Greetings From the Garden State

Send us Fan Mail We welcome Mark Conklin, Vice President of Artist Relations and Programming at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Mark shares his intriguing journey from a young musician playing in local bars to a prominent figure in the music industry. He discusses his transition from performing to songwriting and artist management, eventually leading to his current role where he overs...

Send us Fan Mail We visit Secret Guitars in Toms River, New Jersey, to chat with the dynamic members of the Azures—Clarissa, Ashton, Gia, and Eric. The conversation delves into the band's origins, tracing back to when they first met at the guitar shop opened by Eric's father after transitioning from the carpet business. The Azures share their journey from those early days of experimentat...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the secrets of energy healing and spiritual growth with our special guest, Karen Foote, the founder of Rebalance Reiki and Massage. Karen takes us on a fascinating journey from her early start in the healing arts at age 16 to the creation of Moon Magic in Hillsdale, New Jersey, a sanctuary born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her story, you'll learn how persona...

Send us Fan Mail This week we're talking with David Suk, co-founder of St. Luna Spirits, at the charming Sirenetta in Hoboken. David shares his remarkable journey from the corporate world to the craft spirits industry, detailing how he transitioned from selling baby blankets to creating a premium craft moonshine brand. David begins by explaining the unique aspects of St. Luna's moonshine...

Send us Fan Mail We welcome Julia Vain to discuss the exciting transformation of Angeloni's Club Madrid in Atlantic City. Julia, a South Jersey native, shares her journey from working at various local establishments to becoming a co-owner of this historic venue. The conversation kicks off with Julia recounting her early days in the fast-paced hospitality industry and the mentors who shaped he...

Send us Fan Mail We welcome Kim Petillo and Taylor Franklin to the show at Salty's Beach Bar in Belmar, New Jersey. The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about the unique journey that led Kim and Taylor to become prominent figures in the pole dancing community. They recount their initial meeting in a pole dancing class during the summer of 2020, a time when both were seeking new form...

Send us Fan Mail 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 established by his grandfather during the...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with John Cozz, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Cozz Coffee. John, a native of Nutley, New Jersey, shares his fascinating journey from his roots in Essex County to becoming a prominent figure in the local coffee scene. He delves into his early life, influenced by the vibrant culture of his hometown, and his initial foray into architecture at NJIT, which he eventually l...

Send us Fan Mail We welcome musicians Natalie Farrell and Lou Panico for an engaging conversation about their musical journeys and experiences in the New Jersey music scene. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter about the New Jersey Lottery, setting a relaxed and friendly tone. Natalie and Lou share their backgrounds, with Natalie recounting her move from Brooklyn to New Jersey and her e...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham is joined by Lauren LaRusso and Bruce Revman, Co-Host City Managers of the New York New Jersey 2026 World Cup Host Committee, at MetLife Stadium. They discuss the excitement and extensive planning involved in hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™, including youth soccer initiatives and large-scale fan f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham sits down with Denise Rue, founder of the New Jersey Psychedelic Therapy Association and a licensed clinical social worker. Denise shares her fascinating journey from being a speech-language pathologist and poet to becoming a leading advocate for psychedelic therapy. She discusses her transformative expe...

Send us Fan Mail 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 and paranormal stories to peculi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham interviews Aaron Price, CEO of Tech United New Jersey, at a co-working space in Hoboken. They delve into the vibrant tech community in the area, celebrating its cool vibe, great food scene, and tight-knit network. Aaron, a long-time Hoboken resident, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from patenting a w...

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 Alexander Richter, the Executive Director and Head of SciTech Scity Hub at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey. They discuss the bustling activities at the Science Center, delve into Richter's journey from Austria to the U.S., and explore the a...

Send us Fan Mail We visit the renowned Rutt's Hut in Clifton, New Jersey, where we chat with Billy Chrisafinis about the restaurant's history and famous deep-fried hot dogs, known as rippers. Billy shares the story of how his immigrant father and uncles took over the 96-year-old establishment in 1974, maintaining its efficient operations and unique traditions. The podcast explores the fa...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Greetings from the Garden State," host Mike Ham sits down with Bromme Cole, the CEO of the Sound Start Foundation. The Sound Start Foundation is dedicated to providing early intervention services for children born hard of hearing, ensuring they can integrate seamlessly into general education by age three and a half. Bromme Cole shares his extensive ba...

Send us Fan Mail Dive into the dynamic world of healthcare innovation with Jose Lozano, Chief Growth Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health, in this engaging episode of Green Streets. Discover the intriguing journey of Hackensack Meridian Health's expansion and its pivotal role in pioneering cutting-edge solutions for healthcare challenges. From their partnership with the Helix Project to resh...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Kurt Donovan at the NJ Underground Studios in Jersey City to dive into the vibrant world of creative support and development. At NJ Underground Studios, creativity thrives. Donovan, a filmmaker and event planner, founded the studio with a mission to nurture artists through affordable, professional studio sessions and various growth opportunities....

Send us Fan Mail We travel out to Jersey City to talk with Don Vogt, a co-owner of 902 Brewing Co.. Recorded on the brewery's rooftop, Don shares the fascinating journey of 902 Brewing Co., from its beginnings as a gypsy brewery to establishing a physical location in Jersey City. He discusses the inspiration behind their transition from hobbyists to business owners, citing the success of thei...

Send us Fan Mail We get a sneak peek into the new Middlesex County Ride On Demand system that is helping people get around New Brunswick! With all the new development happening in NB, including our partners at the Helix NJ, it's imperative to have reliable sources of transportation connecting the people who live and work in Middlesex County to the places and services they need!  middlesexcoun...

Send us Fan Mail We're down again at Asbury Park Distilling Company with head distiller Kelly Bodnar. Bodnar shares her journey into the realm of distilling, from her initial fascination with spirits to securing a role at the distillery after seeking employment there. She provides valuable insights into her hands-on learning experience, emphasizing the practical blend of science and logistics...

Send us Fan Mail Mike sits down with President Joe Bertolino of Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey. President Joe shares captivating insights into his New Jersey roots in Glendora and his distinguished journey through academia and various presidencies, emphasizing the pivotal role of relationships and accessibility in leadership. President Joe delves into Stockton's remarkable evolut...

Send us Fan Mail Join host Mike Ham in the latest episode of "Greetings from the Garden State" as he takes listeners on a thrilling journey to the Million Dollar Replay event hosted by the New Jersey Lottery at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. This exciting event, established in 2011, offers players the chance to transform non-winning scratch-offs into fantastic prizes, including the...

Send us Fan Mail We wander into the woods with Chef Phil Manganaro, the mastermind behind Marlton, New Jersey's Park Place Cafe and Restaurant. Phil unveils the restaurant's innovative approach, specializing in culinary creations crafted from foraged wild ingredients, a refreshing departure from conventional cooking methods. Delving into his culinary journey, Phil shares his upbringing i...

Send us Fan Mail Mike welcomes guest Allison Strong to the show at Bravery Studios in Garfield, New Jersey. Allison talks about her recent endeavors in music and acting, highlighting her album release in July and opening for Jesse and Joy at the Palladium shortly after. She reflects on her journey from Broadway to television and film, emphasizing the importance of constantly evolving as an artist....