Lost in Jersey

Who is Evie McGee Colbert? Most known as Stephen Colbert's wife, in this episode of Lost in Jersey, we get to know the many other facets of this remarkable woman.  Evie joins us to talk about her journey from Charleston, SC, to Montclair, NJ—and how a lifelong love of the arts became a powerful tool for building community. As president and co-founder of Montclair Film, she has helped grow it into a nationally recognized cultur...

In this episode of Lost in Jersey, we sit down with renowned saxophonist Baron Raymonde—New York Blues Hall of Famer, longtime music educator, and go-to sideman for some of the biggest names in the business. Baron shares stories from a remarkable career that’s taken him from New York to Texas and back again, through jazz clubs, world tours, and iconic New Jersey venues.

A classically trained musician, Baron carved out his path in ja...

What does protest mean in 2025—and does it still work?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Julie Cohen—acclaimed filmmaker behind RBG and Julia—and her neighbor Liz Figenshu, a dedicated volunteer advocate. In the wake of growing political unrest, they found themselves walking the streets of Bloomfield, NJ, not just to clear their heads but to find a way forward. What emerged was organizing a weekly protest that has lasted ov...

The Bat-Signal lit up the sky because one Jersey kid had a vision: bring a darker, more human Batman to the big screen. In this episode, Michael Uslan—the executive producer behind every Batman film since 1989—shares how his childhood love for comics sparked a cinematic revolution.

Uslan takes us from Ocean Township to Hollywood, revealing how a decade of rejection, a strategic law degree, and lunch with Tim Burton helped erase the ...

Tune in to our talk with acclaimed author Warren Zanes about his road to writing music biographies, including his outstanding  book, "Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.” Film adaptation will be released in October 2025 with a roster of superstars including Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong, and Stephen Gram.

The album "Nebraska" was recorded by Springsteen on a simple cassette recorde...

🎙️ Finding Strength, Community, and Purpose in Disability Parenting

When Alma Schneider moved from a bustling apartment in New York City to suburban New Jersey, she didn’t expect to feel adrift. But after her son was diagnosed with disabilities, the shift in identity was both profound and isolating. In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Lost in Jersey, Alma shares how one conversation—a friend encouraging her to reconnect with ...

Ready to go from hopeful scribbler to published author? The Book Doctors, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, are here to spill the literary tea. With years of industry smarts, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of laughs, they break down what it really takes to get your book into readers' hands.

In this episode, you'll learn:

📚 The two A’s every author must master: Authority (why you) and Audience (who’s reading)
🔍 ...

What’s it like to be the right hand to two of the most iconic and complicated chefs of our time? Laurie Woolever dishes on life behind the scenes with Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali, revealing the chaos, contradictions, and quiet moments that shaped her memoir, the New York Times Bestselling Care and Feeding.

From a small town in upstate New York to the kitchens and offices of culinary giants, Woolever's journey is raw, rive...

Our guest today takes us from Iran to innovation. Dr. Ali Houshmand’s journey to the top of Rowan University is anything but typical. Hear how he’s reinventing college with bold ideas, groundbreaking programs, and a hot sauce that funds scholarships.

🌍 From Tehran to Transformation: Born to illiterate parents in Iran, Dr. Houshmand worked his way through college in London, driven by grit and vision.

🏥 Revolutionizing Rowa...

In this episode of "Lost in Jersey," we sit down with Governor Phil Murphy for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. Murphy opens up about his journey from Massachusetts to New Jersey, sharing how his early experiences shaped his path to public service. He reflects on seven years in office—covering major accomplishments, ongoing challenges, and his approach to leadership. With the June 10th primary election coming up, t...

We're bringing you a star-studded lineup of influential New Jersey figures in our upcoming episodes. From the Governor of New Jersey to the Executive Producer of all the BATMAN movies Jersey-born Michael Uslan. Plus Rowan University's inspiring President Ali Houshmand, and New York Times best-selling author, Laurie Woolever, who was Anthony Bourdain's lieutenant chef. Mark your calendars - Tuesdays are new episodes! 

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The surprising power of a camera to tell stories and to connect you and us to the community.  We sit down with Montclair photographer Armando "Out There" Diaz to discuss his recent proclamation award from Mayor Renee Baskerville and his journey as a community documentarian. Through his powerful photography, Armando captures the essence of Montclair's Fourth Ward and diverse communities that are often overlooked.
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From the shadowy Pine Barrens to the stages of New Jersey's most atmospheric venues, "The Devil and Daisy Dirt" brings cryptid folklore to life through an extraordinary blend of puppetry, murder ballads, and feminist storytelling. Our fascinating conversation with creators Alex Dawson and Dan Diana reveals the magical collision of their creative worlds.

Despite growing up a thousand miles and a decade apart,...

Neal Lipschutz, former deputy editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal and standards editor, discusses his transition to fiction writing with his debut novel, "No Write Way to Die," exploring characters from Brooklyn who take different life paths before their worlds collide.

• Neal shares his journey from Brooklyn to New Jersey and his 40-year career in journalism
• As WSJ's standards and ethics editor...

Ever wondered what it takes to transport stars, crew, and equipment for major film productions? In this fun and educational conversation with Nick Day, co-CEO of Edge Auto, we learn how New Jersey has transformed into a filmmaking powerhouse that rivals any location worldwide.

The Garden State is experiencing a cinematic renaissance, fueled by Governor Murphy's film tax credit program that has attracted Netflix, Lions...

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 takes readers...

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's dance origin story
•...

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 residents and financially...

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's and use all ...