The Montclair Pod

In this episode, Farnoosh and Mike explore sustainability with a Montclair lens . What does it really mean to “live green” in our town—and is it affordable, practical, or even possible? You’ll hear: A solar reality check from Montclair local Ivy Sheibar, who breaks down the truth behind “free” solar panels, what the upcoming federal tax credit deadline means for homeowners, and how to decide if so...

Back by demand: It’s our second deep dive into the world of Montclair arts: bigger, bolder, and possibly haunted.   Dance phenom Sharron Miller takes us from flat feet to Broadway, and back to Montclair where she’s mentored generations of dancers at her namesake academy.  The Montclair Dance Festival has arrived. Hear from founder Donna Scro Samori about its community roots and big...

Montclair is facing a growing crisis: homelessness. As of the latest count, there are 93 homeless people (sheltered and unsheltered) in Montclair, according to a study by Monarch Housing . That's the fourth highest number in Essex County. And while the need for help has never been more urgent, the community’s response has never felt more complicated. In this episode, co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike tak...

This week's show highlights some of the nonprofits doing critical, often unsung work to support our community. With over 210 registered nonprofits in town, we hear from some of the most impactful organizations responding to food insecurity, domestic violence, and urgent financial crises. Guest co-host is Tom Hall , Artistic Director/Co-Head of Montclair Film , who also provides insights into how t...

Montclair has a new superintendent—and she’s stepping into the role at a critical moment. In this episode, Farnoosh and Mike sit down with Ruth B. Turner , the newly appointed head of Montclair Public Schools, for an unfiltered conversation about the district’s financial audit , recent staffing cuts , and her vision for rebuilding trust in the community. To learn more about Turner's upcoming Liste...

This week on The Montclair Pod , we’re taking a closer look at how safe it feels to get around Montclair and what’s being done to improve it. We sit down with Laura Torchio , the town’s new Complete Streets Director, in her first public interview since stepping into the role. Torchio shares her vision for making Montclair’s streets safer and more accessible for everyone, whether they’re walking, b...

This week, The Montclair Pod goes deep on all things food. First up, the pizza crawl. We hit five of Montclair’s most talked-about pizza spots, all within walking distance of downtown Bloomfield Avenue. Along the way, we debate what makes a true Jersey slice, swap pronunciation tips and crown a surprise winner. Stops include: My Little Pizza Heaven – Food truck nostalgia and Jersey-style pride Lui...

Is Montclair’s red-hot real estate market finally cooling down? In this episode, we dig into the latest local housing trends with longtime agent Karin Diana from Compass, who says even the best listings aren’t flying off the market like they used to. Why? Think rising interest rates, nervous buyers watching their stock portfolios, and fewer outlier bids. Plus: one Montclair renter shares what it’s...

Education takes center stage .We’re tackling three hot-button issues on the minds of Montclair families: why some parents are pulling their kids from public school in favor of private, what’s behind the heated debate over the newly approved 2025–26 school calendar (with insights from Danielle Neff of the Montclair Moms, Dads and Parents Facebook page ), and how one local teen, Carla Osbourne, beat...

This week on The Montclair Pod , we explore how global economic forces—tariffs, inflation, and climate change—show up here in Montclair. From toy stores to farmers, local businesses are navigating rising costs and economic uncertainty. Download our free guide to shopping local here. We speak with: Wendy Lacey , owner of The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair , about how proposed tariffs could...

Season 2 of The Montclair Pod kicks off with a deep dive into the heart of local government. Who actually runs Montclair? Where do our property taxes go? And what’s really happening behind the scenes at places like Clary Anderson Arena? Hosts Farnoosh, Ali, and Mike sit down with Montclair’s newly appointed Township Manager, Stephen Marks , for answers. Marks, a lifelong New Jersey public servant...

This episode was originally published on April 3. The Montclair Pod Team - Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali - eat their way through town and talk to some of the people making it all happen. You’ll hear from local chef and Montclair native Lauren Hirschberg of Turtle + the Wolf and Pineapple Express . We speak to Max Gray of Chow Town Food Tours about why he brings people here. And we hit some true local fa...

Comedian Zarna Garg joins Farnoosh live at Loopwell in Montclair to celebrate the release of her memoir, This American Woman . In this candid and hilarious conversation, Garg shares how she transformed personal crisis into a comedy career—building a thriving business from scratch after her husband lost his job. She opens up about betting on herself in midlife, using clean comedy as a strategic edg...

If you’ve ever seen a long line of people on Label Street, chances are it leads to The Human Needs Food Pantry —Montclair’s quiet but essential resource for residents and area neighbors facing food insecurity. In this episode, we talk with executive director Mike Bruno about the growing demand for services, the challenge of operating in a high-cost town, and why 2025 may be one of the toughest yea...

Did you hear? TEDx is coming to Montclair. On today's mini episode, we’re joined by Katina Rodriguez and Nova Pierre Lewis, the organizers behind this year’s TEDx Montclair, themed The Domino Effect . We get the behind-the-scenes on how speakers were selected, why Montclair is the perfect host, and how this TEDx will stand out from others—with a focus on community, connection, and conversations th...

In his first published interview since a TikTok video criticizing the mural change at Brick + Dough went viral, owner Jason Rosenthal sits down with The Montclair Pod to share his side of the story. Rosenthal walks us through the decision to paint over the original mural—an evocative 2021 piece by Jayemaich depicting two elderly women, meant to represent “ the wear of time being oppressed” —and re...

The race to become New Jersey’s next governor is officially underway — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive and consequential elections in years. With no incumbent, a crowded field of candidates, and a new primary ballot format that could reshape outcomes, the 2025 election is already stirring big questions about the state’s political future. The primary election is June 10th. Ter...

This week on The Montclair Pod , we’re doing something a little different — and a little fun. We're teaming up with the Montclair Art Museum’s podcast Maybe Actually Museums Are For Me for a cross-promotion episode that celebrates local creativity and community. Host Alex Pavljuk sits down with Montclair-raised documentary photographer Tyler Chan , whose first solo museum show Montclair Snap Memor...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com. Just days after wrapping Season 1, the Montclair Pod crew is back—because Montclair never sleeps. In this bonus episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali regroup to cover a powerful local rally held in Brookdale Park as part of a nationa...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com. Montclair is known as a food town, and for good reason. People from all around North Jersey come here to eat. Some even come from… wait for it… New York City. But does Montclair really live up to the hype? And more importantly,...

In this episode, we explore Montclair’s rich and thriving arts scene—one that continues to shape and inspire generations of creatives. Known for its vibrant community of actors, artists, musicians, poets, and performers, Montclair is more than just a place to live; it’s where art lives and inspires.  We sit down with acclaimed visual artist Nanette Carter, whose work is currently on view at T...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com. Lately, crime has been one of the hottest topics in Montclair. From home break-ins to car thefts, the fear is real—but is the reality as bad as it seems? Are crime rates actually rising, or is social media just making it all mor...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com . Why are so many storefronts in Montclair empty? What does it take to run a successful small business in town? In this in-depth episode, Farnoosh, Mike, and Ali explore local businesses' challenges, from skyrocketing rents to sh...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com . Montclair commuters, we hear you. In this episode of The Montclair Pod , hosts Mike, Farnoosh, and Ali break down the ongoing frustrations with NJ Transit—from constant delays and cancellations to rising fares and limited weeke...

Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com . Follow on Instagram and send us a tip: hello@montclairpod.com . Montclair has a long and storied past—one that some say refuses to stay buried. In this episode we explore a few of the town’s chilling ghost stories, from haunted schools and historic homes to unexplained phenomena at beloved...