NA Voices

Watching the Netflix movie Nonnas is like experiencing a homemade lasagna piping hot out of the oven. It is a love letter to food, to family and to community. Liz Maccie ’93 wrote the screenplay, based on a true story, and her husband, Steven Chbosky, directed the film. I had an opportunity to sit down with Liz and talk with her about her time at Newark Academy and her career journey as a writer.

Wondering how you can use sound to heal? Listen to our interview with Newark Academy alumnus, Jonathan Goldman '67 as he shares his journey into sound healing becoming an international authority and pioneer in the field. 

Brian Yuran — a rising force in film and television is a writer-director and proud alum of both Newark Academy and the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University, where he received the Irene M. Sholkin Award in Screenwriting, Brian’s work has already made waves on the festival circuit. His debut film Bengal, starring Larry Hankin, premiered at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres and won multiple awards, including Best Short Film Director at Venice Shorts. He’s continued to impress with Guardian Angel, The Stairwell, and his latest project, Steady, starring Tate Donovan. Off set, Brian wears another hat as a talent manager at Luber Roklin Entertainment. 

Dr. Jason Diamond has built a successful career as a plastic surgeon in one of the most famous zipcodes in America, 90210. He joined NA Voices and shared with us memories of Newark Academy and talked about his career journey from Senior Project to a career in medicine. 

Chief National Correspondent at ABC News, Matt Gutman '97 talks about his time at NA, his career as an award-winning journalist and his most recent book, No Time To Panic. 

Dr. Roger Flax founded one of America’s most successful leadership development consulting firms which has since conducted thousands of programs for over 400 major international companies. As an executive coach, speaker and corporate consultant, he’s impacted millions. Flax has appeared on CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox TV, and in USA Today, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Business Week, Barron’s, and many other publications. Flax spends much of his free time pursuing his other passions, tennis, song-writing and filmmaking. He lives in Summit, NJ with his wife Dr. Judy Flax, with whom he has 3 sons.

Dr. Lee Neuwirth '51 is a Mathematician, Author and former Director of the Institute for Defense Analyses/Communications Research Division. Listen to Dr. Neuwirth share his memories from his time at NA in Newark and talk about his career journey. 

Don't miss our interview with Jacqueline Ko '99 as she talks about her time at Newark Academy, her career trajectory and her mission to change humanity. 

Doug Polaner '82 founded Polaner Selections with his wife in the late 90's and the company has since created a well curated portfolio of delightful wines which can be found at many restaurants and stores in the NYC/NJ metro area. We had a chance to speak with Doug about his time at NA and his career in the wine industry. 

Ricky Kirshner '78 is one of the entertainment industry’s preeminent event producers.  His credits include many of the world’s most widely acclaimed, most watched and award-winning television specials, including the Tony Awards, 14 Super Bowl Half-Time Shows, the Democratic National Convention, Presidential Inaugurals and many others.

Ricky has received 28 EMMY Nominations  (including the last 16 years in a row) and has won 10 Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award. 

Listen to our interview with Ricky to hear about his Newark Academy days and a behind-the-scenes look at his career.