What if the arts could transform not just audiences, but entire cities? In this episode of Lost in Jersey, we sit down with John Schreiber, President and CEO of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), to explore how a lifelong passion for music and culture became the engine behind Newark’s cultural and economic revival.

From his early days as an 11-year-old Broadway superfan to producing jazz festivals with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan, Schreiber has spent five decades reimagining how arts institutions can thrive. His groundbreaking approach married corporate sponsorship with authentic cultural programming, reshaping how the arts are funded and experienced across America.

At NJPAC, John has built more than a venue—it’s a movement. The center anchors Newark’s downtown, sparks residential and business growth, and provides life-changing opportunities for 100,000 students each year. Through the celebrated TD James Moody Jazz Festival, the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, and bold new partnerships like film studios and arts-focused schools, NJPAC proves that culture is both community and catalyst.

This is a conversation about vision, impact, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table. As Schreiber puts it: “Come on down. You all are welcome.”

NJPAC

Christopher Taylor's Road to Alvin Ailey

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What does it take to dedicate sixty years to a life in art? Artist Tom Nussbaum has been answering that question since childhood—first by tinkering in his dad’s Minnesota workshop, later by filling New York lofts with his whimsical, deeply human creations, and now through monumental public works that thousands encounter every day.

With his first major retrospective opening at the Montclair Art Museum this fall, Tom sits down with us to reflect on the arc of his career—from playful childhood inventions to intricate welded steel works crafted in his East Orange studio at Manufacturer’s Village. Along the way, we talk about the duality in his art: the bold, planned installations that brighten public spaces and the improvisational studio explorations that dig into memory, psychology, and narrative.

We also explore how New Jersey became Tom’s creative home, why community matters as much as craft, and how his lifelong curiosity continues to fuel new work. Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just curious about the creative journey, this episode offers a rare look inside a six-decade practice still evolving with joy and purpose.

Montclair Art Museum Tom Nussbaum: But Wait, There's More!

Tom Nussbaum's website

Instagram

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What happens when you grow up in a war zone and decide the solution to division is… more conversation? For Desh Amila, witnessing the devastation of civil war in Sri Lanka shaped a lifelong mission: bringing people together to talk across differences with honesty, nuance, and humanity.

From reinventing the way Australia engages with big ideas—marketing philosophers and scientists like rock stars—to launching Thinkable in Montclair, New Jersey, Desh has built a global platform for curiosity and connection. His speaker series will feature voices as diverse as Ta-Nehisi Coates, Richard Dawkins, Cornel West, John Wood Jr., Steven Pinker, John McWhorter, and Masih Alinejad, drawing thousands to venues that feel more like concerts than lectures.

At the heart of it all is Desh’s belief: when you give people a chance to listen deeply—even to those they disagree with—you create not just understanding, but community.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of dialogue, why ideas need stages as much as songs do, and how Montclair is becoming the latest home for this global movement.

Buy Tickets to the Season 

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This week, our guest Dana Hawkins-Simons takes us on a journey that’s anything but ordinary — from her roots in rural Kansas to adventures around the globe. A celebrated journalist, singer, and tireless advocate, Dana’s story is equal parts grit, globe-trotting, and groove.

We talk about her career in international journalism (including the Barcelona Olympics!), her battle with Pernicious Anemia, and the Wall Street Journal article that turned her into a voice for patients everywhere. And of course, we get into her passion for music — from belting the blues to Montclair Early Music's MedievalFest, where knights, hurdy-gurdy's, and costumes collide.

Mark your calendar for August 24th from 11am-5pm at the Montclair Art Museum and prepare to be transported back in time as Dana shares how music, history, and community come together for a day that’s more than just an event. It's an experience you don't want to miss!

Get Tickets for MedievalFest!

Pernicious Anaemia Society

Montclair Early Music

Dana's Wall Street Journal article about Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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Have you ever experienced the emotional rollercoaster of sending your child off to college? For Rachel and me, Janette, that momentous milestone came with a whirlwind of emotions, from meticulous dorm preparations to chaotic last-minute packing. We'll take you back to our personal journeys from a year ago, sharing the raw feelings and surprises—like my son's unexpected transfer back home. This episode aims to support and connect parents navigating this unpredictable life event, touching on the pride, sadness, and hope that comes with watching your child step into a new chapter.

As we recount the heartfelt moments of saying goodbye over dinners and breakfasts, you’ll find solace in knowing you're not alone in facing these bittersweet transitions. Shifting family dynamics and sibling bonds are part of the new normal, and we offer practical advice on managing expectations around communication with your college-bound children. Our stories underline the universal nature of this experience, highlighting the delicate balance between nurturing their independence and keeping the family connection strong.

Lastly, we tackle the empty nest syndrome with a blend of humor and real talk. Imagine "parent rehab" as a lighthearted yet poignant way to address our struggles of letting go. From anthropomorphizing animal behavior to shared experiences of dropping kids off at college, we explore the emotional challenges parents face as their children grow up. Stay tuned for our ongoing saga of trying to get Milo to text his mom and catch a glimpse of our upcoming interviews that promise to entertain and support you through this life-altering journey. Produced by Rachel Martens and Jeanette of Sharian, don’t forget to follow us on social media and share your thoughts!

#parenting #college #offtocollge #freshman

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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 cultural hub, with its annual October festival, robust year-round education programs, and now two movie theaters! Evie shares her infectious joy for family, food, and film, as well as her passion for creating spaces where authenticity and connection can thrive—both on and off screen.

Montclair Film

Does this Taste Funny? A cookbook by Stephen Colbert and Evie McGee Colbert

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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 jazz, blues, and R&B. From surprise auditions to last-minute gigs, his career includes performances with Rod Stewart, Gloria Gaynor, the Blues Brothers, Bruce Springsteen, and many more.

He reflects on life on the road—luxury hotels one day, hauling gear the next—and how he’s managed to balance an elite performing career with over two decades of teaching music at Nutley High School. Throughout it all, New Jersey has played a starring role, offering chance encounters, community, and creative grounding that helped shape his signature sound.

🎶 Barron’s new record features an all-star cast, so don’t miss his December 11th release party at The Bitter End, and follow his latest performances at Baron Raymonde.

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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 over 21 consecutive Sundays.

However, this conversation extends far beyond one town or gathering.  Together we explore what it means to protest in the modern era and whether the tactics of past movements—such as marches, signs, and physical presence—still hold power in today’s fragmented, digital, and deeply polarized world.

Julie and Liz discuss how authoritarian regimes thrive on chaos and isolation, and why their rallying cry, “You Are Not Alone” (YANA), is both a comfort and a call to action. We speak candidly about our doubts: Do small, local protests really change anything? Are we shouting into the void? Julie and Liz share the surprising joy that has emerged—friendship bracelets, multi-generational connections, laughter in the rain—as they’ve cultivated resistance rooted in community.

We discuss the long arc of protest history, from civil rights marches to the Women’s March, and ask: How do you keep showing up? What does resilience look like when news cycles move on, but injustice remains?

If you're wondering how to channel your concern into action, or wrestling with whether standing on a street corner with a sign still matters—this conversation offers honesty, perspective, and “micro hope.”

Because protest isn't just about the moment—it's about the momentum.

Follow Julie Cohen on Instagram

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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 campy legacy of the 1960s Batman. Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Jack Nicholson’s Joker, the uproar over Michael Keaton’s casting, and the marketing blitz that created full-blown “Batmania.”

Now chairman of the New Jersey Film Commission and with his memoir headed to Broadway, Uslan reflects on Batman’s lasting legacy—and the heartwarming moment a group of West Point cadets turned his story into their own battle cry.

"The Boy Who Loved Batman" book

New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission

New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2025!

The Dark Knight is #28 on the New York Times Best Movies List

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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 recorder, with just his guitar and harmonica, in Colts Neck, NJ. It was an industry-shocking release after his four massive studio album successes. 

In this conversation, why led Warren to write this book.  And explore Warren’s experiences as a young rock musician in the band The Del Fuegos, his time at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his transition into an acclaimed author.

His fascinating journey sheds light on his writing approach and storytelling abilities, as well as the profound impact that the album had on Warren and on The Boss himself.

Episode Topics:
🎸 Warren Zanes
🎸Bruce Springsteen
🎸 Nebraska Album
🎸 The Del Fuegos
🎸 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
🎸 The Band Experience
📚 School, Bikes, and Muppets


Links
Amazon
Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska

Watchung Book Sellers
https://www.watchungbooksellers.com/item/DayRjyMnwHknVSlRk5DuKQ

CBS Morning News: See the room where Nebraska was recorded.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bruce-springsteen-on-nebraska-and-the-emergence-of-springsteen-the-poet/

Keywords: Bruce Springsteen, Nebraska, Music Legends, Warren Zanes, Authors, New Books, Rock, Biographies

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