Podcast
The Montclair Pod
Hosted by Montclair Pod LLC · EN
The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping Montclair, 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 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.
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42episodes
Episodes
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Can We Afford Our Magnet School System? A Cost-Benefit Analysis (Plus: Our Trip to the Budget Town Hall)
Jan 1501:13:34Tap to summarizeWatch the show on YouTubeFollowing last week’s episode on the origins of the magnet system, we pick up the conversation at a critical crossroads—one where values, finances, and state oversight collide. We attend the latest school budget town hall, where Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and district leaders lay out the long road ahead, explain the district’s structural deficit, and address growing anxiety around the possibility of a state monitor and what that would mean for local control.We break down what we heard at the meeting, including important clarifications about the revised ballot questions, the limits of state aid, and why a “no” vote does not guarantee relief. We also reflect on powerful public comments from parents—particularly around transportation—and why buses are not a luxury, but a cornerstone of access and inclusion in Montclair.A recording of the town hall is available here, and the presentation shared during the meeting can be found here .To help put the moment in national context, we’re joined by Richard Kahlenberg, one of the country’s leading experts on school integration, education policy, and economic inequality. We talk candidly about why magnet schools emerged in the first place, what decades of research actually show about integration and student outcomes, and the real risks districts face when the cost of integration comes under pressure.We also share a preview of our upcoming conversation with outgoing New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, where we ask the questions many parents and taxpayers are wondering about: when does financial mismanagement cross into fraud, who has the authority to investigate, and what accountability can realistically look like.Plus, we round out the episode with local news—from new statewide cellphone restrictions in schools, to staffing shakeups at Town Hall, to a one-year look back at the school closure that shocked the community.RSVP for free for tonight's event with Farnoosh and Hannah Cole, author of Taxes for Humans, at Lackawanna Plaza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Montclair’s Magnet Schools at a Crossroads: The History Lesson We Need
Jan 801:06:56Tap to summarizeWatch the show on YouTubeMontclair has long defined itself by its district-wide magnet system—a model built on choice, diversity, and integration by design. But today, that system is under unprecedented strain. Facing a $20 million budget deficit and rising transportation costs, Mike and Farnoosh go back in time to explore the system's roots in activism and legal battles, while asking hard questions about its future. Is the promise of equity being met, and what happens when our ideals stay the same but our resources don’t?Show Notes & LinksWatch Our Schools, Our Town: A Short History of the Montclair Magnet School System produced by Masiel Rodriguez-Vars.UCLA Civil Rights Project Report: A 2017 analysis finding New Jersey is the 7th most segregated state for Black and Latino students.Patricia Hampson Eget’s Research: "Challenging Containment: African Americans and Racial Politics in Montclair, New Jersey, 1920-1940"The Lonnie Brandon Story: Read the Wagner College article by Lee Manchester detailing the history of athletic recruitment and institutional hurdles in the 60s and 70s.1960s Legal History: The New York Times article on the 1960s Glenfield suit and the State Supreme Court’s 7-0 ruling on integration.Significant Achievement Gap Persists in Montclair - Asad Jung's article in the Montclair Local Budget Feedback: Weigh in on the future of school funding via Superintendent Turner’s Budget Survey (Deadline: January 30th).New Branded Series: Farnoosh & Mike Get HealthyThis installment is sponsored by The Bar Method Montclair.Offer: Get a FREE CLASS using code MONTCLAIRPOD at checkout on the Bar Method website or download the app. (Code expires Feb 28, 2026). Limit one per person. The studio is also running a winter promo: Receive 30 days of unlimited classes for $78.Local Headlines & Weekend PlansMunicipal Complex Forum: Public forum regarding the new $50M town hall proposal on Wednesday, Jan 14 at 7 PM at 205 Claremont Avenue.Lunar New Year Performance: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company presents "Red Firecrackers" at Jersey City Theater Center on Sunday, January 18 at 4 PM.Live Music at Tierney's: Join Mike’s band BARD and special guests Ümläüt this Saturday night.7 PM: Ümläüt8 PM: BARDLate Night: 80s Danceteria Dance Party with DJ Rafe Gomez (Twitch: DanceteriaRewind).Proceeds benefit Toni’s Kitchen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Back to School, More Town Debt and Gas Under $3
Sep 400:29:10Tap to summarizeIn 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 electric car buyers as the federal tax credit winds down?Dining Outdoors – Montclair ranks #102 on a national survey of best places for al fresco dining. Princeton and Cape May beat us out—but Farnoosh and Mike share their own dining adventures.Town Borrowing Plans – Montclair considers a $10 million bond for roads, pools, and even a new firetruck. Why can’t these be budgeted for in advance?Fleet Feet Returns – After a devastating fire and $600K in losses, the local running store reopens thanks to insurance.Real Estate Talk – A neighbor’s home hits the market at $2.375M—$700K above its 2016 purchase price. Will buyers bite? Taxes alone top $57K a year.Weekend Plans – From a Jets game at MetLife to Bard’s performance at the South End Business District Festival, Montclair’s social calendar is full.All this plus: skipping to the bus stop, Uber Eats in the high school lunchroom, lobster rolls (or lack thereof), and Mike’s new fitness commitment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Montclair High Takes a Rankings Hit, a $7.5M Listing Shock, and Daikichi Rumors Swirl?
Aug 2800:31:18Tap to summarizeThis 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 Watchung Plaza, renovations are nearly complete, promising a safer and more welcoming space for the community.And in the rumor mill: beloved sushi spot Daikichi might be making a comeback. Plus, we share the quirky story of how a New Jersey rest stop meant to honor Toni Morrison ended up bearing Bruce Willis’s name instead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →More School Drama, A Local Mail Heist & Lead in Our Water?
Aug 2100:37:47Tap to summarizeThis 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 Road: PSE&G plans to replace the nearly 100-year-old facility to prevent failures and meet modern codes, though residents are raising questions about transparency and community input.Mail Heist in Montclair: A postal truck was smashed open, and two trays of mail were stolen, along with the carrier’s lunch. Authorities are treating it as a federal crime.School Budget Fallout: Former Montclair school business administrator Christina Hunt, tied to the district’s $11 million deficit, has landed a new role in the Penns Grove – Carnys Point Regional School District.Hate Crime Charges: A Montclair man faces serious charges for sending racist and antisemitic threats through a Fort Lee apartment building’s system.Car Theft Surge: Multiple vehicle thefts and break-ins across Montclair highlight the growing problem of brazen auto crimes.Statewide & National Headlines: From baby blood sample lawsuits to immigration controversies shaping New Jersey’s governor’s race, we connect the dots on issues with local impact.Send us your ideas for season 3 at Hello@MontclairPod.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Mikie vs. Jack, the Montclair Jitney and Clary Anderson’s Comeback
Aug 1400:32:36Tap to summarizeAward-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 reform and sanctuary status are entering the conversation.From there, we pivot to home turf: Montclair’s proposed shuttle bus service. Will it solve transportation woes or create more questions than answers? We also celebrate a fundraising victory for Clary Anderson Arena, discuss the school district’s $11 million budget gap, and what it might mean if the state steps in.On the lighter side, we taste-test the town’s culinary news: a veggie-forward restaurant coming to Bloomfield Avenue, thoughts on Ani Ramen’s wing prices, a taco tour, and the arrival of Pendragon's Smokehouse. Plus: a quirky rest stop closure mystery, Cory Booker’s Senate floor theatrics, and why one U.S. Attorney appointment is turning into a political chess match.Highlights:Governor’s race breakdown: The stakes, the polls, and the political strategies at play.Lakewood DUI case: How one tragedy is fueling a statewide political debate.Shuttle bus proposal: Will Montclair residents hop on board? Take the survey: Montclair Shuttle Bus SurveyDining buzz: From the veggie-forward Sam's Table to The Saint Clair on Church Street to smoked brisket dreams at Pendragon's SmokehouseClary Anderson comeback: How the rink hit its fundraising goal.Political side stories: Cory Booker’s filibuster, Trump’s U.S. Attorney pick under fire, and the Connie Chung rest stop saga.What's going on at the Connie Chung service area? **Subscribe, leave a review below, and please follow on Instagram. Send us a story idea or tip: hello@montclairpod.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →August in Montclair: MedievalFest, End of Summer Escapes and an $11 Million Surprise
Aug 7, 202500:42:12Tap to summarizeAs 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. businesses—how to helpMontclair Public Schools’ $11M budget shortfall (check out the Reddit Thread)Updates on QuickChek's replacementMontclair’s own spy scandal and true crime loreA very sweaty trip to the astronaut-inspired fitness studio, Brain & Body MethodLive music picks from Forest Hills to Iridium Jazz ClubMontclair’s pool drama—and whether you can crash Glen Ridge or MaplewoodEVENTS + ACTIVITIESMontclair Art Museum's Wine & WheelMontclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series Montclair Comedy FestivalAziz Ansari at the Wellmont Theater Lady Gaga at Madison Square Garden MedievalFest Websites MentionedBrain & Body Method – Mention The Montclair Pod for 3 Free SessionsLOCAL SPOTS & DESTINATIONSThe FunPlex Waterpark Montclair Public Pools InfoMUSIC VENUES & BANDSForest Hills StadiumHeadhunters Jazz Band Iridium NYC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Going Green in Montclair: Beehives, Solar Panels, Second-Hand Clothing & Climate Hacks
Jul 31, 202500:45:21Tap to summarizeIn 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 Hardware with longtime staffer Cliff Proven, who shares the top energy-saving tips he's learned from over 30 years on the job, including one easy trick that could save you hundreds.A new take on secondhand shopping with Lacey Triplett Thistle, founder of Middle Child, an online kids’ consignment boutique based in Montclair. She explains how her circular economy model is helping families save money and reduce waste, while keeping kids dressed in style.A crash course in beekeeping from Verona-based Jim Feeney, who shares why bees love Montclair, and how bees might be the original sustainability ambassadors.Plus:A local QuickChek closes, and the town holds an impromptu vigil.MM by Morimoto officially opens, and the crew gets a sneak peek—with Iron Chef Morimoto himself.Our weekend event roundup, featuring Montclair Flea: Tales & Treasures Edition and the grand opening of the Montclair Creative Reuse Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Montclair Art: From Frames to Fine Art, Dance Icons, Tiny Galleries and Colbert's Next Act
Jul 24, 202500:51:48Tap to summarizeBack 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 helps emerging artists and protects pieces from $5 to $500,000.We visit Tiny Gallery, a network of mini exhibitions that’s turning heads and stopping dog-walkers in their tracks.Co-host Alex Pavljuk of the Montclair Art Museum and host of Maybe, Actually, Museums Are For Me, joins us again with stories from inside the museum—including a new ghost sighting, summer discounts, and fall preview of Tom Nussbaum: But Wait, There’s More.Plus, in the news:– Bellevue Theatre gets a second act– Farewell to Colbert on CBS– QuickChek closes, Milk & Mayhem opens– And Mike’s birthday gets wrecked by a rogue tow truckListen now, and check out more at montclairpod.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Homeless in Montclair: The Story of MESH and a Town Finding Its Way
Jul 17, 202500:39:16Tap to summarizeMontclair 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 operating out of a former restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. MESH provides meals, shelter, and vital services six days a week. But its presence in Montclair’s Bloomfield Avenue has become a flashpoint, sparking praise, concern, and a larger reckoning with how the town addresses visible poverty and mental health on its streets.You’ll hear from:Joe Granger, MESH’s Executive Director, who shares stories of struggle, hope, and the hard choices he and his team face daily.Letrice and Tammy, two guests of MESH, who open up about losing stability and what dignity and community look like now.Local business owners, Eddie Peralta of Powerhouse Tattoo and Matt Jenkins of Smoke and Mirrors, who say they’re sympathetic but feel unsupported as public disturbances increase near their storefronts.Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville and Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen, who speak to the town’s efforts to balance compassion with public safety.Lt. Tyrone Williams Jr. of the Montclair Police Department, on their role in addressing street-level crises, and why enforcement alone isn’t the answer.More: 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Montclair's 2025 BudgetEvents:Montclair Flea Dazed and ConfusedBard Band at Ironbound FarmFIT FRIDAYS at Lackawanna**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. **Download our free guide to shopping local here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →