Greetings From the Garden State

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jeremy DeFilippis provides an in-depth look into the evolution of Jetty, emphasizing the company's strategic decision to bring all operations in-house. By managing every aspect internally, Jetty ensures meticulous control over the quality and reputation of its brand. Jeremy takes pride in the fulfillment derived from employing a dedicated team of 51 individua...

Send us Fan Mail We're joined by Jake Reynolds, president of the Jersey Devils, and Devils legend, "Mr. Devil" Ken Daneyko. Together, they delve into the ongoing season and the distinctive community engagement initiatives spearheaded by the Devils. Reflecting on the franchise's journey since its inception in 1982, Daneyko shares insightful perspectives on the evolution of the t...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with John Yarusi, the dynamic owner behind Johnny's Pork Roll and Coffee, a beloved establishment nestled in the heart of Red Bank, New Jersey. The conversation kicks off on a reflective note as they pay homage to the legacy of John Taylor, whose departure from New Jersey in 1906 marked a pivotal moment in the state's history. Taylor's influence, particu...

Send us Fan Mail This week's episode with Michael Johnson, the President of the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), was conducted at the groundbreaking Comet Advanced Manufacturing Facility. Together, we explore NJII's distinctive position as a standalone corporation owned by NJIT, meticulously designed to address global challenges by seamlessly connecting academia with the external...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Jersey Ballet's rich history si...

Send us Fan Mail We're joined by Lisa Sciannella, Chief of Staff at Helpsy, and we discuss the story behind Helpsy's transformative journey in textile recycling. The episode offers a deep dive into the company's origins, initiated eight years ago when three friends, Alex, Dan, and Dave, acquired three clothing bin collection companies. Lisa highlights the evolution and innovation wi...

Send us Fan Mail Mike Ham takes a ride-along journey with Patrick Colligan, President of the Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA), and Vinny Rizzo, a respected PBA delegate and experienced police officer from Bergen County. With a combined 49 years of law enforcement experience, they provide a unique perspective on community engagement, dispelling stereotypes, and celebrating shared passi...

Send us Fan Mail 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, expressing his love for the state and...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is full of laughs. Mike and guest John Poveromo explore various topics, from reflections on New Jersey geography to John's intriguing upbringing marked by frequent moves. Discover John Poveromo's unique journey into the world of comedy and podcasting. Gain insights into his early interest in humor, influenced by his parents, and his initiation into stand-up...

Send us Fan Mail Trenton's "Cast Iron" Kyle Seip, is a seasoned hustler with a lifelong passion for treasures that stand the test of time. From his early days on a mission to acquire more Pokemon cards to his present endeavors, Kyle has always been driven by the thrill of the hunt. Today, Cast Iron Kyle immerses himself in products with a rich history, often spanning over a century...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with the resilient and dynamic entrepreneur, Filipe "Fil" Santos, starting with his roots in Harrison, New Jersey. You get a glimpse into Fil's early passions – skateboarding, playing drums, and the twists and turns that led to struggles with substance abuse. The story takes a powerful turn when Fil opens up about his commitment to recovery and the unwav...

Send us Fan Mail We welcome Marilyn Schlossbach, owner of The White Chapel Projects in Long Branch, New Jersey. Marilyn shares her unexpected journey into the culinary world, taking over cooking at her brother's restaurant and developing a passion for creating memorable experiences through food. Growing up in a beach town, her love for the outdoors shaped her culinary approach. The White Chap...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on a journey through the heart of New Jersey as we revisit the most captivating and memorable moments from 'Greetings From the Garden State' in 2023. From inspiring stories to hidden gems, this trailer is a celebration of the diverse culture, remarkable individuals, and unique experiences that define the essence of the Garden State. Get ready to relive the best m...

Send us Fan Mail 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 House's commitment to quality cof...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: May 2, 2023 The Funky Fishmonger Mark Drabich started cutting fish at a local seafood market when he was 15 years old. In high school, on his breaks from college, Mark worked at various seafood markets.  Being the first to graduate from college in his family, he eventually got a job at Johnson & Johnson which didn't last long and he wound up opening his...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: May 9, 2023 Mike Ham welcomes the charismatic Derynn Paige to the podcast. Derynn, a star in the realm of reality TV, shares her personal experiences and insights from her time on MTV's popular shows, "Double Shot at Love" and "Ex on the Beach," taking us on a captivating journey through her rise to stardom. Derynn starts by reflecting o...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: January 10, 2023 In 2019 Nick LePore ate a burger every day. The former bodybuilder began building his Burger Buff brand in 2018 by traveling around and reviewing burgers from various establishments and quickly gained traction on social through his thoughtful reviews and high quality photos. After spending his days reviewing burgers, he eventually decided to sta...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: April 25, 2023 Steve Santucci is a local history teacher in Morris County, New Jersey and also is a Revolutionary War reenactor. As part of the 2nd New Jersey regiment, Steve spends his weekends and other significant dates diving into the Revolutionary history in the Garden State, as well as other places in the original 13 colonies. Steve has become an expert in...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: February 28, 2023 Ming Chen entered the world of podcasting in 2007 as one of the architects behind Kevin Smith's SModCast Network. His first responsibilities included all technical aspects of the network as well as the design, maintenance and marketing of SModCast's online presence. As the network grew and more shows were added, Ming was asked to crea...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: August 8, 2023 We are joined by Pete Candia, the esteemed food and drink editor at NJ Digest, while surrounded by the cozy ambiance of Osteria Crescendo. Join us as we embark on Pete's inspiring journey – from a discerning eater to a triumphant graduate of culinary school, all while navigating the challenges posed by a progressive muscle wasting disease. Pe...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: February 21, 2023 Sandra Zotti's unofficial training as a wine expert began as a child thanks to her parents, two first-generation immigrants from Campania, Italy. Introduced to a biccherino di vino rosso by her parents, Sandra learned at an early age to enjoy half a glass of red wine at the dinner table while listening to Puccini play throughout the house,...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: June 13, 2023 We have an inspiring conversation with Jamie Knott, a talented restaurant owner and culinary visionary, as we dive into Jamie's remarkable life and his profound impact on the culinary industry. Discover the challenges he faced, his love for the culinary arts, and the secrets to his success. Episode Highlights: - Explore Jamie Knott's jour...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: November 7, 2023 We visit Camden to explore the rich history of the iconic USS New Jersey with the guidance of our special guest, Ryan Szimanski, the passionate curator of the USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial. Let's begin by introducing Ryan Szimanski, an expert in naval history and the curator of the USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial. Discover Ryan&apos...

Send us Fan Mail Original Air Date: March 21, 2023 Mutiny BBQ Company is Coastal New Jersey's craft smokehouse. Its owner Tom Dunphy creates delicious, authentic small batch BBQ in the southern tradition, incorporating flavors and methods of Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Louisiana to create a craft BBQ experience unlike any other. mutinybbq.com @mutinybbq 808 Fifth Ave Asbur...

Send us Fan Mail On our final episode of 2023, we welcome special guest Keith McPherson to Sky Llama Studios in Totowa, NJ. Keith, a Monmouth County native, takes us on a journey from his college football days at Monmouth University to his current role as late night host on WFAN Sports Radio in New York City.  In this episode, Keith shares insights into his early experiences as a DJ and party prom...