Zane Keys: "Barbershops aren’t just about looking fresh—they’re where conversations happen, where connections are made. You might walk in for a cut, but you leave with advice, support, and a sense of belonging. That’s why I started hosting a free men’s mental health group every month. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued."

The humble barbershop has always been more than just a place for haircuts – it's a cultural institution, a sanctuary for conversation, and in many communities, the beating heart of local connection. In this fascinating conversation with Zane Keyes, owner of Keycuts on Church Street in Montclair, we dive deep into the rich history and evolving future of barbershop culture.

Zane's journey from a 14-year-old boy shaping his own hairline between professional cuts to becoming a pillar of Montclair's business community reflects the very essence of his entrepreneurial spirit. Raised by a single mother who instilled creativity and work ethic in everything he did, Zane transformed necessity into passion, cutting friends' hair throughout high school before perfecting his craft at Rutgers University where he serviced everyone from professors to future NFL stars from his dorm room.

What truly sets Key Cuts apart is how it honors barbershop traditions while innovating for today's community needs. As one of the first Black-owned businesses with a sustained presence on Church Street, the shop represents an important cultural milestone for Montclair. Beyond offering exceptional haircuts for all hair textures, Key Cuts uniquely combines traditional barbering with braiding and dreadlocking services under one roof. Most remarkably, Zane hosts free monthly men's mental health sessions with licensed therapists – a deeply personal initiative following his family's experience with suicide.

The conversation reveals how barbershops function as social anchors where lifelong relationships form, crucial conversations happen, and intergenerational wisdom is shared. From hosting whiskey tastings to mini-concerts with Broadway stars, Zane has reimagined what a modern barbershop can be while preserving its essential community-building function.

Visit Key Cuts on Instagram @keycuts or book your appointment at www.keycuts.co – where you might just leave with more than a fresh cut.

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Media power couple Holly Palmieri and Alfred Schulz share their journeys from radio beginnings to podcasting, reflecting on career paths, family transitions, and the future of audio storytelling.

• Holly's career progression from Martha Stewart radio intern to The Today Show
• Alfred's experience in public radio, political coverage, and podcasts
• Their transition from Brooklyn to suburban Montclair after the pandemic
• The creation and concept behind Alfred's Pizza Pod Party podcast
• Industry insights on the current podcasting landscape and its evolution
• Holly's vision for personalized family podcasts that preserve voices and memories
• Discovering unique "weird New Jersey" restaurants and experiences

Subscribe, share, and don't forget to Get Lost!

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Have you ever sat in your car alone, contemplating your work life, new job, career change, or second act? Do you feel unfulfilled in your professional life? Do you want to start a business? 

We dive deep into Shannon Russell’s journey from a television producer to a career coach, exploring how personal experiences influence professional choices. Topics include the power of reflection, assessment tools for career clarity, and the supportive community needed to embrace change.

• Shannon's transition journey from TV to career coaching
• The pivotal moment of reflection that sparked her career change
• Exploring the YouMAP assessment as a tool for clarity
• Balancing financial stability with the desire for fulfillment
• The importance of support and community in navigating career shifts
• Emphasizing the necessity of asking oneself "Am I happy?"

Contact Shannon Russell for personalized advice and guidance if you're seeking support during your career transition!

Second Act Career Success Podcast

Start Your Second Act, How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create your Best Life by Shannon Russell. Book will launch May 7, 2025!

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If you want to get a feel for Montclair, NJ head to Radio Free Montclair. We are happy that you can also hear our podcast in their rotation!

In this episode, you will get to know the OG's - the founding fathers - John Sullivan, James Cotter, and Scott Gurian.  Theirs is a labor of love, building a radio station fueled by the diverse passions of a community. Together, they are not just broadcasting but also weaving the very fabric of Montclair into their shows.

Curious about how to keep something as dynamic as community radio running? We tackle the logistical hurdles like securing funding and licenses, all while ensuring the station remains a sanctuary for local voices. With an eclectic mix of contributors ranging from bird watchers to DJs, Radio Free Montclair will let you know what people are talking about and what makes this town unique.

Radio Free Montclair

Far From Home Podcast

Colias Cafe

23 Skidoo Cafe

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Shawn Simons’ harrowing journey—from surviving the devastating Seton Hall dormitory fire to becoming a fierce advocate for fire safety—embodies resilience, accountability, and the power of community. His story sparks urgent conversations about safety and the life-altering impact of young adults’ choices.

• Shawn recounts the tragic events of the Seton Hall fire 
• The emotional and physical challenges faced during recovery 
• Shawn's transition to becoming a fire safety advocate 
• The importance of education about responsible decision-making 
• The changes in fire safety legislation in New Jersey 
• Reflections on forgiveness and understanding trauma 
• The ripple effect of sharing personal stories with younger audiences

Alvaro and Shawn's Website

Alvaro and Shawn's Instagram

After the Fire: A True Story of Friendship and Survival by Robin Gaby Fisher

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NYC/NJ Matchmaker Michelle Frankel shares practical tips on navigating digital and real-world dating landscapes while emphasizing the timeless human quest for love and connection. Prepare to be enlightened as Michelle reveals the art of presenting oneself authentically to attract meaningful relationships.

• Common mistakes in online dating
• The critical role of self-awareness in dating 
• Tips for better conversations on dates 
• Importance of an enjoyable date setting for authentic connection 
• Navigating dating during holidays like Valentine’s Day

New Jersey Matchmaking

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Meet Andrew Lacey! We have a wonderful chat getting to know Andrew's background from being born in Australia to living in Brazil, Pennsylvania, Boston, New York, and finally Montclair, NJ. He shares his experience working as a teacher and then transitioning to working in finance while practicing philanthropy. Andrew discusses the importance of inclusivity in education and sports, highlighting TOP Soccer, a program that fosters relationships between children with disabilities and their peers. Andrew also shares his involvement in the Increasing Access to College Program at Montclair State University, aimed at providing opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities. With humor and heartfelt stories, Andrew illustrates the power of community and the impact of giving back, making this episode one you don't want to miss.

TOPSoccer New Jersey

Increasing Access to College Project at Montclair State University

The General Store at Cornerstone Montclair

Sparo's Deli

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You don't want to miss today's conversation with Amol Sinha, the ACLU New Jersey Executive Director. He highlights the organization's initiatives protecting civil rights. We discuss criminal justice reform, immigration, and women's reproductive rights.

• ACLU NJ’s mission
• The clemency project and its impact on mass incarceration
• Know Your Rights community education
• The importance of community activism and civic engagement
• Insights on upcoming governor elections

ACLU New Jersey
ACLU NJ Know Your Rights
ACLU NJ Instagram

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Rachel and Janette sit down with Kerri Sullivan, a passionate librarian and the founder of the Jersey Collective, a platform dedicated to celebrating New Jersey's local artists and culture. Kerri shares her journey from a film major to a public librarian, highlighting her work on the anthology "New Jersey Fan Club: Artists and Writers Celebrate the Garden State," which aims to challenge stereotypes about the state and showcase its diverse voices. The conversation delves into Kerri's creative projects, including a unique Go Fish card game and a sticker vending machine featuring local artists. With insights on the beauty of New Jersey's landscapes and cultural offerings, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the Garden State and its vibrant community.

Kerri Sullivan
Jersey Collective
Newark Branch Brook Park
Newark Museum of Art
The Nork Project
Iris Bookstore

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Time to stop overthinking and do it! Join us as we poke fun at internal self-help and give the superficial some love. Time to flip the script. 🔄

In Z-speak, here’s the vibe:
✨ Tiny W’s
✨ Snacking on the trends
✨ Perfume = main character energy
✨ All pros, no cons 💯
✨ Slay care

Pull up, hit play, and glow into the best year yet. 🎧 Link in bio @lostin.jersey

NOTE: This message has been translated from Gen-X to Z for explicit reasons mentioned in this week’s episode. Thanks for reading this far! 

Fun quiz:
Can you tell what we are talking about with these quotes from this episode?

• "When I put it on in the morning, I feel really good."
• "Find other ways to enter that space of intimacy."
• "Outside In"

Please rate, review, subscribe, and share our little Lost in Jersey Podcast....to make it not so little. THANK YOU!

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