Greetings From the Garden State

We travel out to Jersey City to talk with Don Vogt, a co-owner of 902 Brewing Co.. Recorded on the brewery's rooftop, Don shares the fascinating journey of 902 Brewing Co., from its beginnings as a gypsy brewery to establishing a physical location in Jersey City. He discusses the inspiration behind their transition from hobbyists to business owners, citing the success of their Black IPA in competitions. Despite challenges with...

We're down again at Asbury Park Distilling Company with head distiller Kelly Bodnar. Bodnar shares her journey into the realm of distilling, from her initial fascination with spirits to securing a role at the distillery after seeking employment there. She provides valuable insights into her hands-on learning experience, emphasizing the practical blend of science and logistics crucial to the craft of distillation.

As Bodnar and ...

Mike sits down with President Joe Bertolino of Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey. President Joe shares captivating insights into his New Jersey roots in Glendora and his distinguished journey through academia and various presidencies, emphasizing the pivotal role of relationships and accessibility in leadership.

President Joe delves into Stockton's remarkable evolution, spotlighting its pioneering interdisciplinary pr...

Join host Mike Ham in the latest episode of "Greetings from the Garden State" as he takes listeners on a thrilling journey to the Million Dollar Replay event hosted by the New Jersey Lottery at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. This exciting event, established in 2011, offers players the chance to transform non-winning scratch-offs into fantastic prizes, including the possibility of winning up to a million dollars. Mike...

We wander into the woods with Chef Phil Manganaro, the mastermind behind Marlton, New Jersey's Park Place Cafe and Restaurant. Phil unveils the restaurant's innovative approach, specializing in culinary creations crafted from foraged wild ingredients, a refreshing departure from conventional cooking methods. Delving into his culinary journey, Phil shares his upbringing in South Jersey, his culinary education in New York C...

Mike welcomes guest Allison Strong to the show at Bravery Studios in Garfield, New Jersey. Allison talks about her recent endeavors in music and acting, highlighting her album release in July and opening for Jesse and Joy at the Palladium shortly after. She reflects on her journey from Broadway to television and film, emphasizing the importance of constantly evolving as an artist. Despite facing challenges and rejection in the indu...

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 individuals in Stafford Township, New Jersey, across three es...

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 team and their profound impact on the state of New Jer...

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, particularly in shaping the identity of New Jersey through ...

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 world.

The narrative gracefully unfolds to trace NJII...

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 since its founding in 1958 and making its home theater...

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 within Helpsy's sorting processes, emphasizing it...

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 passions.

The episode kicks off with a focus on ...

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 navigating the challenges of positioning New Jersey...

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 comedy, navigating challenges in the vibran...

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 – cast iron skillets, pans, and other materials craft...

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 unwavering support he received from his parents, despite t...

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 Chapel Projects is explored as a collaborative space for...