Greetings From the Garden State

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , powered by the New Jersey Lottery, host Mike Ham sits down with Emerson Woolf , the frontwoman of Emerson Woolf and the Wishbones . Broadcasting from Radio Garden State HQ in Bloomfield, NJ (a.k.a. one corner of the Spaghetti Triangle ), they dive into Emerson’s musical journey, the formation of The Wishbones , and what’s next f...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of Greetings from the Garden State , host Mike Ham welcomes Tory Anne Daines of Fair Panic (with a special guest appearance by Duck the dog!) to discuss the band’s evolution, new EP release, and upcoming live shows. From Tory’s early musical influences and opera/violin roots to wild tales from hardcore and country gigs, this conversation is filled with hea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , host Mike Ham sits down with Dean Maroulakos, co-founder of Skopos Hospitality, at Cowan’s Public in Nutley, NJ. Dean shares the journey of launching and expanding a hospitality empire in North Jersey, from the origins of Cowan’s Public to the recently opened Nomada in Verona. They dive into: The history of Cowan’s Public and it...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , we cover the NJ Youth Soccer Awards Banquet presented by RWJBarnabas Health in Edison, NJ. Host Mike Ham interviews award-winning players, legendary figures, and key stakeholders shaping NJ youth soccer. Featured Guests & Segments: Segment 1: Rising Stars of NJ Youth Soccer Gabriel Wahby – Save of the Year Describes his game...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , I visit Burnt Mills Cider in Bedminster, NJ, and sit down with owners John Coates and Miranda Meade to talk all things cider. From their early beginnings to launching in the middle of a pandemic, Burnt Mills has built a reputation for crafting high-quality, locally sourced ciders that showcase the best of New Jersey produce. We...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, host Mike Ham sits down with Matty Carlock—singer-songwriter, producer, and hardcore music veteran—at the iconic Berkeley Hotel in Asbury Park. Matty shares his inspiring journey, starting from his punk and hardcore roots to evolving into a multi-genre artist blending folk, hip-hop, and more. They discuss his DIY ethic, relentles...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , host Mike Ham sits down with the iconic Felipe Rose, best known as the original Native American of the Village People. Recorded at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, Felipe shares his incredible journey from dancing in New York City clubs to global stardom, his impact as a cultural icon, and his ongoing creative pursuits. Felipe ref...

Send us Fan Mail We chat with legendary radio personality Jim Monaghan for the podcast’s first-ever virtual episode! A staple of WDHA since 1998, Jim reflects on his decades-long career in radio, his passion for music, and his enduring connection to New Jersey. The two dive into Jim’s early days in broadcasting, his memorable moments at WDHA, and his role as host of All Mixed Up and Jersey Magazin...

Send us Fan Mail Originally Aired: July 2, 2024 We welcome Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman, the founders of Weird New Jersey, to discuss the magazine’s origins and evolution. Mark and Mark reflect on how they began the magazine in the early 1990s before the internet, initially distributing Xeroxed, typewritten newsletters to friends. The unique nature of the content, which ranged from local legends a...

Send us Fan Mail Originally Aired: August 6, 2024 Today we travel to the historic Great Notch Inn in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The episode features an engaging conversation with the roadhouse's owner, Rich Hempel, who provides a deep dive into the rich history and vibrant community that define this local landmark. Rich begins by sharing the origins of the Great Notch Inn, which was establish...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: March 5, 2024 We're joined by Maria Kowroski, the artistic director of the New Jersey Ballet. Maria, who shares her journey from Michigan to the School of American Ballet and eventually the New York City Ballet, reflects on her unique path to becoming a ballerina, driven by a profound passion for dance. The episode unfolds with an exploration of the New Jer...

Send us Fan Mail Originally Aired: February 13, 2024 We went into Brick City, Newark, NJ, to chat with Sean Saadeh, the EVP of Entertainment at the Prudential Center. Sean provides valuable insights into the diverse programming at The Rock, from hosting family shows like Disney on Ice to becoming a crucial venue for the community. The discussion unfolds with Sean, originally not from New Jersey, e...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: October 1, 2024 We visit Electric Tattoo in Asbury Park to chat with tattoo artist Mike Schweigert. Schweigert shares his journey from growing up in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to becoming a prominent figure in the tattoo industry. He discusses his early influences, including his love for music and skateboarding, and how these passions intertwined with his caree...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: January 9, 2024 In this inspiring episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham welcomes Eric LeGrand at LeGrand Coffee House in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Eric shares his remarkable journey, having overcome a paralyzing injury sustained during a college football game. The episode unfolds with warm greetings and highlights LeGrand Coffee Hou...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings From the Garden State , Mike Ham visits Georgies Bar in Asbury Park, NJ, to chat with musician and community advocate Rick Barry . Known as the “gay Cheers” of Asbury Park, Georgies is a staple of inclusivity, music, and history, recently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Rick shares stories about the bar’s origins, its importance to the LGBTQ+ communi...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode of Greetings From the Garden State , host Mike Ham sits down with Erica Fischer-Kaslander, Executive Director of Child Focus, a nonprofit organization in Wayne, NJ, dedicated to advocating for foster youth. From its humble beginnings to becoming a vital resource for children and families across Passaic, Union, Hudson, and Essex counties, Erica shares the...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State , powered by the New Jersey Lottery, Mike Ham welcomes the incredible Monique Latise to his home studio for an inspiring and laughter-filled conversation. Monique shares her journey from growing up in Paterson, NJ, with dreams of becoming a rapper and dancer to becoming a full-time comedian. Along the way, she opens up about find...

Send us Fan Mail We take listeners to the heart of the New Jersey Wine Expo at Bell Works in Holmdel. Sponsored by the New Jersey Lottery, the event marks the inaugural New Jersey Wine Month, showcasing the state's burgeoning wine industry. With nearly 60 vineyards across diverse climates, New Jersey is emerging as a notable wine producer, offering a unique blend of flavors and experiences. S...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Greetings From the Garden State , host Mike Ham visits Varitage Brew Works in Bloomfield, NJ, to chat with Mark Costa, the owner and head brewer. Mark shares the story behind the brewery, its unique soccer-inspired theme, and the journey that led him from his roots in Nutley to becoming a key player in Bloomfield's local business landscape. He also dives in...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Joe Scacciaferro at Triple S in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Joe shares his journey from a funk band bassist to a pioneer in the synthesizer industry, detailing how his company, Triple S, became a key player in music technology and live event production. He recounts his transition into broadcast, highlighted by a collaboration with Ray Charles, and his Emmy-winning wor...

Send us Fan Mail We welcome Chef Angel Rivera to discuss his culinary journey at Experience Kitchen and Cocktails in Avenel, New Jersey. Chef Angel, a proud Jersey native, shares his transition from an engineering background to the world of gastronomy, inspired by his multicultural upbringing and a deep love for food. His story is one of passion and perseverance, as he navigates the challenges of...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with musician Christian Sparacio, who is set to headline the upcoming Jersey Fest. Christian shares his journey from growing up in Marlboro, New Jersey, to becoming a musician, highlighting his transition from a football player to a passionate artist. He reflects on his musical upbringing, influenced by a family that loved music, and how he found his voice and sound th...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with private investigators Bari Kroll and Jen Rosant from B. Lauren Investigations. Bari and Jen recount their unique journeys into the field, highlighting how they transitioned from corporate roles to becoming private investigators. They emphasize the importance of shedding light on an industry often shrouded in mystery and discuss the challenges and rewards of their...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with musician Connor Bracken at Twin Lights Brewing, delving into Connor's evolution from a young guitarist to the leader of the Mother Leeds Band. Connor discusses his passion for music and the creative journey that led to a unique collaboration with Twin Lights Brewing. Together, they crafted an Irish red ale that not only celebrates their partnership but also s...

Send us Fan Mail We visit Electric Tattoo in Asbury Park to chat with tattoo artist Mike Schweigert. Schweigert shares his journey from growing up in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to becoming a prominent figure in the tattoo industry. He discusses his early influences, including his love for music and skateboarding, and how these passions intertwined with his career in tattooing. Schweigert reflects...