Salt Bridge Farm Podcast

Host Dennis welcomes Saltbridge Farm intern Dustin Wilf for a semester wrap-up conversation about the non-clinical internship program with Bright Harbor Healthcare. Dustin reflects on joining the project from “ground zero,” combining academics, hobbies, and hands-on plant work in Toms River, and enjoying the intern team and video production crew. They discuss aligning interns with their passions,...

Dennis hosts Salt Bridge Farm Podcast and interviews intern Dani Vajtay as he finishes his semester, reflecting on hands-on work clearing trees and brush, learning chainsaw safety, and seeing the property’s transformation. They discuss mushroom log inoculation at a volunteer event and plans to grow oyster mushrooms plus varieties like lion’s mane, reishi, and shiitake. Dani shares how the internsh...

Host Dennis welcomes special guest Pat Lewis, former homeowner of the 1525 blue farmhouse and red barn property, to share the farm’s history and its new chapter. Pat explains the house was built in 1928, how her family bought the small farmhouse after seeing it for sale in 1976, moved in during 1977, added two wings, and raised the roof in 1990 as their family grew. She describes their early commi...

Dennis hosts the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast with guest Bob Opitz, owner of Spire Coffeehouse, discussing Spire’s origins after he and his wife left corporate careers to build a community-focused business. Bob shares how they opened Spire in December 2022, chose the name and lighthouse-inspired logo, and partnered with roasting company Crimson Cup. They discuss Spire’s involvement with the Toms River...

Host Dennis welcomes Jack Harris, an assistant teaching professor and sustainability program director at Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS), to discuss SEBS as Rutgers’ land-grant unit and its mission to serve New Jersey communities through teaching, research, and extension. They describe how their connection began through grant work and led to placing two Rutgers inte...

Host Dennis welcomes Susan Emhardt-Servidio, Senior Horticulturist and Rutgers Master Gardener Program Coordinator for Ocean County, to discuss Rutgers Cooperative Extension services in Toms River, including agriculture, 4-H, marine, and family and consumer health sciences, plus gardening education. Susan explains how to become a Master Gardener through at least 60 hours of training and 60 hours o...

Host Dennis welcomes Dennis Morolda to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast to discuss Morolda’s nonprofit, Stay in the Fight, created in honor of his late brother Anthony Morolda. Anthony, a fitness trainer who struggled with anxiety, depression, and depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPDR), sometimes couldn’t afford therapy and relied on lifestyle practices like sleep, hydration, journaling, medi...

Welcome to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast with your host, Dennis! In this episode, we introduce Dr. Caelin McCallum, the director of the Young Adult Bridge Housing Project. Tune in as Caelin shares the incredible journey and vision behind the farm, which provides a unique transitional housing solution for young adults facing homelessness and housing instability. From discussing the project's inc...

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis sits down with Tom Jara, owner of Wonder Washers. Tom shares his inspiring journey of overcoming mental health struggles, hitting rock bottom, and seeking help from Bright Harbor Healthcare. Today, he runs a successful business and gives back to the community in various meaningful ways. Tom provides valuable insights on the importance of...

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes special guest Jessica Gahm, a holistic wellness clinician. They discuss Jessica's multifaceted role, which includes trauma therapy, yoga, and organizing wellness expos. Jessica shares insights into her therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, breath work, and the mind-b...

In this episode, Rebecca Kaul discusses the process for securing an internship at Bright Harbor in various fields such as clinical, sustainability, agriculture, video production, and social media. She outlines the steps to apply, including submitting a resume through the careers page on our website and choosing specific internship opportunities for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. We also highlight our...

Join Dennis and special guest Kim Veith, CEO of Bright Harbor Healthcare, as they discuss the incredible vision and progress of Salt Bridge Farm. In this episode, they explore the farm's mission of providing housing, community, and skill-building opportunities for young adults and the broader community. Learn about the unique challenges and exciting developments in creating a sustainable and s...

In this special episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes Maryanne VanDeventer, the Community Outreach Specialist for the Brew Grounds Cafe—a remarkable program of Bright Harbor. Maryanne shares insights on the 'Brew Grounds Cafe,' New Jersey's first Recovery Cafe, part of the Recovery Cafe Network. They discuss providing a safe, supportive community space for indiv...

In this episode of the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast, host Dennis welcomes a special guest, Tom Normile, the principal of Ocean Academy. They discuss their exciting partnership, where students from Ocean Academy will volunteer on the farm to learn about agriculture and sustainability. Tom shares his extensive background in education, while both he and Dennis explore the benefits of hands-on learning wi...

Welcome to the Salt Bridge Farm Podcast! In this special episode, host Dennis speaks with Vinnie Pizzimenti, Program Coordinator for 'The Nook' — Nourishing Others Opportunity Kitchen. They discuss the impactful work The Nook does to combat food insecurity in Ocean County, including supporting about 145 households each month and providing food for hundreds of animals. They delve into the current c...

Welcome to the very first episode of Salt Bridge Farm Podcast! Hosted by Dennis, this episode features a conversation with Kelli Chiarello, the visionary behind Salt Bridge Farm. They delve into the innovative housing model designed for young adults aged 18-24 who would otherwise be homeless in Ocean County. Kelli explains the unique approach that combines housing with personal development, includ...