. Since opening in 2018, the brewery has honored prominent Black figures—from Harriet Tubman with its Tubman Railroad Strawberry Pale Ale to Chadwick Boseman with its Boseman Wild Ale. I had the chance to talk with Denise Ford Sawadogo, the co-owner and founder of Montclair Brewery, for an article I was working on for the New Brewer. While speaking to her, I was amazed at how much the couple’s backgrounds showed up in their work at Montclair Brewery—Denise’s family is from Jamaica and her husband, Leo, is fr...
2022-08-0750 min
PodclairEpisode 102: Montclair LocalIn this episode we talk with the Editor, Louis Hochman and the Sports/Community reporter, Andrew Garda from Montclair Local. They are two of the many dedicated people who make up the team that serves our community with their award-winning newspaper. Founded by Heeten Choxi, the paper operates as a non-profit and relies on this community to support their efforts to create a cohesive and informed community about local matters.
Montclair Local won 34 New Jersey Press Association awards for work done in 2020. For the third year in a row, Montclair Local has garnered the New Jersey Press Association's General Excellence award.
2021-05-3036 min
PodclairEpisode 101: Podclair, 3 Years & 100 Episodes LaterIn this episode, Andrew Garda of the Montclair Local newspaper interviews Joanna Seltzer, Tracey Diamond and Margo Bruton of Podclair discussing how the podcast came to be, the need to share stories about our community, and the last three rewarding years producing a podcast for and about Montclair.
Andrew is an experienced journalist who is a Member of the Pro Football Writers Association of America with a decade of experience writing about the NFL and 15+ years of writing in various other formats, including blogs, screen and teleplays, short stories and standard newsprint articles.
During his time on the sports beat for t...
2021-05-1637 min
PodclairEpisode 97: Bike & Walk MontclairIn today's episode, Joanna speaks with John Sullivan of the advocacy group, Bike & Walk Montclair. In town for 17 years, the non-profit organization has been dedicated to creating bikeable and walkable options in town. Through their determined efforts, they were able to have the town agree to a "SAFE" street framework for the upcoming town master plan, which will consider ways to ensure the "streets are for everyone" when designing and planning new streets and developments starting in 2021. John discusses the work of the non-profit over the years and what keeps the organization going both before and after the pandemic.
...
2021-03-2131 min
PodclairEpisode 92: Montclair Meal KitsIn today’s show we’re talking with Jason Milleisen, the creator of Montclair Meal Kits, a full food delivery service devoted to local restaurants in the Montclair area serving the people who live there. An entrepreneur at heart, Jason continues to run a pizza truck and has a true appreciation for the men and women in the food service industry. With the pandemic expected to ramp up, this winter restaurants need our help more than ever. Jason’s vision is for our great Montclair eateries to be easily accessible to the residents via delivery without all the punishing surchar...
2020-12-2028 min
PodclairEpisode 90: Montclair Pet GirlIn this week's episode, our 90th!, we're talking to a business that focuses on taking care of our pets for us when we're too busy to walk, feed or pamper them ourselves. We're talking to Janine Ruela of Montclair Pet Girl about her love of animals and how she made a quick pivot from being a teacher to pet walking and cat tending. She speaks about how her business, opened in 2011, expanded as her reputation grew and also leaves us with some advice from what she's learned over the years.
2020-11-2225 min
PodclairEpisode 89: Sharron Miller's Academy for the Performing ArtsIn this week's episode we speak with someone who has been, almost, an institution in Montclair for more than 25 years. Sharron Miller is the Founder/Director of Sharron Miller’s Academy for the Performing Arts (SMAPA) located on Park Street. Sharron was always passionate about dance from a young age and attended The Juilliard School and soon after, found a position with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as a soloist. She is also the veteran of seven Broadway shows and has appeared on television, film, and hundreds of radio and television commercials.
As she settled into fami...
2020-11-0829 min
PodclairEpisode 84: Montclair's Community Response Business Re-Openings & Black Lives MatterIn this episode, we speak with a wide range of people who own businesses here in town supporting their efforts to open successfully. We talk with many business owners to see what their thoughts are as we move into this phase and how they plan to manage the re-openings, or in a few cases, delaying or not re-opening, just yet.
We begin with introducing you to some of our area's black owned businesses and encourage you to frequent their shops and services as well. These businesses are just a small sampling of the inclusive culture Montclair has to offer and how...
2020-06-1400 min
PodclairEpisode 83, Part 2: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Graduation Season & Youth ImpactPart 2: In this episode, we take a look at the effect that the shutdown has had on our teens, graduation celebrations and how it will alter the way seniors and their families are making college decisions for the fall. We'll get some guidance on the outlook for making preparations for college this year from College Admissions Consultant and Counselor Scott White. He has counseled and led teams at various schools in the New York and New Jersey area and was the former Montclair High School Director of Guidance. We'll also talk to Erika Insana and Shannon Gibson, who are le...
2020-05-3100 min
PodclairEpisode 83, Part 1: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Graduation Season & Youth ImpactIn this episode, we take a look at the effect that the shutdown has had on our teens, graduation celebrations and how it will alter the way seniors and their families are making college decisions for the fall. We'll get some guidance on the outlook for making preparations for college this year from College Admissions Consultant and Counselor Scott White. He has counseled and led teams at various schools in the New York and New Jersey area and was the former Montclair High School Director of Guidance. We'll also talk to Erika Insana and Shannon Gibson, who are leading th...
2020-05-3100 min
PodclairEpisode 82: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Marketing Strategies for Business in RecoveryIn this episode, we'll be looking at the strategies and marketing ideas for reopening our local businesses as we continue to recover from COVID19. We'll talk with two of our local business people who are known for their marketing expertise and creativity.
Barbara Lemley is the principal at the Montclair-based branding studio, Identity In Design in Upper Montclair. She's also the founder of Montclair Design Perspectives and has been an active member of the Montclair community for over 15 years. Her experience has been proved in sales and marketing programs at places like Estee Lauder, Donna Karan Beauty a...
2020-05-1700 min
PodclairEpisode 81, Part 2: Montclair's Community Response to Corona-Montclair Center BID, Feliciano Center at Montcair State University, Ani Ramen's #BeAwesomeFeedSomebodyIn this episode of Podclair, we're focusing on the business aspect of our town's recovery. Today we'll talk with three people who are deeply involved with this question.
First, we'll be talking to Carley Graham Garcia. Carley became executive director of the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Montclair State University in September 2019. Previously, she served as Head of External Affairs at Google where she was responsible for public policy, government relations, and community engagement for the New York City region. Carley lives with her husband, son, and daughter in Montclair. She's working with Jason Gleason of the Montclair BID...
2020-05-0300 minPodclairEpisode 81, Part 1: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Montclair Center BID, Feliciano Center at Montclair State University, Ani Ramen's #BeAwesomeFeedSomebodyIn this episode of Podclair, we're focusing on the business aspect of our town's recovery. Today we'll talk with three people who are deeply involved with this question.
First, we'll be talking to Carley Graham Garcia. Carley became executive director of the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Montclair State University in September 2019. Previously, she served as Head of External Affairs at Google where she was responsible for public policy, government relations and community engagement for the New York City region. Carley lives with her husband, son, and daughter in Montclair. She's working with Jason Gleason of the Montclair BID...
2020-05-0300 min
PodclairEpisode 80, Part 2: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Distance Learning, Daycare, Working from HomeWe speak with three local professionals whose businesses are part of a support system for Montclair families. They help manage our households full of busy, active teens, toddlers, and their overworked parents. In America today, in 2020, an average of 57% of households have two working parents. That means this pandemic has severely complicated the lives of most of our residents here in Montclair.
In Part 2, we speak with Howard Weinrib who handles the Education Technology for Montclair School System and who also owns an educational company called TEKI that provides experiences that build self-confidence and leadership qualities in young people while in...
2020-04-1900 minPodclairEpisode 80, Part 1: Montclair's Community Response to Corona - Distance Learning, Daycare, Working from HomeWe speak with three local professionals whose businesses are part of a support system for Montclair families. They help manage our households full of busy, active teens, toddlers, and their overworked parents. In America today, in 2020, an average of 57% of households have two working parents. That means this pandemic has severely complicated the lives of most of our residents here in Montclair.
In Part 1, we'll speak with Paula Ochs from the Family Service League. They provide support and strengthen families in need in Essex County through counseling, education, and social services.
(In Part 2, we speak with Howard Weinrib who handles the...
2020-04-1900 min
PodclairEpisode 78: Montclair's Community Response to CoronaRight now, we're all living through a remarkable time in the history of our world---and of our country. We're a diverse and social community that thrives on the day-to-day flow of business and social relationships. They're the bedrock of our love for Montclair. But that flow of energy has slowed considerably and we are struggling to find a path through all this while still taking care of each other.
Today's episode is about just that---finding a path through hard times to a sunnier day. We'll be talking with members of our community who are striving to help...
2020-03-2900 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.
2020-03-051h 02
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.
2020-03-051h 02
PodclairEpisode 66: Montclair BreweryWe speak with Denise Ford Sawadogo and her husband Leo Sawadogo. In the last year, they launched Montclair Brewery on Walnut Street here in Montclair. Leo has a lifetime of experience brewing beer with his family in his home in the West of Africa. Leo’s background also includes being a creator and owner of a small, trendy bar and restaurant for 8 years, in his hometown of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in West Africa. Leo’s background also includes being a radio personality and journalist at one of the first FM stations in his hometown.
His wife, Denise, has degrees in fashion...
2019-10-0600 min
PodclairEpisode 65: Montclair Jazz Festival & Jazz House KidsWe speak with Jazz House Kids board member Susan Gifford and her husband Chris. These Montclair residents have been extremely active with Jazz House Kids and the Montclair Jazz Festival, which is celebrating 10 years this year! If you like music and you love to move to the groove, there’s nowhere else you want to be this week and next than right here in town.
The Festival runs through August 10th featuring over 250 incredible musicians like the six-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride, the spouse of Melissa Walker who founded of Jazz House Kids. Together they’ve built the M...
2019-07-2800 min
PodclairEpisode 62: MishMish, Marcel, & LuisaWe speak with Meny Vaknin, chef and owner of MishMish on Glenridge Ave, Marcel on Valley Rd, and Luisa on Walnut St (opening this summer). He shares how his love of food was inspired by growing up in a small, Israeli desert town and how his wife introduced him to the Montclair area. He discusses his role on Food Network's Chopped, his chance to work alongside famed chef Daniel Boulud, and what inspired each of his Montclair cafes and restaurants.
Check out the show notes to see the New York Time restaurant review that put him on th...
2019-07-0700 min
PodclairEpisode 58: Montclair Farmer's MarketWe speak with Andrew Myszkowski, the market manager of the Montclair Farmers' Market, as well as tours the tents, speaking with some of the farmers and artisans who supply our town with their delicious food.
In 1993, there were only three farmers’ markets in all of northern New Jersey. But that year, Montclair resident Grey Russell organized a support coalition and a committed group of residents got together and founded the Montclair Farmers’ Market, which is now in its 27th season.
Today, there are over one hundred farmer's markets around the state but the Montclair Farmers’ Market is o...
2019-06-0900 min
PodclairEpisode 55: Montclair African American Heritage Foundation Parade and FestivalWe speak with Bonni Taylor, Co-Committee Chair with Al Pelham of the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation Parade and Festival. This event is the highlight of the foundation's year and contributes to its mission of sharing black culture for others to experience and learn. Not just people outside black culture, but the black community as well. We talk with Bonnie about the organization and their annual festival that happens the first weekend of every June. The foundation of this event and of the MAAHPF as a whole is not just to celebrate but to educate Montclair about African American cultur...
2019-05-2900 min
PodclairEpisode 53: Montclair BounceWe speak with Ann Mernin and Elly Meeks, co-founders of Montclair Bounce, a new festival of optimism and resilience, about what sparked their idea, how the community has been involved, and what to expect from this inaugural festival.
Check out the show notes for a Podclair community grieving and mental health resource, co-created by Jess Larsen of Held Grief Massage (featured in episode two).
2019-05-2300 min
PodclairEpisode 49 Part 3: Montclair Film EducationWe speak with the educators behind those beautiful glass doors on Bloomfield Avenue. In the conclusion to our special series on Montclair Film, Jo speaks with Sue Hollenberg, Montclair Film's Education Director, the woman who brings us all of those great classes for kids and adults. Find out what Sue has on the schedule plus the very special campaign Montclair Film has launched that'll have you doing something kind for a stranger today. You'll also hear from writer and director Gary Rudoren, Montclair Film's Improv class instructor, and from one of his students who happens to be a familiar voice around t...
2019-04-3000 min
PodclairEpisode 49 Part 2: Local FilmmakersWe speak with three of this year's Montclair Film Festival filmmakers, all residents of Montclair.
First up, we talk to new Montclairian Maureen Towey - about making a film inspired by one of her radical community-based theater projects She has directed live theater and many interactive live performances with Arcade Fire, Ray LaMontagne, and Esperanza Spaulding. Then we speak with Susan Skoog, who has had several of her moving narrative films presented in the festival over the years. A mentor to many young filmmakers, Susan also teaches at Montclair State University. Finally, we'll speak with Emmy Award winner Steve McCarthy...
2019-04-2400 min
PodclairEpisode 49 Part 1: Montclair Film Festival with Tom HallWe speak with with Tom Hall, Executive Director at Montclair Film. The Film Festival which is in its 8th year, debuts May 3rd. Tom arrived to Montclair Film almost 5 years ago, via Nantucket, Newport, Sarasota and the Hamptons Film Festivals. Now he and his team have sifted through 1000 films to create a collection that he knows will be well-received in Montclair. Find out what special events and celebrities you can look forward to this year as well as why Tom decided to open the festival with “Wild Rose” starring Jessie Buckley.
Details for festival films and events through link above.
2019-04-2100 min
PodclairEpisode 46 Part 3: Sigrid NunezWe bring you Part 3 of our Montclair Literary Festival Panel Series with Sigrid Nunez:
In this episode, we listen to an interview with author Sigrid Nunez and her editor Sarah McGrath as they discuss her new book, The Friend at Montclair's Literature Festival during this past month. It is a National Book Award-winning novel, a moving story of love, friendship, grief, healing, and the magical bond between a woman and her dog.
Sigrid Nunez has published seven novels. Sigrid’s honors and awards include a Whiting Writer’s Award, a Berlin Prize Fellowship, and two awards from the American...
2019-03-3100 min
PodclairEpisode 46 Part 2: Nathan EnglanderWe bring you Part 2 of our Montclair Literary Festival Panel Series with Nathan Englander:
Fiction writer Julie Orringer talks with Nathan Englander at last month's Montclair Literary Festival about his latest book, kaddish.com. Nathan Englander is the author of the novels Dinner at the Center of the Earth and The Ministry of Special Cases. He was the 2012 recipient of the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for What We Talk About.
Translated into twenty languages, Englander was selected as one of “20 Writers for the 21st Century” by The New Yorke...
2019-03-3100 min
PodclairEpisode 45: The Book DoctorsWe speak with Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry otherwise known as The Book Doctors. The Montclair couple pooled their talents to start a company in an industry they know a lot about - publishing. Between them, Eckstut, a former literary agent and Sterry, an actor, comic and author, have written more than two dozen books. So it was only natural the two start a company that provides workshops to help others take their stories from a blank piece of paper to a published book. Find out why The Book Doctors chose to settle in Montclair and what you need...
2019-03-2400 min
PodclairEpisode 44: Christina Baker KlineWe speak with #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Christina Baker Kline, a featured author this week at the Montclair Literary Festival. She discusses the writing life, her process, and her latest novel, A Piece of the World, which won the 2018 New England Prize for Fiction and the Maine Literary Prize, among other awards. A Montclair resident for 21 years, Christina recently moved back to NYC (but visits often!). The author of seven novels (including Orphan Train) and author/editor of five nonfiction books, Christina is currently working on a novel about the convict women who transformed Australia.
2019-03-2000 min
PodclairEpisode 41: Montclair Literary FestivalWe speak with Jacqueline Mroz and Catherine Platt of the Montclair Literary Festival. We have an amazingly vibrant arts and culture scene in our town and three years ago, Jacqueline and Catherine created the Montclair Literary Festival to celebrate the love of reading and raise funds for Succeed2gether's academic programs. They tell the story of how they came to create the festival, share with us which famous authors they have on deck for this year's event and what it took to bring this world-class cultural event to our town.
2019-03-1000 min
PodclairEpisode 40: Watchung Booksellers
We speak with Margot Sage-El of Watchung Booksellers, famously, the independent bookstore for Montclair that supports and contributes to a thriving literary community, including over 60 published local authors, and uncountable publishing and media professionals. They are fierce supporters of the community, contributing to and working with local schools serving our children, the Montclair Public Library, the Montclair Fund for Eductional Excellence and the Adult School of Montclair.
2019-03-0300 min
PodclairEpisode 38: Well-Made NutritionWe speak with Montclair State Universtiy alum Chelsea Caravella, owner of Well Made Nutrition. She shares what inspired her to create a plant-based nutrition practice designed to teach individuals to "love the food that loves them back," and how even vegans can find places to eat with their carnivore boyfriends in the restaurants around Montclair.
2019-02-1700 min
PodclairEpisode 33: Jonathan's Balloons at The Light ClosetWe speak with Montclair native Jonathan Lindener, aka Jonathan the Balloon Man and owner of The Light Closet in Upper Montclair. It’s called the Light Closet because Jonathan can repair almost any light fixture, but he's probably most famous for his balloons for children’s birthday parties, backyard bashes, and school events. When we were in his shop talking with him, Jonathan was getting ready to provide the Wellmont with more than 700 balloons for their New Year’s Eve balloon drop!
2019-01-1300 min
PodclairEpisode 25: Bark & TruffleWe speak with Judith Antelman founder of Bark and Truffle, a local, small-batch, organic specialty truffle and chocolate bark company inspired by her travels to France. This Montclair resident told us all about her adventures in chocolates, traveling, and how she came to Montclair "for a year" and, twenty years later, hasn't left.
Check out the show notes for links to some of Judith's cookbook recommendations and for the kid's chocolate podcast episode mentioned in the show.
2018-11-1800 min
PodclairEpisode 22: Designing Buzz Panel - Montclair Festival FoundersIn our final episode of our design week series, we offer a live recording of the Designing Buzz panel. Moderated by Montclair resident and CBS News anchor Jim Axelrod on October 21st, 2018, the panelists include all of the founders of our local festivals to share behind-the-scenes of how their festivals got off the ground and what inspires them to keep going.
Check out our show notes for links to all of the festivals represented at the panel and their upcoming 2019 dates.
2018-10-2800 min
PodclairEpisode 19 Part 2: MDW's Guided Tour Around Montclair CenterWelcome to Podclair’s first podcast -guided tour of buildings and homes around Montclair Center hosted by Frank Gerard Godlewski of Fellsbridge Studios. In today’s show we start at Van Vleck, pass The George, the art museum, Crane House, Gates Mansion, down Llewelyn, along Elm, and conclude up at Lackawanna Plaza. For those attending our live event on October 21, 2018, be sure to meet Frank in person for a Q & A at the Glenridge Parklet starting at 9 am. For more about our town’s hidden history, check out our Part 1 episode that is a companion to this tour.
2018-10-2100 min
PodclairEpisode 19 Part 1: Fellsbridge StudioIn our sixth episode of our Montclair Design Week series, we speak with Frank Gerard Godlweski, Montclair native and owner of Fellsbridge Studio, whose services include design, architecture, fine art production, event and cultural planning, and restoration. This episode serves as Part 1 to our subsequent podcast-guided walking tour around Montclair Center and includes incredible, and sometimes little known, history about what has become Montclair as we know it today.
Check out our show notes for a link to the articles, places, and people mentioned in this interview.
2018-10-2000 min
PodclairEpisode 16: Yoga Mechanics + Mr. and Mrs. KittsIn this third episode of our Montclair Design Week series, we speak with Daryl Ferrara and Omni Kitts Ferrara, owners of Yoga Mechanics, Montclair's longest-standing yoga studio. Cameo by Omni's parents, Rick Kitts and Whitney Rau Kitts, recently retired from nearly 30 years teaching dance and performing arts in Glenfield Middle School and MKA, and who were an early influence for Omni's eventual career.
Check out this episode's show notes to see the documentary the family created about the students at Glenfield, as well as links to register for design week events mentioned in the podcast.
2018-10-1400 min
PodclairEpisode 15: Local Coffee + Pico DesignIn this second episode of our Montclair Design Week series, we uncover what Design Dens are, where they take place, and who is behind them. We speak with Andrea Panico, the design den coordinator and owner of Pico Designs, a modern architectural jewelry company based in Montclair. We also speak with Robert Genovese, one of the den facilitators, about his ten-year journey to open Local Coffee Shop in Watchung Plaza.
Check our show notes for links to register for design dens or the Designing Delicious panel in which Robert is also featured.
2018-10-1200 min
PodclairEpisode 13: MADLABWe speak with Petia Morozov of MADLAB architecture and design. After co-owning her business for the last 15 years, this Montclair native began dreaming of a Montclair Design Week and we speak with her about how she's gotten the idea off the ground.
Check out this week's show notes to see the local homes and businesses that have been built or designed by MADLAB.
2018-10-0700 min
PodclairEpisode 12: Succeed2GetherWe speak with Marcia Marley, executive director and president of Succeed2gether. Succeed2gether addresses the educational achievement gap by providing free enrichment and academic programs from their offices on 11 Pine St and the main branch library. A non-profit that's been in Montclair for a decade, Succeed2gether also founded the annual Montclair Literary Festival, now in its third year.
Check out the episode show notes to learn more about Succeed2gether, the Montclair Literary Festival, and the upcoming fundraiser with New York Times columnist, bestselling author and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman in Montclair on Oc...
2018-09-3000 min
PodclairEpisode 9: Sew MontclairWe speak with Chelsea Harriman, owner of Sew Montclair on 41 Glenridge Ave, by Bay Street Station. Chelsea discusses how she started out to become a doctor, but ended up with a long career in fashion and costume design after graduating with a MFA from Rutgers. She raised both her children and her business in Montclair, where she and her husband have decided to stay as empty-nesters.
Check out the episode show notes to see her favorite source for patterns and projects, a fashion history timeline, as well as details about whom she's worked with over the years.
2018-09-0900 min
PodclairEpisode 1: Stellabird Creative + Montclair Riding CoWe speak with Stella of Stellabird Creative, whose work you may know from either location of Java Love Coffee Roasters Co.
As an added bonus, we also included our interview with Sy, owner of Montclair Riding Company who, after two successful years, will be closing his doors to relocate to the west coast.
2018-07-1500 min