The Montclair Pod

Education 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 Board of Education meeting.Special thanks to our sponsor, Montclair Cooperative School.Download our free guide to shopping local 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: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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 hard choices ahead.Tyler Mathisen, longtime financial journalist and Montclair resident, who connects the dots between global tariffs and our everyday purchases—from flowers to car repairs.Also in this episode:A special spotlight on Twocents, the Montclair-born startup reinventing how we leave feedback for small businesses—no ratings, no trolls, just smart, anonymous input that goes straight to owners.At the Montclair Farmers Market, we hear from:John Krueger, owner of Circle Brook Farm, on weather delays, rising labor costs, and staying resilient.Ginger Kessler, co-owner of Tree-Licious Orchards, on how economic hesitation is impacting CSA sign-ups and warm-weather crops.Gray Russell, co-founder and president of the market, on why supporting local agriculture matters more than ever.A profile of Chantal Bolivar, founder of Crepes Chantal, who’s turning a French favorite into a local staple—with a boost from Montclair State’s entrepreneurship program.Plus, a tour of Lackawanna Plaza with Jason Gleason of BDP Holdings, as the long-awaited redevelopment introduces murals, microbusinesses, and a new energy to 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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 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 recreation, and balancing a long list of resident demands.From leaking roofs to high taxes, Marks pulls back the curtain on what it takes to maintain aging infrastructure, respond to hundreds of community emails, and stretch every tax dollar. The episode also touches on the differences between Montclair’s municipal budget and the school budget, why the town is hiring a new Complete Streets Director, and how federal grant cuts could impact future services.Plus, we'll hear directly from residents about their biggest concerns and what they wish they understood better about how the town works.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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 than 10 restaurants that are featured in the show. Jefferson’s Cafe, Minoru, Beyond Pita, Good Chicken, Urban Chicken, Popeye’s… You may be noticing a trend here. The team discovered a fried chicken oasis centered around Lackawanna Plaza and the resulting fried chicken extravaganza featured the ENTIRE Montclair Pod family. It’s magical, people.Finally, before we take a short post-season break, we dish up our favorite memories and a few behind-the-scenes moments from the past 12 episodes - plus a little bit about what we’ve got planned for season 2 - which begins next week! 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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian 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.

If 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 other challenges::Toni’s Kitchen: A food ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, providing meals, groceries, and wellness services to individuals and families in need.Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH): Offers evening meals six days a week and overnight respite during extreme weather to Montclair's most vulnerable homeless adults and families.Salvation Army Montclair Citadel: Provides housing assistance, hot meals, emergency services, and spiritual support to those in need.Red Hawk Pantry – Montclair State University: Offers free food and personal care items to Montclair State University students experiencing food insecurity.Montclair Mutual Aid: A grassroots network collecting and distributing essential resources such as groceries, toiletries, appliances, and clothing to families and individuals in need.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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 recording of The Montclair Pod at Loopwell next Tuesday featuring comedian Zarna Garg, click 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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 media, triggering a wave of backlash and a barrage of negative online reviews from people both near and far.Recorded mid-morning during his prep shift, this conversation offers a rare and personal glimpse into how small businesses navigate public perception, artistic evolution, and the ripple effects of viral culture. Rosenthal reflects on what he might have done differently and why he still stands by the original mural’s message. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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 campaign funding, and how Trump’s lasting influence continues to shape political strategies.And Montclair? We’re right in the middle of it. With two major candidates — Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller — calling this town home, local dynamics are starring in the statewide contest.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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This 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.In this episode, Tyler talks about:How a disposable camera obsession in high school led to a career in photographyWhy documenting his peers felt personal and necessaryThe surprising way studying abroad changed his perspectiveHis hopes for Montclair Snap Memories — and why he wants everyone in Montclair to come see it (even if you don’t think museums are “for you”)Plus: What happens when your high school photos end up in a museum?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: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 captures the raw emotion, civic energy, and complexity of what’s at stake.We also hear from Senator Cory Booker, who arrived at a rockstar welcome and delivered a fiery message. The team reflects on the challenges of energizing not just the base but swing voters and what inclusive dialogue might look like moving forward. Plus, stay tuned for a preview of Thursday’s upcoming crossover episode with the Montclair Art Museum podcast, Maybe Actually Museums Are For Me, spotlighting local photographer Tyler Chan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 one finale, 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 than 10 restaurants that are featured in the show. Jefferson’s Cafe, Minoru, Beyond Pita, Good Chicken, Urban Chicken, Popeye’s… You may be noticing a trend here. The team discovered a fried chicken oasis centered around Lackawanna Plaza and the resulting fried chicken extravaganza featured the ENTIRE Montclair Pod family. It’s magical, people.Finally, before we take a short post-season break, we dish up our favorite memories and a few behind-the-scenes moments from the past 12 episodes - plus a little bit about what we’ve got planned for season 2. Jump to some episode highlights:03:20 BYOB culture in Montclair07:30 Food Crawl with Wendy Tiburcio11:55 Interview with Max Gray of Chow Town Tours18:21 Interview with Chef Lauren Hirschberg 33:40 The fried-chicken taste-off42:34 Reflections on Season 146:58 Sneak peek: Season 2 begins May 22 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 founder of Seed Artists, Pheeroan akLaff, joins us to reflect on the town’s musical legacy. Actress Kristen Connolly shares her experience growing up in Montclair and returning as a parent and working actor.We also shine a light on Montclair’s PorchFest, a new celebration where hundreds of local musicians perform on porches across town. And lastly, we get the latest on the long-awaited reopening of the historic Bellevue Theater. Whether it’s on stage, on canvas, or on front lawns, Montclair’s creative spirit is always on display.Jump to your favorite segments:03:02 Angelica Diggs, Director of the Montclair History Center, on the town’s historical commitment to the arts 06:49 Tom Hall, Co-Head and Artistic Director of the Montclair Film and The Claridge.16:05 Actress Kristen Connolly on being mentored by teachers in Montclair.19:56 Pheeroan akLaff, jazz musician and Creative Director of Seed Artists. 27:42 Jeremy Pholwattana, Director of Downtown Montclair and organizer behind PorchFest.31:12 Nanette Carter, a visual artist whose work is currently on exhibit at The Montclair Art Museum through August 10th. 42:35 Bellevue Theater development manager Paul Sayegh on the future of the theater. Also mentioned:College Women’s Club of Montclair returns with their Spring Book Sale on Wednesday, March 26th. The production of Fade at the Vanguard Theater April 4th through 13th. Downtown Montclair is organizing an Easter egg hunt in April.The music included in the Porchfest piece was from the 2024 Wallingford, CT Porchfest. The Mad Men excerpt is from Season 2, Episode 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected], 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?This is the start of a long conversation, and today, we’re beginning it with a few key voices:Captain James Lalor and Lieutenant Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department on what’s happening with recent break-ins, car thefts and how Montclair citizens can help each other in protecting themselves. Follow MPD on Instagram as well. Veteran security expert Rob Berman, founder of Berman Home Systems, on how crime trends are shifting after 40 years in the field.Jiu-jitsu instructor Karen Peterson, co-owner of North South Jiu Jitsu in Montclair and Bloomfield, on how to defend yourself in real-life situations.Montclair residents sharing their personal crime stories and concerns.Plus, we dig into your voicemails (thanks for those!) answering listener questions about all things Montclair from NJ Transit to small business hours and much more. Our crime issue in town isn’t going away overnight, and neither is this conversation. Tune in, listen, and be part of the discussion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 Dave Placek of BDP Holdings share insights from the development and landlord side, revealing the real estate pressures shaping Montclair’s retail landscape. Plus, we go behind the scenes with local entrepreneurs—from Dan and Day’s, Dot Reeder, Sankofa Café, Eclectic Chic Boutique, and FitLoft—to learn what it really costs to operate a brick-and-mortar here.Former Local Coffee owner Robert Genovese (and current CMO of Two Cents) reflects on running and eventually selling his beloved café. And Madison Velas of El Gordo shares why she chose Montclair’s South End for her new restaurant.Check out our Facebook post on the businesses Montclair residents want to see come to our town.Next week: How Safe Do You Feel Living in Montclair? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 service. We also discuss NJ Transit's new CEO, Kris Kolluri, and his 12-point plan to improve the system—will it actually make a difference? Is Amtrak really to blame?Plus, we highlight Clever Commute, an app created by Montclair’s Josh Crandall to help commuters navigate NJ Transit’s unpredictable nature.Check out our viral roast of Montclair. Next week: The retail landscape in Montclair—what makes a shop thrive, and what do locals really want? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 hear from those who have experienced shadowy figures, phantom sneezes, and strange noises in the dead of night. Plus, we speak with an expert on spiritual energy who helps residents make peace with whatever—or whoever—might be lingering in their homes.Featured Interviews:Susan Cancro – Assistant Director of Education at the Montclair Art MuseuErin Benz – Collections Manager at the Montclair History CenterAlex Pavljuk – MSU graduate and Digital Marketing Lead at the Montclair Art Museum. Podcast Host, Maybe, Actually, Museums Are for MeDaysi De Dios – Founder of Houss FreyaReferences: BearFort Paranormal's Ghost Hunt at Tierney’s Tavern Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: [email protected] 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 addressing local issues such as education, real estate, and community concerns. They highlight the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and announce future episodes that will cover important topics like local politics, small business costs, and intriguing local ghost stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join 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 their biggest school concerns, break down how the $188 million bond referendum is being allocated, and examine the ongoing debate over Chromebooks in the classroom. We also take a closer look at school security disparities, discuss the fallout from a recent teacher arrest at Northeast Elementary, and try to make sense of Montclair’s school calendar chaos—could classes really stretch into July?Featured Guests & Contributors:Sean Long – Former Montclair Board of Education member, Montclair parentJaime Bedrin – Substitute teacher, journalist, and Montclair parent shares thoughts on Chromebook usageMelissa Mehl – Northeast Elementary School parent, sharing firsthand experiencesRohit Dave– A listener from neighboring MillburnMontclair parents & community members – Sharing insights from our Facebook pollAdditional References:Read Jamie Bedrin’s Op-Ed in Business Insider$188M Bond Referendum DetailsThe Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join 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: [email protected] 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 market. We also explore the charm—and challenges—of Montclair’s historic architecture, where 100-year-old homes demand costly renovations to fit modern needs. But the market’s shortcomings don’t stop there—Montclair also faces a critical lack of housing options for its aging population, leaving longtime residents with few choices to downsize or stay in the community. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just curious about the town’s shifting real estate landscape, this deep dive is one you won’t want to miss.In this episode, we hear personal stories from residents Trae Bodge and Cory Sylvester of Michael Andrews Bespoke. We speak to realtors Heather Kandawire of Keller Williams and Jillian Nolan of Compass and finally, we hear from local architect Courtney Rombough.Additional References: New Jersey MLS Montclair Real Estate Prices and Stats RSVP for our launch party at Tierney’s!The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**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: [email protected]. 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.We also chat with Danielle Neff, creator of the Montclair Moms, Dads, and Parents Facebook group, who breaks down what families in town care most about. Plus, student voices, raw experiences from parents, and a powerful discussion with disability advocate Alma Schneider.References:1in6Support.orgIncidents of Discrimination, Bias, and Abuse in District SchoolsMontclair Moms, Dad and Parens Facebook GroupAlma Schneider email: [email protected] Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram. Email us at [email protected]** 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 affiliation in a predominantly liberal town, including insights from Michael D. Byrne, Chairman of the Montclair Republican County Committee. Byrne sheds light on the challenges faced by local Republicans and the aspects of Trump’s leadership that resonate with his supporters.The show also explores the ripple effects of Trump's policy proposals from immigration enforcement to the possible dismantling of the Department of Education. Guests, include Dr. Jackie Vimo, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Law and Montclair State University and Montclair Board of Education member Jada Roman.Finally, the episode spotlights Gabriela Tutalo, owner of the boutique Solano. She shares her concerns about tariffs on imported goods, offering a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of small business owners adapting to economic challenges.The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**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: [email protected]. 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 discusses the challenges of navigating community concerns and lawsuits and balancing affordability with progress. His stark warning: towns can decline rapidly if they fail to adapt. We hear from James Cotter, creator of Radio Free Montclair on why some are not in favor of too much change.The episode also highlights the Montclair Flea Market at Lackawanna, a vibrant community event featuring over 150 vendors. Entrepreneurs shared their stories of creativity and resilience. Featured small business owners include Hipster & Co, Patti's Bake Shop and Rose & Co Candles.Listeners are introduced to RecRoom, a new coworking and community space slated to open at Lackawanna. Michelle Ward, a Montclair entrepreneur, explains how the space aims to bring people together post-COVID, offering an alternative to isolating home offices and crowded coffee shops.The Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome 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: [email protected] Montclair Pod’s theme is adapted from The BARD Band’s “Angels Got His Back” from the album of the same name, which is available on all streaming platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.