Lost in Jersey

Imagine transforming your public speaking skills from shaky to sensational. In our latest episode, we talk to Laureen LeFever, a highly-rated Communications and Public Speaking professor at Montclair State University. We get practical tips that are applicable not only for formal speeches but also for everyday situations like meetings and family gatherings. Listeners will learn the importance of being authentic and treating a speech as a one-on-one conversation. Much like learning to drive, it's a skill that anyone can master with dedication and practice. Tune in to discover how to enhance your public speaking skills and become a more confident communicator, no matter the setting!

Laureen LeFever

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Listen to our conversation with the incredibly talented Carla Gutierrez, an Emmy and Eddie-nominated documentary editor who worked on notable films like RBG and Julia. We dive into her latest project, Frida, a stunning documentary about the life of Frida Kahlo that she directed. Carla shares her journey from Peru to New Jersey, her passion for documentary filmmaking, and the unique approach she took in bringing Frida's voice to life using her own words and animated art.

Frida is a 2024 documentary film directed by Carla Gutierrez about the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. As Gutierrez's directorial debut, it was first shown at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award.

We discuss the complexities of Frida's life and the emotional depth of her work, making it clear why Frida is a must-see film.

We also talk about diversity and representation in the documentary film industry, with Carla sharing her thoughts on the evolving landscape and the power of mentorship. Whether you're captivated by Kahlo's legacy or passionate about the craft of documentaries, this conversation is packed with inspiration and thought-provoking insights.

Watch Frida now on Amazon Prime!

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Curious about what it takes to run one of the most popular venues in New Jersey? Join us for this episode to meet Anthony Morrison, the general manager of the historic Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. With a rich history dating back to 1922, the Wellmont has evolved from a vaudeville venue to a vibrant hub for music, comedy, and variety shows. Anthony shares insights into his journey from sports management to the entertainment industry, the challenges of running a theater, and the importance of creating a memorable experience for both artists and audiences. He discusses recent upgrades to the theater, including a new sound system, and highlights the diverse range of performances that keep the community engaged. Tune in to learn more about the Wellmont Theater and get your tickets for a fabulous night out!

The Wellmont Theater

Some Upcoming Shows:
Chelsea Handler
Almost Queen - Queen tribute band
Neil Forever performs Neil Diamond

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Award-winning documentary filmmaker Julie Cohen joins us to share her insights and experiences from a remarkable career that spotlights pivotal social issues.

Known for her powerful films including the Emmy-winning "RBG" and the thought-provoking "Every Body" Julie discusses her journey into documentary filmmaking, and her collaborative process with co-director Mo Husseini on their upcoming film "The Path Forward," which explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of shared humanity and the quest for peace. Our conversation dives into Julie's previous documentaries, the importance of storytelling in understanding complex social issues, and the need for compassion and dialogue in today's polarized world. Press play for an insightful discussion that highlights the power of documentary film to foster understanding and inspire change.

Watch Julie's Films!

Julia

RBG

Every Body on Amazon Prime

My Name is Pauli Murray

Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down

The Sturgeon Queens

The Path Forward

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Tom Hall, the Co-Head and Artist Director of the impressive Montclair Film Festival, gives the inside scoop on Oscar-buzz festival films. We're talking about Blitz, Conclave, and Nightbitch. Tune in to hear about these and more must-see films airing at the festival just ahead of their U.S. release. 

Even if you don't live in Montclair, listen in to get the scoop on what to watch!

The Montclair Film Festival kicks off on Friday, October 18th, and runs through Sunday, October 27th. With approximately 130 films scheduled, including features and shorts, attendees will have plenty of options to choose from.
Listen to this episode as Tom Hall breaks it down for us:

• Opening Night Film: Conclave
  Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. The film explores the intense political process of selecting a new pope after the current one’s death, sure to ignite conversations.
• Family Centerpiece: Flow
  Flow is a no-dialogue animated film for all ages, following a cat in a post-environmental catastrophe world. Its adventure conveys a powerful environmental message.
• Doc Spotlight: Between the Mountain and the Sky
  This documentary follows New Jersey native Maggie Doybe, who founded a school and orphanage in Nepal. Maggie and some of the children will join a post-screening Q&A.
• Special Screening: Unstoppable
  Unstoppable tells the true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a one-legged wrestler who overcame adversity with support from his mother (Jennifer Lopez) and coaches. Director William Goldenberg will attend a Q&A after the screening.
• Closing Night Film: The Piano Lesson
  The festival closes with The Piano Lesson, Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and others, revolving around a family’s moral struggle over an ancestral piano.
• Panels and Discussions
  Industry panels, hosted by The Ankler, will discuss topics like AI in filmmaking and the awards season. Free and open to the public.

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Get insight into the unique creative process of Kevin Scott Cosme, the talented artist behind the stunning poster for the 2024 Montclair Film Festival. 

He discusses the inspiration behind his artwork – something about spells, spelling, and voodoo and we are totally on board! 

Kevin also shares the unique process he used for the festival poster, which captures the essence of the film without relying on traditional tropes. 

Enjoy this great conversation! 

• [00:02:26] Artist's journey to New Jersey.
• [00:04:20] Graffiti black books in Brooklyn.
• [00:08:30] Finding success in painting.
• [00:11:12] Emulating Robert Carter's artwork.
• [00:14:24] Montclair Film Festival artwork.
• [00:28:25] The emotional journey of painting.
• [00:32:15] Art and graphic design challenges.
• [00:35:17] Creative frustrations in collaboration.

#artist #painters #brooklyn #newjersey #montclair #film

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We dive into the stressful process of college admissions and college applications. From finding the right fit for your child to navigating the ever-changing landscape of applying to college, could AI help in college selection? We cover it all with Allison Baer. As one of the top college admission consultants around, she shares her insights and advice on how to make the most of this journey. Hang in there, people, because we made it through, and so can you! Don't miss this informative and entertaining conversation.

College Prep Topics:
00:01:04  Paperwork
00:04:17 College application process is convoluted.
00:16:00 Consider genuine interests for college.
00:17:37 Focus on quality, not quantity.
00:25:21 Consider cost and be open-minded.
00:27:19 Schools moving away from ED due to discrimination.
00:33:47 Demonstrated interest can be strategic.
00:40:17 Customized help improves college admissions.
00:47:51 Testing becoming less important.
00:49:10 Testing may become obsolete.
00:57:37 Importance of college experience.

College Prep Links
http://allisonbaerconsulting.com
https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com

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The Complexity of Grief and Happiness: A Conversation

• Life is Suffering
• Old photos give new perspectives
• What not to say to Rachel when she's upset
• Grief, Anger, and Toxic Positivity

TV Show Recommendations

• The Serpent Queen
• Women in Blue

Have you ever wondered why the phrase "everything happens for a reason" can be infuriating? Join us as we navigate the emotional landscape of loss and suffering, sharing heartfelt anecdotes and insights about the profound impact of losing loved ones, especially parents. We reflect on how these experiences shape us as adults, often in ways we don’t realize until we stumble upon an old journal entry or cherished photograph that takes us back in time.

Expressing condolences without sounding generic is a challenge many of us face, and we don't shy away from discussing the complexities of grief and anger. In our conversation, we highlight societal pressures like "toxic positivity," and the isolation that can come with mourning. With personal stories that illu
strate our points, we emphasize the importance of thoughtful empathy and understanding when supporting those who are grieving. We also recommend Kate Bowler's podcast "Everything Happens," which critiques the notion that everything happens for a reason and explores the randomness of life’s hardships.

To round out our episode, we take a nostalgic journey through old photographs, discussing the evolving stories we tell ourselves about the past. We also dive into the portrayal of misogyny and gender dynamics in true crime TV shows, reflecting on how these themes shape our understanding of history and society. Rachel and I share our recommendations for compelling shows and remind you to be present in pictures for future generations. Don't forget to follow us on social media and share this episode with friends and family who might need a dose of heartfelt conversation and honest reflection.

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"When they gave me this news, it was, you know, why me? Why, why, why? "
Hear the inspiring story of Angel Abrego Gris's road to donating his kidney to his son.

🏡 Angel's Journey: From Mexico City to Montclair, NJ. 

 👨‍👩‍👦 A Father's Love: Angel shares the story of his son Emilio, who was born with kidney disease, and how he became his son's kidney donor.

🏃‍♂️ Staying Positive: Hear how Angel turned to running, swimming, and triathlons to stay positive and healthy while waiting to become a donor. 

💪 Community Support: Angel talks about the incredible support from the Montclair community, friends, and even strangers who helped them through tough times. 

🌟 Life After Transplant: Learn about Emilio's life post-surgery and how he's thriving as a normal teenager. 

💬 Words of Wisdom: Angel shares advice for families facing similar challenges. 

You don't want to miss an opportunity to learn about Angel and his family. 

Let's get Lost!

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Meet Jon Krieger an entrepreneur and restauranteur! We discuss his newest ventures including Spring House in Tenafly and Padel United Sports Club in Cresskill. 

• Jon's Origin Story: From growing up on the Upper East Side to his winding road to Tenafly, New Jersey, Jon shares his path and how he planted roots in the Garden State.
• Spring House: Discover the story behind Spring House, a beautiful multi-restaurant venue in Tenafly. His team transformed the old house into a top-tier dining and community space.
• Business Insights: Jon opens up about his business philosophy, the importance of community, and how he balances multiple projects simultaneously.
• Failures and Successes: Hear about his early failures, including a partnership with a con artist, and how these experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship.
• Future Ventures: Get a sneak peek into Jon's upcoming projects, including a padel tennis facility, a digital therapeutic, and more.

Jon Krieger's story is not just about business; it's about resilience, community, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone interested in running a business this episode has something for you.

Spring House
Padel United Sports Club

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