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PODCAST

The Montclair Pod

Montclair Pod LLC

TheMontclairPodis an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shapingMontclair, NJ. Hosted by local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi and MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama inMontclairschools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the

society & culture places & travel

All Episodes

28:11

9/11 Reflections, Bellevue Theatre’s Glow-Up, and The...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/09/11

On the September 11, 2025, edition of The Montclair Pod News, Mike and Farnoosh open with reflections on 9/11 and how it shaped their early journalism careers. Then it’s:A fast tour through first-week-of-school headaches (and why better district communication is an equity issue)A sneak peek inside the revived Bellevue TheaterA tense car-theft chase on Porter PlacePaper Plane Coffee’s expansionThe quirks of World Cup ticketingA playful pitch for HBO to film The White Lotus in Upper Montclair.In “The

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29:10

Back to School, More Town Debt and Gas Under $3

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/09/04

In this episode of The Montclair Pod, Mike and Farnoosh dive into the first week of September in town, with plenty of local updates and a few personal confessions.Highlights include:Back to School Drama – Montclair renews its $1.5M contract with food service provider Southwest Food Service Excellence. Will new “healthier” options and salad bars outweigh student complaints?Gas Below $3? – Prices hit five-year lows in Montclair, with one Valley Road station leading the way. Plus, what’s next for

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31:18

Montclair High Takes a Rankings Hit, a $7.5M Listing...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/08/28

This week on The Montclair Pod News, we’re covering a packed lineup of local stories and some irresistible neighborhood gossip. Montclair High School slipped in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, falling from #55 to #95 in the state — sparking debates about test scores, funding, and what really defines success in our schools.We also take a peek inside a jaw-dropping $7.5 million listing for a two-family home once tied to Kool & the Gang — is it worth the price tag? Over in

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37:47

More School Drama, A Local Mail Heist & Lead in Our...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/08/21

This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh, Mike, and political correspondent Terrence McDonald from the New Jersey Monitor break down the stories making waves in Montclair and beyond:Lead Pipe Replacements Coming: Homes built before 1940 may still have lead service lines. Montclair will begin replacing them in 2026 under a statewide mandate to eliminate all lead pipes by 2031. The Montclair Water Bureau has created an online inventory of all known service lines here.New Power Substation on Valley

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32:36

Mikie vs. Jack, the Montclair Jitney and Clary...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/08/14

Award-winning journalist Terrence McDonald, editor at the New Jersey Monitor, joins Mike and Farnoosh for a deep dive into state politics, local news, and Montclair's ever-evolving dining scene.We kick off with a look at the New Jersey governor’s race and why polls might not tell the whole story. Terrence breaks down the latest political flashpoints, including the tragic Lakewood DUI case that’s become a national talking point, the Trump administration’s investment in the state race, and how bail

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42:12

August in Montclair: MedievalFest, End of Summer...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/08/07

As summer winds down and Montclair empties out, The Montclair Pod is here with a jam-packed Season 2 finale to help you make the most of August, whether you’re staying put or sneaking in one last getaway.Co-hosts Farnoosh and Mike share their personal plans (pork shoulder rotisserie, anyone?), surprising listener hotspots, and clever ways to spend your August locally, including music, comedy, beaches, workouts at Brain and Body Method, and yes…MedievalFest.Plus:A fire closes two Bloomfield Ave

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45:21

Going Green in Montclair: Beehives, Solar Panels,...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/07/31

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 solar is worth it for your house. Plus, she’s offering a free guide for listeners.A trip to American Royal

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51:48

Montclair Art: From Frames to Fine Art, Dance Icons,...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/07/24

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 dreams.Step into Ria Frame Shop x Art Gallery, where frames meet fine art. Owner Ria Mulvey shares how her dual business

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39:16

Homeless in Montclair: The Story of MESH and a Town...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/07/17

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 take listeners deep into the story behind MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for Hope), a local nonprofit

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48:28

Montclair’s Non-Profit Network: Stories of Urgency,...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/07/10

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 the arts fit into the nonprofit landscape.Guests include:Ray Graj, co-founder of Montclair Helps, on how

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45:38

Montclair’s New Superintendent Speaks: School...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/07/03

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 Listen and Learn sessions check out our site.Turner shares how her background in social work informs her

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46:14

Traffic Safety in Montclair: Necessary Improvements...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/06/26

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, biking, or driving. She also talks candidly about the obstacles: slow change, coordination, and the need

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40:26

The Foodie Episode: The Best Downtown Pizza, a New...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/06/19

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 prideLuigino Parmigiana – A gourmet lamb flatbread that sparks debateAh’ Pizz – A rustic pie with big flavorTeglia

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47:01

Is Montclair Real Estate Cooling? Plus: Confessions...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/06/12

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 really like to compete in the town’s high-stakes rental scene, and one co-host shares why her family

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37:39

Why Some Residents Opt for Private School. Plus:...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/06/05

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 the odds to land a summer job at Egan’s amid a drop in youth employment.Plus, we feature a powerful

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37:10

Why Tariffs Matter in Montclair - And What They're...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/05/29

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.We speak with:Wendy Lacey, owner of The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair, about how proposed tariffs could impact her ability to employ young people and adults with disabilities.Chelsea Smith and Nessa Murphy, co-owners of Just Kidding Around, on how they’re

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40:07

How Montclair Really Works: Meet the New Town Manager

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/05/22

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 with roots in South Orange and a deep appreciation for Montclair, shares how his job functions like the

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51:18

The Best Fried Chicken in Montclair (Encore)

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/05/15

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 favorites with content creator and community advocate Wendy Tiburcio (aka The Montclairnista).The pod team

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29:12

Comedian Zarna Garg: Live at Loopwell in Montclair

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/05/08

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 edge, and how she’s navigated financial stress, immigrant identity, and motherhood with grit and humor

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23:29

Inside The Human Needs Food Pantry: Preparing for...

The Montclair Pod ·

2025/05/01

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 years yet. To learn more about how to donate, visit their website. Follow on Instagram.Additional

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58 results

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