For the Public

From climate change to Afghanistan to COVID recovery, we take a look at how big issues make a local impact. Our special guest, Catie Doherty, shows us how we can make the world better, cleaner and healthier by watching what we eat...or don't eat. Plus good things come in small (or baby) packages. Let's do this, South Jersey!

GUESTS: Nicole Hall & Michelle Gentek-Mayer

We are back, South Jersey! After a longer hiatus than planned, the debut episode of Season 2 is here. We pick up where we left off - a continuation of Jack's conversation with Nicole Hall. The two discuss why there's been such a long gap between episodes, and the important things that kept Jack from his podcast mic. This is also the debut of Local Government 101. Jack is joined by special guest, Camden County Surrogate Michelle Gentek-Mayer, as she discusses the role of Surrogate and the parts of the job she just loves.

You asked, so we answered. This episode is a bit of a departure in order to pull back the curtain. You wished to know more about the host, Jack Klett; his background and his reason for starting this show. But, For the Public is more than just Jack. He is joined by his For the Public partner in crime, Nicole Hall. Together, they answer your questions, share their South Jersey stories, and explain why this podcast is so very necessary. So, for the public, this is us...

It's that special time of year. While things will be a bit different for all of us this holiday season, one thing is certain - our downtown shops and restaurants need us more than ever. For so many South Jersey communities, our downtowns are our lifeblood. They provide for so much of our culture and community identity. In this episode, we sit down with Collingswood Mayor, Jim Maley, to discuss the importance of the holiday season for Haddon Avenue and the Borough as a whole. We then head to Hammonton, NJ and discuss its Main Street renaissance with Cassie Iacovelli, executive director of MainStreet Hammonton. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, South Jersey!

This episode takes us to Cumberland County, NJ. We are joined by DJ Cottrell, Millville resident, and founder of Every Heart Should Be Warm, Not Cold. Each year, DJ conducts a coat drive benefiting the Vineland Family Shelter. Hundreds of people in South Jersey are warmer because of the work of this citizen-servant. DJ shares why he feels compelled to help others and his own story of hardship and triumph. For DJ, giving isn't about just providing a warm coat. Learn why it is so much more than that. And sometimes it helps to get by with a little help from your friends. DJ’s friends have helped him spread the word, including Millville’s own all-star outfielder, Mike Trout. Tune in to learn DJ’s story of giving back For the Public!

Votes are still being counted, but one thing is certain - NJ is all aboard the legal marijuana train! A resounding majority of voters said YES to Ballot Measure #1 legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Amol Sinha, Executive Director of ACLU-NJ and chair of the NJ CAN 2020 campaign, joins me to discuss the outcome and underscores the approval of Ballot Measure #1 as an important racial and social justice moment. Also, we head to Salem County to learn about why folks are counting votes...in quarantine. Plus, we thank election workers. Why? Because this year it has proven to be a thankless job, but not here at For the Public.

FDR. Radioactive waste. Pete Seeger. People over politics. This inaugural episode of For the Public has it all, including special guest, John Weingart. We focus on John's good-government work during a public service career spanning three decades. Plus, farming in Camden and the importance of your informed vote for state and local candidates. It's Episode 1, and it's all For the Public!