HudPost

OneDay sits down with Congressman Rob Menendez, who represents New Jersey’s 8th district, to trace his journey from the streets of Union City to the halls of Capitol Hill. The grandson of Cuban immigrants and son of a former Union City mayor, Rob opens up about growing up in Hudson County, the coded letter that pushed his family to flee Cuba for good, and why he still believes in the promise of this country even in its darkest chapter. From winning science fairs as the mayor’s kid to taking on a sitting mayor and winning the toughest primary in the state, […]

“I wasn’t born to fit in, I was born to stand out.” Willie Gonza sits down with Chef Gus Gutierrez aka Hudson Chef, owner of Cubita Cafe and Cubita Food Trucks, to trace his journey from a lost kid on the streets to finding his true passion behind the line. Gus opens up about trading street hustle for culinary heat, why the kitchen is the ultimate sanctuary for misfits, and how cooking gave him the focus and drive to rewrite his story. From earning garbage pay and scrubbing pots to building his own business and mastering the controlled chaos on the […]

From growing up as the son of a schoolteacher and a minister in Georgia to leading one of the region’s most prominent business organizations, Emory A. Edwards reflects on the childhood influences, customer service roots, and public relations background that shaped his career. On this episode of the HudPost Podcast, he sits down with Willie Gonza to discuss studying politics at Washington & Lee, earning a Master of Divinity at Yale, and working with major corporate PR clients in New York. Emory shares why targeted public relations, brand authenticity, and clear communication matter far more than quick marketing trends for growing […]

Chris Garces went from venting about his healthcare job on TikTok to becoming one of Hudson County’s most recognizable social media voices. On this episode, he joins Willie Gonza to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, being kicked out of his home for being gay, finding community in Jersey City, supporting local businesses, gentrification, affordable housing, Christ Hospital, and the unexpected journey that led him to a platform where thousands now listen. His message: Be proud. Be loud. Be unapologetically yourself.

From growing up in Millburn to his student-athlete days as a division-three football player, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon reflects on his early influences, studying public policy, and writing a senior thesis on reproductive healthcare accessibility. He shares his love story with his wife, Gaby, his personal connection to Hudson County, and how his family history shaped his dedication to public service.

His mom’s rent was $110. The Jordans he wanted were $120. That math followed Suraj Kaufman from the Marion projects all the way to founding Sneaker Room, one of Jersey City’s most beloved businesses. On this episode of the HudPost Podcast, Willie Gonza sits down with Kaufman to talk about the road nobody saw. Losing his job while caring for his wife after a stroke. Losing his mother to cancer weeks later, and the framed share of Nike stock she left behind that still pays him every quarter. Losing his first house to foreclosure to keep the business alive. He also […]

Willy Gonza & OneDay trace HudPost’s evolution from a community social media page into a full Hudson County news outlet, sharing their roots in the local music and comedy scenes and their mission to inform the community that raised them. HudPost’s first video podcast, recorded at Bravery Studios in Jersey City.

Ever wanted to hit the water but dreaded the cost and upkeep of owning a boat? Located at Liberty Landing in Jersey City, Freedom Boat Club is changing the game for Hudson County residents. Owner Josh Rosella breaks down how members can enjoy a fleet of 21- to 24-foot powerboats without worrying about storage, insurance, or cleaning. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a total beginner needing free training from their Coast Guard-certified captains, the model is simple: reserve a boat, show up, and hand the keys back when you’re done.

This podcast interview features Andrés Acebo, a Hudson County native and son of Cuban immigrants who reflects on his upbringing and his path to leadership at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Acebo discusses how his parents’ sacrifices and his public school background in Union City instilled in him a resilient “hustle” and a deep commitment to education as an equalizer. After becoming the first in his family to graduate from college, he returned to his roots to serve as a lawyer and eventually the youngest leader in NJCU’s history. He details the institution’s recent struggles with debt and enrollment, highlighting […]

CTE Supervisor Patrick Oriani shares how Union City High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program is reshaping traditional schooling through student-run businesses, hands-on training, and strategic industry partnerships. From a pandemic-era virtual cooking class to a thriving culinary academy, the program exemplifies how experiential learning, resilience, and community collaboration can prepare students for both college and careers. Learn how a bottom-up approach is empowering students to lead, innovate, and succeed in the modern workforce.