Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

Lost in Jersey

Society EN ↓ 140 episodes

So close to NYC, New Jersey is a melting pot of creativity, ambition, and culture. Everyone has a Jersey story and on Lost in Jersey , we’re here to share them with you. 

Author

Rachel Martens and Janette Afsharian

Category

Society

Podcast website

lostinjersey.site

Latest episode

Nov 4, 2025

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Episodes

What to Watch and Read: April Book & Show Roundup 15.04.2025

We catch up on TV shows and books worth watching and reading now that everyone's moved beyond White Lotus and Severance theories. • 'The Recruit' offers espionage, thrills, and international city envy • 'Love on the Spectrum' (season 3) provides heartwarming joy • Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey explores love and survival in Alaska • The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles...

Dancing Through Life with Kathy Costa McKeown 08.04.2025

Meet Kathy Costa McKeown as she takes us behind the scenes of DanceWorks Studios , revealing how dance education builds resilience, community, and lifelong connections for students of all ages. Through her 27 years as a studio owner, choreographer, and "Mama Kath" to over 467 students, she demonstrates how movement becomes both art and therapy. In this episode you will learn: • Kathy&apo...

The Magazine That Refused to Die 01.04.2025

Michael Stefanelli, the New Jersey division leader for Best Version Media , reveals how hyperlocal publishing is thriving while building community connections through positive storytelling and neighborhood focus. • Hyperlocal print media is experiencing significant growth  • Magazines focus on positive local stories about neighbors, families, and community events  • Each magazine is free to reside...

Legendary NYC Jazz Club Stories 25.03.2025

Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jaco, Max Roach... legends  hung out at her club in the village. Tune in to meet the forever-cool Kate Greenfield.  Kate Greenfield shares her behind-the-scenes stories of co-owning the legendary Seventh Avenue South jazz club in the Village of New York City with the famous Brecker Brothers.  Turning the chapter, we learn how she went on to get her Master&ap...

The Barbershop Chronicles 18.03.2025

Zane Keys: "Barbershops aren’t just about looking fresh—they’re where conversations happen, where connections are made. You might walk in for a cut, but you leave with advice, support, and a sense of belonging. That’s why I started hosting a free men’s mental health group every month. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued." The humble barbershop has always...

Today Show Radio Host is Lost in Jersey 11.03.2025

Media power couple Holly Palmieri and Alfred Schulz share their journeys from radio beginnings to podcasting, reflecting on career paths, family transitions, and the future of audio storytelling. • Holly's career progression from Martha Stewart radio intern to The Today Show • Alfred's experience in public radio, political coverage, and podcasts • Their transition from Brooklyn to suburb...

Finding Your Second Act: Career Advice from Shannon Russell 04.03.2025

Have you ever sat in your car alone, contemplating your work life, new job, career change, or second act? Do you feel unfulfilled in your professional life? Do you want to start a business?  We dive deep into Shannon Russell’s journey from a television producer to a career coach, exploring how personal experiences influence professional choices. Topics include the power of reflection, assessment t...

Trial by Fire: Surviving the Seton Hall Blaze 25.02.2025

Shawn Simons’ harrowing journey—from surviving the devastating Seton Hall dormitory fire to becoming a fierce advocate for fire safety—embodies resilience, accountability, and the power of community. His story sparks urgent conversations about safety and the life-altering impact of young adults’ choices. • Shawn recounts the tragic events of the Seton Hall fire  • The emotional and physical challe...

Radio Free Montclair: A Community-Driven Radio Revolution 25.02.2025

If you want to get a feel for Montclair, NJ head to Radio Free Montclair . We are happy that you can also hear our podcast in their rotation! In this episode, you will get to know the OG's - the founding fathers - John Sullivan, James Cotter, and Scott Gurian.  Theirs is a labor of love, building a radio station fueled by the diverse passions of a community. Together, they are not just broadc...

Matchmaker Dating Tips! 11.02.2025

NYC/NJ Matchmaker Michelle Frankel shares practical tips on navigating digital and real-world dating landscapes while emphasizing the timeless human quest for love and connection. Prepare to be enlightened as Michelle reveals the art of presenting oneself authentically to attract meaningful relationships. • Common mistakes in online dating • The critical role of self-awareness in dating  • Tips fo...

Andrew Lacey - Creating Inclusive Bonds 04.02.2025

Meet Andrew Lacey! We have a wonderful chat getting to know Andrew's background from being born in Australia to living in Brazil, Pennsylvania, Boston, New York, and finally Montclair, NJ. He shares his experience working as a teacher and then transitioning to working in finance while practicing philanthropy. Andrew discusses the importance of inclusivity in education and sports, highlighting...

ACLU of NJ - Empowering Change and Justice in New Jersey 28.01.2025

You don't want to miss today's conversation with Amol Sinha, the ACLU New Jersey Executive Director. He highlights the organization's initiatives protecting civil rights. We discuss criminal justice reform, immigration, and women's reproductive rights. • ACLU NJ’s mission • The clemency project and its impact on mass incarceration • Know Your Rights community education • The im...

Jersey Fan Club: A Book, Cards and Stickers! 21.01.2025

Rachel and Janette sit down with Kerri Sullivan, a passionate librarian and the founder of the Jersey Collective, a platform dedicated to celebrating New Jersey's local artists and culture. Kerri shares her journey from a film major to a public librarian, highlighting her work on the anthology " New Jersey Fan Club: Artists and Writers Celebrate the Garden State ," which aims to cha...

Trendy Tips & Self-Care Tricks: Laughing Through 2025 Resolutions! 14.01.2025

Time to stop overthinking and do it! Join us as we poke fun at internal self-help and give the superficial some love. Time to flip the script. 🔄 In Z-speak, here’s the vibe: ✨ Tiny W’s ✨ Snacking on the trends ✨ Perfume = main character energy ✨ All pros, no cons 💯 ✨ Slay care Pull up, hit play, and glow into the best year yet. 🎧 Link in bio @lostin.jersey NOTE: This message has been trans...

Parenting SOS: Help & Tips for All of Us! 07.01.2025

Would you like to start the new year with a harmonious home? Meet parenting coach Debbie Kravitz of Growing Change Parent Coaching . Listen in as she shares invaluable insights on fostering deep connections with your children, navigating various parenting styles, and the impact of technology on family interactions. Listeners will gain practical tips and strategies for becoming more effective and s...

Top 5 Unforgettable Stories! 31.12.2024

2024 has been a defining year for New Jersey, characterized by thrilling goodbyes, tiktok viral videos, and perplexing mysteries that have captivated locals and visitors alike. From the retirement of Kingda Ka to the curious drone sightings in the skies, these stories reflect the diversity of the Garden State. • Kingda Ka's retirement • Bruce Springsteen's " Nebraska " film in...

2024 Awards: Guest Favorites 24.12.2024

New Jersey Rocks! But you know that already if you have gotten "Lost in Jersey" with us. Celebrate our year-end list of the most popular Shout Outs! We break it down for you and list why New Jersey is awesome, the people are amazing, and where you need to go shop, eat, and drink coffee. Get going and check us out on Instagram! Lost in Jersey Instagram Follow us:    Website   |    Apple  ...

Neil Grabowsky Lessons in Photography and Film 17.12.2024

Afraid to see photos of yourself? Celebrity photogrpaher Neil Grabowsky shares some tips and road to photography and film.  Feel the excitement as we discuss the whirlwind creation of a 90-minute film in just five days with his talented team. As the media landscape evolves, Neil emphasizes the ever-expanding opportunities for content creators and the importance of perseverance and passion for thos...

The Heart of a Writer: Stacey's Path to Success 10.12.2024

Author Anastasia Rubis shares her debut novel, ORIANA, which she published at 64. She reveals her 11-year journey of rejections, editing, graduate school, and what ultimately helped her cross the publishing line. In ORIANA, she explores the extraordinary life of journalist Oriana Fallaci (description below). In our conversation, Rubis opens up about perseverance and chasing dreams no matter your a...

Bridging Business and Philanthropy: Eric Tash's Entrepreneurial Journey 03.12.2024

In this episode, we meet Eric Tash, podcast host and producer of Worthy for Thirty , where stories of leaders doing good while doing well are told. Eric chats with us about the thriving network of entrepreneurs he's encountered, revealing the unique atmosphere that fosters creativity and innovation in these vibrant communities. Meet Elissa Kalver who turned her battle with stage four metastat...

Sipping Happiness with Robert Downey Jr 26.11.2024

Celebrate our 100th episode milestone with us as we welcome the ingenious Craig Dubitsky, the mastermind behind iconic brands like method , hello , and eos . Discover Craig’s latest venture, happy , a new coffee brand developed with Robert Downey Jr. and in partnership with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Hear how Robert Downey Jr.'s exceptional palate played a vital role in pe...

Amplifying Voices: Jason Foster's Creative Mission 19.11.2024

You may have spotted Jason R.A. Foster, a filmmaker, photographer, actor, and podcaster, in a few famous movies which we discuss. But moreover, he is a very talented filmmaker with a unique creative perspective.  Jason shares how his upbringing in the South, notably his time in New Orleans, has deeply influenced his work.  Learn how his unique storytelling style beautifully intertwines personal na...

Election? What Election? We got Book and TV Recs! 12.11.2024

Can a haircut cure post-election blues? Since we can't go around cutting all our listeners' hair, we have done the next best thing. We are sharing our best books and streaming picks. We implore you to TAKE A BREAK from the news! At least for a little bit. Fresh off the Montclair Film Festival, we discuss Sean Baker's winning film Anora and Mikey Madison's mesmerizing performanc...

Luke Ward - Improv Can Be Seriously Stressful 05.11.2024

Picture this: you're standing on stage with no script, no idea what's coming next, and a crowd waiting for you to make them laugh. That's the thrill of improv comedy, and it's exactly what Luke Ward, an improv teacher at Montclair Film, helps us uncover. We discuss the challenges and vulnerabilities of performing improv, share personal experiences from our journeys in comedy, a...

Public Speaking Tips Anyone Can Use 29.10.2024

Imagine transforming your public speaking skills from shaky to sensational. In our latest episode, we talk to Laureen LeFever, a highly-rated Communications and Public Speaking professor at Montclair State University. We get practical tips that are applicable not only for formal speeches but also for everyday situations like meetings and family gatherings. Listeners will learn the importance of be...

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