Princeton Podcast

Welcome to Episode 78 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In this episode, Mayor Mark Freda sits down with Justin Lesko, Princeton's Planning Director, to discuss the town's planning initiatives and departmental structure.

Justin outlines his department's core groups: planning, historic preservation, and the newly integrated zoning department. He also discusses major municipal milestones, including the highly collaborative updated master plan, new historic district design guidelines, and the "One Code Princeton" project aimed at harmonizing local zoning codes. Justin advises property owners and businesses to consult the planning team early in any project timeline.

So without any further introduction, let’s join our host, Mark Freda, and his guest, Justin Lesko, for episode 78 of the Princeton Podcast.

Thank you for joining us for the 78th episode of the Princeton Podcast, produced by the podcast production team at HG Media.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 77 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In this episode, Mayor Mark Freda sits down with David Wu, founder of the Princeton Active Circle. This non-profit organization is dedicated to improving community wellness through fitness training, outdoor activities, social gatherings, and enrichment workshops.

David describes the group's fitness and wellness initiatives, which ibclude their annual Princeton 5K Run and Walk.

Mark and David also discuss Princeton Active Circle's enrichment and social programs. These are designed to support Princeton’s Asian American residents through educational seminars, financial and lifestyle workshops, and local gatherings.

So without any further introduction let’s join our host, Mark Freda, and his guest, David Wu, for Episode 77 of the Princeton Podcast.

Thank you for joining us for the 77th episode of the Princeton Podcast, produced by the podcast production team at HG Media, and sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton. 

If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 76 of the Princeton Podcast, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Ari Meisel, Executive Director of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.

Ari and Mark discuss how the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad combines career and volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians under the same high standards. Together, they provide both life-saving Emergency Medical Services and wide-ranging technical rescue services. They also work in close coordination with Princeton’s fire and police departments.

Ari describes the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad’s impressive fleet and specialized capabilities. These include swift water rescue, rope rescue, and rehab support for first responders. He explains why having a dedicated, locally based squad makes a critical difference in response times.

The conversation also covers the squad’s independent nonprofit funding model, as well as how local residents can get involved through volunteering, training pathways, donations, and community events.

This episode of the Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999. The Municipality of Princeton is not responsible for the content of the Princeton Podcast or its production, editing or distribution.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 75 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda is joined by Evan Moorhead, the Executive Director of the Princeton Recreation Department. 

As the department navigates its busiest summer season, Evan reflects on over 60 years of Princeton Recreation history, and what it means to be only the fourth director to steer the operation since its founding in 1964.

Evan and Mark explore the evolution of the iconic Community Park Pool complex, from its original 1967 opening to the modernized "CP Pool 2.0," highlighting how intentional design preserves its natural "pool within a park" feel. 

From flagships like the Youth Day Camp and the undefeated CP Blue Fish Swim Team, to an inspiring expansion of adaptive sports and a rapid community pivot toward pickleball, this conversation showcases how the department creatively serves residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Evan also breaks down the unique, self-sustaining fiscal model that funds these extensive operations without relying on local tax dollars, and shares his own full-circle journey from a 1990 high school tennis court attendant to his executive leadership.

In episode74 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Julie Diana Hench, the Executive Director of the Princeton Ballet Society, for an in-depth discussion about the nonprofit organization's three distinct but unified parts: the American Repertory Ballet, the Princeton Ballet School, and their Access & Enrichment Program.

Julie discusses the rich history and vital mission of the Princeton Ballet School, the official school of the American Repertory Ballet. She highlights the school’s significant and enduring popularity within the Princeton community.

Julie also discusses the American Repertory Ballet, focusing on its prestige, the world-class reputation of its artistic directors, and the exceptional talent of its company of professional dancers. The discussion also highlights the relationship between American Repertory Ballet, the Princeton Ballet School, and the organization's community-focused Access & Enrichment programs.

00:00 Meet Julie Diana Hench

00:05 Three Programs Explained

01:00 Origins of the School

02:49 Mission and Leadership

04:50 Inside the Company

05:38 Auditions and Training

07:34 Shows and Community Events

10:04 Classes for Everyone

11:42 Access and Enrichment Impact

14:59 Nonprofit Structure and Board

16:39 Jobs Volunteers and Live Music

19:00 Why Dance Matters

20:37 How to Support and Visit

21:56 Locations and New Brunswick Performing Arts Center

23:47 Trainee Program Rigors

25:38 What's Next and Wrap Up

In episode 73 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda talks with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman about her life, her extensive career in public service, and her recent decision to retire.

Bonnie Watson Coleman shares touching stories of growing up in Ewing Township, where her family's generosity and her grandfather's decency deeply shaped her character. She never planned to run for office. Instead, she entered electoral politics to honor her late father, a decision so profound that she felt his presence beside her during her very first Assembly speech.

During her time in the New Jersey General Assembly, Bonnie Watson Coleman championed fair housing and second-chance reentry legislation. After moving to Congress in 2015, she maintained a fierce focus on her district and worked tirelessly to elevate the issue of youth mental health. She managed to prioritize these critical needs despite navigating an increasingly partisan environment.

Congresswoman Coleman will be retiring at the end of this year to spend more time with her family. She leaves future candidates with a powerful piece of advice: public service is a demanding job that must remain centered on constituent needs, always valuing everyone equally.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio, video and website design services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 72 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Dana Caragine, President and CEO of the Princeton Federal Credit Union, for an engaging conversation about the organization's history and community-focused mission.

Dana shared the inspiring story of the credit union's founding in 1972 by a diverse group of Princeton University administrators and professors determined to make credit more accessible in Princeton.

She explained the core differences between banks and credit unions, highlighting how the Princeton Federal Credit Union’s member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative structure allows them to offer higher savings rates and lower loan rates to their members.

Dana also described the Princeton Federal Credit Union's recent Juntos Avanzamos designation, which recognizes their commitment to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities.

The Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this Episode 71, Mayor Mark Freda sat down with Jim Ferry, Princeton’s Animal Control Officer, for an illuminating conversation about the diverse wildlife and domestic animal concerns in our town.

Jim explained that his primary objective is rabies control, a position created to manage this endemic zoonotic disease in New Jersey. He shared fascinating stories from his day-to-day work, including rescuing a great horned owl from a driving range net and assisting a deer that had fallen through the ice. 

He also detailed the essential support systems provided by the SAVE Animal Shelter and the Mercer County Wildlife Center. Furthermore, he provided vital advice on staying "coyote aware" and explained the different levels of rabies exposure residents might encounter.

The Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

If you enjoyed this episode of the Princeton Podcast, please share it with your friends, visit our website at PrincetonPodcast.com, and be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In this episode, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Kevin Wilkes, Founder and Managing Partner at Princeton Design Guild.

Kevin shares his experiences in local governance, including his tenure on the Borough Council from 2008 to 2013. He also discusses his involvement with Princeton Future, a citizen advocacy group focused on town planning and the successful preservation of the public library downtown.

Kevin delves into his architectural work, including the significant renovation of the former post office into Triumph Brewery. He also shares his passion project: the restoration of Paul Robeson's birthplace into a community center.

Finally, Kevin talks about his architectural firm, Princeton Design Guild, its evolution, and its upcoming projects, including a new building for the YWCA.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media.

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Episode 69 - Show Notes

Welcome to Episode 69 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.

In episode 69 of the Princeton Podcast, mayor Mark Freda is joined by Deanna Stockton, Princeton’s Deputy Administrator of Infrastructure and Operations, as well as our Municipal Engineer.

Deanna explains her dual role in the municipality. She manages over 75 employees and oversees critical infrastructure. She and Mark discuss the benefits of Princeton’s in-house engineering model. This approach builds deep institutional knowledge. It also ensures staff are available to resolve resident concerns directly, rather than relying on outside consultants.

Deanna also details the town’s “Vision Zero” commitment. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. She highlights safety improvements on Witherspoon Street. She also discusses the new pilot bike lanes on Harrison Street.

Finally, Deanna provides updates on "The Muni," the town’s newly expanded bus service. She also shares goals for 2026. These include planning for the Westminster Choir College property and a new Public Works facility.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website