The Montclair Pod
The Montclair Pod is your deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, NJ. Hosted by three local friends—journalist and financial expert Farnoosh Torabi, MediaFeed co-founder Michael Schreiber, and TV producer Alexandra Privitera—we’re here to explore the heart of our vibrant community with curiosity and a dose of neighborly chatter. From the latest drama in Montclair schools to the tangled web of local politics and even the mysteries of our rollercoaster real estate market, we cover the topics you’re already chatting about at the bus stop, the farmer’s market, or over a drink at Tierney’s. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations and special guests, from community leaders to movers and shakers making waves in town. This is your show, too! Share your questions, opinions, critiques, and compliments at MontclairPod.com; you might hear them on an upcoming episode. Subscribe now to The Montclair Pod and join us in spotlighting the culture, stories, and spirited debates that make Montclair more than just a town—it’s home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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...
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 ...
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 d...
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 that carry beyond the stage.
TEDx M...
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 replace it with a new mural by Jen ...
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.
Terrence McDonald, a longtime polit...
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 Memories debuts at MAM this weekend. Ty...
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 national “Hands Off” movement. Through i...
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, what is the average culinary visi...
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 The Montclair Art Museum. We spea...
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 more visible? How are police managin...
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 shifting consumer habits.
We hear...
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 weekend service. You'll hear from local ...
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 local spots.
Hosts Mike, Farnoo...
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.
In this special episode, we celebrate the official launch of the Montclair Pod, featuring over 100 attendees at Tierney's Tavern. Special guest Jon Fortt, co-anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell: Overtime” and Monclair resident, joins the conversation, setting the st...
Join us at The Montclair Pod Launch Party at Tierney’s Tavern for live music, giveaways, and a live taping! Proceeds support Toni’s Kitchen. Grab your tickets here.
Join the conversation and leave us a voicemail with your ideas and questions at MontclairPod.com
Montclair schools are back in the spotlight. After our first deep dive into the state of the district went hyper-local viral, we’re continuing the conversation wit...
Join us at Tierneys on February 18 to celebrate The Montclair Pod launch! Reserve here.
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.
On today's episode: Montclair’s real estate market feels more like The Hunger Games—with buyers battling in fierce bidding wars for limited homes, only to be priced out or fo...
**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.
In this episode, we dig deep into the Montclair school district. From crumbling school buildings to curriculum concerns and special education challenges, we share real talk on what it’s like to raise and educate kids here. Hear from newly elected Montclair Board...
**Subscribe, leave a review below, and please share your thoughts by leaving a voicemail at MontclairPod.com. Follow on Instagram. Email us at Hello@MontclairPod.com**
We explore the local implications of President Donald Trump’s second term. With Montclair overwhelmingly voting for Kamala Harris, we examine the town’s political identity and how it contrasts with broader trends, including New Jersey’s rightward shift in the 202...
Popular Podcasts
Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.
Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com